In The Kn
o
w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, June 19, 2020
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Father's Day Weekend" The Perfect Time To Support Local Businesses
Click below for great dining and gift ideas.
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Juneteenth: A Holiday Dating Back To The 1800s
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What is "Juneteenth"?
"On June 19, 1865, about two months after the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Va., Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African-Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two and a half years earlier on Jan. 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. The holiday received its name by combining June and 19. The day is also sometimes called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”
Why has Juneteenth become so important this year?
"Following the filmed killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man who died in the custody of the Minneapolis Police last month, thousands of people around the U.S. have poured onto the streets in protest. Mr. Floyd’s name, as well as the names of Ms. Taylor, Mr. Arbery, David McAtee and others, have become rallying cries for change across the country, effectively re-energizing the Black Lives Matter movement."
"That change has come in waves. In Minneapolis, officials banned the use of chokeholds and strangleholds by police, and said officers must intervene and report any use of unauthorized force.
Democrats in Congress unveiled sweeping legislation targeting misconduct and racial discrimination by the police. The bill is the most expansive intervention into policing that lawmakers have proposed in recent memory. Companies across the business spectrum have voiced support of the Black Lives Matter movement and have either suspended or fired employees who mocked Mr. Floyd’s death or made racists remarks."
Mark Anthony Neal, an African-American studies scholar at Duke University, said there are some comparisons between the end of the Civil War to current unrest, adding that this moment feels like a “rupture.” 'The stakes are a little different,' Mr. Neal said. 'Many African-Africans, black Americans, feels as though this is the first time in a long time that they have been heard in a way across the culture.'
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce PPP Forgiveness Guide
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The U.S. Chamber's updated four-page
Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness
may be viewed and printed via the button below. This guide reflects recent substantive changes made by Congress and the administration to the US Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program which will provide borrowers with more flexibility. These changes include:
- Extending the time to spend PPP funds from 8 weeks to 24 weeks;
- Lowering the amount that must be spent on payroll from 75% to 60%;
- Extending the deadline to restore FTEs and payroll from June 30, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020; and
- Setting the repayment term for loans made after June 4, 2020 at five years.
The U.S. Chamber’s updated guide covers all of these changes, as well as others made in recent guidance issued by the Department of the Treasury. It is designed to help you more easily understand the forgiveness application process. However, note that while this guide reflects all of the most recent changes, it is possible that further changes could be made. The Chamber will continue to update this information and add it to its
COVID-19 Resource Page
as needed.
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Updates from Ohio Governor DeWine's June 9th Press Conference
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Below are the updates from yesterday’s (June 18th) press conference with Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 23rd and will be viewable on
WTOV9
.
Ohio’s COVID-19 case data:
39,973 confirmed cases
3,149 probable cases
43,122 total cases
7,104 hospitalizations
2,401 confirmed deaths
232 probable deaths
2,633 total deaths
1,807 ICU admissions
More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard
HERE
.
Governor DeWine announced that although Ohio is seeing an overall declining number of COVID-19 cases, there is currently an uptick in cases in Southwest Ohio. Increases are being seen in Montgomery County, Greene County, Clark County, Warren County, and Hamilton County. Case counts in these counties by zip code can be found on
coronavirus.ohio.gov.
In response to this increase in cases, Governor DeWine announced that pop-up testing sites will surge into the zip codes with the highest number of cases. Testing at pop-up sites is free, and citizens are not required to live in the community where the pop-up site is located to receive a test. New pop-up testing sites will also be scheduled in other locations to ensure testing accessibility throughout the state. A list of sites currently scheduled in Ohio may be viewed by clicking
here
and is also available on
coronavirus.ohio.gov
on the COVID-19 Minority Health Testing page.
Dr. Amy Edwards, a pediatric infectious disease doctor and associate medical director for infection control at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, provided information on an increase in the percentage of children testing positive for COVID-19 at Rainbow Babies. Dr. Edwards said that hospital admissions for COVID-19 in children at Rainbow Babies have also increased. Symptoms of COVID-19 in kids are similar to symptoms in adults. If your child seems to be having trouble breathing or is not eating or drinking, Dr. Edwards recommends calling your pediatrician to get your child tested.
Governor DeWine announced the creation of a new Hospital PPE Readiness Stockpile, which will be compiled and stored by Ohio hospitals throughout the state. Items in the PPE stockpile will be distributed to residents and staff at long-term care facilities should there be an increase in COVID-19 cases. Hospitals have begun to build a 30-day reserve of PPE based on several calculations, including the state’s surge models, the number of residents and staff at Ohio nursing homes, as well as recent FEMA PPE allocations to each Ohio nursing home. Each hospital will have a different amount of stockpile that is calculated specifically for the region. The stockpile is a collaborative effort between the Ohio Hospital Association, hospitals throughout the state, and several state agencies, including the departments of Health, Medicaid, and Public Safety.
Governor DeWine signed an executive order that expands the definition of good cause throughout the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Good Cause now includes the following situations:
A medical professional recommends that an individual not return to work because that person falls into a category that is considered high-risk for catching COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and their employee cannot offer teleworking options.
The employee is 65 years of age or older.
There is tangible evidence of a health and safety violation by the employer that does not allow the employee to practice social distancing, hygiene, and wearing personal protective equipment.
The individual has been potentially exposed to COVID-19 and subject to a quarantine period as prescribed by a medical or health professional.
The individual must stay home to care for a family member who is suffering from COVID-19 or subject to a prescribed quarantine period by a medical or health professional. A copy of the order may be seen
here.
Lt. Governor Husted announced that because most of Ohio's economy is now open, the coronavirus.ohio.gov/JobSearch website will transition back to Ohio's regular job-search website, OhioMeansJobs.com. OhioMeansJobs.com currently has over 120,000 job postings, with almost half paying over $50,000. Approximately 76,000 jobs require less than a bachelor’s degree, while 36,000 require either a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree. Approximately 77 percent of the job openings are considered in-demand.
Lt. Governor Husted also announced that Phase II of the Responsible RestartOhio plan for sports activities will allow contact practice for all sports to resume on Monday, June 22. The Ohio High School Athletic Association and the summer league work group worked together with the Ohio Department of Health on this plan. A copy of the training guidance may be viewed by clicking
here.
In a sign that Ohioans are heading back to work, statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported to the U.S. Department of Labor show that for the seventh straight week, continued weekly claims for unemployment benefits have declined. Those who remain jobless filed 287,499 fewer continued claims last week compared to the peak in April. Over the last 13 weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $4.1 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 700,000 claimants. Of the more than 1 million applications the agency has received, more than 94% have been processed, with less than 6% pending. Pursuant to an order from the U.S. Department of Labor, Ohio will release unemployment numbers on a weekly basis when the national report is released on Thursday.
Ohioans may apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at
unemployment.ohio.gov.
It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7AM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 5PM, and Sunday 9AM to 1PM. Employers with questions should email
UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.
As always,
Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov
and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.
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Small Business Administration Disaster Customer Service
800.659.2955
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Chamber'sT-Shirt Project Ending Soon: Only One Week Left To Purchase Yours
Three great styles available.
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The Chamber's "We Are All Essential" t-shirt project continues to grow as the the Chamber staff and volunteers delivered our "community pride" shirts this week to member restaurants, bakeries, retailers and more. And beginning
today
, you may purchase your own for yourself, staff, family or friends. Every purchase will help us keep our inventory big enough that all of our local member businesses have enough shirts for their staff. It truly is "members helping members."
In addition, you may choose from THREE styles: a regular t-shirt, a long-sleeved tee and a hoodie. The cooler temperatures will be here before you know it and want to keep our message going strong for months to come. All shirts are high-quality, Hanes, pre-shrunk cotton.
A big thank you again to our very generous sponsors who made this exciting project possible.
And last, please send us your photos of you and your employees wearing this important message so that we may share them on social media. Check out the employees at
Team Automotive
and
Iacovissi Salon
below.
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Business & Industry CARES Act Program
If you know of a small business owner or agricultural producer needing assistance to manage the impact of this economic disruption, a USDA-backed loan guarantee may be an option to secure the working capital needed by the business to stay in operation and move forward.
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Ohio TechCred is Open Again
Yes, it's true! Ohio’s TechCred program is open again.
TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy. Many of these trainings can be completed online! These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need. Up
skill your workforce today with TechCred.
For more information, click
here
.
For more information or assistance, contact Dan Wilson, Workforce Specialist, Office of Workforce Development at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, at 740.564.7428 or via email
here
.
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2020 Burger Bash Date Is Set
Mark your calendars now for the 2020 Ambassador Burger Bash to be held on Wednesday, August 5th, on the green space at
The Inn & Suites At Franciscan Square Best Western PLUS.
This annual event combines great food and drink, music, prizes and more into a casual fun evening with fellow members. Proceeds benefit the Anita Jackson Community Scholarship fund. Watch your mail and email for details. You may also purchase your tickets, make a donation or become a sponsor by clicking here.
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Your COVID-related Questions Answered By Local Professionals
The Jefferson County Public Health & Livelihood Task Force is made up of Jefferson County Health Department officials, local physicians, attorneys, chamber of commerce representatives, business owners and others who can provide solid information and responses to the many questions our residents and business owners have. The Chamber has created a simple, convenient online form to submit your questions. You may remain anonymous if you wish. This panel is meeting on a regular basis and will respond as soon as possible to your inquiry or question.
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What Face Masks Actually Do Against Coronavirus
From
Vox
: "
The fight against coronavirus is global. But the guidelines on whether you should wear a face mask as part of that fight are often completely different from place to place. That means that, for a lot of people, whether you wear a face mask when you leave the house is basically up to you.
"Here’s where almost every expert agrees: If you have Covid-19, and you leave the house, you should wear a mask. Masks help keep sick people from spreading their germs. Most of the uncertainty around mask use is related to a totally separate question: Whether healthy people should also wear masks to protect themselves from infection." For more, click the "Play" button.
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Golf Registration Is Open!
Space is limited so don't delay.
The Chamber's 2020 Golf Classic is set for Tuesday, July 21st at the
Steubenville Country Club
. Sponsored once again by
Trinity Health System
, this annual event is the Chamber's biggest fundraiser and a member favorite. Due to social distancing, space may be limited so please register soon by clicking the button below. There are also a few select sponsorship opportunities left. For more information, email Janet McLauglin
here
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Join Us For A Special Outdoor Coffee & Connections!
As we slowly and safely get back to a new normal, the Chamber is excited to announce, tentatively, a special outdoor event in July at
Historic Fort Steuben
.
If Ohio's state guidelines on social gatherings allow, July's Coffee & Connections will be held on Wednesday, July 8th, beginning at 9 a.m. (Note the later starting time for July only.)
Zalenski Eatery & Pub
will provide a delicious box breakfast and as, always, there will be plenty of coffee flowing. Social distancing and safe seating rules will be in effect and advance reservations are required. Watch your Chamber email for an official invitation or register now by clicking
here.
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Member Morsels
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.
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Downtown Farmers Market
Set to Open
The
Downtown Farmers Market
will be open June 25th through Oct. 29th from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Visitors to the market, along with the vendors, will be asked to adhere to social distancing and handle the produce as little as possible.
We are also recommending that the most vulnerable shop for the first 90 minutes from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
If you have not participated in the market in prior years, or if you did not get your application in the mail, and wish to participate, please contact Mary @ 740.283.4935 or email:
mary@visitsteubenville.com
Because of the Covid-19 virus regulations from the State of Ohio, space will be limited, so please apply sooner rather than later for a spot.
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Outdoor Pool Open for the Season
Summer is heating up and we all need a little get-a-way.
Book an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Weirton and enjoy use of our outdoor pool, which is open daily! Relax and unwind poolside. Enjoy dinner and drinks at Undo’s Italian Restaurant and The Sports Bar.
Book your room by calling 304.723.5522
Remember! Kids always stay and eat for
free
at the Holiday Inn Weirton.
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Froehlich's Classic Corner
and Froehlich's at Moundsville Country Club are hiring full-time morning maintenance positions, dishwashers and delivery people, (need valid driver's license). They are also in need of head cooks, cooks, waiters/waitresses and banquet assistants in addition to an early morning cook when school is back in session.
Apply at Froehlich’s Classic Corner, 501 Washington Street in downtown Steubenville or call 740-283-9901
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Around the State. Around the Country.
Up-to-Date Information from the Ohio and United States Chamber of Commerce
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The Ohio Chamber Applauds the SCOTUS "Forest Service v. Cowpasture River Preservation Association" Decision
Monday, in a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the National Forest Service has the power to authorize the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to continue construction under the Appalachian Trail in the George Washington National Forest. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the opinion while Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented.
Up until the Supreme Court decision, construction on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline had been postponed on multiple occasions due a multitude of setbacks handed down by federal courts. The ACP is a joint venture between two Ohio Chamber member companies, Dominion Energy and Duke Energy, and is a planned natural gas pipeline serving the lower Mid-Atlantic region that will help get natural gas where it’s urgently needed to keep up with demand.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
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Small Business Owners Fear Potential COVID Lawsuits: A Series
Small businesses across the country are trying to reopen safely and sustainably while protecting their employees and customers.
One key concern for many is the fear of COVID-related lawsuits.
Without liability protections, many small business owners could face a hard choice: permanently stay closed or reopen and risk a business-crippling lawsuit.
Faces of Lawsuit Abuse asked small business owners across the U.S. to share their story.
With this new series, you’ll hear directly from those who are doing everything they can to protect their employees, and customers, and why Congress must pass timely, targeted, and temporary protections against COVID litigation.
Read all articles in this series by clicking
here
.
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The Library Link
Great Books About Business With Just A Click
Please Note:
The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County is open for curbside service. Visit
www.steubenvillelibrary.org
to order books, then call your library branch to schedule an appointment to pick up your library items. Library branch contact information and operating hours are available by clicking
here
on this link from the website.
Your link to success begins at the library. Each week in "In The Know,"
you to a business book or magazine that will inspire, teach, inform, or elevate you, professionally and personally. This week:
The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Legendary leadership and elite performance expert Robin Sharma introduced
The 5 AM Club
concept over twenty years ago, based on a revolutionary morning routine that has helped his clients maximize their productivity, activate their best health, and bulletproof their serenity in this age of overwhelming complexity.
Now, in this life-changing book, handcrafted by the author over a rigorous four-year period, you will discover the early-rising habit that has helped so many accomplish epic results while upgrading their happiness, helpfulness, and feelings of aliveness. Through an enchanting-and often amusing-story about two struggling strangers who meet an eccentric tycoon who becomes their secret mentor,
The 5 AM Club
will walk you through how great geniuses, business titans, and the world's wisest people start their mornings to produce astonishing achievements.
View this resource by clicking
here
.
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Today in History
Abolition of slavery announced in Texas on "Juneteenth"
- June 19, 1865 -
From History.com:
In what is now known as Juneteenth, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrive in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War is over and slavery in the United States is abolished.
A mix of June and 19th, Juneteenth has become a day to commemorate the end of slavery in America.
Despite the fact that President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was issued more than two years earlier on January 1, 1863, a lack of Union troops in the rebel state of Texas made the order difficult to enforce.
Some historians blame the lapse in time on poor communication in that era, while others believe Texan slave-owners purposely withheld the information.
Upon arrival and leading the Union soldiers, Major Gen. Gordon Granger announced General Order No. 3: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."
On that day, 250,000 enslaved people were freed, and despite the message to stay and work for their owners, many now-former slaves left the state immediately and headed north or to nearby states in search of family members they’d been ripped apart from.
For many African Americans, June 19 is considered an independence day.
Forty-seven states recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, but efforts to make it a national holiday have so far stalled in Congress.
For more events that took place on
June 19th, please click
here
.
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- 19.1 -
"The grocery chain saw an impressive uplift in revenue excluding fuel, growing it by 19.1% in the quarter ended May 23 from a year earlier. Total sales exceeded analyst expectations by 2.1%, and digital sales grew by a remarkable 92%. Earnings per share also came in 9% higher than expectations."
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Questions about Oil & Gas?
These non-profit organizations are here to help you stay up-to-date on the oil and gas industry
in Jefferson County:
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Get The Information You Need - The Chamber Staff Is Here To Help
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Janet McLaughlin
Investor Relations Coordinator
Janet will assist you with utilizing your membership benefits, answering questions about member programming or how to promote your business through the Chamber.
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Tricia Maple-Damewood
President
Contact Tricia with suggestions, input or feedback on member programming, how to get involved on a committee or special project or with questions or information about anything related to the Chamber.
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Melissa DeFrances
Administrative & Accounting Coordinator
Melissa is your go to for accounting or billing questions, event reservations, membership questions, changes to your company information or any other assistance you may need.
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Contact Us
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
630 Market Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: 740.282.6226
Fax: 740.282.6285
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