In The Kn o w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce   



Friday, May 8, 2020
Mother's Day Is This Sunday!


Click the button to the right for a complete Mother's Day Gift Guide featuring our local member restaurants, retailers and specialty stores. Support your local businesses this weekend and make your gifts mean even more.
Watch the latest addition to the Chamber's "We're Open" series. A big thank you to Pierce Media and Encino Energy for sponsoring this project to support our local businesses.
Latest Ohio update re: re-opening of bars, restaurants & personal care services
From Thursday, May 7, 2020

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, today announced the next phase of the Responsible RestartOhio plan as it relates to restaurants, bars, and personal care services.
As part of today's announcement, Governor DeWine reminded Ohioans that COVID-19 is still incredibly dangerous and stressed the importance of continuing to exercise safe health habits as different sectors of the economy begin to reopen.
"Reopening Ohio is a risk, but it's also a risk if you don't move forward. We're on a dangerous road that has never been traveled before in Ohio and the danger is that we relax and stop taking precautions," said Governor DeWine. "All of us collectively control this. I ask you to take calculated risks and make good judgments. Continue social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing face coverings. If you aren't concerned with what happens to you, do it for others."
RESTAURANTS/BARS: 
Restaurants and bars in Ohio will be permitted to reopen as follows: 
Outdoor dining: May 15
Dine-in service: May 21

To ensure that these establishments operate in the safest manner possible, Governor DeWine's Restaurant Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for restaurant and bar owners to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found by clicking here.

PERSONAL CARE SERVICES:
Personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, and tanning facilities may reopen on May 15. 
To ensure that these establishments operate in the safest manner possible, Governor DeWine's Personal Services Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for personal care service providers to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found by clicking here.

CURRENT OHIO DATA: 
There are 22,131 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 1,271 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 4,140 people have been hospitalized, including 1,167 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov. 
There is no press conference scheduled for today or over the weekend. Monday, the Governor's regular press conferences will resume.
Site Selection Ranks JobsOhio as Top-Five Economic Development Office in U.S.

One Columbus and REDI Cincinnati Rank as
Top Region Economic Development Offices
 
Columbus, Ohio  –  Site Selection Magazine recently ranked JobsOhio fifth on its Prosperity Cup state rankings for 2020, which recognizes the state and regional offices that were the most successful in attracting capital investment projects in 2019. The standing is two spots higher than last year and comes on the heels of Ohio ranking No. 1 in Site Selection’s annual Governor’s Cup rankings for projects per capita.

"During the unprecedented challenges the country has confronted during the last six weeks, Ohio has demonstrated that it is uniquely positioned to assist businesses," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "Ohio’s consistent high rankings reflect statewide partnerships and an economic development model that we are confident will provide our state a strong competitive advantage in the months ahead."
Site Selection’s ranking methodology is based on an index of data from the proprietary Conway Projects Database, which tracks private-sector facility projects worldwide, and several other global economic data sources.

In addition, JobsOhio regional network partners One Columbus and REDI Cincinnati were recognized with Mac Conway Awards for Excellence in Economic Development. The award is annually given to the top local and regional U.S. economic development groups based on an index of corporate job creation and facility-related capital investment data calculated both cumulatively and per capita.

"Locations throughout the U.S. and in every region of the world compete aggressively for direct investment at home and from abroad," says Site Selection Editor in Chief Mark Arend. "Those appearing on these rankings have demonstrated with actual project numbers and other measures that they have the location attributes most in demand by capital investors."

Site Selection magazine, published by Conway Inc., delivers expansion planning information to 48,000 executives of fast-growing firms. The senior publication in the development field, Site Selection is also available via Site Selection Online. For a full listing of Prosperity Cup and Conway Awards visit  SiteSelection.com .

This press release was provided to the Chamber by Matt Englehart, JobsOhio Communications Manager.
Important Message Regarding Employees Returning To Work

During this unprecedented time, many employers have been forced to lay off employees, in response to stay-at-home orders, social distancing restrictions, lack of available work, and concerns about contracting COVID-19. In response, the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) provided expanded unemployment benefits to impacted individuals. The CARES Act provides additional weekly supplement payments, additional weeks of benefits, and a new program, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, for those who traditionally have not qualified for unemployment benefits.  

As employers begin reopening their doors to a “new normal,” in compliance with the Responsible RestartOhio requirements, many employees are expected to return to their previous employment.  

Ohio law prohibits individuals from receiving unemployment benefits if they refuse to accept offers of suitable work, or quit work, without good cause.If you have employees who refuse to return to work or quit work, it’s important that you let the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) know so we can make accurate eligibility determinations. 

To report these occurrences, please visit  unemployment.ohio.gov/employer  and click on “Report COVID-19 Work Refusals.” This will take you to a web page to report these employees for investigation by ODJFS. Based on an individual examination of the facts from both parties, our claims examiners will then determine whether good cause exists for the individuals in question to continue receiving unemployment benefits.

The full policy that ODJFS will use to determine individuals’ continued eligibility for unemployment benefits after refusing to return to work may be seen here: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/UIPolicy/index.stm . This policy will underscore the presumption that if an individual’s job is available for them to work again, they will not be eligible for unemployment benefits. 
U.S. Chamber Town Hall Meeting Today at Noon & Weekly Coronavirus Call at 4

Please join the U.S. Chamber and Inc. Magazine for the next virtual National Small Business Town Hall today at 12:00 noon Eastern time.
U.S. Chamber chief policy officer Neil Bradley and Inc. editor-at-large Kimberly Weisul will be joined by a panel of experts who will answer questions and offer insight to any small business trying to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.   Click here  to register now. Please note that space is limited, and advance registration is required. 

 Also, today at 4:00 p.m. ET, the next weekly coronavirus call with chamber and trade association members of the U.S. Chamber will take place.  Click here  to register.
U.S. Chamber and MetLife Poll Shows Small Businesses Ramping up Actions
to Survive Pandemic 

Earlier this week, the U.S. Chamber and MetLife released the monthly  Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll —which surveys how small businesses nationwide are adapting their operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among other key insights, the most recent poll—taken on April 21, 2020—finds that to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic:
  • 27% of small businesses have shortened their hours;
  • 26% of small businesses have asked customers for support or started a crowdfunding campaign;
  • 19% of small businesses have adjusted employee salaries or hours; and
  • 19% of small businesses have applied for a working capital loan, an almost five-fold increase since last month.
 
In response to the findings of the monthly poll, U.S. Chamber executive vice president and chief policy officer Neil Bradley released the  following statement :

"In order to survive, small businesses need to find a path to getting back to work, reopening, and serving their customers, but there are justifiable concerns over what reopening or operating a small business looks like while fighting a pandemic. Reopening is going to happen at a different pace throughout the country based on local conditions, and consistent guidance is necessary as businesses look to reopen and operate in a way that is safe and sustainable."
CURRENT OHIO DATA: 
There are 21,132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, 999 probable cases, 21,131 total cases, 1,153 confirmed deaths,118 probable deaths, and 1,271 total deaths. For more updated information, visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Small Business Administration Disaster Customer Service
800.659.2955
Please Help Our Area Be Counted
It's More Important Than Ever.

As the country grapples with the effects of coronavirus, it’s clear that weathering pandemics calls for careful emergency planning, assessing and protecting those most at risk, and providing lifesaving resources to people affected. That starts with accurate census data and a complete count.

The 2020 Census is designed so you can get counted at home by going online, calling the Census Bureau, or filling out the paper form. When households respond to the census on their own, it’s easier for the country to get the complete count we need to support emergency planning and recovery. Everyone has a part to play in participating in the 2020 Census. Make sure our community gets the funding and critical resources it needs to weather disaster and to thrive day-to-day by getting counted today.

It's easy - the form takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Click below to be taken to the online form or you may call 844.330.2020.

It's protected - Your responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics—they cannot be used against you in any way. By law, all responses to U.S. Census Bureau household and business surveys are kept completely confidential. Respond to the 2020 Census to shape the future.

Help our businesses, residents, communities, first responders, healthcare facilities, and more. Be counted today.
This Week's Featured Video
What to Do with Your Money During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Don't be overly ambitious...

From the Business Insider : " The coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the global economy, with more than 20 million Americans out of work. However, the stock market remains open for business, and it has seen historically dramatic swings in the last eight weeks. For those fortunate enough to receive a steady paycheck amid the crisis, now might be a good time to cautiously consider investing in equities. "
Employment Information for Local Businesses & Job Seekers:
Continue to support our local businesses while following safety protocols.
If you are listed on one of these resource pages and would like to update your information, please email Tricia Maple-Damewood at the address below and put, "Business Information Update" in the subject line. We will update each document at least weekly.
SAVE THE DATE!
The Chamber's 2020 Golf Classic has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, July 21st at the Steubenville Country Club. Sponsored by Trinity Health System. Watch your mail and email for details.
It's Our First Virtual Coffee & Connections
Help Us Make It Work!

On Wednesday, May 13th, Coffee & Connections will go live for the first time ever promptly at 9 a.m. Remember, you will still get "gonged" if you exceed your one-minute "commercial," so be on your best behavior. New to Coffee & Connections? It's the place to introduce your business or organization to fellow members, share information on an upcoming event, or detail your products and services. Watch your email on Monday.

Hope to see you all for Coffee & Connections as we strive to bring some normalcy back to our daily routines.
Member Morsels
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.
Iacovissi: Nails, Cosmetics & Aesthetics Salon in Hollywood City Center, Steubenville will be opening back up on Tuesday, May 19th! Why not pamper Mom with a gift certificate? Purchase a $50 gift card and receive $10 in free services or a $100 gift card and receive $20 in free services! Call 740-491-2996 today.
For a unique Mother's Day gift, consider a mediumship reading with Amanda DeShong, certified medium. Amanda is a professional medium who connects people with their loved ones in spirit. Amanda also offers gift certificates for readings and to purchase items from her shop.

For more information, contact Joan at 304.280.6900.   Amanda's Gifts & More   is located at  2718 Sunset Blvd . Suita A in Steubenville. Check out their Facebook page  here .
Looking for a special and uplifting gift for yourself or that special woman in your life?

Check out this beautiful box from  Lightness1All  and doTerra, containing amazing limited edition essential oil scents. Celebrate the precious women in your life with the Precious Florals Collection.

This kit includes five 4 ml roll-on touch versions of: Rose; Neroli; Jasmine;
Magnolia; and Blue Lotus (New!).  Find your best scent at  https://www.doterra.com/US/en/finding-your-perfect-scent .

Please contact Ellen Barner at 740.275.4565 or email her  here   if you are interested in a special gift for yourself or a woman you love this Mother's Day! "Like" and "Follow" their Facebook page  here .
Treat mom to a beautiful country drive to  Le Chateau  in Smithfield, Ohio. You may pre- order a choice of two entrees: stuffed boneless chicken breasts or sliced sirloin beef with mushrooms and onions. Meals come with side salad, bread, rice, mashed potato and mixed vegetables and a choice of a delicious fruit pie.  All for $20 per meal. 

Sunday, May 10th from 12 noon to 7 pm.   Also available: Bottles of wine or champagne, mixed drinks and cocktails and beers by the bottle or 12 pack.

Phone (740) 733-8527 for details or click on the link above to visit the website.
Something Special By Sheila will be open Monday & Tuesday, May 4th & 5th and Thursday & Friday, May 7th & 8th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

FaceTime shopping is available in addition to curbside pick-up. Call either number below for details or to have a personal shopper assist you.

Wow your mom, wife or other special person in your life next Sunday with gifts from Brighton, Nora Fleming, Mud Pie Women’s Wear, Lampe Berger, Spongelle and Home Decor. Receive
25% off your purchase (Brighton excluded) AND free gift wrap. And all Brighton purchases receive a special gift. Also enjoy 20% off all gift cards.

Check out our Facebook page for other exciting information with new posts beginning today.
Info on Facebook...new post starting today. Something Special is located at 326 South Hollywood Blvd. in the Hollywood City Center, Steubenville. Phone: 740-264-2950. 740-632-4416
Give your mom the gift of RIBS for Mother's Day by sending her a gift card. Call   Dee Jay's BBQ Ribs & Grille   at 304.748.1150 and they will mail a gift card in any amount directly to her - from you!

Dee Jay's is located at  380 Three Springs Drive  in Weirton and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for take-out.
Froehlich's Classic Corner   is offering an incredible Mother's Day Brunch for delivery or pick-up this Sunday, May 10th.

Enjoy spinach and provolone cheese quiche, fresh fruit, cinnamon roll cake and mimosas for 4 people for only $49. Not to your liking? Call and order from our special Mother's Day offerings. Items such as sliced strip loin, ham, twin tails, turkey breast, sea bass, scalloped potatoes, stuffing, green beans, apple pie, pineapple upside down cake, or triple chocolate cake to name a few! Call for pricing.

For more information, please call 740.283.9901 or check  on Facebook for details .

Froehlich's Classic Corner is located at  501 Washington Street  in Steubenville.

Brunch deliveries are from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and dinner deliveries are from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Now through Mother’s Day, receive a FREE  Fresh-twist  tumbler with a gift card purchase of $25 or more.

While supplies last. FREE Tumbler value $15.00

For more information, please call Angela Lombardo at 740.214.1575 or email her  here .

Fresh-twist is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for take-out orders.
AJ's Specialty Gifts   has face masks, both filtered and non-filtered. We have many designs and some sports teams. We have some sizes in Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. There will also be some size-fits-all. The cost is $5 to $6 and are available by appointment only until May 12th when AJ's is permitted to reopen.

For more information, please call Anna Matthews at 740.346.4128 or email her   here . "Like" and "Follow" AJ's Facebook page   here . AJ's Specialty Gifts is located at  4030 Sunset Blvd . in Steubenville.
Amy Patterson Offers Hospital-Grade Disinfecting Fogging Services

Amy Patterson Commercial Cleaning now has hospital-grade disinfecting fogging services available. This procedure kills dangerous germs for up to 10 days. Click here for a complete fact sheet and call 740.317.1960 for more information. You may also email owner, Amy Patterson here . Pricing is based on square footage.
Now More Than Ever - Em-Media

Em-Media, along with our clients, our community, and the world, is experiencing a pandemic that has forever changed the world to pre-pandemic and post-pandemic. There will not be a sense of “getting back to normal,” rather looking forward.

More than ever, it is time for businesses to refocus their thinking and develop a marketing strategy that works for them.

During the recent “lockdown,” team Em-Media never stopped working for our clients. We spent our time checking in, assuring all needs were met, maintaining video production projects, testing new approaches, and updating websites and social media graphics. We also continued learning and experimenting with new techniques to market in our new normal.

Em-Media believes that a creative strategy is necessary to stay in the forefront of the marketing and advertising needs of their clients. It is important for all businesses to join in the process to create an Effective Media campaign.

Team Em-Media’s backgrounds include all areas of advertising mediums. We use our knowledge and experience to ensure the best rates for our clients, and we are ready to put a campaign to work for you.

The economy is opening back up, but habits are forever changed. Businesses need to be ready for these changes. An experienced team in support of your marketing efforts will help you now more than ever .
Set up a FREE consultation:  www.weareEM.com  or call any member of our team at 740.264.2186.
What is JumpStart?

JumpStart is a mini-collaboration between several local businesses. Our goal is to help your business get back on track to your pre-quarantine days. It includes a huge discount on social media management, promotional products, marketing plan, and event management, as well as inclusion in the Loyalty Lovers app, which keeps track of your loyalty program and enables special sales just for your loyal customers. You can sign up for 3 months, 6 months, or 9 months.

Let us help get your business back on track! For more information, contact Tina Thompson at 740.275.8699 or via email at
Protective Shields for
Your Business
 
Counter shields are now for sale at OfficeMax and are available in several styles and sizes.

For more information, please contact Jim Kosikowski at 740.346.0896 or email here . OfficeMax will submit information on your behalf, and you will be contacted by their outside furniture salesman who will get back to you with a quote for the size and number that is needed for your business.

Check out this flyer for a visual representation of these shields.
Around the State. Around the Country.
Up-to-Date Information from the Ohio and United States Chamber of Commerce
Business Leaders Express Pessimism about Near-Term Future of Ohio's Economy

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation released the findings of its quarterly  Prosperity Pulse  business leader survey today. The 1st Quarter findings of 2020 show:

  • The statewide Prosperity Pulse index measured at 51.0, an all-time low for the survey and the first result in survey history signaling below-average economic conditions.
  • Decreases in every metric included in the index show just how rough business leaders expect the next quarter to be. Just 8% of respondents expect their businesses to be profitable over the next three months.
  • Optimism about future economic health also fell to a survey-worst 31% of respondents.
  • For the first time in survey history, the cost of health care is supplanted as the top issue of concern, with “economic uncertainty” being the most concerning issue among business leaders.

Read the article in its entirety by clicking here .
State-by-State Business
Reopening Guidance

Across America, business leaders are restarting our nation’s economic engines and employees are returning to work. However, this process is taking place gradually and non-uniformly across the country depending on regional differences in the prevalence of COVID-19.

In some states, for example, masks are required; in others, they’re suggested. In some states, mask requirements apply only to employees, while in others, customers must wear them, too. In some states, employers are required to screen employees before shifts begin; in others, it’s required after each shift. In still others, it’s not required at all. Meanwhile, some states are leaning on questionnaires, but even then, the questions and retention rules vary.

To help track the differences across each state and provide the latest guidance and information to America’s employers, we have launched the following interactive state map and state guides.

Read the article in its entirety by clicking   here .
  The Library Link
 Great Books About Business With Just A Click

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:

Billion Dollar Brand Club
(ebook)
by Lawrence Ingrassia

A leading business journalist takes us inside a business revolution: the upstart brands taking on the empires that long dominated the trillion-dollar consumer economy. Dollar Shave Club and its hilarious marketing. Casper mattresses popping out of a box. Third Love's lingerie designed specifically for each woman's body. Warby Parker mailing you five pairs of glasses to choose from. You've seen their ads. You (or someone you know) use their products. Each may appear, in isolation, as a rare David with the bravado to confront a Goliath, but taken together they represent a seismic shift in a business model that has lasted more than a century. As Lawrence Ingrassia -- former business and economics editor and deputy managing editor at the New York Times -- shows in Billion Dollar Brand Club: How Dollar Shave Club, Warby Park, and Other Disruptors Are Remaking What We Buy , a growing number of digital entrepreneurs have found new and creative ways to crack the code on the bonanza of physical goods that move through our lives every day.

View this resource by clicking here .
Today in History
V-E Day is celebrated in America and Britain

- May 8, 1945 -

From History.com: On May 8, 1945, both Great Britain and the United States celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Cities in both nations, as well as formerly occupied cities in Western Europe, put out flags and banners, rejoicing in the defeat of the Nazi war machine during  World War II .

The eighth of May spelled the day when German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms: In Prague, Germans surrendered to their Soviet antagonists, after the latter had lost more than 8,000 soldiers, and the Germans considerably more; in Copenhagen and Oslo; at Karlshorst, near Berlin; in northern Latvia; on the Channel Island of Sark—the German surrender was realized in a final cease-fire. More surrender documents were signed in Berlin and in eastern Germany.

The main concern of many German soldiers was to elude the grasp of Soviet forces, to keep from being taken prisoner.

About 1 million Germans attempted a mass exodus to the West when the fighting in Czechoslovakia ended, but were stopped by the Russians and taken captive. The Russians took approximately 2 million prisoners in the period just before and after the German surrender.

Meanwhile, more than 13,000 British POWs were released and sent back to Great Britain.

Pockets of German-Soviet confrontation would continue into the next day.

On May 9, the Soviets would lose 600 more soldiers in Silesia before the Germans finally surrendered.

Consequently, V-E Day was not celebrated until the ninth in Moscow, with a radio broadcast salute from Stalin himself: “The age-long struggle of the Slav nations… has ended in victory. Your courage has defeated the Nazis. The war is over.”

For more events that took place on
May 8th, please click here .
- 130% -

"'After a volatile March, Etsy experienced a dramatic shift in demand during the month of April as global buyers turned to Etsy for cloth face masks given updated guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19,' the company disclosed in its announcement, which said that gross merchandise sales jumped 130% in April after increasing 32.2% in the first quarter. Etsy forecast second-quarter revenue of $310 million to $340 million, which would be sales growth of up to 90% and trounces the analyst consensus for second-quarter sales of $213.5 million."

Source: MarketWatch
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:

Get The Information You Need - The Chamber Staff Is Here To Help
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.
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.
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.
Contact Us
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
630 Market Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: 740.282.6226
Fax:  740.282.6285