In The Kn
o
w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, March 13, 2020
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This Week's Featured Video
Coronavirus Tips
Economic Impact, Working from Home, Social Distancing
From
Today:
TODAY’s coronavirus crisis team – senior business correspondent Stephanie Ruhle, investigative and consumer correspondent Vicky Nguyen, and medical correspondent Dr. Natalie Azar – offer timely advice and perspective on the economic impact of the virus, work-from-home strategies, and social distancing precautions. Also:
Here's an article from CNBC
on how to protect your small business in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
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Home-Based Business Committee Off To A Great Start
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The first meeting of the Chamber's new Home-Based/Direct Sales Committee was held on March 4th at the Chamber offices. To be eligible for this committee, your business must have an "individual to individual" sales platform, provide retail products or services and be home-based, with no storefront location.
The first event sponsored by the committee will be a "Table Top Boutique" held in conjunction with the May First Friday event at
Le Chateau Pier
in Smithfield. Vendors will be provided with a 6' table and there's no charge to participate. An application is required along with a commitment to attend so that all businesses advertised are there that evening. For more information, contact the Janet at the Chamber offices at 740.282.6226 or committee chair, Jamie Copenhaver with
Shine With Jamie
at
740.317.5742.
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Chamber Encourages Local Census Participation
Help Jefferson County Be Counted.
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The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities across the country every year for the next decade. And high participation rates mean that Jefferson County can benefit in many ways.
Businesses use census data to decide where to locate, expand and build and this can create jobs. Local governments use census data to improve public safety and emergency preparedness. And citizens use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.
From highway planning and construction to grants for transportation, from determining how a local Headstart program is
funded to housing assistance for seniors, wildlife restoration or child abuse prevention; every community, no matter the size or location can benefit from census participation. Want to learn more about what other programs are impacted by census data? Click
here
for a complete list.
Concerned about your privacy? The Census Bureau is bound by
Title 13 of the U.S. Code
to keep your information confidential. This law protects your answers to the 2020 Census. Under Title 13, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. Violating Title 13 is a federal crime, punishable by prison time and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics and you are kept completely anonymous: The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or anyone else in your home.
Support our community, our businesses and our citizens. Participate in the census. You may respond by mail, phone or online. Want to get started now? Click
here
to begin.
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Did you know?
Census results affect planning and funding for employment and training—including programs for vocational rehabilitation state grants and dislocated workers.
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Coronavirus Information For Businesses
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With much in the news regarding the coronavirus outbreak, it's important for local employers to be up-to-speed on the latest information and what they can do to keep their employees safe in the workplace. Please click below for an informational guide provided by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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MEMBER CANCELLATIONS:
Due to the CDC recommendation about public gatherings surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Campbell Dickinson
events scheduled for Saturday March 21st and the Cancer Survivor Dinner have been postponed but will be rescheduled at a later date.
Due to Governor DeWine's ban on events of over 100 people, the
Tri-State Home & Garden Show
scheduled for March 20th to 22nd has been postponed. Watch the Chamber newsletter for information on the new date.
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Trinity Health System Limits Visitation, Pauses Volunteer Program
Due to Concerns about Coronavirus
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coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio and across the United States. As the situation evolves, Trinity Health
System is making changes related to visitation and operations. Since last fall, we have implemented tighter visitation restrictions due to the seasonal flu outbreak. We are going beyond those measures in light of the rapidly changing coronavirus situation. Effective immediately, visitors will be limited to one (1) immediate family visitor per patient per day for hospitalized patients.
“Our top priority at Trinity Health System is the safety of our employees, patients, visitors and
communities,” said John Figel, MD, chief medical officer for Trinity Health System. “Considering all of the
recent recommendations and information, as well as the safety and well-being of our volunteers, we
have made the decision to temporarily pause our volunteer programs. We are making these changes out
of an abundance of caution.”
Similar to instances involving Ebola, SARS and MERS in the past, Trinity Health System is working with
CommonSpirit Health and public health departments at the state and local levels, as well as with local
governments on community response. At this time, we are suspending our volunteer program until further notice. We will also be cancelling recreational programs at our PrimeTime Senior Center until April 1, 2020. We will evaluate the situation at that time. Meal delivery services will continue as scheduled. Please call the PrimeTime Senior Center directly with any specific questions regarding programming. Their number is 740.314.5197. Trinity Health System advises patients to utilize emergency rooms when symptoms are severe, such as high fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Patients should contact their regular health care provider by phone first if they are experiencing symptoms like cough, low-grade fever or other respiratory issues.
In addition, individuals with mild respiratory symptoms, cough, fever, etc., please go to our ExpressCare
location in Wintersville, Ohio if you feel you need evaluated. Current hours for this location are 8 am to
8 pm. Anyone needing routine lab or radiology services are asked to utilize our other locations (Rural
King Plaza, Toronto or Trinity West Campus) for these services. Please do not go to the Wintersville
ExpressCare location for routine laboratory and radiology services. We are utilizing this location for
individuals with mild respiratory symptoms. Dr. Figel offered standard precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wash your hands frequently; it’s one of the most important steps in avoiding not only COVID-19, but also other illnesses, including the flu. And if you’re sick, stay home. If you develop a fever and lower respiratory symptoms such as a cough, talk with your physician or care provider. Please call 844-TPG-CALL for appointments with Trinity Health System providers. Visit trinityhealth.com or follow us on social media for updated information. For additional information on COVID-19, please call the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 hotline at 833-4-ASK-ODH.
Trinity Health System is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing
health for all people. It was created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and
Dignity Health. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthier communities, delivering exceptional
patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. With its national office in Chicago and a
team of approximately 150,000 employees and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, CommonSpirit
Health operates 142 hospitals and more than 700 care sites across 21 states. In FY 2018, Catholic Health Initiatives
and Dignity Health had combined revenues of $29.2 billion and provided $4.2 billion in charity care, community
benefit, and unreimbursed government programs. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
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Workforce Training & Education Committee
Conducts Important Survey & Promotes Local Job Fairs
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The Chamber's Workforce Training & Education Committee has brought together business leaders, employers, educators, and local employment-related organizations in an effort to address two very important issues: first, our county's ability to provide a skilled, quality workforce for existing and prospective employers; and second, ensuring that our local schools are providing information, training, and guidance so that students learn about job opportunities and know what they must do in order to become gainfully employed. From soft skills to industry-specific training, we must work together on workforce development to grow and improve as a community.
Click below to take a very important, brief online survey regarding your workforce and employment needs. This will help guide the committee in its efforts. Also, click below for a complete schedule of upcoming job and career fairs being hosted by local schools. (Please note that there may be changes to these due to actions pertaining to the coronavirus. Contact the schools for updates.) These events are a great way to put your business name in front of a great pool of prospective employees and tell them all you have to offer.
Also, please consider joining this important committee or allowing an employee of yours to participate. We must have representation from local employers and industry leaders if we are to address their labor needs. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at the Chamber offices at 1:30 p.m..
Contact Tricia Maple-Damewood
at this email address
with questions on becoming a part of this important committee or to be sent the survey via regular mail.
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Important Message From Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose
Regarding Poll Workers and Early Voting
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Dear Fellow Ohioan,
Ohio is less than one week away from Election Day and I am working with Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, and our 88 county boards of elections to ensure a safe, secure, and healthy election.
In light of the Coronavirus/COVID-19, I wanted to highlight some important public service announcements that you can share with colleagues, friends, and family.
Be a Poll Worker
Every election day, over 35,000 Ohioans serve as poll workers. A majority of our poll workers are patriotic senior citizens and with concerns about the exposure of vulnerable populations to Coronavirus/COVID-19, now is the time to step up and defend democracy by serving as a poll worker next Tuesday, March 17th. Talk to your employer, learn more and
sign up here
. By exercising best practices from the Ohio Department of Health, our polling locations and voting machines will be clean, but we need the people necessary to run a safe and secure election.
Vote by Mail or Vote Early
If you haven’t already, please
consider requesting your absentee ballot
today!
, or going to your county’s early vote center. Request an absentee ballot from your
county board of elections
by this Saturday then postmark the completed ballot by Monday, March 16th, or drop it off curbside at the county board of elections on Tuesday, March 17th. Every valid absentee ballot is counted just like a vote cast at the polling location on election day.
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Modern Marketing 101:
Using Emojis in Social Media Marketing
"Emojis have become a common element in modern communication, with research showing that some 92% of people have used, and/or regularly use, emojis in their messaging," Andrew Hutchinson writes over at
SocialMediaToday
. "But should you use emojis in your brand messaging?" Great question. Find the answer
here
.
From last week:
It's safe to say most people do not understand search engine optimization (SEO). For one thing, it's ever-changing, and for another, many people mistake good writing for good SEO.
Joseph Rauch from
Forbes
explains
why quality writing does not always lead to the highest search engine rankings.
If you missed or want to re-read any of our previous Modern Marketing 101 installments, click
here
. We encourage you to print, save, share, and add these articles and resources to your business or organization's social media marketing manual.
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It's Here!
Your One-Page, 2020 Event & Promotional Calendar
It doesn't get any easier than this!
We know you're short on time and trying to keep track of events and promotional opportunities can be tough. In an effort to make it easier for you, Janet McLaughlin has finalized all Coffee & Connections locations and First Friday hosts for the remainder of 2020 and created a helpful, one-page schedule for you. It also includes quick info on how to send an Eblast, how to put a blurb in the Friday newsletter and much more.
Print it, share it, hang it in your break room or near the water cooler, or take a picture of it on your phone. It lists where you need to be and when, along with how to quickly and affordably promote all that you are doing. Put your membership investment to work for you with this handy document as your guide.
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Chamber Committee Participation: All Welcome
Did you know the Chamber has two committees working on important issues and keeping the Chamber membership up-to-speed on each of them? Put your passion to work, be sure your input is heard, and help the Chamber reach important milestones by becoming a member of the Oil & Gas Committee or the Workforce Training & Education Committee.
These two committees are up and running and always looking for passionate, hardworking members. Meetings are held in the conference room at the Chamber offices, 630 Market Street in Steubenville. If you are planning to attend, please park and enter in the rear of the building.
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Oil & Gas Committee
Second Thursday of each month - 3 p.m.
Next meeting: April 9th
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Workforce Training & Education Committee
Third Monday of each month - 1:30 p.m.
Next meeting: March 16th
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Member Morsels
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.
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Friends of Cross Creek Community Meeting
On Saturday, March 14th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
Friends of Cross Creek
will hold a community meeting at the Steubenville Country Club. The group will give updates on the work they have done--and continue to do--regarding the proposed landfill on the Crossridge brownfield, as well as answer questions and gather input from the community.
For more information, please contact Bekah Hawrot Weigel at 740.632.9283 or via email
here
.
The Steubenville Country Club is located at 413 Lovers Lane in Steubenville.
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Feature your business or organization's news or events in "Member Morsels" by completing a quick online form. Click below.
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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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Economic Sentiment Boosted at Year's End by Strong Performance and Trade Agreements
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation released the findings of its quarterly business leader’s survey, the Prosperity Pulse, today.
The 4th Quarter findings of 2019 reveal the following:
- The statewide Prosperity Pulse measured at 118.0, an improvement from the 3rd Quarter index of 106.8.
- Increases in expected profits, job openings and overall economic outlook resulted in the 4th highest measurement in survey history, due in part to reaching an agreement on and the enactment of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
- Optimism rebounded to 90%, falling roughly in line with the average over the past two years.
- Healthcare costs and employee benefits costs remain the top two issues of concern, while workforce concerns rose to the third spot, with state and local taxes falling to fifth position.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
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Aviation Soars to New Heights
Air travel is such a common part of daily life that it can seem mundane. But the truth is that aviation is a vibrant, innovative industry set to reach even greater heights.
Last Thursday, aviation leaders convened in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual Aviation Summit. All aspects of the industry were represented—from airlines and manufacturers to unions and regulatory agencies. There was a lot to talk about.
The elephant in the room was the coronavirus and how it affects aviation, travel, and the economy. The Chamber’s advice is to be prudent and prepared, but not to overreact. Americans should listen to medical experts and government officials but feel confident going about their daily lives, including traveling.
Beyond current news, the summit also looked at future technologies that will transform aviation. One is electric-powered flight. Last year, Rolls Royce unveiled an all-electric aircraft that will reach speeds of more than 300 mph.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
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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:
Non-Negotiable:
The Story of Happy State Bank and the Power of Accountability
by Sam Silverstein
Sam Silverstein, champion of accountability, presents the inspiring story of how J. Pat Hickman transformed a sleepy small town bank from one location and $10 million in assets into 34 locations and over $2.5 billion in assets by knowing what he believes and not negotiating on what he holds dear. In the process, he assembled a team of leaders that understand what great culture looks like and a bank full of motivated people who love what they do.
View this book by clicking
here
.
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Today in History
Disney names Robert Iger as new chief executive
- March 13, 2005 -
From History.com:
On this day in 2005, the board of directors of the Walt Disney Company officially announces that Robert Iger, Disney’s president and chief operating officer, will succeed Michael Eisner as the company’s chief executive officer (CEO).
As Disney’s chief executive since 1984, Eisner was credited with expanding the company’s reach into diverse realms of the entertainment industry–including animated and live-action films, theater and theme parks–with phenomenal success. By the spring of 2004, however, Disney was struggling to emerge from a bit of a slump: Its ABC television division was struggling, while its once-dominant animation department was being outpaced by innovators such as Pixar, producers of the massive 2003 hit
Finding Nemo
. Shareholders voted to strip Eisner of his chairmanship of the Disney board that March, and Eisner announced in September that he would leave Disney in two years.
The following March, the announcement came that Iger, Disney’s president and Eisner’s loyal second-in-command since 2000, would succeed Eisner as the company’s CEO. Iger worked as a weatherman and news reporter in Ithaca, New York, before joining ABC in 1974. He rose through the ranks there and was eventually named president and chief operating officer of Capital Cities/ABC.
Iger had officially joined Disney’s senior management team in 1996 as chairman of the ABC Group; in 1999 he was named president of Walt Disney International. The following January, Iger was named Disney’s president and chief operating officer.
Things were looking up for Disney at the time of Iger’s promotion, as ABC had scored recent hits with
Lost
and
Desperate Housewives
and its movie division had showed strong results. From the time his succession was announced, Iger worked to give Disney’s various business units more autonomy. Seeing the enormous potential of advances in technology and new media, Iger also made it a priority to guide Disney into the future of entertainment. Less than two weeks after he officially took over as CEO on October 1, 2005, Iger announced a deal that made Disney and ABC-owned TV show episodes available through iTunes. Rivals such as NBC and CBS hastened to follow suit and provide their programs for iTunes or on-demand viewing.
For more events that took place on
March 6th, please click
here
.
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- $6,600,000,000 -
The total amount consumers will spend on St. Patrick's Day.
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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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