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THE LATEST NEWS:
  • Ross County COVID-19 cases rise to 12. The Ross County Health District says 152 have been tested and 88 were ruled negative, the remaining 52 are awaiting test results.
COMING MONDAY: Click image to register
Even as we face uncertainty, there is no place else I'd rather be ... because of you
One month ago today, it started to become real. To be honest, the Chamber was in the middle of our 2020 Annual Meeting and the arrival of our guest speaker, Quint Studer.
 
That night was pretty incredible. We handed out our annual awards, and Quint challenged us to address some critical issues to help our community move toward vibrancy. Just a day earlier, Ohio reported three cases of COVID-19.
 
As we were planning to attack the issues that Quint spotlighted, Gov. Mike DeWine appeared at a press conference and told us schools would be closing for three weeks. It was Thursday, March 12.
 
What we didn’t know then, but know all too well now, is it was just the beginning. A few days later, DeWine closed all bars and restaurants; then, ten days later told us all to stay at home. Life, as we know it, is on hold and how long that lasts … well … we don’t know when.
 
It is a difficult time in many regards. But I know this, even though life is on hold and so much of what we’ve worked for is at risk, I have never been more proud of you, Ross County.
 
 I’m proud that we’ve pulled together, even though we shouldn’t stand side by side.
 
I’m proud we’ve discovered new ways to connect – to those we love – to make sure they are OK.
 
I’m proud we’re getting out into nature more – even if it’s one of the only things we can do right now.
 
I’m proud of your effort to find new ways to do business, even though that business is a fraction of what you’d traditionally do in normal times.

I’m proud that we’re taking this seriously - and your bravery and vulnerability.
 
I’m proud of our local leaders who have, regardless of party or platform, have united to define the gaps, work toward solutions, and meet the needs.
 
And, most of all, I’m proud that you have given selflessly – of your time, money (that some of you probably don’t have, I know), and effort.
 
I hope you are proud of your effort, too, because it’s vital to recognize the effort and applaud the action. Thanks for everything you’ve sacrificed and what you’re doing. It’s making a difference. It won’t be long before we are back to doing what we can to revitalize our businesses and community.
 
I can barely wait. Enjoy your Easter weekend.
*NEW* Information for small business owners
FREE WEBINARS :

  • Tuesday, April 14 - How to save your small business. (Cultivate Eventbrite site)
  • Tuesday, April 14 at 1 p.m. - Grow with Google: Keeping The Lights On (webinar link)
  • Wednesday, May 6 at 9 a.m. or noon - Grow with Google session: Manage Your Business Remotely in Times of Uncertainty (webinar link)
Miss one of these updates? Click below to catch up!
April 9, 2020 - Unemployment FAQs, new information from SOCA
April 8, 2020 - Announcing our COVID-19 resource virtual meeting and our virtual Business After Business
April 7, 2020 - Instant analysis on state establishing Office of Small Business Relief; coming soon Zoom session on COVID-19 resources
April 6, 2020 - More good things being done by our businesses; and more.
April 3, 2020 - Help our nursing home workers by making masks; BWC changes impacting employer programs. Face mask video from CEO Mike Throne.
April 2, 2020 - Stay-at-home order extended to May 1; OSU Small Business Development Center representatives ready to help
April 1, 2020 - Rapid-fire updates and more resources for monies available
March 31, 2020 - What does 'state of emergency' for Ross County mean?; Community Response team
March 30, 2020 : More information on the SBA loans, CARES Act
March 26, 2020 : What 'essential' businesses must do; SBA loans and CARES Act
March 23, 2020 : REGULAR NEWSLETTER: Even as businesses close, they're reaching out to the community; video interview with Alex Kohls from the U.S. Small Business Administration on disaster loans.
March 17, 2020 : A video message from Chamber CEO Mike Throne
Coronavirus numbers, facts and figures
Links to information:

  • Looking for a job? The state has a job page on its Coronavirus page that helps connect those out of work with jobs.

  • The Ohio Channel YouTube page, where the Governor, Lt. Gov. and director of the Ohio Department of Health give regular updates at 2 p.m. on most days.

  • Governor's Stay at Home Order (Link)

  • The Chillicothe Ross Community Foundation's Coronavirus Fund needs donations, and can potentially help non-profits with some of the costs of helping the community cope with the impact of COVID-19 in the area.

  • The United Way of Ross County is awarding micro-grants to non-profits working to address community needs due to COVID-19's impact.
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce | Email Mike Throne | chillicotheohio.com