In The Kn
o
w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, May 22, 2020
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Updates from Ohio Governor DeWine's May 21st Press Conference
Including New Business Sectors Opening
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Below are the updates from yesterday’s press conference with Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and State Health Commissioner, Dr. Amy Acton.
The next press conference is currently scheduled for Tuesday, May 26
th
.
- Ohio’s COVID-19 case data:
- 28,174 confirmed cases
- 1,993 probable cases
- 30,167 total cases
- 5,295 hospitalizations
- 1,653 confirmed deaths
- 183 probable deaths
- 1,836 total deaths
- 1,397 ICU admissions
- Governor DeWine announced initial findings from his Minority Health Strike Force. The team was formed in April in response to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on African Americans who make up 14 percent of Ohio's population, but represent 26 percent of positive COVID-19 cases, 31 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations, and 17 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Ohio. The Minority Health Strike Force's preliminary report will be available soon at coronavirus.ohio.gov. Final recommendations will be issued on June 11.
- Examples of these recommendations include: establishing culturally appropriate and accessible COVID-19 exposure notification services for communities of color; expanding testing capacity and access for minorities and high-risk populations; using data to prioritize resources in the communities that have the highest need; developing and launching a statewide, culturally-sensitive outreach campaign that educates African Americans and communities of color on COVID-19, health disparities, and social determinants of health.
- A new position will be created within the Ohio Department of Health dedicated to social determinants of health and opportunity. This person’s work will build on several existing efforts to respond to health inequity by working directly with local communities on their specific long-term health needs and Ohio's response to COVID-19.
- To expand access to testing, Ohio has partnered with the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers which represents Ohio’s Federally Qualified Health Centers, including 55 Community Health Centers at 378 locations. It has multiple mobile units in 68 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For testing, individuals should contact their Federally Qualified Health Center or community health center for information and direction about how to be tested.
- Ohio is partnering with the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers and the Nationwide Foundation to distribute thousands of Community Wellness Kits that contain COVID-19 protection-related items, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer, and soap.
- To support both the state and local health departments in efforts to fight COVID-19 and the disproportionate impact on people of color, Ohio will significantly increase the number of public health workers who can help notify Ohioans of possible exposure to the virus. The hiring of these public health workers is in progress at both the state and local levels with the goal of hiring individuals who represent and reflect the make-up of their own communities.
- Governor DeWine's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will award $1 million in grants to provide mental health and addiction services for hard-to-reach individuals. The grants will allow faith-based and local community-based organizations to develop culturally appropriate messages that target those who may not be as easily reached by mass-media messaging efforts, such as racial and ethnic minorities, Appalachian and rural communities, older adults, and others.
- Lt. Governor Husted announced several new sector opening dates in Ohio:
- Beginning Tuesday, May 26, miniature golf, batting cages, and bowling alleys may resume operations if they can meet required safety protocols.
- Beginning Tuesday, May 26, skills training for all sports, including contact sports, may resume if required safety protocols can be met. Tournaments, games, and competitions for contact sports are still prohibited.
- Beginning Monday, June 1, catering and banquet centers may reopen if they can meet required safety protocols. Protocols include six feet between tables, no congregating, and a crowd size of no more than 300 people.
- See buttons below for guidance on baseball, golf, general non-contact sports, and skills training. Full guidelines to ensure that these sectors operate in the safest manner possible are/will be available at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
- For the week ending May 16, 2020, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported 46,062 initial jobless claims to the U.S. Dept. of Labor. The number of initial jobless claims filed in Ohio over the last nine weeks (1,215,756) is more than the combined total of those filed during the last three years. Over the last nine weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $2.8 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 619,000 claimants. Of the more than 1 million applications the agency has received, more than 92% have been processed, with less than 8% pending. Pursuant to an order from the U.S. Department of Labor, Ohio will release unemployment numbers on a weekly basis as soon as 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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In Honor of Those Who Gave All
“…And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice."
– President Ronald Reagan
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce salutes those who gave of their lives for the cause of liberty and justice. May we each take a moment this holiday weekend to contemplate their sacrifice and to honor the legacy these brave men and women have left us.
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PLEASE NOTE:
The Chamber offices will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.
They will reopen Tuesday, May 26th, at 9 a.m.
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Should the US Follow Sweden's Path to "Herd Immunity"?
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From
Business Insider
: "Sweden gained global attention for taking a more relaxed approach to fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus. Its bars, restaurants, and gyms remained open in order to keep life as normal as possible. However, its death rate has been higher than many of its neighbors that employed lockdown measures. The US became a global hotspot for the pandemic despite using lockdowns. The unemployment rate is at the highest level since the Great Depression and many wonder if the US should have followed Sweden's lead instead."
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Paycheck Protection Program Webinar From Jarvis Law
Jarvis Law
is sponsoring a free webinar titled,
"How to Win at PPP Loan Forgiveness".
Join below or contact Mary Beth Panepucci at
marybeth@jarvisfirm.com
for more information.
Meeting ID: 924 1537 5653
Password: 341826
Tuesday, May 26th - 12 Noon
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Three Helpful Resources To Help You Stay Safe & Support Local Business
Click these buttons to view, share or print.
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Want to be added to the resources above?
Here's a 5-Minute Survey to Help Us Promote Your Business
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The Chamber continues to help its members get the word out about their businesses and keep the public and fellow members informed on the continuing changes. If you would like to add to or change information in the above documents, please take just a few moments to complete a brief survey that will help us assist you and keep our promotional and informational materials up-to-date. Click on the button below to access.
Also, remember that our weekly newsletter reaches over 1200 fellow members and their employees each Friday and "Member Morsels" - short blurbs about your business - are a free service to you as a member. Click
here
to complete a short online form to share your information in the newsletter. Click
here
to submit an Eblast - a one page marketing piece to the same mailing list. They start at just $35.
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Fillable B
usiness Protocol List & Door Sign for Your Business
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Attached you'll find a social media distancing & business protocol form that you may use to post the COVID-19 related procedures that you have in place at your business. It is suggested that you display this completed document at your business in a place where customers and clients may see it.
Please note that this is not a form that is to be completed and submitted to any office for approval. It is simply a recommendation to promote good practices and inform your customers about what policies and procedures you have in place.
Also, attached is an 11 by 17 printable door sign, that you may customize to reflect your policies and procedures as well. It's a great way to show your commitment to safe business operations and to inform those entering your business about what's in place. It is in a Microsoft Word format so that you may make the necessary additions or changes prior to printing.
Please click
here
for a printable door sign that shows your customers and guests that you are complying with State of Ohio & Jefferson County health orders. Click
here
for a symptom log sheet. Click
here
for information on Ohio's face covering protocols.
Please support our Chamber member printers should you need assistance in printing these important documents or signs:
Office Max
, Hollywood Center, Steubenville - 740.346.0896
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Guides and Resources from the U.S. Chamber
The U.S. Chamber continues to create, update, and evolve its various guides and resources to bring businesses relevant and current information during this difficult time.
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Small Business Administration Disaster Customer Service
800.659.2955
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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.
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Member Morsels
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.
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As you move your organization forward safely, be sure you reference our comprehensive checklist of critical actions every employer must consider for facility planning, health checks and monitoring, communication and case management, sanitization and hygiene, and procuring PPE and equipment. Click
here
for more information.
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Anytime Fitness Re-Opening
On Tuesday, May 26th,
Anytime Fitness
in Wintersville will be re-opening. The gym has implemented the mandated safety guidelines, such as increasing sanitization and spacing out equipment for everyone’s safety.
We're located at 100 Main Street in Wintersville.
For more information, please c
all Mindy Meadows at 740.275.4140 or email us
here
. You can also message
our Facebook page
.
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Open for Business
WTRF is here to get the word out with a special "Open for Business" community advertising campaign. This opportunity includes: your business featured in 50x commercials, a premium listing on the
WTRF.com
Open for Business page, and FREE production...
all for $395!!!
For more information, email
here
.
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Let Xpress Payment Credit Card Processing Save You Money!
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Did you know that you can get free cash from Xpress Payment? It's easy! Get our app and start filling out the referral form. You'll get $50 for every successful referral you send and an even better reward after you have filled all the stamps on your card!
What could you do with an extra few hundred dollars a month?
Check out
this link
to start getting extra cash just by helping Xpress help the businesses you already know! For a downloadable flyer outlining all of our services, click
here
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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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Ohio Chamber Priority Legislation Passes Unanimously Out of
Ohio Senate
On Wednesday, the Ohio Senate unanimously passed House Bill 81 (HB 81) by a vote of 32-0. The bill, a priority piece of legislation for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, benefits employers across the state by making several reforms to the state’s workers’ compensation system.
The legislation will bring more uniformity to Ohio’s workers’ compensation law by amending the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the Industrial Commission’s five year continuing jurisdiction so that it begins on the date of an employee’s last medical treatment rather than using the date of payment for the last medical treatment as the trigger for commencing the continuing jurisdiction.
This change brings uniformity to closing workers’ compensation claims and benefits Ohio employers because the commencement of the continuing jurisdiction is no longer dependent upon the varying billing practices of medical providers.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
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Safeguarding the U.S. Supply of Medicines and Medical Products
As the United States and other countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, shortages of some medical products, like personal protective equipment (PPE), have led to renewed calls for “Buy American” rules and other measures to “reshore” supply chains.
Let’s be very clear: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is laser-focused on making the United States the best place in the world to invest, manufacture, hire, and do business. Before, during, and after the pandemic, we are working around the clock to strengthen American industry here at home.
But as we debate this issue, we first have to
get the facts straight
. For example, it’s common to hear that 80% of the pharmaceuticals consumed in the United States come from China, but it happens to be wrong. In fact, 70% of our pharmaceuticals are made in America, and China is the source of
less than 1%
of all the pharmaceuticals Americans consume.
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:
Digital Marketing for Dummies
(e-book)
by Ryan Deiss
Does your digital marketing pack a punch? Written with the marketer's best interests in mind, this friendly, down-to-earth guide shows you how to use proven digital marketing strategies and tactics to expand the reach of your brand, increase audience engagement, and acquire and monetize customers.
View this resource by clicking
here
.
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Today in History
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of
Sherlock Holmes, is born
- May 22, 1859 -
From History.com:
It’s the birthday of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of master sleuth Sherlock Holmes.
Doyle was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where he met Dr. Joseph Bell, a teacher with extraordinary deductive reasoning power. Bell
partly inspired
D
oyle’s character Sherlock Holmes years later.
After medical school, Doyle moved to London, where his slow medical practice left him ample free time to write. His first Sherlock Holmes story,
A Study in Scarlet
, was published in
Beeton’s Christmas Annual
in 1887.
Starting in 1891, a series of Holmes stories appeared in
The Strand
magazine. Holmes enabled Doyle to leave his medical practice in 1891 and devote himself to writing, but the author soon grew weary of his creation. In "The Final Problem," he killed off both Holmes and his nemesis, Dr. Moriarty, only to resuscitate Holmes later due to popular demand.
In 1902, Doyle was knighted for his work with a field hospital in South Africa. In addition to dozens of Sherlock Holmes stories and several novels, Doyle wrote history, pursued whaling, and engaged in many adventures and athletic endeavors.
For more events that took place on
May 22nd, please click
here
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- 20 -
"
For the first time in 20 years, AAA won’t be issuing its annual
Memorial Day
travel forecast...'Last year, 43 million Americans traveled for Memorial Day Weekend—the second-highest travel volume on record since AAA began tracking holiday travel volumes in 2000,' said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. 'With social distancing guidelines still in practice, this holiday weekend’s travel volume is likely to set a record low.'”
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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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