In The Kn
o
w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, July 24, 2020
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Important Updates From The Small Business Administration On Loan Programs
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In a recent update from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Chamber has learned the status of specific loan and grant programs and has outlined them below. Please contact our offices for more information or assistance.
- If a business has not applied for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), they should do so quickly. While the EIDL “advance” has allocated all of its funds, the EIDL loan is still available. The “advance” was the grant of up to $10,000.
- The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended to August 8th and there is over $100 billion still available.
- CARES Act debt relief is available through September 27th. Click here for an informational flier.
- Requesting non-disaster loans is still an option. Keep in mind that debt service on the disaster loans will need to be included and covered as part of a bank’s review.
- EIDL loans over $25,000 were secured by business assets. Therefore, the potential borrower will need to address that with the SBA if approved for future loans by a bank.
- EIDL Loan eligibility determination and the next steps for requesting an increase.
A business' initial EIDL Loan eligibility amount was calculated based on its estimated economic injury (6 months operating margin of the business), with the following deductions: (1) any advance to which the owner may have been entitled ($10,000) and (2) any other compensation that the owner reported in the application. The result was the initial EIDL loan eligibility amount.
A business may request an increase to the loan amount up to 2 years after receiving the funds. That increase may be placed after a business has accepted its initial offer. The business may be required to submit documentation demonstrating that its economic injury was greater than reported in the initial application (such as 2019 revenue being greater than originally estimated).
The attached
SBA Form 3502
“Economic Injury Disaster Loan Supporting
I
nformation” may be helpful to complete as part of a request for an increase. The completed form will help move a request review along more quickly. Increase requests are processed in the order they are received.
For mo
re
information, visit the Ohio Small Business Development Center branch office website by clicking
here
.
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Have You Checked Out SharedWork Ohio?
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SharedWork Ohio
is a voluntary layoff aversion program. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. Under a SharedWork Ohio plan, the participating employer reduces affected employees’ hours in a uniform manner.
The participating employee works the reduced hours each week, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides eligible individuals an unemployment insurance benefit proportionate to their reduced hours.
Interested employers provide ODJFS with a list of participating employees and specify their normal weekly hours of work, not to exceed 40 hours and not including overtime. Part-time employees may be eligible, but all employees in an affected unit must have their hours reduced by the same reduction percentage. Reduction percentages must be at least 10 percent but no more than 50 percent of the normal weekly hours of work.
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6 Months of the Coronavirus Pandemic in the US — In 6 Minutes
From the
Business Insider
: "
Within the first 6 months of 2020, new information about the COVID-19 coronavirus has transformed everyday life in the United States. The government has shifted to recommending face masks in public, ramped up testing, and struggled with re-opening. Nevertheless, the number of cases is rising, with the United States hitting upwards of 60,000 new cases in a single day in July, according to Johns Hopkins data pulled July 8. Dr. Anthony Fauci has called the pandemic his 'worst nightmare,' saying, 'it isn't over yet.'"
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Trinity Launches Challenge To Encourage Masks
Join the Facebook challenge!
Trinity Health System
recently launched a new profile frame on their Facebook account to encourage mask wearing in public. The campaign is called “I Mask for you. Who do you mask for?” We are challenging you to add the frame to your profile picture, say who you mask for in the post, and tag those people to do the same on their profile. We need your help to spread this message across Facebook and to encourage our community to embrace the mask and slow the spread. Feel free to also share who you are masking for in the post on our Facebook page, too! Click
here
to download the "I Mask For You" icon to include in your posts.
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Updates from Ohio Governor DeWine's July 23rd Press Conference
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Below are the updates from yesterday’s press conference with Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Tuesday, July 28th at 2:00 PM. You may watch it locally on
WTOV9.
A statewide mask mandate for Ohio went into effect last evening at 6 p.m.The move comes as 1,527 coronavirus cases were reported in Ohio during the past 24 hours -- the 15th straight day of 1,000-plus cases in the state, and the third-highest daily number since the pandemic began. Masks will be required for people in indoor public places, in outdoor places where social-distancing can’t be maintained, and using public transportation. Exceptions will be made for those who are under the age of 10, have a medical condition, are playing sports, are eating or drinking, or who are speaking at a religious service.
Ohio’s COVID-19 case data:
- 75,819 confirmed cases
- 4,367 probable cases
- 80,186 total cases
- 9,968 hospitalizations
- 2,997 confirmed deaths
- 259 probable deaths
- 3,256 total deaths
- 2,403 ICU admissions
- 55,702 presumed recovered
More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard
HERE.
Governor DeWine announced that new public health data has led the Ohio Department of Health to designate 23 counties as being in a Red Alert Level 3 Public Emergency as defined by the Ohio Public Health Advisory System.
Upgraded to Level 3 (Red): Clark, Defiance, Erie, Hardin, Henry, Lawrence, Marion, and Medina
Continuing at Level 3 (Red): Athens, Allen*, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Lucas, Montgomery, Pickaway, Richland, Scioto, and Union
Downgraded to Level 2 (Orange): Butler, Lorain, Summit, and Wood
Detailed information on each Red Alert Level 3 county can be found on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System's website. Click here for an overview of the Ohio Public Health Advisory System's data sheet of all 88 Ohio counties.
Governor DeWine announced that the following order has been signed by Ohio Department of Health Interim Director Lance Himes: Director's Order for Facial Coverings Throughout the State of Ohio. Thank you to those who provided statements of support.
Following an outbreak at an Ohio long-term care facility in which more than two dozen residents and staff tested positive for COVID-19, Governor DeWine continued to encourage Ohioans to self-quarantine for 14-days after traveling to high-risk areas.
Lt. Governor Husted announced the next steps in OhioBroadband’s plans to expand broadband access across the state. Respondents to the RFI will need to provide the specific equipment they have available, number of units available, price, and amount of time it would take to implement an order. This RFI will be specific to K-12 plans and will be housed in a single location, giving every school district a chance to compare what is available and make the best decision for their district and their students.
Additionally, pending upcoming Controlling Board approval, schools can apply for a dollar to dollar matching grant program with the state for hotspots, in-home internet, and internet-enabled devices to students. This funding will be facilitated through the federal CARES Act and will total $50 million. Schools will have the flexibility to use the funding through a connectivity plan that makes the most sense for their student population and district.
Lt. Governor Husted also announced the launch of a new E-Permitting system through InnovateOhio and the Ohio Department of Transportation. The new system fulfills a goal outlined in the December 2019, Ohio Broadband Strategy, and replaces a paper-only right-of-way permitting system with an online process that is more convenient for permit requesters and is expected to reallocate 24,000 hours of labor per year.
Ohioans filed 30,138 initial jobless claims last week, according to statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported to the U.S. Dept. of Labor. Ohioans filed 423,672 continued jobless claims last week, which were 352,630 fewer than the peak earlier this year. Over the last 18 weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $5.5 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 757,000 Ohioans. Of the more than 1 million applications the agency has received, about 94% have been processed, with about 6% pending.
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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U.S. small Business Administration Disaster Customer Service
800.659.2955
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Member Morsels
Member Morsels are free and an easy, fast way to reach hundreds each week. It reaches the entire Chamber database each Friday - that's over 850 local business owners, managers and employees.
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.
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Remember Convenient Food Mart in Steubenville for amazing hot food for lunch, dinner or your next catered event. Click
here
for a printable menu for your home or office. And stop by to say "hi" to Lucy and her friendly, efficient crew. Located at 4332 Sunset Blvd. Phone (740) 632-5554 for information or to place your order.
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Shoe Sensation
is now open on Mall Drive in Steubenville! Celebrate its grand opening Friday, August 7th through Sunday, August 9th with drawings and prizes. Ten $100 gift cards will be given away! Scan the QR code at the door or in store for mystery discounts. Stop by and check out the great selection of back-to-school shoes, boots, summer sandals and more.
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The
Winter Drive-In
in Wintersville is featuring some great throw-back movies this weekend and next and is generously offering $4 admissions to Chamber members. Just present this newsletter or clip the ad above and present it at the ticket booth. This weekend's features are:
The Lost Boys, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Shrek, The Secret Life of Pets, The Rental and The Evil Dead. Shows start at dusk. Check out the drive-in's website and Facebook page for next week's listings. We'll see you at the drive-in!
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Eat, Drink & Be Local!
Remember to continue supporting our local, Chamber member food businesses. They are working hard to adapt to your needs to remain safely open. Click
here
for a printable listing.
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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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Despite Pandemic, Business As Usual at the Statehouse – Part II
The following is an article written by Ohio Chamber of Commerce Vice President, Government Affairs Keith Lake. This piece wraps-up the legislative session from January to July 2020. It appears in full in the July/August issue of Ohio Matters. This is the second part of a three-part series.
On March 15, then-Director of the Ohio Department of Health, Dr. Amy Acton, issued her order limiting restaurants and bars to carry out or delivery only. This was the first order directly impacting business operations in Ohio, but it was soon followed by other similar ones impacting other types of businesses. Finally, one week after the restaurant closing order, came Dr. Acton’s order directing all Ohioans to stay at home except to participate in what the order deemed “Essential Businesses or Operations.”
Anticipating that this order might, at some point, be forthcoming, the Ohio Chamber had been working with our members beforehand to figure out how such a plan might be workable.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
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Mask Requirements Across America: An Analysis and Interactive State Map
Masks have proven to be effective in minimizing the spread of COVID-19, and yet the recent debate and politicization of mask-wearing continue to threaten the reopening of our economy. In an attempt to curb a recent spike in cases, many governors have issued orders requiring masks to be worn in public. As is the case with many corona-related issues, guidance related to mask-wearing consists of a patchwork of rules across counties and states, which undermines consumer confidence and thus slows the recovery of economic activity.
Current State of Mask Requirements
Currently, approximately half of states require masks to be worn outside of the home, in public settings statewide. Most states define acceptable masks as “cloth face coverings.” Many ask that N95 and surgical masks be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders. Most states specify that a mask should “fit snuggly around your mouth and nose.” Most states don’t require a mask while when one is outside and able to consistently maintain a social distance of six feet with non-members of their family unit.
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:
A Social Media Survival Guide
by Melody Karle
A Social Media Survival Guide: How to Use the Most Popular Platforms and Protect Your Privacy
helps those who want to use social media but are not necessarily Web-savvy navigate the most popular networking sites available. Privacy and technical information about how social media platforms function are explained, so everyone can make informed decisions about how to connect online.
View this resource by clicking
here
.
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Today in History
Apollo 11 safely returns to Earth
- July 24, 1969 -
From History.com:
At 12:51 EDT on July 24, 1969, Apollo 11, the U.S. spacecraft that had taken the first astronauts to the surface of the moon, safely returned to Earth.
The American effort to send astronauts to the moon had its origins in a famous appeal President John F. Kennedy made to a special joint session of Congress on May 25, 1961: “I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth.”
Eight years later, on July 16, 1969, the world watched as Apollo 11 took off from Kennedy Space Center with astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin Jr., and Michael Collins aboard. After traveling 240,000 miles in 76 hours, Apollo 11 entered into a lunar orbit on July 19. The next day, at 1:46 p.m., the lunar module Eagle, manned by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, separated from the command module, where a third astronaut, Michael Collins, remained. Two hours later, the Eagle began its descent to the lunar surface, and at 4:18 p.m. the craft touched down on the southwestern edge of the Sea of Tranquility.
Armstrong immediately radioed to Mission Control in Houston a famous message: “The Eagle has landed.” At 10:39 p.m., five hours ahead of the original schedule, Armstrong opened the hatch of the lunar module. Seventeen minutes later, at 10:56 p.m., Armstrong spoke the following words to millions listening at home: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” A moment later, he stepped off the lunar module’s ladder, becoming the first human to walk on the surface of the moon.
Aldrin joined him on the moon’s surface at 11:11 p.m., and together they took photographs of the terrain, planted a U.S. flag, ran a few simple scientific tests, and spoke with President Richard M. Nixon via Houston. By 1:11 a.m. on July 21, both astronauts were back in the lunar module and the hatch was closed. The two men slept that night on the surface of the moon, and at 1:54 p.m. the Eagle began its ascent back to the command module. Among the items left on the surface of the moon was a plaque that read: “Here men from the planet Earth first set foot on the moon–July 1969 A.D–We came in peace for all mankind.” At 5:35 p.m., Armstrong and Aldrin successfully docked and rejoined Collins, and at 12:56 a.m. on July 22nd, Apollo 11 began its journey home, safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean at 12:51 p.m. on July 24.
There would be five more successful lunar landing missions, and one unplanned lunar swing-by, Apollo 13. The last men to walk on the moon, astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt of the Apollo 17 mission, left the lunar surface on December 14, 1972.
For more events that took place on
July 24th, please click
here
.
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-1,400,000 -
"
U.S. jobless claims for the week that ended Saturday totaled 1.4 million, the Labor Department said Thursday. That came in above the consensus economist estimate of 1.3 million. Thursday's report — which marked an increase over the prior period — snapped a 15-week streak of declines. It also brought total filings over an 18-week period to nearly 53 million. Continuing claims, the aggregate total of people receiving unemployment benefits, totaled 16.2 million for the week that ended July 11."
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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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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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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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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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