In The Kn
o
w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, July 31, 2020
|
|
Chamber Kicks Off Podcast Series
Get To Know Father David Pivonka, TOR, President of Franciscan University of Steubenville
|
The Chamber is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever podcast,
In Good Company.
Each monthly episode introduces a business or community leader who is impacting our area. Listeners will get to know them on both a business and personal level, learn more about their business or organization and hear their views about the future of our region.
The inaugural guest is the President of
Franciscan University of Steubenville
,
Father David Pivonka, TOR
. Learn how he "landed" in Steubenville, what the past few months have been like on campus as they have been maneuvering through the COVID situation, and what his goals are for the university's future. You'll also find out some fun and personal tidbits as we get to know a local leader who has lots of plans for one of Jefferson County's largest employers.
Beginning next week,
In Good Company
will be available on the Chamber website and via multiple online platforms for download and sharing. Watch your email and "In The Know" for details.
|
|
Important Updates From The Small Business Administration On Loan Programs
|
|
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
.
|
|
FACEBOOK SUPERSTAR!
Congratulations to Busy B Muffler in downtown Steubenville whose Facebook post on the Chamber's page recently reached 6,978 people! Read the post below or check out the Chamber's
Facebook page
and help us reach 7,000!
"Our members continue to show their community pride! Check out Robert Shook with Busy Bee Muffler in downtown Steubenville sporting his "We Are All Essential" t-shirt. Remember Busy Bee for mufflers, exhaust systems, custom exhaust and more. Bring an oil & filter package to them and they'll do the work for you! Located at 700 Market Street (near the Chamber offices!). Phone 740.283.3564."
|
|
Chamber Job Bank: Helping Connecting Employers To Quality Candidates
|
|
Help Us Grow Our Membership. It's easy, fast and free.
|
|
As the Chamber works to continue assisting its membership, it also has to look to the future and plan how to survive in a post-COVID scenario. The Chamber is solely funded through membership dues, event income and non-dues programs like Eblasts, sponsorships and website ads. It does not receive any federal, state or local financial support. With the future of many of our members uncertain, the future of the Chamber is as well.
In the coming weeks we will be reaching out to local businesses, organizations, churches, schools and individuals who are not currently members of our chamber and inviting them to join our team. Two things from you can help us in these efforts. First, if you have a testimonial or comment that you would allow us to share about how Chamber membership has benefited you and/or your business or organization, please send them to
my email address
. And secondly, if you know of someone whom you believe would benefit from membership in the Chamber but is not currently a member, please contact the Chamber offices to provide us with their contact information or simply forward this issue of "In The Know" on to them and they may click below for membership information.
The Chamber appreciates the support of each of you and looks forward to working together in the coming months, not just to survive, but to be stronger than ever.
|
|
Have You Checked Out SharedWork Ohio?
|
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.
|
|
"Let's Eat!" Continues To Keep You In The Know On Our Local Food & Drink Businesses.
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 the latest issue of "Let's Eat!."
|
|
How Billionaires Got $637 Billion Richer During The Pandemic
From the
Business Insider
: "
40 million Americans filed for unemployment during the pandemic, but billionaires saw their net worth increase by half a trillion dollars. This isn’t the first time billionaires have seen gains while others dealt with loss, and it tends to tie back to two things. First, the government disproportionately gives more aid to banks and corporations. Then, when the stock market bounces back, the unequal bailouts mean that the wealthy still have money on hand to invest and thus profit, while the middle and lower classes do not. Wealth-friendly tax laws and loopholes then keep those billionaires at the top. Knowing all of this, some are advocating for policies to help level the playing field and create change.
"
|
|
Updates from Ohio Governor DeWine's July 30th Press Conference
|
|
Below are the updates from yesterday’s press conference with Governor DeWine. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th at 2 p.m. You may watch it locally on
WTOV9.
Ohio’s COVID-19 case data is below:
- 84,862 confirmed cases
- 4,764 probable cases
- 89,626 total cases
- 10,678 hospitalizations
- 3,177 confirmed deaths
- 265 probable deaths
- 3,442 total deaths
- 2,534 ICU admissions
- 64,311 presumed recovered
More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard
HERE.
Remaining at Level 3 (Red): Allen, Cuyahoga, Erie, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Lucas, Henry, Lawrence, Marion, Medina, and Montgomery
Downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2 (Orange): Clark, Defiance, Hardin, Athens, Clermont, Delaware, Pickaway, Scioto, and Union
Downgraded from Level 3 to Level 1 (Yellow): Richland
There are no counties on Ohio’s Watch List
After seeing outbreaks associated with bars across Ohio, Governor DeWine announced that he has asked the Ohio Liquor Control Commission to call an emergency meeting to consider enacting a statewide emergency rule to limit liquor sales at establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption. The rule would prevent the sale of alcohol at these liquor-permitted establishments beginning at 10:00 p.m. each night. On-premises consumption must end by 11:00 p.m. Businesses may stay open, and establishments that sell food can continue serving meals until closing.
Separately, Governor DeWine is also asking the commission to raise the number of liquor and mixed drinks permitted to be purchased for carryout with a meal from two drinks to three drinks. The Ohio Liquor Control Commission will hold its emergency meeting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. If the emergency administrative rule is approved, Governor DeWine will sign an executive order making it effective tomorrow night.
Governor DeWine announced that Ohio will separate its mass gathering guidance into its own order. Mass gathering guidance was most recently referenced as part of other orders, and combining this information into a stand-alone order will allow citizens to easily find guidance on holding gatherings in a safe manner. Mass gatherings in Ohio remain limited to 10 people. The order will still permit Ohioans to go to work, worship, go to school, and acquire goods and services, however, this order will offer clear recommendations on safely holding gatherings.
Ohioans filed 27,937 initial jobless claims last week, according to statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported to the U.S. Department of Labor. This was 246,278 fewer than the peak earlier this year. Ohioans filed 423,452 continued jobless claims last week, which were 352,850 fewer than the peak earlier this year. Over the last 19 weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $5.7 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 764,000 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.
|
|
U.S. small Business Administration Disaster Customer Service
800.659.2955
|
|
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. And submit your Member Morsel by clicking the button below.
|
|
Special on Dermaplaning Facial
& 1-Hour Massage
Starting today, July 31st, and running through August 28th, 2020,
Be Spa LLC
will be offering a special package including a dermaplaning facial and a one-hour massage for just $149. Do a duo of relaxation!
For more information, please contact Jeannie Burkhead, Owner, or
Austin Steineman, Manager, at 304.224.1938 or you may reach them via email at
justbespa@gmail.com
. Be Spa is located at 241 Three Springs Drive in Weirton.
|
|
 |
Shoe Sensation
is now open on Mall Drive in Steubenville! Celebrate its grand opening next weekend, 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.
|
A big Chamber congratulations to Patriot Tap House LLC who celebrated its grand opening last week in style. They raised the American flag and the ceremonial ribbon was cut by proud owners, John Marker and Vanessa Colann as Chamber Ambassadors and local officials helped out. Best of luck to this new addition to the local business community and Chamber. Patriot Tap House is located at 111 Reichart Avenue in Wintersville. Phone 740.792.4141 for information or visit their
Facebook page
for details.
|
|
|
|
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:
Grease, Footloose, The Spongebob Movie: A Sponge Out Of Water, Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown, The Last House On The Left, The Evil Dead and The Rental. 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!
|
|
|
|
Don't forget to support our local farmers and spend your money near home by shopping at
both
Steubenville markets all summer long. The Gateway Market is held on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Eastern Gateway Community College and the Downtown Steubenville Market is held on Thursdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the corner of South 4th and South Streets.
For more information on the Gateway Market, visit the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District website at
www.jeffersonswcd.org
. For information on the downtown Steubenville Market, contact the Steubenville & Jefferson County Visitors Center at 740.283.4935 or visit
www.visitsteubenville.com.
|
|
Around the State. Around the Country.
Up-to-Date Information from the Ohio and United States Chamber of Commerce
|
|
Despite Pandemic, Business As Usual at the Statehouse – Part III
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.
As the number of coronavirus cases started to decline in mid-April – and with the economy in a dire state – the Ohio Chamber urged Gov. DeWine to begin reopening the economy as soon as possible. Members of the General Assembly began to push for this, as well, and the House created a 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force to learn from businesses how they might assist in Ohio’s economic recovery and to hear what kinds of obstacles businesses expected once they were able to fully open up again.
The Ohio Chamber provided the Task Force with an assessment of how COVID-19 was impacting business operations in Ohio and gave a preliminary overview of seven challenges our members anticipated when allowed to resume operations: 1) continued lack of cash flow; 2) lagging consumer confidence; 3) legal liability; 4) regulatory burdens; 5) ongoing supply chain disruptions; 6) workforce readiness; and 7) workplace safety protocols.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
|
|
How Technology Enables
Small Business
Small businesses are a cornerstone of the American economy, contributing $6 trillion in economic output and employing 85 million Americans. Unfortunately, small businesses are also heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with
one in five
closed either temporarily or permanently. With social distancing restrictions in place, small-business owners more than ever count on technology to reach consumers, market their products, and grow their business. Tech has been a critical lifeline for small businesses and consumers alike during the COVID-19 crisis.
Examining the use of digital platforms as a whole in the United States before the pandemic, the
national small business survey
finds that the use of digital platforms by small enterprises is ubiquitous:
- 84% of small enterprises are using at least one major digital platform to provide information to customers;
- 80% are using at least one major platform to show products and services, as well as to advertise;
- 79% are using digital tools to communicate with customers and suppliers; and
- 75% are using tech platforms for sales.
Read all articles in this series by clicking
here
.
|
|
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:
No Filter
by Sarah Frier
In this "sequel to
The Social Network
" (
The New York Times
), award-winning reporter Sarah Frier reveals the never-before-told story of how Instagram became the most culturally defining app of the decade. Frier draws on unprecedented access--from the founders of Instagram, as well as employees, executives, and competitors; Anna Wintour of
Vogue
; Kris Jenner of the Kardashian-Jenner empire; and a plethora of influencers worldwide--to show how Instagram has fundamentally changed the way we show, eat, travel, and communicate, all while fighting to preserve the values which contributed to the company's success.
View this resource by clicking
here
.
|
|
Today in History
Labor leader Jimmy Hoffa is reported missing
- July 31, 1975 -
From History.com:
On the morning of July 31, 1975,
James Riddle Hoffa
, one of the most influential American labor leaders of the 20th century, is officially reported missing after he failed to return home the previous night. Though he is popularly believed to have been the victim of a Mafia hit, conclusive evidence was never found and Hoffa’s fate remains a mystery.
Born in 1913 to a poor coal miner in Brazil,
Indiana
, Jimmy Hoffa proved a natural leader in his youth. At the age of 20, he helped organize a labor strike in Detroit, and remained an advocate for downtrodden workers for the rest of his life. Hoffa’s charisma and talents as a local organizer quickly got him noticed by the Teamsters and carried him upward through its ranks. Then a small but rapidly growing union, the Teamsters organized truckers across the country, and through the use of strikes, boycotts and some more powerful though less legal methods of protest, won contract demands on behalf of workers.
Hoffa became president of the Teamsters in 1957, when its former leader was imprisoned for bribery. As chief, Hoffa was lauded for his tireless work to expand the union, and for his unflagging devotion to even the organization’s least powerful members. His caring and approachability were captured in one of the more well-known quotes attributed to him: “You got a problem? Call me. Just pick up the phone.”
Hoffa’s dedication to the worker and his electrifying public speeches made him wildly popular, both among his fellow workers and the politicians and businessmen with whom he negotiated. Yet, for all the battles he fought and won on behalf of American drivers, he also had a dark side. In Hoffa’s time, many Teamster leaders partnered with the Mafia in racketeering, extortion and embezzlement. Hoffa himself had relationships with high-ranking mobsters, and was the target of several government investigations throughout the 1960s. In 1967, he was convicted of bribery and sentenced to 13 years in prison.
While in jail, Hoffa never ceded his office, and when Richard Nixon commuted his sentence in 1971, he was poised to make a comeback. Released on condition of not participating in union activities for 10 years, Hoffa was planning to fight the restriction in court when he disappeared on the afternoon of July 30, 1975, from the parking lot of a restaurant in Detroit, not far from where he got his start as a labor organizer. His family filed a missing persons report to the Bloomfield Township police the next day. Several conspiracy theories have been floated about Hoffa’s disappearance and the location of his remains, but the truth remains unknown.
For more events that took place on
July 31st, please click
here
.
|
|
-33%-
"
US gross domestic product fell at a record 33% annualized rate in the first quarter, the Commerce Department said on Thursday. Economists had forecast a 35% GDP contraction, reflecting the months when many US states were locked down to contain the spread of the coronavirus. While activity picked up again in May and June as states started to reopen, it wasn't enough to undo the damage of the lockdowns."
|
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
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Us
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
630 Market Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: 740.282.6226
Fax: 740.282.6285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
