In The Kn
o
w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, April 17, 2020
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SBA Local Applications No Longer Being Accepted
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The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance program are no longer accepting applications, as the programs have reached the maximum authorized amount. For questions regarding your existing application for these programs, please call the SBA Disaster Hotline at 1-800-659-2955 or email
DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov
. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Due to the lapse in appropriations, the SBA will have no legal authority to accept new Paycheck Protection Program loans or lender applications, and lenders will not be able to adjust loan amounts within the CAFS system. If you have questions about your PPP loan application, please contact your lender directly.
The Senate has introduced a $250 billion expansion to the small business stimulus program, but it has yet to be approved. We urge you to contact your Congressional representatives to express your concerns for more loan appropriations to meet the needs of small businesses. Please note that
Independent Contractors
are eligible for unemployment assistance under the
CARES
act
.
The extension includes self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig, and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of temporary business closures to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Small Business Administration Disaster Customer Service
800.659.2955
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Free Webinar sponsored by the
Ohio Chamber of Commerce:
COVID-19 and the CARES Act:
How Does It Affect Ohio Taxpayers?
Monday, April 20th, 11 a.m. to Noon
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To watch today's updateGovernor DeWine's today at 2 p.m., please click
here.
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Releases Guide to Help Tens of Millions of Independent Contractors Secure CARES Act Funding
April 16, 2020 - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today released a new guide to help independent contractors and self-employed individuals secure funding under the CARES Act. The guide, which was prepared after the Small Business Administration provided new guidance on Tuesday, is intended to assist millions of independent contractors including accountants, construction workers, musicians, real-estate agents, freelance writers, and gig workers. The guide provides step-by-step assistance to help individuals understand eligibility requirements, borrowing limits, and appropriate use of funds under the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. It also outlines the steps required to apply for Unemployment Compensation under a special program created by the CARES Act.
The guide for independent contractors and self-employed individuals is available at
uschamber.com/ICguide
. “No self-employed individual, independent contractor or their families should go bankrupt because of the economic fallout from the coronavirus,” said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “This guide will help our nation’s independent contractors across a wide spectrum of industries secure the funding they need to support themselves and their families during this difficult time.”
According to IRS data from 2016, nearly 23 million Americans earn wages as independent contractors working either part or full-time. Of those 23 million independent contractors, less than 2 million (8.6%) earn wages as part of the on-demand economy.
To help illustrate the depth and breadth of the nation’s independent workforce, the Chamber has posted
data visualizations on a state-by-state and industry basis
. The interactive map shows both the number of independent contractors in each state and the number of independent contractors in each state that work through online or app-enabled platforms in addition to the top 20 industries for independent contractors.
Not surprisingly, the most populous states of California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois topped the list in terms of the most independent contractors per state, but it also showed that 13 states have more than 500,000 people working as independent contractors and 38 states have at least 100,000 independent workers.
Further, the dataset shows the top five independent contractor industries:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Other services
- Real estate, rental, and leasing
- Health care and social assistance
- Construction
“Twenty-three million American support themselves and their families through work as an independent contractor. Whether it is in construction or real-estate, delivery services or entertainment, or the hundreds of other independent contractor occupations, these individuals are a critical element of our economy. We are pleased that Congress included support for them in the CARES Act,” Bradley said.
Paycheck Protection Act Funding
Beginning on April 7, independent contractors receiving 1099-MISC forms and self-employed individuals were eligible to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program loan as part of the $2 trillion CARES Act. While these loans are potentially 100% forgivable, loan commitments have reportedly reached the maximum total of $349 billion available in the Paycheck Protection Program. Earlier today, the Chamber
urged
congressional leaders to restore this needed CARES Act funding.
“Today’s tragic and staggering unemployment figures underscore the dire need for bridge funding to keep more Americans on the job and more businesses afloat during the coronavirus economic crisis,” Bradley said. “There is absolutely no excuse for failing to get these funds approved immediately. American small businesses, self-employed workers, and independent contractors need and expect the type of bipartisan cooperation that led to the CARES Act to solve this immediate crisis.”
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This Week's Featured Videos
"We're Open for Business" & Our "Stay Safe" Commercial
Brought to you by Encino Energy.
Kudos to our local businesses who have gone to amazing lengths the past few weeks to be safe, generous, innovative, strong, flexible, patient and resilient. The Chamber salutes you, your employees, and your families. Please enjoy these two new videos. The first highlights just a few of the many essential businesses who are still open and the second is the Chamber's new commercial that will be featured on
WTOV9
in the coming weeks. A big thank you to Brad Degenkolb from the
Holiday Inn of Weirton
for providing the voice over and to
Pierce Media
for their time and efforts on the video side.
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Launches Fund with Vistaprint to Support Small Business Recovery in Economically Vulnerable Communities. T
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
, with founding partner Vistaprint, has launched the Save Small Business Fund, a grant program to provide assistance to small businesses owners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the Foundation will distribute $5,000 grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities in the United States and its territories.
“Small business owners are facing unprecedented challenges. The needs are urgent and every dollar counts,” said Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “While the demand is great, we’re proud to be able to contribute to the many efforts underway to help small employers get through the next days and weeks and on the road to recovery for their communities.”
The Save Small Business Fund is part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Save Small Business Initiative — a nationwide program to address small businesses’ immediate needs, mitigate closures and job losses, and mobilize support for long-term recovery. The Foundation is launching the fund with support from founding partner, Vistaprint, and additional donations from supporting partners, Merck, S&P Global Foundation, and Travelers.
“Small businesses are the soul of every community, and right now our communities are facing hardship,” says Vistaprint CEO Robert Keane. “I started Vistaprint out of my apartment 25 years ago and I know firsthand how hard it is for small business owners. I have been – and continue to be – amazed by their passion, resilience and ability to persevere through change. As a champion and marketing partner for small businesses, Vistaprint is there when the challenges hit, and we are doing all we can to help them stay in business. We are proud to be partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to provide a lifeline during this time.”
Grant applications open on April 20, 2020. To qualify, applicants must employ between three and 20 people, be located in an economically vulnerable community, and have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be awarded weekly on a rapid and rolling basis until all funds have been disbursed.
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Employment Information for Local Businesses & Job Seekers:
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CURRENT OHIO DATA:
There are 7,628 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, 346 confirmed deaths, and 361 total deaths. A total of 2,237 people have been hospitalized, including 677 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting
coronavirus.ohio.gov
. For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit
coronavirus.ohio.gov
or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
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CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES WHEN POSSIBLE.
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If you are listed on one of these resource pages and would like to update your information, please email Tricia Maple-Damewood at the address below and put, "Business Information Update" in the subject line. We will update each document at least weekly.
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Two New Chamber Programs Launched This Week.
Looking for volunteers & participation to help our small businesses.
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Now more than ever, our small businesses need to promote themselves. Whether it's updating their website, making sure their Google listing is accurate or creating a catchy marketing piece, it's crucial that they are getting the word out and informing the public about what they sell.
The Chamber's "Small Business Assistance Team" will help get this done. The members of this team will include business professionals, educators, students and anyone with a bit of free time and a passion for marketing. We will work (remotely for now) to put together affordable, sometimes free, ways to help get websites up and tweaked, social media posts created, marketing materials and signage done and more. Many of our local, member ad agencies have already provided information on packages and services that we will be getting out to members beginning next week.
This is a also great opportunity for high school and college students to gain experience, become engaged in the local business community and assist their local chamber of commerce. Not to mention that it would be a great addition to a resume or college application. It's also a way for any business or education professional who has a little time and talent to help as well. If you or someone you know is interested in helping - any amount of time is appreciated - please email Tricia Maple-Damewood at the address below with the subject line, "Small Business Assistance Team." We already have two local students on board but need many more to make this work.
Also, beginning in next week's "In The Know", we'll be featuring the
"Chamber Exchange"
section. Businesses and organizations may submit a brief online form to list either something they would like to donate or something they are in need - all at no charge. Think office supplies, equipment or furniture, food items (non-perishable, unopened), an hour of professional consulting in your area of expertise, items that would make good door prizes, etc. It's a great way to help a fellow member with very little effort. Click here for more information or to submit your listing.
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Certificates of Origin Now Being Processed
At Chamber
If you are a local manufacturer or shipper or are working remotely from home in these industries and need certificates of origin processed, please contact the Chamber for assistance. We offer discounted prices for Chamber member businesses and our offices are open Monday through Friday.
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Send Us Your Event Dates!
Chamber Working On Updated Events Calendar
Many of our member businesses and organizations have had to cancel their fundraisers and events due to the current stay-at-home health directives. To help ensure the success of these events, as they are
re-scheduled, the Chamber is compiling a calendar to help prevent the overlap of dates. If you are planning your annual dinner, fundraiser, golf outing, festival or other major event, please send the dates and other relevant information to board member, Chris Orris, from
Valley Hospice, Inc
. at
Corris@valleyhospice.org.
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HELP US REACH OUR FACEBOOK GOAL!
The Chamber's Facebook page has become a great way to spread the word about our members in the past few weeks and to keep you informed. We have already added over 250 new followers in the past 30 days, thanks to all of you. Please help us hit our goal of 2,000! And send the Chamber an invitation to like your page. We have been working hard to get to all of our members but that helps us get there faster. Click
here
to visit our page.
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Modern Marketing 101:
5 Digital Marketing Trends to Focus On During the COVID-19 Pandemic
SocialMediaToday
comes through again with a highly informative article designed to help you focus your social media marketing on five key areas that are proving relevant during this crisis. Writes Nancy Kapoor: "...[W]hile the human impact of the crisis cannot be overstated, for those that are able, minimizing the economic impact through the available means could be the difference between staying afloat or going under, and suffering massive financial burden as a result."
Find out more
here
.
From last week:
From
SocialMediaToday
, Adina Jipa observes: "When a major crisis impacts your operations, brands are forced to re-think their marketing strategies, and the ways in which they communicate with their audiences on social media." Find out what brands are saying and how they're addressing this pandemic by clicking
here
.
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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Member Morsels
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.
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We Offer You...Escape!
However, we are still going strong over on the
Cloak & Dagger On the Air
podcast feed. Check out our most recent episode, "Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden," by clicking
here
or
here
.
You can keep up with our latest programs by following our Facebook page
here
.
Thank you for checking us out, and please tell your friends and family about
Cloak & Dagger On the Air
!
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Join The Planet Fitness “United We Move” Program.
At
Planet Fitness
, we know staying active is more important now than ever before. So, we're providing daily at-home “work-INs” free for everyone (you don’t have to be a member), live-streamed on the Planet Fitness Facebook page at 7pm Eastern time. No equipment needed - all you need is you.
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Maryland Market Open For Business
With Fresh Cut Meats & More!
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Maryland Market, located at 1421 Maryland Avenue in Steubenville reminds you that they are an essential business that remains open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. They feature delicious hots foods and meals to go in addition to having a fully stocked meat section with pork chops, steaks, chicken and more. Phone 740.282-3781 for more information.
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Good News about Ohio Census Response Rate!
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This week, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that 49.1% of households nationwide have responded to the 2020 Census, and Ohio is doing incredibly well. Our total self-response rate is 52.6%, while on the Internet, it's 45.7%. You can view the interactive map
here
.
The map is updated daily around 3 p.m. for everyone to see the response rate in their area and compare it to other areas across the nation. The map also shows the comparable response rate from the 2010 Census for each geographic region.
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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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U.S. EPA Recommends Maintaining the Current National Particulate Matter Standards
On April 14, after the 5-year National Ambient Air Quality Standards review, the U.S. EPA announced that they will maintain existing National Particulate Matter (PM) Standards. EPA stated that “the existing standards are protective of clean air, human health and the environment.”
As required by the Clean Air Act, the EPA must set national standards for six “criteria pollutants,” which includes particulate matter (PM). PM refers to a wide range of particles such as dust, soot and smoke, just to name a few. These air pollutants are then further broken down into two categories: fine PM and coarse PM. The EPA is mandated to evaluate PM standards periodically and revise them if they are not consistent with protecting the public health and welfare.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
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Tracker: How Businesses Are Accelerating Production of Critical Medical Supplies to Combat the Coronavirus
The American business community is stepping up to combat the coronavirus — from developing life-saving antivirals to manufacturing essential products to providing critical services that keep Americans safe.
As demand surges for supplies like ventilators, personal protective gear, hand sanitizer and more, businesses large and small are going to extraordinary lengths — some ramping up production of products they already make, while others are shifting their production to start making supplies they've never before manufactured.
See below for some of the many examples.
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:
The Power of Agency
e-book and e-audiobook
by Paul Napper
Introducing
The Power of Agency: The 7 Principles to Conquer Obstacles, Make Effective Decisions, and Create a Life on Your Own Terms
, a science-backed approach to living life on your own terms. Agency is the ability to act as an effective agent for yourself--reflecting, making creative choices, and constructing a meaningful life. Grounded in extensive psychological research,
The Power of Agency
gives you the tools to help alleviate anxiety, manage competing demands and help you live your version of success.
Renowned psychology experts Paul Napper and Anthony Rao will help you break through your state of overwhelm by showing you how to access your personal agency with seven empowering principles: control stimuli, associate selectively, move, position yourself as a learner, manage your emotions and beliefs, check your intuition, deliberate and then act.
Featuring stories of people who have successfully applied these principles to improve their lives,
The Power of Agency
will give you the insights and skills to build your confidence, conquer challenges, and live more authentically.
View this resource by clicking
here
.
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Today in History
Ford Mustang debuts at World's Fair
- April 17, 1964 -
From History.com:
The Ford Mustang is officially unveiled by Henry Ford II at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York, on April 17, 1964. That same day, the new car also debuted in Ford showrooms across America and almost 22,000 Mustangs were immediately snapped up by buyers.
Named for a World War II fighter plane, the Mustang was the first of a type of vehicle that came to be known as a “pony car.” Ford sold more than 400,000 Mustangs within its first year of production, far exceeding sales expectations.
The Mustang was conceived as a “working man’s Thunderbird,” according to Ford. The first models featured a long hood and short rear deck and carried a starting price tag of around $2,300. Ford general manager Lee Iacocca, who became president of the company in October 1964 (and later headed up Chrysler, which he was credited with reviving in the 1980s) was involved in the Mustang’s development and marketing.
The car’s launch generated great interest. It was featured on the covers of Newsweek and Time magazines and the night before it went on sale, the Mustang was featured in commercials that ran simultaneously on all three major television networks. One buyer in Texas reportedly slept at a Ford showroom until his check cleared and he could drive his new Mustang home.
The same year it debuted, the Mustang appeared on the silver screen in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger.” A green 1968 Mustang 390 GT was famously featured in the 1968 Steve McQueen movie “Bullitt,” in a car chase through the streets of San Francisco. Since then, Mustangs have appeared in hundreds of movies.
Within three years of its debut, some 500 Mustang fan clubs had cropped up.
In March 1966, the 1 millionth Mustang rolled off the assembly line. In honor of the Mustang’s 35th anniversary in 1999, the U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp commemorating the original model.
In 2004, Ford built its 300 millionth car, a 2004 Mustang GT convertible 40th anniversary model. Over the decades, the Mustang underwent numerous evolutions, and it remains in production today.
For more events that took place on
April 17th, please click
here
.
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- 22,003,000 -
"
COVID-19 has wiped out all US job gains since the Great Recession: Another 5.2 million Americans have filed for unemployment, bringing the 4-week total past 22 million.
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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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