In The Know
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, December 18, 2020
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Chamber! |
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This is the final issue of In The Know for 2020. It has been a trying and challenging year for everyone, one that we never would have imagined at this time last year.
The determination, patience, and resourcefulness of the local business community in 2020 is to be applauded. You rallied and persevered, exercising the entrepreneurial muscle needed to survive in a harsh and ever-changing environment.
No one knows what's in store for 2021, but I'm confident that we will continue to learn, grow, and connect. And maybe we all will have gained something from our challenges - better perspective, an appreciation for the small things, more humility or just the comfort of feeling like you were part of a community who could lean on each other.
May you and your family have a joyful and safe holiday season. If you have lost someone this year, as many have, please know that our thoughts are with you and we hope you find peace in knowing that family, friends and fellow members share in your loss.
Happy Holidays,
Tricia Maple-Damewood
Chamber President
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The Chamber offices will be closed from Thursday, December 24th
to Monday, January 4th, 2021.
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This Week's Featured Video
A Christmas Song for You
Prepare to dance...or at least tap your toes!
With Christmas just a week away, we decided to forego our usual business/motivational-oriented video and present this special performance of the Christmas classic, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), by Darlene Love. For decades, Love appeared on David Letterman's talk shows every Christmas to perform a show-stopping rendition of her 1963 single. We hope you enjoy her final performance on his show from 2014, and we hope it gets you in the mood for the wonder and joy of the holiday season.
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In Memory of Eleanor Naylor |
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Eleanor Ruth Naylor passed away at home on the evening of December 11th, 2020. She will be remembered as a friend and mentor by members of the numerous local boards on which she served. She worked at the family business, Barium and Chemicals, Inc., until well into her 80’s and was the first female Board Chair of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Naylor served as an example to many, especially female business professionals. She was hard-working, assertive, compassionate and always enjoyed a good laugh. She will be sadly missed and the Chamber family extends its condolences to the Naylor family and all employees at Barium & Chemicals, Inc.
To read the obituary in full, please click here.
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Covid Defense Team Asks Businesses & Schools To Spread the Word
At its weekly meeting yesterday, the Jefferson County Covid Defense Team discussed expanded ways to continue spreading unified safety messages throughout the community, including the use of digital and electronic signage. Local businesses, schools, and organizations with these resources are asked to participate by posting messages such as, "Wear A Mask," "Practice Social Distancing" and "#CovidStopsWithYou."
Also, as a part of this team's goals, community members and businesses may submit a question via an online form that will be addressed by the group at its next weekly meeting. Click below to submit. And watch your email, the Chamber website and Facebook page, and the Jefferson County General Health District's website and Facebook page to stay informed.
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The New "Ohio Valley Shop Where I Live" Website
Gift Cards, Holiday Ideas & More
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The Chamber recently launched its "Ohio Valley Shop Where I Live" website featuring an online shopping platform that is easy to use, free, and effective for local member businesses. It's a great resource for businesses in need of an online selling platform and also for shoppers who want to support our local businesses this holiday and beyoned.
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2020-2021 Shop Where I Live Sponsors: |
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Chamber's Holiday Ornament Sale Is Back.
And they're going fast....
The Chamber is excited to announce the return of their popular Christmas ornament sale. Ornaments may be purchased at the Chamber offices or via phone at 740.282.6226. The price is just $10 per ornament for those picked up and $12 if you would like them shipped. A personal holiday message is included, free of charge, for all shipped orders.
The design features all of the cities and villages in Jefferson County on a clear, acrylic ornament and a bright red ribbon for hanging. Manufactured locally by Nelson's Fine Arts, these ornaments make a great gift and show your support of the local community and the Chamber.
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2021 Membership Directory & Community Guide Coming This Spring
A new look, virtual format and great advertising opportunities
The Chamber's first-ever virtual membership directory & community guide is in the works and will serve many purposes when it goes live in the spring of 2021. The new, interactive version includes ads in the digital GoGuide® that are linked to your website, giving readers one-click access to your business. In addition, advertisers may change out their ad through the year at no charge. This is ideal for businesses and organizations that have seasonal products, special events, or fundraisers to promote. 1,000 hard copy issues will also be printed and distributed at area hotels and throughout the chamber offices to people visiting, new residents, or prospective businesses considering Jefferson County as their home.
You may receive phone calls or emails in the coming weeks from representatives from Lunar Cow, who is partnering with the Chamber on this project.
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Below are the updates from Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor’s latest press conference. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Monday, December 21st at 2:00 PM. You may view it on the WTOV9 website.
Below are the updates from Governor DeWine’s press conference. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Monday, December 21st at 2:00 PM.
Here’s the news:
- Ohio’s COVID-19 case data is below:
- 542,686 confirmed cases
- 53,492 probable cases
- 596,178 total cases
- 33,745 hospitalizations
- 7,241 confirmed deaths
- 653 probable deaths
- 7,894 total deaths
- 5,382 ICU admissions
- 426,525 presumed recovered
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More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard HERE.
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Governor DeWine released Ohio's updated Public Health Advisory System map: This week’s data shows sustained severe exposure and spread (Purple Level 4) in Richland County. Medina, Portage, Stark, and Summit counties all moved from Purple Level 4 to Red Level 3 this week. Governor DeWine cautioned that a decrease from Level 4 to Level 3 does not indicate that the situation in these counties is improving, but rather that healthcare indicators, such as hospitalizations, are plateauing at a very critical level.
- Today, as part of the federal program to vaccinate nursing home residents and staff, facilities in Ohio will be among the first in the nation to receive vaccines through Walgreen’s, CVS, PharmScript, and Absolute Pharmacy. Ohio was invited by the CDC to participate in the scaling up of the federal program.
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CALL TO ACTION: Governor DeWine unveiled a new public service announcement featuring four of Ohio's frontline nurses. The nurses describe what it’s like taking care of COVID patients in Ohio's hospitals. Please help amplify this important message by sharing with your networks.
- Attached are the slides that Governor DeWine used during today’s press conference.
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As part of the Administration’s efforts to continue sharing information about COVID-19, our team has created several “Coalition Communication Fact Sheets” for industries, including: agriculture, healthcare, philanthropy, higher-ed, k-12 education, faith based, business, tourism and arts, law enforcement, and local government. These documents will be updated each week and include helpful talking points, sample social media posts, resources, updated COVID data, etc. If you would like to regularly receive any of these documents, please let me know
- Ohioans filed 38,327 initial and 274,658 continued jobless claims last week, according to statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported to the U.S. Dept. of Labor today. In addition, 262,514 Ohioans received Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) last week.
- Over the last 39 weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $7.5 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 868,000 Ohioans. In addition, ODJFS has issued more than $7.4 billion in PUA payments to more than 756,000 Ohioans.
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Ohioans can 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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The Chamber Job Bank: Check Out Our Latest Job Openings |
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CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL EATERIES, BREW PUBS, BAKERIES, AND WINERIES.
As the Ohio Valley continues to reopen safely, remember to continue supporting our local, Chamber member food businesses. They are working hard to adapt to your needs and come back from months of restrictions and limitations. Click here for the latest issue of "Let's Eat!"
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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. Submit your Member Morsel by clicking the button below.
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Your best friend needs our best coverage, so give him the health plan he deserves.
Your dog isn't just a companion. He is more like a family member, always ready to lend an ear or an affectionate snuggle. At State Farm, we understand how connected you feel, so we're teaming up with Trupanion to give your furry friend the health coverage they deserve. You can rest easy knowing your dog is covered. There are no payout limits for life. You can choose any vet, and Trupanion can pay them directly. Finally, you choose your own deductible.
For more information, please contact Toni Moreland at 740-537-9500 or email her here. For a downloadable flyer with more information, please click here.
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Snack Brothers, Inc.
Now Selling Paper Products
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Long-time Chamber member, Snack Brothers, Inc., recently added paper products and beverage supplies for your business to its product list. From trash can liners and paper towels to cups, cutlery, coffee, creamer and more, they can conveniently deliver right to your door. Call 740.598.4161 for more information or click below for a printable product and price list. |
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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 Senate Advances Legislation to Improve the Buckeye State’s Legal Climate
In one of its last remaining sessions of 2020, the Ohio Senate advanced two pieces of legislation that will positively impact the legal climate Ohio employers operate in. The bills – HB 251 and SB 243 – were both supported by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce because they give employers more certainty about their legal obligations.
In HB 251, the statutes of limitation for written and oral contracts are lowered to better align with the limitation statutes in other states. Under the bill, claims alleging breach of a written contract must commence within six years, while claims alleging breach of an oral contract must be brought within four years.
As opposed to current law, which gives parties eight years to file a claim under a written contract and six years for an oral contract.
Shrinking the statute of limitation for both written and oral contracts is important because no matter how satisfactory a party’s contractual performance may have been, they must account for potential litigation since the other party retains the right to file a contract claim throughout the statutory period.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking here.
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Small Business Owners Still Feel Pain of Pandemic and Fear More to Come
Small businesses anticipate the worst of the pandemic is still ahead according to the Q4 2020 MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index (SBI). The poll, released this week, also finds that half (50%) of small businesses see operating for a year or less in the current business climate before having to permanently close.
Amid a new surge in cases across the nation, most (62%) small businesses fear that the worst is still to come from the pandemic’s economic impact and three-quarters (74%) of all small business owners say they need further government assistance to weather the storm. That percentage increases to 83% when looking at minority-owned businesses.
Only four in 10 (40%) of all small business owners believe their business can continue to operate indefinitely without having to shut down permanently.
“The impact of coronavirus continues to take a devastating toll on America’s small businesses. In fact, half of them say they can operate for a year or less before closing permanently,” said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Read the article in its entirety 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. With each week of "In The Know,"
you to a business book or magazine that will inspire, teach, inform, or elevate you, professionally and personally. This week:
The Silent Language of Leaders
by Carol Kinsey Goman
The Silent Language of Leadership: How Body Language Can Help-Or Hurt-How You Lead, Carol Kinsey Goman explains that personal space, physical gestures, posture, facial expressions, and eye contact communicate louder than words and, thus, can be used strategically to help leaders manage, motivate, lead global teams, and communicate clearly in the digital age. Drawing on compelling psychological and neuroscience research, she shows leaders how to adjust their body language for maximum effect and offers advice for global business leaders.
View this resource by clicking here.
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Today in History
The Tokens earn a #1 hit with
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
- December 18, 1961 -
From History.com: The song that topped the Billboard pop chart on December 18, 1961, was an instant classic that went on to become one of the most successful pop songs of all time, yet its true originator saw only a tiny fraction of the song’s enormous profits.
The story begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, where in 1938, a group of Zulu singers and dancers called Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds stepped into the first recording studio ever set up in sub-Saharan Africa and recorded a song called “Mbube”—Zulu for “the lion.” “Mbube” was a regional hit, and it helped make Solomon Linda into a South African star.
But the story might have ended there had a copy of the record not made its way to New York City in the early 1950s, where it was saved from the slush pile at Decca Records by the legendary folklorist Alan Lomax. Without actually hearing any of the records in a box sent from Africa, Lomax thought a friend of his might be interested in the box’s contents. That friend was the folksinger Pete Seeger.
Unable to understand the lyrics of “Mbube,” Seeger transcribed the central chant as “Wimoweh,” and that became the name of the song as recorded by the Weavers and released in early 1952, just as the group was about to be blacklisted thanks to the McCarthy hearings.
Eventually, Jay Siegel, the teenage lead singer of the Tokens, would hear and fall in love with “Wimoweh” through the Kingston Trio’s cover version of the Weavers’ song.
The Tokens’ label commissioned English-language lyrics for the song, which was re-titled “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and went on to become not just a #1 song on this day in 1961, but one of the most-covered, most successful pop songs of all time.
In an article for Rolling Stone magazine in 2000, South African journalist Rian Malan followed both the music and the money associated with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” exposing the sequence of business arrangements that ended up making millions for a handful of prominent U.S. music publishers while yielding only a $1,000 personal check from Pete Seeger to Solomon Linda during Linda’s lifetime.
Because his composition was treated as public-domain “folk” material by Seeger and by the subsequent writer of the English-language lyrics in the Tokens’ version, Linda never participated in the royalty stream generated by either “Wimoweh” or “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
And prior to reaching an undisclosed settlement in 2006, his heirs received only a tiny fraction of the millions of dollars they might have been due had Linda retained his songwriting credit on what Malan rightly calls “The most famous melody ever to emerge from Africa.”
For more events that took place on
December 18th, please click here.
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Did You Know?
It's a Wonderful Life bombed at the box office, but a copyright lapse aided its popularity.
Though it has become a quintessential American classic, It’s a Wonderful Life was not an immediate hit with audiences. In fact, it put director Frank Capra $525,000 in the hole, which left him scrambling to finance his production company’s next picture, State of the Union.
Though it didn’t make much of a dent at the box office, It’s a Wonderful Life found a whole new life on television—particularly when its copyright lapsed in 1974, making it available royalty-free to anyone who wanted to show it for the next 20 years. (Which would explain why it was on television all the time during the holiday season.) The free-for-all ended in 1994.
It's a Wonderful Life can be seen next Thursday, December 24th, at 8 p.m. on NBC affiliate WTOV 9.
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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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Hannah Ward
Administrative Assistant
Contact Hannah with changes to your membership information, questions regarding events or programs, or assistance with scheduling an Eblast or Member Morsel.
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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 related to Chamber membership.
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Craig Cribbs, Reso, Inc.
Billing Support
740-275-4940
Contact Craig with invoice or billing questions and to make a dues, event or sponsorship payment.
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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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