In The Know
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, January 8, 2021
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This Week's Featured Video
More Money Is Flowing Into Green Energy Than Ever Before. Here’s Why.
From the Wall Street Journal: "Investors have been pouring more money than ever into renewable energies such as solar and wind. WSJ looks at how the pandemic, lower energy costs and global politics have driven the rally–and whether it can last."
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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 throughout 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 will be contacted in the coming weeks by representatives from Lunar Cow Publishing, who is partnering with the Chamber on this project. They have a long history of providing great products and services to chambers of commerce nationwide and their friendly, knowledgeable staff is happy to help.
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New Businesses Keep On Breaking Records
COLUMBUS – In November, 12,181 new business filings were submitted to the Ohio Secretary of State Business Services Division. Ohioans have submitted a total of 157,338 new business filings this year [2020] versus last year’s record of 130,621 total new filings.
“We all have heard ‘when one door closes, another one opens’ -- and with so many businesses suffering right now, we have seen Ohioans embrace new opportunities in record numbers to serve their communities,” said Secretary of State Frank LaRose. “In these final days of the holiday season, search out local businesses in your community so you can help your neighbors grow their version of the American dream.”
[November's] new filings are a 47% increase from November 2019.
Those looking to start a new business should take advantage of quick-and-easy online filing through Ohio Business Central by visiting OhioBusinessCentral.gov.
NOTE: New business filings are classified as forms filed with the Ohio Secretary of State that declare the formation of a business entity, including for-profit, non-profit and professional corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships. Filing as a business in Ohio does not guarantee the company will begin operations, be profitable or create jobs.
EDITOR'S QUICK FACTS:
- 12,181 new businesses were created in Ohio in November 2020.
- New business filings were 47% higher than in November 2019 (8,278).
- Total new business filings in 2020 have reached 157,338, beating 2019’s record total of 130,621.
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Ohio entrepreneurs can visit OhioSoS.gov/BusinessResources to discover the helpful opportunities available to them that can help them start and grow their business.
Press release provided by the Ohio Secretary of State's office.
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Be a Part of the Jefferson County Health District's Campaign: We Need You! |
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As the Chamber continues to partner with the Jefferson County General Health District to help our community and local businesses move through the Covid pandemic, we are happy to announce a new campaign aimed at reiterating the importance of the safety protocols that are in place.
We are asking that your business, school, or organization utilize the Health Department's new artwork on your electronic or digital signage for the remainder of January. This graphic is from the health department's current billboard campaign that can be seen throughout the area. Click here to see a photo of the Apollo Professional Cleaning & Restoration sign outside of their offices that is already up so you may see how impactful this would be.
In addition, for those without digital signage, please use the artwork and/or message on your social media platforms, in your television, print or radio advertising, in correspondence to your customers or members or by hanging a sign, available from the Chamber, in your business window.
Help us spread the word and create a unified voice throughout Jefferson County and beyond. Send us your photos of how you are participating in this campaign so that we can share them. And please continue to support the Jefferson County General Health District, Trinity Health System, our first responders, local business owners, and others who are working through this crisis every day.
Click here to download and/or print the graphic. To have a door sign mailed or dropped off, please call the Chamber offices at 740.282.6226.
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Updates & Resources To Start The Year Including Safe Restaurant Guide
Please see below for recent updates and information that may be helpful. The Chamber will continue to pass along important local, state, and federal information as we receive it. Please let us know if there is something you would like to see that we are not currently providing.
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The New "Ohio Valley Shop Where I Live" Website
Encino Energy Comes On Board As New Sponsor!
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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. It's also ideal for non profits and schools who may use it to sell tickets, accept donations or provide downloadable coupons.
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2020-2021 Shop Where I Live Sponsors: |
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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 Tuesday, January 12th, at 2:00 p.m. You may view it on the WTOV9 website.
- Ohio’s COVID-19 case data:
- 670,586 confirmed cases
- 82,482 probable cases
- 753,068 total cases
- 40,469 hospitalizations
- 8,522 confirmed deaths
- 940 probable deaths
- 9,462 total deaths
- 6,092 ICU admissions
- 613,418 presumed recovered
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More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard HERE.
- Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted shared additional comments regarding yesterday’s events at the United States Capitol. Governor DeWine said, “yesterday’s actions were shameful, and all Americans need to denounce these acts. It is time we all accept the election results, and the will of the People. We need to come together as a People, and we need to work together.”
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All 88 counties have a level of spread that is at least three times more than what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers high incidence. A county-by-county breakdown outlining the presence of COVID-19 in all of Ohio's 88 counties can be found on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System's website.
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Governor DeWine announced those in Phase 1B will be able to receive vaccinations beginning on Tuesday, January 19. Those 80 years of age and older will be prioritized first in this next phase, roughly totaling 420,000 Ohioans. Ohio is expected to receive 100,000 doses during the first week of distribution to Phase 1B.
- Vaccines for Ohioans 80 years of age and older will be administered by physicians, local health departments, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, in-home health service providers, and some retail pharmacies. As of today, the Ohio Department of Health has approximately 1,700 providers registered to distribute vaccines.
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Governor DeWine anticipates vaccinations will be available to Ohioans 75 years of age and older beginning Monday, January 25. The following week, vaccinations will be available to those 65 years of age and older.
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The week of January 25 will also include vaccinations for Ohioans with severe congenital, developmental, or early onset medical disorders. Additional details about distribution for this group will be forthcoming.
- During the week of February 1, Governor DeWine announced that vaccinations will be available for personnel in Ohio schools. The Ohio Department of Heath will send forms to Ohio superintendents to indicate their school plans to go back to in full in-person and hybrid learning by March 1, as well as indicate the number of staff they believe will choose to take the vaccination. Superintendents will also be asked if a community partner has been identified to help with the administering of the COVID-19 vaccines to school personnel.
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Lt. Governor Husted announced that the deadline for the BroadbandOhio Connectivity Grant, which provided $50 million to schools to help them purchase equipment for students to access the internet, has been extended an additional year, until December 31, 2021. More information about the grant program can be found at ohio-k12.help.
- Ohioans filed 29,709 initial and 274,460 continued jobless claims last week, according to statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported to the U.S. Department of Labor today. In addition, 171,706 Ohioans received Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) last week.
- Over the last 42 weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $7.7 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 886,000 Ohioans. ODJFS has issued more than $7.6 billion in PUA payments to more than 820,000 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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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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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's Broke Unemployment System Sticks Buckeye State Employers with $1.3 Billion Tab--and It's Only Getting Worse
As we turn the page to 2021, Ohio employers are still facing numerous challenges stemming from the coronavirus. Many businesses are still operating with a remote workforce, others are experiencing higher costs due to the implementation of sanitization methods at a time when revenues are shrinking and some are struggling to re-hire or bring back their employees.
However, all employers in the Buckeye State are looking at higher payroll taxes for 2022 thanks to Ohio’s now insolvent unemployment compensation trust fund that was ill-prepared to cover the costs of benefits during an economic downturn.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking here.
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COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna.
These were among the more than 200 vaccine candidates in development in early 2020, and they are expected to be the first of multiple vaccines to become available in the United States in the coming months.
States are now starting to prioritize, allocate, and deliver the first vaccines.
Here’s what you need to know about the process, the expected timelines, and what it means for you.
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:
Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything
by Alexandra Carter
Negotiation is not a zero-sum game. It's an essential skill for your career that can also improve your closest relationships and your everyday life, but often people shy away from it, feeling defeated before they've even started. In this groundbreaking new book on negotiation, Ask for More, Alexandra Carter—Columbia law professor and mediation expert who has helped students, business professionals, the United Nations, and more—offers a straightforward, accessible approach anyone can use to ask for and get more.
Click here to borrow your copy.
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Today in History
African American men gain the right to vote in Washington, D.C.
- January 8, 1867 -
From History.com: On January 8, 1867, African American men gain the right to vote in the District of Columbia despite the veto of its most powerful resident, President Andrew Johnson. The Republican-controlled senate overrode Johnson by a vote of 29-10 three years before a constitutional amendment granted the right to vote to all men regardless of race.
At the time, citizens of D.C. voted for a local council, but had no representation in Congress and no say in presidential elections. Congress was the final authority on many matters for the District, including voting rights—to this day, the capital city’s budget is the only municipal budget in the country subject to congressional approval. At the end of the Civil War, Lincoln’s Republican Party dominated the legislature, which had been reduced in size and drained of Democrats due to the secession of Southern states. Johnson, however, was not a Republican but rather a Unionist Democrat whom Lincoln had chosen as his running mate during the Civil War in the hopes of appealing to Southern Unionists.
As evidenced by his veto, Johnson valued reconciliation with the former Confederacy over racial equality. He also opposed the Fourteenth Amendment, which made freed slaves citizens. Johnson’s opposition to the Republicans’ views on Reconstruction would define his presidency and lead to his becoming the first president ever to be impeached. Though he was unable to stop Congress from granting voting rights to the African Americans of D.C., he spent much of his presidency vetoing the bills of the so-called Radical Reconstructionists.
African American men in D.C.—with some exceptions, including those on welfare—gained the right to vote three years before the Fifteenth Amendment guaranteed that right for all American men, regardless of race. As citizens of D.C., however, they did not gain the right to vote in federal elections until 1961. Today, the nation’s capital stands on equal footing with the states in the Electoral College, but its congressional representation remains limited to a single, non-voting member of the House of Representatives. Many official license plates in the district carry the phrase “Taxation without representation,” a nod to the irony that the capital of the United States has roughly the amount of influence in the legislative process as it did before the Revolutionary War.
For more events that took place on
January 8th, please click here.
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Did You Know?
Zoom Video Communications' stock soared nearly 400% last year as the COVID-19 pandemic turned its video conferencing platform into a household name.
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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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