Hello again, folks. I hope you're well - in spite of our current situation.

Yesterday, the Ross County commissioners approved a proclamation that declared a State of Emergency in the county due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What does that mean? It's largely a procedural move that allows the county to do some things that will keep it financially safe, but also to mobilize forces to help the community while we wait for the pandemic to subside.

For example, the proclamation potentially allows the county to recoup some of the costs of their effort to fight the pandemic, but it also mobilizes the emergency operations center for 24 hours a day service, and it gives commissioners the ability to enact certain rules to help keep people safe and healthy.

Most of all, it's no cause for panic. Gov. Mike DeWine declared a State of Emergency for Ohio on March 9 for similar reasons. If nothing else, the proclamation is good government - a move that shows residents the leadership is paying attention and working to make sure the proper protocols are in place to quickly react to the changing playing field with this pandemic.

I also told you that I'd share some information about the recent survey of businesses we did with our colleagues in the Central Ohio Chambers of Commerce group. More than 80 percent of those businesses, throughout southern and central Ohio, said they are experiencing minimal to significant losses from the stay-at-home order. 45 percent of them have reduced hours of operation, while 40 percent have furloughed or laid off employees. Nearly 32 percent of them have temporarily closed their businesses.

Overall, the survey confirmed what we already know - our small business community is the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it also drives home the point that they will need us very badly when all this is over. The Chamber will be ready to help and is working with many of our partners to do a Grand Reopening party for the community when it's appropriate.

I'd like to end with a question for you: How are you coping right now? Are you working on your business more or less? Have you found something specific to pass time? Have you reconnected with a passion or hobby that you may not have had time for in the past?
Email me at mthrone@chillicotheohio.com with your answers.

Thanks,
Mike
More on the Community Response Team
Last week, I mentioned the Community Response Team. It's a group convened by Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney as COVID-19 began its spread into Ohio.

The group is formed mainly of local stakeholders and agencies specifically focused on assisting the Ross County Health District in getting accurate information to the public, then focusing on the issues created by COVID-19's impact in the area.

Right now, we're zoned in on hunger, housing, and income inequalities for people who might be out of work, out of school, or otherwise impacted by the current situation. We're also increasing touchpoints on how seniors and volunteers are impacted.

Along those lines, we've focused on promoting at the United Way of Ross County's 2-1-1 line as a place to find resources if you need food, help with housing, or are struggling with concerns about income. Similiarly, we're promoting volunteerrosscounty.org as a place to register your workplace or yourself to help out local agencies who are working to address acute community needs.
*NEW* Information for small business owners
For yesterday's links, click here .

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd law firm blog and resource page on COVID-19

Constant Contact Community Support Kit message board meant to answer questions and provide solutions for small business

FREE WEBINARS:
  • Wednesday at noon - Live Q&A "What the CARES Act means for you and your business" from The Spring Pensacola (Facebook Live event)

  • Wednesday at 3 p.m. - Answering HR questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, April 1. (StrategicHR link)

  • Wednesday at 3 p.m. - Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd law firm update for employers on the Families First Coronavirus Response (FFCRA) Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. (Webinar - please register)

Miss one of these updates? Click below to catch up!
March 30, 2020 : More information on the SBA loans, CARES Act
March 26, 2020 : What 'essential' businesses must do; SBA loans and CARES Act
March 23, 2020 : REGULAR NEWSLETTER: Even as businesses close, they're reaching out to the community; video interview with Alex Kohls from the U.S. Small Business Administration on disaster loans.
March 17, 2020 : A video message from Chamber CEO Mike Throne
Coronavirus numbers, facts and figures
Links to information:

  • The Ohio Channel YouTube page, where the Governor, Lt. Gov. and director of the Ohio Department of Health give regular updates at 2 p.m. on most days.

  • Governor's Stay at Home Order (Link)
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce | Email Mike Throne | chillicotheohio.com