In The Kn
o
w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, April 3, 2020
|
|
Good Afternoon: This week's issue of "In The Know" is very lengthy as we try to keep you informed and spread the news about your business or organization. Keep in mind that we are working with a very small staff and cannot research and compile information about all that you are doing during these challenging times. But we do want to help get the word out. Please use the button below to submit an "In The Know" submission form if you have information to share in an upcoming newsletter. Your flexibility, creativity and generosity are so appreciated and show how strong our local business community truly is.
|
|
Updated Resources: Restaurant information, local business status report, job and employment information, financial assistance and more.
The Chamber continues to gather and update information about our local businesses and their status along with other local, state and federal changes and activity. Please share this information with family, friends, co-workers and neighbors,
especially those who may not be computer-savvy or have access to the Internet. Many of our senior citizens would benefit from some of these informative lists but may not be able to access them.
If you
are listed and have a change, correction, or update, please email your information to
tmaple@jeffersoncountychamber.com
with "Business Info Update" in the subject line. If you did not complete the survey but would like to, click
here
to begin.
|
|
Local Business Information:
|
|
SBA Assistance & Information:
|
|
|
Note: the new online application process which started 3/30/2020 has been streamlined and you need: Sales figures, COGS, # of employees, owner/manager personal information and routing/account number for your bank.
|
|
|
|
Financial Resources & Information:
|
|
Employment Information for Local Businesses & Job Seekers:
|
|
Misc. Resources & Information:
|
|
Complete SBA Disaster Information, Forms, Tax Extensions, Workers' Comp Info
Here's the most up-to-date U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Information as of Tuesday, March 31st, 2020:
1. Latest SBA disaster assistance information:
3. Information on deferred workers' comp, tax filings, and more (Ohio only)
Workers' Compensation Insurance Payments have been “deferred” for those that need to defer until June. If you choose not to pay your workers' comp coverage for March, April, and May, you will still have coverage. However, you will then owe the full amount for all months combined in June as it's deferred
NOT
forgiven.
Health Insurance Payments have been “deferred” for 60 calendar days from the date the bill is due. (i.e., If your due date is April 1st, then your payment could be deferred to May 31st), but full payment for the 60 days in “deferral” would be owed at that point.
Federal Tax Filing for
ALL
personal taxes due date was moved from April 15th to July 15th. However, the State and City taxes have yet to adjust their due dates. This means your personal taxes at this point will still need to be filed by April 15th, but if you were to owe any money to the Federal Government, then the payment would
NOT
be due until July 15th.
Note: If you are planning on filing an extension to October, it will have to be done by April 15th. Either way, please let us know if you need help with this.
Finally, if you make Quarterly Payments to the IRS, the first Quarter estimates are being “deferred” to July 15th, but as of now second quarter estimates will also be due July 15th.
4. Two websites related to the SBA disaster loan program:
5. Frequently Asked Questions & Notes from Recent SBA Assistance Meeting
- What is the phone number and email address for disaster assistance? Disaster Customer Service (1.800.659.2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov).
- Distinction between public non-profit (government organization) and private non-profit (a museum, for example). Private non-profits qualify for this loan program.
- 11-month payment deferment. First payment due 12 months from the date of the Promissory Note.
- Funds available for working capital losses due to the virus. No expansion or consolidation of debt. (This may change, so discuss with the loan processor when you are contacted by them.)
- Support ongoing operations. Cover the costs/expenses to stay afloat.
- SBA loan payments not eligible as a qualified expense. Payment deferments from existing banks can be requested. (This may change, so discuss with the loan processor when you are contacted by them.)
- Guidelines suggest up to six months of expenses.
- It appears that increases under the approved loans are an option if more funds are needed. Not entirely clear, but discuss with the loan processor.
- Loan payments are made to the SBA and will receive a monthly statement, even during deferment period. Can pre-pay.
- Apply for this credit even if you have availability under a line of credit, etc. They do not expect you to burn through your resources.
- No loan fees, but you will have some costs associated with collateral filings.
- Term is up to 30 years. Loan processor will set the terms. Repayment term is based on ability to pay.
- No business credit report required.
- Owner’s Draws/ Salaries will be determined by the Personal Financial Statement. Make a note on the application of the funds generally needed.
- Loan processor will determine loan amount. No specified formula. Maximum amount is $2,000,000.
- 21 days for approval (based on volume). No guess on closing time (from legal).
- Many policies normally required when securing a loan are being waived to expedite the closing.
- This is a federal program, so for additional resources check local sources.
6. Links to SBA Disaster Assistance Forms
|
|
This Week's Featured Video
The Most Important Book for Our Times
"The Plague" by Albert Camus
Let's get literary this week. From
The School of Life
: "There is no more important book to understand our times than Albert Camus's
The Plague
, a novel about a virus that spreads uncontrollably from animals to humans and ends up destroying half the population of a representative modern town. Camus speaks to us now not because he was a magical seer, but because he correctly sized up human nature. As he wrote: ‘Everyone has inside it himself this plague, because no one in the world, no one, can ever be immune.'"
From last week: "
In the first episode of
Forbes Firsthand
,
Yaakoub Hijazi, CEO of Star Laundry, tells his story about what it's like to be a business owner in the time of the pandemic. NYC's industrial laundry industry is enormous, and Star Laundry was responsible for services to 40% of the city's hotel industry. Now, Star is struggling to keep the lights on. In a last ditch effort, Hijazi is hoping to switch from hotels to hospitals to save the business and help the rising number of sick citizens in the city."
Previously:
TODAY’s coronavirus crisis team
– senior business correspondent Stephanie Ruhle, investigative and consumer correspondent Vicky Nguyen, and medical correspondent Dr. Natalie Azar – offer timely advice and perspective on the economic impact of the virus, work-from-home strategies, and social distancing precautions.
More:
Here's an article from CNBC
on how to protect your small business in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
|
|
|
Don’t Let Thieves Snatch
Your COVID-19 Stimulus Money
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Attorney General Dave Yost today urged Ohioans to watch out for thieves as stimulus payments arrive from the federal government.
“Thieves are drooling at the thought of getting their hands on your stimulus money,” Yost said. “Use these tips to send them home with nothing but the bitter taste of defeat.”
Under the plan, the federal government will provide stimulus checks under these general guidelines (some exceptions apply):
- $1,200 payment to individual taxpayers making under $75,000.
- $2,400 payment for married couples filing jointly making under $150,000 combined.
- An additional $500 per qualifying child under the age of 17.
Yost offered these tips to help Ohioans avoid scams related to the stimulus payments:
- Know that you don’t have to sign up to get a stimulus payment. For most consumers, the IRS will use information from prior tax returns to calculate payment.
- Don’t fall for scams claiming you need to pay money to receive your stimulus payment. The government will not ask for any upfront payment.
- Watch out for anyone telling you they can get you an instant payment or speed up the process. Do not provide personal information or pay a “processing fee” to supposedly receive a quicker payment. According to the government, payments through direct deposit could go out in three weeks, but it may be longer, especially if you are expecting a paper check.
- Don’t click on links or download attachments unless you have verified the source and know it is legitimate. Doing so could infect your devices with malicious software designed to steal your personal information or lock your computer until you pay a ransom.
- The government will not call you asking for Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers. Also, do not disclose your PayPal information – no PayPal account is necessary to receive your stimulus payment. All payments will be through direct deposit to a bank account or paper check.
- If you receive a stimulus check and it is for an odd amount of money (i.e. $1499.50) or if it states you need to verify the check online or over the phone, it’s a scam.
- You should get a paper notice in the mail a couple weeks after your payment is sent, letting you know where it was sent and when. If you can’t locate the payment at that point, call the IRS at a legitimate phone number.
For more information, consumers should visit the
IRS website
and other legitimate government agency websites and stay tuned for updates from reliable news sources.
Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at
www.OhioProtects.org
or 800.282.0515.
|
|
|
|
Check IRS.gov for the latest information:
No action needed by most people at this time
IR-2020-61, March 30, 2020
WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the
Internal Revenue Service
today announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.
Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?
Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.
Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples. Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child.
How will the IRS know where to send my payment?
The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible.
For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.
The IRS does not have my direct deposit information. What can I do?
In the coming weeks, Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online, so that individuals can receive payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail.
I am not typically required to file a tax return. Can I still receive my payment?
Yes. People who typically do not file a tax return will need to file a simple tax return to receive an economic impact payment. Low-income taxpayers, senior citizens, Social Security recipients, some veterans and individuals with disabilities who are otherwise not required to file a tax return will not owe tax.
How can I file the tax return needed to receive my economic impact payment?
IRS.gov/coronavirus
will soon provide information instructing people in these groups on how to file a 2019 tax return with simple, but necessary, information including their filing status, number of dependents and direct deposit bank account information.
I have not filed my tax return for 2018 or 2019. Can I still receive an economic impact payment?
Yes. The IRS urges anyone with a tax filing obligation who has not yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 to file as soon as they can to receive an economic impact payment. Taxpayers should include direct deposit banking information on the return.
I need to file a tax return. How long are the economic impact payments available?
For those concerned about visiting a tax professional or local community organization in person to get help with a tax return, these economic impact payments will be available throughout the rest of 2020.
Where can I get more information?
The IRS has a reduced staff in many of its offices but remains committed to helping eligible individuals receive their payments expeditiously. Check for updated information on
IRS.gov/coronavirus
rather than calling IRS assistors who are helping process 2019 returns.
|
|
Looking to Use Your Stay-at-Home Time Wisely?
Check Out Coggno on the Chamber Website!
Many chamber members may not know that as part of your membership, you can access free and affordable training for your employees. We have partnered with
Coggno
who has over 1,000 online courses available in topics like HR, Safety, Social Media, Sales, Accounting, Health, and Business Administration. All courses are distributed online to each employees’ computer via a free Learning Management System where you can track and view reporting. Questions? Check out our
FAQ
section.
|
We All Need A Little Down Time:
Looking for Something to Watch?
Looking to Take Some Free Courses from Leading Institutions?
These sites offer opportunities from Ivy League universities:
Coursera
and
edX
.
|
Information for Extended Primary Election in Ohio
Attention Jefferson County Residents:
Updated information about the 2020 Primary Election From The Local Board of Elections
- Vote-by-Mail Only
- Print your Vote-by-Mail ballot request today at VoteOhio.gov.
- April 27th is the last day to postmark Vote-by-Mail ballots.
- In-person voting on April 28th will only be available for individuals with disabilities who require in-person voting and those who do not have a home mailing address.
- If you already voted by mail or early in-person, no need to vote again.
- Unofficial results should be available after 7:30 p.m. on April 28th, but every vote mailed in will count.
For an infographic of this information, please download the flier
here
.
- Please Note: The deadline to request a ballot is actually earlier than April 28th, 2020. All of the official documents read April 28th, 2020, but absentee voting regulations say that you must request your ballot by April 25th, 2020, at 12 noon in order for the BOE to issue it.
|
A Message from OhioSE's President Along with
Updated & Comprehensive Information
As your economic development partner in the Ohio Southeast region, we wish to provide value to all of our businesses and partners in this time of need. Please find below the latest federal, state, and regional news related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the state, all
JobsOhio
network partners are sharing information to stay up-to-date and disseminating that info throughout their respective regions. We'll continue to send this updates early each week. Please share with anyone who could benefit.
- Phase 3 of the Federal Government’s COVID Stimulus Package includes important help for small businesses (generally less than 500 employees). Under the Bill signed Friday, the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program was created, under which the 7a Loan Guaranty Program would be amended to the following:
- Provide banks a 100% federal guaranty on loans made through Dec. 31, 2020
- Allow for up to a 6-month repayment deferral in light of COVID-19
- Appropriate $349 billion for the program
- Set borrowing limits as a factor of a company’s payroll. (Proceeds can be used for payroll, rent, mortgage payments, insurance premiums, utility payments, etc.)
- If employees are retained on the payroll, there are loan forgiveness provisions, and if not, loans would be for up to 10-year terms at up to a 4% interest rate
- Businesses need to apply through banks that are approved SBA lenders (most lenders that make commercial loans). While the program is not currently operational, this would be a good time for businesses to start assembling information banks might ask for (Tax ID, proof you were operational and had employees on February 15, 2020, financial statements, explanation of impact of COVID-19 on their businesses, plans for returning to growth, financial projections, schedule of existing debts, etc.) Governor Mike DeWine is calling for Ohio manufacturers to start producing critically needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Companies with the appropriate manufacturing capability are asked to reach out the Governor’s Office at together@governor.ohio.gov. The top 10 needed PPE items are:
- Surgical gowns (S, M, L, XL, XXL)
- Face/surgical masks (adult, pediatric)
- Gloves (nitrile, vinyl, butyl)
- N-95 particulate respirators
- Isolation gowns
- Face shields
- Tyvek coveralls
- Thermometers
- Foot coverings
- Ventilator tubing
- The Ohio General Assembly passed COVID-19 Recovery Legislation (HB197) as well. The most relevant items to businesses include:
- Several changes related to extending the tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15. These include waiving interest payments, extending the date for estimated payments, and extending the due date of the state-administered municipal net profit tax.
- Addressed concerns regarding the “20-day rule” in municipal income tax by not requiring employers to withhold for employees’ home municipalities for the duration of time an employee works remotely, but rather to continue to withhold for the employee’s traditional workplace.
- Extends the validity of licenses issued by state agencies and political subdivisions and provides a 90-day window for renewal. Still allows for disciplinary actions during this time.
- Other relevant information:
- Businesses are asked not to call local health departments or law enforcement to interpret the Health Director’s order on essential businesses. Employers should study the order and prepare a one-page explanation for how they are essential, should they be questioned by employees, neighbors, competitors, local authorities, etc.
- Remember social distancing and sanitary rules apply to essential businesses continuing operations. We have heard of some essential employers marking employee work spaces with tape on the floor to ensure safe 6’ social distance. Other businesses are ensuring delivery drivers stay in their trucks as a social distancing strategy.
- JobsOhio is doing a variety of things to ease cash crunches with current clients. Go to their Ohio Safe. Ohio Working resource page to learn more.
- $10,000 grants as advances on SBA Economic Impact Disaster Loans are available to qualified applicants. Read more here.
- 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 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note: online applications will be quicker than calling. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.
- The state of Ohio is asking residents and businesses who can donate personal protection equipment (PPE), or any other essential service or resource, to email Together@Governor.Ohio.Gov
- Stay informed at Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
- If you missed our update last week, you can find it here.
We hope you find these updates useful.
Continue to utilize our resource page
as we continue to add items each day, and don't hesitate to reach out should you have questions. Please stay well and stay connected to each other.
Sincerely,
Mike Jacoby, OhioSE President
|
|
Modern Marketing 101:
7 Reasons Why Brands Need Influencer + Social Marketing During COVID-19 Outbreak
From
Business 2 Community
, Shane Barker writes: "The world is struggling to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak. Business losses are mounting and general paranoia prevails. Consumers are changing their lifestyles and patterns of consumption to cope with the crisis. That said, digital media seems to be unscathed. That’s why brands need to step up their influencer marketing and social media outreach plan. Here are seven reasons why this might be your best bet to tide over this period." Find those reasons
here
.
From last week:
From
SocialMediaToday
, Andrew Hutchinson writes: "LinkedIn engagement has been increasing for some time, so it's not surprising to see more people turning to the platform for professional advice. And this week, LinkedIn has provided some tips on how people can make best use of its platform to better connect and engage with their networks." Find those tips
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.
|
|
Member Morsels
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.
|
|
Cindy, along with a network of custom tailors across the country are joining efforts with fabric manufacturers to supply thousands of yards of textiles to produce masks and gowns. Suit makers are switching production to these products to help in every way they can. Cindy is doing her part and more from her home, making masks to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. Our hats are off to her and the innovation and resourcefulness she's showing at this time.
Is your business or organization doing something unique or helpful? Please send details to the email address below so we can spread the word.
If you are a Chamber member business or organization who would like to share an update in ITK, please click here to complete the online form. To post an update to
our Facebook page
, please email tmaple
jeffersoncountychamber.com.
|
|
|
Donate to CFOV's
Emergency Impact Fund
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is impacting all of our lives, and while so much about the virus is unknown, we do know the important work of our area’s nonprofit organizations is becoming even more necessary.
If you wish to make a tax-deductible gift to support our nonprofits, you can do so by visiting
www.cfov.org
. To learn more about CFOV’s Emergency Impact Fund, call CFOV at 304.242.3144 or email
director@cfov.org
.
|
Stream Crossroads' Services
Crossroads Christian Church
will be streaming all of our services (Saturday at 5 p.m.; Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.) during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order.
They can be found at our YouTube channel and our Facebook page, both of which are accessible through our website at
www.come2crossroads.org
. We also offer archived services through our website.
|
|
|
|
Be Spa will Deliver!
Just Be Spa
will ship or deliver any home hair care or skin care product you may need. We will be putting together special packages that will be posted on
our Facebook page
. Also, if your spend over $150, you will receive a free Be Spa T-shirt.
We carry:
- Redken hair care
- Pulp Riot
- and more
We have root touch-up Cover Sprays in most colors. Any $25 or $50 gift card you would like to purchase for a healthcare worker or first responder will be matched by Be Spa. We are offering free live fitness, yoga, and sleep meditations on our Facebook page as well as tutorials on different ways to take care of yourself during quarantine.
Please enter our contest to win a $500 gift card! Record a video of you doing your best style on your kid's hair and tag us.The gift card will be given on the day the ban is lifted and we can start back to work!
|
Local Churches To Offer
Streaming Services:
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Sunday Liturgy @ 10am
Wednesday prayers @ 6pm
Holy Week schedule still pending.
Wintersville United Methodist Church
Starkdale Presbyterian Church
|
|
|
|
|
Take Advantage of Non-Degree Study Opportunities with Franciscan University
Also, the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology is offering a variety of free and reduced priced offerings. Click
here
for more information.
|
WTRF's "Small Business - Big Impact" Program Helps You Promote!
During these unprecedented times, the Ohio Valley wants to come together to support local businesses, but in some cases they don’t know how.
Most businesses have recently been forced into operating with limited hours, have closed, or have recently changed their services.
More than ever, people of the Ohio Valley need to hear from the businesses they love and support.
WTRF
is offering an innovative way to personally reach out!
This Community Greetings PSA campaign is an inexpensive, crowdfunded way to reach a captive audience. The best part is that WTRF will match this advertising campaign dollar for dollar.
On average TV viewership is up 11% and WTRF.com is generating millions of page views every week with almost a half a million unique users. This means there are a LOT of people to reach with your message.
Contact Lauren Hersey at 740.424.8226 or via email at
lhersey@wtrf.com
for details or click
here
for the full description.
|
|
|
|
Check Out Our
Bonus Borrows Collection
hoopla Digital offers unlimited copies and instant access to e-books, e-audiobooks, movies, television, comics, and music so there is no waiting and no holds. During this difficult time of sheltering at home, hoopla Digital has selected more than 1,000 titles without using your regular (30) monthly borrows.
Bonus Borrows Collection includes adult fiction and themed collections:
- Take Time for You - A thoughtful collection of self-help titles on hoopla that encourage you to take a breath and think about what you want to work on - for you.
- Books Kids Love - Looking for ways to entertain your young readers? Here is a collection of popular fiction titles on hoopla kids will have fun reading during their time at home.
- Series Kids Love - Kids will be enthralled for hours with these audiobooks featuring beloved characters and stories.
- Read, Watch, and Listen for Adults - Everyone could use a mental break from time to time. Slip into a great story, get fit with a video, or just listen to some music and relax with great titles in this multi-format collection.
- Greatest Hits - Music is a source of comfort for so many people. Check out an old favorite or a new interest with these albums collecting artists' greatest hits.
- At-Home Fitness - Turn your living room into your sanctuary of sweat and relaxation when you stream or download these popular fitness television series on hoopla.
hoopla Digital is available on the library’s website at
www.steubenvillelibrary.org
. Go to the “e-books” tab, then scroll to the hoopla Digital database.
A library card is needed to access hoopla Digital.
The library is closed, but you can still register for a new one or renew your card by calling the Main Library at 740.282.9782, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
|
|
|
Schedule a Phone Reading Today!
Even though
Amanda's Gifts & More
is closed by federal and state order, Amanda is still available for mediumship readings by telephone. You can call her at 304.780.9709 to set up an appointment.
Phone readings are just as effective as "in-person" readings because Spirit doesn't have physical limitations.
Also, please "Like" Amanda's Gifts & More's
Facebook page
to learn about products we offer.
We look forward to seeing everyone when we are able to reopen.
|
|
|
|
JBHS - Open During
COVID-19 Pandemic
We are open and taking new clients.
Jefferson Behavioral Health System
is an essential health care service according to Governor Mike DeWine’s Stay At Home order, and we continue to take new clients as well as provide services to our established clients. We have instituted telehealth as of Monday, March 23rd, 2020, and we are making sure our clients and the community are served during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Our phone number is 740.264.7751 and our office hours remain the same, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We also have a 24-hour Helpline – 740.264.1627. JBHS is located at One Ross Park Bldg, Suite 201, Steubenville.
|
|
|
|
Grand Opening Postponed
The grand opening of Shoe Sensation's Steubenville location has been postponed because of the COVID-19 crisis, but our website is always open!
|
W.F.H. = Work from....Hotel
In need of a private work space all while maintaining social distance? Contact the
Holiday Inn Weirton
for Half and Full Day Rates and turn a Guest Room into a Private office!
We also offer Special Rates for Traveling Nurses, Medical Professionals, or Essential Government Business.
For more information, please contact Bradford D. Degenkolb, Director of Sales, at 304.723.5522 or via email
here
.
Also, you can download a flyer with all the details
here
.
|
|
Carry Out for the Valley!
106.3 The River Can Help You Promote Your Restaurant or Business!
|
106.3 The River
is working with local businesses that offer carry-out or delivery services. If you are a business owner and are interested in providing a gift card that will be given away on air, then email us to get involved. The minimum value for your gift card is just $20.
Email your request to
cindy@1063theriver.com
. Please include your business name, location, phone number, or website if customers can order online. Your business will be promoted on air and online at no cost, except for the gift card, which in return will create traffic.
|
Jefferson County's State Parks
are still open!
If you're looking for a chance to get out of the house without endangering yourself and others, Jefferson County's state parks are still open to the public, provided you follow the social-distancing guidelines outlined by the government. For more information, click
here
.
|
|
Around the State. Around the Country.
Up-to-Date Information from the Ohio and United States Chamber of Commerce
|
|
Paycheck Protection Program
Seeks to Help Businesses
As a part of the federal CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Starting on Friday, April 3, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. The U.S. Department of Treasury has recently released some new information regarding the program, including this fact sheet for borrowers and the application form.
The Paycheck Protection Program has been approved for $350 billion in loans to small businesses. Eligibility for the program is based on employment levels. Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships and independent contractors— are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
|
|
How Small Businesses will Benefit
from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
No family and no business should go bankrupt because of the financial hardships caused by the coronavirus. Every industry, business, and state is facing a financial impact, but small businesses are bearing the brunt of the disruption from COVID-19.
The immediate challenges facing many businesses is a sharp drop or complete loss in revenue. Without quick action and assistance, many businesses will face bankruptcy and/or will be forced to lay off workers. The CARES Act is a step in the right direction and would keep American families and businesses afloat through the crisis and reflects the Chamber’s most vital policy recommendations, namely:
- Pausing the payment of payroll taxes, which will grant businesses relief so they have more cash to keep employees on their payrolls.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
|
|
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:
Welcome to the Real World
by Lauren Berger
It's a challenging time to be young and new in the workplace.
Welcome to the Real World: Finding Your Place, Perfecting Your Work, and Turning Your Job into Your Dream Career
is the essential book every workplace novice needs - a smart, practical, and fun guide to help them navigate the minefield of personalities, learn to work with their boss, identify priorities, and ultimately kick butt at their first job.
View this book by clicking
here
.
|
|
Today in History
Pony Express debuts
- April 3, 1860 -
From History.com:
On April 3, 1860, the first Pony Express mail, traveling by horse and rider relay teams, simultaneously leaves St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. Ten days later, on April 13, the westbound rider and mail packet completed the approximately 1,800-mile journey and arrived in Sacramento, beating the eastbound packet’s arrival in St. Joseph by two days and setting a new standard for speedy mail delivery. Although ultimately short-lived and unprofitable, the Pony Express captivated America’s imagination and helped win federal aid for a more economical overland postal system. It also contributed to the economy of the towns on its route and served the mail-service needs of the American West in the days before the telegraph or an efficient transcontinental railroad.
The Pony Express debuted at a time before radios and telephones, when California, which achieved statehood in 1850, was still largely cut off from the eastern part of the country. Letters sent from New York to the West Coast traveled by ship, which typically took at least a month, or by stagecoach on the recently established Butterfield Express overland route, which could take from three weeks to many months to arrive. Compared to the snail’s pace of the existing delivery methods, the Pony Express’ average delivery time of 10 days seemed like lightning speed.
The Pony Express Company, the brainchild of William H. Russell, William Bradford Waddell and Alexander Majors, owners of a freight business, was set up over 150 relay stations along a pioneer trail across the present-day states of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and California. Riders, who were paid approximately $25 per week and carried loads estimated at up to 20 pounds of mail, were changed every 75 to 100 miles, with horses switched out every 10 to 15 miles. Among the riders was the legendary frontiersman and showman William “Buffalo Bill” Cody (1846-1917), who reportedly signed on with the Pony Express at age 14. The company’s riders set their fastest time with Lincoln’s inaugural address, which was delivered in just less than eight days.
The initial cost of Pony Express delivery was $5 for every half-ounce of mail. The company began as a private enterprise and its owners hoped to gain a profitable delivery contract from the U.S. government, but that never happened. With the advent of the first transcontinental telegraph line in October 1861, the Pony Express ceased operations. However, the legend of the lone Pony Express rider galloping across the Old West frontier to deliver the mail lives on today.
For more events that took place on
April 3rd, please click
here
.
|
|
- $0 -
"Last weekend [March 20th], and for the first time in roughly 100 years of motion picture history, box office revenue hit $0. Nearly every cinema in the U.S. is closed, meaning no revenue is coming in."
|
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
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Contact Us
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
630 Market Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: 740.282.6226
Fax: 740.282.6285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|