In The Know
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce   



Friday, February 19, 2021
This Week's Featured Video

The Importance of Mindfulness for Entrepreneurs

From GoDaddy: "As an entrepreneur, you have a million things to think about. Your day is filled with things that take up space in your mind. However, there is a reason why mindfulness for entrepreneurs — paying close attention to the many thoughts racing through your mind — might be a great business strategy. Mindfulness is key for unlocking big potential in both you and your business."
Check Out Local Lenten Menu Features
Support our local restaurants this Lenten season. Click below for a complete list of Chamber members eateries and their special menu items and features.

The Chamber Welcomes Its Newest Member.

The Chamber would like to welcome Pipes Insurance Service, Ltd. located at 442 W. High Ave. in New Philadelphia, to the membership roster. Pipes has been serving the are since 1974, providing solutions in personal and business insurance and financial services.

Virtual Career Fair: Free To Local Businesses.


The OhioMeansJobs Center is hosting a Virtual Career Fair on Thursday, February 25th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no cost for participating businesses or job seekers. Click below to register. For more details or with questions, contact Dan Wilson, Workforce Specialist, Office of Workforce Development/Ohio Dept of Job & Family Services at 740.564.7428 or via email here. For a printable flier, click here.


GOVERNOR DEWINE PRESS CONFERENCE UPDATES FROM FEBRUARY 18TH, 2021

Below are the updates from Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted’s latest press conference. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Monday, February 22nd, at 2:00 P.M. You may view it on the WTOV9 website.

Ohio’s COVID-19 case data is below:
  • 816,057 confirmed cases
  • 131,332 probable cases 
  • 947,389 total cases
  • 49,061 hospitalizations
  • 14,132 confirmed deaths
  • 2,479 probable deaths
  • 16,611 total deaths
  • 7,002 ICU admissions 
  • 876,697 presumed recovered
  • More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard HERE. 

WEATHER DELAYS
  • As a result of continued bad weather, vaccine shipments in Ohio and across the country continue to be delayed.
  • Ohioans with vaccine appointments this week should confirm that their appointment has not been canceled before leaving home.
  • Because of these weather delays, it is expected that providers will give vaccinations over the weekend as shipments arrive.
 
VACCINE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
  • This morning, Ohio launched its COVID-19 Vaccine Maintenance Program for nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
  • Each month, facilities can host a vaccine clinic for residents and staff if there is the need for vaccinations.
  • The program ensures that vaccinations in long-term care facilities continue for new residents and staff or current residents and staff who have now decided to be vaccinated.
 
NURSING HOME VISITATION
  • Governor DeWine announced that he has assembled a team of doctors and nurses to develop a plan for safe nursing home visitation.
  • Members of the team are experts in infectious disease control, skilled nursing, and other types of long-term care settings.
  • Ohio's existing visitation order does allow compassionate care visits.
  • Examples of compassionate care situations could include:
  • A resident who was living with their family before recently being admitted to a home, is struggling with the change in environment and lack of physical family support.
  • A resident who needs cueing and encouragement with eating or drinking, previously provided by family or caregiver(s), is experiencing weight loss or dehydration.
  • A resident, who used to talk and interact with others, is experiencing emotional distress, seldom speaking, or crying more frequently.
  • The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is available to assist citizens with questions about compassionate care visits. The office can be reached at OhioOmbudsman@age.ohio.gov or 1-800-282-1206.
 
PHASE 1B MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • This week, vaccine eligibility opened up to Ohioans born with the medical conditions outlined below, or those who were diagnosed in early childhood whose conditions continued into adulthood.
 
  • Following anecdotal reports of individuals with these conditions being denied vaccination appointments, particularly those with cystic fibrosis, Governor DeWine stressed that vaccine providers should vaccinate those of any age with any of the following conditions.
 
VACCINE DATA COLLECTION
  • Governor DeWine again asked vaccine providers to collect and report accurate and complete data on vaccine administrations including race, ethnicity, age, and category of eligibility.
 
  • This information is critical to understanding uptake rates among specific communities or occupations and also helps inform future policy and allocation decisions.
 
  • The Ohio Department of Health will continue to reach out to all providers to make sure this critical information is being entered into the system.
  • Click here for an updated outline on Ohio's vaccination program.
 
RICHLAND COUNTY CLINIC
  • Yesterday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted traveled to Richland Public Health (RPH) in Mansfield to tour their vaccine clinic and thank the staff and healthcare providers for their efforts to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Most of the 100 Ohioans being vaccinated during the visit yesterday were receiving their second dose. 
  • To date, RPH has vaccinated 2,705 individuals (948 fully vaccinated) at their clinic that runs typically Monday-Friday. 
  • During the press conference, Lt. Governor Husted had the opportunity to look on as two Richland County residents received their shot: Ms. Doris Rheinbolt received her second dose and Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker received his first dose, respectively.
 
INVESTING IN OHIO’S FUTURE: OHIO’S FY 22-23 TRANSPORTATION BUDGET
Testimony on Governor DeWine’s Transportation Budget
 
DISTRACTED DRIVING
 
“As an industry, Ohio’s property and casualty insurance companies strive to work with our partners in government to promote public safety initiatives. At this time, our industry views the plight of distracted driving as one of the most significant dangers to public safety our state faces today….We now have an opportunity to implement meaningful public safety reforms to save the lives of drivers and pedestrians across this state. By banning the hand-held use of an electronic device while driving on Ohio’s roadways, we will be joining the vast majority of states across this country in putting public safety first. On behalf of the OII and our member companies, we emphatically ask that you support this proposal to reduce traffic fatalities, put more eyes on the road, and bring an end to Ohio’s battle with distracted driving. – Dead Fidel, President, Ohio Insurance Institute
 
“States that have taken action in passing laws to make distracted driving a primary offense have seen a reduction in traffic fatality rates. Although hands-free driving is not risk-free, it begins to break the cycle of distraction by prohibiting drivers from frequently touching electronic devices while driving. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and more cars travel on our roads and highways, it is widely expected that traffic fatalities due to distracted driving will increase. The Ohio Business Roundtable urges this committee to see the value of the “Hands Free” provisions in this bill and move forward with these provisions intact” – Michael McLean, Vice President of Public Policy, Ohio Business Round Table
 
“Nationwide’s mission is to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. HB 74 and the Hands-Free Ohio provision will protect Ohio drivers from close calls, erratic driving, and even deadly crashes caused by motorists trying to operate a vehicle while looking down with a mobile device in their hand. This provision will allow drivers to only use hands-free mobile phone technology while operating a motor vehicle. The intent is to curb crashes and traffic fatalities caused by drivers distracted by their mobile devices.” 

– Chad Wilson, Associate Vice President, Nationwide Insurance
 
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. 
Face-To-Face Coffee & Connections Returns!
With two important workshops afterward.

The Chamber is excited to be hosting its first, in-person Coffee & Connections after nearly a year! On Wednesday, March 10th, join us at St. Florian Event Center in Wintersville for a delicious breakfast followed by our popular and fun speed-networking session. We'll be able to safely distance, and of course, mask mandates will be in place. Bring business cards, flyers, menus, giveaway items, or brochures to distribute.

Afterward, we will be hosting our "New Member Orientation" at 9:30 for those new to the Chamber or anyone who would like a refresher on how to make the most of their membership. And at 10 a.m., learn all you need to know about the Chamber's new online selling platform at the "Shop Where I Live 101." Bring your laptop or tablet and we'll help you get registered, set up, and answer any questions you may have. If you're already on Shop Where I Live, it's a great chance to get up to speed on adding more products or any other areas that you may have questions about. There's no charge for the workshop, which will run from 10 to 11:30 and no RSVP is necessary for the either of the post-Coffee & Connections events.
What: "Coffee & Connections"
When: Wednesday, March 10th, 2021
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Where: St. Florian Event Center
Cost: $15 per person ($20 for walk-ins)
RSVP: By clicking here or the button below.
2021 Membership Directory & Community Guide
Virtual version, changeable display ads and more
Be a part of the beautiful full-color 2021 Membership Directory & Community Guide that will be out this spring. Your display ad is designed for free and you are able to change it throughout the year at no charge. Perfect for seasonal messages or promotions, events that you want to advertise, or even job openings. Your ad also links directly to your website or social media page.

Be on the lookout for a call from Lunar Cow Publishing, our partner on this important projects. Questions, contact the Chamber offices at 740.282.6226.

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!"

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.
PPE Blowout Sale
To download this flyer, please click here.
Around the State. Around the Country.
Up-to-Date Information from the Ohio and United States Chamber of Commerce
Mega Site Economic Development Bill Reintroduced

On Wednesday, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce submitted written testimony in support of Senate Bill 45. SB 45 is identical to the introduced version of SB 95 that we also supported in the 133rd General Assembly.

SB 45 puts in place a few economic development inducements for a very select subset of businesses that need a mega site (defined term) and that will either invest $1billion or create a payroll of $75 million with wages at a floor of 300% of minimum wage. SB 45 is needed because it codifies certain development tools that can be quickly activated if a big project is under consideration. As we wrote in our testimony, the world of economic development is very competitive, and this legislation sends a signal to the business community that Ohio is ready to partner with companies that want to make high-impact, long-term investments.

Read the article in its entirety by clicking here.
The Path Forward: West Virginia Governor Shares Secrets to Vaccination Success

Fill me in: This week’s Path Forward featured U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark in conversation with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice about the success the state has been having with distributing the coronavirus vaccine.

West Virginia has spent the past three weeks as either the number-one or two state in the nation for vaccine doses administered per capita, with more than 85% of its delivered vaccine doses already administered.

The Path Forward is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation event series designed to help business and community leaders find the answers they need to execute a responsible reopening strategy and plan for a post-pandemic world.

Read the article in its entirety by clicking here.
 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:

Coming Back:
How to Win the Job You Want When You've Lost the Job You Need
by Fawn Germer

A street-smart, inspiring, practical, and utterly honest book for renewing or resuming your career. Millions of mid-and late-career professionals are wondering why our careers are dying. We've been fired, downsized, job-eliminated, or we've left work voluntarily to raise children, care for loved ones, or go to school. Our unemployment rate is more than three times the national average. It takes twice as long to get hired, usually for far less money than we were making. Is it age discrimination? Maybe. But it's not that simple. So many of us have lagged on skills and technology, shrugged off social media, or ignored the rate of change and let younger people become the face of our profession's future. Our "track record" really doesn't matter. We want to come back, but we aren't ready.

Borrow the book by clicking here.
Today in History
Thomas Edison patents the phonograph
- February 19, 1878 -

From History: The technology that made the modern music business possible came into existence in the New Jersey laboratory where Thomas Edison created the first device to both record sound and play it back.

He was awarded U.S. Patent No. 200,521 for his invention—the phonograph—on February 19, 1878.

Edison’s invention came about as spin-off from his ongoing work in telephony and telegraphy.

In an effort to facilitate the repeated transmission of a single telegraph message, Edison devised a method for capturing a passage of Morse code as a sequence of indentations on a spool of paper.

Reasoning that a similar feat could be accomplished for the telephone, Edison devised a system that transferred the vibrations of a diaphragm—i.e., sound—to an embossing point and then mechanically onto an impressionable medium—paraffin paper at first, and then a spinning, tin-foil wrapped cylinder as he refined his concept.

Edison and his mechanic, John Kreusi, worked on the invention through the autumn of 1877 and quickly had a working model ready for demonstration. 

The December 22, 1877, issue of Scientific American reported that “Mr. Thomas A. Edison recently came into this office, placed a little machine on our desk, turned a crank, and the machine inquired as to our health, asked how we liked the phonograph, informed us that it was very well, and bid us a cordial good night.”

The patent awarded to Edison on February 19, 1878, specified a particular method—embossing—for capturing sound on tin-foil-covered cylinders.

The next critical improvement in recording technology came courtesy of Edison’s competitor in the race to develop the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell.

His newly established Bell Labs developed a phonograph based on the engraving of a wax cylinder, a significant improvement that led directly to the successful commercialization of recorded music in the 1890s and lent a vocabulary to the recording business—e.g., “cutting” records and “spinning wax”—that has long outlived the technology on which it was based.

For more events that took place on
February 19th, please click here.
Have the Winter Blues?

Here's some good news, courtesy of WTOV News9's Nathan Shutt: On Wednesday of this week, "the sun set at 6 p.m...and will set at 7:28 p.m. in 25 days with the start of Daylight Saving Time. Sunday also likely begins a warmer stretch that continues next week where we climb back above freezing in the afternoons. Anyone else excited to melt this ice!?!"

Text and Photo:
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
Hannah Ward
Administrative & Membership Coordinator

Contact Hannah with changes to your membership information, questions regarding events or programs, or assistance with scheduling an Eblast or Member Morsel.
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.
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.
Contact Us
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
630 Market Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: 740.282.6226
Fax:  740.282.6285