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Month: July 2020

The latest from the Chamber, our members, and Jefferson County

In Good Company

Chamber Kicks Off Podcast Series

The Chamber is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever podcast, In Good Company. Each monthly episode introduces a business or community leader who is impacting our area. Listeners will get to know them on both a business and personal level, learn more about their business or organization and hear their views about the future of our region.

The inaugural guest is the President of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Father David Pivonka, TOR. Learn how he “landed” in Steubenville, what the past few months have been like on campus as they have been maneuvering through the COVID situation, and what his goals are for the university’s future. You’ll also find out some fun and personal tidbits as we get to know a local leader who has lots of plans for one of Jefferson County’s largest employers.

Beginning next week, In Good Company will be available on the Chamber website and via multiple online platforms for download and sharing. Watch your email and “In The Know” for details.

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COVID-19Governor DeWine

Governor DeWine’s July 28th Press Conference

Below are the updates from yesterday’s press conference with Governor DeWine. The next press conference is currently scheduled for Thursday, July 30th at 2:00 PM. You may watch it locally on WTOV9. Please utilize the Chamber’s COVID Resource Page and contact our offices with specific questions or assistance.

Governor DeWine announced that child care providers in Ohio may return to their normal, statutory ratios and class sizes beginning on August 9, 2020. Child care providers have a choice to increase the number of children and staff members to the normal statutory ratios or to maintain their current, lower ratios to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is structuring a financial incentive to providers that maintain smaller ratios and classroom sizes. 
 
All child care providers must comply with stringent health and safety requirements including: face coverings for all staff and children over 10, unless they have a health exemption; symptom and temperature checks when staff and children arrive; washing hands throughout the day, including upon arrival and before departure; frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces; and regular deep cleanings.

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Small Business Administration

Important Updates From The Small Business Administration On Loan Programs

In a recent update from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Chamber has learned the status of specific loan and grant programs and has outlined them below. Please contact our offices for more information or assistance.

If a business has not applied for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), they should do so quickly. While the EIDL “advance” has allocated all of its funds, the EIDL loan is still available. The “advance” was the grant of up to $10,000.

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended to August 8th and there is over $100 billion still available.

CARES Act debt relief is available through September 27th. Click here for an informational flier.

Requesting non-disaster loans is still an option. Keep in mind that debt service on the disaster loans will need to be included and covered as part of a bank’s review.

EIDL loans over $25,000 were secured by business assets. Therefore, the potential borrower will need to address that with the SBA if approved for future loans by a bank.

EIDL Loan eligibility determination and the next steps for requesting an increase.

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COVID-19Governor DeWine

Governor DeWine’s July 16th Press Conference

Governor DeWine announced that new public health data has led the Ohio Department of Health to designate 19 counties as being in a Red Alert Level 3 Public Emergency as defined by the Ohio Public Health Advisory System.

Upgraded to Level 3: Athens*, Allen, Delaware, Licking, Lucas, Richland, Scioto, and Union

Continuing at Level 3: Butler, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton, Lorain, Montgomery, Pickaway, Summit, and Wood

Downgraded to Level 2: Trumbull

Click here for an updated version of the map.

Athens County is also on Ohio’s Watch List because it is closely nearing Purple Alert Level 4. Butler, Cuyahoga, and Hamilton counties were removed from the Watch List but the threat of exposure and spread remains high.

New counties upgraded to Red Alert Level 3 will be mandated to begin wearing masks in public beginning at 6 p.m. on July 17, 2020. Mask mandates will remain in effect in all counties continuing in Red Alert Level 3. Residents in Trumbull County are no longer required to wear masks in public, however, they are strongly encouraged to do so.

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Project Workforce

Project Workforce

The Chamber is excited to announce a new comprehensive program to help improve, grow and strengthen the local workforce. “Project Workforce” has many facets with the first phase being to improve the connection between local businesses and quality job candidates. Its other goals are to assist established businesses with long-term succession planning and/or the sale of their business and actively engage high school and college students (our future workforce) in career planning, entrepreneurship, soft skill development, volunteerism, mentorships, shadowing opportunities and more.

As we navigate through stressful and uncertain times, its crucial that job and workforce issues remain a high priority. The Chamber and its Education & Workforce Development Committee will continue to grow this program and we encourage you to provide input, ideas and support when possible. If you are interested in joining this important committee, call the Chamber offices at 740.282.6226.

Part 1. The Chamber Job Bank

When a member submits their job opening information to the Chamber they will receive the following support at no charge:

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COVID-19Governor DeWine

Governor DeWine’s July 7th Press Conference

Governor DeWine announced that effective on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at 6:00 p.m., a new Ohio Department of Health order will mandate face coverings in public in all counties that are designated as a Red Alert Level 3 Public Health Emergency or a Purple Alert Level 4 Public Health Emergency. You may view the map here.  

Currently, seven counties in Ohio (Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Huron, Montgomery, and Trumbull) are designated at Red Alert Level 3 which indicates that those in these counties have a very high risk of exposure and spread. As of today, no counties have reached Purple Alert Level 4, however, Franklin County is approaching this top tier. 

Those in counties designated as Red Alert Level 3 or Purple Alert Level 4 are required to wear a face covering in any indoor location that is not a residence; when outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household; or while waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, a taxi, a private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle.

The order does not apply to children under the age of 10 or any other minor who cannot safely wear a face covering. The order also reflects the mask guidance in place for employees and businesses which does not require a person to wear a mask if their physician advises against it, if wearing a mask is prohibited by federal regulation, if communicating with the hearing impaired, when alone in an office or personal workspace, and other similar measures.

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Annual Golf ClassicCoffee & ConnectionsEmployment

Tuesday’s Important Updates

GOLF OUTING: Please note that the Chamber’s annual Golf Classic has been postponed to Tuesday, September 22nd. If you are a golfer, sponsor or volunteer, you need not do anything unless the new date prevents you from participating. If you are unable to play or have other conflicts, please contact the Chamber offices at 740.282.6226. If you’d like to register a team, donate a prize, inquire about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities or print an informational brochure and registration page, please click here.

COFFEE & CONNECTIONS: There will be no Coffee & Connections tomorrow. Please watch your email for details on when we will begin this program again.

EMPLOYMENT NEEDS: Next, the Chamber, its Education & Workforce Training Committee and Ohio Means Jobs are working together on some creative and helpful programs to assist you in getting the word out about your employment needs and job openings. Please email your information on positions you are interested in filling to tmaple@jeffersoncountychamber.com with “Job Bank Information” in the subject line. Include the following:

  • You business name
  • Job title
  • Job description/hours/shifts
  • Pay rate, if possible
  • Skills/education needed
  • How to apply
  • The contact person at your business regarding hiring and their email address/phone number

Last, check out the new Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Services COVID-19 Labor Market Information website by clicking here. This site will provide you with a link to data on job posting information for all 88 Ohio counties.  You will get a quick snapshot of job posting trends for businesses, occupations and industries.  The data will give you a sense of what is happening to your local economy during the pandemic.

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