In The Kn
o
w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, March 20, 2020
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A Message from the Chamber
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First, please know that the Chamber staff and I are doing our best to not bombard you with constant emails as we work through the coronavirus issue. We know you are working on the challenges facing your own business and our goal is to be a resource but not a nuisance. If you'd like to unsubscribe at any time to our correspondence, even just temporarily, please contact the Chamber offices. We will continue to limit our email correspondence as much as possible as we try to keep you informed and help our members get the word out on important topics, especially our food related businesses. For those same reasons, this week's newsletter is especially lengthy - again, in an effort to put a lot of good information in one place for you to use.
Also, continue to utilize our website which has a coronavirus landing page filled with information and is being updated several times a day. The list of links below is just a portion of that information.
Please email updates or alerts (not promotional information) through the weekend to me at tmaple@jeffersoncountychamber.com. I'll do my best to get the word out through social media, our Friday newsletters and member correspondence when appropriate. Limit your email content to:
Changes in hours of operation
Limitations on your products or services
Products or services that may be of assistance to fellow businesses
Important (confirmed) information that would be helpful to the membership at large
To put a free blurb in next week's "In The Know", fill out the online form by clicking
here
. The deadline is each Thursday at noon. Visit the Chamber's coronavirus landing page by clicking
here
.
My thoughts are with everyone in the local business community, their employees and their families as we face this scary and unpredictable situation.
Tricia Maple-Damewood
President
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The Latest Message From The Ohio Development Services Agency
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Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Development Services Agency Director Lydia Mihalik today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has qualified the State of Ohio for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
As a result, Ohio businesses and non-profits economically impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 may now apply for a low-interest loan of up to $2 million to help pay for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. You can apply for the loan online at
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
, which is recommended, or by calling 1-800-659-2955 to have an application mailed to you.
To expedite the application process, applicants should have ready complete copies of their most recent federal income tax return and a completed and signed
IRS Form 4506T
, which authorizes the release of tax information. Additional information to have available would be a schedule of liabilities, personal financial statement, monthly sales figures, a current year-to-date profit-and-loss statement, and a year-end profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet for that tax year if the most recent federal income tax return has not been filed.
As efforts to combat the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus continue, Governor DeWine and his administration will continue to identify ways to support the state’s small businesses and nonprofits. For the latest and most accurate information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit
Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov
or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
Our Best,
Ohio Development Services Agency Business Services Division Team
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Coronavirus Information for Businesses
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With much in the news regarding the coronavirus outbreak, it's important for local employers to be up-to-speed on the latest information and what they can do to keep their employees safe in the workplace. Please click below for helpful and current information.
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This Week's Featured Video
How Coronavirus Became a Global Pandemic
It began back in December...
From the
Wall Street Journal:
On Dec. 1, 2019, a patient in Wuhan, China, started showing symptoms of what doctors determined was a new coronavirus. Since then, the virus has spread to infect more than 100,000 people. Here’s how the virus grew to a global pandemic.
From last week:
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. Also:
Here's an article from CNBC
on how to protect your small business in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
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UTILIZE THE LATEST RESOURCES TO CONDUCT REMOTE MEETINGS
As organizations and businesses, there is a need to "gather" for many of us in order to keep government and business moving forward and to assist others as much as possible. There are many resources available for video conferencing and remote meeting and working that can be useful during this time. Click below for a list of five of the best.
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SBA Updates Criteria on States for Requesting Disaster Assistance Loans
for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
WASHINGTON –
Today, as part of the Trump Administration’s aggressive, whole-of-government efforts to combat the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and minimize economic disruption to the nation’s 30 million small businesses, U.S. Small Business Administration
Administrator Jovita Carranza
issued revised criteria for states or territories seeking an economic injury declaration related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The relaxed criteria will have two immediate impacts:
- Faster, Easier Qualification Process for States Seeking SBA Disaster Assistance. Historically, the SBA has required that any state or territory impacted by disaster provide documentation certifying that at least five small businesses have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of a disaster, with at least one business located in each declared county/parish. Under the just-released, revised criteria, states or territories are only required to certify that at least five small businesses within the state/territory have suffered substantial economic injury, regardless of where those businesses are located.
- Expanded, Statewide Access to SBA Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses. SBA disaster assistance loans are typically only available to small businesses within counties identified as disaster areas by a Governor. Under the revised criteria issued today, disaster assistance loans will be available statewide following an economic injury declaration. This will apply to current and future disaster assistance declarations related to Coronavirus.
“We’re very encouraged that banks and financial institutions are responding to the President’s efforts to mobilize an unprecedented public-private response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As a result, most small businesses that need credit during these uncertain times will be able to obtain it. However, our goal is to ensure that credit is available to any and all small businesses that need credit but are unable to access it on reasonable terms through traditional lending channels,” said Administrator Carranza. “To that end, the SBA is relaxing the criteria through which states or territories may formally request an economic injury declaration, effective immediately. Furthermore, once an economic injury declaration has been made in a state or territory, the new rules allow the affected small businesses within the state or territory to apply for a disaster assistance loan.”
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for each affected small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Process for Accessing SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Lending
- The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.
- Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.
- Once a declaration is made, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to affected small businesses within the state.
- These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
- SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
- SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.
For additional information, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website at
SBA.gov/Disaster
.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit
www.sba.gov
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Chamber Member Resource Page
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In addition to the links above, the Chamber has compiled its own collection of information and resources on its website to assist you. Please click the button below to access or visit www.jeffersoncountychamber.com. If there is something you don't see and would like to, please contact the Chamber offices at 740.282.6226 or email Tricia Maple-Damewood, Chamber president, at
tmaple@jeffersoncountychamber.com
.
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL EATERIES!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TAKE-OUT, DELIVERY, BULK PURCHASES
FOR FREEZING, CURB-SIDE SERVICE AND MORE.
Please support our local businesses and eateries during this difficult time. Our food-related businesses are taking the hardest hit with having to close their doors to eat-in customers. Support them by purchasing gift cards, take-out, and delivery. These businesses are listed below.
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1997 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville
(740) 282-4500
380 Three Springs Drive, Weirton
(304) 748-1150
Carry-out available. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11a.m. - 10 p.m. & Sun. 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2825 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville
(740) 264-5501
Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Take-out, delivery and drive-thru available.
50% off online orders through Sunday, March 21st.
151 South 4th Street, Steubenville
(740) 283-1138
2311 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville
(740) 214-1575
Carry out food and smoothies.
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
501 Washington Street, Steubenville
(740) 283-9901
Free delivery on orders over $30. Call for curbside service. Family lenten special: 2 lbs of baked or fried pollock, 1 quart mac 'n cheese, 1 quart cole slaw and 1 lb. haluski for $39. Feeds 6.
820 Canton Road, Wintersville
(740) 264-2225
Hours: Tuesday- Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. Friday 11 a.m - 8 p.m. Saturday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Six packs of beer and bottles of wine. Pick up only.
303 Three Springs Drive, Weirton
(304)-914-4027
Local delivery available.
3972 Main Street, Weirton
(304) 748-2870
Open Monday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. & Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1332 Franklin Avenue, Toronto
(740) 537-4847
Open for delivery and carry-out
Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
8306 State Route 43, East Springfield
(740) 543-4200
195 State Rt 151, Smithfield
(740) 733-8527
159 North 4th Street, Steubenville
740.792.4426
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 8 to 6.
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301 N 7th St. Steubenville
(740) 314-9019
4152 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville
(740) 264-2710
805 N. 5th Street, Toronto
(740) 537-3671
Open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Take-out only. Specials every day.
498 Cadiz Road, Wintersville
(740) 275-4272
Call for daily specials. Take-out only.
Open Wednesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
329 North Street, Steubenville
(740) 283-3405
803 Franklin Street, Toronto
(740) 337-4290
Call ahead for pick-up at drive thru window.
Business hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
350 South Hollywood Blvd., Steubenville
(740) 314-5233
Carry-out and home/business delivery available.
Hours: Mon-Sat - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Delivery to Steubenville, Toronto, Wintersville, Mingo and Weirton. Prepaid only. Drivers will not have cash/change.
4170 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville
(740) 346-4188
Carry-out and delivery to businesses & residences.
322 American Way, Weirton
(304) 224-1390
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dine in or carry out.
Fort Steuben Mall, Steubenville
(740) 264-9887
Carry out and curbside available. Delivery to Steubenville, Wintersville & Mingo. 6 packs and bottles of wine. Pick up only.
127 North 4th Street, Steubenville
(740) 282-9663
547 Cadiz Road, Wintersville
(740) 264-2144
Curbside service and take-out available. Craft beer available in our beer den for take-out.
630 Market Street, Steubenville
(740) 632-5295
Hours: Monday - Friday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays - 2:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays
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National Association of Manufacturers and
the White House Request Completion of Manufacturing Survey Regarding COVID-19
There is currently an urgent request from the
National Association of Manufacturers
on behalf of the White House. The federal government is seeking manufacturers who can produce critically needed supplies for the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is requested that manufacturers complete the survey as soon as possible. Please share this survey with manufacturers in your county!
Click
here
to access the survey.
We appreciate your assistance in distributing this urgent message. These are trying times; but the
OMEGA
region remains resilient.
OMEGA's mission is to provide a pathway to enhance community and economic growth in our region. OMEGA serves 10 counties in Eastern Ohio: Belmont; Carroll; Columbiana; Coshocton; Guernsey; Harrison; Holmes; Jefferson; Muskingum; and Tuscarawas.
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Modern Marketing 101:
What Your Brand Should Not Do on Social Media During the Coronavirus Crisis
Social media is usually light and fun and frothy, a place where brands can let their hair down and invoke a more casual approach to marketing. It's also a place where brands must be in the moment, present and alert to what's happening now, especially if it's an event as all-consuming and life-threatening as a global pandemic.
Nikara Johns over at
Footwear News
provides insight into what a brand should and should not do during a worldwide crisis.
From last week:
"Emojis have become a common element in modern communication, with research showing that some 92% of people have used, and/or regularly use, emojis in their messaging," Andrew Hutchinson writes over at
SocialMediaToday
. "But should you use emojis in your brand messaging?" Great question. Find the answer
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.
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Member Morsels
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.
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To be proactive and reach our community stakeholders, the Jefferson County General Health District (JCGHD) is organizing conference calls for the various business/community groups about COVID-19.
We anticipate having calls for businesses; community/service organizations; law enforcement/elected officials; and health care organizations.
If you would like someone from your organization to be invited to these weekly briefing calls, which will include updates, recommendations, and a chance to have a Q&A session regarding COVID-19 with other similarly situated supervisors, business owners, facility administrators, etc., please complete the attached voluntary contact list form and return it to the JCGHD at
jklug@jchealth.com
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Scaffidi's Restaurant and Tavern Still Open!
These services will be offered Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the last order being taken at 6:30 p.m.
Delivery is being offered to Steubenville, Wintersville, Mingo Junction, Toronto, and Weirton.
Scaffidi's is located at 350 S. Hollywood Blvd. in Steubenville. Order online at
www.scaffidirestaurant.com
or call them at 740.314.5233.
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Hughes Office Equipment Will Deliver Your Printing!
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Contact Apollo Today to Find Out How They Can Serve You!
Protect your home from Influenza & Coronavirus, including:
- Human Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Influenza A virus (Cold & Flu)
- Norovirus
- Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)
- Escherichia coli (E-Coli)
- Rhinovirus
- Clostridium difficile colitis (C-Diff)
Apollo Pro Cleaning & Restoration is here to serve you whether it be for everyday needs or in-crisis situations.
ASK ABOUT OUR APOLLO 360!
Apollo wants to help your customers, your employees & YOU!
APOLLO 360 - WHOLE HOME ORIGINALLY $199.99 - Get 25% off for ALL CHAMBER MEMBERS
Contact Apollo today to find out how they can help serve you with their revolutionary disinfectant and sanitizing system brought to you by the Pros @ Apollo.
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General Rental in Steubenville is holding an incredible Milwaukee tool sale with great prices on this high quality line. Cordless and corded, 18 Volt and 12 Volt, including Milwaukee's Fuel "brushless motor" lineup. General Rental, Inc. also stocks a wide selection of bits and blades, including SDS+, SDS-MAX, and Spline bits. Call us today - let us help you find the right tool for your job.
Click
here
for a full color listing of products.
General Rental is located at 1606 Sunset Blvd. in Steubenville. Phone 740.282.9588 or, for the event and party center, phone 740.765.4575. Visit their website by clicking
here.
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MEMBER CANCELLATIONS:
Due to the CDC recommendation about public gatherings surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Campbell Dickinson
events scheduled for Saturday, March 21st, and the Cancer Survivor Dinner have been postponed but will be rescheduled at a later date.
Due to Governor DeWine's ban on events of over 100 people, the
Tri-State Home & Garden Show
scheduled for March 20th to 22nd has been postponed. Watch the Chamber newsletter for information on the new date.
The
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Career Services Office has canceled their March 25th Job and Internship Fair due to the mandated regulations from Governor DeWine concerning the coronavirus.
Gables Care Center
will be postponing the Mindset Matters - A Lunch and Learn Workshop with Lisa Stockdale that was to be held on March 25th at 1 p.m. Please continue to watch "In The Know" for the event to be rescheduled. Thank you.
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Feature your business or organization's news or events in "Member Morsels" by completing a quick online form. Click below.
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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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DeWine Administration to Make Changes to Unemployment Compensation System as Part of Coronavirus Response
At his Sunday press conference, Gov. Mike DeWine announced he will soon sign an executive order that will make substantial changes to Ohio’s unemployment compensation system.
The executive order, which was made in response to the growing pandemic caused by the new coronavirus, includes temporarily:
- Easing eligibility requirements for individuals ordered to self-quarantine by a medical professional or their employer;
- Eliminating the one-week waiting period and work search requirements;
- Holding harmless an employer’s experience rating due to layoffs resulting from the coronavirus; and
- Waiving employer penalties for late reporting and payment of next quarter’s unemployment compensation contributions.
- The Executive Order will also call for mutualizing the cost of additional unemployment benefits resulting from the coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
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Combating the Coronavirus
With the U.S. reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, it’s important that businesses of all sizes and sectors continue to monitor the situation and are as prepared as possible to protect the health and well-being of their workers and that of their business.
Resources & Guidelines for Business
The U.S. Chamber is working closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies, and foreign government officials to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.
All employers should be implementing strategies to protect their workforce from the coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations. Download these guides created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which are based on information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to learn more about how employers and employees can prepare for and address the impacts of the coronavirus.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
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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:
Active Listening
Improve Your Ability to Listen and Lead
Listening well is an essential component of good leadership. You can become a more effective listener and leader by learning the skills of active listening. Working relationships become more solid, based on trust, respect, and honesty. Active listening is not an optional component of leadership; it is not a nicety to be used to make others feel good. It is, in fact, a critical component of the tasks facing today's leaders. In this new edition, we've added tips and advice dealing with virtual active listening and incorporated up-to-date research from both inside and outside CCL to make sure you can best meet the leadership challenges you face in today's world.
View this book by clicking
here
.
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Today in History
Black Death is created, allegedly
- March 20, 1345 -
From History.com:
According to scholars at the University of Paris, the Black Death is created on March 20, 1345, from what they call “a triple conjunction of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in the 40th degree of Aquarius, occurring on the 20th of March 1345″. The Black Death, also known as the Plague, swept across Europe, the Middle East and Asia during the 14th century, leaving an estimated 25 million dead in its wake.
Despite what these 14th-century scholars claimed the most common ailment known as the Black Death is caused by the yersinia pestis bacterium. The plague was carried by fleas that usually traveled on rats, but jumped off to other mammals when the rat died. It most likely first appeared in humans in Mongolia around 1320. Usually, people who came down with the plague first complained of headaches, fever and chills. Their tongues often appeared a whitish color before there was severe swelling of the lymph nodes. Finally, black and purple spots appeared on the skin of the afflicted; death could follow within a week. Later, a pneumonic form of the plague developed that was less common but killed 95 percent of the people who contracted it.
After the nomadic tribes of Mongolia were devastated by the plague, it moved south and east to China and India. Wherever it went, the death toll was high. It is thought that the disease made its way to Europe in 1346. In one famous incident, the Tatars, a group of Turks, were battling Italians from Genoa in the Middle East when the Tatars were suddenly stuck down by the plague. Reportedly, they began catapulting dead bodies over the Genoans’ walls toward their enemy, who fled back to Italy with the disease. Although this account may not be true, it is certain that rats carrying the plague hitched rides on ships from Asia and the Middle East to Europe. In port cities everywhere, the Black Death began to strike. In Venice, 100,000 people died in total, with as many as 600 dying every day at the peak of the outbreak.
In 1347, the disease worked its way to France and Paris lost an estimated 50,000 people. The following year, Britain fell victim. Typically, countries would believe themselves to be superior and immune to infection when their neighbors came down with the plague, but soon found they were mistaken as the Black Death traveled across Eurasia, spreading devastation in its wake. By the time the worst was over in 1352, one third of the continent’s population was dead.
Devastation on this scale brought out the worst in people. Often, it was not the movement of stars that was blamed for the disease, but the minorities in the community. Witches and gypsies were frequent targets. Jewish people were tortured and burned to death by the thousands for supposedly causing the Black Death. Preachers claimed that the disease was God’s punishment for immorality. Many turned to prayer and those that did survive ascribed their good luck to their devotion, resulting in the rise of splinter religions and cults in the aftermath of the plague’s destruction. Alternatively, some resorted to useless home cures to try to avoid the disease, bathing in urine or menstrual blood in an attempt to deter it.
The plague popped up periodically until the 1700s, but never again reached epidemic proportions after the 14th century.
For more events that took place on
March 20th, please click
here
.
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- 70% to 75% -
"About four billion people, or 70-75% of the world’s population, do not use toilet paper. Some people don’t use toilet paper because of a lack of trees in the region. Others don’t use toilet paper because they can’t afford it or there’s insufficient plumbing. In many European countries, bidets are preferable to toilet paper because of culture, customs, and effectiveness (after all, water is the universal solvent, not paper).
"They
do
use regular toilet paper on the International Space Station, but they have to seal and compress it in special containers. When researchers asked people what necessity they would bring to a deserted island, 49% said they would bring toilet paper before they would bring food."
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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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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.
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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 or information about anything related to the Chamber.
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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.
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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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