THE LATEST NEWS:
  • Our latest local COVID-19 numbers: The current tally, as of 10 a.m. Thursday, 215 county residents tested, 25 positive, 175 negative, and 15 waiting on test results. Of the 25 positive cases, 16 are males and nine are females. (Please note: We didn't receive new data before we sent this newsletter today.)
  • If you missed today's Facebook Live with Mayor Luke Feeney and The Ross County Health District you can view it here.
  • President Trump announced a phased plan to re-open the country for business Thursday and said the plan would bow to whatever states felt they had to do to gradually.
  • No new information from Gov. Mike DeWine on specifics on how his administration will phase in the reopening of the state after May 1. Next week, we're going to hear from him on schools and likely get some details on the business reopening plan.
Guidance now available for independent contractors, self-proprietors
One of the frequently asked questions we've gotten here in the past few weeks is "How will the government address independent contractors and their eligibility" for the various programs that aim to help people right now.

The U.S. Chamber has created a guide for independent contractors and self-employed individuals who have waited for those answers. Click here to get the guide.
Chamber, with partner Jarvis Law, offering more guidance to businesses in COVID-19 age
As we continue to provide guidance to small business on the variety of resources in the COVID-19 age, we're also providing regular feedback to our elected officials about the necessity to expand the various programs created to help small business since the pandemic hit the country and Ohio.

Today, we have announcements on both fronts.

Yesterday, I had conversations with both of the men who represent Ross County in the U.S. House, plus I sent emails to all of our Congressmen. My message to them was clear: The Paycheck Protection Program and the SBA economic injury disaster loan programs must be fully funded for those who need them.

This is where you come in. As I said in a letter to our members yesterday, a new phase of the CARES Act is under consideration in the House, but all of us have a vested interest in making sure that Congress meets the needs that COVID-19 has created. I’m asking you to consider clicking on this link to send our members of Congress a message  to ask them to immediately pass additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. 

I hope you'll help to apply the pressure to get our businesses the help they need.

In addition, we've developed a partnership with Jarvis Law Office in the past few weeks that will help us provide two opportunities for information about COVID-19 resources. Both will come next week.

"How to navigate the new COVID-19 stimulus programs" is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday via online session. The session aims to provide information about these new programs and also offers The Business Owners Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) during COVID-19, a free, short guide to the programs available to businesses.

Click here to get more information and sign up.

A day later at noon, Jarvis Law will also provide a webinar entitled "Protect Your Family and Your Business During this Crisis" designed to help protect a family business - and the family that started the business. Click here to get more information and sign up.

We're also working on other sessions that will help us all navigate this trying time and prepare us for the gradual return to work we all anticipate. As always, if you have specific thoughts, send me an email at [email protected].
*NEW* Information for small business owners
*NEW* RESOURCES
  • Our friends at Edward Jones have provided a COVID-19 resource guide that could be helpful to small businesses. (Link)
  • We received a briefing on the CARES Act from the U.S. Chamber on Wednesday. The slide deck is available here.
  • The Save Small Business Fund is providing $5,000 grants in short-term relief to employers across the country, including in Ross County. The grant application will go live Monday at 3 p.m.
  • Our Zoom session on COVID-19 small business resources was recorded and the video and PDF of the slide deck from the OSU South Centers Small Business Development Center.

FREE WEBINARS :
  • Wednesday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. - U.S. Chamber workshop on employee engagement and company culture. (webinar link)
  • Wednesday, May 6 at 9 a.m. or noon - Grow with Google session: Manage Your Business Remotely in Times of Uncertainty (webinar link)
  • VIDEO: The Big Picture: Road Map to Re-opening the Country. To learn more about the U.S. Chamber's Path Forward series, click here.
Miss one of these updates? Click here to catch up!
Coronavirus numbers, facts and figures
Links to information:

  • Looking for a job? The state has a job page on its Coronavirus page that helps connect those out of work with jobs.

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

  • Governor's Stay at Home Order (Link)

  • The Chillicothe Ross Community Foundation's Coronavirus Fund needs donations, and can potentially help non-profits with some of the costs of helping the community cope with the impact of COVID-19 in the area.

  • The United Way of Ross County is awarding micro-grants to non-profits working to address community needs due to COVID-19's impact.
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce | Email Mike Throne | chillicotheohio.com