THE LATEST NEWS:
  • Our latest local COVID-19 numbers: The current tally, as of 11 a.m. today, is 29 positive cases, 18 males and 11 females, and seven currently hospitalized. The age range is from 19 to 76 years. There have been 267 Ross County residents tested with 215 testing negative, and 22 awaiting test results.
  • Gov. Mike DeWine continued to point to May 1 not as a day to return to normalcy but a day that safe and smart return to work can be begin. He said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and the economic recovery team are working on a plan and some details will be available later this week.
  • The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services asked people to file for unemployment on designated days, based on the first initial of their last name, to help the state better process jobless claims. Read more here.
  • If you haven't heard, Urbana University has announced it will close permanently in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • DeWine announced the Ohio Department of Agriculture will waive the requirement that Agricultural Societies must put up matching funds in order to receive $50,000 fairgrounds grants.
LAST CALL: Jarvis Law seminars Wed. & Thurs.
Tomorrow is our first of two sessions with new partner Jarvis Law to help our small businesses. They are worth checking out!

Wednesday at 9 "How to navigate the new COVID-19 stimulus programs" will lay out how to apply for the various funds, even if your company is big or small. They will also discuss and take questions about how those funds will become accessible.
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.
On a dark day for our local high school seniors, a beacon of hope - literally
Monday was a tough day for our local high school seniors.

Already struggling with missing the end of some winter sports seasons and other events unique to the senior experience, Gov. Mike DeWine's closure of schools through the end of the academic year was a crippling blow to their hopes of some normalcy to their final year. It also resulted in the cancellation of spring sports and left very ambiguous how graduation will be handled.

I recall my senior year as a mixture of hard work, fun, and goofiness, but my last year of high school was 34 years ago and wasn't cut short by something out of my control. I also got to run my last track season.

These are all things the class of 2020 won't get. They're sad and that's understandable. My hope is that they get some sort of graduation ceremony that gives them the credit they deserve.

But the resolve of our seniors is still there. I saw many posts on social media lamenting the losses they've suffered due to COVID-19, but also supporting their classmates and celebrating the memories they've made.

Then, at 8:20:20 p.m. last night, the lights at high school football stadiums across the county, state, and nation were blazing in support of the Class of 2020. It's a small gesture, but one that is very important because it shows that we empathize with what they are going through, even if there is little we can do.

If you have a senior in your close circle, let's figure out a way to give them the amazing experience of graduation, while also maintaining the precautions that will keep us all safe.
DEADLINE FRIDAY: Return to Work survey
Currently, the indications are after May 1 Ohio will start the recovery from the COVID-19 shutdown. What that looks like is still a mystery, but it's time to assess the damage, and start the return to work.

But that's going to look differently for each business. At the Chamber, we're striving to provide the resources you need to make the moves toward the new normal. Do you need access to PPE, hand sanitizer and other things to start back up? Guidance on marketing your business?

Let us know what you need so we can start taking action for you! Please complete the survey by 5 p.m. Friday, April 24
*NEW* Information for small business owners
Resources
  • A JobsOhio look at Reopening America (PDF)

FREE WEBINARS :
  • Wednesday, April 22 at 9 a.m. - Jarvis Law Firm Zoom session on Navigating the COVID-19 Resources. (Facebook event)
  • Thursday, April 23 noon - Jarvis Law Firm session on How to Protect Your Business and Family (Facebook event)
  • Tuesday, April 28 at 2 p.m. - Leading the Charge in Uncertain Times (Eventbrite link)
  • Tuesday, April 28 at 2 p.m. - Strong Towns and Vibrant Community Partners on how communities can emerge from the pandemic stronger and better than before. (register here)
  • Wednesday, May 6 at 9 a.m. or noon - Grow with Google session: Manage Your Business Remotely in Times of Uncertainty (webinar link)
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