EARLIER NEWSLETTER TODAY: I'll be out of the (home) office later today, so the daily update comes to you a little earlier than normal. I'll be on the press conference on Monday to help digest the new return to work standards. Have a great weekend everyone!
THE LATEST NEWS:
  • The latest numbers for our county: No updates this morning. The Ross County Health District announced Thursday the following information: 30 positive cases (one death), 60% male and 40% female, and seven currently hospitalized. The age range is from 19 to 80 years. There have been 293 Ross County residents tested with 233 testing negative, and 30 awaiting test results. Eight recovered cases are reported.
  • The House approved the $484 billion boost to the COVID-19 relief designed to help small business President Trump will sign the bill at noon. I'd love to tell you it will be easy to access, but we all know better than that. There are people in the community who have received their money, so don't give up. Speaking of which, here's an article that might help you understand the process for SBA loans a little better. See below for more guidance.
A few thoughts on what we'll hear Monday on return to work standards
The advice hasn't changed: Get your application ready for COVID-19 relief dollars
As indicated above, the House passed a new jolt to the Paycheck Protection Program and the SBA loan program and, just minutes ago, the President signed it into law.

For many small businesses, it's been a frustrating process, but if you haven't applied, you should strongly considering applying as soon as the sites are open again. As we've said, you are under no obligation to take the money if it is approved, so you have an out. But you can't get help, if you don't apply.

Make sure you submit your application to a lender and you can call your lender and talk through those details. If you need further guidance, here's the video of our session from earlier this month and the slide deck that explains it in more detail.
Free webinars for small business owners
  • 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