September 2020
COVID-19 Resources



-Including Action Steps when a
COVID-19 Infection is Identified
Click here to view the COVID-19 Business Resource Page for more information to assist with navigating the changing advisory levels and orders.

For more legislative updates from the Ohio Chamber visit allforohio.com
Ohio Business Leaders are Still Uncertain About an Economic Path Forward
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation released the findings of its quarterly Prosperity Pulse business leader survey last week. The statewide Prosperity Pulse index measured at 93.0, a rebound from the previous low-water mark of 51 but indicating continued below-average economic conditions as the business community has gradually re-opened. To continue reading, click here. 
Ohio Chamber
HR Academy
Wednesday, September 16 at noon the Ohio Chamber HR Academy will host Back to School Rights and
Responsibilities of Employers and Employees. The presenters will be William J. Wahoff and Nelva J. Smith with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC.
2020 Dealmakers Conference
Ohio Chamber members can save $100 off of the 2020 Dealmakers Conference by using the promo code OHIOCHAMBER_GUEST when registering for the Tuesday, September 15, 2020 virtual conference.

COVID-19 may have slowed down the M&A process, but it hasn't stopped it. In fact, it has raised a laundry list of new issues that dealmakers must confront if they are going to keep their businesses growing. Join an all-star lineup for panel discussions and one-on-one video networking with the entrepreneurs, investors and advisers driving Central Ohio's M&A scene. Learn more, and register using the OHIOCHAMBER_GUEST promo code by going here
Can We Help Pay for Your Next Tech Intern?
Diversity & Inclusion Technology Internship Program Application is Open!
 
The Diversity & Inclusion Technology Internship Program reimburses eligible companies for two-thirds of a intern’s wages, up to $10,000. The program has been expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for remote-work internships.

This program is open to tech companies and any company with a technology-related need. This is an opportunity to help build your company’s talent pipeline for the future while also filling your current staffing needs at a low cost.

Help students gain the experience they need in the tech-industry and strengthen Ohio’s workforce for the future. Company applications remain open through September 8, 2020.

For more information and to apply, visit http://techintern.development.ohio.gov/.
Information from Wage and Hour Administration

On July 20, the Wage and Hour Administration posted more guidance for employers and employees on how to handle issues arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act related to COVID-19. 

The new information includes:
  • What hours are compensable when an employee is working from home
  • How employers can give employees flexibility during the day (for instance to attend to remove schooling obligations)
  • Whether an exempt employee maintains exempt status when having to perform non-exempt duties
U.S. Department of Labor Releases New Guidance
For employers that have hourly employees working from home, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently released guidance to clarify your obligations to track an employee's teleworking hours. The guidance can be read here.

Other useful information about the DOL's response to the coronavirus pandemic including OSHA's guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 can be found here.
OHIO COMMON SENSE INITIATIVE


TOLEDO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JobsOhio Inclusion Grant

The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant provides financial support for eligible projects in designated distressed communities and/or for businesses owned by underrepresented populations across the state.


If you are interested in applying for a JobsOhio Inclusion Grant or have questions, reach out to Renee Smith.
Drafting Effective Employment Handbook & Policies
for Small Business-$45
September 15, 22 & 29 from 8 -10 a.m.
For more information on any of these trainings call the Fostoria Learning Center on 419-408-5540, email director@fostorialearningcenter.org or follow our Facebook page by Clicking HERE
Next Meeting
Multi-Generational Workforces
Tally Galloghly & Chris Tefelski
Summit EAP, ProMedica
Sept. 16 @ 11:30 a.m. via Zoom
NEW EVENT...
Have a business in Downtown?
Click here to learn how you can participate.
Stop Talking, Start Doing!

We are launching a 10 week Co.Starters course at the Fostoria Learning Center designed to take your business idea and put it into action.

The course will begin in October and space is limited.
Golf Classic
CONGRATULATIONS to all the GOLF CLASSIC winners and thank you to our sponsors!

We added a new section to our member update,
"5 things about your business you would like the community to know." We use this information to post on our #MemberSpotlightMonday on our Facebook page.
Complete the update and we will help spread the word about your business!
Drafting Employment Handbook and Policies-Workshop for Small Business
Are you a small business without an HR person? Struggling to keep up with employment policy? Not sure if your current employee handbook and policy meets compliance standards? Don't even have a handbook?
This course is for you!

September 15, 22 & 29
LaRiche Chevrolet Cadillac
Burns Petroleum

RR&D  Master Automotive Care
Seneca Co. Opportunity Center
Reinhart's Auto Body
SAVVY Hair Expressions
Gerken Materials
Sunny Farms
Tri County Veterinary Clinic

Natalie Piper, Owner
419-435-4622
Our members are doing GREAT things!

This month we are proud to highlight Premier Bank (formerly First Federal Bank of the Midwest). Premier Bank is represented on the Fostoria Chamber board by Andrea Cress, Vice President, Market Support Solutions.

Premier Bank is more than a story of two financial institutions coming together, but of the people who make the bank what it is. Customers, employees and the communities Premier Bank serves drives them to be the best they can be — Premier in every sense of the word. It’s from them that they find their purpose, energy and inspiration. That’s what it means to be Powered by People.
“Powered by People” is more than a tagline for Premier Bank; it’s their philosophy and shapes the way they do business. Decisions are made by employees who are in the area, know the people and understand the market – all of which result in smarter problem solving and more customized banking solutions. Their employees believe in a hands-on, face-to-face approach to customer service, and feel individual ownership over the well being of those they serve.
The bank prioritizes personal interaction for those who prefer it but is driven to move technology forward to improve efficiencies and customer experiences.
“Our commitment to providing excellence in service extends beyond banking. What really makes Premier Bank different is that we are known for our strong customer relationships and our support of the communities we serve,” explained Amy Hackenberg, Market President, Premier Bank. “It’s because we see ourselves as more than just a bank. Our employees truly care for our customers, and consider them friends and neighbors.”
Services:
Premier Bank is a full-service community bank that offers traditional banking services, including residential, commercial and consumer loans, as well as a broad range of deposit account services for retail and commercial customers.
The Bank operates retail branches, loan offices and wealth offices in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Community Involvement:
“It is our vision to be the partner of choice in every community we serve. Whether someone is looking to finance a home, open a checking ac-count, start the business they’ve always dreamed of or connect others to our resources, we want to provide the best in community banking,” said Vince Liuzzi, EVP, Chief Banking Officer, Community Banking Group Head, Premier Bank. “We appreciate the uniqueness that every client brings, even the challenges. Providing personalized service is one of our top priorities as a community bank."

Premier Bank is located at 1694 N. Countyline Street in Fostoria. Learn more by calling 419-436-1310 or visit their website.

She.Tiques Limited is owned and operated by local entrepreneur, Linda Lopez Fouts.

She.Tiques specializes in bringing used furniture back to life. She can create a custom piece for you or you can shop her pieces at Suzy's Rusty Bucket in Bellevue or by appointment.

Follow She.Tiques on FB.
Take the “Downtown Art Walk – Fostoria, Ohio”
Have you seen all the public art throughout downtown Fostoria? In addition to permanent sculptures, murals and barn quilts, you’ll see eight new sculptures that just arrived through our partnership with the Midwest Sculpture Initiative. We’ve made it easy to find all these pieces using the PocketSights mobile tour guide app that you can download to your phone for FREE! Can’t wait to see the tour? Check out a preview of the tour here: https://pocketsights.com/tours/tour/Fostoria-Downtown-Art-Walk-Fostoria-Ohio-4149
Check out the Fostoria Farmers' Market Online Sales page on Facebook.

Shop from your favorite vendors anytime or even pre-order and pick up at the next Market.

Don't miss out! The last market of the season is September 19!
2020 Chamber Sponsors
Platinum
Gold


Silver

Bronze
Callies Performance Products
AgCredit
Financial Design Agency of Ohio
Beerco

Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau | 419-435-0486 | www.FostoriaOhio.org