THE LATEST NEWS:
  • The latest numbers for our county: The Ross County Health District announced today the following information: 39 positive cases (one death), 59% male and 41% female, and nine currently hospitalized. The age range is from 19 to 80 years. There have been 396 Ross County residents tested with 339 testing negative, and 18 awaiting test results. Twelve recovered cases are reported.
  • The state's new stay-at-home order has been posted. It's essentially the same - well, the administration says it's a" safe stay Ohio" plan now - but allows some retailers to offer pickup/delivery/appointment services. Some of us can go to work, some can't just yet. But when you get off work, stay home. At least that's what item three on the list says.
  • We managed to get our hands on the March building reports list. Click here to view.
  • Adena Health System announced plans to ramp up surgeries and procedures next week. Click here to read the details.
  • If you missed the results of our Return to Work survey, click here.
As business begins its return to work, Chamber member benefits could help you save money
(and sole proprietors qualify now!)
Health care related businesses began opening up Friday in Ohio, which was welcome news for many people in the Buckeye State. Offices, construction, manufacturing, and distribution will join them Monday.

And, while we wait until May 12 for general retail, consumer, and services, it's critical that our small businesses continue to find ways to save money and explore ways to offset the losses they've suffered as the stay-at-home orders and mandated business closures occurred.

For Chamber members, that's where our exclusive member benefits can really help.

Our Chamber has partnered with Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance to offer some low-cost options to our members. They're worth considering as you re-open and consider how to offer benefits and other incentives as you ease your employee numbers back up.

Simply put, SOCA offers our members services they couldn't normally get. We have a prescription drug card that can save employees of Chamber businesses money and offer an employment verification service. There are HR and other services offered from SOCA that can help too.

On Monday, we'll offer a webinar with Elavon, one of the SOCA benefit providers. Elavon can help businesses streamline and save costs through a variety of solutions. Click here to find out more about the webinar.

And here is some new and exciting news, Anthem and SOCA are very pleased to announce the SOCA Benefit Plan is making room for sole proprietors. They can enroll in the plan starting July 1.

The broker community has already received instructions from Anthem regarding new case submission. Quoting has already begun.

An eligible sole proprietor must:
  • Meet underwriting requirements.
  • Work more than 30 hours per week (documentation required).
  • Submit a cover page for Form 1040 with Schedule C or Form 1040 with Schedules F and SE.

Regulations limit sole proprietor membership to 10 percent of total SOCA Benefit Plan membership. This is limited to sole proprietors. Presently this offer is not intended for non-profit organizations with one employee. Contact us and we can help you get started .

We're also exploring new ways to help you save by looking into energy cost saving solutions and other health care options that could be gamechangers for small businesses. We''ll have some announcement on those options soon.
Still need PPE? A local native might have a solution
As Governor DeWine slowly permits businesses to reopen in Ohio, there will be a continued need for PPE to keep your employees and customers safe. 

Businesses must require all employees to wear facial coverings, except for one of the following reasons:  
  • Facial coverings in the work setting are prohibited by law or regulation 
  • Facial coverings are in violation of documented industry standards 
  • Facial coverings are not advisable for health reasons 
  • Facial coverings are in violation of the business’s documented safety policies 
  • Facial coverings are not required when the employee works alone in an assigned work area 
  • There is a functional (practical) reason for an employee not to wear a facial covering in the workplace 

Needless to say, it’s not a bad idea to have some PPE supplies in bulk to cover the foreseeable future. A company started by CHS grad Tamara Paul might be able to help you.
 
But where to find it? Aesthetics by Design has KN95 masks, 3ply disposable masks, and gowns in bulk on their website . They also have access to hand sanitizer, gloves, and other supplies upon inquiry. For information or inquiries about products/supplies, email  info@superiorppe.us  or call (614) 987-8320. 
Click below to register!
Free webinars for small business owners
Wednesday, May 6 at noon - ThinkHR compliance seminar on layoffs, furloughs, and recalls ( Register 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.

  • *NEW* 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