In The Kn
o
w
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Friday, April 24, 2020
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House Passes Coronavirus Relief Bill
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Last night, the House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Below is a summary from the office of Ohio Congressman Bob Gibb's office.
Click
here
for full text.
Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act:
- Provides an additional $310 billion in PPP loans: $30 billion in guaranteed loans for lenders with less than $10 billion in assets.
- $30 billion in guaranteed loans for lenders with $10 billion to $50 billion in asset.
- Provides an additional $10 billion for Emergency Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) grants.
- Appropriates an additional $50 billion for the Disaster Loans Program Account.
- Allows agricultural enterprises as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)) with not more than 500 employees to receive EIDL grants and loans.
- Provides an additional $75 billion for reimbursement to hospitals and healthcare providers to support the need for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue.
- Provides $25 billion for necessary expenses to research, develop, validate, manufacture, purchase, administer, and expand capacity for COVID-19 tests, specifically: $11 billion for states, localities, territories, and tribes to develop, purchase, administer, process, and analyze COVID-19 tests, scale-up laboratory capacity, trace contacts, and support employer testing. Funds are also made available to employers for testing.
- $1 billion provided to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity expansion, contact tracing, public health data surveillance, and analytics infrastructure modernization.
- $1.8 billion provided to the National Institutes of Health to develop, validate, improve, and implement testing and associated technologies; to accelerate research, development, and implementation of point-of-care and other rapid testing; and for partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities to research, develop, and implement the activities.
- $1 billion for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for advanced research, development, manufacturing, production, and purchase of diagnostic, serologic, or other COVID-19 tests or related supplies.
- $22 million for the Food and Drug Administration to support activities associated with diagnostic, serological, antigen, and other tests, and related administrative activities.
- $825 million for Community Health Centers and rural health clinics.
- Up to $1 billion may be used to cover the costs of testing for the uninsured.
"Businesses who did not apply for assistance during the first round of stimulus funding are encouraged to apply as soon as possible," said Chamber President, Tricia Maple-Damewood. You may click
here
to be taken to the SBA's application page for the emergency disaster loan program and
here
for the Paycheck Protection Program application or any local SBA approved lender. " I do not know exactly when applications will begin being accepted again so check back often."
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Small Business Administration Disaster Customer Service
800.659.2955
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To watch today's Governor DeWine's today at 2 p.m., please click
here
or
For the latest updates from West Virginia Governor Justice's office, click
here.
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Important Unemployment Program unveiled.
A message from Lt. Governor John Husted's Office
Beginning today, Ohions who are unemployed as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but who NO NOT qualify for regular unemployment benefits can begin pre-registering for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), a new federal program that covers many more categories of workers. The pre-registration tool will allow individuals to get in line early and pre-register their account, so that as soon as the agency has the technical ability to process their claims in May, they can log in and complete their paperwork.
This program will provide benefits to the following categories of workers:
- Those who were self-employed, worked part-time, or do not otherwise qualify for regular unemployment benefits and fit one of the categories below
- Those unable to reach their place of employment because of quarantine
- Those unable to reach their place of employment because they have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine
- Those whose place of employment is closed because of COVID-19
- Those who were scheduled to start work but who no longer have a job because of COVID-19
- Those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19
- Those with a household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
- Those providing care to a family or household member with COVID-19
- Those with primary caregiving responsibilities for children or others who are unable to attend school or another facility due to COVID-19.
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CURRENT OHIO DATA:
There are 14,142 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, 618 confirmed deaths, and 656 total deaths. A total of 2,960 people have been hospitalized, including 900 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting
coronavirus.ohio.gov
. For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit
coronavirus.ohio.gov
or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
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Looking for ways to put your time, talent & resources to use?
Check out these new Chamber programs.
The Chamber's
COVID Small Business Assistance Team
is still in need of volunteers to help work on projects to assist our small businesses. From phone calls and online research to marketing, graphic design and more, any donation of time and skills is appreciated. High school and college students, teachers, business professionals or retirees are all welcome. Work from your home or office and help us help fellow members. Interested or want more details? Email Tricia at the chamber at the address below with, "Small Business Assistance Team" in the subject line.
"How To" videos needed
. Do you have a talent you'd like to share with fellow members? Something that pertains to your business or maybe otherwise? Maybe you're an accountant who knows how to tie the perfect gift bow or you're a landscaper who can share a quick tip on weed control. We are gathering videos of one minute or less to share on social media and in the weekly newsletter. Please send to Tricia Maple-Damewood at the email address below with "How To" in the subject line.
Facebook Fun
: It's not all misinformation and political rants! Facebook can actually be fun and informative and bring us together. And the Chamber's Facebook page has been hopping lately. Get ready to post your photos for two upcoming campaigns. First is
"Lucious Leftovers"
that will showcase the creations you make by "over-ordering" take-out at a local member restaurant and using them creatively through the week. The second is
"Show Us How You Do It"
with members sharing photos of how they're making their way through these challenging times. Pictures of your interesting or creative home office space, how your employees are safely keeping things afloat or fun and interesting ideas for making the most of home office, home school or home leisure time are all welcome. Follow us on Facebook by clicking the button below and stay tuned.
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Local Car Dealerships are Open for Business!
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Our local member car dealers are open for business and enforcing social distancing guidelines to ensure customers feel comfortable about browsing their showrooms and lots. Please find hours and further details below. Buyers should call for more details on individual dealership specials, service center hours and more.
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Ohio Valley Honda's
Service Department is open for business Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sales department has limited staff, condensed hours, and is by appointment only:
Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ohio Valley Honda is located at
532 North 3rd Sreet in Steubenville and can be reached by phone at 740.283.3435.
For the safety of its customers and staff, Ohio Valley Honda is allowing up to 10 people at a time in the showroom and is requesting that customers remain six feet apart for social distancing protocols. For updates, please "Like" and "Follow"
their Facebook page
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Monday and Thursday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunset Motors is located at 2218 Sunset Blvd. in Steubenville. Some brands and models are at 0% financing with 90 days delayed payments.
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Team Automotive Group's
Service Department is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The showroom is also open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For those who prefer to conduct business from home, Team's Digital Deal Coordinators are prepared to assist you in a variety of ways, whether requiring a car immediately or having six months left on your lease.
Team is located at 905 Brady Avenue in Steubenville and can be reached at 740.283.4131. You can also chat or text via the bottom corner of any Team Automotive website. Those sites are:
A
live Team Automotive representative will communicate with you daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Live representatives are often working after hours, too.
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"We're Open for Business" & Our "Stay Safe" Commercial
Brought to you by Encino Energy
Kudos to our local businesses who have gone to amazing lengths the past few weeks to be safe, generous, innovative, strong, flexible, patient and resilient. The Chamber salutes you, your employees, and your families. Please enjoy these two new videos. The first highlights just a few of the many essential businesses who are still open. The second is the Chamber's new commercial that will be featured on
WTOV9
in the coming weeks. A big thank you to Brad Degenkolb from the
Holiday Inn of Weirton
for providing the voice over and to
Pierce Media
for their time and efforts on the video side.
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This Week's Featured Video
The Vote-by-Mail Debate, Explained
A balanced look at an intensifying debate
From the
Wall Street Journal
:
"With the potential resurgence of the coronavirus in the fall of 2020, many are questioning how they will vote in November without jeopardizing their health. Some lawmakers are calling for universal voting by mail, while others are saying it’s not worth the risk."
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A Belated Wish For Our Administrative Professionals.
With all that is happening, many of us, the Chamber included, may have accidentally forgotten that yesterday was the day to honor those who keep our businesses and organizations running smoothly. A big shout-out to all of the office support employees who have been patient, understanding, flexible and optimistic. Not just now, but year-round, your efforts are appreciated. And a special thanks to Janet McLaughlin and Melissa DeFrances who are doing a great job, remotely, for the chamber and its 500 members.
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Small Business Development Center Available To Assist You
SBDC H.R. specialist, Joanna Forbes, has done a significant amount of research on the steps an employer needs to consider with a re-opening. And she is available to assist your business in many areas.
Detailed below is a list of topics that Joanna has researched and will be using in social media posts. In addition, the SBDC will be scheduling a live “Ask the SBDC’s H.R. Expert” session on May 7th.
Topic 1 Working From Home With Kids
Topic 2 Emergency Work Continuity Plans
Topic 3 Common FAQs on Fair Labor Standards Act during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Topic 4 Ways to Social Distance in the Workplace
Topic 5 Be Mindful of Your Employees' Mental Well Being During a Quarantine
Topic 6 Recruitment During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Topic 7 Remote Work Policies Considerations
Topic 8 Supporting Employees With Coronavirus
Topic 9 Family First Coronavirus Response Act - basic FAQs
Topic 10 CARES Act - basic FAQs
For more information or to register, contact the Small Business Development Center At Kent State University at Tuscarawas. Phone: 330.308.7522 or email [email protected].
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Small Business Webinar Next Week
"Social Distancing Best Practices"
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 - 1 p.m.
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Employment Information for Local Businesses & Job Seekers:
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Continue to support our local businesses while following safety protocols.
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If you are listed on one of these resource pages and would like to update your information, please email Tricia Maple-Damewood at the address below and put, "Business Information Update" in the subject line. We will update each document at least weekly.
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Certificates of Origin Now Being Processed
at Chamber
If you are a local manufacturer or shipper or are working remotely from home in these industries and need certificates of origin processed, please contact the Chamber for assistance. We offer discounted prices for Chamber member businesses and our offices are open Monday through Friday.
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Bingo! Win prizes while doing good things.
Print the Chamber's bingo card and mark off the squares as you complete helpful and fun activities supporting our local businesses and community. Once you have a "bingo" - any complete straight line horizontal, vertical or diagonal, send a picture of your card to Tricia Maple-Damewood at the email address below with "Bingo" in the subject line. If we post your card on Facebook, you win a prize!
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SAVE THE DATE!
The Chamber's 2020 Golf Classic has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, July 21st at the Steubenville Country Club. Sponsored by
Trinity Health System.
Watch your mail and email for details.
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Two Virtual Events - Help Us Make Them Work!
On Friday, May 1st, "join us" for May's
First Friday
at Le Chateau Pier in Smithfield. Owner Todd Piergallini and his staff will take us on a virtual tour of this amazing venue and answer any questions you may have. Have your food and drink of choice nearby as we socialize safely on screen. Watch your email for the official invitation.
And on Wednesday, May 13th,
Coffee & Connections
will go live for the first time ever promptly at
9 a.m. Remember, you will still get "gonged" if you exceed your one minute "commercial" so be on your best behavior. New to Coffee & Connections? It's the place to introduce your business or organization to fellow members, share information on an upcoming event or detail your products and services. Watch your email next week for more details.
Hope to see you all for these two important events that will bring some normalcy back to our daily routines.
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Modern Marketing 101:
The Difference Between Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing (and Why You Should Care)
"Many people use digital marketing and social media marketing interchangeably. They believe that engaging in different social media platforms is digital marketing, but this is just a part of it," Jock Breitwieser writes over at
Business2Community
. Check out his helpful primer on the distinction between the two and how you can use both marketing approaches to your benefit by
clicking here
.
From last week:
SocialMediaToday
comes through again with a highly informative article designed to help you focus your social media marketing on five key areas that are proving relevant during this crisis. Writes Nancy Kapoor: "...[W]hile the human impact of the crisis cannot be overstated, for those that are able, minimizing the economic impact through the available means could be the difference between staying afloat or going under, and suffering massive financial burden as a result."
Find out more
here
.
If you missed or want to re-read any of our previous Modern Marketing 101 installments, click
here
. We encourage you to print, save, share, and add these articles and resources to your business or organization's social media marketing manual.
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Member Morsels
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.
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Cloak & Dagger On the Air
Stays Home
Debuts
As an alternative to our suspended performance schedule,
The Ohio Valley Cloak & Dagger Company
premiered the first podcast episode of
Cloak & Dagger On the Air Stays Home
. This half-hour limited series is remotely recorded and produced and features a talented cast of local professional performers.
Our first episode is an adaptation of the John Collier short story, "Evening Primrose," and can be found by clicking
here
or
here
.
You can keep up with our latest offerings by following our Facebook page
here
.
Thank you for checking us out, and please tell your friends and family about
Cloak & Dagger On the Air
!
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Around the State. Around the Country.
Up-to-Date Information from the Ohio and United States Chamber of Commerce
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Update: Paycheck Protection Program's Impact on Ohio's Businesses
By the end of last week, almost 60,000 businesses in Ohio have had loans approved through the U.S. Small Business Administration totaling over $14 billion. This places Ohio 7th nationwide in terms of amount of funds approved for Ohio businesses with an average loan of $235,000. These loans have the potential to keep businesses open and workers employed throughout the duration of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Unfortunately, as of last week, the program is no longer accepting applications as the funding for the program has run out. Applications for small businesses opened on Friday, April 3, and for independent contractors/self-employed individuals, it opened a week later. There are ongoing discussions about adding additional funds to the program moving forward to assist even more small businesses. The proposed amount would be around an additional $300 billion to the already dispersed $350 billion from the original program.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
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Unemployment Claims Amid Coronavirus: A State-by-State Analysis
Americans filed 4.4 million unemployment claims last week, the Labor Department reported Thursday, driving total jobless claims over the past 5 weeks to more than 26 million amid the coronavirus pandemic and corresponding economic fallout.
No state has been spared. Forty states have seen more than 10 percent of their workforce file unemployment claims since the start of March (note, DOL reporting on state unemployment data lags one week behind the national data). In 6 states, through April 11, the percentage of the February workforce that has since filed for unemployment benefits now exceeds 20 percent.
Use the interactive map below to see just how quickly unemployment claims have risen in each state over the past 6 weeks. Again, please note that state data lags national data by one week, so the 4.4 million claims reported on April 23 are not yet included in these state numbers.
Read the article in its entirety by clicking
here
.
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The Library Link
Great Books About Business With Just A Click
Your link to success begins at the library. Each week in "In The Know,"
you to a business book or magazine that will inspire, teach, inform, or elevate you, professionally and personally. This week:
Welcome to the Real World
by Lauren Berger
The essential book every workplace novice needs - a smart, practical, and fun guide to help them navigate the minefield of personalities, learn to work with their boss, identify priorities, and ultimately kick butt at their first job. It's a challenging time to be young and new in the workplace. Your parents can't help - the rules have all changed faster than guidebooks can keep up. In
Welcome to the Real World
, career expert and entrepreneur Lauren Berger arms a new generation of workers like you with the tools you need to succeed.
View this resource by clicking
here
.
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Today in History
Jane Fonda's first workout video released
- April 24, 1982 -
With the phenomenal success of her exercise studios, books and videos, Fonda not only sparked the aerobics trend of the late 1970s and 1980s–she also popularized the concept of working out for women in general. Other instructors soon capitalized on the workout movement, including Richard Simmons and Judi Missett, creator of the aerobics spin-off known as Jazzercise. For the first time, millions of women (and a few men) were exercising together in groups, doing leg lifts, side bends and lifting dumbbells to the beat of peppy music. Aerobics also launched a fashion craze, with neon spandex, legwarmers and leotards becoming ubiquitous among health-conscious women. Fonda’s videos remained top sellers into the latter half of the 1980s, including
Jane Fonda’s New Workout
(1986) and
Jane Fonda’s Low-Impact Aerobic Workout
(1987).
For more events that took place on
April 24h, please click
here
.
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- 20 -
"With all major-league games called off, there hasn’t been much sports to consume beyond marble racing and an occasional Belarusian soccer match. Use of ESPN’s website has fallen sharply since late January, according to SimilarWeb.
"At the same time, several video game sites have had surges in traffic, as have sites that let you watch other people play. Twitch, the leading site for streaming game play, has had traffic shoot up 20 percent."
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Questions about Oil & Gas?
These non-profit organizations are here to help you stay up-to-date on the oil and gas industry
in Jefferson County:
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Get The Information You Need - The Chamber Staff Is Here To Help
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Janet McLaughlin
Investor Relations Coordinator
Janet will assist you with utilizing your membership benefits, answering questions about member programming or how to promote your business through the Chamber.
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Tricia Maple-Damewood
President
Contact Tricia with suggestions, input or feedback on member programming, how to get involved on a committee or special project or with questions or information about anything related to the Chamber.
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Melissa DeFrances
Administrative & Accounting Coordinator
Melissa is your go to for accounting or billing questions, event reservations, membership questions, changes to your company information or any other assistance you may need.
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Contact Us
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
630 Market Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: 740.282.6226
Fax: 740.282.6285
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