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Fayette County Ohio

Dec 15
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An urgent message from Secretary of State LaRose

By News
AROSE WARNS OHIO BUSINESSES
OF E-MAIL SCAM
Fake E-Mail Alleging to Be from the Secretary of State’s Office Tells Recipients to
“Validate” Their Profile
COLUMBUS – Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is alerting Ohio businesses about a phishing email that started today and warning recipients not to click a link in the e-mail alleging to be from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. The e-mail is not from the Ohio Secretary of State.
The e-mail appears to tell recipients that they must click a link to “validate” their profile so they don’t experience any delays in service. The clicked link then asks for detailed information to be submitted, including the individual’s social security number.
Secretary LaRose became aware of the e-mails on Monday afternoon. A screenshot of the e-mail can be seen below.
“It’s so important for Ohioans to be good caretakers of their personal information,” said LaRose. “Scammers are always working to find new ways to make a buck. Don’t give them the upper hand — verify the source of e-mails before sharing your personal data.”
Anyone who has received this e-mail should immediately delete it. If you clicked on the link, it’s recommended that you swiftly inform your company’s Information Technology office.
The Secretary of State’s business services division can be reached at Business@OhioSoS.gov or 877-767-3453 (877-SOS-FILE). While the Secretary of State’s office does occasionally communicate with registered businesses in Ohio, they will never send an email with a link requesting personal information such as social security numbers.
Dec 07
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12.04.2020 Update

By COVID-19 Local Updates, News
Good afternoon, all.
Our Small Business Season promotion is well under way with many shoppers finding amazing gifts right here at home! The best news is, you still have NINE days to shop small and be entered to win an amazing basket full of donated items worth over $1,000.00! If you haven’t made it to the office to pick up your shopping passport, you can download and print one by CLICKING HERE.Shop local, get your passport stamped and be entered to win! Every dollar spent with our friends and neighbors truly makes a difference.
In the Governor’s daily update today, new recommendations for quarantining were discussed. The following quote is taken with permission from the Fayette Co. Public Health officials. Please follow their social media outlets for the most up-to-date information.
“The CDC is now providing public health agencies with options to shorten the length of quarantine in some situations (quarantine is for individuals who are a close contact of a positive COVID case). As a local public health agency, we are required by the Ohio Revised Code to follow the policies established by the Ohio Department of Health, and the existing policy calls for a 14-day quarantine period. We are waiting for ODH to review the CDC’s new guidelines and provide us with direction. We will announce any changes. Thanks for your patience!”
Governor DeWine announced today Ohio is set to receive more than 90,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine around December 15th. Healthcare workers, along with EMS and vulnerable individuals, will be the first to receive the vaccine. Congregate care residents and staff are considered ‘vulnerable individuals’ and will receive vaccinations in the first round. At this point, it does not appear there will be a sufficient amount of vaccine for the general public.
Upcoming TechCred Application Period Opens January 4th
Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced the results of the October round of TechCred, which will provide the opportunity for 246 Ohio companies to upskill their workforce.
The most recent TechCred application period closed at the end of October. During this round, 246 Ohio employers were approved for funding, resulting in Ohio employees earning up to 3,164 technology-focused credentials. This round marks a milestone as funding for the program has been approved for over 15,000 credentials.
In August, the TechCred program exceeded 10,000 tech-focused credentials, fulfilling a commitment made by Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted to fund 10,000 technology-focused credentials each year.
Since the program’s start, a total of 966 Ohio employers have been approved for funding, supporting the earning of 15,105 tech-focused credentials by Ohio employees.
The seventh TechCred application period opens on Monday, January 4th and closes on January 29th at 3:00 p.m.
Businesses with employees who have completed their TechCred training are reminded to submit proof of credential completion to receive reimbursement at TechCred.Ohio.gov.
You can learn more about the program at TechCred.Ohio.gov.
Wishing you all a safe and healthy weekend,
Julie
Nov 18
Love0

11.17.2020 Update

By COVID-19 Local Updates
Good afternoon, all.
The Governor issued a curfew for Ohioans during his press conference this afternoon. The 21-day curfew begins this Thursday, November 19, 2020, and requires Ohioans to be at home between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Travel to and from work, grocery shopping, and travel for emergencies are permitted. The official order outlining this curfew is not yet published.
Ohio Department of Health Interim Director Lance Himes signed an additional health order this week. The order, which went into effect this morning, prohibits dancing and self-serve buffets/bars at wedding receptions, funerals, and other banquet hall events. The order also requires attendees to wear masks at all times, unless they are actively eating or drinking. To read the order prohibiting mass gatherings, CLICK HERE.
If you wish to read the complete order mandating masks in retail establishments, please CLICK HERE.
UPDATED SIGNAGE: To print the NEW sign with the maximum occupancy requirement CLICK HERE*Helpful hint: To determine your maximum occupancy, divide the square footage of your retail sales floor by 113. The resulting number is the maximum occupancy for your business.
Please also remember to mark your check-out lines with six-foot distance markers to ensure social distancing.
After review of the order, if you still have questions, please call the office. I am happy to help you navigate.
Wishing you all a great evening-
Julie
Nov 13
Love0

11.13.2020 Update

By COVID-19 Local Updates
Good morning, everyone! It is going to be a beautiful Friday, even if it is Friday the 13th in 2020! The day is only as good as you choose to make it!
I cannot stress this enough – I am receiving correspondence and phone calls from the state regarding the Small Business Relief Grant applications for Fayette County. We are guaranteed 50 GRANTS of up to $10,000 EACH. Please reach out if you have not already submitted your grant application. This is a new grant – just released from the state on November 2nd. Even if you have applied for other grants, PLEASE apply for this one as well. If on November 23rd, all 50 grants have not been claimed, that money goes back to the state to be distributed elsewhere. Don’t let someone else get the money that has been set aside for you! I have already helped several apply, and I am more than willing to assist you, too! If evenings or weekends work better for your schedule, please call me to set up a time. I am also including instructions and links at the bottom of this email for your convenience.
We are still awaiting the official written orders from the Governor’s office that stipulate the new mandates discussed Wednesday evening. As those become available, I will forward them to you. Until then, we have several events going on throughout county over the next few weeks. We appreciate your support of our small businesses and ask that you follow the mask mandate so that our friends and neighbors are able to keep their doors open this holiday season.
BUSINESS OWNERS:If you need signage for your door, I am more than happy to deliver those to you. I have a stack in my car and will be out delivering some later today for those of you who have already asked.
If you have a printer and wish to print your own, CLICK HEREto download a printable “Masks are Mandatory” sign for your front door.
This week, many have asked about the availability of masks and sanitizing supplies. Our member, Sun Rise Ohio Valley is ready and able to assist. I have included their list of available supplies and pricing for your convenience. Should you have questions or need to place an order, call 740.335.0555. There are NO Minimum order requirements and Doc delivers! Click here to view the list of supplies and pricing
Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors,
Julie
Nov 13
Love0

11.11.2020 Update

By COVID-19 Local Updates
Good evening and Happy Veterans Day to all our past and present Veterans. No words could ever be adequate, but we are deeply grateful for the sacrifices you made for our freedom.
As you are aware, Governor Mike DeWine addressed our state this evening. Below is a brief of the issues addressed. As official orders become available, those will be forwarded to you.
The Governor has reissued the mask order, first implemented over the summer, but with three additional provisions:
  • Each business will be required to post a sign about the mask order.
  • Each store will be responsible for ensuring employees and customers comply with the mask order.
  • The state will form a new retail compliance unit, comprised of officials from the Bureau of Workers Compensation. Non-compliance found by any establishment will result in warnings and, subsequently, fines/required closures/etc.
CLICK HEREto download a printable “Masks are Mandatory” sign for your front door. If you have any issues downloading or printing this sign, please call me and I will deliver a sign to you. We want to help you keep your doors open.
Both Miami Trace and Washington CH City Schools issued statements today regarding their in-person educational plans. Please click below to view their statements.
Washington CH City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Tom Bailey addresses the community: Click hereto view his message.
Additionally, we have a statement from Miami Trace Local School District. Click Here to view their statement.
Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, ‘in the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.’ Now is our opportunity to turn the tides. Now is our opportunity to reduce the spread so that our children can attend school, our restaurants and retail establishments can keep open their doors, and our friends and family can stay healthy.
Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors,
Julie
Nov 06
Love0

Small Business/Bars and Restaurant Relief Package

By COVID-19 Local Updates
Good Friday morning!
Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced two weeks ago that the administration, in partnership with the General Assembly, developed a package of CARES Act funding to help Ohioans. This package includes funding for small businesses, restaurants and bars, and low-income Ohioans impacted financially by the pandemic. Below, I have provided important dates and links as well as a statement from the Lt. Governor’s office I received this morning. It is important to remember, the state has set aside funds for 50 grants per county. As of now, Fayette County has NOT submitted 50 applications. You have until November 23rd to submit your application-but remember these funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. After that time, any money not distributed will be sent back to the general fund for distribution anywhere in the state. Claim your funds, Fayette County!
From Lt. Governor Husted’s office:
I have had a few questions about what counties have not yet submitted at least 50 applications for the Small Business Relief Grant. Those counties are: Meigs, Clinton, Lawrence, Champaign, Pike, Jackson, Holmes, Highland, Perry, Wyandot, Paulding, Carroll, Defiance, Morgan, Coshocton, Brown, Morrow,Fayette,Noble, Monroe, Adams, Hardin, Preble, Harrison, Vinton. The money will be set aside for the counties until 21 days after the applications opened (November 23rd). After that, any remaining funds will be put into the larger pot that will continue to award statewide applications on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are gone.
Another helpful note—an FAQ section has been added to the SBRG application page.
In order to apply for either grant, you must have a Ohio Digital Identification number. Creating an OH/ID is a very quick and easy process. Please remember to do this PRIOR to beginning your application.
  • Click HERE to create your OH/ID.
Once you have created your ID, you are ready to review requirements and apply for a grant!
  • Click HERE to access a fact sheet on the Small Business Relief Grant.
  • Click HEREthen click ‘Small Business Relief Grant’ to apply on or after 11/2/20.
  • ClickHERE to access a fact sheet on the Bar & Restaurant Assistance Grant.
  • Click HERE then click ‘Bar & Restaurant Assistance Grant’ to apply on or after 11/2/20.
As a reminder – these funds are distributed in the form of grants, not loans. I am available to help walk you through this process and answer any questions you may have. Please contact me if I can be of assistance.
Have a great weekend!
Julie
Oct 28
Love0

10.27.2020 Update

By News
Good afternoon.
I will start with a couple of housekeeping items. Last week, the chamber experienced an email server outage. This issue lasted about 36 hours. If you emailed me and I have not replied, please reach out. More than likely, I have not received your email. Also, please remember to not hit ‘REPLY’ to these email updates. Due to firewall settings, I do not always receive the replies. My email is julie@fayettecountyohio.com and I can be reached at anytime by a direct email.
Fayette County remains a ‘red’ county and will do so until the Thursday update from the Ohio Department of Health and the Governor. As of today, 82 of our 88 counties are considered ‘High-Incidence Counties.’ Please be mindful when out in public, while shopping and with those not currently living in your household.
TechCred Registration deadline! Friday, October 30, 2020
What Is TechCred?
TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy.
Many of these trainings can be completed online!
These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need.
Oct 26
Love0

Let us help you with Small Business Saturday!

By News

Small Business Saturday is Coming to Fayette County!

Once again, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce has been designated a “Neighborhood Champion” for the American Express Small Business Saturday. We will be celebrating Small Business Saturday for THREE WEEKS! We want to give everyone plenty of time to hit all the hot spots in search of the perfect gift. This is exciting news, and here is where you come in! Would you like me to help you market all the great things your business has to offer?

I will create a ‘Shopping Passport’ that will be given to anyone interested in shopping their way through Fayette County. Each passport will have a listing of all participating stores. If they purchase something from your store, simply stamp their passport. We ask that all participating stores donate one item to be used for our raffle prize baskets. When a shopper has a completed passport, they drop it off at the Chamber office for their chance to win one of those baskets full of Fayette County treasures!

I will take care of all the marketing – you just stamp the passports and enjoy the sales!

In order to meet print deadlines, you must register as a participating business no later than NOVEMBER 6TH.

If you are a shopper, we are serving up breakfast, coffee, and shopping passports on Saturday, November 28th. Stop in the office between the hours of 9 AM and 12 PM to grab your reusable shopping bag, map of participating businesses, and your passport. Each of our participating businesses will stamp your passport as you visit their store in search of the perfect Christmas gift. Return a completed passport to the chamber by December 20th to be entered for a chance to win one of our great prize baskets!

I encourage you all to think of what unique gifts you can purchase this holiday season without ever leaving Fayette County! Support your community, your friends, and neighbors and shop local-dine local-think local today and every day!

Wishing you all a great evening-
Julie

Oct 20
Love0

10.20.2020 Update

By COVID-19 Local Updates
Good afternoon.
Below are a few bullet points from Gov. Mike DeWine’s update today:
  • The Governor recently asked the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to approve a second dividend for both public and private businesses. This request was approved and beginning on Friday, October 23rd, checks totaling over 1.3 billion dollars will be mailed to Ohio businesses. Please be on the lookout for a non-descript envelope from Ohio BWC. Many of the first-round dividend checks have yet to be cashed. These dividends are NOT sent via direct deposit.
  • Governor DeWine announced the state is working on additional programs that will utilize the CARES Act funding to help those struggling with bills and for our struggling small businesses. We anxiously await those announcements, promised at the end of this week.
  • The new Long Term Care Community dashboard will be going live on the coronavirus.ohio.gov. webpage shortly. This will allow friends and loved ones to see if a specific facility has new or updated rules regarding visitation.

171 individuals were tested yesterday in the Pop-Up testing event held at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. Our next testing opportunity will be held Monday, October 26th from 10am – 2pm at the fairgrounds. This testing is free and open to the public.

As you will see in the graphic above, Fayette County is currently ranked the fourth highest county for active coronavirus cases. Please continue to do your part to take care of yourself and each other.
Stay safe and enjoy your Tuesday evening.
Julie
Oct 19
Love0

OSU South Centers IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

By News
October 19, 2020
Members and Friends,
Please read below for an important announcement from our OSU South Centers:
Financial Planning Course Available to Ohio Businesses
Starting and running a business is a challenge, and more than half fail in the first four years. The economic volatility of recent COVID-19 disruption has amplified confusion, anxiety, and fear.
A six-session virtual course in financial management can give participants the tools and confidence needed to manage their businesses by the numbers. The program is called Profit Mastery, and it provides independent business owners financial perspective and tools to take advantage of opportunities and deal with challenges.
Participants will attend six virtual sessions, beginning Oct. 29 and also will have access to the Profit Mastery online video curriculum. Any business that has been open at least one year and is interested in exploring new opportunities to increase profitability and manage cash flow during the coronavirus pandemic should attend.
The cost for the course normally is $895, but the Ohio Small Business Development Centers have worked with Profit Mastery so that 400 Ohio businesses will be able to participate at no cost.
To register and for more information, please CLICK HERE.
As always, please call the office if you have any questions. This is a great opportunity and one I hope you will utilize, should you have a need.
Make it a great Monday,
Julie Bolender