RICHLAND AREA CHAMBER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CHAMBER LINK
DECEMBER 2020
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
Letter from Jodie
STAFF Jodie A. Perry, CCE, IOM, CCEO-AP President/CEO Phone extension 102 Patrick Clinage Executive Assistant & Sector Coordinator Phone extension 101 Lisa Duckworth Programs & Events Manager Phone extension 105 Angie Fanello Marketing & Communications Coordinator Phone extension 104 Jessica Gribben Economic Development Liaison Phone (419) 342-4159 Kathy Fox Front Office Coordinator Alice Hutzel-Bateson Workforce Outreach Coordinator
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season usually descends upon us. But the holidays for 2020 are going to be different. As I write this, the country has just posted our first count that crossed 200,000 new COVID-19 cases in one day. We also have 100,000 people in the hospital with COVID-19, and nearly 3,000 people died from COVID-19 yesterday. I was on a call with local leaders earlier this week and it was reported that over half of our county COVID-19 cases have come in November alone. One hospital system they averaged 10-12 COVID patients per day back in the spring, and now it is 50+, putting significant strain on their staff. I know many, many people locally who have struggled with COVID. Small businesses are struggling to keep things moving. We’re getting close to finishing our local small business grant program (thanks to Richland County, City of Mansfield, City of Shelby, City of Ontario, Village of Lexington, Village of Bellville, Village of Plymouth). Over $2.6 million going out to help local businesses – and what I’ve learned is that it is much needed. I’m hoping Congress will find a way to compromise to get more aid to our businesses – particularly the hard-hit industries of hospitality, arts & entertainment, restaurants, etc.
Clint Knight Workforce Development Director Phone extension 112 Nikki Lewis Chamber Foundation Manager Phone extension 103 Ashley Meyer Member Services Coordinator Phone extension 110 Barrett Thomas Economic Development Director Phone extension 111
55 N. Mulberry St. Mansfield, OH 44902 Phone: (419) 522-3211 Fax: (419) 526-6853 info@richlandareachamber.com
Banking with us means giving back. As your local, independent bank, we’re committed to supporting organizations that make a difference right here in our community.
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STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
It is all overwhelming and sometimes in the face of it, it’s hard to know what to do. Here are my thoughts: I cannot control the nation, the state, or even things locally when it comes to the virus spreading. What I can control are my own choices. I admit, I let my guard down over the summer and fall. Let’s just admit that we all have in some ways. So, I’ve tightened up on best practices again. We know what we should do. If we ALL do our part, then the collective change will tamp the virus down again – which is what we need until the vaccine arrives. Shopping local is always important – but ESPECIALLY this year. I get it, online shopping is so easy. But our local small businesses NEED our support this year. You’re much more socially distant from people in a small retailer than larger ones. And many of them have added a more robust online shopping experience if you are unable to stop in personally. Our choices of how we spend our money may be the difference of boom or bust for our small businesses. Let’s show them some love. Remember to keep some perspective. This will end. Normal life will return. It is all taking so much longer than we could have possibly imagined back in March. When I get overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of it, I remind myself to focus on what’s closest to me. I am finding beauty & joy in my twinkling Christmas tree lights. I find laughter and cheer in a group text thread with some great friends. I find enormous gratitude in watching my amazing Chamber staff work long and extra hours to get these grants out to our businesses. I am thankful for the snuggles of my dog who always loves me even if I work too late. I treasure my Sunday Facetime calls with my 9-year-old nephew where we read Harry Potter together. And I’m thankful for each of you. I wish you a happy & healthy holiday season. Stay strong, we got this! Onward!
Jodie
COVID-19 Guidance on Ventilation in the Workplace OSHA is committed to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers and workplaces during these unprecedented times. The agency will be issuing a series of alerts designed to keep workers safe. Ensuring adequate ventilation throughout the work environment can help to maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Employers should work with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional to consider steps to optimize building ventilation. An HVAC professional can ensure that the ventilation system is operating as intended. The following tips can help reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus: • Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick. • Ensure all HVAC systems are fully functional, especially those shut down or operating at reduced capacity during the pandemic. • Remove or redirect personal fans to prevent blowing air from one worker to another. • Use HVAC system filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 13 or higher, where feasible. • Increase the HVAC system’s outdoor air intake. Open windows or other sources of fresh air where possible. • Be sure exhaust air is not pulled back into the building from HVAC air intakes or open windows. • Consider using portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fan/filtration systems to increase clean air, especially in higher-risk areas. • When changing filters, wear appropriate personal protective equipment. ASHRAE recommends N95 respirators, eye protection (safety glasses, goggles, or face shields), and disposable gloves. • Make sure exhaust fans in restrooms are fully functional, operating at maximum capacity, and are set to remain on. • Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns. For more information, visit www.osha.gov/coronavirus or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). 3
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
2020 Nominees & Semi-Finalists Dr. Jonathan Wilson DDS
Skyline Chili
Amerascrew Inc
DRM Productions Inc
Sluss Realty Company
Bankz Salon
Elzy Milling and Trade
Snow Trails
Boyd Eichinger Brafford Group at Merrill Lynch
Heartland Design Concepts
Studio 19 Salon & Spa
Henry’s Key & Lock Shop Div of Billheimer Security LLC
Superior Cleaning & Recovery
Semi- Finalists
Carothers Pest Control LLC Dearman Moving & Storage Debt Recovery Solutions of Ohio Doc’s
New Directions EAP & Counseling Center
The Gated Dock TresDen’s Jewelers Truck Sales & Service, Inc.
Richland Sealcoating Company Inc
Whitaker’s Natural Market
Schmidt Security Pro
Y-Not Cycling & Fitness
Nominees
113 ACE Hardware 3rd Gen Plumbing LLC Appleseed Valley/Clearfork Veterinary Hospital Bishop Insurance Services Blevins Fabrication Corp Buckeye Horizon Callahan Door & Window Chinatown Restaurant City Grille Clear Fork Family Denistry Commercial Cutting & Graphics LLC Crowe’s Shoes Deluxe Catering & Events / Dan Lew Exchange
ists Non-Profit Final
E S Consulting Inc Floral Garden Florist Gandert Door Company Inc Hales Sport Center Inc Hamilton Insurance Group Inc. Lloyd Rebar Company Lybarger Insurance Agency Mid-Ohio Roofing Inc Milark Industries Northwest Regional Systems Paul’s Drive-In Penwell Turner Funeral Home Pivot Creative Rable Machine Inc SASCO Specialty Advertising
Altrusa of Mansfield, Inc.
Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio
Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center
Lucas Community Center
Humane Society of Richland County
inees
Non-Profit Nom
Back Room of Hope Friendly House Harmony House Homeless 13 Services, Inc.
Mid Ohio Guardianship Services, Inc. Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society Richland Carrousel Park Inc SCORE Shelby CIC
Shaw & Ott Medical Smith True Value Hardware Spyder Signs Staker Dental Steve’s Dakota Grill Sun Graphics Terra Valley Excavating The Clean Company The Hidden Acres Farm The Holden Agency The Phoenix Brewing Company The Seckel Group Architects Ltd AIA Wallington & Bauer Warrior Drive-In & Pizza Weekley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Co
NAMI Richland County Ohio Genealogical Society Richland Academy of the Arts Richland County Foundation Richland Pregnancy Services The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc The New Store The Shelby Foundation Westbrook Country Club What Goes ‘Round Thrift Shoppe
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
AWARD PRESENTATION Small Business of the Year Awards - Dec. 16th Live streamed on the Chamber’s Facebook page! No fee and no need to register! The Board of Directors and Small Business of the Year Committee of the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development request your attendance as we celebrate and honor all small businesses and name our 2020 Small Business of the Year Recipients, presented by Medical Mutual. Each Finalist will be featured in a short video highlighting their business, sponsored by Mechanics Bank. Please join us live on the Chamber's Facebook page on December 16 from 12:00-1:00pm to watch the excitement as we announce the winner's of the Small Business of the Year. We will pass out awards to the Small Business of the Year with 15 and more employees, 14 and fewer employees, and the Non-Profit of the Year!
2020 finalists 14 EMPLOYEES & UNDER DRM Productions Elzy Milling and Trade Studio 19 Salon & Spa 15 EMPLOYEES & OVER
Supported by: (as of 12-1-20)
Dearman Moving & Storage Debt Recovery Solutions of Ohio Schmidt Security Pro
NON-PROFIT WINNER Richland County Foundation COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD RECIPIENTS Studio 19 Salon & Spa Y-Not Cycling & Fitness 11
Learning LAB
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUR ENTIRE ORGANIZATION
2020-2021 Virtual Learning Calendar
DEVELOPED BY
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PRESENTED BY
We believe that developing leaders can positively transform individuals, organizations, and entire communities. That is why we are introducing the Learning Lab this year. This program will focus on providing a space for our community leaders, both current and rising, to discuss topics relevant to our community. In order to make sure Richland County grows, we all need to play our part. With a mix of leadership development topics, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. We want to play our part in ensuring every organization is filled with diverse individuals that are also inspired and equipped to lead for the future – whatever it may bring.
MICROLEARNING SERIES A series of hour-long sessions dedicated to relevant topics featuring intellectually stimulating speakers and topics from the Richland County community that continue your personal leadership growth, business connections and hands-on community engagement. Series brought to you by Gorman-Rupp Pumps. Sessions: Dec 10, Jan 14, Mar 11, Apr 8, and Jun 3.
DEVELOPMENT SERIES
A series of sessions (1-3 hours) dedicated to further develop leaders within our community and your organizations. Sessions will be led by national speakers and experts. Series brought to you by Park National Bank. Sessions: Nov 23, Feb 11 and May 13.
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
We believe that developing leaders can positively transform individuals, organizations, and entire communities. That is why we are introducing the Learning Lab this year. This program will focus on providing a space for our community leaders, both current and rising, to discuss topics relevant to our community. In order to make sure Richland County grows, we all need to play our part. With a mix of leadership development topics, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. We want to play our part in ensuring every organization is filled with diverse individuals that are also inspired and equipped to lead for the future – whatever it may bring.
MICROLEARNING SERIES A series of hour-long sessions dedicated to relevant topics featuring intellectually stimulating speakers and topics from the Richland County community that continue your personal leadership growth, business connections and hands-on community engagement. Series brought to you by Gorman-Rupp Pumps. Sessions: Dec 10, Jan 14, Mar 11, Apr 8, and Jun 3.
DEVELOPMENT SERIES
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A series of sessions (1-3 hours) dedicated to further develop leaders within our community and your organizations. Sessions will be led by national speakers and experts. Series brought to you by Park National Bank. Sessions: Nov 23, Feb 11 and May 13.
JOIN US FOR OUR VIRTUAL LEARNING SESSIONS! N OV EMBER L E A D I NG WI TH IM PER FE C TI O N With Vitale Buford, executive coach, speaker, and author of Addicted to Perfect. Perfection is one of the most pervasive challenges holding leaders back. We too often believe that if we achieve perfection, we will also achieve happiness and success. This belief is holding us back. Event was recorded and can be shared with members.
November 23 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
F EB RUARY T H E S EA S O NS OF BE ING S TU CK With Chris McAlister, founder of SightShift. This session takes participants through discovering the actions they need to take through the 4 seasons in their journey, in order to get unstuck and grow to the next level. We discuss how letting go, leaning in, taking bold action, and approaching work from a playful place allows one to tune into what inspires them and to create work that's aligned with who they are.
February 11 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am
DEC EMBER L EA D E RS H I P 1 01
WITH STAN JEFFERSON
JANUAR Y L EA D E RSH I P P RE SEN C E W I T H D U A N A PA T T ON
December 10 and January 14 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
B OO K CLU B THIS IS WHERE YO U BE LO N G BY: MELODY W A R N I CK
Join us as we begin our monthly book club series for Learning Lab Club members. Our first session will include author Melody Warnick as we discuss loving where you live
December 9 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Upcoming sessions: March 11, April 8, May 13 and June 3
PRICING LEARNING LAB CLUB
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
Individual Club Pricing Learning Lab Club Membership - $200.00
Contact Nikki Lewis at nlewis@richlandareachamber.com for all pricing and membership
Access to all of the series sessions, book club, and monthly newsletter
Learning Lab Development Series - $150.00 Access to just the Development Series and the monthly newsletter
Learning Lab Microlearning Series - $100.00 Access to just the Microlearning Series and the monthly newsletter
Corporate Club Pricing Organizations registering 1-5 employees - $600.00 Access to all Learning Lab series sessions, book club and monthly newsletter for up to 5 employees. Business will be listed in monthly newsletter.
Organizations registering 6-10 employees - $1,200.00 Access to all Learning Lab series sessions, book club and monthly newsletter for up to 10 employees. Business will be listed in monthly newsletter. Contact us for pricing over 10 employees
LU ALUM CLUB - $50.00 Support Leadership Unlimited, access to book club and monthly newsletter.
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STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
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STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
RECENT RIBBON CUTTINGS
Cypress High School - Mansfield
Operation Fandom/Blackbird Records - Mansfield
Bake My Day Relocation - Ontario 5
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
Thank you to everyone who participated in Small Business Saturday!
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STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
PLEASE BE SURE TO KEEP SMALL BUSINESSES IN MIND ALL YEAR ROUND!
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Looking for local workforce talent?
Introducing Community Opportunity Build Your Free Business Profile Today! What is Community Opportunity? Simply put, Community Opportunity is a resource. It is a comprehensive website for students, job seekers, and area businesses alike to connect, network, and find/share employment opportunities within our community. The goal of Community Opportunity is to ensure that everyone in our community is aware of the jobs and careers available. Our local companies are in need of our local talent, who all too often do not realize the great opportunity right here in our own backyard.
Why Should I Participate? Community Opportunity is a free resource for you as a local business -- you will have access to local job seekers’ resumes, and you’ll also increase your organization’s visibility and community engagement at no cost to you. It’s a win-win!
How Do I Build My Profile? It’s easy! Follow the three simple steps below to get started. You’ll just need basic contact information, a company summary, plus a photo and/or video. Step 1: Visit www.communityopportunity.com. Click “Company Registration”. Step 2: Complete the Company Registration form. This includes contact information, company summary/profile information, and industry selection. Step 3: Click the green “Register” button. Once you’ve submitted your information, you’ll be able to edit the content, upload photo/video, and post job openings. All profiles are subject to approval. Once your profile is approved, you will be able to upload your logo, photos of your business, and more.
We’re happy to help! Once you’ve set up your profile -- or if you have any questions during the process, don’t hesitate to contact me. Clint Knight Director of Workforce Development Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development Phone: 419-522-3211 Email: cknight@richlandareachamber.com
December 2020 BWC News from CareWorks Comp “Patience is the best remedy for every trouble.” ~Plautus Deadline Approaching: Group Retrospective Enrollment for Upcoming July 1, 2021 Policy Year The deadline to enroll in Group Retrospective Rating with CareWorks Comp for the upcoming July 1, 2021 policy year is January 22, 2021. Group Retro is a performance-based program where the group’s claims, incurred for the policy year, are compared to the group’s premiums paid to the BWC. The participants will receive premium rebates as long as the claims incurred for that policy year are lower than the overall premiums paid to the BWC. For more information, call CareWorks Comp Program Manager Meridith Whitsel at 614-745-4935 or Meridith.Whitsel@careworkscomp.com.
Group Retro Rebates from 2018 & 2019 Policy Years: Rebated EARLY If your company was enrolled in CareWorks Comp’s Group Retro Program for the 2018 and/or 2019 Policy Year, you received your rebates in April 2020 and in October 2020 as BWC Dividends. The Ohio BWC rebated 100% of your premium from the 2018 Policy Year in April 2020, AND rebated 100% of your 2019 Policy Year premium in October 2020. Therefore, since you already received all of your premium back from those two Policy Years, this is why you didn’t receive your first 2018 plan year rebate last month, nor will you receive rebates in Fall 2021 or Fall 2022 or Fall 2023.
BWC Board Approves $5 Billion Workers' Compensation Dividend The BWC Board of Directors approved Governor Mike DeWine’s $5 billion dividend proposal on November 2, 2020. This is the largest BWC dividend in state history and DeWine hopes it will serve as a lifeline to businesses struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic. The dividend will be the third this year, following a $1.54 billion dividend issued in April and a $1.34 billion dividend in October. Checks will be distributed to employers covered by BWC in mid-December. Gov. DeWine said that the BWC "remains in a strong fiscal position thanks largely to healthy investment returns on employer premiums, a declining number of claims each year and prudent fiscal management." After the dividend is paid out, the BWC will have an approximate net position – assets minus liabilities – of $6.3 billion.
Important Deadlines: • • •
January 21, 2021: Premium installment due for the July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 policy year, if your company is on a monthly payment plan with the Ohio BWC. January 22, 2021: Deadline to enroll into Group Retrospective Rating with CareWorks Comp for the 2021 Policy Year. January 29, 2021: Deadline to enroll into the BWC One Claim Program (OCP) for the July 1, 2021 Policy Year.
THANK YOU TO OUR CATALYTIC LEADER INVESTORS
ADENA CORPORATION • NANOGATE NORTH AMERICA LLC & JAY INDUSTRIES • MEDICAL MUTUAL • MILLIRON AUTO PARTS FIRSTENERGY CORP • HAMILTON INSURANCE GROUP, INC • HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK • NEWMAN TECHNOLOGY