OHIO BUREAU OF WORKERS’ COMP

Ohio BWC COVID-19 Guidance

April 2020

NFIB Statement 4.8.2020

COVID-19-BWCFAQs

BWC Employer Dividend 04.08.20

EMPLOYMENT

OhioMeansJobs-Athens County

April 2020

Links to employment opportunities:

• ohiomeansjobs.com/Athens
• ohioarea14.org
• jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com
• athensoh.org

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services urges individuals to file their claims online, if possible, at unemployment.ohio.gov. Each claim is important to us, and we recognize the hardship that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on many Ohio families. We have been working around the clock to streamline performance and boost capacity by adding servers so the online claims system can handle the unprecedented influx of claims, which has affected processing times. We also have reassigned more than 300 ODJFS employees to assist with call volume to increase our service capabilities.
It’s important to keep in mind that during previous economic downturns, claims came in waves as the
recession worsened and businesses closed gradually, over time. In this case, the claims came in all at once and created a tsunami. Such a large number of claims in a short period of time would tax any online system, especially one that is 16 years old.

Helpful FAQ Sheets
General Information: jfs.ohio.gov/unemp_comp_faq/index.stm
Coronavirus-Specific Information: jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm

Expanded Call Center Hours
Those without internet access or who need help with PIN resets can call 1-877-644-6562 (OHIO-JOB) from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.

Coronavirus-Related Claims
Workers who lose their jobs as a result of the coronavirus can enter the mass-layoff number 2000180 on their applications. However, if affected individuals have already submitted claims without this number, they do not need to add it.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS FROM STATE OF OHIO

Signed Amended Director’s Stay At Home Order (1)

Signed Executive Order 2020-10D – Liquor Control Commission (1)

COVID-19+Checklist+for+Businesses+and+Employers (1)

COVID-19+Checklist+Support+Local+03.24.20 (1)

Dispute+Resolutions+04.04.20 (1)

Liquor Control Commission – Emergency Rule (1)

Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequenty-Asked-Questions (1)

COVID-19 Myths v Facts 04.07.20 (1)

COVID-19 Checklist Stay At Home Order Extension (1)

EMPLOYMENT

State of Ohio

April 2020

Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation has developed a website specifically geared toward matching essential businesses with Ohioans who are able and willing to work as an essential employee during the COVID-19 crisis. Both essential businesses and current job seekers can visit Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov/JobSearch to post and search. The site features a highly-streamlined interface with only two main links – one for essential businesses, and one for job seekers. Applicants can search through jobs in their area, their region, and the entire state.

EMPLOYMENT AND FUNDING

Ohio Department of Development

April 9, 2020

• Governor DeWine and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) proposed giving $1.6 billion in dividends to Ohio employers this spring to ease the economic impact of COVID-19. If approved by the BWC’s board, $1.4 billion will go to private employers, and $200 million will be directed to local governments.  More information is below as well as a statement of support from the National Federation of Independent Businesses-Ohio Chapter.
  • COVID-19-BWCFAQs
  • NFIB Statement 4.8.2020
  • BWC Employer Dividend 04.08.20

• Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7 am to 7 pm and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.

As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.

FUNDING

Ohio Development Services Agency

April 8, 2020

A new office has been developed within the Ohio Development Services Agency to better coordinate Ohio’s efforts to identify and provide support for Ohio’s nearly 950,000 small businesses.

The Office of Small Business Relief will:

• Serve as the state’s designated agency for administrating federal recovery funds awarded to Ohio for small business support and recovery;

• Work with federal, state, and local partners to evaluate and determine possible regulatory reforms that encourage employment and job creation; and
• Coordinate efforts of Ohio’s Small Business Development Centers and Minority Business Assistance Centers.

More information on all resources currently available to small businesses is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov/BusinessHelp.

EMPLOYMENT

OhioSE JobsOhio

April 6, 2020

• Demand is very high for the new SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Some banks in our region started accepting applications from businesses and forwarding the applications to the SBA on April 3. This program, part of the federal CARES Act, can provide partial loan forgiveness to small businesses for retaining employees. Because of high demand, some banks are only working with existing customers at this time. We encourage you to work with your existing lender first. See PPP details and resources here
• Despite record unemployment filings, some businesses are in critical need of hiring new workers. Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation developed a website specifically geared toward matching essential businesses with Ohioans who are able and willing to work as an essential employee during the COVID-19 crisis. Both essential businesses and current job seekers can visit Coronavirus.Ohio.gov/JobSearch to post and search.
• JobsOhio is doing a variety of things to ease cash crunches with their current clients, including deferring loan repayments, offering job retention loans, expediting disbursements, and extending metric evaluation dates.   Additional financial help for non-JobsOhio customers is coming.  Learn more here.
• Please visit COVID-19 Resource page frequently as it is updated when new programs and information is available.

Interested in training opportunities through the Small Business Development Center? Here are upcoming events are being held in our local community. Information can be found on the attached PDF files.

2017 AUBA Uptown For The Holidays kick-off to holiday fun begins Thursday, November 30th from 6-8pm. Wagon rides, holiday movies, music, Santa, and much more! Can’t wait to see you there!

Uptown_Holiday

Steak Fry &  Auction registration form

Participating in Chamber Committees is a great way to gain maximum value of your membership investment by broadening your relationships with other business professionals and government leaders. Learn more about the issues and trends impacting your business and help your company gain a strong position in the Athens area.

Athens Uptown Business Association (AUBA)To join, your business must be a member of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and must be located Uptown within the Union, College, Court, Washington, East State (from College Street to Court Street), West State, and Congress Street corridor. Yearly dues are $55 and meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 2:30 pm in the Mayor’s Conference Room in City Hall.

• Be a part of the decisions making process affecting the uptown area
• Receive up-to-date information on the programs/ projects being planned for Uptown
• Special event advertising packages are available to AUBA
• Network with other business owners, city officials, and Ohio University administration
• Each month an AUBA member will be selected for special recognition of ”Spotlight Business of the Month”
• Take part in special events AUBA sponsors like Sidewalk Sales, Home for the Holiday’s Tree Lighting, and Trick or Treat on Court Street for children

Athens Uptown Business Association 2015 Membership PDF

$55 Membership Dues payable to AUBA
Mail membership to:
AUBA c/o
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
449 East State St., Athens, OH 45701

Governmental Affairs Committee

Each month a local official is invited to sit in on an informal Roundtable discussion of policies, policy implementation, and current issues and concerns. This is a very energized, positive and proactive meeting between officials and business leaders. This committee meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 am in the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce conference room. Please contact Wendy if you are interested in attending these informational sessions.

Ambassador Club

Chamber Ambassadors are a vital part of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.  They volunteer at Chamber events including the Annual Dinner, Golf Outing, Steak Fry and Auction, and participate in ribbon cutting ceremonies and, on occasion, visit new or existing businesses.
Chamber Ambassadors meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at various locations.

For more information about the Ambassador Program or if you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, please email Dawn.

Promotions & Special Events Committee

Chamber Promotions and Special Events Committee members are important to the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.  They promote Chamber events and special activities in the county.   The Chamber Promotions and Special Events Committee meets at 8:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Chamber conference room. For more information, please contact Wendy.

Participating in Chamber Committees is a great way to gain maximum value of your membership investment by broadening your relationships with other business professionals and government leaders. Learn more about the issues and trends impacting your business and help your company gain a strong position in the Athens area.

Athens Uptown Business Association (AUBA)

To join, your business must be a member of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and must be located Uptown within the Union, College, Court, Washington, East State (from College Street to Court Street), West State, and Congress Street corridor. Yearly dues are $55 and meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 2:30 pm in the Mayor’s Conference Room in City Hall.

• Be a part of the decisions making process affecting the uptown area
• Receive up-to-date information on the programs/ projects being planned for Uptown
• Special event advertising packages are available to AUBA
• Network with other business owners, city officials, and Ohio University administration
• Each month an AUBA member will be selected for special recognition of ”Spotlight Business of the Month”
• Take part in special events AUBA sponsors like Sidewalk Sales, Home for the Holiday’s Tree Lighting, and Trick or Treat on Court Street for children

Athens Uptown Business Association 2015 Membership PDF

$55 Membership Dues payable to AUBA
Mail membership to:
AUBA c/o
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
449 East State St., Athens, OH 45701

Governmental Affairs Committee

Each month a local official is invited to sit in on an informal Roundtable discussion of policies, policy implementation, and current issues and concerns. This is a very energized, positive and proactive meeting between officials and business leaders. This committee meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 am in the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce conference room. Please contact Wendy if you are interested in attending these informational sessions.

Ambassador Club

Chamber Ambassadors are a vital part of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.  They volunteer at Chamber events including the Annual Dinner, Golf Outing, Steak Fry and Auction, and participate in ribbon cutting ceremonies and, on occasion, visit new or existing businesses.
Chamber Ambassadors meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at various locations.

For more information about the Ambassador Program or if you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, please email Dawn.

Promotions & Special Events Committee

Chamber Promotions and Special Events Committee members are important to the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.  They promote Chamber events and special activities in the county.   The Chamber Promotions and Special Events Committee meets at 8:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Chamber conference room. For more information, please contact Wendy.