GGP Live Discussions

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness

So, you received a Paycheck Protection Program loan…now what? Did you know that forgiveness is not automatic? That’s right, you need to apply for it. The SBA released the PPP Forgiveness Application on Friday, May 15th. GGP is pleased to bring to you a session focused on what you need to know to successfully complete this process. Presenters include: Todd Hicks, Esq. with Thrasher Dinsmore & Dolan and Shawn Neece, CPA, CGMA with NMS, Inc. Certified Public Accountants. To view the recording click HERE. Here is the Loan Forgiveness Tracking Calculator for your use.

Manufacturer’s Recovery Readiness

This webinar is filled with vital information as we enter into economic recovery in the coming months. Ty Haines of Manufacturer Solutions and Jim Gray from JPG Advisors, both members of Gear Up for NEO Manufacturing Recovery, will discuss the following: how to enhance employee morale key financial issues you need to focus on now what your customers want and expect opportunities for improving your operations

To contact Ty Haines, President, Manufacturer Solutions, LLC email hainesmfg@gmail.com

To contact Jim Gray, President, JPG Advisors, LLC email jgray@jpgadvisors.com

To view the recording click HERE.

Best Practices to Keep your Employees and Customers Safe

Tom Quade, Geauga Public Health Commissioner and Nathan Kelly, President and Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield, share Ohio’s guidelines for maintaining and/or re-opening a business in terms of physical space. Nathan Kelly will discuss the Safe Six Readiness Workplace Essentials  and touch on their guide Recovery Readiness -A How to Guide for Re-opening Your Workplace . To view the recording click HERE.

Monday Meet Up Topic: Cash Flow Principles

Rob Simon and Ryan Dietrich from SharpCFO, a GGP Member business, spoke about finances and cash flow issues in the current economic climate. To view the recording click HERE.

Rebuilding Your Financial Plan for the Future

Featuring GGP Member – The WealthCare Group of Raymond James
This session will highlight the Secure Act as well as provisions of the CARES Act, relevant to retirement planning, contributions, distributions, and tax savings. To view the recording click HERE. 

Monday Meet Up Topic: Cyber Security

GGP had Travis Grundke from Ashton Technologies to talk with us about cyber security at our Monday Meet Up. Travis is an owner of Ashton Technologies, a GGP member since 2018. We have all read the articles or have seen news stories about Zoombombers or hackers getting into emails and other programs. It seems as if this is the perfect storm for cyber breaches to occur as almost instantly we have deployed a large part of our workforce to work from home. Travis shared some ideas on what employers and employees can do to protect themselves. To view the recording click HERE. 

Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Updates

John Wilton from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation reviewed important information for employers and share how the BWC is helping with premium deferrals and payroll adjustments as related to COVID-19. To view the recording click HERE.

Financial Resources for Your Business

Cathy Walsh & Allen Weaver from the Small Business Development Center at Lakeland Community College; Matt Nipper from Key Bank; and John Steigerwald, GGP Board Member, presented financial options for local businesses.
For an updated list of Financial Resources created by the National Small Business Development Center SBA Coronavirus Pandemic Disaster Loans Comparison.

To view the recording click HERE.

Managing Stress & Anxiety in the Workplace Featuring GGP Member Ravenwood Health

“This is something none of us have been through before.” Those words seem to ring more true with each passing day, new policies, and Stay At Home Orders. The concerns your employees have likely span from managing a new home/work/life balance; concern for aging parents living elsewhere; and anxiety for their own health and safety. Participants will learn from Ravenwood Health CEO Vicki Clark and Lori Wolfe, Director of Counseling Services.
Topics to include: How to talk to employees about stress/coping? How to handle anxiety as a manager? What are the resources available in the community?
To view the slides from this meeting click HERE.

FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT: FMLA Expansion and Paid Sick Leave

Summary of Families First Coronavirus Response Act

IRS  – Tax Credits Summary

Department of Labor FFCRA FAQ

FFCRA Tax Credits Summary

FFCRA Small Business Exemption

Families First ~ FMLA Expansion and Paid Sick Leave
Recorded via Zoom on Wednesday, April 1 at 12:00 pm
A brief synopsis of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. GGP Members Bonnie Troyer, HR Solutions & Strategies and Todd Hicks of Thrasher, Dinsmore, & Dolan explained elements of the Family First Law that have a direct impact on businesses.
Click HERE to view the recorded discussion.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

IMPORTANT RECENT UPDATES

University Hospital Geauga Medical Center Healthy Restart Playbook

How can Northeast Ohio businesses and non-profits best prepare to reopen their doors? University Hospitals medical experts explain the science behind infection control measures recommended by current official guidelines and how you can consider implementing it in your workplace. To view the UH Healthy Restart Playbook, click HERE.

Greater Cleveland Partnership B2B Portal

Greater Cleveland Partnership has launched the  GCP INGEAR B2B portal to connect businesses to each other and businesses that provide PPE as we return to the workplace. If you would like to have your business listed, or need more resources for PPE including hand sanitizers, masks, plastic shield etc. please visit GCP INGEAR B2B.

Back to Business Financial Basics

Going back to basics to lay a better financial foundation is the best way to get your business back on track to financial health. The Small Business Administration, along with local partners, put together this guide, 10 Steps to Small Business Financial Wellness, for small businesses to work through as they prepare to reopen and thrive as stay-at-home orders begin to lift. Click on SBA Back to Business Financial Basics for the guide.

JobsOhio’s Website Ohio Safe. Ohio Working

For information on the programs available through JobsOhio, please visit Ohio Safe. Ohio Working. You will also find their most recent economic impact report and details about reopening the Ohio economy.

OHIO STAY AT HOME ORDER REVISED: NEW STAY SAFE OHIO ORDER

Ohio Director of Health, Dr. Amy Acton signed the Stay Safe Ohio Order on April 30th, 2020; amending the original Stay At Home Order issued March 23, 2020.  Please review to understand the requirements and recommendations for all Ohioans click HERE. 

OHIO ECONOMIC RESTART PLAN ANNOUNCED

Governor Mike DeWine made several announcements on April 27th to Responsibly Restart Ohio .  Guiding principles and responsible protocols for all businesses were laid out.  
  1. Require face coverings for employees
  2. Recommend face coverings for customers
  3. Conduct daily health assessments
  4. Maintain good hygiene
  5. Clean and sanitize
  6. Limit capacity to meet social distancing guidelines

Companies within the following sectors can prepare to reopen or continue operations under the updated safety compliance guidelines: 

May 1 – Health care (with some exceptions), Dentists and Veterinarians
Stay-at Home Orders will stay in place. Please stay at home if you can. The order for 10 people or less gatherings will remain in place as well.
Find industry-specific criteria and more information at: coronavirus.ohio.gov/ResponsibleReStartOhio
To watch Govenor DeWine’s press conference visit  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isvfWfL6cI4

Safety Guidance for Reopening & Maintaining Manufacturing Facilities 

Please see the safety guidance for reopening and maintaining manufacturing facilities during COVID-19 provided by the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association click HERE.

CDC Updates

The CDC has released new interim guidance for asymptomatic critical infrastructure employees that have been exposed to suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, including the 48- hour period before showing symptoms. This guidance is in addition to its existing guidance for businesses to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19. As long as an exposed employee remains asymptomatic, the CDC recommends enhanced practices before and during a work shift:

  1. Pre-Screen: Measure the employee’s temperature and symptoms before work. To avoid having to disinfect, it is a good idea to check before entering the facility.
  2. Wear Masks: The employee should wear a face mask at all times for at least 14 days after last exposure.
  3. Social Distance: To the extent possible, the employee should maintain six-feet separation from other employees (recommended for everyone regardless).
  4. Regular Monitoring: As long as the employee is asymptomatic, he or she can self-monitor under employer occupational health program supervision.
  5. Disinfect and Clean: Clean and disinfect all areas, especially shared bathrooms, common areas, and electronic equipment (good idea in all circumstances).

If an employee becomes symptomatic, whether or not confirmed COVID-19, information on all persons in contact with the ill employee for the two days leading up to symptoms should be compiled, and treated as exposed if they were within six feet of the employee.

Mainstreet Lending Program

The Federal Reserve has announced that it is establishing a Main Street Lending Program (Program) to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Click HERE for information posted as of April 30, 2020.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Returns up to $1.6B to Ohio Employers, view the Frequently Asked Questions on the Dividend Rebate here: BWC Dividend FAQ 4-13-2020.  Want to know what size dividend to expect?  Complete an AC-3 form and our partners at Spooner Inc. can help you out. To do this, please visit:  https://spoonerinc.com/workers-compensation-savings-with-geauga-growth-partnership

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

Is your company struggling to understand the difference between traditional Unemployment Insurance, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation? Click HERE to see a side-by-side comparison

The Office of Small Business Relief

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted announced the formation of The Office of Small Business Relief (OSBR).  The OSBR will focus on identifying and providing direct support to the state’s nearly 950,000 small businesses. To learn more about the OSBR and services they provide go to their website HERE. 

Resources for Maintaining a Clean & Sanitary Workplace

Personal Protective Equipment

MAGNET, OMA, and Ohio MEP have earmarked a stockpile of cotton masks and plastic face shields for manufacturers to stay safe and comply with the Governor’s mandate that you can reserve today.  A website is under construction where final prices will be available and that will accept credit card transactions. Please fill out this form to reserve. Manufacturers only please. No orders will be placed until you are contacted with a final price and estimated delivery date. Every attempt will be made to fulfill as many orders as possible and may limit quantities in order to serve as many manufacturers as possible.

Organizations looking for lower-volume PPE needs can now utilize the Ohio Emergency PPE Makers’ Exchange, launched by the Ohio Manufacturing Alliance. This platform enables #PPEMakers to list items they are ready to sell or give away. https://lnkd.in/gy3s4rP #InThisTogetherOhio

Order from local provider and GGP member Ten10 Design! Here is a link to their new revised offerings:  Ten10 PPE

Governor Dewine announced on March 27, 2020 a statewide coordinated effort to produce PPE for Ohio’s medical and nursing facilities. A press release dated April 9, 2020 announces early success as Ohio manufacturers collaborate to produce up to one million face shields over the next five weeks to protect those on the front lines. To read the press release click on this link: Ohio Manufacturing Alliance Achieves Early Success
For companies who would like to learn more, please see: Fight Covid-19: Repurposing & Retooling to Make PPE. Are you in need of PPE for your workforce? If so, please send us an email at info@geaugagrowth.com.  

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act 

The CARES Act was approved on March 27th as the most comprehensive relief package in the history of the country to provide new & expanded programs for American businesses. The package includes direct payments to Americans, an aggressive expansion of unemployment insurance, billions of new aid to large and small business, and a new wave of funding for health care and other industries.  The support provided attempts to keep people at work through the Paycheck Protection Program, helps individuals who have lost their jobs, and provides funding for healthcare providers.  Please see the Small Business Owner’s Guide for common questions about the CARES Act. For more information: https://mcdonaldhopkins.com/Insights/March-2020/CARES-Act-Legal-and-Business-Insights 

Ravenwood Health First Responder and Essential Employees Support Groups

Whether you are working in healthcare, as a first responder, or providing an essential service in other businesses, the Covid-19 crisis is unique, extreme and risky. In honor of your courageous and generous work, Ravenwood Health is offering free, weekly online support groups exclusively for those on the frontlines.

First Responders Support Group

Wednesday’s 7:00-8:00PM & Friday’s 10:00-11:00AM
Meeting ID: 474 703 533
Password: 028598
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/474703533
By Phone:
1-929-205-6099, Meeting ID 474703533#
Essential Employees Support Group
Tuesday’s 1:30pm-2:30PM & Wednesday’s 3:00-4:00PM
Meeting ID: 382 736 506
Password: 011863
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/382736506
By Phone:
1-929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 382736506#

For questions, please email: wolfel@ravenwoodhealth.org

Ohio Extending Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadline

The new deadline is July 15 an extension of approximately three months from the original deadline of April 15. Click HERE for more information. 

Updates about Ohio Bank Programs

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted have been working with representatives from Ohio’s banking community.  These companies recognize the hardships that many Ohioans are facing, and they have committed to working through creative ways to help. Ohioans can be confident that banks, both big and small, will be there for them as we all move through the crisis and are offering a number of measures to help customers.  Below is a link from the Ohio Bankers League that lays out some of these programs by specific banks and links to their programs.
Ohio banks have publicly announced details of their customer assistance programs and measures:

The Ohio Department of Health

Geauga County Township COVID-19 Operational Updates

Please see the information provided by each township in regard to these specifics:

  • Information on what the township and its departments are doing in this time of COVID19 (staying open, closing, open by appointment, telephone operations only, etc.)
  • Information on how townships are communicating to the public/constituents
  • Verification of their respective website address
  • Update on any permitting processes for needed local government permits by local businesses

For those Townships not individually listed below,  please check their township information vis this website: https://www.co.geauga.oh.us/Departments/Planning-Commission/Community-Links

Auburn Township

Bainbridge Township

Burton Township

Chardon Township

Chester Township

ClaridonTownship

Hambden Township

Huntsburg Township

Montville Township

Munson Township

Parkman Township

Russell Township

Troy Township

Department of Labor

Ready.gov

Small Business Administration

SHRM – Society for Human Resource Management

US Chambers of Commerce

Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

JFS & Ohio.gov

Childcare Information:

The Coronavirus Pandemic Child Care Information for Families webpage is now live: http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/CoronavirusAndChildcareForFamilies/. This page includes the list of approved pandemic child care centers and will be updated frequently. This page also includes the forms required to be completed by the parents for children receiving care. The approved list of health, safety, and essential workers will be added once available.

Health Information:

Please call if you are experiencing anxiety:

  • Ravenwood Health Copeline 1-440-285-5665
  • Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990
  • Ohio Crisis Text Line – text “4HOPE” to 741741 or call 1-877-275-6364

How Can I Help?

  • The Department on Aging needs shelf stable foods to add to their senior food pantry. Items can be dropped off at 470 Center Street, Building 2 in Chardon
  • Support the work of the Geauga Hunger Task Force as they most likely will see an increase in local community members who need food assistance
  • Donate blood, There is a national shortage- The Red Cross has many blood drives scheduled throughout Geauga County, including a weekly blood drive at the Munson Township Hall on Thursdays from 1-6 PM.  Find a location close to you here
  • WomenSafe is looking for donations- toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bread, garbage bags, meats etc.
  • Eat Local- support our local restaurant community by finding easy take out options using this website designed by Company 119.

GGP Members Providing Services

Cleaning and Janitorial

Healthcare

University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center: https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/coronavirus

Human Resources

Financial Partners

IT

Legal

News

If you are a GGP Member and you provide services that are pertinent during this crisis please contact info@geaugagrowth.com.