OHIOCHAMBER.COM MARCH / APRIL 2021 GET INFORMED. 1 COVID-19 vaccine facts Developing a vaccine plan for your business Communicate vaccine safety to employees The path to developing a vaccine SHARE SUCCESS. 4 Large corporations shouldn’t just be about the money BWC reimburses select employers for drug-free workplace Workers’ compensation savings JobsOhio celebrates 10 years Recognize, respond to mental health concerns Corporate credit cards STAY CONNECTED. 7 An Official Publication of The Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight: Square President New members Chamber President Andrew Doehrel: Thank you

Provided by The Coalition to Stop the Spread COVID-19 VACCINE FACTS The Coalition to Stop the Spread To support member communications, individuals, and the Moderna Phase 3 is a group of businesses, nonprofit following are facts about the clinical trial with 30,000 participants, organizations, institutions of higher vaccines, sourced from the FDA, no serious safety concerns were learning and other private-sector Centers for Disease Control and observed. The most common side organizations in Ohio that recognizes the Ohio Department of Health. effects were fatigue, headache, soreness or redness at the injection the threat COVID-19 presents to our For a list of key facts and site, and muscle or joint pain. Side health and our economy. Members frequently asked questions about effects like these, while unpleasant, of the coalition understand that the COVID-19 virus, please go to are a sign that your body is creating employees are on the frontlines stopthespreadcoalition.com and immunity from the COVID-19 virus.4 of the fight and we are committed click on Members, as we do not to amplifying safety messages have enough space to reprint all After I get the vaccine, can I stop and encouraging our workforce of the information in this issue of wearing a mask or adhering to the to lead by personal example. The Ohio Matters. This information is other safety protocols? Ohio Chamber of Commerce is reprinted with permission from The vaccine will protect you from a member of this coalition. The Coalition to Stop the Spread. getting ill from COVID-19, but experts don’t yet know whether you With the approval of COVID-19 Are the approved COVID-19 can still carry the virus and spread vaccines, there are three very vaccines safe? it to others. At present, those who get Safety is a top priority of the U.S. important ways members of the the vaccine should continue to wear development and approval process. coalition — and Ohio Chamber masks and practice social distancing.5 members — can support the vaccine Developing COVID-19 vaccines effort in their communications involved steps similar to those used Messenger RNA (mRNA), used by Can other vaccines help prevent me to employees. We encourage for other vaccines, such as for the flu the first two vaccines to receive from getting COVID-19? Ohio Chamber members to share or measles, which have successfully FDA emergency use authorization Other vaccines, such as those for this information with their protected millions of Ohioans for (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna), flu, measles, or other diseases, will employees. A sample letter that decades. The U.S. Food and Drug is not unknown. Researchers have not protect you from COVID-19. employers can use to communicate Administration (FDA), as well as been studying mRNA for decades, Only approved vaccines designed additional information is also independent medical experts, and early stage clinical trials using specifically to protect you from included in this issue. has ensured that every detail of mRNA vaccines have been carried COVID-19 can prevent COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines is thoroughly out for influenza, Zika, rabies and While a flu vaccine will not prevent Help to share fact-based and rigorously evaluated. Evidence cytomegalovirus CMV. Recent you from getting COVID-19, it can information about the vaccines, shows that COVID-19 vaccines are technological advancements in prevent you from getting influenza their safety and effectiveness. safe and work to prevent COVID-19. 1 RNA biology and chemistry, as (flu) at the same time as COVID-19. well as delivery systems, have Because the flu viruses and the 2 Encourage Ohioans to be Were the COVID-19 vaccines allowed mRNA to be used for virus that causes COVID-19 will patient as the state ramps developed too quickly? safe and effective vaccines.2 both be spreading during this There have been no shortcuts in the up the vaccine rollout. time, getting a flu vaccine will vaccine development process. The If I have recovered from COVID-19, be more crucial than ever.6 3 Remind that leading up to process has been quicker as a result do I still need to get the vaccine? getting the vaccine — and very of strategic efforts to run concurrent At this time, experts do not know I’ve seen a lot of rumors on social likely for at least some time trial phases, as well as a commitment how long someone is protected from media about vaccines. How can I after — Ohio’s workforce should to help condense timelines and reduce getting sick again after recovering tell what is true? stay dedicated to the best safety or eliminate months-long waiting from COVID-19. Due to the severe The internet is full of misinformation protocols of wearing masks, social periods during which documents health risks associated with about COVID-19 and vaccines, and distancing, washing hands, etc. would be prepared or wait for review. COVID-19, and because reinfection it can be difficult to know what with COVID-19 is possible, people to trust. The best thing you can may be advised to get a COVID-19 do is educate yourself about the vaccine even if they have been vaccines with information from sick with COVID-19 before.3 trustworthy sources. Learn more about finding credible vaccine Do the approved COVID-19 vaccines information on the CDC’s website7, cause infertility or other harmful and separate myths from facts on the medical problems? coronavirus.ohio.gov website.8 In the Pfizer-BioNTech phase 3 clinical trial of more than 43,000

Sources 1-6 https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-program/covid-19-vaccine- myths-vs-facts/covid-19-vaccine-myths-vs-facts 7 https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/evalwebs.htm 8 https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/general-resources/frequently-asked- questions%2Bcovid-19-vaccine

WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 1 You want key insights to build a stronger business. We have access to industry experts willing to share their knowledge. The new Ohio Chamber Business Academy is All for Ohio!

The world of business is always expanding, so we are, too. The Ohio Chamber Business Academy, once the Ohio Chamber HR Academy, is a member resource created to offer Ohio businesses the chance to gain and maintain comprehensive understanding of a variety of key topics, laws and issues within business. The webinar-based program will continue to offer information essential for human resources and employment law matters, but also expands to include sessions on other areas pertinent to business, such as marketing, technology, best industry practices and more.

For more information, contact Lillian van Wyngaarden at 614-629-0932 or [email protected]. GET INFORMED.

By Robert Robenalt, Partner, Fisher Phillips DEVELOPING A VACCINE HOW TO COMMUNICATE VACCINE SAFETY TO EMPLOYEES PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS For the last year, employers have been encouraging employees to practice good health hygiene in order to ward off COVID-19 infection On Jan. 21, 2021, President and spread. Now, as vaccines become available, the challenge for issued his National Strategy for employers becomes providing factual information to employees about COVID-19 Response and Pandemic their safety. The Coalition to Stop the Spread has prepared a letter Preparedness. An important for Ohio businesses to use to educate employees on the facts about component of the plan is to jumpstart the vaccines. The Coalition to Stop the Spread is collaboration of the vaccination process. businesses, nonprofit organizations and institutions that has The administration has stated that mobilized a grassroots effort by ordinary Ohioans to fight a pandemic it will spare no effort in aggressively that’s crippling our economy and wreaking havoc on our families. Use ramping up the national vaccination the letter below to share vaccine safety with your employees. program. Employers will play an Dear Colleague, important role in achieving this goal. I want to thank you for your commitment to making a difference on The Trump Administration set COVID-19 here at work, at home and in the community. By setting an the table for the vaccine rollout in Do you want to mandate example for friends, family members and co-workers, your dedication to pushing forward with Operation vaccinations? Will you encourage safe practices will help stop the spread of the pandemic and protect our jobs. Warp Speed. Late last year, both Pfizer and Moderna developed COVID-19 or incentivize employee I’m sure you know that COVID-19 vaccines are now being given across vaccinations that were given approval vaccinations? How will you the state, and we are confident that Ohio’s rollout will be successful. These by the Federal Drug Administration communicate this information vaccines, along with continued safe practices, promise to end the pandemic once and for all. I encourage all of us to get vaccinated as soon as vaccines for emergency use. The Johnson & to employees? A thoughtful Johnson vaccine was also recently become widely available. In the meantime, it’s important for all of us to be approved. As a result of these plan of action can help ensure patient as our medical professionals, laboratories and government agencies developments, the administration that everyone from senior work as quickly as possible to get shots into the arms of all Ohioans. has set forth its roadmap on how to management to frontline workers There continues to be a lot of misinformation about the vaccines on the quickly get these shots into the arms internet and elsewhere. While you can find some excellent information at of Americans. understands the company’s perspective and policies on the www.stopthespreadcoalition.com, let me provide a few facts based on what the scientific and medical communities have said. The current administration has vaccination process. taken immediate actions to meet 1) The vaccines are safe. While they were developed much more quickly an aggressive vaccination target, than past vaccines, they went through rigorous testing before being made including activating the provisions establishes the company’s policy and available to the public. Vaccines that could not pass these high standards of the Defense Production Act to help goals. The plan does not need to be have not been released. accelerate delivery of the COVID-19 detailed but should set up a minimum vaccine and authorizing the Federal set of policy objectives. 2) They are effective. While no vaccine will immunize every person, the Emergency Management Agency to vaccines now have shown to be more than 90 percent effective at preventing begin developing federally supported Do you want to mandate vaccinations? COVID-19 illness. community vaccination centers. Will you encourage or incentivize employee vaccinations? Will you 3) Vaccines will not give you COVID-19. The processes used to create the At a minimum, these activities offer assist employees interested in the authorized vaccines do not include the virus itself, so there is no chance it the potential for more workers to have vaccine? How will you communicate could pass into you from a shot. access to vaccinations, thus giving this information to employees? 4) It’s unclear whether a person can still carry the COVID-19 virus and employers the chance to more fully A thoughtful plan of action can spread it to others after being vaccinated. That’s why it will be important to restore their operations sooner. help ensure that everyone from continue wearing masks correctly, avoid crowds, keep a safe distance from senior management to frontline The current vaccination efforts have others and wash your hands frequently, even after becoming vaccinated. workers understands the company’s been under way with most health care perspective and policies on the I want you to know that I couldn’t be prouder of how our team has responded employers and citizens 50 years and vaccination process. under very trying circumstances. Thank you for your courage, commitment older. In most states, employers of and resilience as we all strive to persevere through the pandemic and come many essential or frontline workers For consistency in the plan and out of it stronger. are still waiting for the vaccine, and message, employers should appoint those employees will be next in line. In a vaccine coordinator or committee. anticipation of this process, employers The coordinator can serve as a should consider the following steps point person for the program and to set the table for the vaccine once it assist in educating employees and THE PATH TO DEVELOPING AN becomes available. implementing the company plan. INVESTIGATIONAL COVID-19 VACCINE DETERMINE WHETHER TO EDUCATE YOUR WORKERS MANDATE, OR ENCOURAGE, One of the goals outlined by the A collaborative endeavor between Pfizer and BioNTech THE VACCINE administration is to mount a safe, As the COVID-19 pandemic gripped our country and the world, Ohio Chamber Given the uncertainty and potential effective, comprehensive vaccination member Pfizer, along with partner BioNTech, used years of scientific expertise legal ramifications surrounding campaign. To align with this goal, to construct and execute a rigorous Phase 3 clinical trial program to develop the vaccine, most employers have employers may want to assist in their investigational COVID-19 vaccine as quickly and safely as possible. made the decision to encourage, not this campaign and educate their After the first cases were reported in early 2020, Pfizer and BioNTech were able mandate, employee vaccinations, employees. A variety of resources, to begin their Phase 3 clinical trial in late July 2020. The trial included 46,331 while others have taken a hands- from the applicable state’s department participants ages 12 and older. With the data from the trial, the U.S. Food and off approach. If your company is of health, the CDC, or other Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the vaccine for emergency use. considering mandating the vaccine for governmental agencies can help some or all employees, we recommend workers understand the importance of While the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has not been approved or that you carefully review the liability, the vaccine. licensed by the FDA, it has been authorized for emergency use by the FDA under employee morale and other issues, an Emergency Use Authorization to prevent COVID-19 for use in individuals including providing exceptions for CONSIDER VACCINE 16 years of age and older. The emergency use of this vaccine is only authorized those who are not able to take the REGISTRATION OF YOUR for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the vaccine due to disabilities or religious ESSENTIAL WORKERS authorization of emergency use of the medical product under Section 564(b)(1) States and jurisdictions across the objections. of the FD&C Act, unless the declaration is terminated or authorization revoked United States are using different web- sooner. More information can be found on the EUA Fact Sheet at The best approach is to launch based applications for vaccination www.cvdvaccine-us.com. information and education campaigns clinic management. Some states and designed to encourage participation. jurisdictions have adopted the CDC- The rapid development of the vaccine to help prevent COVID-19 is due to the Some larger employers are also created online registration program dedicated work of thousands of individual worldwide, as well as those who providing incentives, such as paid Vaccine Administration Management volunteered to take part in the research. Those participants in the vaccine trials time off or gift cards for vaccinated System. Other states, like Ohio, who are 16 and older who originally received the placebo have been offered the employees. However, there are provide for web-based applications or option to receive the investigational vaccine while continuing on with the study legal concerns with providing these telephonic hotlines. through the Vaccine Transfer Option. The aim is to offer them the opportunity incentives, and you should review any to receive their first dose of the investigational vaccine within the study by Employers should be kept abreast of incentive program with legal counsel. March 1, 2021, if they so desire. the scheduling platforms utilized by DEVELOP A VACCINE PLAN their state or jurisdiction and provide FOR THE COMPANY informational resources or assistance More information on the development and testing is If you have not already done to employees regarding this vaccine available at www.pfizer.com/science/coronavirus so, develop a plan of action that registration process. or www.fda.gov/media/144414/download.

WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 3 MARCH / APRIL 2021

By Peter Gassner, founder and CEO, Veeva Systems

OHIO BWC REIMBURSES EMPLOYERS IN SELECT COUNTIES FOR OPERATING DRUG-FREE Recognizing that a best-practice drug-free workplace is the best way to prevent and respond to substance use in the workplace and support individuals in recovery, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has $15 million to help employers hire, manage and retain employees in recovery. Through the Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program (SURWSP), eligible employers will be reimbursed for qualifying expenses LARGE CORPORATIONS SHOULD related to implementing, operating and maintaining a drug-free NOT BE ONLY ABOUT THE MONEY workplace program, including: • Development and legal review of A little-known, rarely used way to make companies legally responsible for more than just profits drug-free workplace policies and procedures We need to move to a more What can CEOs and board members looked at the pros and cons, got reasonable form of capitalism, where of large corporations do? They feedback from shareholders, • Annual policy review corporations aren’t only about the can raise the issue of corporate customers and employees, then in • Employee and supervisor training money. There is a better structure, the purpose and increase awareness, 2020, formalized our proposal to (up to 72 hours each per year), Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). as the Business Roundtable did last make the change. e.g., company-specific training, year. The next step is to actually do Economist Milton Friedman wrote training of trainers, webinars, something about it, to change the legal Conversion to a PBC is a long 50 years ago that corporations OnDemand 24/7 charter of their companies to serve process that is ultimately decided should only exist to make money for • Drug testing of prospective and all stakeholders and to have a purpose by shareholder vote. I am very proud shareholders. With the benefit of current employees in recovery that is about more than shareholder that our proposal passed, and on hindsight, he clearly got it wrong. returns. This is now possible thanks Feb. 1, 2021, Veeva became the first Participating employers will also have We’ve seen that a sole focus on to the PBC structure. public corporation to convert to a access to Better You, Better Ohio, shareholder returns does not work PBC. The vote was a landslide. Of which provides health and wellness A PBC is a for-profit corporation for society, especially as corporations the votes cast, 99 percent were in resources to employees, a service that also adopts a public benefit usually only available to businesses in become larger and more powerful, support of our proposal. purpose. PBCs consider their public particularly through the use and high-risk industries with 150 or fewer reach of technology. Software is benefit purpose and the interests As we look toward the future of employees. of those materially affected by the Veeva over the decades to come, powerful. An algorithm can be SURWSP-eligible employers must changed by one person and, within corporation’s conduct — including and the critical decisions that may customers, employees and the be located in one of the participating minutes, affect the lives of millions. be required from our management counties, be in good standing with community — in addition to Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google and team and board, I’m glad we the BWC (e.g., current on all BWC shareholder interests. Maximizing Microsoft now represent 15 percent of now have a specific corporate payments, in an active policy status) shareholder profits is no longer the the total stock market’s worth. They purpose and multi-stakeholder and complete a simple, online form to sole duty of the board. are also becoming controlling forces accountability in our certificate of enroll. worldwide in ways never imagined. When I founded Veeva in 2007, the incorporation. Once enrolled, all employers need to PBC structure was not available. Large technology-enabled companies During a Congressional hearing do to be reimbursed for expenses is to It troubled me to sign a standard focused only on shareholder return in July 2020, Rep. Jamie Raskin submit a form for qualifying expenses, certificate of incorporation because can become dangerous. Software asked the CEOs of Amazon, dating back to July 1, 2019, regardless I never thought Veeva would be only algorithms, powered by artificial Facebook and Google if they ever of whether they were enrolled in the about the money. But I put that aside, intelligence, can determine the news considered becoming public benefit program at the time of purchase or thinking little Veeva would likely fail, we see, what we buy, the prices we not. The reimbursement form and as most startups do. corporations. There was no reply. pay and the credit we are given. If the We can do better than silence. proof of payment will be submitted goal of the algorithm is only to make But Veeva did not fail. It grew. We to and processed by the local Alcohol money, it will optimize to accomplish went public in 2013 and in 2019 It’s clear the path we are on is not Drug Addiction and Mental Health that goal, to the exclusion of all else. crossed the $1 billion revenue sustainable and there’s a need Services (ADAMHS) boards, typically It is not OK morally. But, it’s fine for mark. We were starting to become for corporations to evolve. within 30 days, on a first-come, first- a traditional corporation, as its legal serve basis. very important to the life sciences Learn more about the PBC structure responsibility is to make money industry we serve, an industry critical at www.veeva.com/pbc. As The SURWSP is funded with money for shareholders. And it’s not just to human health. I knew it was time to an employee, raise it with your Gov. Mike DeWine budgeted for limited to tech companies. For an act. Time to become a PBC. international powerhouse, controlling leadership. CEOs and directors, have the bureau to lessen the impact of a segment of the economy to be only Yet no public company had ever the discussion in the boardroom. substance use disorder on Ohio’s about the money is not good for converted to a PBC. We were going Make an active decision. We can all workforce, help Ohio’s employers society. into uncharted waters. We carefully change capitalism for the better. keep employees in recovery at work, assist employers with hiring and As CEO of Veeva managing employees in recovery and Systems, Peter Learn more promote a safe and healthy workforce. Gassner is an It also complements the bureau’s advocate for Veeva PBC proxy statement explains to Veeva shareholders the reasons for PBC Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP), corporate social as the majority of expenses incurred conversion on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. https://www.sec.gov/ responsibility. through the DFSP are eligible for Archives/edgar/data/1393052/000162828020017032/def14a2021specialmeetingpr. He’s passionate htm#i67d03521f64c428baacf21d3eec03404_13 reimbursement through the SURWSP. about what the Veeva team is doing Cooley on PBCs to help the life sciences industry Visit the BWC’s website at www.bwc. https://cooleypubco.com/2021/01/25/corporation-converts-to-pbc/ improve and extend life and believes ohio.gov then click on For Employers. corporations should serve society On the left side of the page, click on The Business Roundtable on the Purpose of a PBC as well as shareholders. This article Workers’ Compensation Coverage, https://www.businessroundtable.org/business-roundtable-redefines-the-purpose-of- originally appeared Feb. 10, 2021, then Programs – Ratings & Bonus to a-corporation-to-promote-an-economy-that-serves-all-americans on Medium and was republished learn more about this program and with permission. to enroll.

4 SHARE SUCCESS.

By Lance Watkins, Vice President Client Service, Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SAVINGS 5 key factors that employers cannot afford to overlook

A great deal of attention in workers’ compensation is appropriately focused 3 OVERSIGHT OF MEDICAL TREATMENT on premium rates and programs that deliver savings. An employer’s ability Medical treatment for a workers’ compensation injury must be approved as to qualify for premium savings through group programs can be fragile, as a appropriate and cost-effective by your MCO. A claim’s duration of lost time is single costly claim can limit future group options. The combination of claim related to the course of medical treatment. Engaging physicians on treatment delays and lost workdays can damage premium rates for several years. Here are decisions and advocating for quality treatment that facilitates early and safe five areas in which a Managed Care Organization (MCO) can help employers return-to-work is a role of your MCO. Sometimes it is appropriate to explore improve the likelihood of lower workers’ compensation premiums. alternative approaches to treatment that may result in improved results and 1 POST INJURY MANAGEMENT shorter recovery time. Employers should be involved in this process with their An employer’s initial reaction to an employee after MCO and should have an understanding of the necessity and value of treatment an injury is a key moment. Following an organized for injured employees. game plan fosters trust and cooperation. A chaotic 4 REVIEW OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS atmosphere can lead an injured employee elsewhere Problems with prescription abuse are well documented. The cost of excessive for direction. Employers should be prepared to medications impacts the cost of a claim, but prescribed medications can address three things immediately after an injury. also extend lost time due to their side effects. Prescriptions can disable an • Provide initial medical treatment. Know the available medical treatment otherwise able body. MCOs review medications prescribed through a claim and options in the area. Have their contact information available and coordinate contest drugs that are not appropriate. They ca also recommend non-narcotic with them after an injury. alternatives that may eliminate side effects that can extend lost time and related costs. • Do a quick and thorough documentation of the injury. Be prepared to assist in completing an injury report. Facilitate filing a clearly legitimate claim 5 SCRUTINY OF MEDICAL BILLS through your MCO. This will help prevent delays, keeping everyone focused on The actual cost of medical treatment for workers’ compensation claims is recovery and return-to-work. usually far lower than the costs associated with lost work days (compensation and reserves). But it should not be overlooked as a given. Medical bills must • Discuss early return-to-work and transitional work options. Establish be scrutinized to ensure accurate payment only for related treatment. There an expectation for a quick recovery and a quick return-to-work. Be prepared to are often opportunities for significant reductions in costs through the use of make adjustments to help facilitate return-to-work. universal codes and bundling services for efficiency. 2 NEGOTIATING FOR EARLY RETURN-TO-WORK Sometimes the key to resolving a claim before it becomes extremely costly is When an injured employee is off work for eight or more days, lost-time costs found in the details. Leveraging resources like your MCO can help prepare accelerate quickly and can threaten future savings opportunities. A physician’s employers to minimize costs and preserve premium savings options. It is instinct may involve time off work, but this can be negotiated if employers can important to remain tuned in to the work of the MCO through the claim demonstrate a safe work environment that facilitates recovery. Working with management process. your MCO to address transitional work options can promote cooperation with treating physicians and lessen exposure to costly lost-time claims. A formal CareWorks of Ohio MCO and CompManagement Health Systems merged transitional work policy is an asset because it will outline this process for all effective Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. The merger accompanied a name change to parties, and MCOs can help build that infrastructure. Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio (Sedgwick MCO). CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE This month, we celebrate making Economic development is a critical a difference for the greater good of and long-term investment in a Ohio. As JobsOhio officially turns 10 community that will ultimately years old — a significant and exciting enhance the quality of life for its milestone for all — and we look back businesses and residents. As JobsOhio over the last 10 years, it’s easy to see continues to play a prominent role in how JobsOhio has made a difference economic development, serving as an for the better by staying true to its incubator and accelerator for Ohio, the ethos and core values. entire state should take pride in what JobsOhio has been able to do over the Before legislation created JobsOhio last 10 years. in February 2011, states including Ohio were severely affected by the It has produced significant return on Great Recession. There was a need investment for the state by bringing to stimulate and drive economic commitments of more than 500,000 development via private funding. new and preserved jobs since 2014. Ohio lawmakers saw that need and Between 2016 and 2018 alone, decided to move at rapid speed in JobsOhio created more than $3 billion Ohio’s recovery efforts by creating in new jobs payroll, adding significant JobsOhio on Feb. 18, 2011. As a growth to the state. Because its companies with financial support champion of free enterprise and funding model is unlike any other Ohio’s workforce has always to help them maintain employment been adaptive, from its days of economic competitiveness for the in the country, JobsOhio utilizes levels, establishes the JobsOhio manufacturing to today’s focus on past 128 years, the Ohio Chamber a longer-term horizon for funding technology and health. JobsOhio of Commerce has seen this sense of economic development activities, Innovation Fund to provide resources recently announced the third urgency before, but Ohio’s answer to giving the state a competitive to Ohio’s entrepreneurial businesses innovation district in the state, in this problem was unique. advantage. and commits up to $50 million as part of JobsOhio Community Bank Loan Columbus. The three innovation In extraordinary and complex The moment JobsOhio was born, Guarantee program to provide lending districts — in Cincinnati, times, as in the wake of COVID-19, it immediately went to work, and support to impacted companies. To and Columbus — are designed JobsOhio has not only responded to the bar was set high. JobsOhio date, these efforts have benefitted tens to spark innovation, job creation the pandemic but has continued to was created to produce a return of thousands of small businesses and and billions of dollars in annual double down on its investments across economic impact. JobsOhio’s and deliver results for the state, saved hundreds of thousands of jobs. quickly and efficiently. As a private, economic development and COVID- privatization structure has nonprofit corporation designed to related initiatives. That included Today, JobsOhio remains committed proven the organization to be the drive job creation and new capital the allocation of $250 million for to the unrelenting growth of the adaptability and accountability investment, it was built for the good personal protective equipment and up state by constantly investing in new partner all of Ohio needs, continuing to $250 million across 10 programs times but also for the challenging and crucial sectors like military and to make a difference day in and designed to support business suffering times. Its unique privatization federal. Ohio is proud to be the home day out. the effects of mass quarantine and model has been a huge part of how of military and federal installations mandated closures. Free enterprise, economic and why JobsOhio is ultimately able that contribute to the critical defense competitiveness and growth benefit to continue making a difference These programs — administered of the United States alongside its all of Ohio, and as we look ahead to across the state, while other state- under the banner of the Ohio Safe advancements in space. Whether it is what the next 10 years will bring, level government-funded economic Ohio Working campaign — included hypersonic technology or Advanced JobsOhio’s continued confidence, development organizations around the creation of the Workforce Air Mobility, remaining on the smarts and insights will allow Ohio the nation have had to scale back, Retention Loan Program. The forefront of these sectors is critical to to remain ahead of the curve and particularly in the COVID-19 era. program provides JobsOhio client Ohio’s growth and advancement. continue making a difference.

WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 5 MARCH / APRIL 2021

By Dee Mason, Founder and CEO, Working Partners DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES, EMPLOYERS MUST RECOGNIZE, RESPOND TO MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS The mental, physical and emotional talk about it — please let me know exhaustion experienced by our if I’m overstepping here, OK?” front-line workers as a result of the Then let silence play out and pandemic is widely recognized. be a good listener. Evidence is quietly mounting to • Establish a companywide day of support the notion that we are all gratitude. There is actually an suffering in those categories — and increased flow of dopamine, the employers must start paying attention. brain chemical that makes us feel In fact, addressing those issues should happy, when we practice gratitude. be an integral component of our business recovery planning. • Train middle and senior management to: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports almost – Recognize and model more 41 percent of adults in the U.S. are comfort with their own stress struggling with their mental health or – Recognize the tolls that stress substance use, double what had been is taking and support the historically reported pre-pandemic. employees they manage Additionally, the CDC indicates that that exceeds their coping skills. While to the National Alliance on Mental – Become familiar with corporate 11 percent of adults and 25 percent employers can’t prevent allostatic Illness, eight in 10 workers with or community resources of adolescents have contemplated overload, it is in the best interest of our a mental health condition do available for employees, such suicide. Contributing to this is the fact employees and our businesses to find not get treatment because of the as an Employee Assistance that seven out of 10 adults cite juggling ways to accommodate its increasing Program or wellness programs their jobs and other responsibilities stigma. Simply put, talk about it. effect on employees’ mental health available through insurance as a source of significant stress and Having sincere conversations with and, ultimately, their productivity. companies or community mental that fear of contracting the virus was employees destigmatizes the idea Additionally, we have an obligation health agencies a top concern for nonremote workers, of mental health as a problem and under ADA to address these health- particularly in lower-income jobs. instead positions it as a workplace As an employer, your role needs to threatening conditions to enable challenge, just as COVID-19 has include mental health supporter. Further evidence of mental strain qualified employees to perform the been. A key behavior for this newly is that drug misuse and overdoses essential functions of their jobs. required role is communication, are skyrocketing. Synthetic • Consider a routine email delivering How can we do this? First and communication and more overdoses (primarily fentanyl) facts and resources about dealing foremost, we need to engage and communication. Finding creative increased 38.4 percent; cocaine with stress. lead by example. The following ideas measures to achieve this for overdoses increased by 26.5 percent provide a good starting point. • With fewer opportunities for building a mental health supportive and psychostimulant overdoses organic conversation, we need to workplace will reap benefits for (methamphetamine) increased by • Let employees hear you talk about get creative. Weave inquiries about every part of your business. 34.8 percent. your stress and the actions you have mental health into conversations. taken to deal with it. Dee Mason is a nationally recognized Mental health experts are referring to For example, “This project certainly expert in drug-free workplace issues this situation as a second pandemic, • Identify ways to diminish stigma. is hard to accomplish right now with and founder and CEO of Working using the term “allostatic overload” to Even before the pandemic, studies so many complications and stresses. Partners®, an acknowledged describe the wear and tear on the body found that nearly 85 percent of It seems we’re all feeling stressed industry leader in creating drug-free that accumulates as individuals are people are uncomfortable discussing these days, how’s your mental workplace programs for communities exposed to repeated or chronic stress mental illness at work. According health holding up? It can help to and businesses. CORPORATE CREDIT CARDS Hesitant to adopt a program? Here’s why you should Provided by U.S. Bank The possibility of internal fraud is is the belief that corporate cards are But when implemented with well- difficult to identify and control a real concern for many executives, a gateway to fraud and encourage documented and communicated expense report fraud. By directly regardless of the organization’s size. overspending. expense management policies, importing charges made on a corporate cards can offer significant corporate card, an organization News articles point to high-profile SURPRISING TRUTH ABOUT financial, operational and security knows the exact expense amount. cases of corporate credit card EMPLOYEE FRAUD benefits. It’s more difficult to inflate abuse, asset misappropriation and With the recent high-profile cases of expenses or otherwise manipulate Improved oversight. Corporate examples of employee fraud. The employees treating their corporate receipts. narrative leaves many middle-market credit card like a personal slush fund, cards feature tools that provide executives, especially those who are many hesitant adopters believe that visibility into individual payment However, implementing a hesitant to adopt a corporate credit the risks of a corporate card program transactions so you can easily corporate card program is only the first step. To safeguard card program, steadfast in their belief outweigh the benefits. But many of understand who’s spending what and against misuse, a corporate card that such a program could leave their the cases in the news are exaggerated where, as well as controls that govern program must be implemented in company vulnerable. examples of fraud and point to a lack of the type of expense a card is used for. conjunction with a defined expense controls and personal accountability. These tools can also help you quickly However, for middle-market recognize patterns of fraudulent management policy. The expense companies managing tight margins, There are, however, more subtle forms behavior and nonadherence to travel management policy should clearly understanding where money is of fraud, like exaggerated expense and expense policies that would be articulate allowable expenses made and lost is critical for business reporting, that can have a significant hard to identify with a manual process and be communicated broadly success. Corporate cards, by their very impact on an organization’s bottom and next to impossible to identify so employees become part of the design, offer increased visibility and line if left unchecked. In fact, a recent when employees use their personal expense management process — control over that of other payment survey by webexpenses found that card for business expenses. not part of the problem. forms — including employees using employee expense fraud is on the Increased efficiency. Replacing Often, there’s a clear line between personal credit cards — making rise — and employees are having paper-based processes with an making legitimate expenses and them an ideal choice for managing quite an easy time committing it. integrated corporate card program abusing the system. But without expenses. Examples include billing for travel and expense management solution controls in place, there’s no way to and expenses that never materialized, U.S. Bank partnered with Protagonist eliminates manual processes identify the difference. seeking reimbursement for items for tracking and analyzing to better understand the beliefs The One Card from the Ohio never purchased, or purchased and payments. This, in turn, can reduce held by middle-market financial Chamber of Commerce and U.S. returned, and purchasing items for administrative costs, speed up executives and their staff when Bank is a single, flexible solution personal use. And because the fraud is payments and improve internal it comes to corporate card policy, that members can use to cut subtle, claims fall through the cracks policy compliance, reconciliation and expense management, corporate card costs, manage vendor payments and raise no red flags. expense analysis. products and benefits. The study found and operate more efficiently. For misconceptions among those hesitant POWERFUL BENEFITS Reduced expense fraud. Paper- more information, contact John to adopt a corporate card program. Much of the conversation centers based payment methods are inefficient Hammond at (216) 548-3190 or Top among the list of misconceptions around the risk corporate cards pose. and prone to fraud, making it more [email protected].

6 STAY CONNECTED.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT OHIO SENATE PRESIDENT MATT HUFFMAN PRIORITIZES SMALL BUSINESS AID AND EDUCATION As Ohio continues to recover from the health and economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new general assembly is tasked with finding ways to best help Ohioans. And for Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman, this starts with the industries hit the hardest. “The first order of business is to make sure that these businesses that have been hurt by the pandemic and governmental response to it are going SQUARE OFFERS TOOLS TO to survive,” says Huffman. “Small business is vital for a robust and GROW SMALL BUSINESSES functioning marketplace.” Everyone deserves a chance at business, and Square Inc. helps make this chance a reality. What started with a small white card reader familiar Huffman represents the 12th Ohio to farmers market stalls, coffee shop counters and small businesses Senate District, encompassing Allen, everywhere has grown to include a toolkit of resources for businesses Champaign, Mercer and Shelby counties, and includes parts of across the globe. The transition to senate president Auglaize, Darke and Logan counties. is aided by Huffman’s experience Square, one of the newest members of the He has long been a champion for as an elected official in the state Ohio Chamber of Commerce, specializes small business throughout his time in legislature. First elected to the Ohio in card readers that help sellers accept chip elected office. As he enters his second cards and NFC payments, as well as provide tools for customers, such term in the Ohio Senate, he continues House of Representatives in 2007, as Cash App, which allows people to instantly send money between to advocate for small business, he served there for four terms, with recipients. With headquarters in San Francisco, Square helps small alongside regulatory and education his last two in leadership positions business owners across the globe with offices in the U.S., Canada, Japan, reforms. including House floor majority Australia, Ireland, Spain and the U.K. leader and as speaker pro tempore, The state budget is also at the top of the second-highest-ranking As small business owners in Ohio look to start, run and grow their Huffman’s priorities, as its passage member in the Ohio House. business, Square connects them with the latest technology and is required by June 30. Containing e-commerce needs for their small businesses. both financial and policy decisions, “You don’t get a two-year degree in Huffman notes the budget is always a being a state elected official,” says “Square is excited to collaborate with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce “balance between what we have and Huffman. “Frankly, I’m in my 13th on small business education and resources,” says Erin Archuleta, head what we need … and whether there are year in the legislature, and I’m still of small business and community advocacy at Square. “Now more than ways to permanently change how we ever, small businesses are creating and innovating, and tools to support learning.” spend money.” them are essential.” Before elected office, Huffman He calls attention to K-12 and Square is also passionate about telling the stories of small business practiced law for 30 years in his owners through its podcast, Talking Squarely, featuring independent workforce education as significant family’s private practice law firm business owners discussing the issues impacting their day-to-day issues in the state budget and in downtown Lima, where he was operations. The company also features the dreams of small business emphasizes workforce training and born and raised. He began his public owners across America in its short film series, For Every Kind of Dream. cost-effective education as necessary service career in 1992 on the Lima components, together with pandemic City Council, where he served for To learn more about Square, the services it offers or to browse its toolkit relief. 15 years, with the last seven as of business resources, visit squareup.com. “This is about making sure education city council president. Huffman Find Square on Twitter at twitter.com/Square, dollars are spent on education and and his wife, Sheryl, continue to Facebook at facebook.com/square, providing opportunity to everybody live in Lima, where they raised LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/joinsquare/ to get where they want to go,” says four children and now have four and Instagram at instagram.com/square/. Huffman. grandchildren.

NEW MEMBERS The following member companies joined the Ohio Chamber of Commerce from the beginning of the year through Feb. 22. We welcome all of our new members and look forward to working with them.

4415 WDG Road Inc., Powell Dead Low Brewing, Cincinnati Ingle Barr Inc., Chillicothe SELMCO Metal Fabricator, Inc., Sidney A & N Refrigeration Inc., Warren Dehan Enterprises Insurance & Financial Kelley Cawthorne, Lansing, Michigan SHS Insurance LLC, Cincinnati Advantage Consultants Agency Inc., Services LLC, Columbus Landmark Kitchen & Bath Shoppe LLC, Sirak Financial Services, Canton Aurora Delta T Heating & Cooling, Amlin Franklin Southern Ohio Nephrology Inc., Anne Taylor, Cincinnati DJM Hardwoods & Veneer Inc., McArthur Life Safety Enterprises Inc., Willoughby Portsmouth ARK Associates LLC, Gallipolis Dot Diamond Core Drilling, Inc., Elyria Melmor Associates Inc., Niles SRIC, Inc., Columbus Associated Risk Managers of Ohio, Edward B. Mueller Co. Inc., Cincinnati Miami Valley Communications Council, Stark County Women’s Clinic Inc., Canton Westerville Element Utility Service LLC, Dayton Centerville Summit Technologies LLC, Columbus Automatic Data Processing Insurance Enviro Control Systems Inc., Dayton Ohio State Medical Association, Dublin TB&J Enterprises LLC (Earthwise Pet), Agency Inc., Roseland Liberty Township FISJCO Inc. dba Andres O’Neil & Lowe, Ohio Water Partnership, Columbus Better Business Bureau Dayton/Miami Bryan Olstrad Engineering Corp., Kent The Calvary Church, Cincinnati Valley, Dayton Fitzgerald Auto Group, Monroeville Olympic Forest Products Co., Cleveland The Favret Co., Columbus Channel Products, Solon France & Associate, Inc., Columbus OptumRx, Washington, D.C. The Johns-Carabelli Co. Ltd., Brook Park Chiappa Firearms USA Ltd., Dayton Three Village Condominium Association, Gillard Construction Inc., Marietta Pioneer Mortgage Services LLC, Plain College Coaches Skills Camp LLC, Lyndhurst Goering Center for Family & Private City Franklin Trojon Gear Inc., Dayton Business, Cincinnati Professional Restoration Services Inc., Valco Valley Tool & Die Inc., North Columbus Montessori Education Center, Golden Bear Lock & Safe Inc., Plain City Medina Columbus Royalton H&H Truck Parts LLC, Valley View Ross County Home Health LLC, Continental Mineral Processing Corp., Chillicothe Vantage Financial Group, Cleveland Harrop Industries Inc., Columbus Cincinnati S & S Realty Partners dba BlueMark Vinylume Product, Inc., Youngstown Heitco, dba Dott Products, Avon CornerStone Benefit Services, Akron Capital, Beachwood Vogt Strategic Insights, Columbus Czup-Fowler dba Hoffman’s Pharmacy, Hispanic UMADAOP, Cleveland Saunders Insurance Agency LLC, Worthington Woods Animal Care Center Ashtabula Hubbs Heating & Air, Lancaster Gallipolis LLC, Columbus

WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 7 THANK YOU

As I move closer to my retirement date, the two words that keep coming to mind are “thank you.” They seem simple enough, but they are truly heartfelt after 38 years of being part of the Ohio Chamber family. I have often been asked over the years, why are you still at the chamber? The answer has always been the same — because no two days are alike. A new challenge or opportunity arises almost every day, and so I have never struggled with coming to work. That is not to say every day has been a good day — there have been those that I would just as soon forget, but those are few and far between. What I will remember most are the great people I have met and worked with over the years. So, with that, I say thank you to the over 200 staff people who have helped manage our programs of work over the years, thank you to the countless volunteers who have sat on our committees to help steer our activities, thank you to the individuals who have served on our board of directors and a special shout-out to the more than a dozen folks who stepped up to serve as chairmen of this great organization during my time as president. I leave with few regrets from the past and little concern for the future because of the wonderful staff here at the chamber and the fact that we have members like you to move the organization to even greater heights. So thank you to each and every one of you for giving me the honor and privilege of serving you all these years. Best of luck to you and the chamber as we continue to work to make Ohio the best state in which to live and work.

EDITORIAL POLICY POSTMASTER OHIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Articles written by guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the Please send address changes to 34 S. Third Street, Suite 100 Ohio Matters is published by position of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s position on Ohio Matters, Columbus, OH 43215 Convero key issues will be clearly stated. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce does Attn: Database Manager, 614.228.4201 • 800.622.1893 835 Sharon Drive, Suite 200 not necessarily endorse the products and services advertised in Ohio Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Fax 614.228.6403 Cleveland, OH 44145 Matters. Articles can be reproduced, but only with permission from, and 34 S. Third St., Suite 100 [email protected] 844-428-8844 • www.converoinc.com attribution given to, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. For authorization, Columbus, Ohio 43215 www.ohiochamber.com Sue Ostrowski, Managing Editor please contact Ohio Chamber Vice President of Communications Julie www.ohiobusinessvotes.com Wendy Armon, Art Director Wagner Feasel at 614.228.4201. The Chamber reserves the right to FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT reject advertising based on content and does not accept advertising Julie Wagner Feasel Katie Janoch, Advertising Sales that is in conflict with a position of the Chamber. Vice President of Communications 440.250.7073 • [email protected] [email protected] Ohio Matters is a bimonthly publication for members of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Subscription cost is included with annual dues.

Be small and be mighty.

Ohio Chamber Health Benefit Program: Savings up to 25%1 for small business members. #ALLFOROHIO

For more information, visit ohiochamber.com and click on "Learn More"

1 25% savings based on Q1 2021 UnitedHealthcare internal analysis for average price comparison between UnitedHealthcare plans in Ohio. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Health Benefi t Program is a self-funded health benefi ts program. B2B EI21536312 2/21 © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 21-536313

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