PPE Toolkits Donated for Businesses

In collaboration with JobsOhio Network Partners, JobsOhio is distributing 15,000 Safety Tool Kits (1.65 million masks and 15,000 units of hand sanitizer) across the state beginning the week of July 20, 2020. Each Toolkit, valued at $100 dollars, provides PPE that at times has been in short supply for small businesses during the pandemic. Submitted photo.

SOUTHEAST OHIO – Being supplied and prepared for business in the days of COVID-19 means having PPE.

“Small and medium sized businesses make up the backbone of Ohio’s economy and with grit and determination, they and their employees have persevered through unprecedented economic and health challenges during this pandemic. JobsOhio is pleased, along with our network partners, to provide them with PPE toolkits, to aid them in their efforts to get back to work and operate safely.” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “While we don’t know what the future holds, we are optimistic that Ohio businesses will succeed and continue to play an essential role in Ohio’s economic recovery.”

This partnership between JobsOhio and OhioSE will provide PPE Toolkit donations to hundreds of small businesses. These kits include 100 3 ply masks, 10 KN-95 masks and a 24oz bottle of hand sanitizer. Locally, kits were delivered in cooperation with Buckeye Hill’s Regional Council to distribute nearly 300 boxes. OhioSE’s Mike Jacoby and Tom Poorman distributed the boxes to local partners including Meigs Count Economic Development Council. Additionally boxes were distributed regionally to Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Athens County Economic Development Council, Monroe County Economic Development, and Hocking County CIC.

“We realize the difficulties and challenges facing business owners and employees as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and are pleased to partner with the JobsOhio ‘Ohio Safe. Ohio Working’ program to support businesses in our 25 county region” said, Katy Farber, Vice President of OhioSE. Farber added, “It is our sincere hope that the Safety Toolkits will be of assistance to help small businesses, who continue to carry a heavy burden during these challenging times, stay safe and protected.” According to Farber, “OhioSE is working in close association with Chambers of Commerce and local economic development organizations in all the counties of southern and southeastern Ohio. These partner organizations will be the “army” that mobilizes this effort in their communities distributing the PPE Toolkits to small businesses.”

In collaboration with JobsOhio Network Partners, JobsOhio is distributing 15,000 Safety Tool Kits (1.65 million masks and 15,000 units of hand sanitizer) across the state beginning the week of July 20, 2020. Each Toolkit, valued at $100 dollars, provides PPE that at times has been in short supply for small businesses during the pandemic.

Since March 15, JobsOhio and its regional and State of Ohio partners have committed to finding new ways to assist businesses during the pandemic. JobsOhio has committed up to $350 million to fund 10 new economic development programs in the past four months. JobsOhio established programs to assist with low interest loans, job retention, and innovation for small businesses statewide.

In addition to donating Safety Tool Kits for small businesses, JobsOhio and its partners have overseen liquor buyback/ liquor rebate programs and provided more than 3100 cases of hand sanitizer (1 million+ ounces) to local bars and restaurants. For additional information, visit “Ohio Safe. Ohio Working.”

JobsOhio is a private nonprofit economic development corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion. The organization also works to seed talent production in its targeted industries and to attract talent to Ohio through Find Your Ohio. JobsOhio works with six regional partners across Ohio: Dayton Development Coalition, Ohio Southeast, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO. Learn more atwww.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties; they are the newest and geographically the largest of the six regions across the state. OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve. Learn more at OhioSE.com.