JobsOhio Commits to Working Closely with State and Partners Through COVID-19 Pandemic

Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as Governor Mike DeWine, the JobsOhio board of directors held its quarterly public board of directors meeting via live webinar on March 17, 2020. While JobsOhio reported its results of ongoing initiatives, it also addressed the current COVID-19 pandemic and how it plans to work with the state to support Ohio businesses during this time.

JobsOhio President and Chief Investment Officer J.P. Nauseef thanked Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Health Director Dr. Amy Acton for their clarity and leadership for Ohio and the nation during this unprecedented situation before Governor DeWine addressed the JobsOhio board of directors.

Governor DeWine recognized the struggles businesses and their employees are going through and added he has made difficult decisions based on the protection and safety of Ohioans. He is optimistic that the economy will come back strong after the pandemic and that the anticipated tough days ahead pass. Governor DeWine expressed appreciation for JobsOhio’s partnership as well as its willingness to adapt during this time.

“If we can inform and shed light for Ohioans every day, we hope that people can understand what is happening and take precautions they need to take to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones,” said Governor DeWine. “I want JobsOhio to look at what it can do in the short run to get Ohio through this, to keep companies on their feet, and to move us forward.”

JobsOhio is closely engaged with stakeholders and its six regional network partners to ensure they can provide the DeWine Administration the latest information, data and research to be part of the solution to help fellow citizens and businesses through the crisis. JobsOhio has already taken decisive action to assist businesses, and more initiatives are on the way.

“We are grateful to Governor DeWine, Lt Governor Husted and Dr. Amy Acton for their decisive leadership and we remain positive that Ohio, its businesses and its great people will get through this unprecedented time and JobsOhio will be on the front lines with the Administration to help during the pandemic,” said Nauseef. “Today, the JobsOhio board of directors discussed and approved flexibility within JobsOhio’s existing grant and loan programs. The goal is keeping employees healthy and providing flexibility and speed to our sector companies as they address new challenges.”

During the board meeting, JobsOhio indicated that this is only a first step and the state’s private economic development organization is working on several other options and information will be forthcoming over the next days and weeks. Last week, JobsOhio Beverage System and the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control acted quickly to assist bars and restaurants impacted by the recent Ohio Department of Health Orders through a one-time buyback program.

Since the JobsOhio board of directors meeting, JobsOhio has stood up COVID-19: Support for Ohio Companies, a resource page for Ohio companies to use to navigate this difficult time.