Regional Chamber Joins Business Roundtable’s ‘Stop the Spread’ Effort

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber has joined the Ohio Business Roundtable’s Coalition to Stop the Spread, an effort to implement safety measures across the state.

“We are protecting our own employees, and we are committed to helping our thousands of members speak to their employees about the importance of practicing safe protocols, not just at work, but in family and other social settings,” said incoming president Guy Coviello in a statement.

More than 50 statewide associations and chambers of commerce representing more than 5 million workers have joined the coalition, which urges businesses to wear masks beyond where it is mandated in public, such as at gatherings with people beyond your immediate household; avoiding social gatherings such as game-day celebrations and dinner parties; and reconsidering plans for company indoor gatherings.

The Stop the Spread program works alongside the Emerge initiative launched by the Regional Chamber in response to the pandemic last year. Since its start, Emerge has provided one-on-one assistance and protective equipment to scores of Valley businesses and provided regular updates to the business community.

“This is not a choice between our health and a strong economy; the two are strongly connected,” said Ohio Business Roundtable President and CEO Pat Tiberi. “This virus is threatening not only lives, but also small businesses, employment opportunities and the health and safety of Ohio’s workers. An Ohioan who contracts COVID-19 cannot go to work, provide for their families or support local businesses. We ask all Ohio employers to join us in this effort.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.