Stepping Up: ValleyTough.org, Legal Services
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Business Journal is asking companies and organizations to tell us how they are faring and what they are doing to help others through this pandemic crisis.
We call this series “Stepping Up.” Segments have been posted all this week and will continue to be posted during the crisis.
Submit your own story at BusinessJournalDaily.com/submit-your-story.
ValleyTough.org Spotlights How Mahoning Valley is Hanging Tough
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Pecchia Communications developed and launched ValleyTough.org, a website that provides a glimpse into how Mahoning Valley leaders are “hanging tough” amid the COVID-19 crisis.
“Despite the hardships caused by COVID-19, people in the Mahoning Valley are hanging tough. It’s what we do,” the site’s homepage states. “ValleyTough.org chronicles the viewpoints and actions of a determined, resilient American community that knows how to hang tough. Let’s power through this together.”
The site includes short question-and-answer posts from Mahoning Valley leaders in the business, nonprofit and government communities in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.
Dan Pecchia, president of Pecchia Communications, expects to add more content every few days over the next several weeks and share the posts on Facebook and Twitter. The website does not sell any merchandise or services and does not request donations.
“We’re shining a light on some local wisdom and leadership and providing a counter to the panic and political sniping that still infect social media,” Pecchia said. “In just the few items we’ve posted so far, there’s a ton of encouragement and guidance. We’re all blessed to live in a community full of smart, others-oriented people who are also resilient and very, very tough.”
Kelli Hulea, project manager at Pecchia Communications, said suggestions are welcome through the site’s Contact Us page.
“We’re looking to spotlight individuals who have a following and whose words could encourage and inspire many,” she said. “We thoroughly appreciate those who’ve contributed so far, and we know our readers will as well.”
Free Legal Clinics with Betras, Kopp & Harshman
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — For the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, the law office of Betras, Kopp & Harshman is conducting free, live COVID-19 legal clinics every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. via Facebook Live.
“This is a confusing and frightening time,” says the firm’s managing partner, David Betras. “We know people here in the Valley and across Ohio have lots of questions related to their jobs, health care, and finances. We’re going to do our best to answer their questions and provide sound advice that will help them cope with the crisis.”
The free clinics will be broadcast and archived on the firm’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/BetrasKoppandHarshman. Questions may be submitted during the broadcast via Facebook messenger, by calling 330 746 8484, 800 457 2889, or via email to [email protected].
Deemed an essential business, the law firm is open and has established new protocols for in-person client meetings. As an alternative, attorneys and staff are prepared to conduct initial consultations, meetings and conferences via telephone, Facetime or Skype.
“We will observe social distancing protocols at all times and the number of visitors who may be present in the office will be limited to 10 or less,” Betras says. “We’re asking any client who has a previously scheduled appointment or may have a hearing or trial pending to confirm the day and time by calling 330 746 8484 or 800 487 2889.”
Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell Publish Blog Resource
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — In an effort to keep clients aware of current issues related to COVID-19, the disease spread by coronavirus, lawyers at Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell are writing and publishing blogs with resources and recommendations for employers and individuals.
The articles can be found at HHMLaw.com/category/blog. Topics include recommendations for establishing work-from-home policies, strategies for handling contracts, major changes in the recent emergency leave acts and helpful resources for staying informed.
“We’re working hard to stay on top of the latest updates and changes, so we can provide effective counsel for our business clients and others working through these unprecedented times,” said Kevin Murphy, HHM lawyer and chair of the firm’s management committee.
The firm has also provided copies of House Bill 197, the coronavirus relief bill, to its affected clients.
Lawyers and staff are also available to talk to clients via remote communications, including video calls, email and phone. Some lawyers are working from the firm’s offices in Youngstown, Warren and Salem, and others from home offices.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
