Category: News

The Knox County Chamber of Commerce is helping our community through Ohio’s Re-Opening

WNZR’s Rachel Rinehart talked with Carol Grubaugh, Executive Director for the Knox County Chamber of Commerce. Carol shared an update on our local Economic Recovery Task Force and how this group is working hard to help our local businesses. She also shared how the Chamber is partnering with Main Street Mount Vernon to provide Toolkits and a webinar that will help business owners with their preparations for Ohio’s reopening.

Click HERE to hear their conversation

Click HERE to see a comprehensive list of COVID-19 Resources provided by the Chamber. This list is routinely updated, so please check it regularly.

WNZR and Mount Vernon Nazarene University are proud members of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.

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Main Street Mount Vernon helps downtown businesses through Ohio’s reopening

WNZR’s Rachel Rinehart talked with Anthony McNeal, Downtown Manager for Main Street Mount Vernon. They discussed how MSMV is partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to help local businesses through Ohio’s reopening phases. Anthony shares information about Toolkits and a webinar that will help business owners with their preparations. He also shares about some cancellations and how residents can support our local businesses during this time of COVID-19.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

Click HERE to stay updated with Main Street Mount Vernon.

WNZR and Mount Vernon Nazarene University are proud partners with Main Street Mount Vernon.

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The Mount Vernon Farmers Market opens on Saturday, 5/9!

WNZR is excited to share the good news that the Mount Vernon Farmers Market will open on Saturday, May 9th!

WNZR’s Rachel Rinehart talked with Sabrina Schirtzinger about the changes due to COVID-19. Click HERE to hear their conversation.

Click HERE to follow the Farmers Market on Facebook.
Their page has a list of all the NEW policies and regulations due to COVID-19.
They have also listed the vendors that will be selling at the 5/9 Market.

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Dr. Henry Spaulding shares an MVNU Update

The Morning Thing shared the May Presidential Update with MVNU President, Dr. Henry Spaulding. Click HERE to hear the latest updates.

Dr. Spaulding shared the latest changes that COVID-19 has brought to MVNU. He talked about how MVNU is doing financially and the latest plans for graduation. He also addressed questions about the plan for fall semester.

Dr. Spaulding wants to congratulate the Class of 2020 and let them know that the campus is praying for them.

The MVNU Campus remains closed for May and all events have been canceled.
Click HERE to stay updated on all COVID-19 related news for MVNU.

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Knox County’s businesses can apply for relief with the county’s Emergency Business Loan program.

Jeff Gottke, President of the Knox County Area Development Foundation talked with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

He talked about the development of an Economic Recovery Task Force.
Jeff shared details of a revolving loan fund and how it will help local businesses.
This fund is intended to aid small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.
The program offers loans of up to $10,000 at 0% interest up for a 3-year repayment period. Funds will be drawn from the Local Community Development Block Grant Revolving Loan fund.

An investment of $100,000 from the Knox County Commissioners and donations from other public and private community partners have helped the loan reach a current total of $300,000.

Potential donors wishing to contribute to the program should contact Area Development Foundation president Jeff Gottke at Jeff@knoxadf.com

You can stay connected with Economic Recovery Resources at www.knoxchamber.com

Area Development Revolving Loan Fund Description

Revolving Loan Fund Press Release

EMERGENCY BUSINESS LOAN DESCRIPTION & TERMS SHEET
KNOX COUNTY REVOLVING LOAN FUND

Given the current economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 situation, businesses around the country are suffering. While the state and federal governments have done much to prevent business closures there is still a large demand for working capital assistance to local businesses. The Knox County Revolving Loan Fund, a county-wide non-profit financing partner, has created an Emergency Business Loan (EBL) for Knox County based businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Target Businesses & Area:
Through the EBL, the Knox County Revolving Loan Fund helps finance all private, for-profit businesses operating within the County’s geographic boundaries.

Program Objectives:
The program intends to fill short-term working capital “gaps” for for-profit businesses until they can resume stable operations and repay the loan.

Program Details:

  • This program offers loans NOT grants – All money is expected to be paid back in accordance with the loan agreement
  • Maximum loan amount: $10,000
  • Loans are unsecured
  • 0% Interest
  • 1-3 year repayment terms
  • Automatic deferral on repayment for 90 days
  • Money must be used for working capital
  • Loans must demonstrate that the business will retain at least full-time jobs that employ 51% low to moderate income (LMI) individuals
  • Businesses must demonstrate a financial need and desire to continue to operate by first applying to a state or federal program specifically designed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Approval Criteria:

  • Stable business operations pre-COVID 19
  • Existence of a current working capital “gap” demonstrated through cost savings measures & participation in state and/or federal programs
  • Verification of application to available federal and/or state programs
  • Retention of jobs to LMI individuals in the community
  • A business’ ability to repay the loan based on historical financial data.

Loan Application & Administration:
Referrals to the program must be made through a qualified Small Business Association lender. All interested businesses should contact an approved SBA lender first. Each application is then vetted by a 12-member committee, with final approval by the State. A loan agreement and promissory note will be executed between the borrower and the RLF, setting forth the fixed monthly repayment amount and the conditions for default and available remedy actions.

The RLF is administered by the Area Development Foundation, Knox County’s economic development entity, and funded by federal Community Development Block Grant dollars and private donations. It is intended to promote business retention, growth and employment opportunities, particularly for low to moderate income residents. In response to the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, it has been temporarily repurposed to create the Emergency Business Loan to better meet the immediate needs of Knox County businesses.

 

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The Morning Thing encourages you to join Ohio’s Strive for 5 Challenge!

Ohio’s Strive for Five Challenge

Ohio's Strive for 5 ChallengeThe challenge is simple: find five people in your life and check-in with them every day for the next 30-days.

Ohio’s Strive for Five Challenge is a new, statewide awareness campaign to help individuals and families cope with feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation by connecting with others.

You are encouraged to reach out, connect, and comfort each other while we all work our way through the COVID-19 crisis and social distancing. Peer-to-peer support has great power in helping to calm anxiety and fear. By reaching out via phone, text, email, or even a hand-written note, you can help.

The Strive for Five Challenge was developed by the New York Coalition for Behavioral Health and brought to Ohio by the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County.

The WNZR staff is taking Governor DeWine’s challenge to Strive for 5. We are committing to connect with 5 people every day for the next 30 days. Join us and commit to reaching out to others as we work through this COVID-19 Crisis. Click HERE to hear our staff members talk about joining this challenge.

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Strictly Good News

This morning on the show we shared good news all morning long.

Hunter was inspired by his favorite actor, John Krasinski, who during this quarantine started a youtube channel. His channel is titled “SomeGoodNews”. It is a self produced news show only for sharing good news. John shares heart warming stories and says others should be sharing good news as well.

So we did just that this morning, shared good news. If you want access to the stories we shared and so many other good news stories click HERE.

To watch John Krasinski and his SomeGoodNews youtube channel click HERE.

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April 2020 Presidential Update with MVNU President Dr. Henry Spaulding

Dr. Henry Spaulding spent time talking to WNZR for his April Presidential Update.
He shared news about how MVNU has approached the COVID-19 Crisis and what changes have come because of this pandemic. Dr. Spaulding provided messages of encouragement for faculty, staff and students. He also shared some important prayer requests, including some requests for his family members working within the healthcare field.

Click HERE to hear from Dr. Henry Spaulding

Click HERE to stay up to date with MVNU’s response to COVID-19.

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WNZR Artist Natalie Grant offers encouragement during the COVID-19 Crisis

Natalie Grant is one of Christian Music’s most popular artists. Her music offers encouragement and hope. This week, she spoke to a group of Women in Radio through a webinar hosted by the Christian Music Broadcasters.

WNZR’s Marcy and Rachel Rinehart had the chance to hear Natalie’s moving message.
Please take 10 minutes to hear Natalie’s message of how we can rest in the powerful presence of God, even in the midst of the storm.

Click HERE to hear Natalie’s powerful message.
Be strong and courageous!
Philippians 4:7 English Standard Version (ESV)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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The Mount Vernon Police Chaplains help local families in the COVID-19 Crisis

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had the chance to talk with Pastor Lucian Baker from Christ the King Community Church about the Mount Vernon Police Chaplains community outreach. The Chaplains are working to provide meals to families impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis. You can help! Listen in and find out how working together can meet a real need in our community. Click HERE to hear their conversation.

The Knox Chaplaincy Core has been called on to help the community with food needs. They are providing meals to children and the elderly around Knox County. The Chaplains would appreciate financial or food donations to help them have the resources for the next 3 weeks. They are in need of canned goods, cereal, pancake mixes, oatmeal, etc. and also monetary donations so that they can continue to shop for food. Donations can be dropped off between 9am and 4pm at the Chaplain House, 209 N Mulberry Street Mount Vernon. Call 419-455-5616 with any questions. If you or your church can help financially, a donation can be made on line at http://www.IAOCC.net or a check made out to KC3.

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