Business

KENTON—A new program for small businesses will mean access to valuable counseling and recovery services for thousands of employees across the region.

The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board is partnering with New York-based ENI to provide free EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services to small businesses across Hardin, Allen and Auglaize counties. The pilot program will target businesses with fewer than 100 employees, offering them one free year of access to NexGen EAP Plus benefits. This program would give their employees access to a variety of resources, ranging from health insurance advocacy to a nationwide network of more than 40,000 counselors.

“The hope is that we can get people easy access to help that, due to expense or stigma, they might not be willing to seek out on their own,” said Jennifer Mills, EAP Business Navigator.

Local Ohio State University Extension offices are joining in the efforts to promote this resource for small businesses, local farms, and agriculture providers.  An informational webinar will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. EST.  Registration is required for this webinar: www.osu.edu/nextgeneap

CONTINUES

The Ada Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the following details for the April 19 member meeting, which will take place at 8:00 a.m. at the Ada Public Library:

"We are excited to welcome Ohio Northern University business college student Hallie Paus and Dr. Kristie McHugh as our guest speakers. They will be discussing Hallie’s project of helping connect ONU students and families to Ada’s businesses.

"This would be a great meeting for all our merchant/ restaurant members to attend. Hallie will be passing out informational packets on how local businesses can participate in her mapping project!"

Members will also discuss Summer Sidewalk Sales and invites merchant feedback.

The breakfast is sponsored by Dan Newkirk of Alpha Controls and Services.

For more information on the chamber, visit https://www.adaareachamber.org/

END