What's happening this weekend? Check out the community events calendar.

Calendar of Chamber events

Tuesday, February 20: Leadership Chillicothe Ross Steering Committee, 3:30 p.m., chamber.

Wednesday, February 21: Business After Business, First Capital Enterprises, West Main Street, 5-7 p.m., BAB registration.

Tuesday, February 27: Executive Committee, 8:30 a.m., chamber.

Thursday, March 1: State of the City address sponsored by the chamber, 11:30 a.m., Chillicothe Country Club, State of City reservation.

Thursday, March 8: Ross County Safety Council, presentation by Rami Yoakum of the Ross County Health Department on preparation for a potential bird flu pandemic, 11:30 a.m., Chillicothe Country Club, Safety Luncheon reservation

Thursday, March 8: Community Development and Advocacy Committee, 4 p.m., chamber.

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Copyright 2007

Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Gov. Ted Strickland talks about his agenda	Mike Hall named Entrepreneur of the Year	Henry Thrapp named Volunteer of the Year

Governor helps chamber celebrate at dinner

Approximately 400 chamber members and their guests, including Ohio's new governor, were on hand Thursday to celebrate a successful program in 2006 and to honor the newest Entrepreneur of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Mike Hall, the founder and owner of Aadvantage Tent Fittings, was named the Entrepreneur of the Year for his growth of the business on Pleasant Valley Road. He began with manufacturing in other Ohio communities, but in 2003 built his plant, then expanded it just one year later. He has more than 15 employees and his tent poles can be found all across the world, including with the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. His firm now offers all sorts of tent accessories, such as lighting and dance floors, and is a representative for Eureka Tents which provides shelter for all occasions. Hall also is a past chairman of the chamber's Board of Directors. To learn more, go to: Entrepreneur of the Year.

Henry Thrapp of G&J Pepsi headed the committee last year that led to the first Great Seal Awards of the chamber that honor companies and individuals for their accomplishments and service to the community. He also is a member of the board, on the Executive Committee and also the Community Development and Advocacy Committee.

Strickland greeted many friends when he walked into the center. Our former congressman renewed acquaintances with political workers and friends before giving his remarks. He talked about the challenges awaiting him in coming up with a budget where the revenue picture is tighter than originally thought. He also talked about his plans for economic development and his plans for education from pre-school to college.

NEW PHOTO SITE ANOTHER MEMBER RESOURCE: When you click the link below to check out the nearly 70 photos from the Annual Dinner, you'll be going to a new website the chamber is trying in an attempt to make it more of a resource and fun site for members. The site allows for unlimited storage of photos, the ability to order not only prints of all sizes (including posters), but also items such as mouse pads, mugs and aprons with your favorite photo taken at a BAB, golf outing or another event. Galleries will be updated constantly so that groups such as the safety council, Young Professionals Network and leadership will be fresh. It means photos from BABs will be kept for years, not just months. Once you visit, let us know what you think. Here's the site: www.chillicothe-chamber.smugmug.com.

APOLOGY ON NEWSLETTER DELAY: Some technological gremlins hit the chamber this week as we move to upgrade our in-house computer services. This kept us from getting out this edition of Weekly Update until now. It also means some people who normally receive the newsletter might need to get un touch with us as some email addresses were lost and couldn't be retrieved. We've done our best to restore the original distribution list, but if someone asks about the newsletter, tell them to get in touch with us so they can be added.

FIRST CAPITAL HOSTING BAB WEDNESDAY: Wednesday will be a great opportunity for chamber members to learn more about the services offered to the developmentally disabled in the community. First Capital Enterprises on West Main Street will have tours and people on hand to talk about its programs. The Sunroom at the Brick is catering the BAB. The event runs 5-7 p.m. Make sure to register: BAB registration

STATE OF CITY ADDRESS ON MARCH 1: A review of the city administration's activities in 2006 and a look ahead to 2007 and beyond will be detailed in the State of the City Address by Mayor Joe Sulzer on Thursday, March 1. The chamber-sponsored address is part of a luncheon that begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Chillicothe Country Club. The cost to attend is $15. Make a reservation now: State of City reservation

CHECK OUT A NEW HYUNDAI AND HELP THE DOWNTOWN: For each test drive taken in a new vehicle at Herrnstein Hyundai, a contribution will be made to the downtown revitalization effort. All you need to do is print out the form from the link and take it with you to the new dealership on River Road off U.S. 23 north at the Ohio 207 Connector. Herrnstein Hyundai downtown offer.

DOWNTOWN GROUP RE-FORMING: After a couple years in hibernation, the Downtown Associates is resurrecting itself. The merchants' organization has been meeting the past several months and recently put together the annual holiday open house in November. The new officers are Heidi Parks of Ann-Marie's as president, JoAnn White of the Cellar Room as vice president, Sandy Krall of Oak Hill Banks as treasurer and Heather Goody of Globe Furniture as secretary. Give any a call if you're interested in joining or learning more.

HUNTINGTON HAS NEW INVESTMENT ADVISOR: Neil Hoops is the new financial/investment services advisor at Huntington Bank. He is a Unioto and OSU graduate and has experience in retirement planning, estate planning, 401Ks and insurance. He formerly worked for Merrill Lynch and Key Bank.

PETLAND ADDS TO STAFF: The corporate headquarters of Petland has added Christopher Beth as a business improvement consultant and Ed McDonie as a merchandiser for franchised stores in the nation. Beth assists new franchises and provides employee training. He counsels franchises on operational concerns in Arizona, Nevada and Texas. McDonie is responsible for merchandising both new and existing stores.

PROVIDERS SOUGHT: Pioneer Center is looking for participants for its Provider Fair on March 13. Companies, organizations and individuals who provide services to those with mental retardation and developmental disabilities are eligible to exhibit. Call 773-8044 to reserve a spot.

VENDOR LICENSES: Here's who's received licenses recently from the Ross county auditor's office:

• Miles Catering, 464 Debord Road.
• Barnum Beauty Systems, 1080 N. Bridge St., by Beauty Systems Group.
• Cre Power Sports, 15280 Pleasant Valley Road, by Daniel Carsey.
• GNC, 1075 N. Bridge St.
• Scot's Guns and Ammo, 52 Narrows Road.
• Colerain Township Firemen's Association, 7135 Ohio 180.