Calendar of Chamber events

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: Young Professionals Network, entertainment by Hazel Tanner's Roadshow, networking opportunities, 5:30-7 p.m., Chillicothe Country Club.

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

Tuesday, March 13: Membership and Events Committee, 11:30 a.m., chamber.

Wednesday, March 14: Leadership Chillicothe Ross session.

Thursday, March 15: Executive Committee, 8:30 a.m., chamber.

Friday, March 16: Sneak preview for chamber members and their guests of the Spotlight on Appalachia Ohio show, 5-7 p.m., Shoemaker Convocation Center at OU-C; hosted by the Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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

Wednesday, March 21: Business After Business, at Honda Harley Suzuki, Eastern Avenue, co-sponsored by Litter Quality Propane and Classic Brands-Budweiser, 5-7 p.m., BAB registration.

Thursday, March 22: Board of Directors, noon, site TBA.

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

Click above to go to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce site for small business

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Copyright 2007

Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Development should kick
into high gear very soon

The construction season is about ready to head into high gear as Spring approaches and the area is ripe for more development. While Menards doesn't expect to begin construction of its home improvement store on North Bridge Street until next year, the Olive Garden Restaurant could be open in time for the holiday shopping season.

While another traffic signal is planned at the Menards development, just north of the Seney Road and Sam's Club signals, turning lanes also are in the works as well as connections to adjoining properties to both the north and south.

Shawnee Square will see more traffic this Spring as Ollie's Bargain Outlet is hoping to be open around March 23. That's the first big tenant in the center since Dunham's Sporting Goods.

There also are good indications there could be major construction just a little bit north. An Aldi's supermarket is said to be going in across from Tire Discounters along with possible other tenants. A local church apparently is looking to build just north of Tire Discounters. The estimated $2 million price tag indicates it will be a large one.

STATE OF CITY IS GOOD: According to Mayor Joe Sulzer, the city government is in good economic shape, but as always, there are challenges ahead. At the luncheon sponsored by the chamber Thursday, he said plans are being developed to address the deteriorating overpass on South Bridge Street between the Glatfelter mills and the intersection of Belleview Avenue and Plyley's Lane. He also said he'd like to see a site for police and fire on both the north and west sides of the city. Ground will be broken this year on the new transit facility at Seventh and Watt streets that could include a partnership with city schools. He noted the city has partnered with community groups on several projects but noted the one with the Economic Development Alliance of Southern Ohio might be the most important as it works to keep and bring jobs to the area. Other partners in the alliance are the chamber, Community Improvement Corporation, county and private investors.

SPECIAL INVITATION FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS: The "Spotlight on Appalachia Ohio" show is having a sneak preview for chamber members and others on Friday, March 16 from 5-7 p.m. The show at the Shoemaker Convocation Center at OU-C is expected to attract hundreds on the next day as they view exhibits and demonstrations. The Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting the event that celebrates the Appalachian culture in foods, music and the arts. At the Friday sneak preview, there will be food and refreshments and the chance to get to know the vendors from all over the Appalachian section of the state. Check it out at www.AppalachiaOhio.com/tourism.

SURVEY WILL HELP DETERMINE CHAMBER AGENDA: Many of you already have completed the survey asking about the various issues that are affecting your business. You still have a chance to participate by clicking this link: Business issues survey. The results of the survey will be reviewed by the chamber's Community Development and Advocacy Committee which will later recommend to the Board of Directors those issues it feels the chamber should address in the coming months and years.

'UNIVERSITY' OFFERS ONLINE COURSES: SmallBizU debuted this week from the OSU South Centers Small Business Development Center to help entrepreneurs and small business owners. It was created "especially for the education and training needs" of these groups. Courses cover topics such as finding money, marketing, developing a business plan and strategic planning. The courses are $29.95 but you can get a free trial course on "Finding Money to Start a Business" at www.southcenters.osu.edu/benet.

BUSINESS MOVES INTO NEW QUARTERS: The chamber's 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year, Greg Wells, wielded the scissors at the ribbon cutting Friday morning for Sunrush Clean Water. the business moved out of Sunrush Construction on Seventh Street to 949 E. Main St., the former Tatman Typewriter shop. You can check out all of the chamber's ribbon-cutting ceremonies since 2003 at our new photo site: www.chillicothe-chamber.smugmug.com.

SCHOOL PROGRAM LOOKING FOR SUPPORT: The Performance Plus program at Chillicothe High School rewards students who improve from one quarter to another. It receives no funds from the school itself, but relies on contributions from businesses and individuals. If you're interested in participating, call Principal John Payne at 702-2287 or Matt Markley at 773-2283.

LOCAL NOMINATIONS WOULD BE NICE: The Ohio Historical Society is soliciting nominations for its Edward J. Tiffin Award that will go to a person or family "who has made extraordinary contributions to the field of history in Ohio." We'd run out of fingers and toes listing the number of people in Ross County who might qualify for the honor named after Ohio's first governor and a resident of Chillicothe. The deadline for entries is March 23. To learn more, go to www.ohiohistory.org/sn/022307.html.

PROGRAM TO HONOR WOMEN REVIVED: Dormant for four years, the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame expects to induct its first new members in late Spring. The hall is administered by the Ohioana Library in partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The hall has enshrined 356 women and will add to the list this year. For information on submitting nominations (deadline March 15), go to www.ohioana.org.

SEMINAR FOCUSED ON HR TRENDS: The chamber's Workforce Development department hosted a seminar this week to discuss "HR in the 21st Century." About 25 attended the session that also was sponsored by HRTwentyFour, Hampton Inn and Suites and Pepsi at the Ross County Service Center.

VENDORS LICENSES: Here's who's received licenses recently from the Ross County Auditor:

• Lucy's Pets and Supplies, 615.5 Central Center Drive, by Douglas Warthman.
• Kingston IGA, 9277 Ohio 159.
• Down Home Pawn, 1108 Swaney Road, Howard Thomas.