Chamber calendar
Thursday, February 7: Annual Dinner featuring Andrew Doehrel, president/CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce; 6 p.m., Shoemaker Convocation Center at OU-C; Annual Dinner reservations
Thursday, February 14: Ross County Safety Council, Chillicothe Country Club, 11:30 a.m., Luncheon registration.
Wednesday, February 20: Business After Business, Curves on Western Avenue, 5-7 p.m.; BAB registration
Chamber-related links
Economic Development
www.edaso.org
Downtown Chillicothe
www.downtownchillicothe.com
Chillicothe YPN
www.chillicotheypn.com
Visitors Bureau
www.visitchillicotheohio.com
Chamber event photos
www.chillicothe-chamber.smugmug.com
Click above to go to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce site for small business
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Copyright 2008
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722
NewPage decision disheartening,
but not devastating to region
By Marvin Jones
President and CEO
For the 160 men and women who will lose their jobs by the end of November, the decision by NewPage to close its local converting facility is devastating. Their lives and those of their families are forever disrupted.
Thank goodness, though, that help in finding new jobs is already in the works and on the way. A “Rapid Response” team from the local Department of Job and Family Services is forming and some other area employers already are taking an interest in NewPage’s skilled workers. With this type of help and interest, the impact can be lessened.
This is yet another tough blow taken by the workers, many of whom went through the transition of being Mead employees, then MeadWestvaco and now NewPage. Ownership changes wreak havoc with the psyche of employees.
On a much more global economic scale, the announcement was a kick in the shins, not roundhouse, knockout blow to the head. It comes on the heels of news of employee expansions by the end of the year at Adena Health System, the VA Medical Center, Kenworth Truck Company and YSK.
Efforts also began immediately to find a new owner and use for the 475,000 square foot warehouse on Chamber Drive. The Economic Development Alliance of Southern Ohio, the Community Improvement Corporation and chamber are working together with NewPage to bring new jobs to the building that is used today to turn rolls of paper from Michigan into sheets of paper for commercial printers.
Chillicothe remains a great site logistically for distribution centers. While such a center might not generate 160 jobs, it can be kept in use and on the property tax rolls as a productive structure. On the other hand, it might be just the type of setup desired by a company looking for a well-maintained industrial site.
Again, our hopes are for new jobs soon for those being displaced and different jobs for the new tenant of the building.
Jaycees recognize a good man
The selection of Ed Behanna as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Chillicothe Jaycees this week brought due recognition to the man who, since his retirement from PPG, has devoted countless hours to improving the community. In addition to serving in his second year as chairman of the chamber’s Board of Directors (and seven total on the board), he was extremely active in Chillicothe school levy campaigns, chaired the library’s first bond issue campaign, was the major fund-raiser for the new Child and Family Development Center at OU-C and he continues as a volunteer in the Head Start program. We’re a little biased around here, but the Jaycees couldn’t have chosen anyone more worthy.
Initiative pumps money into local economy
United Way’s coordinated coalition to get more Ross County families more money from their tax returns should mean more money to be spent at local stores, restaurants and other establishments. Announced late last week, the initiative provides free tax preparation services to eligible families (some with up to $54,000 of household income) in the hopes of providing more families with higher tax returns from the Earned Income Tax Credit and other credits. In one example, the Brownsville United Way in Texas helped 1,000 families and the result was $1 million more dollars coming back to the community. Chamber members can provide a service to their eligible employees by having them get more information and schedule an appointment by calling the United Way at 773-3280 or Ross County Community Action at 779-2798.
Exhibitors sought for annual home and garden show
April 5-6 are the dates for the annual 2008 Southern Ohio Home and Garden Show at the Ross County Fairgrounds. Accurate Heating and Cooling is sponsoring the event that again will feature a live show by Tom McNutt of NBC4 in Columbus. The Building Industry Association of Southern Ohio is signing up exhibitors now. Call Liz Waller at 772-6185 or visit www.southernohiohomegarden.com for the details.
Take a test drive of the YMCA
If you’re looking for a fitness program, want to check out the indoor pool or learn about the many other services of the YMCA of Ross County, you might want to stop by for a visit Monday through Friday next week. There will be no charge for non-members and children must be accompanied by an adult. To learn more: 772-4340.
Sunroom provided BAB guests with plenty
A wide assortment of appetizers, desserts and beverages along with a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere greeted chamber members and their guests when they arrived the Business After Business at the Sunroom@The Brick in Frankfort Wednesday. Garrett Shoemaker and Patti Kruger took full advantage of the 90-plus who attended the event to showcase their banquet and meeting facilities. Sam’s Club co-sponsored it. Photos from the event will be up shortly at www.chillicothe-chamber.smugmug.com. Curves for Women on Western Avenue is hosting the Feb. 20 BAB.
Business tax workshop set for last day of January
The OSU South Centers Business Development Network along with the Internal Revenue Service and Ohio Department of Taxation are sponsoring a small business tax workshop Jan. 31 at the Ross County Service Center. It will cover the different types of business structures and the tax consequences of each along with presentations on Ohio’s sales tax, personal property tax and state tax withholding. It runs 9-4 and the $10 cost covers lunch. Register by calling Joy Bauman in Piketon at 740-289-3727 Ext. 111 or email her at jbauman@ag.osu.edu.
New tanning consultant
Michelle Trainer, a 1999 Adena graduate is a new trained tanning consultant for Sun Shine Tanning Studio at Water and Mulberry streets.
Please welcome the chamber’s newest members:
- Allstate Fire and Security, 49 N. Plaza Blvd., by Ralph McFann, 774-1222, www.allstatefireandsecurity.com
- Ross County Convention Facilities Authority, 1256 Western Ave., by Lissa Cleary, www.rosscountycfa.com