Chamber calendar
Tuesday, February 26: Membership and Events Committee, 11:30 a.m., chamber.
Wednesday, February 27: YPN luncheon featuring Phil Satterfield of the Ross-Pike Educational Service Center on future trends, noon, Chillicothe Country Club, www.chillicotheypn.com.
Thursday, February 28: YPN social at Schlegel's Coffee House, North Paint Street, 5-7 p.m. www.chillicotheypn.com
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
For previous newsletter editions, click here
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Copyright 2008
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722
Spotlight continues to shine
on Chillicothe and Ross County
By Marvin Jones
President and CEO
The campaign stop by former President Bill Clinton this morning and a “60 Minutes” crew in town last week to film a future segment adds to the glamour of the spotlight by national sources on our community in recent months. Chillicothe and Ross County quickly are becoming household words for many across the state and nation.
This comes on the heels of Gov. Ted Strickland and Rep. Zack Space last week announcing $1.1 million in state and federal funding for the Paccar Medical Education Center for the Adena Health System. Those grants go a long way to help purchase the real-life mannequins to educate nurses and doctors and provide funds to retrain up to 80 people who’ve lost their jobs.
Adena is leading the way to making this community a leader in the healthcare industry. While the steel goes up on the Paccar center, ground will be broken March 27 on the expansion on the northeast quadrant of the complex to house the Women’s and Infants Center. The $45 million project is part of Adena’s plans to spend $180 million in five years on projects that will mean at least 400 new, high-paying jobs.
More expansion by a local industry
A 7,500 square foot expansion to the Vitatoe Industries complex across from the hospital on Ohio 159 is in the works. Larry Vitatoe is planning the new manufacturing building at 100 Chamber Drive at a cost of $305,400. Vitatoe is a vendor for the Kenworth Truck Company and is a paint supplier for the aviation industry.
Local workers a big reason for Glatfelter’s good quarter, year
Chairman and CEO George Glatfelter II said improvements in the Chillicothe operation helped key revenue and earnings growth for the company. “We achieved strong volumes and continued to make progress improving Chillicothe’s performance,” he said in the earnings announcement. He cited better performance from the paper machines.
Chamber members earn recognition honors
In the last few weeks, several members received honors:
- Herrnstein Hyundai earned the No. 1 rating for service satisfaction of dealers in its district in the past quarter. To celebrate, customers can receive an oil change for $9.95 through Friday.
- Both Advantage Data Systems and Opulent Source are now Microsoft Certified Partners. That means they passed rigorous tests to prove their level of expertise and that they now have better access to software licensing, training, marketing tools and technical support to serve their customers.
- Amy Mears earned the Bronze Level Photographer of the Year honor from the Professional Photographers of America in ceremonies in Florida recently. She was one of only 69 to be honored.
- Countrywide Home Loans was named the Affiliate of the Year by the Scioto Valley Association of Realtors for 2007.
USEC names new manager
Ronald Yauch is the new quality assurance manager for construction at USEC’s American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon. He has more than 20 years experience in the construction industry.
Name change coming
Wesbanco signs soon will be going up to replace the Oak Hill Banks signs on East Water Street. The signs reflect the recent acquisition of Oak Hill by the Wheeling-based group.
Time Warner kicks off local phone service
Officials from the regional and local offices were on hand a couple weeks ago to introduce phone service by Time Warner. The ribbon-cutting ceremony heralded the additional service now available by the company along with its cable TV and internet access.
Shred-It Day sponsors sought
YPN will be coordinating this years Shred-It Day event Saturday, April 19th at the Chillicothe municipal pool parking lot from 10 am – 2 pm and they are currently seeking event sponsors! Each sponsorship level features promotional advertising exposure with local media partners including radio, print, website listings and signage the day of the event. Click here for a printable sponsorship form and for complete sponsorship and event information visit www.chillicotheypn.com under the Shred-It Day tab.
Early Entrepreneur winner a pioneer
Joe Waters was one of the early winners of the chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1969, having elevated his Recording Workshop to national status. Almost 40 years later, the studio continues as one of the elite in the industry, bringing kids and artists from all over the country. Our condolences to all his family and friends on his death last week.
Worksite Wellness Conference on the way
High health insurance premiums? Had a rise in employee absenteeism? A conference will be conducted Wednesday, March 12 at the Ross County Service Center from 8-4 with information to combat these issues. “Fiscal Fitness Make$ Cent$” features knowledgeable speakers who will share their worksite wellness program success stories, the latest information in the worksite wellness field and how you can save money by having a healthier workforce. Click here for a printable registration form; the registration deadline is March 6. Contact Lisa Barlage with OSU Extension at 740-702-3200 or barlage.7@cfaes.osu.edu with any questions.
Job Expo planned for March 16
The 19th Annual Job Expo, formerly the Veterans Job Fair, will be held Wednesday, March 26 at OU-C Shoemaker Center from Noon – 4. Employers, educational institutions and training providers are encouraged to participate. There is no charge for booth space and this year’s event features training sessions for job seekers, an employer networking lunch, assistance with booth set-up and advanced notice for booth location and event information. Click here for the online application form and to participate in this event. Contact Cari Steinbrook, Workforce Development Manager, 702.2722 or via email at csteinbrook@chillicotheohio.com with any questions.
No name change in the works; staff showed its heart
No, we will not be adding “Wedding Chapel” to the name of the Welcome Center following the Valentine’s Day wedding arranged by the staff of the chamber, minus the CEO who was on vacation at the time. We’ve always prided ourselves on being a real resource for the community, but this isn’t exactly what we had in mind. We’re just glad we were able to help and my hat is off to my staff – again -- for the constantly excellent customer service they provide.
BAB took the chill out of the air
Karen Patterson and her crew provided the hospitality at Curves for Women on Western Avenue for last week’s Business After Business. Refreshments and appetizers were available for those deciding to network on a day when the snow and ice re-appeared in the area in the morning, but took a break for the evening.
Building permits issues by the Ross County Building Department:
- Carousel Court, 20544 U.S. 23, electrical service. no value given.
- Vitatoe Industries, 100 Chamber Drive, new manufacturing building, $305,400.
- Northfork Mini-Mart, 1 Page Road, interior alterations, no value given.
Vendors licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor’s office:
- Golden Corral, 1660 N. Bridge St., by Platinum Corral
- Kohl’s, 45 River Trace Drive, by Kohl’s Illinois
- Major Endeavors, 6449 Blain Highway, by Linda Young
- Ray’s Country Wood Cuts, 107 Barnhart Drive, by Ray Talbott
- Northfork Mini-Mart, 1 Page Road, by Carl’s Market.