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Economic Development
www.edaso.org

Chillicothe Job Bank
www.chillicothejobbank.net

Downtown Chillicothe
www.downtownchillicothe.com

Chillicothe YPN
www.chillicotheypn.com

Visitors Bureau
www.visitchillicotheohio.com

Chamber event photos
www.chillicothe-chamber.smugmug.com

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Copyright 2008

Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722

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Chamber board addresses

two state issues in election

By Marvin Jones

President and CEO

Following the recommendations of its Advocacy Committee, the chamber’s Board of Directors voted Thursday to address two of the five issues on the statewide ballot on Nov. 4. The other three issues were deemed not to have a direct impact on members.

A Yes or For vote is recommended on Issue 2, the Clean Ohio Bond Fund. This provides an additional $200 million to the Clean Ohio Bond Fund. It is part of the economic stimulus plan proposed by Gov. Strickland earlier this year and approved by the General Assembly. The funds generated by the bonds provide investments in several areas, such as clean drinking water, cleaning up abandoned industrial sites, expanding outdoor recreational opportunities and economic development. It provides funds for infrastructure improvements and cleans contaminated industrial sites to allow for future use and jobs. Funds from this issue helped remediate the former railroad property that will become the site of the city’s new bus garage and transit facility for which ground was broken in ceremonies Thursday.

A No or Against vote is recommended on Issue 5. This is a referendum to repeal only the section of the payday lending law that caps the interest rate at 28 percent. Other provisions of the law, such as counseling, will remain in effect. The committee and board felt the interest rate cap was an unwarranted intrusion of government in the business community and the result will be the loss of thousands of jobs in the state, including some in our own community.

          The chamber does not endorse candidates on the national, state or local levels.

Expo provides an opportunity to improve your image in these tough times

The chamber’s annual Expo and Business After Business on Nov. 19 provides members the opportunity to meet face-to-face with current and future customers and clients in an economical way and in a casual atmosphere. More than 200 have attended previous Expos, many hoping for a chance at the numerous door prizes provided by the exhibitors. This year, a full lineup of appetizers will be included in the $5 admission price with all beverages available for sale. Now’s the time to register for your space and make plans on how you want to present your organization. Our non-profit members also get a price break. Click here to register: Expo reservations

Now’s the time to schedule your holiday email blasts

In what has become a favorite form of advertising by our members, email blasts now need to be scheduled well in advance of when you want them to hit. With the holidays coming up, we strongly advise you call (702-2722) or email Elizabeth in the next week to schedule your $50 blast if you plan to advertise during the holiday season. We already are scheduling at least two weeks in advance.

YPN’s Downtown Spirits Tour a sold-out hit; Casino Night up next

The 30 slots available each night this week for the Downtown Spirits Tour went fast as the Young Professional Network’s event raised more funds for the scholarship account and the Majestic Theatre. The Crosskeys Tavern, Mears Photography, McDonald’s and Valero Subway as well as the Majestic provided the support for the event. The next big event for YPN is its first New Years Eve and Casino Night at the Elks. Gaming table sponsorships of $300 are now available which includes signage at the table, mention in the program and your name on the big screens that will be in the hall that evening. Event tickets also are on sale now. For complete details: www.chillicotheypn.com

Japanese ambassador impressed with Chillicothe, Ross County

Consul General Tamotsu Shinotsuka’s visit to Chillicothe on the invitation from Chris Manegold of the Economic Development Alliance of Southern Ohio was an opportunity to introduce him to another area of the state, a chance to meet with local officials and to tour the YSK facility. Based in Detroit, he is a liaison for the 14,000 Japanese living in Michigan and Ohio and provides assistance to Japanese firms doing business in the two states. At a luncheon at the Chillicothe Country Club, he was presented with a memento of Chillicothe.

Newest members of the chamber:

• Miller West Inc., owners of the new Penn Station East Coast Subs, 787 N. Bridge St., by Andrew West, 727-5052.

Vendor licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor:

• Henn Craft, 420 Steiner Road, by Lowell Henness.
• Waterbeds N Stuff, 885 N. Bridge St.

Workshops, seminars, etc.

“Technology Today: Safeguarding the Door to Your Company,” free seminar by Time Warner Cable, about protecting your computer network from hackers and spyware; special guest is ADS; free lunch provided by the Old Canal Smoke House; Thursday, Oct. 30, 11:30-1, Best Western Inn, North Bridge Street; register at www.twcbc.com/MidOhio/TechLunch/register.

Three chamber members celebrate milestones

On Thursday, two members of the chamber celebrated accomplishments. The Sprint store on North Bridge Street has a new look with a roomier main sales area that opened one wall of windows and allows customers to talk with representatives at more than several places. In the afternoon, the Scioto Valley Association of Realtors marked the 60^th anniversary of the association with a party at their headquarters in Central Center.Earlier this month, the Mattress Factory celebrated its new business on Western Avenue. The Factory is part of Mattress Etc.