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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

Plenty of (free) help

available in these trying times

By Marvin Jones

President and CEO

With no end seemingly in sight for these tough economic times, any struggling chamber members need to remember: help is available just by asking. And much of that help comes free of charge.

Whether you have issues of finance, HR, marketing or something unique, an email or phone call can bring you closer to some expert advice or even resources to help your business survive and prepare it to thrive when the good times return. At the risk of omitting some resources, here are a few that stand ready to provide assistance:

• Your chamber: While we rarely provide one-on-one assistance with specific issues of specific members, we can direct you to those who do. We also encourage you to turn frequently to our website (www.chillicotheohio) for links to many of these services. Plus, our staff of four, all born and raised in Ross County, has extensive contacts and knowledge within the community to provide answers that might elude some other organizations.
• OSU Small Business Development Center: Based in Piketon, this organization has experienced people to help those wishing to start a business and those who need some help on specific areas. The staff will meet with you at your place or here at the chamber to guide you through developing a business plan to take to the bank for your first loan or to help you with the marketing plan to bring in the customers and clients. Give them a call at 740-289-3727. Or visit the center’s comprehensive website at http://southcenters.osu.edu.
• Small Business Administration: This government agency has a full-featured website at www.sba.gov with plenty of articles and information to download.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Nearly all members of this chamber are members of the U.S. chamber through an agreement we’ve had for about two years now. Even if you don’t have a username or password, you can get access to several areas that might provide the information you’re seeking. Click the link in the icon to the left for the Small Business Center.
• SCORE: The local branch of this national organization is still in the formative stages, but you can still seek one-on-one help with a trained counselor by going to www.score.org and making a request.
• Trade associations: In addition to belonging to this chamber, many of you also are a member of a specific trade group, like the Ohio Retail Merchants Association or the Ohio Restaurant Association. Don’t forget about them when looking for help.
• Magazines: All of the national magazines have websites with free information and advice sections, although some limit it to print subscribers. Fortune, Forbes, Business Week, Inc. and Fast Company all would love you to visit.

State program can help with financing

Another program to help small businesses planning to add as few as one job is available from the Ohio Treasurer’s Office. GrowNow can reduce the interest you pay on a conventional business loan by 3 percentage points. Nearly all chamber member banks participate. The first step is to apply for the loan with the bank, then after you are approved, you and the bank apply to the treasurer’s office to participate in the GrowNow program. If approved, the Ohio Treasury places a certificate of deposit with the bank and the interest rate savings is passed along to the business. For complete details: www.grownow.ohio.gov.

Local mill big reason for Glatfelter’s stellar quarter

In reporting third quarter results, Chairman and CEO George Glatfelter II attributed the performance at the Chillicothe mill as a big reason for the success of the company. “I am very pleased with this quarter’s strong financial results. … The benefits from these initiatives were most evident at our Chillicothe facility, which contributed to a 56 percent increase to Specialty Papers’ operating income compared to the third quarter of 2007,” he said. Glatfelter reported record quarterly net sales that were 16.4 percent better than a year ago. Going forward, Glatfelter feels there will be a softening in demand, but cost reductions in oil and other commodities. The expiration of some raw material contracts at the end of 2008 are expected to negatively impact production costs in 2009.

USEC’s results in line with firm’s expectations

An anticipated decline in production volume in the third quarter and for the year was in line with USEC’s expectations, according to a news release. John Welch, president and CEO, likes what he sees for the future: “The market for our enrichment product remains strong with improving prices, and we like the prospects for growth in our industry.” He said U.S. utilities filed 17 applications to construct and operate 26 new reactors in America this past year and those were in addition to about three dozen reactors under construction in the world today.

Less than two weeks until the Expo/BAB

Spaces are still available for the chamber’s Annual Expo and Business After Business on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Nearly 40 members have signed up to display their products and services for the nearly 200 who normally attend the event. To reserve your space: Expo registration

Short takes from here and there:

• The Scioto Society reminds chamber members of their sponsorship program for the next season that begins June 5. All sponsors receive acknowledgement in the souvenir program, on a sign in the pavilion area and a mention before the beginning of the show in addition to complimentary tickets. To sign up for next season, call 775-4100 or go to www.tecumsehdrama.com. Sponsorships could be fully tax deductible.
• The VA Medical Center starts its salute to veterans Saturday with a flags ceremony at 10 a.m. in Building 9 and a parade at noon. On Tuesday, another ceremony features Rep. Dave Hobson at 11 in the Rec Hall To learn more: Stacia Ruby at 772-7080.
• The Ross County Safety Council, a managed program of the chamber, hopes to raise about $10,000 to go toward purchase of equipment for emergency medical squads in Ross, Pike and Jackson counties. The council plans to match donations (up to $3,000) from members of the council. A minimum donation of $100 is sought. Make checks payable to the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce and make a notation that it is for EMS equipment. Deadline: Dec. 31.
• Second Saturday, the collaboration of United Way and James 218, a ministry of Trinity United Methodist Church, is collecting toys, winter clothing, holiday wrapping and household items from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at 30 E. Main St. "This year will be especially difficult for many who are struggling just to keep their homes, feed their families and pay their bills," said Mary Elsass, United Way executive director.
• YPN is teaming with the Chillicothe Jaycees to raise funds for the Special Santa program. Next Thursday (Nov. 13) at the Ashley House on Ohio 104 north, the event from 5:30-7 includes a silent auction. No need to pre-register and admission is $5. www.chillicotheypn.com

Vendor licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor:

• Kingston Valero, 10238 Ohio 159, by C Walters Enterprises.
• IMobile USA of Ohio, 3 N. Bridge St.
• Russell Cellular, 1080 N. Bridge St.