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Copyright 2008
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722
Economic development efforts
especially needed during tough times
By Marvin Jones
President and CEO
With the national economy experiencing its worst times in decades, efforts continue in earnest on the local level to attract new jobs to Chillicothe and Ross County as well as retain the thousands we have now. Thank goodness, the groundwork for these efforts was laid years ago.
The chamber and Community Improvement Corporation along with city and county government convinced many in the private sector that a consolidation of development efforts would utilize all funds more wisely and efficiently. The result was the formation of the Economic Development Alliance of Southern Ohio. CEO Chris Manegold has been working for more than two years now with the founding partners to work the strategic plan of the alliance.
Those efforts include:
- Meeting regularly through the Major Employers Roundtable with the CEOs of the largest organizations in the county and area to hear first-hand about issues affecting their operations.
- Working on the state level with government and private development leaders so that we have a voice and an ear at the table.
- Helping with specific projects, such as the expansion of Riffle Machine Works on Ohio 159.
- Staying connected to national and regional site selectors and developers to keep our area’s interests on the radar screens.
- Marketing the area with advertisements in publications such as Business First in Columbus. This includes the shell building of the CIC in the Gateway Interchange Industrial Park off Ohio 104.
Manegold’s efforts are complimented by the chamber’s efforts which include constantly updating not only the chamber’s website (www.chillicotheohio.com), but also the Alliance’s (www.edaso.org) and the one for downtown Chillicothe (www.downtownchillicothe.com). Keeping information current and adding links and resources provide developers and site selectors with information quickly which is key in the process to site new plants and projects.
Rosie Daughters and Elizabeth Camponeschi on our staff field phone calls and email inquiries constantly regarding retail and other ventures as well as help budding business by pointing them to the OSU Small Business Development Center in Piketon.
Cari Steinbrook, our workforce development manager, stays busy updating the popular (and free) jobs website (www.chillicothejobbank.net) in addition to working with the staff at the Jobs One-Stop on East Second Street with job fairs, resume screening and classes to help folks find jobs.
Dona Smith of the CIC continues to work on specific projects, such as the shell building and help current businesses, especially those looking to set up shop in the industrial park.
All of these efforts are an investment in the future of the community and region. It’s especially necessary during times like this that the investment continues. The return on that investment will be evident when the times aren’t so tough.
Free food, plenty of prizes await Expo attendees
Each of the more than 40 exhibitors at next Wednesday’s (Nov. 19) annual chamber Expo and Business After Business will have a door prize for you to win. The doors open at 5 and the event runs past 7 at the Shoemaker Convocation Center at Ohio University-Chillicothe. This is the only time there is an admission charge ($5) to a BAB, but it includes free appetizers from Celebrations Etc. and the chance to purchase beverages. It’s a great opportunity check out some of the products and services of our members in addition to getting in some prime networking time. No need to pre-register.
Paints gearing up for new team, new league
While the players will be new, the Chillicothe Paints will see some familiar communities when it starts play in early June in the new Prospect League. Teams from the former Central Illinois Collegiate League, started 45 years ago, are the backbone of the new league that includes communities such as Richmond IN and Springfield IL, both former Frontier League towns where the Paints played for 16 seasons. Joining Chillicothe in the East Division will be Richmond, Lorain, and Butler and Slippery Rock in Pennsylvania. The Paints will play 54 games, presumably 27 in VA Memorial Stadium through mid August. “Overall, I think our fans will have the opportunity to watch more future Major League players than ever before playing right here in Chillicothe,” said Paints owner Chris Hanners. Kirby Puckett, Mike Schmidt and Ryan Howard are alumni of the league.
Schlegel’s plans an artistic event
Schlegel’s Coffee House is hosting its first “Sensory Serenade” Nov. 28 and 29 that combines live performances with gourmet coffees and desserts. Poet Carma Baker, musician Barry Barnes, artist Ellen Doerres, songwriter Richard Moore and musician Jeff Redefer are on the schedule 6:30-9 both nights along with John Victor and Rick Barnes. The cost is $12 and attendance is limited to 50 each evening. Reservations: 779-0440.
Forum focus is on inventors, entrepreneurs
The Innovation Forum of the OSU South Centers on Wednesday, Dec. 10 is designed to give people a chance to interact with local inventors and entrepreneurs and participate in technology breakout sessions. It runs 9-2:30 and includes a free breakfast and lunch. You need to register, though, by calling Joy Bauman at 740-289-2071 Ext. 111 or email her at jbauman@ag.osu.edu.
Vendor licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor:
- J&J Used Furniture and Appliances, 11823 Main St., Clarksburg, by Jess McQuiniff
- PGW, 850 Southern Ave., by Pittsburgh Glass Works.
- Simply Sweet Sugar Free Pies and Desserts, 1534 Maple Grove Road, by Theresa Damron.
- Just-A-Stitchin, 637 Central Center, by Sandra Steinbrook.
- Whispers of a Willow, 18761 Ohio 104, by Tara Schelske.
Commercial building permits issued recently by the Chillicothe and Ross County Building Departments:
- Seth Brown, 51 E. Second St., sign, value $90.
- New North Star Development, 1290 N. Bridge St., signs, two permits, $17,000 and $9,000.
- Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center, 312 E. Second St., roof replacement, $2,700.
- Robert and Martha Hamm, 38 S. Paint St., electrical, $1,000.
- No name given, 1136 E. Main St., cooler, $50,000.
- No name given, 801 Western Ave., replace canopy roof, $6,585.
- Horizon Chillicothe Telephone, 2940 Higby Road, install cable power supply, $1,000.
- Kirk Elder and Associates, 100 Whiskey Run Road, construct post frame building, $50,000.