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Copyright 2008
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722
State changing the system
to determine future highway projects
By Marvin Jones
President and CEO
When the Ohio Department of Transportation ranks proposed new projects, it will take into account factors such as the benefit to the public, the impact on the environment and access to major employers.
At its meeting this morning in Columbus, the Transportation Review Advisory Council, better known in government circles as TRAC, is expected to adopt the new “investment prioritization criteria.” The new system has been in the works the past couple of years.
This could mean new life for the widening of Ohio 104 to four lanes from the city limits to the Ohio 207 connector and the widening of U.S. 50/Western Avenue from the city limits to Veterans Parkway. The Ohio 104 project involves major employers (two state prisons and the VA Medical Center) and improves access to the Gateway Interchange Industrial Park. The Western Avenue project improves the opportunities for increased commercial development.
There are three main categories (and their weighting) in the new system:
- Transportation factors (55%): Includes public transit, intercity passenger rail, water port, rail; impact on air quality; connectivity to other modes of transportation.
- Economic growth and development (25%): Addressing economic distress (poverty and unemployment); improving business development; improving investment and employment opportunities.
- Local/private investment commitment (20%): Level of local support to ensure success.
To view the complete set of criteria: New TRAC system
The Ohio 104 project also could get a new life under the proposed economic stimulus plan of President-elect Barack Obama. His plan includes money for “shovel ready” projects that will create jobs quickly.
Sen. Brown reiterates support for union measure
Sen. Sherrod Brown replied to the chamber’s letter concerning the Employee Free Choice Act, saying, “While you and I disagree on the issue, I appreciate hearing your views.” The chamber’s Advocacy Committee and Board of Directors are urging our members of Congress to vote against this measure which would allow unions to form without a secret ballot election, would allow huge penalties on companies and force companies into binding arbitration on contracts. Sen. Brown has been the only one to respond to the chamber’s correspondence that also went to Sen. George Voinovich and Rep. Zack Space. Read Sen. Brown’s response: Card check letter. If you would like to let the senator know how you feel on this issue, click here.
Hundreds seek Menards positions
Apparently many had to wait for two or more hours to submit their application and be interviewed for a job at the new Menards home improvement store on North Bridge Street Wednesday. The store has hired nearly all of its managers and is now looking to hire others for the store that will open in January. The sign above the main entrance also was going up on Wednesday.
Council minutes now online
Miss the telecast of the Chillicothe City Council meeting? Now you can catch up on council’s activities by reading the minutes of the meetings online. The first installment of the minutes was added recently to the city’s website. The minutes also will be searchable, so you’ll be able to find what you want quickly in the future. Check them out: Council minutes
State agency running amok
The Ohio Auto Dealers Licensing Board apparently has way too much time on its hands. It is proposing that used vehicle dealers MUST be open at least 40 hours a week, including 30 hours on week days. The private business owner is the only who should ever decide when they want to do business.
BAB had that holiday look
The Chillicothe Country Club was decked out in its seasonal attire when it hosted the chamber-sponsored Business After Business Wednesday. More than 110 attended the event that helped get folks more into the holiday spirit. Next month, Petland will sponsor and host the BAB at its corporate headquarters on Hickory Street on Jan. 21. Photos from this past BAB will be online shortly at the chamber’s photo website: www.chillicothe-chamber.smugmug.com
Vendors licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor’s Office:
- Boomer’s Pro Shop, 1680 N. Bridge St., by Chris Dicus
- CJ Taxi Service, 16 S. Brownell St.
- Cassidy Dawn Photography, 267 Cove Run Road, by Cassidy Dawn Drummond
- Parkview Gallery, 12 W. Water St.
For the holidays, the chamber office will be closed December 24-26.