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www.edaso.org

Chillicothe Job Bank
www.chillicothejobbank.net

Downtown Chillicothe
www.downtownchillicothe.com

Chillicothe YPN
www.chillicotheypn.com

Visitors Bureau
www.visitchillicotheohio.com

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Copyright 2008

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

The world’s come a long way

in the past 30 years

By Marvin Jones

President and CEO

Not surprisingly, the internet came out on top of the list of the top 30 innovations in the past 30 years in a project in celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the “Nightly Business Report” on the Public Broadcasting System.  It’s hard to remember what the world was like before the world wide web came along.

The project started when the program asked its viewers to suggest the top advances made since it started on the air in 1979. After viewers made their suggestions, professors at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania selected and ranked the top 30.

Jack Schultz, the speaker at the chamber’s 2005 Annual Dinner, used the list in his weekly missive and we thought it would be of interest to chamber members to remind everyone of the great advances in science and technology in just the last three decades. As Schultz noted, “This begs the question: What will they think of next?”

Here’s the list:

30 - Anti-Retroviral Treatment for AIDS
29 - SRAM/Flash Memory
28 - Stents (coronary stents)
27 - ATMs
26 - Bar Codes and Scanners
25 - Biofuels
24 - Genetically Modified Plants
23 - RFID and applications (Radio Frequency Identification)
22 - Digital Photography/Videography
21 - Graphic User Interface (GUI)
20 - Social Networking via Internet
19 - Large Scale Wind Turbines
18 - Photovoltaic Solar Energy
17 - Microfinance
16 - Media File Compression
15 - Online Shopping/E-Commerce/Auctions
14 - GPS
13 - Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)
12 - Light Emitting Diode products (LEDs)
11 - Open Source Software and Services
10 - Non-Invasive Laser/Robotic Surgery
9 - Office Software
8 - Fiber Optics
7 - Microprocessors
6 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
5 - DNA Testing and Sequencing/Human Genome Mapping
4 - E-Mail
3 - Mobile Phones
2 - PC/Laptop Computers
1 - Internet/Broadband/World Wide Web

To learn more about the list: Nightly Business Report

Get an update on the Employee Free Choice Act

The so-called card check legislation is still before Congress and business and unions are going all out to get to the lawmakers. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce continues its push and is holding a conference call Wednesday at 2 p.m. We’ll be on the call in our conference room and invite members to join us to learn the latest on the status of the bill and highlight discussions on the so-called compromises. No reservations necessary, just pull up a chair at the table.

All-Terrain took advantage of the weather for the BAB

More than 100 showed up Wednesday at All-Terrain Sports as it hosted its first Business After Business on North Bridge Street. Brandon McBee and his crew provided a great smoked-on-site pork dinner with all the fixings and then handed out several door prizes. The 70-degree, sunny weather made for a great evening. Plus, it was the first opportunity to introduce the chamber’s new Ambassadors. Distinct blue nametags identified the members who make it their job to welcome new members and make sure everyone feels comfortable. Next month’s BAB is set to return to the Sunroom@The Brick in Frankfort. For more photos of Wednesday’s BAB and all other chamber events: www.chillicothe-chamber.smugmug.com

We’re from the government and we’re here to help

Actually, the Small Business Administration is stepping up its efforts to help businesses with up to 499 employees to weather this economic storm. This week the SBA announced it is temporarily raising its guarantees to up to 90 percent on its 7(a) loan program for the rest of 2009 or until the funds are exhausted. Banks now have greater confidence to provide the loans. It also is eliminating fees for borrowers on the 7(a) loans and for borrowers and lenders on the 504 Certified Development Company loans. So, check with your local banks on how these might help you finance an expansion or new capital project. And don’t forget to check out www.business.gov and its new online community segment that has discussion forums, blogs and idea exchanges.

YPN sponsoring “Maximum Impact” simulcast

As an event sponsor, YPN brings back this simulcast of speakers for a “Leadership That Inspires” themed speaker lineup. The event is 9-4 at the Chillicothe Baptist Church, featuring speakers such as Tony Blair, Jack Nicklaus, John Maxwell and 5 other headliners. Chamber members and YP’s are offered a rate of only $50 per person; includes session materials, 8-9 a.m. networking breakfast, reserved seating and catered lunch. Visit the following website for speaker details http://www.maximumimpactsimulcast.com/home and contact Robin Fowler, 773.1118 or robin.fowler.pich@statefarm.com, by April 15 to guarantee the $50 per person rate.

News from and about chamber members:

• Jerry Amole is the new president of AKM Building Systems, taking over for Jerry Ater who is easing into retirement. Michele Corley is now vice president responsible for the financial, safety and HR side of things while Jeff Wills was hired to be the new estimator.
• You might call right away for the limited number of tickets for tonight’s and Saturday’s Sensory Serenade at Schlegels. The $15 gets you access to the coffee and dessert bar plus performances by local poets, musicians and other artists. 779-0440.
• “Chillicothe in Story and Song: is now up to 51 accounts, according to compiler Tom Thomas. He followed up on leads provided by chamber members and others on mentions of our community in places such as MAD magazine’s obituary of Donald Duck, a hit Broadway play and a “Wacky Races” cartoon. If you think he’s missed some mentions, send him a note at 257 Independence Drive or email him at lawscience@roadrunner.com.  Click here for his up-to-date list on the website of the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library.
• Reminder on Certifichecks: Please don’t accept any gift certificates from Certifichecks, a former chamber partner. The company is declaring bankruptcy and there is a great likelihood the certificates will be returned by your bank. If you want more information, give us a call at 702-2722.

Newest members of the chamber

• Performance One, 1961 Chapel Creek Road, by Stephen Johnson, 779-3217.
• Hertz Car Rental, 1532 N. Bridge St., by Kive Kraft, 772-2580, www.hertz.com

Vendors licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor:

• Nan & Paps, 19186 Concord St., Adelphi, by Jodi Brown.
• Curves, 20 Executive Center Drive, Suite H, by Savoy Faire.
• Splittin John, 1301 Hartwood Road, by John Gleason.