Upcoming Events

View all Events

Chamber-related links

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

Click above to go to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce site for small business

For previous newsletter editions, click here

You are receiving this newsletter as a benefit of your membership in the chamber. If you wish not to receive it, please reply to mjones@chillicotheohio.com and write "Unsubscribe" in the subject.

Copyright 2008

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

Orange barrels and hard hats

signal a stimulated local economy

By Marvin Jones

President and CEO

While Gov. Ted Strickland last weekend touted the benefits of the federal stimulus package in jump-starting the project to widen Ohio 104, Ross County and southern Ohio continue to benefit also from the private sector that’s pouring millions into area projects.

While Walgreens continues to take shape on Western Avenue at Plyley’s Lane, work is beginning on a $1.5 million replacement for the Certified Oil station on North Bridge Street at Marietta Road and Chillicothe will be home shortly to an O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store.

The company, based in Springfield, MO, plans a 7,225 square foot structure at 201 N. Bridge St., just north of the Goodwill store and across the street from AutoZone. The company started in 1957 with the O’Reilly family and now has 3,285 stores in 38 states and more than 40,000 employees. The new construction is valued at $505,750. Check out the company: www.oreillyauto.com

Construction is moving right along on the $45 million northeast expansion at the Adena Regional Medical Center and the Ardmore Crossing Apartments on Anderson Station Road are taking shape.

On the government side, work should start in the next month or two to renovate a building at the VA Medical Center for a new nursing home for veterans while other jobs are being completed on the campus. The steel rafters are up on the $13 million transit depot/garage for the city of Chillicothe on Seventh and Watt streets and the good weather is allowing for speeded construction on the bridge over High Street for the bikers and hikers.

In Pike County, while work has slowed on construction at the American Centrifuge Plant until a decision is made on the $2 billion loan guarantee request of USEC, the cleanup project at the former gaseous diffusion plant got a $118 million shot in the arm from the federal stimulus program. The county also is building a new senior center in Waverly.

So, while this area struggles economically along with much of the rest of the nation, there are signs of expansion and growth.

Not the news we wanted hear

While there is growth and expansion on some fronts, the Kenworth Truck Company plant on Ohio 159 continues to struggle with the down economy, stopping production for the first two weeks of April. And, the Glatfelter plant learned it’s being targeted in what amounts to be a tiff on trade.

“It is not fair to our customers, and it is not fair to the great people of Chillicothe,” William Yanavitch, Glatfelter’s vice president for human resources and administration, told a Columbus Dispatch reporter. He was remarking on the 10 percent tariff imposed by Mexico on the import of carbonless paper, the primary product coming out of the Chillicothe mill.

According to the story, the tariff on carbonless paper and other products is in retaliation to the abrupt end of an initiative that allowed Mexican trucks full access to U.S. markets under a provision in the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown “is among the more prominent congressional opponents of the Mexican-trucking initiative …” according to the article.

Read the article: Mexican tariff on carbonless paper

Area businesses expanding, growing

Two chamber members this week announced plans for expansion and growth.

Petron Oil entered into a purchase agreement to buy the BP tank wagon business that services Ross, Pike and Scioto counties, said owner Jim Doersam. He said an agreement is near to also purchase the Circleville Oil fuel division. Both purchases come with bulk plants, truck drivers and office staff. The firms provide home heating oil and products for government, farm and commercial customers.

Value Added Business Services is inviting folks to check out the opening of its 23,000 square foot Operations Center on Ohio 32 in Jackson. A ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 14 with lunch and vendor trade show to follow. The center houses the centralized order entry, communications and distribution activities for office and janitorial supplies, printing, promotional products, furniture and safety supplies. If you plan to attend, make sure to register in advance: Value Added Grand Opening

Breakfast highlighted international trade

Ed Kunzelman, founder and chairman of Petland, told the 50 who attended the InsiderOutlook Breakfast this week how he stumbled into the international arena after a chance meeting with a Canadian a few years back. Kunzelman, a former chamber Entrepreneur of the Year, was the main speaker for the event of the Economic Development Alliance of Southern Ohio.

Petland now has franchises and operations all across the world, including China, Chile, South Africa and Japan. Kunzelman pointed out the importance of staying true to your company’s core values and standards in conducting international business.

He also got the opportunity to talk about his firm’s recent legal and public relations battle following accusations by the Humane Society of America. He noted the society’s financial reports show most of its funds are spent to raise more funds with very little going to help the plight of animals.

CEO Chris Manegold noted the Alliance assisted 14 businesses in 2008 and helped on three successful projects: PACCAR Medical Education Center (6 jobs), Riffle Machine Works (29 jobs) and Anixter Fasteners (9 jobs). He also was involved in five marketing missions, including one to Japan.

United Way able to celebrate in a tough year

In one of the toughest economic environments in years, United Way of Ross County celebrated Thursday evening achieving 95 percent of its fundraising goal. The $691,092 pledged and collected means all of the agencies and programs can be assured of a majority of their funding from the umbrella organization. The evening’s celebration also saw the passing of the gavel from long-time volunteer and the now past president Rick Marriott to new president Monesa Skocik. Kim and Ed McKell, who are headed to Germany for missionary work, chaired last year’s campaign.

Private sector has big role in health reform

When it comes time for him to vote, possibly later this year, on a comprehensive health care reform package, Rep. Zack Space needs to ensure the private sector continues to play a major role in providing products and services. Another huge bureaucracy is the last thing the country needs, Space was told by this chamber at an informational session this week at Family Healthcare on Western Avenue.

Affordability and access were two main themes running throughout the session that included representatives from groups such as the Association of Health Underwriters, Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Department of Insurance, Ross County Health District and Ross County Job and Family Services.

Loan program can reduce the interest rate

The GrowNOW program of the Ohio Treasury can make it possible to receive loans up to $400,000 with an interest rate three percentage points below what a bank is offering. Businesses work with the banks to secure the loan, then the banks work with the state to use the program. The business promises to retain or create jobs. Learn the details: www.grownow.ohio.gov

Tidbits from and about members

• Looks like the weather will cooperate for the Southern Ohio Home & Garden Show at the Ross County Fairgrounds this weekend. For a complete schedule of events for the show sponsored by the Building Industry of South Central Ohio: www.southernohiohomegarden.com
• Adena Health System’s rehabilitation and Women’s Health Specialists received two of the nine awards in the alternate care site category of the first-ever Amerinet Healthcare Achievement Awards competition. The winners were lauded for “creating and successfully implementing efficiencies in operations and in enhancing patient care delivery.”
• Junior Achievement of Ross County is seeking sponsors to help purchase the special supplies that volunteers use in the classrooms. Last year, the program touched 1,079 students. To become a sponsor, call 773-8044 and ask for Rick Marriott or get in touch with Delbert Bochard, Ralph Metzger, Joe Corbin or Linda Madison.
• The Chillicothe Evening Lions is collecting non-perishable food items at its fish fry Friday, April 17 at the Lions Shelter in Yoctangee Park from 11-6. Donations are headed to the Good Samaritan Network.

Here’s who’s joined the chamber recently:

• Puppy Paradise, 56 Star Drive, by Cindy Adkins, kennels and grooming, 779-6000.
• Bernie and Max Stained Glass Art, 170 Brown Ave., by Bernie Evans and Serelle Lane, www.bernieandmaxstainedglass.com
• Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, Portsmouth, www.rsc.state.oh.us
• ServPro of Pickaway and Ross County, 840 Washington Ave., fire and water damage restoration, 772-2172, Mark Hall.
• C&D Continuous Gutter, 1970 Rocky Road, Judy Delong, 773-6426.
• Rumpke Recycling, Ironton, 888-786-7531, www.rumpke.com

Commercial building permits issued by the Chillicothe and Ross County Building Departments recently:

• Bonnie Maughmer, 859 E. Water St., fire protection, value $1,500.
• William and Linda Herrnstein, 133 N. Bridge St., fire protection, $2,600.
• First Wesleyan Church, 89 S., Mulberry St., alterations, $20,000.
• Amy Hatfield, 63 E. Water St., roofing, $11,000.
• Certified Oil Company, 825 N. Bridge St., new structure, $1.5 million.
• O’Reilly Automotive, 201 N. Bridge St., new structure, $505,750.
• Chillicothe Nursing and Rehabilitation, 60 Marietta Road, electrical, $15,000.
• City of Chillicothe, 100 University Drive, electrical, $1,500.
• City of Chillicothe, 906 E. Main St., electrical, $30,000.
• Central Center Limited, 607 Central Center, electrical, $3,800.
• Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ in Christian Union, fire protection, $12,000.
• Zane Square Apartments, 118 Whaley Place, roofing, $21,000.
• Chillicothe Motel, 20 N. Plaza Blvd., HVAC, $7,900.
• Benner Block Bakery, 110 E. Main St., Bainbridge, alterations, no value given.
• Adena Health System, 446 Hospital Road, wall sign, $8,300.
• Union Scioto Schools, 14193 Pleasant Valley Road, chiller heat recovery, $186,000.
• Union Scioto Schools, 138 Sandusky Blvd., chiller heat recovery, $97,000.
• T Mobile, 460 Debord Road, co-locate on existing tower and additional ground equipment, $40,000.
• Newland Pizza Shop, 11610 U.S. 50, renovations, $4,000.
• SBA, 4331 U.S. 23, co-locate on existing tower, $34,500.
• Bethesda Christian, 4894 Denver Road, new sanctuary/education building, $500,000.
• Bristoni’s Pizza, 10879 Main St., Clarksburg, alterations, no value given.
• Housing Services, 341 Maple St., Frankfort, fire protection in apartments, $26,000.

Vendors licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor:

• Adena Tire, 86 N. Main St., Frankfort, by Michael Drummond.
• Tommy Johnson Jr., 879 Walnut Creek Road.
• Auto Rescue, 615 N. High St.
• Good Old Days Automotive, 882.5 Dayton St., by Jason Rhodes.
• Sweet Treats and Treasures, 110 E. Main St., Bainbridge, by Cappie Chrisman.