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Copyright
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722
Even during the slowest of times,
it’s good to report progress
By Marvin Jones
President and CEO
When area businesses and industries are expanding, giving more people jobs and capturing more market share, it makes it easy to get in front of a group like the Building Industry Association of South Central Ohio and talk about the good times. When things are slow, it’s still good to be able to report progress.
At Thursday evening’s dinner meeting of the group, members heard what they already know – it’s slow going out there. Their businesses feel the pinch and they are doing what they can to survive and prepare for the upturn they know is coming. Thursday, they honored three students from the Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center, the site of the meeting, for their achievements in recent contests. An upturn in the economy better ensures these students can find jobs when they graduate.
Some of what the group, formerly known as the homebuilders, heard Thursday:
- From the large employer segment, Adena Health System continues to be a big driver of the local economy with its most recent expansion and the planned construction in the fall of a new oncology center; the Kenworth Truck Company forecasts an upturn in orders and production starting around July; Glatfelter’s hiring of 25 new full-time employees signals business is solid; the VA Medical Center continues its renovation and construction program with federal stimulus funds; and USEC still plans to get the $2 billion loan guarantee from the federal government to restart the American Centrifuge Plan project.
- From the retail segment, plenty of developable space remains on North Bridge Street where a Longhorn Steakhouse is rumored go just south of Red Lobster and a major discount retailer is looking at the former Goody’s space in the Chillicothe Mall.
- From the transportation side, the widening of Ohio 104 looks to continue ahead of schedule thanks to the great weather this spring; Rep. Zach Space is trying to get $1 million to help plan the widening of Western Avenue from Limestone Boulevard to Veterans Parkway and planning continues to extend Ohio 207 from U.S. 23 to Ohio 159 at the Ohio 180 intersection.
Add to this other signs of progress: Wagner Rental and Supply cut the ribbon on its new store on Renick Avenue and the Oasis Pavilion/Island Spice Café did the same (see photos below) in the former craft mall across from the hospital. The point: Yes, things are tough and too many people who want jobs don’t have them, but indications are those jobs could be on the way in the coming months.
Leadership group gets up-close with small business
A stroll downtown Wednesday afternoon gave participants in the chamber’s Leadership Chillicothe Ross class an opportunity learn more about what it takes for small businesses to survive and thrive. Members get a chance to talk to John Wend in the Chillicothe Paints store (photo), Joanne Kunzelman in Ivy’s, Lynn Berry in Picture This and Liz Corzine in Schlegel’s Coffee House, all on North Paint Street. Before the stroll, members also heard from Richard Rhoades of Perfection One Collision Center, Linda Brown of Globe Furniture, Tom White of Accurate Heating and Cooling and Lew Jones of Susie’s Gifts in a panel discussion in the chamber’s conference room. This class has one more session in May before graduating on May 12. Now’s the time to plan ahead to participate in the next class that begins in September: Leadership information
Shawnee Square site for Wednesday’s BAB
Landmark Properties plans to showcase its available spaces at Wednesday’s Business After Business. The event runs 5-7 p.m. and will be held between Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Dunham Sports in the shopping center off North Bridge Street. The usual appetizers and beverages will be available as you get a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues. Let us know if you plan to attend: BAB registration
Chamber publication a great way to reach members, newcomers
The chamber’s annual magazine that also serves as a directory is a way to get your message to new people coming to town, to make yourself better known to other chamber members and to people waiting for their appointment with their doctor, dentist or lawyer. The 2011 edition is in the planning stages, but Heidi Robson from CommunityLink begins calling on last year’s advertisers starting next week to take their orders. The magazine will be available in late December or early January. In case you haven’t had a chance to check out this year’s edition, here’s a link to the online version: Chamber magazine. If you’d like to get a jump on reserving your space, give Heidi a call at 703-7746. A percentage of the advertising sales benefit the chamber that helps keep dues low.
Chamber members celebrate their openings
Oasis Pavilion and Island Spice Café: Meeting rooms large enough for major conferences and small enough for small gatherings are now available in what was the former craft mall on Chamber Drive across from the hospital. And inside is the café offering a variety of salads, sandwiches and wraps from 10-4 on weekdays. To learn more: 773-3463
Wagner Rental and Supply: Owner Dave Wagner, right with scissors, opened the newest of his four locations on Renick Avenue, just off Main Street this week. He acquired the former Phillips Rent-All to continue his expansion. Skip Keller, left with scissors, is the local manager of the business that offers tools and equipment to homeowners in addition to contractors. A special grand opening is set for Saturday, April 24. To learn more: 773-8665 or www.wagnerrental.com
More news of note:
- Juni Frey is the new executive director of the Paint Valley ADAMH Board of Directors. She has been in the behavioral health field for 18 years and was the associate director before her promotion. She has a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s in accounting.
- Monday is the last day to buy your tickets for Chillicothe Day at the Cincinnati Reds game on Saturday, April 24. Half-price tickets of $17.50 are available in the city’s Parks and Recreation Department office at the city pool in Yoctangee Park from 7:30-4:30.
- The Gift Post has you covered for Administrative Professionals Day on Wednesday, April 21. Prices start at $20 for floral arrangements, candy bouquets and other gifts for the people you depend on most in your offices. It’s best to pre-order and your chamber membership means you can get free delivery if you mention you saw this in the newsletter. Call 773-7368 or email giftpost@horizonview.net.
- Huntington Bank is sponsoring a free “QuickBooks Tips & Tricks” seminar Wednesday (April 21) here at the chamber from 11:30-1:30. Suzan Jones from Huntington and Amy Dearinger from Clark Schaefer and Hackett are the presenters. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. Call or email Jessica Brown at 937-399-2000 and jbrown@cshco.com.
- Have a question or issue with your computer or just want to learn what others are asking? Check out Dusty Countryman’s new Tech Talk blog on his Leading Edge Integration website: http://www.leillc.net/node/14
- Bring your pruning shears and be prepared to be put to work after an hour-long seminar presented by trained arborist Damon Hartley at the Adena Mansion and Gardens Sunday from 2-4. There’s no cost for members of the Adena Mansion and Gardens Society (only $25 for a family) and $8 for non-members. A gardening seminar is set for the third Sunday of each month through August. Call 772-1500 for details.
Commercial building permits issued recently by the Chillicothe and Ross County Building Departments:
- Jesse and Patricia Clary, 137 Renick Ave., install sales trailer, value $5,000.
- Advance Services and Solutions, 908 E. Main St., roofing, $9,000.
- Carmi Jones, 2957 Charleston Pike, install industrialized unit, no value given.
- Clary Trucking, 1177 Eastern Ave., build canopy and electrical, $9,500.
- American Car., 875 Eastern Ave., new storage building, $150,000.
- Walnut Creek, 2342 Walnut Creek Road, electrical, $500.
- Rodney Reisinger, 10935 4th St., Clarksburg, electrical, $850.
Vendors licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor:
- Browning’s Greenhouse, 551 Harris Station Road, by Norma Browning.