Volume 2, Issue 31                                                                April 8, 2004

To see all photos and graphics, view Weekly Update from this link:

http://www.chillicotheohio.com/chamber/weeklyletter/weu_04_08_04.htm

Reminder: The chamber office will be closed April 9 in observance of Good Friday.

WE'RE IN GOOD HANDS: Judging by the remarks and the attributes of those chosen to receive the Teen Character Awards this week, our community can rest easy knowing that the next generation will bring a level of leadership and thoughtfulness for which we can all be proud. The program of the YMCA of Ross County and presented by your chamber and the Chillicothe Gazette celebrated 25 youths from the more than 40 who were nominated this year.

BRIDGE STREET ACTIVITY CONTINUES: Indications are there will be more construction on North Bridge Street in the coming months, in addition to the city's sewer line work. At next Wednesday's Chillicothe Planning Commission meeting, members are expected to review the final plat plans for the property owned by Marilyn Vaughan just south of E.M. Smith Jewelers. The plat shows three tracts of approximately one acre each fronting Bridge Street and a road (named Mt. Logan Farms Drive) splitting two of the tracts and leading to a 13-acre tract that abuts the Zane Village mobile home park. No word yet on what might be going onto the tracts. The Planning Commission meeting is at 4:30 p.m. in the city building at 35 S. Paint St.

NEW TENANT: The chamber welcomes the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation as one of its tenants. Executive Director Scott Graham moved into the upstairs front office last week and welcomes anyone to learn more about the local philanthropic organization. He can be reached at 774-1318 or by visiting the group's website at www.crcf.net.

EXERCISING HIS ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT: Rob Robson of Security Acquisitions and Security Engineering has now added a Curves franchise in Waverly. It is at 860 Emmitt Ave. at Waverly Station. The phone number is 740-947-7771. The business caters to women looking for quick, but effective physical workouts. The local franchise on Western Avenue reports a very brisk business since it opened last fall.

LIBRARY MAKING PLANS: Now that it has title to the former Central Elementary School, the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library will begin the selection process for an architectural design firm. Parking and landscaping changes are expected this fall, but not until a total plan for interiors and exteriors has been agreed upon, according to Jennifer Thompson.

SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The local chapter of the Business Professional Women is holding a "Women's Equity Day Business Expo" on Tuesday, April 20, 5-8 p.m. at Horizon Technology Center. Businesses owned or operated by women are encouraged to become exhibitors. Contact Carolyn Ault at 773-3461 or cdault@adelphia.net for details. Also mark your calendar to attend the event which also will include a fashion show.

NEWEST MEMBERS: Doug Maynard signed up all four of his businesses at 12035 Pleasant Valley Road:

• The Western Store, 772-1120, specializing in Western apparel.

• The Weld and Fabrication Shop, 772-1199, specializing in custom welding both on-site and at the customer's business.

• The Trailer and RV Center, 774-4678, specializing in all sorts of trailers and recreational vehicles.

• Accessibility Lifts of Ohio, 773-4387, specializing in equipment to aid the handicapped.

SEMINARS AND EVENTS GALORE: Seminars to benefit your bottom lines and events whose proceeds will benefit the community are in the works:

• "Taking Charge of Technology" is designed to show small businesses how to better take advantage of information technology to increase income, decrease costs and maximize your profit. It is being sponsored by the OSU Extension and Ohio Small Business Development Centers, your chamber and Ohio University-Chillicothe. It will be Thursday, April 29 from 9-11 a.m. at OU-C and there is no charge. You may register by calling 740-289-2071 or by visiting http://southcenters.osu.edu/benet/msbdc/pdfs/tech.pdf

• The monthly luncheon of the South Central Ohio Human Resources Council SHRM chapter will be Wednesday, April 21 at noon at the Kenworth Truck Co. Steve Bordenkircher from Cantlon Associates will be the speaker followed by a tour of the plant. Reservations may be made to cbarlage@paccar.com.

• Phil Dirt and the Dozers will provide the entertainment at the "Dollars for Scholars" fundraiser of the Chillicothe Education Foundation on Saturday, April 24 at OU-C's Shoemaker Center. Tickets are $20 or you may reserve a table for 10 for $250. Tickets are available at the Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau, Street Beat Records and E.M. Smith Jewelers.

• Due to the popularity of the first class, a second Severe Weather Spotter Training Class has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ross County Service Center. Reservations are required and may be made by calling or e-mailing the Ross County Emergency Management Agency at 773-1700 and ema2@bright.net.

• Three free showings of the "Antwone Fisher Story" are scheduled April 16-18 at the Majestic Theatre as part of the local observance of Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention Month. Ross County Job and Family Service is presenting the show at 7 p.m. on April 16 and 17 and 2 p.m. on April 18.

OFFICIALLY OPENED: Ray and Ruth Platt held a formal ribbon-cutting at the new location for their Losing Successfully business at 48 E. Water St. recently. They are shown at right with Ruth wielding the scissors.

VENDORS LICENSES: Here's who's received licenses recently from the Ross County Auditor:

• Lewis' Small Engine and Mower Repair, 133 Witter Drive

• A&M Collectibles, 44 S. Brownell St.

• Loth's, 3091 California Hollow Road, Bainbridge

• Frank's Pawn Shop, 20 E. Main St.

• Water Street Barber Shop, 26 E. Water St.

• Lynch Custom Cycles, 615 N. High St.

• Cotton Pickin Cupboards, 745 Blacksmith Hill Road

• Donato's Pizzeria, 107 N. Bridge St.

• Sundaze Ice Cream, 36 W. Water St.

• PBA Tour, 1680 N. Bridge St.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: The fifth annual local celebration of "Earth Gathering" will be Saturday, April 24 at the Pump House Center for the Arts from noon to 7 p.m.

CHAMBER CALENDAR:

• Wednesday, April 14-Pathfinders session, Small Enterprise Day, 7:30 a.m., Triple Crown Sports.

• Friday, April 16-Pathfinders Steering Committee, noon, chamber.

• Tuesday, April 20-Governmental Affairs Committee, 3:30 p.m., chamber.

• Wednesday, April 21-Business After Business, co-sponsored by USEC and Citizens National Bank, to be held at 33 West Main Street, 5-7 p.m. BAB registration

• Monday, April 26-Marketing and Membership Committee, noon, chamber.

• Wednesday, April 28-Networking Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Chillicothe Country Club, featuring Lissa Cleary, executive director of the Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau. Networking Luncheon registration

• Wednesday, April 28-Workforce Academy, Group/Team Development by Steve Hummel of Transitions Unlimited!, details to be announced.

You are receiving this message as one of the many benefits of your membership in the chamber. If you’d like to be omitted from future messages, either reply and ask to unsubscribe or call the chamber office at 702-2722. To stay abreast of all chamber activities, make sure to visit www.chillicotheohio.com frequently. Contents copyrighted by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce.