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 | Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce Weekly Update
Mission statement: The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce promotes economic and community development by addressing issues important to business.
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Volume 4, Issue 34 Friday, April 21, 2006 This Week's Sponsors
Click here to see the visitors' bureau calendar of local events Chamber Calendar Thursday, April 27: Board of Directors, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank at Goodwill Industries, noon. Monday, May 1: Chamber on WBEX 1490 AM "Sounding Board" show, 8:35 a.m. Wednesday, May 3: Membership Luncheon featuring Ross County Engineer Don Carnes, Chillicothe Country Club, 11:30 a.m., Membership Luncheon information and reservations. Wednesday, May 17: Business After Business at Nourse Family of Dealerships on North Bridge Street, 5 - 7 p.m. BAB registration. 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.
| COUNTY POPULATION AGING: In the next 10 years, Ross County’s population will not face the aging process expected in so many areas of the nation. But, by 2030, that process will be in full force. An analysis of population projections by age shows that in 10 years the number of those age 70 or more will jump to 8.8 percent of the total population from 8.5 percent today. By 2030, though, that figure balloons by 41 percent to 11.4 percent, or more than one in every 10 people in the county. Surprisingly, the number of those under age 20 remains relatively steady at 25 percent of the total population. Below is a table detailing the projected changes in population in Ross County in the next 25 years.
INDICATORS IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS – SALES TAX JUMPS: Retail sales in Ross County rebounded in January – big time – from a sluggish start. Ross County Auditor Steve Neal reports collections are up 1 percent through the first four months after having declined about 5 percent the first three months. January’s sales were the best on record, he said, attributing at least part of the jump to the proliferation of gift cards given at Christmas and redeemed in January. Neal projected a 2 percent increase in the tax for the 2006 county government budget. INDICATORS IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS – MORTGAGES TAKE A DIP: Ross County Recorder Kathy Dunn reports that while the number of mortgages recorded in her office fell only 6 percent in the first quarter from last year, the amount of those mortgages dropped by 48 percent. January through March this year, her office noted 912 mortgages with a total value of $15.7 million vs. 970 mortgages worth $304.5 million in 2005. One mortgage alone this year – by Scioto Lands for the former Mead woodlands – was for $68 million. The average mortgage fell from $313,888 to $172,192. The mortgages are for both businesses and residences.
WHERE THE HIGHWAY LEADS: What comes after the Ohio 207 connector? Ross County Engineer Don Carnes knows and will share with those who attend the next Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, May 3. New members to the chamber will be introduced and door prizes will be handed out. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get your promotional materials in front of other members. Make plans to attend now: Membership Luncheon reservation BUDGET FOR POSTAL HIKES: Starting Jan. 1, business postal rates are expected to jump 10 percent and then another 4-6 percent on Jan. 1, 2008. Kiplinger Forecasts also predicts first-class stamps will go to 42 cents in 2007 and 44 cents in 2008. Budget accordingly. RETAILERS GET HELP ADDING ETHANOL: Grants are available to owners of retail fuel stations to install equipment to provide E85 (ethanol-gasoline combination) and B20 (biodiesel) to customers. More information is available at Clean Fuels Ohio at 614-292-5435 or www.cleanfuelsohio.org. OU-C GROWTH CONTINUES: According to figures for spring classes, the Chillicothe campus of Ohio University was the only one of the six in the system to show growth from a year ago. OU-C had 1,733 students (or the equivalent of 1,299 full-time students) taking classes this spring, a 4 percent increase from 2005. OU-C is the largest regional campus in the OU network. PURSES WITH A PURPOSE: The Cellar Room at Water and High streets is donating a portion of the discounted sales of Pink Purses to the Relay for Life of the Ross County Cancer Society. The purses will be discounted 5 percent on Saturday, May 6 and 10 percent on Sunday, May 7. 779-9848. EARTH CELEBRATION IS SATURDAY: About 25 vendors will have displays of jewelry, hand-made art, herbal oils and other items at Earth Gathering Saturday at the Pump House Center for the Arts in Yoctangee Park. The event runs noon to 7 p.m. and also features live music. For a complete schedule: www.earthgathering.com. JAYCEES SEEK MEMBERS: Wednesday April 26th the Chillicothe Jaycees will be having a Membership Drive event. The only requirement for membership is to be between the ages of 21 and 40. To learn more about the Jaycees, show up at 5:45 pm at the clubhouse at the Jaycees golf course for a crazy scavenger hunt, food, drinks and a great time. If you have questions, please contact Carrie Mytinger at carrie512@hotmail.com or 775-3301. FOSTER HOMES NEEDED: Ross County Job & Family Services has 111 children who are in need of foster homes with only 21 foster homes available. To be a foster parent, you can be single, married or divorced. You need to provide a room for the child, a stable income and a strong support system. For further information, please call Janie Murphy at 772-7617. NEWEST MEMBERS: Here’s who’s joined the chamber recently:
BUILDING PERMITS: Here’s who’s received permits recently from the Chillicothe and Ross County Building Departments:
VENDORS LICENSES: Here’s who received licenses recently from the Ross County Auditor:
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For previous editions, click here Copyright 2006 Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
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