The newest leadership graduates are, from left, Eric Stevens of Horizon Telcom, Doug Hennig of Ohio University-Chillicothe, Marie Bridenbaugh of Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center, James Ford of Ross County Department of Job and Family Services, Michele Conrad of Kenworth Truck Co., Jason Rhoades of Perfection One Collision Center, Dr. Ernest Sutton and Pamela Nichols of the VA Medical Center. Not pictured are Kim Baker, Ross County Department of Job and Family Services, Judy Harness of Adena Health System, Loura Roberts of Chivaho Federal Credit Union and Todd Thomas of Kenworth. For photos from Wednesday's ceremonies: Pathfinders Graduation

OPENING FOR BUSINESS: Three chamber members will celebrate in the coming two weeks: two that are opening their doors and another for its major expansion. Toro Loco, under the new ownership of Catherine Nimon, will cut the ribbon Tuesday at noon at the former site on North Bridge Street of Fiesta Ranchero across from Shawnee Lanes. On Wednesday at noon, the Liberty Women's Fitness Health Club will open with a ceremony in Shawnee Square. On Wednesday, May 25 at 8 a.m., Wal-Mart has big plans to open its 80,000 square foot expansion into a supercenter on River Trace Lane. Remember that all chamber members are invited and encouraged to attend the ribbon cuttings of their peers.

FRANCHISE GROWS: Groundbreaking for the third Dakota's Roadhouse was held Wednesday in Hillsboro across from the Wal-Mart there. And a second Casa del Taco apparently is planned to open this summer on Western Avenue across the road and near Pizza Hut, according to a sign on the road.

DISCOUNT PROGRAM GROWS: Each day it seems another chamber member signs up to offer a discount to other members in the way of products and services. To join the list below, just give us a call or send an email to mjones@chillicotheohio.com:

• Tomlinson Insurance Agency

• Mears Photography

• Body Zone Total Fitness

• Paychex Inc.

• Chillicothe Fire and Security

• T&T Advertising

• Select Wireless

• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Compensation Consultants

GOOD MUSIC, GOOD FOOD ON TAP FOR BAB: Nourse AutoMall is hosting Wednesday's Business After Business on North Bridge Street from 5-7 p.m. A live band and food from nearby Max & Erma's will be part of the monthly networking and social event. Make sure to register: BAB registration

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TO CELEBRATE HISTORY: Blacksmiths, carriage rides and the Renaissance Singers are just some of the activities planned Saturday on Paint Street for History Day, sponsored by the Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau. The event runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the event of rain, some activities will shift indoors at Schlegel's and Grinder's Coffee and Cafe.

NO AWARDS PROGRAM: Due to a lack of nomination, the Great Seal Awards program and event has been canceled. There may be an effort to try again in the winter and make it part of the Annual Meeting celebration in February.

PEOPLE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Several chamber members and/or their employees are in the news:

• Christina Schramm, director of Chillicothe Nursing and Rehabilitation, was voted to the board of the Ohio Health Care Association. She also is a director on the chamber board.
• Mac Peters, also a chamber board member, was promoted to assistant vice president at Citizens National Bank. He is the Frankfort branch manager.
• Pat Bridges is the new regional sales manager for the AMA Sign Company of America.
• At the VA Medical Center, Ed Tassy was named an Unsung Hero for his service in Iraq which earned him a Bronze Star. Also honored during Public Service Recognition Week were Pamela Nichols, Laura Cozad, George Hatfield, Sharon Knotts, Andrea Wingo and John Barnhart.

THINK YOU CAN SING?: Then maybe you'll want to audition to sing the National Anthem at a Chillicothe Paints game this summer. Auditions are Tuesday at 3 at VA Memorial Stadium. You may call the Paints at 773-8326 to schedule an appointment.

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

• Exxon Food Mart, 1 Page Road, by Charly Maelee Corp.
• Julie Mallow, 384 Belleview Ave.
• Kimie Anne's Floral and Gifts, 4938 Vigo Road, by Debra Peoples.
• Lee's Electronic Vehicles Etc., 308 E. Second St., by Eldon Eugene Long.

WALK FOR YOUR HEALTH: Chillicothe Parks and Recreation is hosting the Ohio One Mile Fitness Walk on Thursday, May 19. The first 250 participants get a T-shirt and a healthy lunch. Show up at the Lions Shelter in the park anytime 11:30-1 to register. Sponsors include Subway, Adena Health System, Ross County Health District, OU-Chillicothe, Quali-Tee Design and Accurate Heating and Cooling.

A GREAT RESOURCE: The Small Business Administration provides help and information to businesses on a very affordable basis -- free of charge. And one of those resources is the monthly newsletter. The latest edition has articles all about franchising. Check it out and register to receive the newsletter monthly via email at http://www.sba.gov/sbasolutions.