WELCOME CENTER PROPOSALS ARRIVE: More than five proposals have been received from businesses and organizations interested in helping create a new welcome center for the community. The deadline to receive proposals is today (Friday). The chamber, Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Community Improvement Corporation requested the proposals. Representatives from the three groups will sit down shortly to review the submissions and determine the future course.

BAB INCLUDED SUNSHINE: The weather cooperated greatly Wednesday when about 90 took part in the Business After Business sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Southeast Ohio. Chilli Sauce provided the music and New York New York the food as more than several door prizes were given away, including one to Nelson Coleman who shows his winning ticket to Sheila Buckley. Next month's BAB is set for June 16 at K-C Raceway on Blain Highway off U.S. 23 and will include members from the Pike and Scioto county chambers. Check out all the photos from Wednesday's event here: BAB photos

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY: Ross County Commissioner Jim Caldwell and Matt Allen, chief of staff for the mayor, will discuss major projects and issues facing local government at Wednesday's Networking Luncheon. This is a chance to ask them about your favorite issue and also to take advantage of the 30 seconds to tout your business. Sign up here: Networking Luncheon registration

LET US HELP YOU RECRUIT YOUR EMPLOYEES: This week, the chamber supplied packets to the Chillicothe City Schools Board of Education to send to the top prospects for the superintendent's position that comes open in December. These packets include our Community Viewbook, a chamber directory, our map and the community information from the inside of Horizon's telephone book among others. It's a great way to showcase what we have to offer to out-of-town folks thinking of moving here. It gives them a very good impression of the community. We can do the same for your company. Just give Rosie or Jan a call at 702-2722. To view the contents of the Viewbook, check it out on our website: Community Viewbook

HATS OFF TO SMALL BUSINESS: This past week has been Small Business Week in the U.S., celebrating the accomplishments of those private companies that have fewer than 500 employees. To note the importance of this sector, consider these facts from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:

• They account for half of private-sector economic output.

• They provide 41 percent of private sales.

• They represent 99.7 percent of all employers.

DISTRICT WINS HONOR: The Ohio Award for Excellence, the state's premier quality award program, announced District 9 of the Ohio Department of Transportation based in Chillicothe on Eastern Avenue received the Pledge of Excellence award. This is a starting level honor as the district moves forward.

A FLOWERING FUNDRAISER: The Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chillicothe Art League have joined forces to create a wonderful visual for the historic downtown.  Displayed on the courthouse steps are 20 flower pots painted by local artists. One also is in the bureau window. Each pot has a unique theme.  They will be displayed on the steps of the courthouse throughout the summer, so please take the opportunity to view each of these creative works. Make sure to visit the CVB, House of Design, Hourglass Traditions or Gentlemen’s Styling Salon to vote for your favorite flower pot design.  The pots will be auctioned off during the August Business After Business with proceeds going to the Art league scholarship fund, bureau community improvement fund and to the artist for their time.

GET A GRIP: Ted Janusz, who led a successful seminar earlier this year, is back for the next Workforce Academy on Thursday, this time teaching you "How to Control and Limit Your Stress." In three short hours, you'll learn the top 12 way to climb out of the stress trap, the consequences of stress and many other elements of this bugaboo. It runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ross County Service Center and costs $10 which includes lunch. Register here: Workforce Academy registration

MOVEMENT AFOOT: John and Cindy Adkins have moved their Adkins Financial Services and E-Z Cash Advance businesses to their new building at 56 Star Drive in Westland Square off Western Avenue. They opened May 1. In addition, EDTech Enterprises, owned by Eric Drake, also will open there.