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 Volume 2, Issue 38                                            Friday, May 28, 2004

CHALLENGES AHEAD: Ross County Commissioner Jim Caldwell and Matt Allen, chief of staff for Mayor Joe Sulzer, talked about projects underway or on the books at Wednesday's Networking Luncheon. Both told of progress being made despite the financial constraints that are presenting challenges to both the city and county. Caldwell noted the progress on the Ohio 207 extension to U.S. 23 as well as the widening of Ohio 104 to the extension; the addition of more weather warning sirens; and the potential for cuts at the state level for the Local Government Funds that he said could move a couple townships close to bankruptcy. Allen said that grants and non-General Fund monies allowed for the completion of the new water tank on Brewer Heights, the planned extension of the bike path from High Street to Adena Road and the new transit facility at Watt and Seventh streets. He also said the city's ability to borrow $1 million will mean 30 streets will be paved this summer. Caldwell also issued a challenge to the chamber to return quicker local service from the U.S. Postal Service. It's now on our agenda.

JOB BANK SETS RECORD: As of Thursday, we had received more than 50 postings in May of openings for our Job Bank help wanted service, a record for one month, according to the chamber's Workforce Development Director, Lynette Reed. And companies are reporting good results from the postings. This is a free service offered to members and non-members alike as part of our partnership with the Workforce Investment Network. To learn how you can use this and other WIN services, give Lynette a call at 702-2722 or e-mail her at lreed@chillicotheohio.com. And check out Job Bank itself: Job Bank

 

Your ALT-Text here COMMUNITY HAS STATEWIDE BUSINESS LEADER: The election of Penny Pelikan Dehner to vice president of the Business and Professional Women of Ohio gives the community more visibility in the organization that has 1,100 members. This also is the highest office attained by someone from Ross County. Dehner is the owner of HELP Computer Solutions. The local chapter also won first place in marketing at the state level for its Women's Business Expo in April.

 

COLEMAN AGENCY PLANS RESTORATION: Neil Coleman said he is going to put his architect son to work figuring out the best way to restore the former Children's Services/Enderlin/Walk property on Western Avenue at Locust Street. Coleman bought the property and plans to move his insurance agency from the Citizens National Bank building. He has no time frame set as he wants to make sure the work is done right and contributes to the building's and community's rich heritage.

 

DIVIDENDS WILL HELP: Ross County businesses will benefit to the tune of $32.8 million from the dividends to be paid by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. The one-time benefit was made possible by the improved economy and gains in the investment portfolio, according to Administrator James Conrad. The dividend will be on the Jan. 1-June 30 payroll period bill due in August.

 

NEW MEMBERS: Joining the chamber recently were:

HARTSOCK HONORS CONTINUE: At the Ohio State University Department of Athletics Scholar-Athlete Banquet this week, Unioto grad Ben Hartsock was named the recipient of the prestigious Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor. Our 2003 Annual Dinner speaker received the award that is given to the one male and one female athletes of each institution in the graduating class who have attained the greatest proficiency in both academics and athletics. Ben recently was drafted in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts, but he hopes to continue his studies to become a family doctor. The award comes with a $5,000 postgraduate scholarship. For more information on Ben and the award, follow this link: Hartsock receives Big Ten Medal of Honor

 

Your ALT-Text here CHAMBER BOARD WAS ACOOKIN': Director Henry Thrapp of G&J Pepsi (shown here serving Cherie French) sponsored Thursday's chamber board meeting which was held in Poland Park on Hickory and Fifth streets. He supplied and cooked the lunch which included hamburgers, hot dogs, bean and potato salad as well our favorite Pepsi beverages. Board meetings are held at various places around the community as sponsors get a chance to buy lunch for the board and get 15-20 minutes after each meeting to tell us more about their business or give us a tour of their facilities. If you're interested in being a sponsor, give us a call at 702-2722 or e-mail mjones@chillicotheohio.com.

 

PARTNER PLANS SEMINAR: Compensation Consultants Inc. is joining with CareWorks and a couple others to present Workers' Compensation Group Rating Cost Control and Safety Seminars in June and July. The free seminars are 8:30 a.m. to noon and topics will include cost control strategies, the drug-free workplace, managed care organizations and others. The closest ones will be in Athens June 16 and Columbus on July 27. To register or check out more information, go to www.cciworkerscomp.com.

 

WEBSITE CONNECTS BUSINESS TO GOVERNMENT: The U.S. Small Business Administration now has a website to serve as a business gateway to federal agencies. It is designed to provide one-stop online federal government information and services. Check it out at www.business.gov.

 

FUTURE DRUG TESTING TO BE EASIER: New rules being put in place by the federal Department of Health and Human Services will make it easier -- and cheaper -- for companies to test employees for use of illicit drugs. Instead of costly and less accurate urine tests, companies will be able to use hair, saliva or sweat samples. The new rules for federal workers and those who work in trucking, railway, airline and other transportation industries also usually serve as a model for big and small companies alike. The rules are expected to be in place by the end of the year.

 

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

TRADITIONS PLANS ELEGANT EVENING: Works from 26 local artists will be part of a silent auction during "An Evening of Elegance" art exhibit at Traditions of Chillicothe on Saturday, June 12. Proceeds will go to benefit the development of the Traditions Signature Terrace, Alzheimer's facility. Admission is by invitation only and they can be picked up at Traditions on Western Avenue at University Drive. Hors d'oeuvre and champagne will be served while entertainment will be provided by the Chillicothe String Ensemble and the Renaissance Singers.

 

Your ALT-Text here BAB SPANS COUNTIES: The next Business After Business at K-C Raceway on Blain Highway will involve not only this chamber, but also the convention and visitors bureaus in Chillicothe, Waverly and Portsmouth, the Southern Ohio Home Builders Association and the chambers in Waverly and Portsmouth. In addition to a chance to look over the facilities and enjoy some good food, each person will receive a free pass to a future racing event and a chance on other prizes. On display in addition to the race cars will be a hovercraft, the kind that will be used in the rally in Yoctangee Park June 25-27. Since it's a multi-county affair, there's no need to pre-register. Just show up!

 

CHAMBER CALENDAR:

OFFICE CLOSED: The chamber office will be closed for Memorial Day Monday, but our website is available 24/7 at www.chillicotheohio.com.

Copyright 2004, Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce.