Volume 2, Issue 41 Friday, June 18, 2004
HIGHWAY PROJECTS GALORE: The good news is that the Ohio 207 connector to U.S. 23 near the fairgrounds is still on target to break ground early next year. The bad news is that the U.S. 35 widening project is behind schedule and probably won't be done until next summer, not late this fall as originally hoped. This from Todd Long of the Ohio Department of Transportation's District 9 office and Ross County Engineer Don Carnes, shown in photo pointing out the Ohio 207 alignment. The two updated the chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee this week on local projects. Other highlights from the session:
OUR HOSPITAL'S ONE OF THE BEST: Adena Regional Medical Center is one of the Top 100 hospitals in the nation, according to a recognized source. Solucient rated hospitals in several categories, such as mortality, complications, average length of stay, profitability and growth and compared them to their peers. Adena's ranking came in the medium community hospitals category. In a letter to employees, Adena CEO Allen Rupiper wrote: "This is Adena's first year to be included in the Top 100 and demonstrates the talent and dedication of every member of the Adena family working as a team to create great results for our patients and the communities we serve." The chamber joins the community in congratulating the hospital and its staff for providing world-class health care for our region. To learn more about the ranking, go to www.100tophospitals.com. FOUNDATION TOPIC OF NETWORKING LUNCHEON: Scott Graham, director of the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation, will discuss ways in which individuals and companies can take full advantage of the foundation when it comes to philanthropy in the community. There are many ways to leave a legacy and this will be a primer on how to get started. The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Chillicothe Country Club. The cost has been increased to $12 for members and $20 for non-members. Make sure to register, though: Networking Luncheon registration DOUGHNUTS AND DISCUSSION: All three of Ross County's legislators in the Ohio General Assembly will be on hand next Friday (June 25) to talk about issues and to hear what's on your mind about state government and how it's affecting your business. The Legislative Breakfast will feature state Sen. John Carey and state representatives John Schlichter and Clyde Evans. The cost is only $5 for members and $10 for non-members. It starts at 9 a.m. at the Ross County Service Center. Register now: Legislative breakfast registration OHIO'S NEW COMMODORE FROM HERE: Dona Smith, executive director of the Ross County Community Improvement Corporation, last weekend was inducted into the Association of Ohio Commodores. The group formed the first trade mission to Europe with then Gov. Jim Rhodes and continues today to promote economic development in the state. The current governor has final approval on all nominations and signs the Executive Order. Congrats to Dona who has been working more than 13 years to bring jobs to this area. More information is at www.ohiocommodores.org. ANOTHER NAMED ADENA: Taking advantage of the area's heritage, the former Days Inn has been renamed the Adena Inn.
BAB TRACK WAS FAST: The rain held off, but the patrons didn't thank goodness as a good crowd made it to this week's Business After Business at the K-C Raceway on Blain Highway. Joe Lalond and his crew also helped put on a show with several of the track's race cars on display as well as a demonstration by some hovercraft folks who will be in town for next week's rally in the Yoctangee Park Annex. In photo, Matt Litter of Classic Brands, a major sponsor of the rally, explains the hovercraft theory to Horizon's Randy Davies while Lalond looks on. The rally goes Friday through Sunday with nightly entertainment. YMCA PLANS PROGRAMS: A new Running Club for kids is being formed at the YMCA of Ross County with the initial meeting set for 9:30 Tuesday (June 22) morning. There are different runs for the different age groups ranging from 5-13. Parents also can join the Step Class while the kids are out running. Also, the deadline for folks to sign up for the Power Volleyball League which plays on Mondays is June 24. LAST CALL: Registrations are closing for Tuesday's Workforce Academy featuring Steve Hummel of Transitions Unlimited! on the topic of getting all employees on board to chase the same vision. The workshop is 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Ross County Service Center and costs $10. Workforce Academy registration JACKSON GETTING A DAKOTA'S: Work is under way on the second Dakota's Roadhouse in Jackson on McCarty Lane next to the Adena Health System building and near U.S. routes 32 and 35. Pat McAllister, who started with the one on Western Avenue, said he hopes to have it open by Nov. 1. BENEFIT YARD SALE SET: The cast and crew of Horizon's Inside The Valley program are planning a yard sale July 10 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the studio's parking lot at 52 E. Main St. Proceeds will benefit the Carver Community Center and unsold items will go to Goodwill Industries. Questions can be directed to 779-6635. FOR THOSE DOING THE BUDGETING: According to Kiplinger Forecasts, wages are increasing 3.2% on average this year and expected to go to 3.5% in 2005 while health insurance premiums are forecast to rise 10% for large companies and 12% for smaller ones. NEW MEMBERS: Joining the chamber recently was Quik-Info, owned by James McMullen, and doing internet marketing. He can be reached at 877-209-0584 or at www.quick-info.com. ROSS COUNTY NIGHT AT THE PAINTS: Next Wednesday will be Ross County Night at the Paints. The chamber is selling $5 tickets, a portion of which will go to the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation. Give us a call at 702-2722 to order tickets for you and your employees. See you at the game! TORONTO TRIP VISITOR: One of the contacts made by the local contingent which paid a visit to Canadian companies on an economic development venture this past spring will be in town next week to talk about helping local companies. VENDORS LICENSES: Those receiving licenses recently from the Ross County Auditor were:
BECHTEL MAKES CHANGE: John Meersman has been named the new Manager of Projects for the last four months of a contract by the Bechtel Jacobs Company to manage the environmental cleanup program at the Piketon uranium enrichment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy. He replaces Gil Drexel who is moving to England with Bechtel. CHAMBER CALENDAR:
Previous newsletters are available at www.chillicotheohio.com by going to the Weekly e-Letter Archive link on the left side. | Weekly Update Sponsors
|
Copyright 2004, Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce |
