Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Weekly Update

www.chillicotheohio.com

Mission statement: The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce promotes economic and community development by addressing issues important to business.

This Week's Sponsors

Chamber Calendar

Monday, July 5-Office closed for Independence Day holiday.

Thursday, July 8-Ross County Safety Council luncheon featuring Karen Jensen, librarian for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation on free training aid available; 11:30 a.m., Ross County Service Center; Safety luncheon registration

Thursday, July 8-Pathfinders Steering Committee, 3:30 p.m., site TBA.

Monday, July 12-Marketing and Membership Committee, noon, chamber.

Wednesday, July 14-Ross County Safety Council Steering Committee, 8:30 a.m., chamber.

Thursday, July 15-Executive Committee, 8 a.m., chamber.

Wednesday, July 21-Business After Business, Family Dental Center, Western Avenue, 5-7 p.m., co-sponsors are Boulevard Salon, Matt Edler of Edward Jones, Body Zone and Curves; BAB registration

Thursday, July 29-Board of Directors, noon, Horizon's Studio 52 on East Main Street.

Thursday, September 23-Annual Chamber Golf Outing, Jaycees Golf Course, Pleasant Valley Road; $300 per team ($75 per individual); $125 for tee or green sponsorship. For more information, call the chamber at 702-2722.

Volume 2, Issue 43                                        Friday, July 2, 2004

Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day holiday!

(The chamber office will be closed Monday.)

MUCH ACCOMPLISHED THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR: From a record crowd at the Annual Dinner to a more dynamic website to increased economic development efforts, the first six months of 2004 for your chamber have been productive ones. Here's a recap of some of the highlights:

• Membership stands at 553, up 8 percent from 512 a year ago.

• The quest to bring together the chamber, the visitors and convention bureau and the Community Improvement Corporation is closer to reality as we investigate two possibilities, including a renovated Carlisle Building.

• OSU Coach Jim Tressel was the main reason we had a record 750 attend the Annual Dinner at Shoemaker Center. It was a night not many will forget.

• Economic development was addressed with website changes that included a new page featuring links to information and contacts as well as a new page featuring major industrial and commercial sites available. The chamber was represented on a trip to Toronto in April to expose the area's attributes to potential businesses.

• We helped provide answers for the city schools seeking input from local businesses and we strongly endorsed passage of the levy that will bring better facilities for our children.

• The financial position of the chamber is stronger, allowing better pursuit of our core mission to aid existing businesses and lure new ones.

• Networking events continue to have good participation with Business After Business and the monthly luncheons.

• Twelve graduated from the Pathfinders Leadership class under the new curriculum and more than several have joined the steering committee.

• This past week, an effort was made to reach out into the county with a membership breakfast at the Frankfort Corner Restaurant.

SAFETY AND SAVINGS: In case you didn't get a chance to check out the e-mail sent Wednesday, some companies stand to pocket a nice check in October 2005 by attending functions of the Ross County Safety Council in the next 12 months. A new incentive program by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation has a 2% premium discount as the prize for those companies participating. For all the details: Ross County Safety Council

MOVEMENTS AFOOT: As always, business activity picks up in the summer and here's a little of what's going on in the community:

• Progressive Insurance and the Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center are renovating offices to move into the former Medical Mall at Mulberry and Second streets. They will join the CIC and Rep. Bob Ney's office.

• Picture This is opening in the former gift area of E.M. Smith Jewelers on North Bridge Street. It formerly was on West Water Street.

• A connector is to be built between the Medicine Shoppe and its equipment structure (the former Lang''s Cleaners).

• A dialysis clinic with 17 beds is going down the street from Shawnee Lanes.

• A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facility will be tucked in with a new UPS Store, Tri-State Uniforms, a cash advance place and a shoe store in the strip area in front of Elder-Beerman.

CITY DRIVER WINS STATE AWARD: Ephraim "Joe" Marquez of the Chillicothe Transit Department was named the state's Driver of the Year for rural transit systems by the Ohio Department of Transportation this week. He has had 23 years of accident-free driving. He also has a great attitude: "I treat these passengers like they are my family."

BAHAMAS EASIER TO GET TO: Laker Airways this week began non-stop service to the Bahamas out of Rickenbacker International Airport. Flights will be every Thursday and Sunday.

GAS COSTS RISING: Columbia Gas is increasing natural gas costs 18.2 percent during August, September and October. The price per hundred cubic feet is going to 91 cents from 77 cents. Blamed: large industrial users switching to natural gas to avoid higher oil prices and the recovery economy's appetite for energy.

SMALL BANKS MIGHT GET A BREAK: According to Kiplinger Forecasts, the regulatory burden on community banks could be lessened in the coming years which could reduce fees and costs for their customers. Small lenders are set to get a break from the Sarbanes-Oxley and USA Patriot Acts which added more paperwork and reporting requirements. One possible change: eliminating the need to send annual privacy notices to customers unless there's been a change.

SUNSHINE PROMOTES TWO: Alicia Sklenar and Emily Robertson have been promoted to trained tanning consultants at the Sunshine Tanning Studio on East Water Street.

BEDDING DOWN: Besides the fireworks and other festivities this weekend, don't forget about the Charity Bed Race sponsored by the Chillicothe Jaycees and the Sherman Haus. They will begin at noon on Second Street between Mulberry and Paint streets.

A CHANCE TO CHAT: About 30 attended the chamber's Legislative Breakfast last week for a chance to talk to local lawmakers. In photo, from left, are Dennis Franks of the Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center adult programs, Rep. John Schlichter, Se. John Carey and Bob Gallagher, director of the Ross County Department of Job and Family Services. Rep. Clyde Evans also attended. More photos are available online here: Legislative Breakfast

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

• 4130, at 80 Seymour Road

• Excell Wireless, 440 Western Ave.

• Michael Joseph Steed, 194 S. Walnut St.

• Cornerstone, 1850 Windy Ridge Road

• Tri-State Uniforms, 1200 N. Bridge St.

• Poody Scootin, 3823 Charleston Pike

• Cinema 6, 2077 Western Ave.

• Mike's Tire Center, 1595 N. Bridge St.

HORIZON YARD SALE: The crew of Inside The Valley is gathering items for its Benefit Yard Sale Saturday, July 10 at the studio at 52 E. Main St. It will run 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with proceeds going to the Carver Community Center.

EASIER TO CHECK OUT OUR FEATURES: Once again, the Weekly Update has been redesigned to make it easier for members and others to access the many other pages on the chamber's website. Check out the buttons below, if you haven't already.

For previous editions, click here

Copyright 2004, Chillicothe Ross

Chamber of Commerce