REGIONAL AREA DEFINED: Chillicothe is the seventh largest "micropolitan statistical area" in Ohio and the 102nd largest in the United States. The Census Bureau began the new designation a few years back to go along with the one for large urban centers -- metropolitan statistical areas. It's important from an economical development standpoint as national franchise businesses and industries look beyond the larger areas for places to expand. The bureau has designated 560 micro areas in the nation. Chillicothe's area population is listed as 73,345 which essentially is just Ross County. Maybe on the next count, it can be expanded beyond the county borders. Ahead of Chillicothe in Ohio, in order, are East-Liverpool-Salem, Wooster, Ashtabula, New Philadelphia-Dover, Zanesville and Portsmouth. Of the top seven, Portsmouth showed the only population loss from 1990.

NEXT CLASS FORMING: Registration has started for the next Pathfinders Leadership class that begins in September. The program is ideal for new managers, those who want to become managers, those who are relatively new to the community and those who want to be part of a successful program. Sessions are held the second Wednesday of each month through May and include a workshop conducted by a facilitator and visits to historic and government spots as well as local businesses and industry. To learn more and to enroll, click here: Pathfinders Leadership program. To see how much fun the last class had, click here: Pathfinders photo gallery.

80 YEARS OF COMMUNITY AND NATIONAL SERVICE: The local Veterans Affairs Medical Center celebrates its 80th anniversary today (July 9). A direct descendant of the World War I Camp Sherman, the center is on 300 acres, has an operating budget of $98 million, employs 1,073 with a payroll of $72 million. In fiscal year 2003, the center had 199,378 outpatient visits and 23,984 enrolled veterans from the approximately 71,000 veterans in the service area of south central and southeastern Ohio. Congratulations and a big thank you from the community for serving our veterans with the best of care.

INCENTIVE PROGRAM WORKING: Nearly 50 participated in the Ross County Safety Council luncheon meeting on Thursday, a considerable increase from previous meetings. Karen Jensen explained how best to use the Bureau of Workers' Compensation library's many resources. Much of the new interest is thanks to the incentive program of the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation which will reward companies with a discount on premiums if they follow a few steps. Complete information on the program is available on our website or by clicking here: Ross County Safety Council. The deadline to sign up for the program is September 30.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stan Planton, Ohio University-Chillicothe's head librarian and considered by many to be the community's prime researcher, was featured this past week in a section front feature story and photo in the Columbus Dispatch. His extensive help to author Daniel Brown for several books, including The DaVinci Code", was the impetus for the article.

NEW MEMBER: Joining the chamber this week was the World Pet Store at 54 W. Water St. It is owned by Tom Buck. Phone: 779-2738; fax 779-0101; www.worldpetstore.com.

CLEANING OUT THE CLOSET: We have about 15 copies of the video done during the February 1993 overnight visit to Chillicothe by then President Bill Clinton available at a discount price of $5 each. Just stop by the chamber office to get your copy which already is a keepsake.

BAB ON THE BLACKTOP: Live music and door prizes in addition to the usual array of good food and beverage await those who attend the next Business After Business at Family Dental Center on Western Avenue. Joining as hosts are The Body Zone, Boulevard Salon, Curves and Matt Edler of Edward Jones. Make sure to sign up for the July 21 event that runs from 5-7 p.m. BAB registration

TELL THE CHAMBER WHAT TO DO: It's your chamber and your investment, so get the most out of it. On hand at the next Networking Luncheon to hear ideas from you and to talk about what other chambers are doing will be B.J. Wiberg, president of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio. Wiberg formerly was a chamber director in northern Ohio before joining the Ohio Chamber of Commerce in 1996 as director of the Ohio Small Business Council and Local Chamber Relations. The luncheon on Wednesday, July 28 starts at 11:30 at the Chillicothe Country Club. Networking registration

VENDORS LICENSES: Those receiving licenses recently from the Ross County Auditor were:

• Seeds of Sound, 4429 Maple Grove Road
• Betty's Crafts, 315 S. Maple St., Bainbridge
• J&J Enterprises, 840 Jefferson Ave.
• Jim's Computer Repair, 579 E. Water St.
• Chillicothe Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic, 207 Delano Ave.
• Lisa Ann Ellsworth, 7800 State Route 41 N, Bainbridge
• Barnyard Variety Store, 61 Piney Creek Road

YARD SALE SATURDAY: The crew of Inside the Valley, Horizon's local production, is holding its first Benefit Yard Sale Saturday at the studio on East Main Street from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Proceeds go to the Carver Community Center. Unsold items go to Goodwill Industries.