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.

 Volume 4, Issue 4

Friday, September 15, 2006

This Week's Sponsors

You are receiving this newsletter as a benefit of your membership in the chamber. If you wish not to receive it, please reply to mjones@chillicotheohio.com and write "Unsubscribe" in the subject.

For previous editions, click here

Copyright 2006

Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Chamber members upbeat about local economy
Nearly three of every four chamber members believe the local economy is headed in the right direction, according to the latest survey. On the other hand, there is an almost even split as to the direction of the national economy.

One representative from each member was asked to complete the online survey last week. The responses totaled 117 of which 57 percent were service-type business, 14 percent were retail, 6 percent manufacturing and 22 percent other. Members were asked their opinion on the trend in their business, their thoughts on local, state and national issues and how they would vote on the five statewide issues expected to be on the ballot and the city’s parks and recreation levy.

By far, members continue to cite health insurance costs as the biggest issue they face on the state and national levels. From a statewide standpoint, 77 percent said it was a big issue while that percentage rose to 82 as a national issue. The tax structure (62 percent on the state level, 55 percent on the national level) also was deemed a big issue by members.

Complete results of the survey are available here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/Report.asp?U=251564771819



SAM’S CLUB NOW OPEN: After handing out $28,500 to several local and area non-profit agencies and schools on Tuesday, Sam’s Club opened its doors to the public following the ribbon cutting Thursday morning. Marilyn Vaughn told the crowd that the North Bridge Street land had been part of her family for 90 years and gave short history on developments in that area. Jen Noska, the store’s general manager, welcomed everyone, including the nearly 200 associates now working at the store. To the left is an advertisement that will get you a one-day pass as a guest.

RESERVATIONS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR EXPO: If you’d like more than 200 people to learn first-hand about your business or organization in a casual setting, then the chamber’s annual Expo on Nov. 15 at the Elks is a real opportunity. Reservations are now being taken for the event that also doubles as the November Business After Business. Tables in high visibility areas are $225 and all others are $200. If you’d like the stage area (where visitors won’t be allowed) for sheer exposure, give us a call and make an offer. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the sponsor. Follow this link for more information and the reservation form: Expo reservations

TARGETED EVENTS REPLACING MONTHLY LUNCHEONS: Due to sporadic attendance and interest, Membership Luncheons are being canceled. In their place will be five specific luncheons: A local economic forecast in January with representatives from the county’s largest employers, the State of the City Address by the mayor in February or March, federal and state lawmakers in April, the Great Seal Awards in July and a Candidates Luncheon in October.

ICONIC SIGN FINDS A HOME: The Big Bear that stood atop the Central Center sign on Western Avenue for 51 years finally found a home. Karen Counts of Scioto Architectural Salvage reports it is now in Cincinnati at the American Sign Museum. www.signmuseum.com

SAFETY COUNCIL OFF TO AN OPEN-AIR START: More than 140 members and representatives made it to the kickoff Thursday of the new program year for the chamber-managed Ross County Safety Council with a picnic lunch by Old Canal Smokehouse in the Lions Shelter in Yoctangee Park. Chillicothe Fire and Security provided certified training on fire extinguishers and Glatfelter brought some emergency response equipment. More than 10 new members have been added since July. Next month is the annual CEO event and presentation of the rebate checks from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. There’s still time to become eligible for the 4 percent premium discount if you’re not a safety council member. Call the chamber office or email rdaughters@chillicotheohio.com by no later than Sept. 29 for the details. Check out photos from the picnic: Safety Council picnic

CANDIDATES RECEPTION TUESDAY: The chamber is hosting the event at the Ross County Service Center on Western Avenue, with candidates from county commissioner to governor invited to attend. More results of the chamber survey will be given and candidates will have a few minutes to talk about their campaigns. In between, chamber members will get a chance to mingle and talk one-on-one with the people on the ballot in November. The event runs 7-8:30 p.m. and no pre-registration is required.

YPN HEARS FROM COUNCILMAN: Eric Rinehart, City Council’s 3rd Ward representative, talked to those attending the chamber’s Young Professionals Network gathering Thursday evening at the Chillicothe Country Club. He discussed issues before the council and the city government process in general. The new network, for those ages 21-45, plans another session in November.

IMPORTANT VISITORS IN TOWN THIS WEEK: The Board of Directors of Glatfelter met in Chillicothe this week after touring one of its most important acquisitions in decades earlier this year. Chairman and CEO George Glatfelter III met with local employees and held a business meeting.

WEBSITE HAS NEW LOOK AND FEEL: If you’ve been to www.chillicotheohio.com in the past week, you probably noticed it looked a little different. The chamber is now using new software to add and edit pages which we also hope will make the pages load quicker. We think we’ve gotten all the links updated, but if you find one, make sure to let us know. Big thanks go to Rocky Bumgardner at Opulent Source, Eli Ruggles at Horizon Chillicothe Telephone and Rob Robson of Security Engineering for all their help in the transition.

DOWN, BUT DEFINITELY NOT OUT: Close followers of Ross County’s Ben Hartsock know he’s been hobbled the past month or so with a hamstring injury that kept him out of much of the Indianapolis Colts’ training camp and preseason games. At one point, there was a fear he might be cut from the squad. “Ben Hartsock is a little under the weather with a hamstring and has been for some time. He’s had a run of tough luck …,” said Colts President Bill Polian. He's listed as questionable for this week's game.

PARTY TIME: Southend Day will feature music, dancing, games, food and other activities at Southern Playground, Seventh and Walnut streets on Saturday from 11 until 4. It’s sponsored by the Chillicothe Metropolitan Housing Authority and Resurrection City.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT COMING UP: If you want to get rid of old computers, laptops, VCRs, scanners, printers and other devices in an environmentally safe way, a collection is being taken Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9-2 at the Fine Arts Building on the Ross County Fairgrounds. There is a slight charge for the items. The event is being held by Ross County Litter Control and Recycling, 772-5326.

SOME FIGURES FOR YOUR BUDGET: In addition to including your dues for the chamber, here are some other benchmarks you might need to prepare your 2007 budget, from the folks at The Kiplinger Letter: Pay raises are expected to be in the 3.7% range, the cap for Social Security wages will be $98,100, IRS will increase the standard mileage allowance to at least 48.5 cents from the current 44.5 cents, health insurance premiums will rise an average of 8 percent, and first-class stamps will go to 42 cents by midyear.

LEADERSHIP CLASS GETS STARTED: The 21 members of the Leadership Chillicothe Ross class toured InfoSight, learned more about their personalities and got to know one another in the two-day orientation session this week. The class is the largest in recent memory and will meet one day a month through May. It also will choose a community project and is looking for ideas now. Here are some photos from the orientation: Leadership gallery

BUILDING PERMITS: Here’s who’s received commercial permits recently from the Chillicothe and Ross County Building Departments:

• Joseph Molnar, 32.5 W. Main St., alterations, value $12,500.
• Steve Butt, 210 Delano Ave., sign alteration, $3,500.
• McDonald’s 1124 E. Main St., add a second drive-through, $45,000.
• Donut Shop, 6 Marietta Road, demolition.
• Johnny’s Restaurant, 1247 Western Ave., demolition.
• Office City, 25 E. Second St., electrical, $100.
• Frankfort United Methodist Church, 30 Church St., elevator, $70,000.
• Sherwood Forest Products, 15447 U.S. 23, Waverly, new sawmill addition, $91,996
• Verizon Wireless, 301 Market St., Piketon, antenna work, $50,000.
  
  VENDORS LICENSES: Here’s who received licenses recently from the Ross County Auditor:
• Northern Blaze, 580 Lancaster Road, by Dennis and Sherry Holsinger.
• Ohio Valley Lawn Care, 2038 Owl Creek Road, by Angela Lowery.
• Mary’s Salon, 355 Poplar Ridge Road, by Mary Speakman.
• DC Auto Detailing, 1534 Airport Road, by Danny Curtis.

Chamber calendar:

• Saturday, September 16: J.N.O.D. Apparel ribbon cutting, 59 E. Main St., noon.
• Tuesday, September 19: A Reception with the Candidates, 7-8:30 p.m., Ross County Service Center.
• Wednesday, September 20: Business After Business at Best Western Adena Inn, co-sponsored by Sam's Club, 5-7 p.m., BAB registration
• Thursday, September 21: Board of Directors, sponsored and held at Ohio University-Chillicothe, Bennett Hall, noon.
• Thursday, September 28: Annual Chamber Golf Outing, Crown Hill Golf Course near Williamsport, Golf outing reservations
• Wednesday, November 15: Chamber Annual Expo sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Elks Hall on West Second Street, this also serves as the Business After Business; Expo exhibitor reservations

Did you know your chamber membership entitles you to:

Receive referrals when people call the chamber asking about products and services? Only chamber members are referred to callers and those who stop by the office. Just one successful referral could wind up paying for your annual dues investment.