CHILLICOTHE ROSS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WEEKLY UPDATE   SEPTEMBER 20, 2002

EXPO IS GROWING: We’re expecting more than 50 businesses from Ross and surrounding counties to participate in the chamber’s first annual Regional Business Expo. That should mean a good turnout on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Shoemaker Center at Ohio University-Chillicothe. Look for ads for the event in the Gazette and Advertiser as well as on radio and in papers in neighboring counties. The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the charge will be $3 per vehicle.

BAB IS WEDNESDAY: The next Business After Business will be this coming Wednesday at Southeastern Business College on Western Avenue. It is being co-sponsored by the Chillicothe Animal Clinic. The time is 5-7 p.m. Encourage your employees to attend to take advantage of this great networking opportunity.

GOLF OUTING: Space is still available for the chamber’s annual outing which will be Thursday, Oct. 3 at Valley Vista Golf Course near Bainbridge. Call Carrie to enter your team. Or if your business has a promotional item to pass along to the golfers, let us know so we can get it included. Registration is at 10 and the shotgun start is at 11. For more information about the course, go to www.valleyvistagolf.com.

A GREAT SUCCESS: About 70 people attended the chamber and Farm Bureau sponsored “Candidates Night” Tuesday. The candidates for state senator and representative and county commissioner answered questions directly related to business and agriculture for about two hours at the Ross County Service Center. The Governmental Affairs Committee did a super job bringing it all together.

DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING: For the chamber’s annual Buyers Directory for 2003. This publication will be going into the hands of thousands during the state’s Bicentennial Year, including visitors to the area as well as people thinking about relocating here. For information on space and pricing, call Connie Smart at 772-2165.

A GREAT DAY FOR THE COUNTY: The official groundbreaking for the widening of the last stretch of U.S. 35 in Ross County this past week was a momentous day. In 1984, the 35 Corridor Committee was formed for the express purpose of seeing that this major highway became four-lane all the way from the Ohio River in Gallipolis to the Indiana line. The cooperation of officials in every county touched by the project was key to this success and has become a model of cooperation others in the nation are emulating. Hats off to our local officials who had to persevere while other counties went before us. Completion for this $45 million, nine-mile section is slated for November 2004.

A CHANCE TO HELP KIDS: Chillicothe City Schools are looking for tutors to help kids learn to read. All that’s required is one hour  of your time a week. Training sessions to help you help the kids will be held Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the district’s offices at 235 Cherry St. You may call 775-4250, Ext. 105 for more details.

NEW ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR: Keith Sullivan has been named the new associate director of the local VA Medical Center. He has been with the VA for 22 years in various capacities, including the past 20 months as acting associate director. He is a native of Frankfort. He and his wife Vickie have two children.

CHANGES AT PIONEER CENTER: Three staff changes have been announced at the Ross County MR/DD’s Pioneer Center. Cinda Knisley, formerly executive assistant to the superintendent, is the new human resources director; Karen Skaggs is the new executive assistant; and Josh Zickafoose is a support services administrator.

Do you have an item you’d like to include in the weekly update? E-mail me at mjones@chillicotheohio.com.