Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
Weekly Update
Mission statement: The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce promotes economic and community development by addressing issues important to business
Volume 4, Issue 5
Friday, September 22, 2006
This week's sponsors:
Community Events Calendar
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Copyright 2006
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
Great parks and recreation program
a key ingredient of great communities
Chillicothe is blessed with a good park system and recreation programs, witnessed by the recent improvements to the head of Yoctangee Park, improvements in Poland Park and the continued growth of the soccer and softball programs. To maintain what we have now and to allow for the inevitable growth that's coming, the chamber Board of Directors unanimously endorses passage of the Parks and Recreation levy on the ballot Nov. 7.
The board's action Thursday came on the recommendation of the Community Development and Advocacy Committee which interviewed Mayor Joe Sulzer, Parks and Recreation Director Brad Cosenza and levy campaign chairman Bill Stansberry. The committee cited three main reasons for its endorsement:
- The quality of life in Chillicothe and the region is enhanced greatly with superior parks and a recreation program.
- The 0.1 percent income tax that's expected to raise about $650,000 a year is necessary to maintain present parks and programs and allow for a growth in facilities and programs.
- The department has proven accountability with past funds.
Since 1992, the amount of parkland in the city has grown 252 percent, but the staff has been cut 37 percent. If approved, the levy could help fund projects such as major repairs to the city swimming pool, renovations to the tennis courts, a new skate park, more youth baseball fields and improvements in the neighborhood parks. The chamber board urges its members to vote for the levy and to encourage their employees to support the issue.
CANDIDATES GET MESSAGES ACROSS QUICKLY: About 50 attended the chamber's Candidates Reception this week, including those on the ballot for regional and local offices. They were given three minutes to talk about the issues in their campaigns. Ross County Commissioner candidates Doug Corcoran and Jody Fry, shown here, talked about their prior experience and how they would approach the office if elected. The candidates also were given the results of the recent chamber survey in which more than two-thirds of members said health care costs was the issue they would most like to see addressed. For a gallery of photos from the events, click here: Candidates Reception photos.
YMCA PROMOTES STEPPING OUT: America on the Move Week is being celebrated by the YMCA of Ross County by handing out free pedometers, courtesy of Adena Health System and Foundation, to track their steps from Saturday through next Friday. In addition, the Y is holding a 5K Fun Run Saturday at 8. The fee is $15 and includes a T-shirt. To participate, register in the Yoctangee Park Annex. For more information, 772-4340.
CANDIDATES FOR BOARD SOUGHT: Names are now being taken for candidates to serve on the chamber's Board of Directors starting in January. Members in good standing or their employees are eligible. The Nominating Committee will review the candidates and nominate a slate for the full board's approval in November. If you would like to nominate someone, click here: Nomination form.
SAM'S CLUB BAKERY PROVIDES THE FOOD: As a co-sponsor for Wednesday's Business After Business, Sam's Club made sure there was plenty of good food for the more than 110 who attended the event at the Best Western Adena Inn in its conference room. Next month's BAB host is Samuel Stephen College. Click here for photos from Wednesday's event: BAB photos.
BEST EMPLOYERS SOUGHT: The Ohio Chamber of Commerce is looking for a few good companies to honor with a Best Employer in Ohio award. The state chamber, in partnership with the Society of Human Resource Managers of Ohio, The Best Companies Group and the Manufacturing Education Council, wants to recognize the outstanding companies with 25 or more employees. Entrants do not have to be a member of the Ohio chamber. For more information: www.ohiochamber.com.
WORKSHOP SET FOR NEW AND WOULD-BE BUSINESSES: The Small Business Development Center of the OSU South Centers is holding a two-hour workshop at the chamber on Thursday, Oct. 12 to go over topics that include money, marketing and management. It runs 9-11 a.m. and costs $20. Register with Joy Bauman at 740-289-3727 Ext. 111 or email her at jbauman@ag.osu.edu.
DON'T FORGET UNITED WAY KICKOFF: Check out the sidewalk artists Sunday when United Way of Ross County kicks off its annual campaign in Yoctangee Park. Those wanting to paint their own section need to register near the Bicentennial Bell Tower at the head of the park around 11 a.m. Judging is set for 5 p.m. with three prizes to be awarded.
NEWEST MEMBERS: Here's who's joined the chamber recently:
- Security Insurance, 2151 Western Ave., by Rick Lansing, 775-1143.
- Urgent Care Transport, 1600 N. Bridge St., by Wayne Roberts, 773-9911, ribbon cutting, open house and refreshments set for Wednesday, Oct. 4 at noon.
ROTARY, GAZETTE SEEK ETHICAL BUSINESSES: Nominations for the Rotary/Chillicothe Gazette Business Ethics Award are now being taken. Companies in business for at least three years are eligible. The winner will be judged against criteria closely following Rotary's Four-Way Test. Nominating forms are available at the chamber, Gazette or by emailing Connie Gaul at the Gazette at cgaul@nncogannett.com. The deadline to enter is Oct. 9.
JNOD APPAREL HOSTING FREE SKATE: Now that's it's officially moved to its new location at 59 E. Main St., JNOD Apparel also is helping to raise funds for a new skateboard park in the city. It is hosting a "Free Skate" every month in the parking lot next to the city swimming pool in the park. The first one is this Saturday from noon to 4. Check it out: www.jnod.com or www.myspace.com/jnodats.
Chamber calendar:
- Thursday, September 28: Annual Chamber Golf Outing, Crown Hill Golf Course near Williamsport, Golf outing reservations
- Friday, September 29: ArtTech ribbon cutting, off Delano Road, noon, food and beverages provided.
- Tuesday, October 3: Nominating Committee, 4:30 p.m., chamber.
- Wednesday, October 4: Urgent Care Transport ribbon cutting, 1600 N. Bridge St., noon, food and beverages provided.
- Friday, October 6: Ribbon cutting for the Dave Ater MD Dyslexia and ADHD Clinic of K&C Educational Associates, 903 Hopetown Road, 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, October 10: Membership and Events Committee, 11:30 a.m., chamber.
- Tuesday, October 10: Community Development and Advocacy Committee, 3:30 p.m., chamber.
- Thursday, October 12: Ross County Safety Council CEO Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Chillicothe Country Club (required for eligiblity in premium discount program); Safety luncheon reservations
- Wednesday, October 18: Business After Business at Samuel Stephen College, Western Avenue, 5-7 p.m., BAB registration
- 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