 | 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.
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This Week's Sponsors
Chamber Calendar Tuesday, Nov. 16-Board of Directors, noon, chamber Wednesday, Nov. 17-Chamber Business Expo and Business After Business, 5 p.m., Horizon Technology Center. Expo exhibitor signup form BAB registration
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. | Volume 3, Issue 11 Friday, November 12, 2004 A LONG TIME IN THE MAKING: On Monday, the westbound portion of the new U.S. 35 four-lane highway will open and next Friday (Nov. 19) the eastbound lanes will carry traffic, marking the end of a more than 20-year quest to have the major artery four lanes from the Ohio River to Dayton. There's still some work to be done at both ends of the new 9.4-mile, $45 million segment, but truckers and everyone else who now travel the dangerous two-lane portion can rejoice. In addition, a contract is expected to be awarded in about a month for construction of the Ohio 207 connector from Ohio 104 to U.S. 23. Construction on the $28.5 million, 2.67-mile project is slated to start in the spring and be done by this time in two years. (Photo from ODOT) STRATEGIC PLAN A ROAD MAP: Industries to recruit, a structure to make it happen and other action steps all are included in the marketing study unveiled this week to the Community Improvement Corporations for Ross and Pickaway counties which commissioned it. Silverlode Consulting of Cleveland identified 16 industry types that could be targeted to expand or relocate based on the strengths and attributes of our area. The boards of both CICs next will be sitting down to discuss the study's recommendations. OPEN FOR BUSINESS: If you get a chance while downtown, make sure to stop in and check out the chamber's new quarters at 45 E. Main St. We made the move last week and we've re-arranged things enough now to welcome visitors and members. If you're in need of a conference room, ours will comfortably seat 10 and could squeeze in a few more. Just call ahead to schedule it. We've got some interior remodeling and some facade work planned the next couple of months and after that, we'll hold an open house to showcase your chamber's new digs. RESTAURANT SCENE CONTINUES TO CHANGE: Dane Straub opened his new Old Canal Smokehouse Wednesday in the former DeGarmo's spot at Mulberry and Water streets while Sean Immell is hoping to get his new Blue Gill's casual seafood place on North Bridge Street open next week. In the meantime, veteran Columbus restaurateur Mike Laird has gutted the former Diamond Head at 35 N. Paint St. to construct his Portabellas Italian ristorante which he is hoping to open by mid December. The new Dakota's Roadhouse in Jackson is reporting brisk business in its first couple of weeks. EXPO/BAB NEXT WEEK: More than 30 exhibitors are lined up, including Protactics which is giving away a $650 computer as a door prize, for the combined Business Expo sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Business After Business Wednesday. The exhibitors will be in the main room and other areas of the Horizon Technology Center from 5-7 p.m. Admission is $5 with beer at $2 and soft drinks at $1 while Cici's Pizza will ensure fresh slices free of charge the entire evening. There's still time to register for space at $200 a spot: Expo exhibitor signup. And now's the time to register to attend: BAB registration MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ENDING: Friday was the last day for the chamber to receive payment from new members to be eligible for all the benefits of this year's Membership Drive. Twenty-one had signed up by Wednesday with another 10 or so on the prospect list. New members who have joined recently and are part of the drive are:
DOWNTOWN KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON: The annual open house for downtown merchants is Friday through Sunday next week so look for specials and activities, such as carriage rides. MAP SALES COMMENCE: Dawn Plavak from the Performance Publishing Group is calling on chamber members first to reserve space in the next city and county map that's given to 10,000 local motel guests, visitors to the chamber and included in the packets to people and businesses looking to come to this area. It's a great way to introduce yourself to newcomers. If you'd like to reserve your prime position on the map, give Dawn a call at 779-2333. MEETING CANCELED: The Nov. 15 meeting of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission concerning USEC's American Centrifuge project has been canceled. We'll let you know when it's rescheduled. GALA IS SATURDAY: The Junior Civic League's annual Gala fundraiser is Saturday at the Horizon Technology Center with the silent auction starting at 6:30 and the live auction at 8. Tickets at $35 per person will be available at the door. VENDORS LICENSES: Here are new licenses issued recently by the Ross County Auditor:
SHRM MEETING THURSDAY: Officers for 2005 will be elected at the next meeting of the South Central Ohio Human Resource Council on Thursday at 8 a.m. at Ohio University-Chillicothe. HR people interested in joining the group may contact Traci Haubeil at Infosight at th@infosight.com. MEMBER NEWS AND NOTES: Some items submitted by chamber members:
SCISSORS HAVE BEEN ACTIVE: In the last couple of weeks, three businesses have cut the ribbons on new branches or major renovations:
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