Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Weekly Update      November 14, 2003

 

PRIZES GALORE AT EXPO: A chance at two tickets to the Broadway play “The Graduate” at the Palace Theatre, a romantic night at the Hampton’s fireplace suite, a cordless phone and about 20 other prizes will be given away Wednesday at the combined Business After Business and Expo. The event (open to the public) runs from 5-8 p.m. at the Horizon Technology Center off Ohio 104 north. Admission is $5 per person or an unwrapped toy in its original packaging, both of which go to the Special Santa program of the Jaycees. We’ll have free pizza available. Beverages will be $1 each (with chamber members getting tickets for 2 free drinks). As always, we ask that you register by calling the chamber or online at BAB registration.

 

KENWORTH MARKS ANNIVERSARY: Thirty years ago this month, the Kenworth Truck Co. hired its first five employees for the plant that would begin manufacturing a few months later. Next year, 150 employees will mark their 30th anniversary with the company, according to Plant Manager Alan Mayne. Good news continues for the Ohio 159 manufacturer as it will build an electrical substation and move its pretreatment sewer plant to the north side of the property to enable future expansion. Mayne also reported that 200 employees laid off a few years back during the downturn have been called back to work for the second shift. More callbacks are expected next year.

 

RETAILERS GET RELIEF: State lawmakers voted Thursday before heading home to give merchants a year to comply with the new law requiring them to charge consumers the sales tax rate on where goods were delivered not purchased. Since the rates are different in counties with the piggyback tax such as Ross, the retailers saw nothing but a quagmire. Now, at least, merchants have a year to figure out how to implement the law intended to generate revenues from purchases on the Internet. Concerns about the new law were raised at Wednesday’s Networking Luncheon at which CPA Jerry Whited, at left, was the guest speaker. More than 50 people attended the luncheon to learn about new tax laws. Next month, Dona Smith of the CIC and Matt Allen of the city’s Development Department will talk about the latest in local economic development efforts. It will be Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Chillicothe Country Club and we’re now taking reservations at $10 per person. Networking luncheon registration

 

LEGISLATORS FOR BREAKFAST: This chamber is partnering with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce to host a breakfast featuring state Rep. John Schlichter and state Sen. John Carey on Monday, Dec. 15 at 8 a.m. It will be a chance for members and their guests to hear from the lawmakers and to ask questions. More details will be coming from the Ohio chamber next week.

 

HR GROUP ELECTS OFFICERS: Linda Shimp of the YSK Corporation is the first president of the new local chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management., She was elected along with Sonya Brown of Personnel Solutions as president-elect, Cheryl Barlage of Kenworth as vice president for membership, Tim Robison of TPR Personnel as treasurer, Traci Haubeil of Infosight as secretary and, as board members, Tammy Eallonardo of The Reserves Network, John Haberthy of Mills Pride and David Polk of Horizon Chillicothe Telephone. This completes the merger of the former Human Resource Council and the Ohio Employer Council and gives area HR managers an even more professional organization.

 

DOWNTOWN PERSPECTIVE: Chillicothe Gazette columnist John Fraim appears to be one who sees glasses as half empty rather than half full. His view this week on the vitality of downtown Chillicothe certainly differs from many others, especially the many who have invested thousands (equaling millions) in recent years in downtown structures and businesses. Certainly the First Capital District is looking to become even more vibrant, but the columnist might want to visit a few other downtowns in Ohio of similar size to Chillicothe before asking for the coroner.

 

NEWEST MEMBERS: The chamber reached 555 members this week (up from 484 in October 2002) with the addition of these businesses:

 

LAST CALL TO ADVERTISE: The deadline for advertising for the 2004 directory of the chamber is fast approaching. If you’re a new business wanting to get the word out, this is a great opportunity. To learn more, call Connie Smart at Panther Publishing at 772-2165.

 

RESTAURANTS UPDATE: Here’s the latest on the local eatery scene:

 

MORE ON NORTH BRIDGE: The building under construction between Tumbleweed’s and the Sprint store will house El-Bee Shoes, now in temporary quarters in Shawnee Square, and will have room for new tenants.

 

DATELINE ON HIATUS: The printed newsletter of the chamber, Dateline, will not be published until further notice. The formerly monthly publication was moved to quarterly and now is being suspended in light of this weekly e-mail newsletter that also is faxed to those members who do not have e-mail. Between the two means of transmission, more than 650 receive chamber news and information in a more timely manner.

 

UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS: Here’s what some of the chamber’s members have planned:

 

FIRST CAPITAL DUSTERS: First Capital Enterprises is offering a unique gift for the holidays or any occasion with its Duster Dolls, shown at right. The dolls are made by employees of the workshop and can be used to clean homes or offices or hung as a decoration. The price is $5.99 each with a discount for orders of 12 or more. To learn more or to order, call Don Renner at 773-2166.

 

NEWEST VENDORS: Here’s who applied for a vendors license recently with the Ross County auditor:

 

NEW MANAGER: Cris Clark, a long-time salesperson for the Ross County Advertiser, this week was named sales manager to head the local office. Phil Roberts left to pursue other interests.

 

BELL GOING ON DISPLAY: The First Capital Rotary Club will dedicate its Bicentennial Bell Tower at the head of Yoctangee Park next Friday at 11:30 a.m. The tower will house the county’s Bicentennial Bell forged on Statehood Day this year. It will sound hourly.

 

WORKSHOP MOVED TO JANUARY: The customer service workshop of the Workforce Academy, originally scheduled for next week, has been moved to Jan. 14. More details will be available in coming weeks.

 

CHAMBER CALENDAR:

 

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