Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Weekly Update      November 21, 2003

 

BAB/EXPO WAS ENERGIZING: About 200 made their way through the 23 booths in the Horizon Technology Center Wednesday evening for the chamber’s combined Business After Business and Expo. While we ran a little low on pizza a couple times, the energy in the room flowed all around the building. That wasn’t the fault of the folks at Domino’s and Donato’s who gave the chamber a break on the price. And there were some mighty happy people when the exhibitors’ door prizes were drawn. Maybe best of all, $790 in cash and many toys will be donated from members’ efforts for the Jaycees’ Special Santa program. It was a great effort by the Networking Committee. Many of our newest members also got a chance to see how they can take advantage of the organization by attending functions such as this.

 

TIME TO “TALK BUSINESS”: State Sen. John Carey and Rep. John Schlichter will give chamber members an update and take questions at the “Talk Business” function co-sponsored by this chamber and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The event will be at 8 a.m. Monday, December 15 at the Christopher Conference. There is no charge, but please do reserve your place by going online here: Talk Business registration and following the link near the top of the page.

 

DOWNTOWN THE PLACE TO BE: Starting with today’s dedication of the Bicentennial Bell Tower, the annual holiday Open House for Downtown will run through Sunday afternoon. Carriage rides are available tonight and shops will be open for those wanting to get a jump on the unique gifts offered in the unique stores in the First Capital District. Tickets for the rides are available at Grinder’s on North Paint Street.

 

ONE-TIME BREAK: It seems the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation is able to give employers a one-time discount of 20 percent on the premiums now coming due. Thanks to better-than-expected investment returns, the bureau is able to give the much-needed break after several years of steep discounts. Let’s hope the investment gurus continue with their trend.

 

OU-C OFFERING NEW PROGRAM: A master’s degree with an emphasis in engineering management will be possible with a new program set to begin the spring quarter at Ohio University-Chillicothe. The program is designed for those holding undergraduate degrees in engineering, physics or equivalent technical degrees. An informational meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 and will feature representatives from the Russ College of Engineering. Call 774-7226 for more information.

 

SUBWAY OFFERS SPECIAL DEAL: To help retailers ease the anxieties of employees the day after Thanksgiving, Subway will deliver lunch so your associates won’t have to leave the premises. Call any of the three locations for details.

 

RICART STAYING PUT: Fred Ricart sold his Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership in Delaware to Scott Donley because it was competing against his Mega-Mall in Groveport, but he said he has no intentions to sell the Chillicothe dealership since it attracts buyers from southern Ohio and northern Kentucky.

 

NO MORE SOGGY FIELD: Drainage tiles were laid this week at VA Memorial Stadium to help relieve wet situations at the home of the Chillicothe Paints. So maybe no more slipping and sliding (except when they want). Foill Inc. and Sargents Sales and Rentals get the credit for the work.

 

NEWEST MEMBERS: Joining the chamber this past week were:

 

THE MOVE IS OFFICIAL: Starting Tuesday, Office City Express will be in its new quarters at 25 E. Second St., two doors closer to Paint Street. The phone number will remain the same, but just in case there might be a problem Tuesday, you can call 800-532-3319 with your orders.

 

SPECIAL BAB PLANNED: For those who really like to plan ahead, mark Tuesday, May 11 on your calendars. That’s when we’ll combine with the chambers in Fayette and Pickaway counties for a special Business After Business at Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center, one of our new members. This will be in addition to the regular BAB that month at the Hampton Inn and Suites. We’re also trying to pull together a little golf outing which has lots of potential.

 

WANT TO DO BUSINESS IN JAPAN AND TAIWAN?: Gov Bob Taft is looking for Ohio companies to participate in his next trade mission to Japan and Taiwan Sept. 24-Oct. 2 next year. The mission will focus on promoting investment in Ohio by firms in those two countries as well as open trade opportunities for Ohio companies. If interested, contact Randy Hochstetter at 800-848-1300 in the Ohio Department of Development.

 

VENDORS LICENSES: The Ross County auditor’s office recently issued vendors licenses to the following:

RIBBONS GET CUT: Two chamber members celebrated their recent openings this week by cutting the ceremonial ribbons. Children’s Clothier on North Paint Street has returned under the ownership of Gary and Loretta Boydston with help from former owner and now consultant Janet Smith. Rothschild coats remain a specialty. Off North Bridge Street in Shawnee Square, Century 21 Darfus Realty made it official Thursday with James Darfus (wielding the scissors) doing the honors. It is the third office for his firm, joining ones in Lancaster and Logan.

 

NEW HELP TO RESOLVE STATE AGENCY PROBLEMS: The Small Business Ombudsman Program has been created to guide and advocate for small businesses in their dealings with state agencies. Gov. Taft created the program in October. Inquiries can remain confidential. For more information, call 800-248-4040 or find featured links at www.odod.state.oh.us.

 

CHAMBER CALENDAR:

 

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