Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Weekly Update

www.chillicotheohio.com

Mission statement: The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce promotes economic and community development by addressing issues important to business

Volume 4, Issue 14
Friday, December 1, 2006

This week's sponsors:

Community Events Calendar

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Copyright 2006

Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Shawnee Square gets first major tenant

Following completion of the first phase of a remodeling project, the owners of Shawnee Square are announcing Ollie's Bargain Outlet will be its first major national tenant. Landmark Properties Group said Ollie's will initially occupy 34,000 square feet, or more than 20 percent of the center's leasable space. "Ollie's is a great fit in our ongoing plan to revitalize this center," said Landmark President Mark Daday. Ollie's has 48 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland and in three cities in Ohio. Merchandise from overruns, closeouts and irregulars include brand names such as Mirro, Anchor Hocking and Coleman. The grand opening is set for April. Click the logo above for its website. Landmark recently finished facade work, landscaping improvements and a new asphalt overlay on the parking lot.

HIGHWAY PLANS MOVING FORWARD: The Ohio 207 connector from Ohio 104 to U.S. 23 is scheduled to be open the week of Dec. 11, according to signals flashing at the construction site. Look for an announcement of a dedication ceremony shortly. Also, the Ohio Department of Transportation is holding a public meeting Tuesday from 5-7 to discuss the U.S. 23 bypass around South Bloomfield in Pickaway County. A recommended route will be unveiled at the meeting at VFW Post 7941 in South Bloomfield.

ATTRACTIONS TO SHOW OFF FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Both the Adena Mansion and Gardens and Ross County Historical Society are holding open houses and activities this weekend. At Adena, events run both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include live music from strolling carolers and carriage rides (for an additional charge) in addition to children's tours. Call 772-1500 for a complete schedule and more information. At the museum, the open house runs noon-5 and features the latest exhibits. Admission is free.

SPECIAL SANTAS NEEDED: The Chillicothe Jaycees still has openings for businesses wanting to participate in its Special Santa program that brings gifts and cheers to children and families that otherwise might not have much to celebrate. Businesses can ask for ornaments that have the names and information on the children that can be taken by employees or customers who would buy the gifts. Businesses also can adopt an entire family. For complete information, call Angie Lochbaum at 703-7065.

TRAGEDY HITS CHAMBER MEMBER: The untimely death of Eric Bayless stunned his family and co-workers at All-American Electric of Ohio last week. The father of four daughters and active in many civic duties, such as volunteer firefighting, died unexpectedly Nov. 22. Donations are now being taken to help defray funeral expenses, provide Christmas for his family and other expenses. Donations are being accepted at Chillicothe Electric Supply at 139 E. Water St.

NATIONAL CITY HAS NEW VP: Chris Scott is the new assistant vice president and small business banking officer for National City, based at the Western Avenue office. He can be reached at 702-2014.

COUNTRYWIDE HAS NEW CONSULTANT: Morgan Roderick has joined the staff of Countrywide Home Loans as a home loan consultant. He will be in the office at 39 S. Paint St. and can be reached at 703-5229.

YEAR-END SEMINAR SET: Edward Jones representative Matthew Edler is hosting a "Year-End Tax and Legal Planning Strategies" broadcast on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at his office at 20 Executive Center Drive at 2 p.m. The session, which costs $60, also provides five continuing education credit hours for attorneys, CPAs and tax professionals. To register, call 772-2197.

NEWEST MEMBER: Joining the chamber recently was Merry Maids cleaning service based in Washington Court House by Kari Miller, 740-335-6827.

SMOKING BAN STARTS DECEMBER 7: For those chamber affected by the new statewide smoking ban, here is information from the Ohio chamber: Ohio businesses will have to comply with the statewide smoking ban passed in the November election by Thursday, December 7. The statute does not just prohibit smoking. It also requires employers to remove all ashtrays and other containers for disposing of smoking materials and to post "no smoking" signs. The signs must contain a telephone number for reporting violations. Penalties for violating this statute range from a minimum of $100 dollars up to a maximum of $2,500 per violation. While the new law becomes effective on December 7, the Ohio Department of Health must promulgate more specific enforcement rules over the next few months. Visit the Ohio Chamber Web-site at www.ohiobusinessvotes.org for a detailed description of the current regulations and to print a "no smoking" sign to post in your business.

BUILDING PERMITS: Here's who's received commercial permits recently from the city and county building departments:

• Adena Regional Medical Center, 272 Hospital Road, two permits: one for a new MRI machine valued at $610,000 and one for a new generator building valued at $3.7 million.
• Kenworth Truck Company, 65 Kenworth Drive, new conveyor system, value $850,000.
• John Herlihy, 16 E. Fifth St., roof, $7,500.
• Downing Company, 190 N. Bridge St., roof, $11,776.
• Joseph and Joni Molnar, 39 N. Paint St., sign, $400.

CHAMBER CALENDAR:

• Thursday, December 7: Community Development and Advocacy Committee, 1 p.m., chamber.
• Saturday, December 9: Westside Media ribbon cutting, 440 Western Ave., 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, December 13: Leadership Chillicothe Ross health session, Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center, 7:45 a.m.
• Thursday, December 14: Ross County Safety Council luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Chillicothe Country Club; Safety Council registration
• Thursday, December 14: Executive Committee, chamber, 8 a.m.
• Tuesday, December 19: Leadership Chillicothe Ross Steering Committee, chamber, 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 20: Business After Business at Traditions of Chillicothe, 4-7 p.m. (note that it starts an hour earlier) BAB registration
• Thursday, December 21: Board of Directors, Kenworth Truck Company, noon.