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 16
Friday, December 15, 2006
This week's sponsors:
Community Events Calendar
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Copyright 2006
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
Industry CEOs to discuss
plans for 2007
The chief executives representing more than a combined 5,000 employees will discuss their industry's plans for the new year in the chamber's first annual Economic Forecast Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 10. In addition, reports will be given on efforts to bring in new jobs and the prospects in other sectors, such as retail.
In an effort to give chamber members and the community a first-hand glimpse of what's in store for local industry in the coming year, the chamber is hosting the luncheon that is open to the public. On the panel for the luncheon, and available for questions afterward, will be:
- Scott Blue, plant manager at the Kenworth Truck Company.
- Mark Shuter, president and CEO of Adena Health System.
- John Blind, head of local operations at Glatfelter.
- Christopher Manegold, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Southern Ohio.
- Marvin Jones, president and CEO of the chamber.
The plans for these industries could affect the plans you have for your business next year so this is a great opportunity to get in some research. The event starts with lunch at 11:30 at the Chillicothe Country Club. The cost is $15 for chamber members and $20 for non-members. You can register at anytime by going to our homepage or you can do it now: Economic Forecast Luncheon.
THREE HOURS TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAY BAB: Don't forget that Wednesday's Business After Business at Traditions of Chillicothe begins one hour earlier at 4 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. While all details haven't been finalized, this will be a great opportunity to tour the new facilities that include therapy rooms, space for patients with Alzheimer's and more independent living quarters. An additional 50-60 employees are expected to be hired. All of the usual food and refreshments also will be available. Register to attend now: BAB registration
NEW ERA IN TRANSPORTATION: Travel to the western portion of Ross County and Chillicothe became much easier with the opening this week of the Ohio 207 connector. Rather than being forced onto North Bridge Street and all its shoppers and workers, motorists on the north side can take the 2.7-mile connector from U.S. 23 to Ohio 104 and scoot down Ohio 104 to U.S. 35 or on into Chillicothe. At the ribbon cutting Tuesday, Ross County Engineer Don Carnes (with the scissors in the photo) was applauded by every speaker for his foresight and focus in getting the project from an idea to reality by working with all of the parties involved, especially the Ohio Department of Transportation. The project ended up costing about $35 million with the bridge over the Scioto River and the CSX Railroad underpass. Next up: Taking the connector over to Kinnikinnick to join Ohio routes 159 and 180. But that comes after the widening in 2-3 years of Ohio 104 from the city to the new connector.
COUNCIL URGED TO INCLUDE FUNDS FOR PLANNING: Months ago, the chamber's Community Development and Advocacy Committee approached Chillicothe's Planning Commission about hiring a firm to undertake an overhaul of the city's zoning code which hasn't been done for decades. The commission recommended a firm out of Granville to City Council, but no action has been taken. An email was sent this week to those preparing the city's 2007 budget urging them to include funds for the zoning update. "For too many years, council has decried the lack of planning when it is faced with making major decisions, such as the Western Avenue rezoning," the message read. "The council seems to have agreed that having a plan will help alleviate some of the controversy that inevitably erupts when issues such as this arise. Contracting with James Hartzler would be a big step toward addressing this issue."
NEW ADDRESS FOR OU-C WEBSITE: To get to the website of Ohio University-Chillicothe, you should bookmark this new address: www.chillicothe.ohiou.edu. The old address will remain accessible for awhile.
JOINING THE STAFF: Hocking Hills Hardwood recently added two outside sales representatives: Mark Shepherd and Laura Strausbaugh.
SEMINAR SET ON ASIA AND INDIA: The U.S. Department of Commerce is presenting a half-day program entitled "Asia Now: The Megamarkets of China and India" on Thursday, Jan. 25 in Athens. Topics will include market overviews, tips for success and upcoming trade shows and events. The cost is $25 and includes lunch. For more information or to register, contact Rachel Markowitz at 513-684-2944 or rachel.markowitz@mail.doc.gov.
CEREMONY MAKES IT OFFICIAL: Family and friends were on hand last Saturday as Stephen Patrick cut the ribbon on his new quarters at 440 Western Ave. The website and graphic design firm moved into the offices across from Delano Avenue a few weeks ago.
NEWEST MEMBER: Joining the chamber this week was Jonathon Davis, a new Edward Jones brokerage agent working out of the office of Shawn Bower at 109 W. Main St., 772-1272.
BUILDING PERMITS: Receiving commercial building permits from the Chillicothe Building Department recently:
- East Main Street Partnership, for 263 Delano Ave., alterations, value of $170,000.
- Jeff Benson, 16 S. Paint St., roofing, $3,000.
- Goodwill Industries, 462 E. Second St., sidewalk and curb replacement, $3,800.
- The Woodbridge Company, at 259 Woodbridge Ave., $250,000.
- Taco Bell, 1247 Western Ave., signs, $5,000.
VENDORS LICENSES: Receiving licenses recently from the Ross County Auditor:
- Tom Burke, 19 1/2 E. Main St.
- Taco Bell, 1247 Western Ave., by Triple Play Restaurants.
- Sasha Putnam, 2058 Biers Run Road.
CHAMBER CALENDAR:
- 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.
- Monday and Tuesday, December 25-26: Office closed for the Christmas holiday.
- Monday, January 1: Office closed for New Year's holiday.
- Wednesday, January 10: Economic Forecast Luncheon for 2007, featuring the CEOs from the Kenworth Truck Company, Adena Health System and Glatfelter; Chillicothe Country Club, 11:30 a.m., Economic Forecast Luncheon