Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Weekly Update   December 20, 2002

 

MAJOR INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY: In business since 1945, Herrnstein Chrysler announced this week it is adding the Mitsubishi line to its stable of vehicles. The addition will mean an investment of $2 million in real estate improvements and inventories as well as 10 more jobs. Bill and Bart Herrnstein, in a press conference held at the chamber, said this also will generate about $300,000 in state and local taxes. Within 90 days, they will break ground on a 3,000 square foot showroom, customer service entrance and waiting area at their place off Marietta Road. From December 1988 to when Mitsubishi is fully added, the dealership will have grown from 15 full-time employees to more than 50 full- and part-time employees. Congrats to the Herrnsteins!

 

ANNUAL DINNER REGISTRATIONS NOW BEING TAKEN: You can either click the link at the end of this paragraph or go online to complete the registration form to attend the chamber’s annual dinner meeting. The event will be held Thursday, Jan. 23 in the St. Mary’s Family Life Center with a social hour starting at 6 and dinner at 7. Ben Hartsock, the Unioto graduate who is now the starting tight end for the Ohio State Buckeyes playing in the national championship game, will be the featured speaker. Awards will be handed out for Entrepreneur of the Year (see item below), the chamber’s top volunteer in 2002 and to businesses which made substantial renovations. And best of all, the price of $35 per person is $10 less than last year. But registrations and payment must be made by Jan. 14. Another good way to promote your company is through a table sponsorship at the dinner. The cost is $125. If interested, give Cami a call at 702-2722. Annual dinner meeting registration form

 

TOP ENTREPRENEURS SOUGHT: Each year since 1986, the chamber honors an Entrepreneur of the Year at its annual meeting. This year, all members have a chance to nominate someone or themselves. The selection of the winner will be done by a committee using criteria such as the risks taken by the individual, capital investment, number of employees, inventiveness and creativity. To nominate someone, click on the link at the end of this paragraph or go online to our website at www.chillicotheohio.com and complete the form. A form also will be included in January’s Dateline monthly newsletter. Nominations must be received by no later than Jan. 8 to be considered. Last year’s winners were Jerry Whited and Don Seigneur of the accounting firm of Whited Seigneur Sams and Rahe. Entrepreneur of Year nomination form

 

RELIEVE THAT HOLIDAY – AND OTHER – STRESS: A three-hour Guide to Stress Management will be the first program of the new year for the Ross County Workforce Academy. Ted Janusz, who holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, will conduct the seminar on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the Ross County Service Center on Western Avenue. The seminar runs noon to 4 p.m. and lunch is provided with the $5 registration fee. To register, call the chamber at 702-2722. The program is sponsored by the chamber and the Ross County WIN office.

 

OFFICES TO BE CLOSED TWO DAYS NEXT WEEK: The chamber offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday next week for the holiday as well as from noon Tuesday, Dec. 31 until 8:30 a.m. Jan. 2.

 

EXPOSE YOURSELF: Or at least your business by hosting a chamber board of directors meeting. Keith Alcorn of Goodwill Industries got a chance to show off his facility and employees this week when Goodwill hosted, through a sponsorship of Bill Digges (who’s on both boards) of Fifth Third Bank, the December board meeting. The only cost is for the lunches for 13-20 chamber board members and staff. Time is reserved after the meeting for the host for a tour and/or talk about your business. If you’re interested, we have openings from April through the end of next year. Board meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month at noon. Give Marvin Jones a call at 702-2722 if your firm is interested.

 

NEW MEMBER CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING: Luis Cruz and his staff are waiting to serve you some great Mexican food at the new Los Mariachis restaurant in Central Center. A ribbon cutting for the establishment was held this week.

 

AND ANOTHER NEW MEMBER: The Boulevard Salon and Day Spa, 1075 Western Ave. (behind Bob Evans) joined the chamber this week. The owner is Wendy Crowe.

 

PREMIUM EXPOSURE: For those businesses which take advantage of many of the chamber’s benefits, you might want to consider a premium membership package. This year we are offering Gold and Silver levels. Benefits include a spot on a banner that will be at all chamber events in 2003, advertising on our website, reductions on booth space at the Expo this fall, mailing labels and more. For information, give Cami Carroll a call at 702-2722 by Dec. 31.

 

MARKETING ON THE NET: Interested in learning more about how to be more successful using the Internet in your business plan? Check out the free “How to Really Market on the Internet” which was created by the SCORE Association and Verizon Information Services. Topics include managing e-mail marketing, developing a website and promoting a website. To get a copy, call 800-634-0245 or go to www.score.org.

 

BAB COMING UP: The Infosight Corp. on U.S. 23 north of Chillicothe is hosting the next Business After Business on Jan. 15 from 5-7 p.m. To register, go online at www.chillicotheohio.com. Or call 702-2722. We’re still looking for a sponsor for March, so give us a call if you’re interested in being a host.

 

UPCOMING CHAMBER-RELATED EVENTS:          

            December 

January

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE CHAMBER STAFF!

 

This newsletter goes weekly to more than 350 of the chamber’s members for whom we have e-mail addresses. If you have an item you’d like to include, e-mail Executive Director Marvin Jones at mjones@chillicotheohio.com. If you’d like to be omitted from this mailing, reply and ask to unsubscribe. To stay abreast of chamber activities, make sure to visit www.chillicotheohio.com frequently.