Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

Weekly Update    March 21, 2003

“Here’s to our troops coming home safely and soon.”

 

LUNCHEON WAS ILLUMINATING: About 50 members and their guests listened Friday at lunch as state Sen. John Carey and state Rep. John Schlichter enlightened us on what’s happening with the General Assembly in Columbus. The event was sponsored by the chamber’s Governmental Affairs and Networking committees. After some opening remarks, the two answered questions on issues which included the new gas tax, library funding, business taxes, tourism, agriculture, term limits and education.

 

PERFECT TIME, PERFECT PLACE: Spring fever was just one impetus for those who took advantage of Wednesday’s Business After Business sponsored by the United States Enrichment Corporation at the Pump House Center for the Arts in Yoctangee Park. Dingy skies and a few sprinkles didn’t dampen the enthusiasm. Winner of the raffle prize of a combination DVD/CD/MP3/VHS machine was Linda Brown of Globe Furniture, shown here with Pat Musser, general manager of the Piketon operation, and USEC’s Angie Duduit, in the center. It also provided a chance for Chuck Wallace, new manager of the Pump House, to meet with the business community.

 

TEMPORARY ECONOMIC BOOST: That’s what the community will get from the more than 100 workers who have set up shop for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the former AEP building at Main and Mulberry streets. The workers are helping process claims from the disaster areas in southern Ohio from the winter storm of a month back. They come from all over the United States, are staying in local motels, eating in local restaurants and taking time, when possible, to see some local sites. They’ll be here for 2-3 months. Let’s make sure we make them feel right at home.

 

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY ON THE RISE: The advent of Spring (it’s finally here!) also means more dirt being moved and more in the way of construction. Here’s some of what’s happening in the community:

 

PRIME OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: The Community Improvement Corporation’s move to the former Medical Mall on Second Street means the chamber is looking for one or two new tenants. Two rooms are available on the second floor starting May 1. One is 12.5-by-14.5 (181 square feet) and the other is 10-by-14 (140 square feet). The base monthly rent for the larger room is $300 and for the smaller one, $275. Additional services such as use of a copier, fax machine, high-speed Internet access and receptionist duties are all available, extra and negotiable. If interested, contact Marvin Jones at mjones@chillicotheohio.com.

 

BECHTEL JACOBS COMES THROUGH: A contribution of $1,000 to this chamber from Bechtel Jacobs is going to help greatly with the conversion of our database membership software. As stated in the letter accompanying the check, the contribution “will allow the chamber to be more effective in fulfilling its mission.” The contribution is very much appreciated and is being put to good use as we near completion of moving the database to Microsoft Access with aid from HELP Computer Solutions.

 

BWC CHIEF COMING TO TOWN: James Conrad, CEO/Administrator of Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, will be the featured speaker at this year’s annual awards luncheon of the Ross County Safety Council. This will be a good opportunity to learn about upcoming changes in the bureau and to ask questions directly of the chief. In addition, many local businesses will be honored for their stellar safety records the past year. The event is Thursday, April 10 at the Horizon Technology Center. The cost is $15 per person. To register, go to: Safety Council awards luncheon

 

OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW WARES: And speaking of the Safety Council, a Vendors Day is planned for Wednesday, May 7 at the Ross County Service Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Companies providing safety equipment or services will have a chance to showcase their wares. Space is available for $25. This also will take the place of the regular monthly luncheon of the council. To reserve space, give Phyllis Van a call at 614-527-2350.

 

CONGRATS: To the folks at the Dock at Water for celebrating its fifth year in business this month.

 

MAPS EXPECTED IN MAY: The newest chamber-sponsored city and county maps are expected to arrive and be distributed by mid-May. We fell a little behind schedule, but they’ll be out in time for the prime tourism season in the community.

 

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER A MASTER: Kevin Mears of Mears Photography is now entered in the national competition after being named one of Ohio’s Top Ten Photographers in the Professional Photographers of America group. All four of his prints were given Blue Ribbons in the Mid-East States Affiliated Print Competition held recently in Columbus. He was one of 206 photographers who submitted 792 prints (4 each was maximum). Only 277 were chosen for Blue Ribbons. The national competition is being held in Las Vegas.

 

MARKETING EXPERTS NEEDED: We’re still enlisting members for the chamber’s new Marketing and Membership Committee. In addition to helping recruit new chamber members, this group also will help with promotions and advertisements for the chamber. Former board chairman Connie Smart has agreed to chair the committee. If you’re interested, e-mail me at mjones@chillicotheohio.com

 

HELP CHAMBER STAY ON TOP OF ISSUES: In addition to the new committee, more members are being sought for the Governmental Affairs Committee. Given the upcoming election season locally, this will be an active committee that can play a major role in the future of the community. If interested, give the chamber a call at 702-2772 or reply to this e-mail.

 

HATS OFF: To Joe Molnar for his recent purchase of the Carlisle Building. He has a proven track record of taking downtown properties and making them into something for which the community can be proud. If he can do to the Carlisle what he’s done with Carl’s Townhouse and others, he truly will have saved an architectural gem in the city. We know the city administration and others will be doing whatever they can to help him succeed.

 

GREAT IDEA, BUT …: The new signs that are supposed to be directing visitors to our main tourism spots, such as Adena, the museum and visitors center, look good, but only if you’re right on top of them. Hopefully there’s a chance to go back and make them more readable from a distance, say 50 feet. The new street signs, though, provide some help.

 

EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE: That’s why your business might want to consider being part of the next big event of the local Bicentennial celebration – the May 3 Huntington Bank of Chillicothe Bicentennial Parade. April 15 is the deadline to submit entry forms which are available at the chamber office. You may also e-mail info@chillicothe2003.com for more information.

 

This newsletter goes weekly to more than 370 chamber members and their employees 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 or your company is a chamber member and this was forwarded to you and you would like to be included in the original mailing, reply to this e-mail. 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.