212

Go from 211 to 212 with Patrick.

Very powerful.

- Posted by Cheri

The Lunch

Working on about 3 hours of sleep starts to catch up with you around lunch time. I was starting to feel the effects of it as I was heading to a lunch meeting I was invited to from Patrick Guanciale. He wanted me to meet someone he thought I would enjoy getting to know - Sean Carpenter.

As I sat around the table with the group of engaged Realtors - Patrick, Andrew, Lisa and Sean, the tiredness faded and I truly enjoyed the stories we each shared about our families, the Groundhog Breakfast and yes, social media. We each have blogs and it was interesting to compare how each one utilizes social media.

I also learned how much respect and admiration Patrick, Andrew and Lisa have for Sean. He obviously has made a positive impact on them and I can understand why. He overflows with passion for what he does.

We were missing one guest - Kurt Harden. He was unable to join us, but when I read his recent post about business meals, it prompted me to write this post. I couldn't agree with him more.

54th Annual Groundhog Breakfast

What a great way to start the morning. Breakfast catered by Doug Barrett of Doug's Farside Catering - they did a fantastic job and the food was great.

Pat Jeffries was the morning's "entertainer"with our economic forecast. James Rutrough of State Farm was our keynote speaker.

To see pictures from this morning make sure you check out our Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Licking-County-Chamber-of-Commerce/94932418336?ref=ts

Kim Lust did a great job leading the breakfast this morning and thanks again to our corporate sponsor "State Farm".

Fighting Back

Now we have our own version of N-E-W-A-R-K. Listen here.



Original song here.

Thank You our Members

One day last week I took a call in the office and it was Olive Garden. They were calling to thank us for what we do - and wanted to treat the office staff to lunch. They said they would call to confirm on the scheduled day and then deliver it.

Needless to say - we were all surprised as this has not happened before, except for the great desserts that Chris May of Dairy Queen in Heath and Newark brings us on a pretty regular basis.

Well lunch day came and today Olive Garden called and promptly at noon they delivered the most wonderful salads, spagetti and breadsticks to us.

This kind act sure has me thinking: what can we do for someone else to really make their day? Also reminds me that I live in a great community!

So thanks again Olive Garden for your thoughtful gesture and thanks to Dairy Queen for the sweet treats.

NOT My Morning To-Do List

Here are 29 things I'm not willing to do before 7:00 a.m. Guess I'm NOT a "blogger" after all.

- Posted by Cheri

Outstanding Customer Service

Kudos to Jeremiah's Automotive Service in Heath for ending my day on a positive note.

The day started with a radio interview at WCLT regarding the 54th Annual Groundhog Breakfast. When I was finished, I hopped in my SUV only to find it wouldn't start. To be fair, I have been experiencing this problem since mid December. It runs great, but then for no apparent reason, decides not to start. If you try to start it up 20 or 30 minutes later, it starts right up. Odd. So I have been dragging my feet to get it fixed.

About an hour later I went back to start it and it started up just fine. Went back to work and about two hours later I need to head out and it wouldn't start again. Frustrated, I borrowed a car and headed to my meeting and then home to get the stang out of the garage (I usually put it away for the winter). I get in the drivers seat and turn the key only to find it is completely dead. At this point I am really frustrated.

Later in the day I take the SUV to Jeremiah's. I then tell my husband that we have to go home to jump start the mustang so I can have a car to drive. We jump it with no success. It is completely dead. By this time it is 5:15. I make a call to Jeremiah to ask him what the problem is and he said that I probably need a new battery and that he could send someone over to my house right now to fix me up. I couldn't believe it. Talk about outstanding customer service - wow!

Thanks to Jeremiah and especially to Dakota because he took the time and showed me how to replace the battery so I will know how to do it in the future. (and he even had to make two trips to my house because I told him the wrong year of my car and the batteries were not the same)

We are fortunate to have businesses like Jeremiah's as members of the Chamber.

- Posted by Cheri

Hottinger's Response to State of the State Address

JOBS AND THE DEFICIT

Columbus – State Representative Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) issued the following statement in response to Governor Strickland’s State of the State Address today.

“The Governor had a very difficult task today – to talk about the state of our state when Ohio’s unemployment rate of 10.9% is near a 30 year high. Just three years ago it was 5.2%. Clearly the state of our economy is difficult. The Governor was feisty and optimistic and sounded like our lead cheerleader, but the question is – ‘Is that enough?’ He had the proper focus with the vast majority of his speech geared towards the economy and jobs as he outlined a number of jobs related initiatives. Unfortunately, Ohio does not have money in the bank to finance any expensive programs. I appreciate his focus on job creation, but I am sure that hundreds of thousands of Ohioans who are without a job today are asking, ‘Is this too little too late?’”

“Diversifying our economy into new economy jobs is the right approach, and I appreciate the Governor mentioning the bi-partisan jobs bill that I sponsored last General Assembly, but I was most disappointed in what he did not say. He did not address the significant budget deficit facing Ohio and how we can begin tackling that difficult issue with solutions today. The pending financial and budgetary pressure needs to start being addressed and worked on now. The governor’s failure to outline how Ohio’s state government can change and improve to meet those challenges is very worrisome.“

“I look forward to working with Governor Strickland to improve the business climate in Ohio and to improve the job market. His failure to outline any solution to the budget crisis leads me to believe that too many still lack the courage to address the much needed reforms that can help avert a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall.”

Quote of the Day

The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.

~Vince Lombardi

New Photo Blog

For the past five years, we have contracted with Journal Communications to publish our community magazine, Images of Licking County.

They have now unveiled a new blog that contains photo images of different places around the country where their photographers have visited. Check it out here.

Follwing The Trends

Reading the book called The Twitter Book by Tim O'Reilly and Sarah Milstein in the hope that I will have a deeper understanding of why Twitter is so popular.

It is a great how-to book on a variety of things about Twitter. Just finished a section about why and how to track trends. For those of you who are twitter experts, you probably are already aware of these sites, but for those who are still learning, like me, here are three cool places where you can see what people are talking, or tweeting about the most on Twitter:

• What the Trend
• Twitscoop
• Twopular

Don't forget to tweet about the #GHBreakfast while you are there this Friday. It will be interesting to see what your comments are.

Welcome, New Blogger!

Congratulations to Steve Layman for starting his blog, Anderson Layman's Blog.

I love to discover new blogs, especially local ones.

I look forward to your future posts Steve.

Networking Basics

Started reading three new books this week (I know what you are thinking). I'm not very far into it, but never eat alone by Keith Ferrazzi is very interesting. I picked it up because it sounded like it was full of good networking tips that not only I could benefit from, but I am hoping that our members will as well.

He says a line early on in the book that I tell many of our members when I am talking to them about networking at our events. He says " Because, flat out, people do business with people they know and like." Simple but true.

A few key points I like so far:

1. Understand the importance of mentors -" At every stage in my career, I sought out the most successful people around me and asked for their help and guidance.
2. Put others first - He says that real networking is "about finding ways to make other people more successful."
3. Know you have value - ". . .it's the value you bring that makes people want to connect with you. You feel satisfaction when both your peers and your organization share in your advancement."
4. Don't keep score - "Until you become as willing to ask for help as you are to give it, however, you are only working half the equation."
5. Find your passion - "A goal is a dream with a deadline. Before you start writing down your goals, you'd better know what your dream is."

Good stuff to ponder. Think I'll keep reading now.

- Posted by Cheri

Congressman Space's Announcement

Congressman Zack Space announced yesterday that he will not support the health care bill passed by the U.S. Senate, although he was a supporter of the House-passed bill.

Read all about it here.

- Posted by Cheri

Start of the New Year

Today the Licking County Human Resource Management Association met for their monthly meeting and to start the new year the 2010 officers were sworn in at the meeting by Cheri Hottinger, President of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce.

Left: Vicky Crist, Treasurer, Kevin Cramer (Coughlin Automotive) President Elect, Swen Hunt (THK) Vice President Membership, Dianna Sayre (Abercrombie) President.

Each year this group also solicits nominations for the annual Human Resource Excellence Award.
This year the award was given to Molly Ingold, Hospice of Central Ohio. Congratulations Molly!

5 Million Tweets Per Day

Today was the monthly meeting of Licking County Human Resource Management Association where the program was on social media. Mark Labutis did a great job outlining the use of social media from an employee and employer perspective. I found the stats he shared very interesting. Check this out:
On any given day: 200 billion emails are sent out 3 million images are shared on Flickr.
Every day 700,000 new accounts are established on Facebook.
45 million updates are given on Facebook.
5 million tweets are sent on Twitter.

Some great things to remember: you can explore new career opportunities, be the voice of your organization, maintain professional relationships, post job openings, find qualified job candidates plus many other very positive points for social networking.

On the negative side: remember who your friends are (don't hate your job online when your boss is your facebook friend), if you wouldn't say it to your Grandma - don't say it online.

Social Networking can be a very positive thing for a business or a job seeker - just remember to be careful what you post.

9 More Days!

9 more days, then out of the haze, a groundhog awakes, 54 that makes! People you will meet - great food you will eat! Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there - our sponsor, our speaker, our band and emcee!! Sign up today...do not delay! Click here to sign up to attend the Groundhog Breakfast on Friday, January 29. THE event of the year!

Posted by: Jennifer McDonald

20 Goals for Your Business/Career in 2010

In the January edition of Actionotes, the lead story gave the results of our recent poll on New Year's Resolutions. As noted in the article, here are a few of the answers our members gave to the question List your top 3 goals for your business/career for 2010:

• Maintain or increase # of employees in FY 11
• Less time at work/more with family
• Expand my ability to lead
• Find a good way to market myself
• Dress nicer
• Increase revenue 15%
• Better organized
• Get the government out of our business
• Exceed expectations on my performance review
• Expand services
• Increase customer satisfaction
• Solidify retirement planning
• Customer service levels better than competition
• Employee benefits vs wage increase
• Try to limit hours at work to 8
• Develop team members
• Increase client list by 5%
• Reward customers for their loyalty
• Have a great attitude
• Stop cussing

- Posted by Cheri

My Lunch Date

Brought a guest to Rotary today. She made an early appearance. Next Friday, January 29th she will reveal herself at our 54th Annual Groundhog Breakfast and tell us whether or not all this global warming will finally stop.

You can still purchase your tickets by calling the Chamber at 740.345.9797 or just drop by the office.

For those of you who are Twitter fans, keep up with the events leading up to the big day and see what others are saying at the Breakfast by using #GHBreakfast in your tweets!

Could Tuesday's Election Be A Sign?

There could be a big shake up tomorrow in Massachusetts and in the U.S. Senate. The fear in Washington D.C. is that Republican Scott Brown will defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in the special election to fill the late Ed Kenney's seat.

Aside from the fact that the Republicans would grow by one number in the Senate, the bigger issue right now is the fact that if Brown wins, the GOP will have enough votes in the Senate to block the final passage of the House-Senate compromise bill on health care.

And as reported in today's Columbus Dispatch, a win in Massachusetts could send a sign to other Democratic Congressmen that if they support the current health care bill, they could be looking for another job after the November election.

It's never dull in the world of politics.

The Million Dollar Dream

If you haven't heard of Newark's Million Dollar Dream, please go here to find more details.

Their latest creative idea to raise money to reduce or eliminate the Pay To Play Fees for Newark Schools involves shooting hoops by celebrity shooters. They are trying to get Ellen DeGeneres to shoot 25 free-throws to help add to the $45,000 already raised.

How can you help? First watch this video that was sent to Ellen:




Next, follow these instructions:


Go to http://ellen.warnerbros.com/

- If you don't have a facebook account:
Scroll down the home page (about half way)
Click on "Contact Ellen - Send an E-mail to Ellen"
on the left side of the page
Fill out the Required Fields
Select "Suggestion" for Type of Message
Type the following in the "Tell us your story" box
Hey Ellen! Check out the movie at newarkmdd.com!
It's a fantastic idea for your show!!!
Click Send


- If you do have a facebook account:
School down the home page (past half way)
Click on "The Ellen Degeneres Show on Facebook - Become a Fan"
on the left side of the page
Type your Facebook e-mail account and password
Click "login"
Type the following in the "Write Something" box
Hey Ellen! Check out the movie at newarkmdd.com!
It's a fantastic idea for your show!!!
Click Share
- Forward this e-mail to everyone you know!

Please take a moment and help the Million Dollar Dream become a reality!

It's Back. . .Card Check

Our Chamber, along with many others, has been fighting "Card Check" since 2007. Although we have had small victories, the battle is far from over. Here is a recent update I received and some articles from the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace that you may want to check out:

In a special feature piece in Roll Call (click here) , Bret Jacobsen suggests that while an EFCA vote may appease some inside-the-Beltway interest groups, it may do vulnerable Senators and Members more harm than good on Election Day this year.

Even so, in a story (click here ) from a union publication, the AFL-CIO’s political director, Bill Samuels, notes that EFCA must be passed in 2010 “because who knows what Congress will look like” next year.

In a similar story in the Financial Times (here) , SEIU boss Andy Stern promises to push the Senate to pass labor law reform “even if he has to accept a compromise.”

Finally, Richard Trumka, the head of the AFL-CIO, delivered a speech at the National Press Club today where he called for action on EFCA “now.” He also attended a meeting at the White House on Monday afternoon with President Obama, reportedly to encourage him to move EFCA.

The Chamber will continue to keep you updated on this issue as more information is available.

- Posted by Cheri

The Invitation Has Been Issued

Received a call a few minutes ago from my husband who said you need to go to WNCI and listen to the new song about Newark. So I did. (I'll give you the link in a minute)

After listening to the song, I thought it was only appropriate for me to invite them over to our Groundhog Breakfast, where of course we eat groundhog for breakfast, as most rednecks do, don't you think?

So Dave and Jimmy - put your money where your mouth is and come on out to NEWARK and check us out for yourself!

Here is the link to the song:

http://www.wnci.com/cc-common/mediaplayer/player.html?redir=yes&mps=morningzoo.php&mid=http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/30273/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/30273/1919/richmedia/Newark_Final_1-10.mp3?CCOMRRMID=16866143&CPROG=RICHMEDIA&MARKET=COLUMBUS-OH&NG_FORMAT=chr&NG_ID=wnci97fm&OR_NEWSFORMAT=&OWNER=1919&SERVER_NAME=www.wnci.com&SITE_ID=1919&STATION_ID=WNCI-FM&TRACK=

If you can't load this song, just go to http://www.wnci.com/ and click on the new song called Newark.

- Posted by Cheri

Persuade the Groundhog into Ending Winter?!

Ok, maybe we can't control whether he sees his shadow or not, but you should still celebrate the holiday with us at our Groundhog Breakfast!! On Friday, January 29, The Chamber will hold it's 54th Annual Groundhog Breakfast at Adena Hall on the campus of The Ohio State University at Newark/Central Ohio Technical College. You'll listen to James E. Rutrough, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer of State Farm, as well as "Crash and Burn" band, light-hearted economic forecast from Pat Jeffries, John Alford Award and unveiling of the celebrity groundhog.

It is our largest event of the year, and a great opportunity for you to network - see and be seen! So don't miss it.

Posted by Jennifer McDonald

Quote of the Day

"If you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing one."
~Cavett Robert



- Posted by Cheri

Bookshelf Envy

Check out this picture of a good-looking bookshelf:

Found it at Jeff's place.

- Posted by Cheri

Differing Opinions on the Health Care Bill

Below are two responses I recently received from US Senator Sherrod Brown and US Congressman Pat Tiberi with regards to the Health Care Bill. As Tiberi mentioned in his letter about the lack of allowing everyone to hear and discuss this issue publicly, I have also included a video on that very subject at the end of this post.

Dear Ms. Hottinger:

Thank you for sharing your views regarding health reform.

When it comes to health care, the cost of inaction is simply too high. More than 390 Ohioans lose their health insurance every day. Small businesses and the self-employed often pay double or triple what large businesses pay for coverage. By 2007, 62 percent of bankruptcies were due to medical costs. And forty-five thousand Americans die each year because they are uninsured and can’t get the care they need. American families and businesses deserve better.

On November 7, 2009, the House of Representatives passed legislation, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), by a vote of 220 to 215. A consolidated Senate health reform bill, the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (H.R. 3590) was passed on December 24, 2009, by a vote of 60 to 39. Though similar in many respects, these bills are not identical. Congress is currently working to take the best parts of both bills and produce a final piece of legislation.

The bill passed by the Senate late last year, with my support, would lower costs for middle class families with insurance, while providing help to 31 million Americans who lack it. This legislation would also invest in small businesses by providing an immediate tax credit to help employers afford health benefits for their workers, and would place an immediate ban on pre-existing condition exclusions for children. Despite the great deal of misinformation circulating about health reform, seniors on Medicare would see their prescription drug costs cut in half, not increased, and for the first time, would have access to free annual check-ups and preventive screenings. The bill, which has been endorsed by AARP, would also extend Medicare’s solvency by nearly a decade.

Overall, passage of both the House and Senate legislation means that Americans are one step closer to having affordable insurance options if they change or lose their jobs. It means we are one step closer to ending insurance industry practices that cut off access to medically-necessary care or discriminate against women or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. And it means we are one step closer to ensuring that insurance companies will have to spend premium dollars on medical care – rather than on lavish sales trips and exorbitant CEO salaries – or else give rebates to consumers.

As Congress moves forward on health reform, I will certainly work to address your concerns. If you wish to learn more about my work on health reform as well as the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that Ohioans have posed to my office, please visit my website at:

http://brown.senate.gov/issues_and_agenda/stories/share/?issue_id=f565635b-e37a-45d3-b15f-edf6b930bd1a.

Thank you again for getting in touch with me on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown
United States Senator

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mrs. Cheri L. Hottinger

Newark, OH 43055

Dear Mrs. Hottinger,

Thank you for your email regarding healthcare reform. I agree with you on this issue and voted against H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. I appreciate this opportunity to correspond with you.

H.R. 3962 is flawed and I opposed this bill for many reasons. I believe we need to fix what's broken. We don't need a 2,000 page, $1.3 trillion bill that will continue to add debt to future generations.

Please rest assured I also do not support the current version of the healthcare reform bill passed by the U.S. Senate on December 24, 2009. I believe it is time we all come together, Democrats and Republicans, and discuss how we can provide lower cost and better healthcare coverage. Unfortunately the House Democratic leadership, headed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), has not asked Republicans to participate in these discussions. She has also not allowed C-SPAN cameras into rooms where discussions are taking place. In a December 30, 2009 letter, C-SPAN Chairman Brian Lamb requested that they "open all important negotiations, including any conference committee meetings, to electronic media coverage." Payoffs and backroom deals are not the way our healthcare system should be reformed.

Again, thank you for your interest in this issue. If I may be of assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to contact my office.


Sincerely,



Patrick J. Tiberi
Representative to Congress

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3 Things That Will Bring a Snow Day

According to my children, if you do the following three things, school will be canceled the next day:

1. Put a spoon under your pillow

2. Put your pj's on inside out

3. And the final step is flushing the toilet at midnight

Step 1 and 2 are completed. Still too early to do step 3.

UPDATE: SCHOOL WAS CANCELED TODAY

Snowy Afternoon

What's happening going into downtown Newark on a snowy afternoon?

As you can see not much. This was taken at 4:20 p.m. Thursday afternoon, normally a busy time for traffic outside our window, but not today.

Thank you Newark residents for driving slower today or not driving at all if not needed.

"Cautiously Optimistic"

The Licking County Manufacturer's Council met today, for their first meeting in the new year. As they went around the room to give their round table update, several of them reported that they are cautiously optimistic about 2010. One even said that he thought that they had already hit their bottom and were now on their way up. Other comments inlcuded:

"2010 is going to be all about new products"

"2010 should be realtively decent for us"

"We are looking for positive growth once a new Highway Bill is passed"


All in all, the message was pretty positive. And this group isn't one to only report the good. We had many meetings throughout the past two years where layoffs were the topic of discussion. A few members reported today that they will be hiring in 2010.

When I hear good news from the manufacturing community, I take it as a good indication that things are looking up for business in Licking County.

- Posted by Cheri

Are you available to go golfing next week?

While the weather is definitely less than ideal, we have a unique opportunity for you to GOLF next week! That's right, you will be able to join us at our Business After Hours at the brand new Golf Etc. next Thursday, January 14 from 5-7 p.m. This is a must attend event for any golfer and non-golfer as well. You'll step inside this new "virtual golf" arena and store in Heath and participate in a putting game and longest drive competitions. Not only will you get to gold in January, but you will be able to have some great appetizers courtesy of Quiznos as well as a cold beer or soft drink from the bar! You will network and meet new clients, and best of all, it will only cost you $3!! Click here to download the flyer and sign up today.

Golf Etc. is located in Heath just off Hebron Road in the Cross Creek Shopping Center adjacent to Wal-Mart.

Posted by: Jennifer McDonald

Starting Your Own Business?

If so, go here. If you want to fail at it, go here.

Good stuff at Bate's place.

- Posted by Cheri

Why join the Chamber?

I read a very interesting study done in cooperation with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. The study asked 2000 adult consumers nationwide questions about Chambers and their members. Interestingly, the results showed that most consumers think that being active in the local chamber is an effective business strategy. But it went on to say that 40% of respondents are more likely to eat at a restaurant that belongs to a chamber, 43% are more likely to use an insurance company that is a member of a chamber, and 63% are more likely to purchase goods from a small business that is a member of a chamber! This says a lot, and goes on to prove that Chamber members are the best of the community and belonging to the Chamber gives our members great "buying power" among consumers and assures them that they are a reputable company to do business with. You may read the entire survey here.

Posted by Jennifer McDonald, Marketing & Communications Director

10 for 2010

Check out 10 revolutions (not resolutions) over at Matt's place. Even if you complete just one of the the ten actions, you will be a happier person. Guaranteed.

- Posted by Cheri

Resolutions vs. Goals

Nicholas Bate has a great post up today on why we sometimes fail at Resolutions and "off-the-shelf-goals".

It is the first post in the Breakthrough Principals 1-31 series. Check it out.

- Posted by Cheri

Rock Out

Couldn't help but to post this - stole the idea from Jeff.




- Posted by Cheri