I've Had Enough

Thanks Patrick.

- Posted by Cheri

Ohio Safety Congress Coming to Columbus

Once again the Ohio Safety Congress will be in Columbus, OH. Take the time to invest in the safety of your work force and control your workers' compensation costs by learning new techniques and skills.

For more information about the Ohio Safety Congress and to register for this free three day event - visit: http://www.ohiobwc.com/ or call 1-800-OHIOBWC for complete event information.

To view promotional flyers check the Safety Council website at:

http://www.lickingcountychamber.com/contentment/applications/edocs/docs/E-flyer%20OSC10%20LR.pdf

This is an event that you can't afford to miss.

Unemployment Colors - Black is NOT Good

Check out this video on the changes in our country's unemployment rates by county since January 2007:




For a closer view, go here.

Thanks Mark.

- Posted by Cheri

THEY know HOW to SELL

Congrats to The Guanciale Group on their recent awards. They ranked #6 out of 46,ooo agents nationally. Quite an accomplishment. I would hate to go up against them in the Olympics.

Hottinger Receives Watchdog Award

Congratulations to our State Representative, Jay Hottinger, for his recent award. Here is the press release sent out from his office:


COLUMBUS – State Representative Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) received the Watchdog of the Treasury Award from the United Conservatives of Ohio (UCO) at their awards breakfast this morning.

The award is given to members of the Ohio General Assembly who, by their voting records, demonstrate a commitment to fiscal and conservative restraint in state government. Today’s award was given for Rep. Hottinger’s votes during the 127th General Assembly.

“I appreciate this recognition again on behalf of my efforts for Ohio taxpayers. I try to view my votes and decisions in a fiscally conservative manner to ensure that Ohio’s tax dollars are spent as wisely as possible and receiving this award again is a validation of this continuous effort,” said Hottinger.

This is the seventh time since being elected to the Ohio General Assembly that Hottinger has received the Watchdog of the Treasury Award for his dedication to the taxpayers of Ohio.

“Protecting taxpayers has always been a priority for me,” Hottinger said. “Fiscal responsibility means not only standing up for Ohio’s taxpayers by fighting against tax increases, wasteful spending and big government, but it also involves wisely allocating state resources among worthy investments.”

The Watchdog of the Treasury Award is presented to state legislators on the basis of roll call votes on select legislation. Legislators are rated on issues and then scored for each issue based on its importance to UCO.

I've Been Flocked!

Ran home at lunch only to discover these interesting plastic birds perched along my driveway.

First thought: Who did my husband tick off now?

Second thought: What are Kim and Patrick up to now? (see this post to understand what they did to me in December)

Third thought: Is this what kids do these days instead of toilet-papering?

I was wrong on all three guesses.

There was a bright pink letter around one of the flamingo's necks that read:

YOU HAVE BEEN FLOCKED!

These flamingos have chosen to nest here to help raise money for the Newark High School After Prom Celebration!

For a small donation ($15) they will migrate to a different nesting spot. You may choose to protect yourself from any future invasion of these pink pests by purchasing "Pink Flamingo Insurance" for $5.

To have them fly to another residence please contact one of the following bird handlers: xxxxxxxxxxxx

Please feel free to designate the flock's next nesting place!

Please make checks payable to NHS After Prom. Thank you!!

I must admit, it is a pretty good way to raise some money.

Wonder where I will send them next????

- Posted by Cheri

Third Frontier (Issue 1) Needs Your Support

Today, the Licking County Chamber of Commerce unanimously endorsed State Issue 1, otherwise known as the Third Frontier program. This issue will appear on the May 4th ballot.

Get the rest of the story here:

http://www.lickingcountychamber.com/newsdetail.asp?news_id=144

- Posted by Cheri

Biz Fest Safari & Taste of Licking County - May 6

Get out your Tarzan and Jane, Jack Hanna and camouflage gear for the Safari themed Biz Fest: It's a Jungle Out There! This year the Biz Fest will be held at Cherry Valley Lodge on May 6 from 4 - 8 p.m. and will be a great way for member businesses to showcase their business!

For a limited time, members may sign on as major sponsors! As a major sponsor, each business will receive:

-Prime booth location at the event
-Company logo on posters promoting event at over 50 local businesses
-Company logo on all invitations and flyers
-Promotion with logo in Freedom Years mailing to promote event to potential clients
-Event promotion including your company logo in The Advocate, This Week in
-Licking County and Time Warner Cable
-Company logo on all email blasts
-Networking and sales opportunities at the event

The cost is only $400. In addition, all major sponsors must give away a gift with approximate value of $100.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please call Jennifer McDonald, 345-9757 ext. 2 or click here to complete the registration form. Space is limited, so sign up soon.

Posted by: Jennifer McDonald

State of the State - Part 2

This is a continuation from my previous post on a new report issued by The Buckeye Institute For Pubic Policy Solutions.

We have heard how bad Ohio is, but what about Licking County? We are fortunate that we have a diverse industry base, which has helped us with our unemployment rate, unlike some other Ohio counties. Some positive things we have going for us are:

• We are growing. Current population is 157,721, up from 128,300 in 1990 and 145,491 in 2000
• We have one of the highest median household incomes in the state at $53,757 (rank: 15 out of 88)
• And we have one of the lowest unemployment rates - 8.9% (rank: 75 out of 88)

I found it interesting, but not surprising that Education and Health Services was our largest growth sector from 2000-2008: +21.8%. A close second was Professional and Bus. Services (+18.4%). Leisure and Hospitality had an increase of 11.7% and Construction grew by 9.4%.

We lost the most jobs in the manufacturing area, with a decline of -22.3%, compared to the overall state loss of -26.3%. Our second worst performance was in Financial Activities, with a decrease of -11.8% vs. the state average of -4.2%.

As a general overview, Licking County had an overall -.4% job loss, while at the same time saw a +15.0% increase in government jobs.

Growing employment numbers is a good thing, but growing government is not.

To get the complete report, you can download it at: http://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/docs/2010StateoftheState.pdf (FYI - It is a large file)

State of the State - Part 1

I was given a copy of the recently released State of the State from The Buckeye Institute For Public Policy Solutions. Here are some interesting stats from the report:

• In nineteen years, Ohio's job market only created a net 176,100 new jobs, or just over 9,000 jobs per year
• Ohio is the 7th largest tax burdened state, if you include state and local taxes
• The 176,100 new jobs created were in the private sector; 75,100 government jobs were added for the same time period
• After the technology crashes in 2000 and after 9/11, Ohio lost more jobs than every state expect Michigan. From 2000 to 2009, Ohio lost a total of 544,100 private-sector jobs.

But there is good news for Licking County. Stay tuned. . .

My Flock's Cloud

This is a word cloud generated from the bios of @chambercheri's followers.

Search the flock
world websites ohio's dad entrepreneur ideas international central who about always market vistage branding journalist economic winery free chamber community candidate interested life wife people all new columbus owner us social where secrets stuff day ice coldwell enjoys designer positive internet committed those family public speaker love western manager newark ceo help director geek coach serve businesses ohio wine marketer random pr wants more president west enjoy music here business management blogger cream father mother technology performance fan own husband commerce former specializing enthusiast training real area avid congressman making proud media other development banker health things twitter web communications

Join our flock! Follow us on twitter myoung / tedroden / nickbilton
SEE YOUR FLOCK
TWEET YOUR RESULTS

It Takes More Than Advertising

Ever wonder what the Chamber actually does for its members?

Let Mindy tell you: (pay close attention to her last statement)




- Posted by Cheri

Harden Gets Dumped. . .On

Kurt Harden, Past Chairman of our Board, thought he would help us out today by knocking down the large icicles on our building. But he was in for a surprise. . .




Thanks for the entertainment, Kurt. And for your help.

How To Clear Your Inbox

Here are some good ways to manage your email via zenhabits.

Quote of the Day

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered,
you will never grow."

~Ronald E. Osborn


- Posted by Cheri

Just In Time For Valentine's Day

There's another new blog in town and it arrived just in time for Valentine's Day.

Welcome Goumas Confections!

Reading it makes my mouth water.

- Posted by Cheri

It's Cool AND It's Easy. . .

Check out this exciting, new, first-of-its kind Small Business Goal Setting challenge issued by Staples. Here's how it works:

Now - April 12, small-business professionals will be able to log on to http://www.staples.stickk.com/ to sign-up for free to be part of the Staples stickK to It! Business Challenge. To help achieve goals, users create a Commitment Contract, a promise by a user to reach a goal. The Commitment Contract concept, based on incentives and accountability, was invented by stickK.com after years of research in behavioral economics.

“We’ve found that everyone starts off wanting to achieve their goal, but most of the time there is nothing out there to make them stickK to their word,” said Ian Ayers, co-founder of stickK.com. “By entering into a commitment contract, backing out becomes harder – ‘commitment’ and ‘contract’ are two words that resonate with people and keep them committed to achieving their goals.”

Participants choose from five different goal setting focus areas on www.staples.com/goals: 1) Get Organized/Increase Productivity; 2) Professional Development; 3) Maximize Your Bottom Line; 4) Green Your Office; and 5) Improve Working Environment. Once they select a focus area, participants select specific commitments and personalize them to best fit their needs and objectives. Next, they choose someone to be their referee- a colleague or friend who will monitor their progress and support them along the way. Then, users will start earning EasyPoints as they make progress and report on their goals and can then redeem the EasyPoints for Staples products and services. The last step is achieving success. If users follow the Commitment Contract framework, as the stickK.com model has found, they will be well on their way to accomplishing their goals.

Thank you Staples, for helping us to reach our goals!

- Posted by Cheri

Search and Discover

Another great use for Twitter here.

Cheri Hottinger Named Ohio Chamber Professional of the Year

Cheri Hottinger, President & CEO of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce has picked up two prestigious honors. The Newark resident has been named by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio (CCEO) as Ohio's 2009 Professional of the Year at their winter conference at the Doubletree Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, she also was recognized for having earned the Accredited Professional designation.

Cheri received the Professional of the Year Award from the CCEO which is a professional association for those employed by local Chambers of Commerce in Ohio. The CCEO was established with the purpose to “develop the country’s most effective Chamber members.” Hottinger accepted the award from CCEO Director Vicki Lowery and was greeted with a surprise visit from her family, her staff, Chamber Chair Lust, and Chair-elect Guanciale.

In addition to the Professional of the Year Award, Hottinger also was recognized at the same event for having earned the Accredited Professional designation. She has been working toward the accreditation status as one way to reinforce the professionalism expected from the Chamber.
She has implemented a number of policies and procedures to further enhance both the effectiveness and the professionalism of the organization. “Cheri is the epitome of professionalism and will make an excellent ambassador for this designation,” Lust said.

Andy Doehrel, President & CEO of The Ohio Chamber of Commerce said, “I only wish we had 50 more like her in Ohio and we could change the world. Cheri is engaged, knowledgeable and above all she cares about her members, her community and her state.”

Cheri said she is "greatly honored by these awards and to be recognized by my peers throughout the state. We are proud of the work we do at the Licking County Chamber and it is a testament to the great staff and partners we have at the Chamber and in the local community. We will continue to work hard on behalf of Licking County and its business community.”

CONGRATS CHERI!!
posted by: Jennifer

February and Safety Council

This is the fourth year in a row that we have had issues with February and our Safety Meeting. One year we had no electric another a snow storm and yet another we saw ice. So it was fitting that once again today was our meeting day and a snow storm hits. I don't cancel out of respect for our host location and I do expect lots of "no shows or last cancelations", my hope is that all use their best judgement in traveling during these storms.

Today I had 175 reservations....109 attended. To those that made it - thank you. To those that couldn't make it - good choice! Travel in a snow storm is not for everyone -Thank you to Michael Coates for covering for our weather man Jerry Martz who was called to work early today and couldn't do our program. As you can see we had a smaller crowd but a great program.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

At today's Newark Rotary meeting, our song of the day was Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow! Our song leader, Tom Slater, has been known to create his own lyrics to songs, as was the case today:

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Oh! the weather outside is frightful,

but in here it's so delightful,

And since we've no place to go,

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

It doesn't show signs of stopping,

But our service we're not dropping,

We'll work hard to raise some dough,

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

We we finally say goodbye,

how we'll hate going out in the storm!

But if you've brought a heavy coat,

All the way home you'll be warm.

Oh! when the meeting is ending,

on our service the world's depending,

As Rotarians we're ready to go,

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Nice job Tom!

- Posted by Cheri

Quote of the Day

"When people honor each other, there is a trust established that leads to synergy, interdependence, and deep respect. Both parties make decisions and choices based on what is right, what is best, what is valued most highly."

~ Blaine Lee

Makes me wonder how much honor there is today at our Statehouse and our White House.

- Posted by Cheri

27 New Blogs To Skim

I love finding new blogs.

Problogger has a popular post entitled 30 Bloggers to Watch in 2010.

I am familiar with three of them, so I have 27 new blogs to skim.

- Posted by Cheri

Leading Under Pressure

Came across this posting regarding how leaders have to deal with pressure internally and externally.

It reminded me of an incident that happened today. A non-member was very unhappy with us (more like angry) and came to give us a piece of her mind. I was in a Board meeting so the staff had to deal with her. By the time I came upstairs, Vicky and Mandy had calmed her down and I was able to have a pleasant conversation with her. She left much more happy than when she came in, partially because she got it off her chest and also because we agreed to work on the problem.

It is important to allow individuals to express their frustration and sometimes anger instead of keeping it inside, or worse, complaining all over town to everyone about a problem you or your company may be dealing with. How you handle the pressure can determine how you are looked upon as a leader of your business.

Found it at Client K.

Your Tweets Are Annoying

Good tips on the Top 5 Ways Not to be Annoying on Twitter here. I did make a change to our Twitter account after reading it.

- Posted by Cheri

The Problem Isn't The Problem

- Posted by Cheri

5 Social Media Tools for Business

I have been softly pushing our members to utilize social media as part of their marketing plan for over a year now. Here is a great blog posting by Amber MacArthur outlining 5 social media tools for small businesses.

- Posted by Cheri

Small Business "Boot Camp"

Below is a release about the first ever Small Business "Boot Camp", sponsored by Bayer MaterialScience in partnership with the Licking County Community Leadership 2010 class:
--------------------------------

Newark, Ohio, February 8, 2010—Bayer MaterialScience LLC will co-sponsor the inaugural Licking County Small Business “Boot Camp” Wednesday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at Opportunity Links—the one-stop employment and training center located at 998 E Main Street in Newark, Ohio..

The goal of the “boot camp” is to provide prospective business owners with the necessary tools, resources and support materials to establish a business in Licking County. This includes access to lawyers, realtors and other valuable players, who will share helpful tips for starting and running a small business. The “boot camp” is also intended to serve as a resource for local entrepreneurs looking to improve existing businesses.

“Bayer MaterialScience is a strong supporter of creating new business opportunities that benefit the community as a whole,” said Alan Masters, Human Resources Manager, who also represents Bayer MaterialScience on Licking County’s Community Leadership Program. “By tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in our own backyard, we hope to create new jobs and promote economic development throughout Licking County.”

The “boot camp” is free to the public. If you desire additional information, please call 740-964-2007.

Other participating co-sponsors include: the Licking County Community Leadership Class of 2010, the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, Successful Ventures, Inc., and Opportunity Links.

The small business “boot camp” is one of many positive initiatives coming out of the Licking County Community Leadership Program, which Bayer MaterialScience LLC has supported for the past thirteen years. The mission of the program is to identify and develop leaders who will strengthen the community through active engagement.

The BMS LLC facility in Newark, Ohio, is known for its active involvement in the surrounding communities. Last year, the Newark facility received a Business of the Year award from the Licking County Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious honor is awarded to businesses that have demonstrated excellent customer service and active support of the local communities. The Newark site was named the winner in the category for businesses with more than 100 employees.

- Posted by Cheri

Pepsi not advertising on Super Bowl

It seems after 23 years, Pepsi is pulling the plug on TV commercials airing during the Super Bowl. Instead they are putting their money online. They are beginning a campaign called "Pepsi Refresh", paying for community projects. You may read the story here.

Posted by: Jennifer

Sharing Information Gets Results

At yesterdays' Manufacturer's Council, our new chairman, Pat Gibson with Boeing, asked each member what the benefit of being a part of this council has been for them. Here are some of their comments:

• Sharing of information makes our community stronger.
• Sees many benefits by others sharing their ideas.
• This group helps when promoting our area to potential companies to relocate.
• Allows this group to have knowledge of what is going on in our area at other business locations. Helps to run your business efficiently.
• This group allows him to discuss issues that he doesn’t have the opportunity to otherwise talk about with local manufacturers.
• With participation of this group he has the resources to make good business decisions. You get real feedback.
• This group are the wealth builders of society.

As you can tell, there is real value in being a part of the Chamber's Manufacturer's Council.

If you would like information on how you can be a part of this great group of Manufacturers, give us a call 740.345.9757 or send us a message at info@lickingcountychamber.com

- Posted by Cheri

Being Unemployed Is Not The Reason To. . .

. . .start your own company, says Jory Des Jardins at Forbes.com. Good article on Five Bad Reasons To Become An Entrepreneur.

Found it at Client K through Nicholas Bate. He always seems to find the good stuff out there.

- Posted by Cheri