In the past two days, I have received notices that I now have followers on my Twitter account. Three of them, to be exact. Funny thing is that there really isn't anything for them to follow, since I haven't been on that site since late last year when I tried setting up an account and thought that I was unsuccessful. Yesterday I tried to log in and couldn't even get my username and password correct.
I am on Facebook and LinkedIn and the Chamber, Community Leadership, Community Capitalism and Workenomics all have their own groups on LinkedIn. So I have gotten my feet wet in the whole social networking thing. But I had decided to leave Twitter alone, mostly because I didn't see the real value of it to be honest. And I am still of that opinion. But I find it interesting that one of my "followers" is 10TV. I can only think of one reason why they would choose to follow me now: One of my other "followers" is a "follower" of 10TV, so maybe they automatically follow the people that their "followers" follow. Do you follow me? (Sorry, couldn't resist saying that)
Bottom line is that I can't image why anyone (especially 10tv) would really want to know what my random thoughts are. But obviously I am in the minority, given the popularity of Twitter. I'm sure at some point I will take the plunge and send a "tweet", but for now I am just going to wait and see how long it takes my three "followers" to un-follow me, if that option exists.
UPDATE: I now have five followers and I have located my username and password. Taking baby steps.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Paul Harvey
I just received an email from a Chamber member telling me to read Harvey Mackey's weekly column on the late Paul Harvey. It was a good read. Here is an excerpt from Paul Harvey's Apology To Business Owners:
"You put up the money to start the business that creates jobs for the rest of us. You gather the raw materials, importing some of them, devise salable products, advertise them and sell them. You pay all the operating expenses. You pay your employees 90 percent of the dollars that are left. You assume all the risk and invest most of your profit in additional equipment, additional facilities and new research.
"You pay out in taxes three times what you pay yourself. You businessmen and businesswomen create work, goods and services. You give more generously than anybody to churches, schools, foundations and charities of all sizes.
"By any reasonable rationale, you should be the focus of a grateful nation's primary appreciation. As a public servant and provider, you should be on the cover of Time or Newsweek. You should be heralded on CBS, NBC and ABC. You should be esteemed by your government, by the media and by your fellow man.
"You seldom are. For my part in a nonproducing profession that ridicules or ignores you, I apologize. I wish I could promise it's going to be different, I can't."
Thanks for passing this along Jim.
"You put up the money to start the business that creates jobs for the rest of us. You gather the raw materials, importing some of them, devise salable products, advertise them and sell them. You pay all the operating expenses. You pay your employees 90 percent of the dollars that are left. You assume all the risk and invest most of your profit in additional equipment, additional facilities and new research.
"You pay out in taxes three times what you pay yourself. You businessmen and businesswomen create work, goods and services. You give more generously than anybody to churches, schools, foundations and charities of all sizes.
"By any reasonable rationale, you should be the focus of a grateful nation's primary appreciation. As a public servant and provider, you should be on the cover of Time or Newsweek. You should be heralded on CBS, NBC and ABC. You should be esteemed by your government, by the media and by your fellow man.
"You seldom are. For my part in a nonproducing profession that ridicules or ignores you, I apologize. I wish I could promise it's going to be different, I can't."
Thanks for passing this along Jim.
Endorsements
SCHOOL ENDORSEMENTSI am pleased to report that the Board of Directors of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce have endorsed the following school levies:
- C-TEC: 1 mill Operating Property Tax Levy
- Newark City Schools: 7.5 mill Emergency Levy
The Chamber believes that a strong educational system goes hand in hand with strong economic growth and stability. You are welcome to read my previous ranting on the impact of the Newark School Levy here and the full press release here.
CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
At the March Board meeting, the directors voted to allow the Chamber to now issue endorsements for candidates running for local offices in general elections. The motion included a stipulation requiring a super majority (two-thirds) vote when issuing endorsements. The decision to make this substantial change was unanimous. The endorsement decisions will be based on the outcome of candidate surveys and personal interviews. You can read the full release on our new Government Affairs web page here.
A special thank you goes out to the Government Affairs Committee, and especially Tim Fitterer, chairman of the committee, for all their research and time in preparing the presentation given to the Board of Directors.Friday, March 27, 2009
Spirit of Enterprise Award
Congratulations to U.S. Senator George Voinovich and Congressman Pat Tiberi for receiving the Spirit of Enterprise Award given out by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Legislators who had a pro-business voting record during the second session of the 110th Congress received the coveted award yesterday.
"The Spirit of Enterprise Award identifies those lawmakers that truly stepped up to the plate and demonstrated real leadership in making this country a place where businesses can continue to grow and create jobs," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber.
To view a complete list of the 2008 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, visit www.uschamber.com/soe.
"The Spirit of Enterprise Award identifies those lawmakers that truly stepped up to the plate and demonstrated real leadership in making this country a place where businesses can continue to grow and create jobs," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber.
To view a complete list of the 2008 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, visit www.uschamber.com/soe.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Public Schools
My husband and I are products of public education. Our three children attend Newark City Schools. We believe strongly in our school systems in Licking County. Do you?
Please watch this excellent video. I hope it makes you value what we have here.
Please watch this excellent video. I hope it makes you value what we have here.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Quote of the Day
"You are the average of the five people you spend most of your time with"
--- Jim Rohn
In thinking about who the five people are in your life that you spend the most time with, do they bring you, as an average, up or down? If the answer is down, it may be time to make some substitutions.
--- Jim Rohn
In thinking about who the five people are in your life that you spend the most time with, do they bring you, as an average, up or down? If the answer is down, it may be time to make some substitutions.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Card Check Update - Good News
Today, United States Senator Arlene Specter (R- Pennsylvania) announced he WILL NOT SUPPORT a vote for cloture in the United States Senate on Card Check reversing his position of 2007 when he supported the bill.
This has the potential of killing the bill in the Senate. Read about it in The Hill.
This has the potential of killing the bill in the Senate. Read about it in The Hill.
Monday, March 23, 2009
23
23 is the magic number for us this past week. It is the number of new members that joined the Chamber during our 2-day Membership Drive.
A big thank you to everyone who donated their time, especially the companies who loaned their staff to us for both days: State Farm, The Boeing Company, Licking Memorial Health Systems, Park National Bank and The Energy Cooperative.
Look for a listing of new members in next month's ActionNotes.
A big thank you to everyone who donated their time, especially the companies who loaned their staff to us for both days: State Farm, The Boeing Company, Licking Memorial Health Systems, Park National Bank and The Energy Cooperative.
Look for a listing of new members in next month's ActionNotes.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Getting Assistance Through LEADS
LEADS recently announced that they have received financial contributions from AEP and Columbia Gas to help the residents of Licking County who need assistance paying their electric and/or gas bills.
They are awarding a one-time benefit of up to $175.00 for AEP customers and $250.00 for Columbia Gas customers, while funding lasts. The cutoff date for this special project is May 31, 2009.
For details on how to apply for assistance and specific guidelines, contact Mary Hawk, LEADS energy coordinator, at 740-345-3133.
They are awarding a one-time benefit of up to $175.00 for AEP customers and $250.00 for Columbia Gas customers, while funding lasts. The cutoff date for this special project is May 31, 2009.
For details on how to apply for assistance and specific guidelines, contact Mary Hawk, LEADS energy coordinator, at 740-345-3133.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Want to Save $10,000?
If you are an Ohio employer and have employment needs now or in the future, here is some important information you will want to know.
The State of Ohio has partnered with Monster.com to bring you all the benefits of Monster without paying the $10,000 licensing fee. Log on to www.ohiomeansjobs.com to see all the benefits you can now have for FREE.
This site was launched in late fall of last year, and already has over 4 million resumes in its database. As an Ohio employer, you can search for candidates living in or willing to relocate to Ohio as often as you like. At no cost.
And if you are looking for a job, when you post your resume on OhioMeansJobs, it is automatically posted on Monster as well.
What a great benefit to Ohio employers.
The State of Ohio has partnered with Monster.com to bring you all the benefits of Monster without paying the $10,000 licensing fee. Log on to www.ohiomeansjobs.com to see all the benefits you can now have for FREE.
This site was launched in late fall of last year, and already has over 4 million resumes in its database. As an Ohio employer, you can search for candidates living in or willing to relocate to Ohio as often as you like. At no cost.
And if you are looking for a job, when you post your resume on OhioMeansJobs, it is automatically posted on Monster as well.
What a great benefit to Ohio employers.
HRMA Awarded Superior Merit Chapter
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in Alexandria, VA has awarded the Superior Merit Chapter designation to the Licking County Human Resource Association (LCHRMA) for its scope of work in perpetuating and supporting the mission of the organization in 2008.
"This recognition demonstrates both the leadership and the successful partnership the chapter has with SHRM to serve the networking and professional development needs of human resource professionals and to the advancement of the human resources profession" noted Pamela J. Green, SPHR, Chief Membership Officer for SHRM.
LCHRMA is an affiliate of SHRM and the Licking County Chamber of Commerce.
Congratulations to Vicky and her committee for another successful year!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Ways To Annoy Your Co-Workers
Came across this post at Mental Floss today on things that annoy your co-workers. I have to admit that I am guilty of #2 - Shouting over cubicles to have a conversation. Although we don't have cubicles, I can often be heard shouting "Hey Lois" or Hey Jen" from my office. (Vicky and Mandy don't get it as much because there are walls between us). I know it has to drive them crazy. Why do I do this? Because it is easy.
So what am I going to do about it besides confess? I will make a strong effort to either pick up the phone (second easiest thing) or get up out of my chair and walk to their desks and talk with them face to face. Hmm. That's a new concept.
Sorry ladies.
So what am I going to do about it besides confess? I will make a strong effort to either pick up the phone (second easiest thing) or get up out of my chair and walk to their desks and talk with them face to face. Hmm. That's a new concept.
Sorry ladies.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Safety Council Top in State
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation just announced that the Licking County Safety Council has been awarded the 2008 Safety Council of the Year. This is the third consecutive year that the Council has placed in the top three in the State.
The Council is made up of over 185 companies and is one of 80 Safety Councils across the State of Ohio. It is an affiliate of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce.
I would like to personally thank and congratulate Vicky Crist and committee for their hard work and dedication to this Council. They work very hard to bring important and relevant programs and speakers to the Council every month.
Great job! Well done!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Card Check Update
The Card Check bill (HR 1409) was introduced yesterday. Of the 222 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, ten are Representatives from Ohio, including our own Zack Space. They include:
- Rep Zack Space
- Rep Tim Ryan
- Rep John A. Boccieri
- Rep Betty Sutton
- Rep Charles Wilson
- Rep Marcia Fudge
- Rep Mary Jo Kilroy
- Rep Dennis Kucinich
- Rep Marcy Kaptur
- Rep Steve Driehaus
For a complete list, go here.
Please let them know you are opposed to this issue.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Card Check
Back in 2007, the Chamber opposed the "Card Check" issue, which would have stripped an employees right to a secret ballot when voting to unionize or not. At that time the bill was unsuccessful, but the issue is back on the table.
This bill is being introduced today. The Ohio Chamber has created a special page on their site to address this issue: http://www.ohiobusinessvotes.org/CardCheck/home.html
Please take the time to visit this site and write to your legislators opposing this bill. You can do that directly on that site with ease.
This bill is being introduced today. The Ohio Chamber has created a special page on their site to address this issue: http://www.ohiobusinessvotes.org/CardCheck/home.html
Please take the time to visit this site and write to your legislators opposing this bill. You can do that directly on that site with ease.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Code of Regulations
At our Special Meeting of the membership today, the amended Code of Regulations was unanimously adopted. A special thank you goes out to Mr. Robert Erhard, Board member and attorney, for not only drafting our revisions, but for also taking the time to review the changes with the attendees.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Seth Godin
Cultural Offering has a great post on an interview with Seth Godin.
I couldn't help but to think about our Community Capitalism effort when I listened to him describe why you should have a Tribe.
I couldn't help but to think about our Community Capitalism effort when I listened to him describe why you should have a Tribe.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Benefit Change
Back in 2004, the Chamber entered into an agreement with CertifiChecks, Inc. to promote "Keeping Our Dollars Local". It has been a successful venture over the past five years. However, late Friday I received a notice that they are no longer in operation. You can view their statement and ours here.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Her Name Was Dorothy
Another excerpt from The Winners Manual by Jim Tressel:
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely, this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired, and in her fifties, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say, 'Hello'." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely, this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired, and in her fifties, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say, 'Hello'." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
What a great lesson. Make it a point this week to pay attention to someone that you have overlooked.
Operation Feed Begins Today
The 19th Annual Operation Feed Campaign begins today and will run through Sunday, March 22nd. This campaign generates approximately 30% of the food and 60% of the funding needed annually by the Food Pantry Network of Licking County.
The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is a drop-off location for donations this year. I hope you will consider making a financial or food donation during the next few weeks.
The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is a drop-off location for donations this year. I hope you will consider making a financial or food donation during the next few weeks.
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