Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Join us for the Wine & Brew Fest - Saturday, November 6

Taste samplings of wine and micro-brewed beers from Buckeye Winery, Roots & Shoots Winery, Matesich Distributing, Brown Distribution and The Beverage Source at this fun evening at Apple Tree Auction Center from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. This is an OSU bi-week. Appetizers will be provided by Mattingly Foods, Longaberger Golf Club, Damon’s, Big Apple Café, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Doug’s Farside Catering. Mingle and meet attendees while you enjoy music by Sticks and Stones and Acoustic Shu. Tickets are available at the Beverage Source, Roots & Shoots, Buckeye Winery, Apple Tree Auction Center, Big Apple Café and the Chamber, 50 West Locust Street in Newark or by calling 740/345-9757. Advance Tickets cost $15 each or $25 per couple. The event is sponsored by BuckeyeDiscounts.com, The Advocate, Time Warner Cable, Hendrickson Auxiliary Axle, Bafford Spine & Rehab, PNC Bank, WNKO, Coldwell Banker/King Thompson and H & R Block.

For more information, contact Jennifer McDonald, Vice President, 740/345-9757, ext. 2

Monday, September 27, 2010

Why Twitter Matters

I had a very interesting day today. Spent the day with the Ohio Central Railroad touring the 79Seventy Advanced Materials Corridor on a Hi-Rail vehicle with Rick Platt and two site selectors. (story for another post)

On our way back to Columbus we got on the subject of social media, Twitter especially. A comment was made by one of the site selectors that she utilizes Twitter for the instant research capability it has. She went on to say that when doing research on a community, she can get an immediate feel for it via the comments on Twitter, both good and bad.

A similar story was told at our Annual Dinner by Don the Idea Guy. He said if you think your competition or your customers aren't on Twitter, you are dead wrong. "Just do a search", he said.

Whether you like it or not, the use of social media is not going away anytime soon. The level at which you participate is up to you, but what you can't do is ignore it because your competition certainly isn't.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Looking For A Job?

Looking for a job or new career?

EMPLOYMENT EXPO
SEPT 29, 2010 1:00 - 5:00 PM
THE PLACE OFF THE SQUARE
50 NORTH SECOND STREET • NEWARK, OH 43055

Attention Job Seekers:

Please bring copies of your resume, dress for success,
and be prepared to interview and fill out job applications.

Join us to meet over 25 local employers.

The EXPO is FREE and open to the public!

For more information, please call 740.670.8700
or visit www.TheOneStop.org

Chamber Issues Endorsements

A message from the Ohio Chamber:

Ohio Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee Endorses
Kasich, Husted and DeWine

COLUMBUS - Today, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (OCCPaC) announced its endorsements in races for three statewide offices. OCCPaC endorsed John Kasich for Governor, Jon Husted for Secretary of State, and Mike DeWine for Attorney General.

“These endorsements represent the leadership we need to retain and attract businesses to Ohio,” said Jeffrey S. Gorman, Chairman of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. “They are not about where we have been; but rather where we must go if we are to, once again, be a state where businesses grow, families prosper, and a stronger economic environment exists for all.”

OCCPaC took the unusual step of endorsing in selected statewide races this year because our state faces tremendous challenges that are demanding more from each of us, including the Ohio Chamber, “ said Andrew E. Doehrel, President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber. “Clearly, this action is not without risk, but we felt it was critically important for Ohio’s largest, oldest and most diverse business organization to boldly step forward when our leadership matters most.”

Mr. Doehrel went on to say, “the members of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce respect and appreciate the service of Gov. Ted Strickland during a very difficult time for our state. But, for Ohio to thrive, we need new vision, new ideas, and new energy. That is why we have endorsed John Kasich for Governor. We believe John will use his valuable experience and courage to inspire all Ohioans to make the hard choices that lie ahead”.

“We are also pleased to endorse Jon Husted for Secretary of State. Jon has a deep understanding of the business community and will work tirelessly to ensure that the Secretary of State’s office does everything it can to help improve our state’s business climate. We are also pleased to endorse Mike DeWine for Attorney General. The Attorney General’s office can have a paralyzing effect on economic growth if its powers are not exercised with discretion, balance and fairness. We believe Mike is the best candidate to hold this office,” Mr. Doehrel concluded.

The OCCPaC did not endorse in the offices of Auditor or Treasurer. “Although these races have drawn excellent candidates, we believe it is best to focus our attention on the offices that have the greatest impact on Ohio’s business climate and economy,” Mr. Doehrel said.

Founded in 1893, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is Ohio’s largest and most diverse statewide business advocacy group. The Chamber works to promote and protect the interests of its 4,000 business members, large and small, while building a more favorable business climate and economy,” Mr. Doehrel said.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Early Voting Begins on September 28

Beginning on September 28, any Ohio registered voters can begin casting their votes by mail thanks to No Fault Absentee Voting.

The Ohio Chamber has an excellent resource center that you can log onto and get an absentee ballot or voter registration information.

It is also a great place to get voting records on state candidates.

I am still a traditionalist though. I will be casting my votes at the polls on November 2nd.

- Posted by Cheri

Write-In Candidates

As I was mailing out the 2010 Candidate Questionnaire's for the November election, I noticed I was missing a few addresses for the U.S. Senate Candidates so I called our local Board of Elections, wh0 are always so helpful.

They gave me the addresses I needed and then asked if I knew that an Independent had filed along with a write-in candidate for that race, which I did not know.

That got me thinking about why anyone would think they would have a chance as a write-in candidate. I mean it would take an enormous amount of effort to have people ask for a special ballot and then have them write your name on it. Seems impossible.

But not as impossible as I thought.

Remember Strom Thurmond? U.S. Senator from South Carolina. He ran as a write-in candidate in 1954 and was the first person ever to be elected to Congress as a write-in candidate.

Another example closer to home is Ohio Congressman Charlie Wilson. He was elected in 2006 as a write-in candidate.

And in our own backyard, years ago, Owen Lee was elected to Newark City Council as a write-in.

Lesson here: What may seem impossible, may not be, given some effort.

Published by Cheri.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Progress

I stopped by Heartbeats of Licking County this week and was given a tour of the new addition being constructed.

I am always amazed how construction projects progress through different stages.

Can't wait to see the completed building in a few months.

Thanks for the tour Rindy.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Chamber Announces Addition to Leadership


September 1, 2010


Newark, OH - The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer McDonald to the position of Vice President. Jennifer has served in several roles throughout her 17 years employment with the Chamber, most recently as Communications and Marketing Director.

In this new position Jennifer will assist President Cheri Hottinger with overseeing Chamber operations as well as developing and marketing Chamber events. In recent years, she has implemented a “green marketing campaign” through email blasts, e-newsletters and e-calendars, as well as developed new programs and events, like the Lunch & Learn series and the Development Review Newsletter. Hottinger is excited about Jennifer’s new role. She is confident that “Jennifer’s ideas and experience will help the Chamber succeed and grow, and is excited about her transition as Vice President.”

Aside from her new role, Jennifer is active in the community and serves on the Campaign Cabinet and Marketing Division for the Licking County United Way. She serves on Our Futures in Licking County Operations and Public Relations Committees and COTC Alumni Council. Jennifer is a member of the Chamber’s Events Committee and the Economic Development Committee. She is an active member of the Heath Church of Christ. Jennifer resides in Heath with her husband Shawn and two boys, Austin, 16 and Parker, 13.

For more information, contact Cheri Hottinger, 740/345-9757, ext. 5