Congressman Bob Gibbs visited with the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee Tuesday evening. He brought along with him a journalist from NPR - we made national news!
See and hear it over at Cultural Offering.
Or read it and listen here.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Parent-Teacher Conference
Recently, I have been subscribing to a daily news update service for the happenings at the Statehouse. I found yesterday's report on the new bills which were introduced quite interesting. Here is what caught my eye:
HB109 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE (WILLIAMS S) To require parents of students enrolled in school districts rated continuous improvement or lower to attend a parent-teacher conference.
This bill was referred to the Education Committee.
This daily report is very interesting. Take a look for yourself:
INTRODUCED
HB108 COMPANION ANIMALS (GERBERRY R) To specifically prohibit an owner of a kennel of dogs from committing cruel treatment of a companion animal and to give a prosecutor who prosecutes an owner of a kennel of dogs who commits such treatment discretion in prosecution.
HB109 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE (WILLIAMS S) To require parents of students enrolled in school districts rated continuous improvement or lower to attend a parent-teacher conference.
HB110 UNCLAIMED FUNDS LAW (WILLIAMS S) To require the director of commerce to provide the office of budget and management with the proper data file to withhold from an unclaimed funds payment for any legal amount in an agreement to compensate a registered finder.
HB111 TAX DEDUCTION-SMALL BUSINESS (WILLIAMS S) To authorize an income tax deduction for small business owners' reinvestment of undistributed profits in business property, employee training, or research and development.
HB112 ENGINE COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE (GROSSMAN C) To require the inclusion of a bittering agent in engine coolant and antifreeze.
HB113 TAXPAYER'S RIGHT TO KNOW ACT (LUNDY M) To enact "The Taxpayer's Right to Know Act," specifying that records of public-private partnerships that perform or assist with state functions are public records, and such entities must conduct business in open meetings.
HB114 TRANSPORTATION BUDGET (MCGREGOR R) To make appropriations for programs related to transportation and public safety for the biennium beginning July 1, 2011, and ending June 30, 2013, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of those programs.
HB115 EDUCATIONAL CHOICE SCHOLARSHIPS (STEBELTON G) To gradually increase to 20,000 the number of Educational Choice Scholarships awarded annually.
HB116 SCHOOL ANTI-BULLYING ACT (BARNES, JR. J) To enact the School Day Security and Anti-Bullying Act to require age-appropriate instruction on and parental notification of public schools' policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
HB117 HIGHWAY NAME DESIGNATION (BARNES, JR. J) To designate the portion of Interstate 480 located within Garfield Heights in Cuyahoga County the "Corporal Brad Anthony Davis Memorial Highway."
HB118 COURT JUDGES AND OFFICERS (FENDE L) To provide that residential and familial information of a probation officer is not a public record, to increase the penalties for certain offenses when a judge or magistrate is the victim, prohibit person from threatening a judge.
HB119 TANNING SERVICES (COMBS C) Regarding the regulation of chemical tanning applications and the use of tanning services by individuals under 18 years of age.
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE:
HB108 COMPANION ANIMALS (GERBERRY R) To specifically prohibit an owner of a kennel of dogs from committing cruel treatment of a companion animal and to give a prosecutor who prosecutes an owner of a kennel of dogs who commits such treatment discretion in prosecution.
EDUCATION:
HB109 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE (WILLIAMS S) To require parents of students enrolled in school districts rated continuous improvement or lower to attend a parent-teacher conference.
FINANCE AND APPROPRIATIONS:
HB114 TRANSPORTATION BUDGET (MCGREGOR R) To make appropriations for programs related to transportation and public safety for the biennium beginning July 1, 2011, and ending June 30, 2013, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of those programs.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT:
HB106 RENTAL AGREEMENT - ARMED FORCES MEMBER (PILLICH C) To enable members of the armed services and the Ohio National Guard terminate a rental agreement when the member receives military orders to deploy or for a permanent change of station.
JUDICIARY AND ETHICS:
HB105 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS (MURRAY D) To allow an employee who is a victim of domestic violence to take an unpaid leave for purposes relating to the incident of domestic violence, to allow a tenant who is a victim to terminate a rental agreement or have name removed from agreement.
STATE GOVERNMENT AND ELECTIONS:
HB110 UNCLAIMED FUNDS LAW (WILLIAMS S) To require the director of commerce to provide the office of budget and management with the proper data file to withhold from an unclaimed funds payment for any legal amount in an agreement to compensate a registered finder.
HB113 TAXPAYER'S RIGHT TO KNOW ACT (LUNDY M) To enact "The Taxpayer's Right to Know Act," specifying that records of public-private partnerships that perform or assist with state functions are public records, and such entities must conduct business in open meetings.
TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY:
HB107 LICENSE PLATES (DAMSCHRODER R) To require that motor vehicles carry only one license plate, to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
HB112 ENGINE COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE (GROSSMAN C) To require the inclusion of a bittering agent in engine coolant and antifreeze.
WAYS AND MEANS:
HB111 TAX DEDUCTION-SMALL BUSINESS (WILLIAMS S) To authorize an income tax deduction for small business owners' reinvestment of undistributed profits in business property, employee training, or research and development.
HB109 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE (WILLIAMS S) To require parents of students enrolled in school districts rated continuous improvement or lower to attend a parent-teacher conference.
This bill was referred to the Education Committee.
This daily report is very interesting. Take a look for yourself:
INTRODUCED
HB108 COMPANION ANIMALS (GERBERRY R) To specifically prohibit an owner of a kennel of dogs from committing cruel treatment of a companion animal and to give a prosecutor who prosecutes an owner of a kennel of dogs who commits such treatment discretion in prosecution.
HB109 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE (WILLIAMS S) To require parents of students enrolled in school districts rated continuous improvement or lower to attend a parent-teacher conference.
HB110 UNCLAIMED FUNDS LAW (WILLIAMS S) To require the director of commerce to provide the office of budget and management with the proper data file to withhold from an unclaimed funds payment for any legal amount in an agreement to compensate a registered finder.
HB111 TAX DEDUCTION-SMALL BUSINESS (WILLIAMS S) To authorize an income tax deduction for small business owners' reinvestment of undistributed profits in business property, employee training, or research and development.
HB112 ENGINE COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE (GROSSMAN C) To require the inclusion of a bittering agent in engine coolant and antifreeze.
HB113 TAXPAYER'S RIGHT TO KNOW ACT (LUNDY M) To enact "The Taxpayer's Right to Know Act," specifying that records of public-private partnerships that perform or assist with state functions are public records, and such entities must conduct business in open meetings.
HB114 TRANSPORTATION BUDGET (MCGREGOR R) To make appropriations for programs related to transportation and public safety for the biennium beginning July 1, 2011, and ending June 30, 2013, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of those programs.
HB115 EDUCATIONAL CHOICE SCHOLARSHIPS (STEBELTON G) To gradually increase to 20,000 the number of Educational Choice Scholarships awarded annually.
HB116 SCHOOL ANTI-BULLYING ACT (BARNES, JR. J) To enact the School Day Security and Anti-Bullying Act to require age-appropriate instruction on and parental notification of public schools' policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
HB117 HIGHWAY NAME DESIGNATION (BARNES, JR. J) To designate the portion of Interstate 480 located within Garfield Heights in Cuyahoga County the "Corporal Brad Anthony Davis Memorial Highway."
HB118 COURT JUDGES AND OFFICERS (FENDE L) To provide that residential and familial information of a probation officer is not a public record, to increase the penalties for certain offenses when a judge or magistrate is the victim, prohibit person from threatening a judge.
HB119 TANNING SERVICES (COMBS C) Regarding the regulation of chemical tanning applications and the use of tanning services by individuals under 18 years of age.
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE:
HB108 COMPANION ANIMALS (GERBERRY R) To specifically prohibit an owner of a kennel of dogs from committing cruel treatment of a companion animal and to give a prosecutor who prosecutes an owner of a kennel of dogs who commits such treatment discretion in prosecution.
EDUCATION:
HB109 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE (WILLIAMS S) To require parents of students enrolled in school districts rated continuous improvement or lower to attend a parent-teacher conference.
FINANCE AND APPROPRIATIONS:
HB114 TRANSPORTATION BUDGET (MCGREGOR R) To make appropriations for programs related to transportation and public safety for the biennium beginning July 1, 2011, and ending June 30, 2013, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of those programs.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT:
HB106 RENTAL AGREEMENT - ARMED FORCES MEMBER (PILLICH C) To enable members of the armed services and the Ohio National Guard terminate a rental agreement when the member receives military orders to deploy or for a permanent change of station.
JUDICIARY AND ETHICS:
HB105 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS (MURRAY D) To allow an employee who is a victim of domestic violence to take an unpaid leave for purposes relating to the incident of domestic violence, to allow a tenant who is a victim to terminate a rental agreement or have name removed from agreement.
STATE GOVERNMENT AND ELECTIONS:
HB110 UNCLAIMED FUNDS LAW (WILLIAMS S) To require the director of commerce to provide the office of budget and management with the proper data file to withhold from an unclaimed funds payment for any legal amount in an agreement to compensate a registered finder.
HB113 TAXPAYER'S RIGHT TO KNOW ACT (LUNDY M) To enact "The Taxpayer's Right to Know Act," specifying that records of public-private partnerships that perform or assist with state functions are public records, and such entities must conduct business in open meetings.
TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY:
HB107 LICENSE PLATES (DAMSCHRODER R) To require that motor vehicles carry only one license plate, to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
HB112 ENGINE COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE (GROSSMAN C) To require the inclusion of a bittering agent in engine coolant and antifreeze.
WAYS AND MEANS:
HB111 TAX DEDUCTION-SMALL BUSINESS (WILLIAMS S) To authorize an income tax deduction for small business owners' reinvestment of undistributed profits in business property, employee training, or research and development.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Why should I join the Chamber?
There are dozens of reasons why a non-member should consider joining the Licking County Chamber of Commerce: group insurance, networking events, affiliates like Safety Council and HRMA, advertising opportunities, to name just a few. But our current members say it best and explain in the videos below how the Chamber helps them grow their business:
Posted by: Jennifer McDonald
Posted by: Jennifer McDonald
Sunday, February 20, 2011
High-Touch to No-Touch
Last week I attended a conference for Chamber Professionals. One of the speakers talked about the trend of going from High-Touch to No-Touch in terms of the way we handle our relationships. He used an example of going to the movies. It used to be a fun, family time to go to the movies. We would see people we knew and have face-to-face conversations about what we liked or disliked about the movie with the other people who were there.
Then came Blockbuster. We no longer had to talk to anyone except the clerk. We rented the movie and took it home to watch it with just family and maybe a few friends.
Now there is Redbox and Netflix. We can just get our movie out of a vending machine or mailbox and not have to have a verbal conversation with anyone.
In today's world of fast and easy, Redbox and Netflix may seem like wonderful benefits, but how much benefit is there if you haven't built loving relationships with people? Yes, I used the word loving. It isn't a bad word. If you building loving, caring relationships with people, and are genuine about what's going on in their lives, they will build a relationship with you and will trust you.
What happens when people begin to trust you? They do business with you.
When is the last time you attended a networking event and asked someone not what they did for a living, but why they chose to do whatever it is they are doing? By asking the why question, you are asking them to tell their story. You have then made it about them and not about you. And when you continue to make it about them and not you, you will begin the building process of a long-term relationship.
And isn't that what we ultimately strive for - long-term clients?
On your next call or event, take the first five minutes and ask the why question. I would love to hear the results.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Reducing Hiring Costs
Are you an employer interested in reducing your hiring costs?
If so, you should consider attending the free training class to learn more about Ohio MeansJobs website. You will learn how to:
Please RSVP to Windy Murphy, Employment Specialist - LCJFS/Opportunity Links, at murphw01@odjfs.state.oh.us
If so, you should consider attending the free training class to learn more about Ohio MeansJobs website. You will learn how to:
- Search millions of resumes belonging to skilled Ohioans and job seekers interested in locating in Ohio.
- Get free advertising of your current job opportunities.
- Access job seeker screenings and referrals.
- Participate in local job fairs and accessing information regarding upcoming workshops.
- Access information on Ohio's Labor Market.
Please RSVP to Windy Murphy, Employment Specialist - LCJFS/Opportunity Links, at murphw01@odjfs.state.oh.us
Monday, February 14, 2011
City of Heath Safety Improvement Project Update
Below is a letter from Mayor of Heath, Mark Johns, regarding the Rt. 79 Safety Project. It has some important information you should know.
To: Businesses in Hebron Rd. Safety Project Area
From: The Office of the Mayor of Heath, Mark D. Johns
Reg: Project Update Information
February 14, 2011
This is the first in what will be a series of communications you will receive from my office
regarding the Hebron Rd. Safety Improvement Project. My goal is to provide our city’s valuable
businesses and its residents with as much accurate information in a proactive manner as I can.
Hopefully, this information will help you in planning for the needs of your business.
Utility relocation will begin in early April. If there are any interruptions to service, they will
be of short duration. The utility companies will meet with anyone whose service will be
interrupted and arrange to have this done at a time when it is most convenient for the customer.
The rest of the project is divided into three phases. The work during those phases
includes:
Phase 1
This phase is scheduled to begin on July 9, 2011.
Milling of the asphalt on Hebron Road will be followed by the road being re-striped. Four
lanes of traffic will flow in the middle of the road (two lanes in each direction), and there
will not be a center turn lane. During this Phase there will be some impact to traffic
caused by the temporary closure of Oberlin Dr. at the intersection of SR79 and
temporary removal of left turn lanes at the intersections of Oberlin/Andover and Putnam
Dr.
The road will be widened.
A new water line will be installed down the east side of the road.
Oberlin Dr. will be realigned with Andover Dr., and Radian Dr. will be realigned with
Putnam Dr., making these intersections safer and providing a better traffic pattern.
Lane closures will generally occur only between the hours of 10 PM through 6 AM.
Phase 1 will be completed by November 15, 2011. There will be no construction activity
between November 15 and January 2, 2012.
Phase 2
Phase 2 will begin January 2, 2012 and involve the installation of the median and
associated landscaping.
Hebron Road will be restriped, this time moving the four lanes of traffic to the outer parts
of the road, allowing for the installation work to be done on the median.
Phase 2 is expected to be completed by April, 2012.
Phase 3
Application of asphalt, road striping and installation of signage will be done during Phase
3. It is anticipated the end of Phase 3, and the conclusion of the project, will be around
June, 2012.
For the duration of the project, I will continue to work to provide you with accurate
information like the above which may be of use to you. If you have any questions, please do
not hesitate to contact John Groff, Chief of Building and Zoning, or myself here at the Heath
Municipal Building (522-1420). We will work with you to try and answer your questions and be
of help to you.
Thank you for your time, and for operating your business in the City of Heath.
Sincerely,
Mark D. Johns
Mayor – City of Heath
To: Businesses in Hebron Rd. Safety Project Area
From: The Office of the Mayor of Heath, Mark D. Johns
Reg: Project Update Information
February 14, 2011
This is the first in what will be a series of communications you will receive from my office
regarding the Hebron Rd. Safety Improvement Project. My goal is to provide our city’s valuable
businesses and its residents with as much accurate information in a proactive manner as I can.
Hopefully, this information will help you in planning for the needs of your business.
Utility relocation will begin in early April. If there are any interruptions to service, they will
be of short duration. The utility companies will meet with anyone whose service will be
interrupted and arrange to have this done at a time when it is most convenient for the customer.
The rest of the project is divided into three phases. The work during those phases
includes:
Phase 1
This phase is scheduled to begin on July 9, 2011.
Milling of the asphalt on Hebron Road will be followed by the road being re-striped. Four
lanes of traffic will flow in the middle of the road (two lanes in each direction), and there
will not be a center turn lane. During this Phase there will be some impact to traffic
caused by the temporary closure of Oberlin Dr. at the intersection of SR79 and
temporary removal of left turn lanes at the intersections of Oberlin/Andover and Putnam
Dr.
The road will be widened.
A new water line will be installed down the east side of the road.
Oberlin Dr. will be realigned with Andover Dr., and Radian Dr. will be realigned with
Putnam Dr., making these intersections safer and providing a better traffic pattern.
Lane closures will generally occur only between the hours of 10 PM through 6 AM.
Phase 1 will be completed by November 15, 2011. There will be no construction activity
between November 15 and January 2, 2012.
Phase 2
Phase 2 will begin January 2, 2012 and involve the installation of the median and
associated landscaping.
Hebron Road will be restriped, this time moving the four lanes of traffic to the outer parts
of the road, allowing for the installation work to be done on the median.
Phase 2 is expected to be completed by April, 2012.
Phase 3
Application of asphalt, road striping and installation of signage will be done during Phase
3. It is anticipated the end of Phase 3, and the conclusion of the project, will be around
June, 2012.
For the duration of the project, I will continue to work to provide you with accurate
information like the above which may be of use to you. If you have any questions, please do
not hesitate to contact John Groff, Chief of Building and Zoning, or myself here at the Heath
Municipal Building (522-1420). We will work with you to try and answer your questions and be
of help to you.
Thank you for your time, and for operating your business in the City of Heath.
Sincerely,
Mark D. Johns
Mayor – City of Heath
Friday, February 11, 2011
Chamber Day at the Capital
Good afternoon –
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Legislative Reception is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at the Capitol Theatre in the Vern Riffe Center in downtown Columbus. The keynote speaker this year is Ford Motor Company President & CEO, Alan Mulally. It should be a great day. His address is titled “Manufacturing Matters in Ohio”.
Attendance at the keynote speech and reception (after Mr. Mulally speaks) is $125 per person, but if you register with the Licking County Chamber, it will only cost you $40 per person. This is a great deal and exciting opportunity.
If you are interested in attending, please let us know by April 1, 2011.
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Legislative Reception is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at the Capitol Theatre in the Vern Riffe Center in downtown Columbus. The keynote speaker this year is Ford Motor Company President & CEO, Alan Mulally. It should be a great day. His address is titled “Manufacturing Matters in Ohio”.
Attendance at the keynote speech and reception (after Mr. Mulally speaks) is $125 per person, but if you register with the Licking County Chamber, it will only cost you $40 per person. This is a great deal and exciting opportunity.
If you are interested in attending, please let us know by April 1, 2011.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
It's All About Jobs
A message from the Ohio Chamber:
After just one month in office, the new administration and legislature here in Ohio have hit the ground running focusing on job creation and economic growth. Legislative priorities have been spelled out and the top issues are jobs, jobs, jobs. To that end, Governor Kasich has followed through on his campaign promise to restructure Ohio’s economic development efforts by creating JobsOhio.
A priority of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and key plank to the Campaign for Jobs, JobsOhio will privatize the Ohio Department of Development and provide more flexibility in attracting and retaining businesses. JobsOhio will speed-up the process of economic development while making it more efficient – exactly what businesses need and want as they look to create jobs and make investments.
With this in mind, we hope you will join the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, other business groups and businesses across Ohio in supporting JobsOhio. We want to show the legislature and Governor Kasich just how important this initiative is to Ohio and jobs. If you would like to show your support, please send us your name and the name of your business so that we can add it to our letter of support by clicking here.
Thank you for your support!
After just one month in office, the new administration and legislature here in Ohio have hit the ground running focusing on job creation and economic growth. Legislative priorities have been spelled out and the top issues are jobs, jobs, jobs. To that end, Governor Kasich has followed through on his campaign promise to restructure Ohio’s economic development efforts by creating JobsOhio.
A priority of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and key plank to the Campaign for Jobs, JobsOhio will privatize the Ohio Department of Development and provide more flexibility in attracting and retaining businesses. JobsOhio will speed-up the process of economic development while making it more efficient – exactly what businesses need and want as they look to create jobs and make investments.
With this in mind, we hope you will join the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, other business groups and businesses across Ohio in supporting JobsOhio. We want to show the legislature and Governor Kasich just how important this initiative is to Ohio and jobs. If you would like to show your support, please send us your name and the name of your business so that we can add it to our letter of support by clicking here.
Thank you for your support!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Interview with Speaker John Boehner
Finally sifted through my mail today and came across this interview the US Chamber did with Speaker of the House John Boehner.
Excerpt:
Q: How do we pay down our debt?
A: First of all, the discretionary spending side is about one-third of our budget. We just need to look at every single line item of the budget and ask ourselves, 'When you're borrowing 40 cents for every dollar that you're spending, do we really need to do this?' But that's only one-third of the problem. The big problems are the growing unfunded entitlement programs - Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. And you'll see us this year begin to develop proposals for how we strengthen those programs for the long term.
Excerpt:
Q: How do we pay down our debt?
A: First of all, the discretionary spending side is about one-third of our budget. We just need to look at every single line item of the budget and ask ourselves, 'When you're borrowing 40 cents for every dollar that you're spending, do we really need to do this?' But that's only one-third of the problem. The big problems are the growing unfunded entitlement programs - Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. And you'll see us this year begin to develop proposals for how we strengthen those programs for the long term.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Unique Birthday Gift for Dr. E. Gordon Gee
A BIG thank you to the Groundhog Committee and their families (including mine) for stretching their bodies in ways they shouldn't be stretched!And thanks to Bill Cost for willingly taking these photos for us!
Another Wonderful Groundhog Breakfast
Yesterday was our 55th Annual Groundhog Breakfast. It has become quite a tradition in Licking County, with close to 700 people in attendance at this year's breakfast.
Thanks to all the wonderful comments our staff has received. This breakfast has its own committee, the Groundhog Committee, (and they are a wonderful group of people), but the real behind-the-scenes, get-your-hands dirty work is done by the staff at the Chamber. A staff of four.
Thank you Vicky, Jennifer and Mandy for another year of making people happy in our community.
Thanks to the great coverage on yesterday's event via twitter (do a search for #LCGH and see all the comments and pictures), the Newark Advocate and local bloggers Kurt Harden and Patrick Guanciale. You can also check out our own photo gallery on FB.
With the Groundhog Breakfast now behind us, we will start planning for the 2012 Breakfast. Our corporate sponsor will be Licking Memorial Health Systems.
Get your tickets early!
- Posted by Cheri
Thanks to all the wonderful comments our staff has received. This breakfast has its own committee, the Groundhog Committee, (and they are a wonderful group of people), but the real behind-the-scenes, get-your-hands dirty work is done by the staff at the Chamber. A staff of four.
Thank you Vicky, Jennifer and Mandy for another year of making people happy in our community.
Thanks to the great coverage on yesterday's event via twitter (do a search for #LCGH and see all the comments and pictures), the Newark Advocate and local bloggers Kurt Harden and Patrick Guanciale. You can also check out our own photo gallery on FB.
With the Groundhog Breakfast now behind us, we will start planning for the 2012 Breakfast. Our corporate sponsor will be Licking Memorial Health Systems.
Get your tickets early!
- Posted by Cheri
Friday, February 4, 2011
Congratulations to Jack O'Neill
John (Jack) O'Neill, founder of Southgate Corporation, was awarded with the John Alford Community Service Award today at our 55th Annual Groundhog Breakfast.Congrats Jack - it was well-deserved!
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