Licking County Chamber of Commerce Awarded 4-Star Accreditation by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that, after an intensive and comprehensive self-assessment, the organization has been awarded 4-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious honor acknowledges the professional policies and extensive programming offered by the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, and places our local chamber of commerce among the top 3% of chambers recognized nationwide. 

The only national program recognizing chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement, Accreditation allows chambers of commerce a benchmark system by which to review, improve, and promote sound business practices, policies, and procedures.

Local chambers are rated in one of the following tiers: Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members and chamber executives from across the country.

The Licking County Chamber initially received Accreditation status in 2011 and improved our ranking significantly, to elevate to the 4-Star distinction.  “We’re very proud of the growth and progress,” said Dan McVey, Board Chairman.  McVey noted that “the review and documentation process is substantial, and took about a year to complete.”  Chamber President Jennifer McDonald said the elements that secured the local organization the improved ranking included the presence of an excellent Marketing & Communications Plan, the Chamber’s significant and documented efforts in advocating for the business community, and successful efforts to diversify and increase non-dues revenue sources. 

McDonald credits former President Cheri Hottinger for her diligence in overseeing and coordinating the completion of the accreditation application.  “This past year, the staff, board, and volunteers of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce spent countless hours completing the Accreditation process, said McDonald. “Our task: demonstrate competency in 9 core areas, ranging from finance to facilities. The result of our on-going hard work and thorough documentation is evidenced by this impressive rating. Our entire organization, and each one of our members, should be extraordinarily proud of this milestone achievement.  It was a true team effort. This is a very exciting time to be able to oversee the work of the Chamber and help further assure that Licking County is a phenomenal place to live, play and conduct business.”

McDONALD ASSUMES CHAMBER PRESIDENCY

NEWARK, Ohio – The board of directors of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce today announced that Jennifer McDonald, who has been with the Chamber for over 22 years and has served as the business advocacy organization’s vice president, has been appointed to the position as of October 1, 2016.

As president, McDonald will be tasked with growing the Chamber’s membership, administering marketing and benefits programs for existing members, advancing economic development initiatives throughout the county, and continuing to be the voice of business on the advocacy front for the chamber.   

            “I’m honored and excited about the opportunity the board has given me to continue to move the Chamber forward,“ said McDonald.  We have dedicated people and great ideas that can keep the economic climate in Licking County growing for businesses of all types and sizes.  I’m looking forward to the challenge, and to working with the rest of our talented and dedicated staff and board members.” 

              A committee made up of current and past board members of the chamber coordinated the search, which attracted candidates from across Ohio and elsewhere and resulted in unanimous support from the board of McDonald’s selection. “The search went very well,” said Dan McVey, chair of the Search Committee and current chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.  “We had qualified candidates with good ideas and enthusiasm, which gave us a strong group to select from.  We chose the best of the best.”
             “Her familiarity with the community and understanding of the area’s business dynamics were considerable assets.  She’ll represent Licking County well", said committee member and past chairman Patrick Guanciale.

              McDonald has served on the staff of the Chamber since 1994 . She currently serves on the Heath and C-TEC school boards and is an officer of the Newark-Heath Rotary Club.

Job Search - President & CEO of the Chamber

President & CEO

The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is in search of an accomplished and highly motivated professional to continue to advance the agenda developed by the Chamber Members and Board of Directors of the Chamber.  The President shall also provide strategic leadership in the areas of membership retention/recruitment, economic development and government relations.  The successful candidate shall have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and management experience.  Financial acumen is also a requirement of this position. 

All candidates must have college or equivalent, and must have at least five years experience in a similar leadership role.  A full job description is attached.

For consideration, submit a cover letter, resume and salary history electronically to the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, attention Dan McVey at dmcvey@lickingcountychamber.com. Deadline to apply is September 12, 2016.

For more information about the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website at www.lickingcountychamber.com.  Questions may be directed to Cheri Hottinger, at (740) 345-9757 ext. 5 or chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com 

  

President

Objective:   To provide strategic leadership for the Chamber by working with the Board and other management to establish long range goals, strategies, plans and policies.

Essential Functions:  Chief Executive Officer with authority and responsibility for all of the business of the Chamber, including but not limited to:

·         Planning, developing, implementing, directing and evaluating fiscal function and performance, including the preparation and oversight of the annual operating budget;

·         Leading economic development efforts in partnership with the C.I.C. board and staff;

·         Leading the development of long-range plans and community projects;

·         Governmental relations efforts and activities;

·         Supervising all employees, including hiring, discharging, directing, and coaching;

·         Developing and implementing necessary policies and procedures;

·         Presiding at all meetings of the members and directors if no Chair or Vice Chair has been elected, or if the Chair and Vice Chair are both absent and/or unable to act.

Skills: 

Ø  Proven leadership skills, including strong ability to collaborate

Ø  Well-developed communication skills, including public speaking and writing

Ø  Strategic, planning and organizational skills

Ø  Financial acumen and planning skills

Ø  Computer skills (MS Word for Windows, QuickBooks, Website Maintenance, Chamber Master)

Location: Licking County Chamber of Commerce, 50 West Locust Street, Newark, OH  43055

Education and Training: High school; college or equivalent, business background and leadership.

Hottinger Resigns after 12 Years at the Chamber

After 12 years Hottinger seeks different role in Licking County business community

The Licking County Chamber of Commerce today announced President & CEO Cheri Hottinger has submitted her resignation, effective September 30, 2016. The Board of Directors accepted her resignation, with regret, at a special board meeting held on August 24, 2016. Hottinger led the Chamber for 12 years and played a key role in its membership growth and accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce.

Hottinger cited a desire for a new professional challenge and an opportunity to use and grow her business skills in a different way as the reason for ending her tenure as Chamber president. “Although I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Chamber, I know it is time for me to pursue other interests and opportunities within Licking County,” Hottinger said. “I chose this time to take the next step in my career because the Chamber is running smoothly. We are at the top of our game right now. I know I am leaving it in very good hands – the Chamber has a very talented team and is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. The Chamber is in a great position to continue its successful service to our community.”

Highlights from Hottinger’s career at the Chamber include a growth in membership from 490 to 1550 and earning Accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce.  Only 3% of chambers of commerce across the nation earn this distinction.

Hottinger plans to join The Park National Bank, where she once worked in the past. “I am grateful and excited to be able to continue using my talent and experience with local businesses as part of a local company who is headquartered in downtown Newark.”

Licking County Chamber Chairman Luke Baus said, “The Board recognizes the considerable value that Cheri has brought to the Chamber over the past twelve years. She has worked tirelessly to make the Chamber what it is today, and we greatly appreciate her devotion and leadership. We wish her all the best in this next phase of her career."

The Board of Directors has formed a search committee, led by Chamber Board Chair-Elect Dan McVey, to seek out potential replacements for Hottinger.

Calling All Local Artists!!

We are helping to facilitate a last minute Call for Artists for Kroger who seeking to commission an artist to create an indoor mural at their soon-to-open store in Newark, OH.  The preference is that the artist either live in, be from, or have a connection to the Newark area.  Please follow the link to see more information.  We want to help celebrate Newark artists.  Thank you.

http://www.gcac.org/grants-services/for-artists/

Join Our Team!

The Licking County Chamber of Commerce is in search of a highly motivated and energetic professional to aid in the development and implementation of the economic development strategies identified by Grow Licking County Community Improvement Corporation.  The project associate shall also aid the director of economic development in responding to economic development opportunities from internal and external sources while promoting the county’s economic growth.

At a minimum, candidates should have 1-3 years of demonstrated experience.  A combination of education and work experience will be considered.  Candidates must be able to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.  Candidates should have excellent verbal, written, interpersonal skills and shall further possess experience presenting information in a professional manner to a wide variety of audiences.  Candidates should also have a broad knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office, Google-based applications, Salesforce.com or similar CRM-platforms and a variety of social media applications.  Understanding of Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.

Candidates must practice confidentiality, as required.

Compensation range is $32,000 - $36,000. For consideration, submit a cover letter, resume and salary history to the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, attention Cheri Hottinger, 50 West Locust Street, Newark, Ohio  43055.

For more information about Licking County and this position, please visit www.growlickingcounty.org and www.lickingcountychamber.com.  Questions may be directed to Cheri Hottinger, President & CEO (740) 345-9757 ext. 5 or chottinger@lickingcountychamber.com.

2017 Chamber Travel Trip

Group picture from trip to Cuba

Earlier this month, the Licking County Chamber hosted a trip to Greece, which was a great time.  We have been hosting international trips since 2011.  We have been to China, Italy, Ireland, Cuba, Spain and now Greece.

We are in the beginning stages of planning our 2017 international trip and we would love to get your feedback on where to go next.  Below is a link to a 1-question survey that will take you less than 30 seconds to complete.  Hope you will consider traveling with us in the future!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZMVKXVZ

Thank you,

Cheri