This week marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one along Main Street in downtown Chillicothe.

News broke around 8:15 Friday morning that longtime radio announcer Dan Ramey would no longer be one of the first voices that greeted Greater Chillicothe in the mornings. The legendary radio host on WBEX will be making a change beginning next week as he transitions to only announcing one show a day instead of two, now only weekdays from 11-3 on WKKJ. He'll still be the voice of the Chillicothe Cavaliers and I'm sure we'll still see him on many stages around our community as he continues to give back and be the host and emcee for so many events. I've known Dan for many, many years and have worked with him and been interviewed by him often. He knows how to conduct an interview, respects our community and wants to see it grow to be its best again. I'm so glad he's not leaving the station completely, but I sure will miss his deep, soothing voice as it echoed through the valley, "Good morning Chillicothe".

For the past few months I've been working with our Economic Development team during a transition of its own. Earlier this year Director Chris Manegold announced his retirement after serving our community for 10 years. Even though his "official" last day of work was at the end of April, he's still been in the office, making phone calls and answering emails until a new director has been hired. That announcement is soon coming and I'm looking forward to working with our new Economic Development Director. Chris has one of the most positive attitudes that I have ever encountered. I can remember getting the call more than 10 years ago and asked to escort a job candidate around our community and show him businesses, industrial parks, other points of interest. Little did I know that a few short years later we would be sharing the same vision for our community and literally working right down the hall from one another. Chris knows his stuff. He has helped our community, and business community, grow and expand. When I took over the reins at the Chamber, my transition was made easier because of his vision, leadership and friendship. I wish him the very best in his retirement and hope he visits us often.

One other event took place this week. The ribbon cutting at a business more than 100 years old. Globe Furniture opened a new section of their historic downtown Main Street location with a new and fresh look, one to appeal to a new generation. GlobeLoft is a new concept in design, but still maintains the quality and integrity that Globe has given to southern Ohio since its beginning. The store will be hosting grand opening specials on Saturday and I encourage you to stop in, head to the loft and be amazed at the beautiful furniture available for today's generation.

Change is good. It happens to all of us. Sometimes unexpected, sometimes necessary. How we embrace and accept change is what builds the character in all of us. Individually and as a community. Many of us have seen a lot of change in our own personal lives and in the life of our town this year. I can't wait to see what's next.

Enjoy your weekend and I'll see you at Party on Paint tonight in front of the courthouse.