Chamber Updates February 3, 2021
Chamber Members- 
 
For the first time since moving to Cincinnati, I had the chance to boast about the weather to my friends and family in Chicago. It is unlike me to do so, but the snowstorm that went through the Great Lakes last week that dumped as much as 12” of snow happened to miss us. I purposely went out of my way not to boast, “We have 45 degrees and no snow…nah nah!” But it must have come out that way because my friends Tom and Steve from high school sent me a text basically telling me to “shut up!” Well, we got snow this week and as I write, it feels more like the Chicago that I am used to in early February. However, I am not going to tell my buddies that; I’m just going to let them think that it never snows in Cincinnati and that we’re another day closer to Spring, which it is, right? 
 
Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow this year, but despite his prediction for six more weeks of winter, Spring is still approaching. We can look forward to the green grass, warmer temperatures and of course our Chamber Golf League out at Pebble Creek. This year, however, we look with more anticipation because we have been in our homes far more than we ever have because of the COVID pandemic. We have all tried to be innovative and attend as many ZOOM calls as we can, but as a rule, we like interacting with one another in person. We miss seeing family and friends the way we used to. Please give some thought to our Virtual Happy Hour on February 18 (Third Thursday) as one opportunity to laugh along with others as we welcome our guest Phil Callaway. Phil is a Christian humorist from Alberta Canada who has written several books and speaks to large groups on a regular basis. My hope is that you will take a look at the information below and join us in this networking event.
 
The Third Thursday events along with our Women’s Networking luncheon, Emerging Leaders, Sales Summit, PIVOT (People Interacting Virtually Over Technology) as well as our new TEAMS initiative (Together Everyone Achieves More Support) are each intended to bring business owners and their staffs together in Support of one another, to Connect in meaningful ways, and to Celebrate each other’s success. As Winter turns to Spring, and Spring into Summer, my hope is that we are able to all return to more of the practices we had prior to 2020. But in the meantime, please take advantage of the opportunities presented to you through the chamber and elsewhere; let us know how else we can help your business. 

All the best!

Dave Moravec
President & CEO
Colerain Chamber of Commerce
513.923.5036 Office
309.838.1947 Cell
Welcome New Members
Membership in the Colerain Chamber of Commerce has grown from 165 to over 200 businesses in just the past several months. We are excited to share new member announcements though our Facebook Page and in this newsletter. Please welcome and support our November new members!   
 
 
If you know of a business that would benefit from our programming and marketing opportunities, please have them contact the chamber directly or make introductions as you are able. THANK YOU!
Chamber Programming
Tuesday February 9, Noon - Women's Networking Luncheon – Hosted by Pebble Creek Golf Club - This popular group meets for lunch on the second Tuesday of each month! Come join us - We're sharing our experiences and talking about topics that affect working women. Our lunch conversations each month may include topics like personal branding, work/life balance, letting go of perfectionism, making your words count, and asking for what you want. Please RSVP to the Colerain Chamber by Monday February 8th so we know you're joining our lunch-in.

Wednesday February 10, 9 am - Sales Summit - This forum provides an opportunity for professional development within the Greater Colerain area and allows for networking with other sales professionals and leaders in a format that is collaborative in nature. This month’s topic is a panel of purchasing professionals that will share their approach to working with sales professionals. This particular session will serve all salespeople well, especially during this COVID period. Facilitated by chamber members Mark Moser (First Financial Bank) and Scott Marston (Cincinnati Benefit Solutions), this forum is open to chamber members and invited guests at this time.

Wednesday, February 17 – 7:30 am – Board of Director’s Meeting via ZOOM

Thursday February 18, 5-6:30 pm - Third Thursday Networking - This winter we will be gathering for a different type of Chamber event, creating a fun atmosphere and opportunity to share in some laughs. Christian humorist, author and professional speaker Phil Callaway will be with us to share his life stories and bring a message of hope and laughter amid our COVID pandemic challenges. To learn more about our guest, visit the Phil Callaway Website
 
This is yet another opportunity for Chamber Members to connect with each other and during this COVID-19 pandemic period, we need this more than ever!!! There may be 10 or 50 Members on any particular Third Thursday, but you're encouraged to drop by from 5 - 6:30 pm to check it out. A very special prize drawing will be held for those in attendance on the Zoom call.

Friday February 26, 11 am - Networking event -PIVOT- People Interacting Virtually Over Technology - As we have done in the previous sessions, we will give each attendee the opportunity to share more about their business and a brief update on themselves before breaking up into individual conversations. This networking event will be conducted remotely with easy access from your phone or computer; detailed log-in information and registration is required for this event. Moderated by Colerain Chamber of Commerce President Dave Moravec, participants include members of other area chambers of commerce including Harrison, Hamilton, Fairfield, Covington as well as the African American and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Please register at this LINK.
Emerging Leaders
More information about the group can be found on the Chamber landing page Facebook page. Be sure to register and attend the upcoming leadership event on Wednesday, February 24.
 
 
Mission: Emerging Leaders of Colerain fosters the young entrepreneurial spirit by offering opportunities for networking, mentorship, education, and leadership development. We strive to challenge each other with our diverse perspectives while working together to bring growth to the surrounding Colerain business community.
TEAMS – Together Everyone Achieves More Support
In the coming weeks, we will be initiating and looking for participation in the new TEAMS Concept, Together Everyone Achieves More Support. This initiative is intended to Support, Connect and Celebrate together by bringing the small group concept to the business community. We have an amazing group of leaders and ambassadors that will be communicating with all of our chamber members very soon. If you have questions or are interested in becoming an ambassador for the program, please contact Dave Moravec directly. A special thanks goes out to our leadership…THANK YOU!
 
GROUP LEADERSHIP
Women's Networking: Sylvia Dwertman, Visiting Angels
Social Committee: Jennifer Caunin, Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc
Social Committee: Kathie L. Smith, Sibcy Cline Realtors
Sales Summit: Scott Marston, Cincinnati Benefit Solutions
Sales Summit: Mark Moser, First Financial Bank
Emerging Leaders: Jim Diebold, Elite Business Coaching Inc dba FocalPoint
Emerging Leaders: Adam Gabbard, Iron House Studios
Board Leader, David Denny, Tetra Management Services

TEAMS LEADERSHIP
Leader: Susan Bennett, Thrivent Financial
AMBASSADOR: Tim Rohling, Rohling, LLC
AMBASSADOR: Alecia Braddock, Arlington Memorial Funeral Home
Leader: Evan Webeler, White Oak Garden Center, Inc.
AMBASSADOR: Steve Loechtenfeldt, Amerifirst Home Mortgage
AMBASSADOR: Chris Armstrong, Chris Armstrong Photography
AMBASSADOR: Angie Richter, One STOP Pest Control
AMBASSADOR: Bill Richter, One STOP Pest Control
Leader: Dan Applegate, Arlington Memorial Gardens
AMBASSADOR: Mike Long, Long, Schaefer & Company, Inc.
AMBASSADOR: Kathie Currier, Kathie Currier, Coldwell Banker Realty
Leader: Jeff Weckbach, Colerain Township
AMBASSADOR: Brandon Robertson, Long, Schaefer & Company, Inc.
AMBASSADOR: Aubrey Ballinger, Star One Realtors
Leader: Doris Gibbons, Doris Gibbons Insurance Agency
AMBASSADOR: Gail Nolte, Side by Side, Lovingly Empowered by BLOC
AMBASSADOR: Dale Beck, Side by Side, Lovingly Empowered by BLOC
AMBASSADOR: James Gray, Whitewater Crossing Christian Church
Leader: Lyndsey Creecy, Northwest Local School District
AMBASSADOR: Troy Cyrus, Emery Federal Credit Union
AMBASSADOR: Lisa McClain, Arlington Memorial Gardens
 
Marketing Opportunities
SPONSORSHIPS OF EVENTS
In 2021 we will again resume sponsorships of our Third Thursday & Educational in-person events. If you would like to be a sponsor ($300) on a one-time or ongoing basis, or would like to be the host site for our networking events, please contact Dave Moravec directly. Planning of the 2021 schedule is ongoing, so get your business name and visibility out there as soon as possible! We are looking for locations that can host as many as 50 or more people due to the increased interest in this event. We are specifically looking for businesses that can:
  • Provide a quality networking experience with a safe and business friendly atmosphere (Connect)
  • Encourage business participation through promotion (Celebrate)
  • Model the Colerain Chamber of Commerce initiatives (Support)
 
SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
We continue to highlight our members and continue to partner with our local school district, the township, and the state. We will continue to post between 30-40 times per month on Facebook but need information on ways to promote your business. Send us links, promotions, local news; please visit us there, LIKE and FOLLOW us for the latest news.
 
PROMO ITEM/GIFT CARD MARKETING
We continue to look for ways to promote your business through…
  • Promotional items for membership bags - Your logo'd item can be placed in a membership bag along with other chamber members "trinkets". There is no cost to do this, simply provide the Chamber with 25-50-100 items and we will include them with other chamber member items. Coordinate with Dave or Debi.
  •  Gift cards or services certificates - If your business would like to provide the Chamber with $10-$25-$50 gift cards or a gift certificate for product/services to be used as give-aways at various events (like Third Thursday or other educational/networking events).
 
As always, we want to promote your business in any way that we can. If you have news that you would like to share with our membership, please send it along for us to post on Facebook or in our newsletter.
 
Available Resources
PPP Update – Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021
An easy to follow message is provided by chamber member Long Schaefer. Be sure to contact your local bank or CPA for more information on the application process and availability of funds.

Rick Porotsky, Chamber Board Member, wrote an article 1/26/21 on two recent court decisions from Ohio federal courts related to the availability of COVID-19 business interruption insurance coverage. Click here for the full article.
 
US Chamber of Commerce
Please do your part to take preventative measures to help slow the spread and keep America open, healthy and strong using this toolkit with social media graphics and messages as provided by the US Chamber of Commerce. A review the past lessons we've learned has also been made available.

State of Ohio
Ohio businesses are able to apply for $10,000 Covid-19 relief grants. Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol can apply for $2,500 grants. The new grants for businesses will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency.

Hamilton County
Additional small business relief grants and a Rent/Utility Program may provide additional local relief for business owners and their employees. The following two links will provide details:
For more information you can also reach out to:
Joy M. Pierson - Community Development Administrator
Hamilton County Planning + Development Department
138 E. Court Street, Room 1002 - Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-946-8234 office

Colerain Township 2021 Strategic Plan
Viewing of the township’s strategic plan can be found here.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
President Level Sustaining Sponsor
Team Level Sustaining Sponsors
Colerain Chamber of Commerce | www.ColerainChamber.org