January 26, 2018 - In This Issue:
A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO 

A company that has seen technological changes like no other is undergoing a change itself, in ownership. After 123 years as a privately owned and family run business, Horizon Telcom announced yesterday it is selling to Canadian-based Novacap. The private equity company will be acquiring all property of the organization, and according to Horizon CEO Bill McKell all employees and the management structure will remain. Following the approval of the company's existing board of directors and regulatory approval, the closing is expected by late spring or early summer. The sale will allow Horizon to have available capital dollars for future projects throughout its service area, now covering many states within the Midwest.
 
In Ohio, there are over 600 municipal taxing authorities, making it extremely complicated to do business in multiple areas of the state. Legislative changes have been made in the latest state budget allowing Ohio businesses to opt-in and use a centralized filing system where net profit municipal taxes can be submitted online using one form. Doing this, businesses no longer have to file individual forms for each municipality where they do business. In order to take advantage of this new online system for 2018 payments, businesses need to register by March 1, 2018 at www.tax.ohio.gov, then click on the link in the center of the page that says Municipal Net Profit Tax.
 
Congratulations to Bill and Suzanne Leib, along with the entire team at EXIT First Capital Realty. They celebrated their 10th anniversary on Tuesday with a great event that featured the founder of EXIT Realty, Steve Morris.
 
Don't forget to register for the upcoming Community Forecast Breakfast sponsored by Kingston National Bank. The event is on Groundhog day, Feb. 2, at 7:30 AM at the Chillicothe Country Club. Information will be shared from the Greater Chillicothe Ross Vision Project team along with news about new events planned for 2018 for members to connect and share.  Click here for more information and to register.
 
And, don't forget we are now accepting nominations for the Chamber awards that will be given at our Annual Meeting on March 13.  Click here for more information.
 
As always, enjoy your weekend!


~Randy Davies
President & CEO 


AWARD NOMINATION INFORMATION
 
Entry deadline: 4 PM Friday, February 2, 2018

For more than 20 years, your chamber has honored from its ranks an  Entrepreneur of the Year to recognize their value-added contributions to our community and economy. In 2015, two new businesses were honored with the  Corporate Citizenship Award and  Legacy Award. In 2016 one new award was added with the  Young Professional Of The Year award.

Nominations for these awards are from the membership and Chamber Awards Committee. To nominate a fellow chamber member or yourself for any of these prestigious awards, please complete the form below. When finished, hit the submit button only once. Nominations must be received by no later than  4 PM Friday, February 2, 2018, to be considered.

The selection committee retains nominations for the last couple of years. The committee considers all retained nominations along with current nominations. We also encourage updates to previous nominations. A committee composed of past recipients and chamber board members will review all nominations. The final selection will be announced at the chamber's Annual Meeting Dinner on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Should you have any questions or want to double-check that we received the nomination, give us a call at 740.702-2722.

(Award clarifications)

Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Recognizes those members who best exemplify the essence of the definition of "entrepreneur" - the organizer of an economic venture. One who organizes, promotes, owns/manages and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise that they started.

Corporate Citizenship Award: Honors a business that exemplifies excellent corporate citizenship in giving back to the communities in which it operates, enhancing the economic health and quality of life of its employees and its community.

Legacy Award: Honors members of our community and/or families who have been part of the chamber and business community for at least 25 years. It is both a testament to the member and their commitment to service.

Young Professional of The Year: Recognizes a young professional who is engaged in education/career development, demonstrates leadership in their field, and is active in civic or charitable activities.



Click Here For More Information on Young Professional Award

ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION

COMMUNITY FORECAST BREAKFAST REGISTRATION
Groundhog Day has traditionally been observed as a day to forecast the remaining winter weather. And in Chillicothe, it's a day to use as a forecast of our community's growth and development for the upcoming year.

Kingston National Bank will again sponsor this event, hosted by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Feb. 2nd, 2018. The Community Forecast Breakfast will be held at the Chillicothe Country Club, 800 Arch St., beginning at 7:30 AM. Doors open at 7.

The public is invited to hear updates on community initiatives from the Greater Chillicothe Ross Community Vision Project team. Information will be shared involving work that is being done on making our area a destination for those using trails and waterways for recreation, projects that are improving the health and wellness of our citizens by building a new 2-1-1 phone system, and a report on the educational opportunities in our area that will help build the workforce of tomorrow. The community's new economic development director also will be publicly introduced and share her thoughts on the economic forecast for greater Chillicothe and Ross County.

BUILDING PERMITS FOR DECEMBER 2017
 
Construction and redevelopment in our community continues to thrive. As a service, the Chamber is pleased to share as much information as we can provide. Click the link below to see commercial building permits for Chillicothe and Ross County. 

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
  • Direct To Business Wholesale 
  • CSRConnections 
For a complete listing of members please visit www.chillicotheohio.com and select member directory
QUICK CLIPS FROM OUR MEMBERS
  • Chillicothe Walmart is one of 30 stores in Ohio that was honored recently by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities with the Committed to Opportunity Award for their leadership in integrating individuals with disabilities into Ohio's workforce 
  • Looking for small business classes? Click here for more information
  • Atomic Speedway is busy filling their schedule for 2018. For more information about upcoming events visit www.atomicspeedway.net 
  • Congratulations to Lisa Bonner with Concord Mortgage Group for receiving a sales award for the most growth company wide from 2016 to 2017 
  • Lake White Club will be having a Valentines Day special with live music featuring the Greater Good, call 740-947-5000 for reservations 
  • Direct to Business Wholesale provides and installs soap and paper towel dispensers, installation is free, call 740-773-7283 for more information 
  • The Hampton Inn & Suites are offering a Valentines package, for more information call 740-773-1616
Email your quick clips to  bhood@chillicotheohio.com
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS      

February 2nd- Community Forecast Breakfast

February 21st- Business After Business hosted by Big Sandy Superstore, 1404 N. Bridge St.

March 13th- Annual Meeting Dinner at Ohio University Chillicothe in the Shoemaker Center

March 15th- 29th Annual Employment Expo at Ohio University Chillicothe in the Shoemaker Center

March 21st- Business After Business hosted by Stone Creek Dental, 1849 N. Bridge St.

April 7th and 8th 2018- Southern Ohio Home & Garden Show at the Ross County Fairgrounds 


For more information or to register for any of these events please call 740-702-2722 or 
visit the Chamber Calendar at www.chillicotheohio.com
 

2018 PREMIUM MEMBERS

Platinum Level
Adena Health System
Advanced Services Heating and Cooling
C. Walters Management
Central Ohio Financial Services
Chillicothe City Schools
Chillicothe Paints
Classic Brands
Glatfelter
Horizon
Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC 
Kenworth Truck Co.
McDonald's
Ohio University- Chillicothe
Printex Same Day Printing
Ross County Banking Center
Signature HealthCARE of Chillicothe
WesBanco

Gold Level
National Church Residences   
Staff Source 

Rise Realty Ribbon Cutting

Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E Main Street *  Chillicothe, OH 45601
P: (740) 702-2722   F: (740) 702-2727
bkellough @chillicotheohio.com

The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce promotes economic and community development by providing services and addressing issues important to business.