June 22, 2018 - In This Issue:
A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO 

At 6:07 AM yesterday, it was official. Summer finally arrived, even though we've been experiencing summer-like weather for several weeks.

Often times, with the busy summer season, small businesses can experience the "summer slump". As families venture off for vacations or days are spent by a pool, what can businesses do to help get more customers through the door?
  1. Embrace the holidays and events. Typically, Independence Day is one of the most popular holidays. Many stores offer July 4th specials, but creating promotions, decorating and enticing customers can last for several days. Of course, we can't forget about one of my favorite dates, July 18th, National Hot Dog Day. And certainly, don't forget about other events that take place throughout the summer, even the area tourists attractions can be promoted in local stores that could help bring folks into your doors.
  2. Social media. Having an active Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account is a popular promotional tool. Many businesses are using those platforms to promote daily specials and offering contests and giveaways.
  3. Thank your loyal customers. This is a great time to show those who care and are loyal customers to you how much you care for them. Host a cookout or picnic in the park, or offer discounts or specials at a Chillicothe Paints game. Even a round of golf can be a great thank you.
  4. Summer sidewalk sales. If you're finding that your door isn't swinging open enough with customers coming inside, take your goods outside to them. Many businesses find innovative ways to attract customers into their shops by enticing them with something interesting from the outside.
It's hot, it's sticky and lately it's been wet. But like it or not, it's summer. Don't let this season pass you by just to get to the next one. Embrace the season and plan ahead for the next one. Fall will be here before you know it.
 
This week, our community lost a gentle giant and true friend to many. Charles "Chuck" Ware, Sr., 91, passed away and funeral services were held today. Many know him as a third-generation owner of Ware Funeral Home, but he was much more than a business owner to this community. He was a life member of VFW Post 108, American Legion Post 62, and B.P.O.E. Lodge 52. He served on Board of Directors for Ross County YMCA, Children's Services, Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army and the former BancOhio. There were several other organizations he and the business supported. Most of all, he was a comforter to many through their most difficult times. His soft, caring voice and true compassion for people will always be remembered.

In 2016, the Chamber honored Chuck and the Ware Funeral Home for their dedication to our community as recipients of the Legacy Award.

Our thoughts and prayers continue for the Ware family and his friends.


~Randy Davies
President & CEO 


YES. NO. MAYBE? MEDICAL MARIJUANA & YOUR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM

Please join us Thursday, June 28th for our monthly safety council meeting from 11:30-1PM at the PACCAR Medical Education Center.  Cost is $10 per attendee and registration is required below.  Please note this is the make-up meeting for the cancelled February meeting.

This activity has been approved for 1.50 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).

Speaker: Allison Sharer, B.A., OCPc

Allison Sharer has been a trainer with Working Partners® since 2000. She is Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant who has worked in the field of alcohol and other drug abuse prevention for over 30 years. She has developed and presented workshops, training and other education opportunities for a wide variety of audiences including parents, college students, community groups and human service providers

She has been a dedicated advocate for alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and has held leadership positions at the international, state and local levels. She was past-chair of the Prevention Committee of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, on a state level served as trustee of the Ohio Credentialing Board for Chemical Dependency Professionals.
Allison has also served in leadership positions with the Ohio Alcohol and Drug Prevention Workforce Development Taskforce and the Ohio Teen Institute. Her involvement with these organizations has helped shape policies that affect our systems of care and the communities in which prevention practitioners serve. Allison is the past president of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Association of Ohio (ADAPAO) and was selected as the recipient of the Association's annual award for excellence in training. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor's degree in Communication.

Presentation Description:
Employers need to decide how they will respond to medical marijuana before the system to recommend and dispense it is fully operational on September 8, 2018.  To give insight into this important decision, we're offering a presentation to
  • raise awareness of business and operational issues from legalization under Ohio H.B. 523
  • increase understanding of the related drug-free workplace program issues for employers and employees
  • review key decisions that need to be made - particularly relating to policy, operations and employee/supervisor awareness
The content of the presentation is meant for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.  As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a legal professional or other competent advisors.  Please contact a licensed attorney to obtain advice with respect to any legal issue discussed in this presentation or regarding a situation specific to your business.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

PAYROLL TRUE-UP REPORTS 

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) requires that employers reconcile their actual payroll following each policy year.

The BWC establishes each employer's estimated annual premium (EAP) based on the most recent payroll that you reported to the BWC, or for a new employer, based on the 12-month payroll estimate that you provide.

At the end of the policy year, the BWC must "True-Up" the payroll report to ensure that the estimated premium was used for the previous policy year.  Therefore, each employer must file a true-up report that reflects the actual payroll for the policy year.  This report must be completed online and can be accessed (along with additional information and instructions) through this link:  Payroll true-up report

If your actual (true-up) payroll exceeded the estimated payroll, then you will owe the BWC additional premium.  If your actual (true-up) payroll is less than your estimated payroll, you will receive a credit of premium dollars.

*Employer must submit a payroll true-up report even if it has zero payroll.

Private employers will receive payroll true-up notices in July, and they must complete their report to BWC and pay any outstanding balance, by August 15.

Public employers will receive payroll true-up notices in January, and they must complete their report to BWC and pay any outstanding balance, by February 15.

Important:

Employers who do not complete the True-Up process on time will be disqualified for all BWC Discounts and Rating Programs for that year. 



LUNCH WITH 12 STRANGERS

Are you too busy in the evenings to attend our Business After Business?  
Do large crowds make you nervous or uncomfortable?  The Chamber is paying attention and trying to find opportunities for everyone to make connections and develop relationships.  Our newest venture will be, Lunch With 12 Strangers.  Most people get a lunch break and why not use that time to meet some new people?  Twelve is a small group and it will be a very relaxed atmosphere.  Lunch will be on your own or paid individually.  We will order lunch, tell a little about ourselves and where we work and what we are trying to accomplish.  The first 12 people to register will attend the event.  It is important that if you register, that you do attend. 
 
Lunch With 12 Strangers will be held on Tuesday, July 17 th, from 11:30am to 1:00pm at Tumbleweed in Chillicothe.  Make sure you don't hesitate, register today!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

APRIL 2018 BUILDING PERMITS

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. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PERMITS

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS 

-Sons of Amvets Squadron 4 

-HER Realtors-  Morgan O'Dell 

-Culinary Caravans - Peace Love & Lunch 

Click Here to View our Complete Member Directory
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS      

June 28th- Ross County Safety Council, 11:30-1PM at 446 Hospital Rd. 

June 28th- EPIC After Hours, 6-8PM at 80 E. Water St. 

July 13th- Golf Outing- 4th Annual Valero Cup, at 12100 Pleasant Valley Rd. 

August 1st- Ribbon Cutting All Signs of Chillicothe, 10AM, at 12035 Pleasant Valley Rd. 


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 

June BAB hosted by Rainbow Yoga & Salon Oasis

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.