CHAMBER UPDATES | AUGUST 31, 2021 |
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Chamber Members,
In talking to chamber members across the area, it seems that two topics carry the day. Any guesses what they are? Yes, that's correct. COVID-Delta variant and being able to hire/keep a quality workforce. The third topic, which is a distant third I might add, is the possibility of the Reds holding on to the last National League Wild Card spot.
For the COVID conversation, people seem to be prepared to defend their position and justify their stance on masks, working from home, vaccinations, boosters, quarantining, kids & schools, and what "exposure" means. What I know about COVID is that for every person out there talking about it, there are that many opinions and ideas for the right approach. I can't solve this issue, but we as a chamber of commerce will try to follow the guidelines provided by the science leaders and be here to listen to you as you deal with it in your business and family life.
Workforce topics today are almost as challenging of a topic because every organization is being touched by it and in profound ways. Having had dinner in a restaurant recently where the wait staff felt compelled to justify the slower service both at the table and in the kitchen, I realized that customer service has had to take a different, more apologetic approach than I have seen in my lifetime. One of the car dealerships that I stopped by recently had the salesman who greeted me at the door tell his "tale of woe" relative to computer chips being unavailable, trying to justify the lack of cars on the lot and wait-time for delivery of a new vehicle. I wasn't even there to buy a car, but rather talk about our www.TeamUpToGreenUp.com initiative.
What the COVID & workforce issues have in common is that we have to be creative in our solutions, look to the experts for help, and continue to be positive in the process. Negativity begets negativity and positivity, well you know what it gets, right? In my ideal world it's not whether the glass is half full or glass empty, but rather which wine from Vinoklet or beer from Game On is contained in the glass. 🙂 Please continue to be patient with the chamber in finding suitable solutions to get jobs posted and helping find you quality workers, just as you need to look at the bright side of opened restaurants and businesses that are doing their best under challenging circumstances. We can all use a bit more patience, understanding and humanity as everyone tries to navigate their own lives through this period.
As I close, please note the changes to the newsletter below, the number of activities and programs to take advantage of, and announcements relative to our business community which come on a monthly basis. I am elated about the upcoming schedule and hope that you are finding value in your membership. On a sad note, included below is also a brief piece about one of our chamber members, Jason Goodall who recently passed away at the age of 47. If you were touched by Jason in some way, you know that his giving spirit and humor carried the day.
As always, please contact us with any feedback, questions or opportunities that might serve our membership.
All the best!
Dave
Dave Moravec
President/CEO
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In Remembrance
In last month's newsletter I started out talking about my friend Gary Moore's death and the Colerain Chamber networking event being held at Arlington Memorial Gardens and Funeral home. This month, as I said at the end of my opening letter, I am sad to share the passing of one of our newest chamber members Jason Goodall. Jason had recently gotten involved in one of our TEAMS groups and had been asked to use his humor (stand-up comedy was foundational for him) for an upcoming chamber event. Jason brought his humor to one of our winter Zoom Happy Hours as well.
Jason was introduced to the Colerain Chamber by his longtime friend Terry Grear, one of the founders of Scroggins-Grear. Jason leaves behind his wife Kelli, his business partner Gene Peters, and both parents who have survived him. A memorial service is being planned for the afternoon of September 19th; for more information, you can read Jason's obituary HERE .
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HERE WE GROW AGAIN!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
The Colerain Chamber of Commerce membership is quite diverse bringing together local businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, and governmental bodies. Please share this with your team and others interested in looking for involvement in the community.
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Buds Cincinnati is a full-service florist and plant shop offering walk-in retail, designer made arrangements, and guided DIY bouquets and centerpieces for weddings and special events or any occasion.
Spaces are also available for rent for events, parties, classes, etc.
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At Evangelical Community Church, members support, sharpen, and learn from each other while ministering redemption throughout our city.
Evangelical Community Church is a Reformed intergenerational Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Total Quality Childcare Center is dedicated to the growth of each child. We believe children construct their knowledge through discovery and hands-on experiences.
TQ Childcare believes the social interactions between your child, the teachers, and his/her peers are of utmost importance in your child’s development.
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ELife School Ministries is a non-denominational program designed to Encourage, Equip & Educate Public School Students 4th through 12th grades through a holistic Christ Centered Released Time Bible Education |
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Invictus Church's vision is build a high quality neighborhood church in every neighborhood where God opens the door.
All are welcome at Invictus Church. Weekly worship services are held on Sundays at 10:30am. Online services are also available.
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Troy Baker and Kitty Kline combine their passions of Hot Rods and Great Food in this food truck!
Enjoy family favorites like ribs, the stuffed pork chop, pulled pork sandwiches, and so much more!
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By offering private lending to people and businesses, when traditional lending sources fail to provide funding, business opportunities are created. These funding opportunities improve business outcomes, which also lead to job creation. As a result, private money lenders play a considerable role in positive life-changing events for community members. |
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White Oak Flower Farm is a small, family-run flower farm in Cincinnati, focused on speciality cut flowers.
Find them at Findlay Market and the Westside Market this summer!
Welcome, Brian & Tracey McMullen!
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Colerain Veterans Memorial, is a group of residents that have come together to raise funds to construct and install a Veterans Memorial Park for Veterans only.
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Panera Bread Gilmore Cafe location reopened in new location at 5875 Dixie Hwy in Fairfield, OH on August 18th!
Join us in congratulating chember member Panera in their Grand Opening of their newest location!
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Colerain Township Celebrates the Opening of Colerain Park Playground!
After months (and years) of discussion, design and construction – the community’s vision of Fort Colerain has been realized!
Colerain Park offers a fun, family oriented space with playgrounds, shelters, volleyball and basketball courts, and more!
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Red Squirrel Looking to Re-Open Soon
As many of you know, the Red Squirrel had a hood fire on Friday July 29th about 5:00pm. The Colerain Fire Department's response was within about 2-3 minutes; all of the guests and staff were already out of the building by the time fire trucks arrived.
While there have been additional challenges to opening up sooner rather than later, owner John Georgeton has been working with the insurance company and contractors to open as quickly as possible.
He would like to thank the community for their continued support and assured us that he will provide updated information about the restaurant reopening soon.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 | 9:00AM - 10:00PM
The Sales Summit concept brings together sales professionals from the business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) marketplaces to look at sales from a human to human perspective (H2H).
This month's Sales Summit will be held in person at the Colerain Chamber office beginning with networking at 8:30am. Donuts and coffee will be available.
Led by chamber members Mark Moser (First Financial) and Scott Marston (Cincinnati Benefits Solution), this monthly gathering gives salespeople the opportunity to learn from one another, share leads, and further the profession of sales.
FREE to Chamber Members and invited non-chamber member guests!
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 | 8:00AM - 10:00AM
Colerain Township Community Center
(4300 Springdale Rd.) - Hall A
There is still time to register for the Police & Fire Appreciation Breakfast!
Join us for a hot breakfast and an opportunity to thank our Police and Fire/EMS personnel for their steadfast service to our community, and to show our appreciation for all they do to support and protect the residents and businesses of Colerain Township!
Advanced registration is required by September 6th. For more info and registration details click HERE!
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 | 8:00AM - 10:00AM
9530 Colerain AvenueCincinnati, Ohio 45251
Come join us for breakfast this month! We're sharing our experiences and talking about topics that affect working women...
Please RSVP to the Colerain Chamber by Monday September 13th so we know you're joining.
New and Prospective Chamber Members are always welcome, so bring along someone that you think could benefit from being a Chamber member!
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This month, we sent out surveys from Constant Contact (previously Survey Monkey) to ask a few questions about what you're looking for and could benefit the most from the Emerging Leaders and Women's Networking groups.
If you haven't already, please send back your responses so we know how to help make this group the most beneficial (and fun!) for you!
Click HERE to go to the Womens Networking survey!
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EVERY WEDNESDAY | 4:30PM - 7:00PM
9799 Prechtel Road
Cincinnati, OH 45252
We will be concluding the season at the end of September, but if you'd like to play as an alternate between now and then, that would be great.
For anyone interested in playing next year and getting on the regular/alternate list for 2022, please contact Dave at president@colerainchamber.org.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM
3460 Oakmeadow Lane Cincinnati, Ohio 45239
All Colerain Chamber Members are invited to get together for Third Thursday Networking on September 16th at Playground Equipment Services, LLC
Third Thursdays are a great opportunity for socializing and networking with fellow Colerain Chamber Members. We meet on the third Thursday of each month at a different Colerain Chamber member location (except those months when another Chamber event is scheduled on the third Thursday).
Third Thursday Networking is a drop-in event, so just stop by between 5 - 7:00pm. There may be 6 - 50 Chamber Members there, and you arrive and leave at your own convenience.
Don't forget to invite your full-time staff; this is a great chance to share some FREE perks!
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 | 7:30AM - 9:00AM
3990 Generation Dr. (corner of Colerain & Strubble)
This event will showcase local business partner Rumpke Waste & Recycling and is an opportunity to hear about the state of the community from Geoff Milz (Administrator, Colerain Twp), Jon Graft (CEO, Butler Tech) and Darrell Yater (New Supernintendent, Northwest Local School District). The breakfast will be sponsored by chamber member law firm Dinsmore.
Chamber of Commerce president Dave Moravec will moderate the Q&A which provide opportunities to ask questions from those in attendance. For those unable to attend, Waycross Media will broadcast/simulcast the program itself beginning at approximately 8:15am.
7:30am Registration
7:30am - 8:15am Continental breakfast & Networking
8:15am - 9:00am Program
Limited seating is available (60) for this event with registration required. Click HERE for more details.
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SMALL GROUP INITIATIVE
Are you involved in a TEAMS group yet?
Do you know what it TEAMS stands for?
(Together Everyone Achieves More Support)
Using our Support-Connect-Celebrate foundational Core Focus, each team will have a different personality, meeting pace, and participation experience based on the leadership of that group and its participants.
Participating in chamber events as a small group is greatly encouraged. If you have been contacted but have not responded, this is a great time to do so. Please contact the chamber office if you have any questions about how to plug in.
Again, a special thanks to the 20+ leaders who have stepped up as volunteers to make this an integral part of our chamber community.
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GROWTH FORUM
Businesses across the Colerain community face unprecedented challenges from cash-flow to workforce, expansion plans & facilities management to sales hurdles. Do these business challenges keep yous awake or increase your anxiety? Sometimes wouldn't you just like to have a professional to talk you through the options or provide some guidance? But where do you turn?
The newly formed GROWTH FORUM is available for up to one-hour of FREE consultation for any senior level manager or business owner willing to bring their challenge forward. This forum is exclusively available to current members of the Colerain Chamber of Commerce and will be limited to the three per month through the end of the year. This will be a “no-strings-attached” consultative engagement and no topic will be off-limits in a confidential setting. The only limitation will be your willingness to be a bit more vulnerable than you might otherwise be and your openness to fresh ideas from consultative professionals with a variety of experiences.
If you are interested in more information, contact Dave Moravec who can provide additional details and schedule the time with the appropriate individuals from the Growth Forum.
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August 6- BB Riverboat Dinner Cruise
Colerain Chamber Members and their guests were invited to enjoy an Ohio River Dinner Cruise on the beautiful Belle of Cincinnati on Friday, August 6th. This was an excellent opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members, build on relationships with small groups, while also enjoying a night out!
Those in attendance were also amongst the first to offer congratulations to Chamber President, Dave and his wife Patti!
Click HERE for more photos!
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August 19- Third Thursday
Colerain Chamber Members joined together this month for networking and socalizing at Arlington Memorial Gardens.
Make plans to join us for our next Third Thursday and find out what you're missing!
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Join Us For Our Next Events and Don't Miss Out! |
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ADOPT A BLOCK!
Volunteer to preserve beautification and maintain cleanliness on a Colerain Township street or block by picking up litter.
Attractive, maintained neighborhoods are littered less and research shows they are usually safer and more attractive for new businesses and new residents.
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We have 60 segments of commercial roads identified in the Adopt-a-Block program and 16 people/organizations have already signed up, some have signed up for multiple sections of roads!
Special thanks to the following for getting this off the ground:
Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Minuteman Press
Wyler Honda
Blust Motors
White Oak Gardens
Compton Recycling
Aurinia-Acer Partners
Total Quality Childcare
Colerain Fire Department
Resident - Stephanie Wright
WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSNIESS LISTED HERE? ADOPT A BLOCK TODAY!
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Did you know that simply by planting trees, you can help reduce air + noise pollution, reduce heat, reduce traffic, and help beautify your community!
Chamber program, Team Up to Green Up helps do just that. Your donation can make a huge impact on our program and can help elevate our community!
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We have set a goal of $10,000 to be donated by the end of calendar year 2021!
With just 50 donations of as little as $200, we can make this goal a reality!
A special thank you to Rumpke for starting off this campaign with a generous $1000.00 donation to the Street Trees program!
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More information about the group can be found on the Chamber landing page Facebook page.
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.”
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This month, we sent out surveys from Constant Contact (previously Survey Monkey) to ask a few questions about what you're looking for and could benefit the most from the Emerging Leaders and Women's Networking groups.
If you haven't already, please send back your responses so we know how to help make this group the most beneficial (and fun!) for you!
Click HERE to go to the Emerging Leaders survey!
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SAVE UP TO 50% ON HEALTH CARE INSURANCE!
Colerain Chamber members can save up to 10-50% on Anthem health care insurance when they have 2-50 or 51+ participating employees.
These plans are offered to Colerain Chamber members through the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance. In many cases, these savings are more than the annual cost of Colerain Chamber membership!
Chamber Members can get free quotes on a variety of options by contacting Scott Marston.
Cincinnati Benefits Solutions
513-661-1114
smarston@inscbs.com
SET-UP EMPLOYEE 401K PLANS
MARKET YOUR BUSINESS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
SAVE ON YOUR BUSINESS'S UTILITIES
And MORE!
These are just a few of MANY benefits avaialble to you as a Colerain Chamber member!
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EVENT SPONSORSHIP
Get your business name and visibility out there as soon as possible! We are specifically looking for businesses that can:
CONNECT: Provide a quality networking experience with a safe and business friendly atmosphere
CELEBRATE: Encourage business participation through promotion
SUPPORT: Model the Colerain Chamber of Commerce initiatives
SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
BE IN THE KNOW! Keep up to date on all things Chamber! Better yet,Send us links, promotions, photos and local events in a timely manner, and let the Chamber promote for your business!
PROMO ITEM/GIFT CARD MARKETING
RIBBON CUTTING EVENTS
LOGOS & BRANDING... AND MORE!
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WE NEED YOUR PROMO ITEMS!
Do you have promotional items that you'd like to share with new and prospective members?
As you may know, we put together packets on a regular basis and we are currently in need of more items.
Please provide 25-50-100 items that will go into our promotional bag. Contact Debi or Dave directly and they can stop by to pick them up or connect with you.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS |
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President Level Sustaining Sponsor
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Network Level Sustaining Sponsors |
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Team Level Sustaining Sponsors |
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The Colerain Chamber of Commerce has chosen to work directly with Trifecta Marketing Services in an effort to raise awareness and visibility of our programs. We look forward to your feedback on our newsletter format, content, and overall approach! |
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