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'Our Business is Helping Your Business'

NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2009

In This Issue
Congrats and Thanks
Chamber Board Members
April's Luncheon Sponsor
April's Luncheon Speaker
Member Spotlight
Hats Off to Hattie
Recovering from a Tough Winter
Member Benefits
Coffee 'n Contacts celebrates a GRAND Re-opening!
Guest Writer, Deborah Chaddock Brown
Help get them to Washington D.C.
Networking at the March Luncheon
2nd Annual Health Fair!
Congratulations
and
Thank you!  
Each month, the Chamber conducts a lottery that members can buy into. A $100 winner is drawn and all proceeds benefit the Streetsboro City Schools.
 
Via this lottery, the Chamber awards scholarships to graduating seniors for college.
 
Well, Mark Thompson of Action Auto Body was the latest lottery winner and he donated his winnings right back to the Chamber!
 
The Lottery drawing will continue each month until May so there are still plenty of chances to win! If your ticket is drawn it is also put back in the pile again and can be re-drawn.
 
 Thank you so much for your generosity
Mark
 
Meet your Chamber Board Members
President
Bill Griffith
Griffith Consulting
Immediate Past President
Bruce Felber  Felber & Felber Marketing
1st Vice President
Rick Shaffer Shaffer Design Works
2nd Vice President
Steve Schwartz HoneyBaked Ham
Treasurer
Cheryl DeCavitch HomeSavings Bank
Regular Board
David Christopher
Integrity Home Evaluation Services, LLC
Amy Wright Frankie & Dylan's Collision Center
Bobi Ryczek Western Southern Life
Natasha Squier
Third Federal Savings 
Greg Weigle Reach Local
Joe Snee Deluxe Corporation
Ex-Officio
Chief Richard Taiclet Streetsboro Police Dept.
Linda T. Keller Superintendent Streetsboro City Schools
 
April's Chamber Luncheon Sponsor:
 
Curtis Professional Group
 
Curtis Professional Group is a full service independent insurance agency specializing in employeed benefits and individual health and life policies.  They also offer partially self-funded and self-funded products along with Cobra administration, and HRA and FSA administration (through their sister company, Professional Benefit Administration).
To Chamber members, they offer 4% discount on rates for groups of 20 to 50 lives and a 1% discount on rates for groups of 51 to 500 lives.  They are currently offering a new plan that gives total transparency on groups down to 25 lives. Curtis Professional Group is open weekdays from 8am-5pm and can be reached at 330-762-7569.  They are located at 2040 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls. 
 
The Curtis Professional Group continues to be a very dedicated supporter of our Chamber events and for that we thank them!
Advertise with Us!
Chamber Member Pricing:
Business Card sized-ads,
full color
3 months-$105
6 months-$190
 
 Email or call for details
 
Speaking in April...
Vicky Hawke
Strength in Numbers - Saving Money with Increased Benefits
Vicky Hawke 
 

Did you know your business can save money on Small Business Group Health Insurance, Group Life & Disability Insurance, Workers' Compensation Programs, Office Supplies and more? Did you know you can save money on Freight & Overnight Delivery Services and Payroll Processing?
 
Vicky Hawke, Executive Director of the Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) will outline the many benefits members enjoy due to the fact that the Streetsboro Chamber is a NOACC member.
  
The luncheon will be April 8, at Twin Lakes Country Club. Networking opportunities begin at 11:30am followed by lunch and our featured
presentation. Cost is $15.00 for chamber members and $17.00 for non-members.
To register please email or call the Streetsboro Chamber office at 330-626-4769. Reservations are required in advance.
 

Looking to find what events are happening with the Streetsboro City Schools?  Click
 here
to view their 
Calendar.
Rockets Logo
 
 
lunch holiday 
This Month's featured Chamber Member:
 
Settlers Landing Apartments
Settlers Landing Apartments is a luxury apartment community located at 725 Bridgeport Avenue in Streetsboro. Some of their ammenities include: a heated pool, 24 hour fitness center, car wash bay, tanning facilities, dry cleaning services, and a business center with wi-fi. They can be reached at 330-528-1336 or visit their website. Right now they have a special $99 security deposit and $200 off your 1st month's rent!Traci Zemba, Leasing Consultant explains that her affiliations with the Chamber have helped her to network and outreach and build relationships with local businesses.  She would recommend joining the Chamber to others because the "luncheons are a great opportunity to meet local businesses.  If we as 'local businesses' can't help each other, who can?!"
 
lunch holiday
 
Bill Closeup
"Hats Off to Hattie" Charity Fundraiser
 
(for the benefit of Hattie Larlham)

Liberty Corners Plaza - Streetsboro

(corner of Rt. 43 & Market Square Drive by the clock tower)

Saturday, June 6, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us!

Email Steve Schwartz or Kathy Hammond or call 330-274-2272 for more details!

 logo hattie

What's happening around town? The calendar for the City of Streestboro can be viewed by clicking here.
nature shot
 
Want to CONTRIBUTE
 info...events...
kudos...advertising
TO THE NEWSLETTER?
Let Julie know! Email by clicking her name or by calling her at 440-759-5327.
 
Special Thanks
We would like to thank Bob Coppedge of Simplex-IT for supporting the Chamber newsletter efforts. Julie Dvornicky, his Sales and Markting gal by has been dedicating time to layout and editing.  We know it's taken time out of her day so...
 
THANKS BOB!
Mark your Calendar for these upcoming Chamber Events... 
 
Coffee 'n Contacts
Tuesday, March 31st
Arabica
9358 Market Square Dr.
Streetsboro, OH
8am to 9am
 
Chamber Luncheon
Wednesday, April 8th
Twin Lakes Country Club
1519 Overlook Road
Kent, OH
11:30am to 1:00pm
 
2nd Annual Health Fair
Thursday, April 23, 2009
St. Joan of Arc Hall
Streetsboro
2:00pm to 6:00pm
Event Sponsors are Dr. Martin Layman, DDS and Curtis Professional Group, Inc.
 
Industrial Round Table
"The Top 10 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Business" 

Wednesday, April 29th from 8:00am to 10:00am  
Hosted by and located at Step 2, (in their Showroom) at 10010 Hudson Aurora Road, in  Streetsboro
Free and open to Manufacturers in Streetsboro and surrounding areas only
Speaker: Ted Janusz
Senior Account Executive
Lakeland Community College
Center for Business and Industry
 
Click here for Ted Janusz's bio
 
Women in Business
"Give 'Em the PICKLE" 

Wednesday, April 29th from 11:30am to 1:00pm  
Sponsored by Classic Nissan - Cara Wilson
Twin Lakes Country Club, Kent, OH
Cost: Chamber Members $15, Non-members $17

Speaker: Ted Janusz
Senior Account Executive
Lakeland Community College
Center for Business and Industry
(www.giveemthepickle.com)
 
Streetsboro High School Senior Luncheon
Wednesday, May 13th
Twin Lakes Country Club
11:30am to 1:00pm 
At this lunch, we will be honoring 66 students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.  If you would like to sponsor a student for that luncheon, please call (330-626-4769) or email the Chamber office for details. 
 
Streetsboro Family Days and First Ever Rib Fest
May 14th thru 17th
Market Square Plaza parking lot
Sponsored by Giant Eagle
For more information, visit www.streetsborofamilydays.org  
It's been a Hard Winter
Dave Christopher
By David Christopher, Intergrity Home Evaluation Services

 It has been an extremely tough winter here in Northeast Ohio and many homes have been damaged by the violent winter weather this year. With the indiscriminating heavy snowfalls, high winds and the ice storms that have passed through, it's not uncommon to see many homes that show signs of damage. On your way home from work tonight, just take a passing glance at some of the houses in your neighborhood.
 
What about your home? Have you really taken a good look at it?
 
The damage that I see ranges from lifted or missing shingles, loose siding, flashing, and fascia, damaged gutters, and many other components. These conditions can allow water intrusion into your home and can cause extensive damage if gone un-checked. Water not only damages wood and insulation, but it can lead to more serious health concerns for people who are allergic to mold and mildew.

Another area that you should look at during your end of winter review is your attic! Many people have never, ever looked in the attic especially if they can't use it for anything. An attic holds more than just insulation though and it provides valuable information and can lead to such discoveries as; not enough insulation, blocked soffit vents which can cause ice dams, water stains that may indicate a current or previous water leak, mold, rust on metal components that can indicate improper ventilation, and many other signs that can indicate the need for correction.                Dave's Water Damage
 
Water stains visible on
2 x 4  Truss
 
 
 
 
 
 
On many inspections that I have performed, I have encountered homes that looked good from both the inside and out. But, when I entered the attic, I found a heavy concentration of mold and active water leaks that could only be detected by entering the attic. The ceilings below these active water leaks were fine and did not show any water staining.....yet.
 
Believe it or not, your roof and its supporting components (shingles, flashing, fascia, etc) may be one of the most important structures of your entire home! If these elements are leaking and allowing water to infiltrate, you need to act fast to head off further damage that could be expensive to correct. But remember, if you don't look, you'll never know................until the damage is done.
 
Dave Attic damage
 
 
Active water leak viewed from attic,viewed from the outside, it looked fine!
 
 
 
I am a professional home inspector and I do offer exterior home inspections that cover; siding, windows, flashing, soffits, shingles, roof penetrations, and exterior components of your chimney just to name a few. I also offer an attic inspection service as well. If you would like more information please contact me at (330) 815-0013 or for more helpful hints, visit my eMagazine.
Member Benefits                 
 
How We Help You Advertise Your Business
-Free listing on our website in the Members Section with links to your website
-Referred by the Chamber when inquiries are received for services and products
-By advertising in our monthly newsletter
-Email blasts to all members promoting events and announcements
-Ribbon cutting ceremonies
-Sponsorship opportunities at special events
-Member-to-Member discounts

How your Membership Can Make a Difference and Impact the Community 
    Our strong Chamber has enabled us to partner with North Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) to bring our members great savings on: Health Insurance, Workers Compensation and Group Rated Programs, Credit Card Processing, and much More
-Through support of the local schools by mentoring students and sharing 21st Century skills with children
-The Chamber represents the business community on city issues directly impacting businesses
-The awarding of a yearly Chamber Scholarship to a graduating high school senior
-Annual Dinner and Awards to honor businesses and individuals who have contributed to the community
 
How Your Membership Helps You Get New Clients, Customers, Vendors, and Employees, While Showcasing Your Business
-Regular networking events: Business After Hours, Lunches, Coffees, Golf Outings, Health Fair, Reverse Raffle, and Silent Auction
-Community Showcase & Business EXPO
-Listing in the Portage Chamber Directory and other Chamber publications
-All Portage County Chamber Events like Super Networking Breakfasts and Lunches
-Job Fairs
-Free Seminars provided by Akron Score and Small Business Development Center at KSU
-Representation in Relocation Packets to new residents and businesses
-Brochure and Business Card display
Coffee 'n Contacts and a Grand Re-Opening! 
On Tuesday, March 17, Chamber members met at the Streetsboro Arabica for their bi-weekly networking session.  Sitting amongst the cozy feel of the coffee house, folks talk, brainstorm and share information with each other.  Chamber member Dayton Hickerson of Grand Promotional Products lunch holidayreported that via the Coffee 'n Contacts sessions, he has gained four orders just from people he has networked with there!  
 

This St. Patty's Day session also included a special occasion.  Karry Stanton and Danielle Urban, owners of the Arabica located at 9358 Market Square Drive, celebrated their Grand Re-Opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony!  These gals are always very accommodating and welcoming and we truly appreciate their letting us use the facility for our gatherings.  They really provide a nice, comfortable setting and we wish them MUCH success!!  Be sure to congratulate them the next time you see them!

lunch holiday

Guest Contributor...
 
The Key to Obtaining Buy-In: Explain the 'Why'
Deborah Chaddock Brown
By Deborah Chaddock Brown
 
Think back to when you were a kid. Remember when your Mom would tell you to do something? Sometimes it was a random request; like you are playing with your Barbie dolls or Legos and she sticks her head in the door and says, "Come on, get your coat on."
Well, you don't remember any appointment. Nobody told you there were plans to go someplace. You are right in the middle of a Barbie/Ken date and finally found the perfect outfit for Barbie. You even located two shoes that match. You look up to find your Mom has already left your room and you holler, "Why?"
"BECAUSE I SAID SO."
Oh, many times, she pulled the "because I said so" card. Grudgingly you drag yourself off the floor, looking longingly down at your dolls and slowly turn towards your door.
"NOW!"
You hear your Mom yell at you to move faster.
You know where I'm going with this, right? How many times have we done the same thing at work? Oh, maybe we don't say "because I told you" but it's the impression we give.
So how does that make our associates feel? How many communications have you read or even wrote that spelled out mandatory edicts without an explanation? I know, who has time to bring everyone up to speed.
But how quickly do you achieve 100% compliance without clearly communicating the "whys."
Let's turn it around and apply the Golden Rule. How would we like to be treated? How important are the "whys" to us?
Go back to Barbie. What if Mom had said, "Hey, come get your coat on? I can hear the marching band practicing at the high school - let's go watch them play."
Or
"Grandma called, she's not feeling well and she asked us to come for a visit. Go get your coat."
We'd leave Barbie to fend for herself in a minute, right?
As the former Director of Communications for Cole National, I often had to communicate messages to associates that would require change or additional work. Most frequently my writing went under the signature of the President or Vice President of Stores. Their goal was a communication that achieved results. My responsibility was to ensure the message was read - understood - and acted upon.
To that end, I always included the 'why' behind the information. It doesn't need to be lengthy or complicated, in fact, if it is - it won't be read.
When communicating with your associates remember these tips:
- If there is an action, task or deadline for the reader, state it early and often
- Explain the why behind the message - it should be as simple as a sentence:
"In response to competitor's recent advertising we are..."
"Due to changes in our vendor supply capability you will need to..."
"In response to requests from your peers we are changing..."
-Tell them how their compliance will impact the company. When associates realize that the request isn't busy work but will actually impact the overall company results, they are more likely to comply.
-Thank them in advance
-Reinforce any specific task and/or deadline
-Give them a contact in case they have questions or comments
Create a partnership for success by being informative and providing associates with the "who", "what", "where", "why", "when", and "how". You are letting associates understand the value they provide to the company's success. That makes everyone a winner.
 
For Deborah's bio, click here
Eigth Grade Trip to 
 Washington D.C.
  
 
In May, our 8th graders will be gearing up to go to Washington D.C.  This is a great opportunity for them to experience what they have thus far only read about. During the trip the students will have the opportunity to visit such places as the The White House, The Capitol Building, The Vietnam Memorial, The Korean Memorial, The Ford's Theatre, The Kennedy Center, and The Smithsonian Institute.  
Families are responsible for finding their own means by which to send their child to Washington D.C. (approximately $400). However, because of the current economic hardships there are some families that cannot afford this opportunity for their child.
 
If you or your business would be intersted in sponsoring a student so that they can have the opportunity to visit our country's Capitol, please contact Steve Hatch, Principal, Streetsboro Middle School.  Thank you.
Networking at the March Chamber Luncheon... 
 
Deborah Carney, Certified Professional Organizer, spoke to the Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce on March 11th and addressed the group on the importance of being organized. She touched on how you can be more productive and efficient and save time and money with tips and demonstrations. She enlightened everyone with the FAT system of handling paperwork or emails. Basically you have three choices on handling paperwork: File it, Act on it, or Toss it. She said if we do these we will have more time to handle the touch tasks of the day.
 
Over 50 people attended this luncheon and the chamber has had over 50 people at each luncheon since December 08. Our luncheons are an excellent way to network with potential clients.
 
 Group Shot March luncheon
Left to right: Joe Ditchman and Melinda Nulick (Hannum Crossing), featured guest speaker, Deborah Carney (CPO� (Certified Professional Organizer�), and founder of New Order Organizers LLC), and Paul Goldberg (Hannum Crossing) luncheon sponsors. Thanks for lunch, Paul!
 
 Trent Thomas
 Trent Thomas of Destiny Church
 
Diane and Susan march luncheon 
Dianne Kozlowski (Record Publishing) and Susan Ryan (Ryan Staffing)
The Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce Proudly Presents Its Second Annual Health Fair                 
 
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
at St.Joan of Arc Hall in Streetsboro
from 2:00pm to 6:00pm
 
We are seeking the following to participate:
 
         Dentists                              Chiropractors
         Opticians                            Pharmacies
         Weight Loss Centers            Fitness Centers
         Podiatrists                          Pediatricians
         Dermatologists                    General Practitioners
         Insurance Companies        
         Assisted Living & Rehab/Nursing Facilities
 
(And anyone who is in the healthcare field)
 
This is a great way to gain new clients and educate the public on good health practices.
 
Cost for a table is $75.00 for registration by March 27th
After March 27th table cost is $100
--------------------------------
Please email, fax or mail the Business name, contact person and phone number to:
Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce
9205 State Route 43, Suite 202
Streetsboro, Ohio 44241
Fax: 330-422-1118
Member to Member Discounts
 
A benefit to being a member of the Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce is the discounts that our members offer to each other. If your business is not listed here, and you would like for it to be, please contact the Chamber office with your details. (To be listed here, you must be a paid, up-to-date member of the SACC.)
 
 
Member                                       Discount
 
Aurora Farms Premium Outlet     Free VIP Coupon
Claude Hopkins                        Book
(330) 562-2000                       ($5 retail value)
 
Great Lakes Hyundai                Receive 1st year
Bob Petris                              of oil changes free
(330) 422-1212                      with the purchase
                                           of a new or used
                                           car.
Also receive a 10% discount on any service.
Bring a copy of this ad to receive this discount.
 
 
Re/MAX Traditions                  Free extensive
Cindy Mustafa                       market analysis for
(216) 408-1513                     your home
"Buy or sell your home with
me, and your Home Warranty is Free".
 

Teresa's Pizza                        20% off. Excludes all
Billy Smith                             other offers.
330-422-0050
 
Classic Nissan of                    1% over invoice on 
Streetsboro                           all new cars (except
835 Classic Drive                    370Z & GTR models).
Cara Wilson
330-422-7300 or