Chamber 
 
 Economic Development  ·   Chamber of Commerce  ·  Visitors Bureau

The Women's Leadership Program invites you to attend:

 

WLP

 

Self Defense Classes
Martial Arts - Situational Awareness - Decision Making

 
Have you ever wanted to learn more about how to defend yourself? Join the Chamber's Women's Leadership Program for a special hands-on self-defense course, designed to teach you a variety of martial arts skills, as well as situational awareness, assessment and decision making. Important information for any woman, the class is open to all levels and will be led by experienced local instructors. You won't regret it!

Dates: Tues., 7:30-8:30p.m. or Sat., 9-10a.m. in February 
Location: Academy of Martial Arts Studies, 401 E. Sandusky 
Cost: $150 for five, one-hour classes

 

Advanced Registration Required:

Tuesday Course * Saturday Course 

 

For more information, visit the Women's Leadership website or email cbenjamin@FindlayHancockChamber.com.  

 

 

Stick Around Downtown Findlay!

A note from the Hancock Regional Planning Commission

   

Our community is preparing a new downtown plan, and lots of public participation is needed! So, the Stick Around Downtown Findlay program was designed - it's around downtown when YOU are.  

 

  • There are 19 interactive exhibits around downtown  (you might have seen a few of these fun little guys already) that will be able to be scanned by a mobile device. They will help us collect the data we need in a fun, new way.

  • HRPC received a $15,000  grant from the State of Ohio and matching funds from the City, County, Findlay Downtown Area Association, Downtown Findlay Improvement District, and HRPC (in-kind), to complete the Downtown Rehabilitation Plan. Stick Around Downtown Findlay is scheduled to occur from mid December to the end of January or February.

 

Watch for more information coming soon!

 
Chamber Plans to Release New Community View Book in 2012

Get involved! 

  

Are you ready for some exciting news? The Chamber is making preparations to release a brand new View Book in 2012! The Community View Book is on of the most requested publications for the Findlay-Hancock County region, and the only publication that markets all facets of the community. It is made possible by those who contribute significantly to its locally-produced publication - YOU! 

 

Please keep an eye out for news about how you can participate through purchasing advertising, sending us photos from in and around the Findlay-Hancock County area, and content. And, think of this opportunity as you finalize your organization's budget for the coming year.  

 

For more information, contact the Chamber at 419.422.3313, or email info@FindlayHancockChamber.com

 

 
Fresh Brewed Business: 2012 Schedule

Mark your calendars!

  

The Findlay County Club

The First Tuesday of the Month

8:00am - 9:00am 

 

February 7 -  March 6 - April 10* - May 8*
 June 5
August 7 - September 11*
October 2
- November 6 - December 4


Sponsorships are available. Call the Chamber at 419.422.3313 or email info@FindlayHancockChamber.com for additional information. We'll see you there!

 

*Indicates meetings scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month 

 
Ohio's Minimum Wage Raising 30 Cents

Source: Ohio Chamber of Commerce 

 

Effective January 1, 2012, Ohio's minimum wage will increase 30 cents to $7.70 an hour. A 2006 amendment to Ohio's Constitution mandates the annual increase that is based on the Consumer Price Index. This is the largest increase in three years. Minimum wage for tipped employees goes up 15 cents to $3.85 per hour.

 
Click here for additional information. 

 

December 14, 2011
Women's Leadership: Self Defense
Stick Around Downtown
Community View Book
Fresh Brewed Business 2012
Minimum Wage
Shipping Savings
Chamber Calendar of Events
Member Press Releases

Small Business E-News Supporters   




Workspace Concepts
 

6D2010




Findlay town money saver




Friends Office
  
 

JOBsolutions




Winebrenner



JY



UPS

Community Events  

  

North Pole Express

Nov. 25 - Jan. 1 

NWORRP  

 

WinterFest

M & F Through Dec. 19

Downtown Findlay 

 

The King & I

Dec. 1-18

Fort Findlay Playhouse

 

 

Ongoing Happenings   

Open Mic Night & Live Entertainment
Fri. & Sat., 8-10 p.m.
Coffee Amici

Wine Tastings
Fridays, 5-7 p.m.
The Wine Merchant

Beer Tastings
Saturdays 5-7p.m.
The Wine Merchant   

 

 



www.visitfindlay.com  
 
Maximize Your Inbound Shipping Savings

Enroll in the PartnerShip Program today!

 

Rising overhead is a constant strain on retailers. Costs for rent, utilities and insurance all continue to climb while competitive pressures prevent merchants from raising their own prices to cover any shortfalls. Shipping costs are no exception in the world of rising costs. With annual rate increases by all carriers, skyrocketing fuel costs, and accessorial charges that may increase 30% or more year over year, it's no wonder why many businesses are looking for ways to significantly reduce shipping expenses. But how?

 

fedexAs a retailer, reducing your inbound shipping costs is one of the easiest, yet most often-overlooked ways to lower your overall shipping expenses. Vendors typically receive volume shipping discounts from carriers-but do your vendors pass along those volume discounts to you? When you control and route your inbound shipments, you have an excellent opportunity to significantly lower your costs. If you allow your vendors to ship your orders and invoice you for shipping & handling charges, your transportation costs are probably higher than they should be. Let's take a look at two simple steps you can take to lower your inbound shipping costs and add profits to your bottom line.

 

Establish Shipping Discounts

The first key in developing and implementing an inbound shipping program is to establish discounts for your incoming shipments. You can receive discounted shipping rates offered through NOACC's endorsed benefit provider PartnerShip and the NOACC Chamber Shipping Program, featuring shipping discounts with FedEx. There are never any minimum shipping requirements or obligations, and it's free to enroll in the program. Members can enroll online by visiting www.partnership.com/89NOACC or contact PartnerShip at 800-599-2902 to receive a hard copy enrollment form by mail or fax to set up an account.

 

Contact Vendors/SuppliersNOACC

After you have enrolled in the NOACC Chamber Shipping Program, the second and most important step to begin saving money on inbound shipments is to contact your vendors to arrange for shipping charges to be billed directly to your FedEx account at your discounted rate. This is called routing your orders inbound "Collect". Collect is a billing option which means you are invoiced directly by the carrier at your discounted rate. Collect billing does not mean paying the driver at time of delivery.PartnerShip can assist with creating a customized routing instructions letter, including your shipping account information, and some helpful hints regarding vendor compliance.


Taking control of your inbound shipping costs is one of the easiest, yet most over-looked ways for a business to reduce shipping costs. Please understand that it may take time to set up and perfect this program, but it is definitely worth it as the savings drop straight to your bottom line. As we said before, if you continue to allow vendors to prepay for shipping and add it to your merchandise invoice, you will continue to pay more than you should for incoming product.

 

PartnerShip LLC administers the NOACC Chamber Shipping Program. For more information or to enroll in this free member benefit, please visit www.PartnerShip.com/89NOACC or contact PartnerShip at 800-599-2902 or email sales@PartnerShip.com.


 
Chamber Programs    

 

State Farm Insurance - Ribbon Cutting 

December 16, 4:00p.m.

319 N. Blanchard St.     

Enjoy Hot Chocolate & Cookies

 

Fresh Brewed Business

February 7, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Findlay Country Club  

 

          
Visit www.findlayhancockachamber.com/events for more information! RSVP at rsvp@findlayhancockchamber.com.


*To host a Business 2 Business networking event or a Ribbon Cutting, contact the Chamber at 419-422-3313. We have spaces available!


 

Member Press Releases

*To submit a press release for inclusion in this section, email news@FindlayHancockAlliance.com. The Findlay·Hancock County Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication in E-News.   

 

The Gaslight Gallery - Honoring of member artist, Pam Cordeau

Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:00am - 8:00pm at The Gaslight Gallery.

Join us as we honor member artist, Pam Cordeau, during the month of December. Pam does creative photography, which she sometimes frames, and sometimes makes into note cards, tiles, and cutting boards. She has several new designs all ready to become Christmas gifts or gifts for yourself. Stop by The Gaslight Gallery on Friday, Dec. 2, to meet Pam, check out her work, and enjoy refreshments.

 

I Said "Yes!" Bridal Showcase

Findlay Village Mall is excited to host the I Said "Yes!" Bridal Showcase, on Sunday, Jan. 22nd. There will be vendors with an excellent venue to reach out to engaged or "soon-to-be" engaged couples.  To become a vendor or for more information. Contact Courtney Comstock, Marketing Director 419-423-8732/258cbc@jjgco.com. Space is only $100.00, deadline is Jan.6th. Click Here for Printable Registration Form 

 

Blanchard Valley Regional Cancer Center Receives ACR-ASTRO Accreditation

Blanchard Valley Regional Cancer Center (BVRCC) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology as a result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

The ACR-ASTRO seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific practice guidelines and technical standards developed by ACR and ASTRO after a peer-review evaluation. Patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed.

 

Red Cross Armed Forces Family Network

Join us for a FREE Holiday Dinner on Thursday, December 15th at 7 pm at The Senior Center, 339 E. Melrose Ave in Findlay. The Red Cross Armed Forces Family Network provides resources, activities and support to military families, service members and veterans in Hancock and Wyandot counties. Register for the Armed Forces Family Network by e-mail to armedforces@hancockredcross.org, online at www.hancockredcross.org or call 419.422.9322 . The Armed Forces Family Network meets the third Thursday of each month, 7 PM. Registration is suggested, not required.

 

Ohio Businesses Invest Millions in Renewable Energy

Two companies, Cooper Farms and Haviland Plastic Products, have invested millions and are moving forward with wind energy projects to control their own energy future. The installation of these multi-turbine, multi-megawatt wind projects will offset their electric usage for decades. For more information about these companies and the wind energy projects contact, Jereme Kent at 419-905-5274 or jeremekent@oneenergyllc.com.

 

December is Skate On Your Can Month at Rolling Thunder Skating & Family Fun Center

Dec. 1st - Dec.23rd Bring one canned food item for $1.00 off admission on any Friday or Saturday night Public Skating Session. Limit one discount per admission. All food items to be donated to Chopin Hall and stays in Hancock County. Skate and help those less fortunate. 2225 Keith Parkway, Findlay, 419-422-7227 or email at RollNThunderSk8@aol.com.

 

Tiffin University Degree Completion Program

Tiffin University's Degree Completion Programs offer adult learners who have already earned a minimum of 45 credits from another institution the opportunity to complete their Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice or Liberal Studies. Our programs are structured to minimize the demands of traditional enrollment, which often conflict with work and family life. You have your choice of attending class once each week or completing your program online.

For more information please feel free to contact Jody Strong at 419-448-3592 or visit our website at: http://www.tiffin.edu/degreecomp/welcome/

 

Check out Earth Secrets for your Holiday Shopping  

With the holidays quickly approaching, keep in mind that the NEW Earth Secrets in Downtown Findlay is a store with truly unique gifts, conversation pieces, something for everyone, and something for someone who has everything! . Thru Dec 24th, they are offering 20% off rocks, gems, fossils and crystals everyday. Also, get 10- 15% off jewelry, clothing, hats, gloves and other accessories everyday. Check out discounted gift sets and gift cards for shopping made easy.

 

Open Mic/Christmas party at Earth Secrets-Dowtown Findlay

Friday Dec. 23rd Earth Secrets will have an open mic night with free food, beverages, and limited holiday gifts. Don't miss it! Earth Secrets is located at 530 S. Main Street.

 

Christmas Break No School Skates

Rolling Thunder Skating & Family Fun Center is having a Specials No School Skates on the following dates and times...Thurs., Dec.22nd, Mon., Dec.26th, Tues.,Dec.27th, Wed.,Dec.28th and Thurs., Dec.29th from 1-4p.m. Admission is $4.00 with FREE Skate Rental

Don't Miss the Fun!!!

 

Culver's Celebrates Hometown Hall of Fame Winner

One $5,000 grand prize awarded from more than 1,000 community champions nominated

Volunteers, firefighters, veterans and more were among the 1,000 Hometown Hall of Fame nominees in a recent Culver's Facebook contest. The Facebook community voted up and Culver's confirmed that Chris Ellberg of Peru, Ill. is the ultimate winner of the $5,000 grand prize.

Guests can read the stories of all the heroes on Culver's Facebook page: http://www.culvers.com/facebook.

   

United Way Campaign at $2.5 Million - Needs of Community Stand at $3 Million

The United Way of Hancock County announced an update to the annual fundraising efforts for 2011. Keith DuVernay, president & CEO of United Way of Hancock County, said, "Some of our local companies are still holding campaigns. We still have time and we are continuing to actively and aggressively work for funds. We are extremely optimistic that our community will rise to meet the needs of our family members, friends, and co-workers."

The funds raised are used to financially support programs that address education, health and income challenges in Hancock County. For more information or to serve on the Community Solutions Committee, contact the United Way office at 419-423-1432 or visit online at http://LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org 

 

Marathon Petroleum Corporation Funds Opera Education Program in Hancock County: Every School in County to Benefit from Opera on Wheels

Toledo Opera is happy to announce that it has received a $10,000 grant from Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC). Thanks to MPC, the Opera will extend the reach of its touring elementary education program, Opera on Wheels, to all elementary schools in Hancock County. In 2011, the Community Foundation of Findlay-Hancock County began providing funds for Opera on Wheels in three elementary schools in the Findlay area. The MPC grant ensures that, in 2012, over five thousand students will have a live, classical performing arts experience in their own school.

 

Grants Available for Parks, Conservation Acquisition Application Deadline April 16, 2012

The Ohio Natural Resource Assistance Council (NRAC District 13) announces the application period is now open for Round 6 B of Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Funding. Communities and non-profit conservation organizations across District 13 are invited to apply for approximately $1.6 million to preserve natural areas, protect streams, and create outdoor recreational opportunities. Applications for Green Space improvements under the Clean Ohio Round 6B program will be accepted December 15, 2011 through April 16, 2012.

Applications for Green Space Conservation funds may be requested through the Ohio Public Works Commission, 65 E. State St., Suite 312, Columbus, OH 43215, phone (614)466-0880, or download off the internet at www.pwc.state.oh.us or can be obtained through County NRAC Representatives (see below). Applications can be submitted to Chairman Howard Elstro, 50 Town Square, Lima, OH 45801-4900. Copies of the methodology can be obtained through the County representative and will be posted at the Ohio Public Works Commission website soon.                

 

Junior Naturalists: Winter Outdoor Camp

Learn some winter outdoor skills and other winter activities at the Junior Naturalists: Winter Outdoor Camp on Wednesday, December 28th and Thursday, December 29th from 9am-3pm at the Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend Recreation Area. It is designed for kids 9-12 years old.  Please bring a lunch and drink.  Register by Thursday, December 22 with $20 per child.  Camp registration and medical forms are available online to download and submit.  View the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

 

 

A Special Thanks To Our E-News Sponsors

Workspace Concepts, Winebrenner Theological Seminary,
JYoakam, LLC, Six Disciplines, JOBsolutions,
Friends Business Source and The UPS Store