green spaces
 
Strictly Business e-Newsletter 
February 2010
In This Issue
Web Sites
Enterprise Appalachia
Chamber Highlights
Mission Statement
Business 2 Business Expo
Anyone Interested?
Upcoming Chamber Events
New Members
Article Headline
Chamber Bucks
Benefit of the Month
Accreditation
Member Spotlight
Healthy Tusc
Zoar Community Association
TuscTransit
SBA
Event Photos
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
 

*William Treciak 

Electronic Data Pay. Sys.

*Eric Cameron

Tuscarawas Ins. Agency

Marge Jentes

Twin City Hospital

Carey Gardner

Union Hospital

*Kent Watson

Watson & Burkey Wallpapering

Gregg Andrews

Kent State Tuscarawas

Gary Little

TC Community Improvement Corporation

 Dee Grossman

TC Convention and Visitors Bureau

Carolyn Woodring

Newcomerstown Chamber of Commerce

Mike Taylor

City of New Philadelphia

Steve Schillig

Ohio Small Business Development Assn.
Mark Fearon
Sugarcreek Business Assn.

*Don Hoffman

TC Farm Bureau

Kerry Metzger

TC Commissioners

Harry Eadon

TC Port Authority

Kris Cardani
Hampton Inn  

Tom Hostetler
Prestige Creative Marketing
Nichole Zesiger
First National Bank of Dennison
Mike Davis
Adventure Harley Davidson
Chad Conrad
Muskingum Lakes Chapter American Red Cross 

Jac Clay

Clayco Marketing
Susan Reidenbach
*Nichole Zesiger
First National Bank of Dennison
*Tom Hostetler
Prestige Creative Marketing
Paul Hickman
Buckeye Career Center
Christopher Harris
Harris Battery, Inc.
 
 

TC - Tuscarawas County

* Denotes Officers
Web Sites
www.tusctechpark.com
 
Enterprise Appalachia
 Check this out!
 
Hello Tuscarawas County,  
Jill head shot 
Well folks I think it is finally Spring!
 
In an effort to keep our membership informed, the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce is continually updating and refining its database and mailing lists.  If you would like to receive future meeting announcements, event information and other updates from the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce electronically, please send your e-mail address to elizabethc@tuschamber.com or call our office at 330.343.4474.
 
You can find our previous newsletters on our website at www.tuschamber.com.
 
We have some exciting announcements for you...
   - starting in April we will be charging $5.00 for entry into our Business After Hours events.  If you don't make a reservation it will be $7.00 at the door.  This is still a savings from the previous entry fee of $10.00  It is our goal to make our networking events available to everyone.  We understand that coming to these events is important to the growth of your business and with the economy we wish to make it as affordable for our member businesses as possible.
   - we are working to bring you a free networking event each month at one of our member restaurants.  We are still working out the details so keep checking the website for the announcement to attend the "Social Gathering." 
   - the 2010 Membership Directory will be delivered to our door this week.  Please stop in and get as many as you need.  Use the 2010 Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory instead of the phone book.  It is a member benefit to be in this book - be sure to utilize your fellow T-County Chamber members before going to a business that is not a member or is not located in Tuscarawas County.  Once again we partnered with The Times-Reporter and Newhouse Printing to bring you this quality member resource.  Eric Cameron of Cameron Creative Imaging took the cover photograph.
 
Jill R. McCartney, IOM, CCEO-AP
President/CEO
Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Highlights

ADVERTISE ON CHAMBER BUCKS
With the launch of our newest program, Chamber Bucks, the Chamber of Commerce can now offer your business the opportunity to place your logo on every Chamber Buck printed! You also will get recognition on every participating locations list. For only $10/month for 6 or 12 months you can be one of the first to utilize this advertising medium. Call Liz at the Chamber office today or email at elizabethc@tuschamber.com for more information. 
 
SPOTLIGHT YOUR BUSINESS
Contact the Chamber office about hosting a Business Before/After Hours or Business PowerLunch at your business. If you are interested in hosting in the upcoming months, please contact Jill at the Chamber office at 330.343.4474 or by email at jillm@tuschamber.com.
 
GET YOUR BUSINESS RECOGNIZED
The Chamber of Commerce wants to help your business get recognized. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for one of our upcoming events, please contact Jill McCartney at the Chamber office at 330.343.4474 or by email at jillm@tuschamber.com.
 
WE'RE ALL OVER THE WEB!
The Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce is now on the web in full force! We have recently added LinkedIn and Facebook groups to the internet for discussions, events, job postings, news and updates. Please check out our newest groups and pages and utilize them for communication throughout Tuscarawas County! Help us spread the word and invite others.
 linkedin   green spaces
Attention TCCC Members
Take a few minutes and go to the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce web site, found at www.tuschamber.com and locate your company information.  Check to make sure all the information is correct - if anything is missing (fax number, e-mail address), please e-mail Liz at elizabethc@tuschamber.com with the changes or updates.  By keeping our records current with your help, everyone will continue to receive the latest Chamber information via e-mail and "snail" mail.
 Thank You!
Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce is the formation of strategic partnerships to advance the
economic, educational, civic and cultural prosperity of Tuscarawas County.

Business 2 Business Expo
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green spaces
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_________________________________________________________________________________
 
Tuscarawas Valley
 Business 2 Business Expo
May 14, 2010    1:00 to 6:00 pm
NewPointe Community Church
 
 
GET CONNECTED
  • Showcase your products and services
  • Gain Exposure
  • Create Profitable Business Contacts
  • Build Brand Awareness
  • Learn About Your Area
  • Meet CEO's, VP's, GM's, and HR Managers all ready to do business with you! 
 
Can only accommodate 8 restaurants for exhibitor locations for the premier
  
"Samplings of Tuscarawas County"
 
Booth space is limited - reserve now   
 
Reserve your booth space TODAY!
$175 for members
$250 for non-members
  •  
    E-mail Jill or call 330.343.4474
    to get your Exhibitor Contract NOW! 
     
    Expo is open to the public
    Mark your calendar for this event - amazing prizes
    Admission is only $5.00  - FREE if you have a ticket
    Also - bring your business cards! 
    (see exhibitors or chamber volunteers for your ticket)
     
     
    Businesses already signed up to exhibit include:
     
    Electronic Data Payment Systems, Union Hospital, Twin City Hospital, The Times-Reporter, First National Bank of Dennison, In-House Hospice, CompManagement Health Systems, Verizon Wireless Cellular Central, Buckeye Career Center, MT Business Tech, Super Fitness, The Village Network, CD Tee's, Grantstreet Creative, UPS Store, Centre Party Rental, Technology Workgroup, Schneider Computer Technologies, Think! Marketing Group, Occupational Medicine Center of Tuscarawas County
  • Tuscarawas Valley Safety Council
    Breaking News...

    At yesterday's Ohio Safety Congress opening session, BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan announced the continuation of the Safety Council Rebate Program for July 1, 2010 with the same rebate percentages as the current year's program.

     
    Anyone Interested ?
    The Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce has thought about hosting a Tip Club for our members.  A tip club is limited to one person from each industry and it is a way to get ideas, new contacts, leads, and network.  Tip Clubs are all about networking.  A group of men and women in business meet once a week/month, either for breakfast or for lunch, and talk. Sometimes there are presentations. Sometimes not. But always they talk. About their businesses. About the business climate. About ways to expand their businesses.

    And the principal way they help each other expand is by leads (tips). Tip Club members try to trade with each other. And they refer other people to other members. Tip Clubs work!  If this sounds like something you would like to attend then please e-mail
    Jill.  If I get 10 to 15 folks/businesses interested then I will get the first one scheduled for the end of April.
     
    _______________________________________________________________________
     
    Member to Member Discount for the members of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce.  The Membership Council has been discussing the possibility of coordinating a program for you, our members, to offer and receive some type of discount to all of our members.  For example the Z Zone offers a $5.00 discount on any purchase totaling $30.00 to all members of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce.  Sid's BBQ offers a free drink with the purchase of a meal to the members of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce.  If this sounds like something your business would be interested in please e-mail
    Jill.
    Upcoming Chamber Events (Local Events too!)
     
    APRIL 2010
    7 - Business Power Lunch with Dr. Chinyere Orafu, MD., FACOG.   11:30 am at McDonald Marlite Conference Center, $15.00 per person.  Register Here
     
    13 - Republican Candidate Forum, 6:00 pm at Kent State Tuscarawas, Founder's Hall AuditoriumInvited candidates include Tuscarawas County Commissioner Kerry Metzger, Ohio House of Rep 96th Disctrict Candidates Bill Behrendt, Al Landis, Eric Reip; US Rep 18th Congressional District Candidates Beau Bromberg, Fred Dailey, Dave Daubenmire, Bob Gibbs, Ron Hood, Hombre Liggett, Jeanette Moll, Michael Royer.  Any questions please call Doug Wills at 330. 343.6131 or gopchairman@tusco.net
     
    15 -
    Tuscarawas Valley Safety Council, Dutch Valley, 11:30 am, $15.00
     
    17 - 18th Annual Dennison Depot Spring Ball, call 740.922.6776 with any question 

    18 - Annual "Run for Home" 

     20 - Twin City Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet, call 740.922.5623 for details
     
    21 - Tuscarawas County Administrative Professionals Luncheon, Union Country Club, Dover, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.  Sponsored by the Tuscora Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).  $20.00 per person.  Call 330.602.2433
     
    23 - Legislative Luncheon featuring your State Senator Jason Wilson, Union Country Club, 11:30 am, $20.00 Register Here
     
    30 - Annual Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce High School Leadership Awards.  Details coming soon.
     
    MAY 2010
    14 - Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo at NewPointe Community Church.  Get in touch with Jill McCartney to reserve a booth early for this event.  jillm@tuschamber.com
     
    20 - Tuscarawas Valley Safety Council, Dutch Valley, 11:30 am, $15.00.  Annual awards banquet for the Tuscarawas Valley Safety Council.
     
    JUNE 2010
    16 - Business After Hours at The Farmer's Market inside the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds co-hosted by the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau.  Details will be coming soon. 
     
    17  - Tuscarawas Valley Safety Council, Dutch Valley, 11:30 am, $15.00
     
    23 - Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce Annual Summer Golf Outing.  This year we will be at Union Country Club.  Contact Jill McCartney for event sponsorship and to schedule your foursome today.  Cost is $85.00 per golfer.  Teams will fill up quickly folks - don't miss out on the best golf outing in Tuscarawas County.
     
     
    SAVE THE DATES:
    October 5, 2010 - Candidate Forum at Kent State Tuscarawas 6:00 - 9:00 pm
    October 7, 2010 - Business After Hours at Adventure Harley Davidson with Think! Marketing
     
     
    If you have events you would like listed on a community calendar I urge your to Click Here.  The Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau has a community calendar of events on their website.  I would also encourage you to look at their entire website.  It is FABULOUS!  Huge Kudos to Prestige Creative Marketing for the site design. 
     
    Helpful Hint: If your planning an event check the date on the CVB's community event calendar to make sure there is nothing else scheduled that day and time and as soon as you pick your date - get it posted on their site.
    WELCOME New Members! 
    Remember - It is good business to do business with Chamber Members.
    Give them a call today.
    Best Western Dutch Valley Inn
    Sherri Beamer, Regional Director of Sales
    161 Bluebell Drive, SW
    New Philadelphia, Ohio  44663
    330.339.6500
    330.339.1565 fax
    hotel/motel
     
    Coffee News
    Jac Clay, Owner
    1454 Jefferson Street, SE
    New Philadelphia, Ohio  44663
    330.401.3876
    marketing/advertising
     
    GCS Consulting, Inc.
    Mike Griesen, President
    P.O. Box 543
    Dover, Ohio  44622
    330.340.7409
    Computer services/Consulting
     
    Open Range Communication
    Ruthann Cooper, General Manager
    8100 Maplewood, Suite 200
    Denver, CO  80111
    773.220.0883
    303.376.2109 fax
    Wireless Broadband Service, Internet Provider, Digital Phone
     
    Plymouth Foam, Inc.
    Chris Coleman, Director of Manufacturing
    1 Southern Gateway
    Gnadenhutten, Ohio  44629
    740.254.1188
    740.254.1132 fax
    Manufacturing
     
    Pruni Chiropractic
    John Uvena, D. C.
    3026 N. Wooster Avenue
    Dover, Ohio  44622
    330.364.4400
    330.364.1407 fax
    chiropractors
     
    The Village Network
    Brandi Ankrom, Linda Cox, Deb Jenkins
    117 E. 3rd Street
    Uhrichsville, Ohio  44683
    740.922.2144
    740.922.2133 fax
    Social Services/non-profit
     
    William H. Klopfer, CPA
    William Klopfer, Owner, President
    132 E. Iron Avenue
    Dover, Ohio  44622
    330.364.6331
    330.364.6331 fax
    accountants - Certified-Public
     
    Zoar Community Association
    Jon Elsasser, President
    250 Main Street
    Zoar, Ohio  44657
    330.874.2646
    Non-profit
    The 9 Question Survey!
    We work hard to bring you, our members, what your business needs.  The way we find that is from surveys.  Please take a few minutes to answer the 9 questions in the link below.  We thank you for your time and consideration.
     
    CHAMBER BUCKS...
    The Perfect Gift for Every Occasion!
    Wonderful Coach and Teacher gifts. 
     
    Not to mention Graduation and Weddings!
     
    Family members, co-workers, employees...etc. Always a great gift!
     
    CHAMBER BUCKS are a great gift idea for anyone in Tuscarawas County and are redeemable at many popular Chamber member locations.
     
    These local gift certificates are printed and sold at the Chamber office in increments of $5, $10, $25, and $50. The expiration date will be stated as ONE YEAR from the issue date, giving recipients plenty of time to use them for food, fun, or services in the county.
     
    We are excited for our new, local program and hope that your business will be a participant in keeping spending in Tuscarawas County. Please contact the Chamber of Commerce if you would like your business included in the CHAMBER BUCKS listing of participating Chamber businesses or if you have further questions about the new green spacesChamber Bucks program.
     
    We are now offering advertising on our Chamber Bucks! Please call Liz at 330-343-4474 for more information!
    What's HOT in Chamber BENEFITS?
    Recycle Rewards -- Cartridge and Cell Phone Recycling Program
     rrewards
    The Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce is doing it's best to go green! Therefore, we have recently joined Recycle Rewards. The Chamber will be participating in a used printer cartridge and cell phone collection program. We are one of the many organizations actively collecting empty inkjet and laser printer cartridges as well as used cell phones from within our business community.
     
    When your business is done with cartridges or when you purchase new cell phones, where do you put your used ones? BRING THEM TO THE CHAMBER so we can help the environment!
     
    We would greatly appreciate your support. The recycling program we use will also send you free shipping boxes affixed with prepaid UPS labels. You just need to save the used cartridges and cell phones instead of throwing them away, pack them in the provided boxes and leave them at a UPS drop-off location.
     
    To get started, simply register online as a "group supporter" at www.rrewards.com and enter the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce's ID # 147043. You will receive the free boxes in a few days.
     
    Contact the Chamber office for more details on our benefits 330.343.4474.
    Accreditation

    large accredited

    We are YOUR 4 star Accredited Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce.  One of only 6 in Ohio.  We are very proud of this achievement and we are looking forward to starting the process in 2010 for our
    Accreditation renewal in 2011.
    MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - HayCanvas
    HayCanvas Logo 
    What's in the bag?

    Nestled in the heart of Ohio's Amish country each HayCanvas bag begins in a local canvas shop and made exclusively for HayCanvas.  Is there Hay in the bag you might ask?  Not any, except the "Hay" of Cathy Hay, owner and founder, who values the talents of local men and women who have helped design and make each HayCanvas bag; assuring its uniqueness and quality while helping to maintain the livelihood of our community.  Every embellished bag is hand-hooped in our local bag studio to your specifications, making each HayCanvas bag truly "one-of-a-kind".  The lasting durability of our HayCanvas bags can be attributed to our commitment to using only the best "Duck" canvas.  But we have required more from our bag than just durability.  We carefully analyze how you, our customer, want to use the bag and then add the details to make it function just they way it should.  Then, we add an element that gives HayCanvas its unequaled look.  We add bright, fun patterned fabric, soft delicate pastels, traditional prints and plaids or muted small prints to create a style that speaks to you.  To finish off a HayCanvas bag select from  any one of our embellishment designs to give your bag that extra personal touch.   From functional custom totes for organizing, and clutter control to diaper bags and exclusive gift totes, your sure to find something for yourself or that hard to buy for person.  Stop in and lets create something together! 
     
     
    haycanvas store
     
    HayCanvas is located in New Towne Mall in the Elder-Berman corridor.  Stop in and see them soon.  If you are looking for that perfect Easter Basket - look no further than HayCanvas and be sure to have it personalized for that special someone.
    "Healthy Tusc 1st Annual Winter Hike a Success!"

    winterhike1NEW PHILADELPHIA - Despite having over a foot of snow on the ground and flurries coming down, nearly 400 area residents showed up Saturday, February 13th to take advantage of Healthy Tusc's 1st Annual Winter Hike.  The Winter Hike was held at Historic Schoenbrunn Village from 11 AM - 1 PM and was co-sponsored by this year's Leadership Tusc class.  The route, tramped down Friday afternoon by members of Healthy Tusc lead organizations, started at the museum and wound it way up past the cemetery around the outer perimeter of the village to the church and headed back toward the museum.
     
    Those in attendance were entertained by two singing groups located in the church and school buildings.  Claymont High School's Show Choir performed various songs from their new repertoire and a Very Large Quartet (VLQ) performed songs including crowd favorites "Heart of My Heart" and "Side by Side" in the church. 
     
    Other activities included in the day's events were a healthy snack demonstration for kids sponsored by Leadership Tusc's current class, provided by Chris Kendle, RD, LD from the Tuscarawas County OSU Extension Office.  Participants were served bean soup and cornbread after completing the hike, they had the opportunity to sign up for door prizes and kids were provided with goodie bags to take home.  
    winterhike2 
    "We started to second guess ourselves with the sheer volume of snow on the ground; we honestly considered rescheduling," stated Vickie Ionno, Director of Nursing, Tuscarawas County Health Department.  "But then we reminded ourselves that our goal was to show people they could get out during the winter months to exercise and it could be fun.  I think we accomplished that goal." 
     
    "It was a great day!" exclaimed Tiffany Poland, Marketing Director for Twin City Hospital.  "It was wonderful to see families out exercising together.  Some families had young kids on sleds, pulling them along on behind them as they hiked.  Others brought their family dog to walk with them.  We are looking forward to next year and making it even better."
     
    Healthy Tusc is a task force, made up of area non-profit organizations, that is working to improve the health and wellness of Tuscarawas County residents through programming, community awareness and advocacy aimed at reducing obesity.  The lead agencies in this group are the Tuscarawas County Health Department, Tuscarawas County YMCA, Tuscarawas County United Way, Twin City Hospital and Union Hospital. 

    winterhike3
    For more information about the Healthy Tusc Task Force, contact Tiffany Poland at (740) 922-7471 or email at tpoland@twincityhospital.org or contact Pam Dummermuth at (330) 602-0779 or email at pamelad@unionhospital.org.
    Zoar Community Association
     ZCA 
    Zoar OH
    - The Zoar Community Association "springs" into the Spring 2010 portion of its Dinner Series by hosting a dinner Saturday, April 24th, at the Zoar Schoolhouse.
     
    "This dinner is a great way for our neighbors and friends from all over to support the Zoar Community Association at a very enjoyable, intimate social gathering," said ZCA President Jon Elsasser.  "It's not limited to people in immediate community," he continued.  "To get the full experience, why not come down early in the day, enjoy the village, join us for dinner, and spend the night at one of our quality bed & breakfasts in the village."  You can find a listing of Zoar B&Bs, along with links to their websites at http://www.zca.org/directory.html 
     
    According to committee member Gail Garbrandt , "Our spring dinner will feature the culinary talents of Chef Michael Smith from the Trax Diner in Dennison, and Zoar resident. We're really excited about our spring dinner and look forward to a great turnout from the local community and surrounding area."
     
    The dinner's social time starts at 6:00 pm with dinner at 6:30 pm and will feature a Mixed Green Salad with Balsamic Dressing; Duxelle Stuffed Chicken Breast with Fine Herb Sauce; Scalloped Potatoes; Crusty Rolls; Steamed Asparagus, and Crème Brûlée for dessert.
     
    According to Sandy Ragon, a silent auction will feature many quality items. Some of those featured include a penny rugging by Kim Klingaman of Springhouse Primitives, a German dinner, and a barbecue for six.
     
    Proceeds from each dinner will be earmarked to a specific project or area of need in Zoar.  All revenues from the Spring dinner will support the Zoar Beautification Project.
     
    Tickets are $40 per person, $75 per couple.  You may also purchase advance tickets packages for the entire dinner series at $175 per person/per series, and $350 per couple/per series.
     
    Reservations are both limited and required. To make your reservation, please call 330-874-3011.
     

    The Zoar Community Association is pleased to announce that Zoar Village Historical site will be open for tours starting April 3rd. Tours will be available on weekends during April and May from 11 am to 4 pm. Extended hours will be offered in the summer. The site will be closed April 4th for Easter Sunday.

     

    Self-guided tours are $4 for adults, $2 for children under 12, and guided tours with a costumed interpreter are $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

     

    The Zoar Store and Springhouse Primitives will be open 6 days a week starting in April. The hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm.


    Founded in 1967, the Zoar Community Association strives to ensure the preservation of the historical characteristics and heritage of the Village of Zoar, Ohio, and the surrounding area, including Northern Tuscarawas County. Effective January 4, 2010, the Zoar Community Association assumed management of Zoar Village State Memorial under contract from the Ohio Historical Society. 
     
    Zoar Village was founded in 1817 by a group of about 200 German Separatists seeking escape from religious persecution in their homeland. Today, Zoar is a community of approximately 75 homes built from 1817 until the present. Many of the original homes have been preserved or restored. Find out more by visiting www.zca.org.
     
    For more information, contact Zoar Community Association at 330-874-3011.
    Find us on Facebook.  Search for Zoar Community Association
    Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/zoarohio
    Find news at http://www.zoarpressroom.com
    TuscTransit

     

    TuscTransit is affordable transportation for residents of Tuscarawas County provided through a coordinated effort by Horizons Inc., Society of Equal Access (SEA) and Tuscarawas County Senior Center.  TuscTransit provides transportation to and from medical appointments, work and school, grocery shopping, laundry facilities, church and social activities.  

    tusctransit2
     
    When calling the central phone line (330-364-2159) to schedule your transportation, you will be asked a few questions to determine the fee for your trip.  Transportation is provided not only in Tuscarawas County but also outside of the county at a per mile fee.  The hours of operation are Monday - Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm and Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm.  Anyone, regardless of age or income, can take advantage of the transportation.   Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.   TuscTransit also provides car and booster seats for families with small children.  
     
    Tuscarawas County is eligible for ODOT grants to support this program because the County does not have a public transportation system.   The ODOT grants only provide partial funding; therefore, the three participating agencies must use agency operating dollars and local match monies from the TuscoBus Board to cover expenses not paid for through ODOT grants.  Donations in any amount for the local match monies are greatly appreciated and can be sent to Natalie Lupi, President of TuscoBus Board c/o Tuscarawas County Board of DD.
     
    green spaces
     
    Anyone needing more information please call Shannon Hursey @ 330-204-6524 or email
    slhursey@yahoo.com.
     

    Photo's courtesy of The Bargain Hunter 
    SBA Recovery Lending Extended Through April 30
     
    Administrator Mills urges longer-term extension for successful programs
     
    WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama signed on Friday legislation extending through April the U.S. Small Business Administration's ability to provide enhancements in its two largest small business loan programs.  The enhancements, first made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, include a higher guarantee on some SBA-backed loans and fee relief.
     
    The SBA estimates the $40 million extension will support about $1.4 billion in small business lending.
     
    "Thousands of small businesses across the country have taken advantage of these Recovery loan enhancements to get the capital they need during these tough economic times," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills.  "The increased guarantee and reduced fees on SBA loans helped put more than $23 billion into the hands of small business owners and brought more than 1,100 lenders back to SBA loan programs.  As a result, average weekly loan approvals by SBA have climbed by 86 percent compared to the weekly average before passage of the Recovery Act.  These programs have been successful in helping jump-start our economy, which is why we will continue to work with Congress on a longer extension of the increased guarantee and reduced fees.
     
    "Additionally, we continue to encourage the Congress to act on other proposals the President has put forward, including higher SBA loan limits and refinancing for commercial property mortgages to help thousands of small businesses avoid potential foreclosure. Small businesses need the changes the President has called for to ensure that they have the tools to drive economic growth and create jobs in communities all across the country."
     
    As part of the Recovery Act enacted on Feb. 17, 2009, SBA received $730 million to help small businesses, including $375 million to increase the SBA guarantee on 7(a) loans to 90 percent and to waive borrower fees on most 7(a) and 504 loans.  The funds for these programs were exhausted on Nov. 23, 2009, and an additional $125 million was provided in December.  Those funds were exhausted in late February, 2010, and an additional $60 million was provided subsequently.  That funding was exhausted late Friday. 
      
    Under the new extension SBA may continue to waive loan fees and provide higher guarantee levels on 7(a) loans through April, 30, 2010, or until the funds provided under the bill are exhausted.
     
    When the funds provided for March were exhausted, SBA reactivated the Recovery Loan Queue, as occurred in November and again in February, to cover the brief period of time before the funds from the extension become available, which should be within a few days.   
     
    Eligible small business loan applicants, in consultation with their lenders, may choose to be placed in the queue for possible approval of a Recovery Act loan when funding becomes available.   
     
    For non-Recovery Act 7(a) or 504 loans already funded during the Recovery Loan Queue period, this extension does not provide a retroactive guarantee or fee relief.  Loans that were funded under non-Recovery Act terms cannot be canceled and resubmitted to take advantage of the Recovery Act extension provisions.
     
    This extension does not affect other SBA Recovery Act programs, including the America's Recovery Capital (ARC) loan program or the agency's microloans. Recovery Act funding still remains available for both of those programs.
    Event Photos
     
     Ribbon cutting at new world headquarters for Solid Rock Photo's
    Solid Rock RC
     
     
    March Business After Hours hosted by Mercy Medical of Tuscarawas County
     
     
    march bah 1 
     march bah 20102
     
    march bah 2010 3
    Breitenbach Wine
     
    march bah 2010 4
    Dante's Pizza and Pasta House
     
    march bah 2010 5