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March 14, 2012
Don't miss the opportunity to make connections at tonight's Business After Hours ... or to make a difference by offering your feedback on Worthington's I-270 interchange delays ... to advertise in our upcoming business directory ... or to grow your business through a host of other Chamber events coming up. Details are below.
Call 888-3040 to let us know how we can help you make great Chamber connections!
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Find mojo and explore CSC's new headquarters at tonight's Business After Hours
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 "Your Chief Technology Partner" - CSC - has a new home at 7420 Worthington-Galena Road. Join fellow Chamber members and guests there tonight (Wednesday, March 14) to enjoy a "housewarming" Business After Hours with great networking, great food from Mojo Tago, your favorite BAH beverages and door prizes.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and concludes at 7:30 p.m. Announcements, introductions and door prize awards will be made at 6:15 p.m. Tours of the CSC facility will be available.
Since 1992, CSC has been providing IT services to business, non-profit, government, K-12, and higher education organizations. Their professionals are known for a proactive approach to IT and their advice on the latest trends in technology. Tom Hastings, president, is a former Chamber Small Business Person of the Year.
Mojo Tago's taco truck has been a popular feature at the Chamber's Taste of Worthington and Market Day events, where owner Brian Reed has served up delicious combinations of carne asada, cabbage, pico de gallo and avocado crema. Brian is a former commercial realtor and "foodie" who launched the concept after following the popularity of the food truck movement in L.A.
Monthly Business After Hours (BAH) events are designed to give Worthington Chamber members the opportunity to network with other members in an informal setting and to learn more about Chamber member businesses.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Select the registration link in COMING UP, below, and follow the registration prompts on the Chamber website. Be sure to click "SUBMIT." You'll receive an e-mail confirmation when successfully registered. Online registration will be available through 1 p.m. today. You may also register by calling the Chamber at 614-888-3040.
Members who pre-register by 1 p.m. today will receive preprinted name tags and eligibility for extra door prizes. (The "Know Before You Go" feature on the website is temporarily unavailable.)
Attendance at BAH events is considered a privilege of membership. Please note our guest policy: Members may attend this event free of charge. Guests (spouses, friends, and referrals who are considering membership) are welcome at $20 per person. The guest fee is credited toward membership dues to those who join the organization. The fee is payable in advance or at the door by credit card, check or cash.
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Offer your feedback on delays in Worthington's transportation improvements by March 16
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 Please review this important information, shared by the City of Worthington, about a significant delay in upgrades to the I-270 outerbelt which runs along Worthington's north border.
Public comments on this issue are being accepted by the Ohio Department of Transportation through this Friday, March 16. We encourage you to share your feedback on this issue that affects existing and prospective business in our community.
Improvements to Worthington's northern gateway at the interchanges of Interstate 270, US Route 23 and State Route 315 could be delayed more than 20 years as a result of a recent proposal by the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC.) The timeline for these important projects, designed to address serious safety and congestion issues along the North Central Outerbelt, has been revised by TRAC. Under the revised schedule, improvements are proposed to begin between 2028 and 2033.
City leaders indicate that a delay of this magnitude could have a dramatic impact on the City of Worthington. This section of roadway has been identified as the fourth most congested/high crash location in the state of Ohio, with City of Worthington emergency crews being dispatched to accidents in this location hundreds of times a year. Not only could this delay ultimately cause more serious safety issues, it could have a detrimental effect on the economic viability of our community. The unsafe conditions that exist in this area could cause more accidents to occur, increase congestion in the area and deter future businesses from locating in the City of Worthington.
The City is asking for help in urging TRAC representatives to prioritize the North Central Outerbelt and amend the projected construction timeline to move these projects forward more quickly. Worthington City Council, State Representatives, and business and community leaders all are voicing oncerns by submitting comments to TRAC.
Please consider commenting on this important issue in hopes that TRAC might reconsider the the schedule for the project and move it to a more urgent timeline.
Written comments are due to TRAC no later than Friday, March 16.
Comments may be sent by email to: trac@dot.state.oh.us or mailed to:
Ohio Department of Transportation
c/o Jim Gates
1980 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43223
Please consider the following facts when submitting your comments:
- The North Central Outerbelt section of I-270 includes the interchanges of I-270, US 23, SR 315 and I-71 and was identified as the fourth most congested and high crash location in Ohio, according to a 2003 study.
- During that study, 1,300 crashes were documented, with an associated cost to the community of $26 million.
- These roadways are handling as much as 68 percent more traffic in the weave areas than they were designed to handle, resulting in numerous accidents and near-accidents as well as heavy congestion during peak times.
- The weave area conditions are exacerbated by the presence of a large number of trucks which require larger gaps between vehicles to change lanes.
- I-270 is designated as a Hazardous Cargo Route resulting in a higher percentage of hazardous cargo freight passing through this high crash area since it is not permitted to pass through the inner city area of Columbus.
- Traffic volumes have increased more than 20 percent since 2001 when the final North Outerbelt Widening Project was completed and the daily traffic volumes are projected to experience a 37 percent increase between 2003 and 2028.
- In 2003, average daily traffic volumes varied from 154,000 to 179,000 vehicles per day and they are projected to increase to between 195,000 and 245,000 vehicles per day by 2028.
- This section of interstate and state and federal routes is vital to serving the businesses and economy of the Region and the State along the entire northern half of the Columbus Region.
- The construction of the North Central Outerbelt Projects along I-270 at US-23 and SR-315 are vital to the safety of the public that travels through this stretch of highway.
- These projects have already seen significant delays, with construction originally scheduled between 2006 and 2009.
- As the congestion continues to worsen, additional delays in the construction will result in a continuation of, and likely increase in, an already very high number of crashes that occur in this area.
- This section of roadway is important in serving the businesses, travelers and commuters who reside in or visit Ohio and this region.
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TCOMING UP ...
Selected upcoming Chamber events are listed below. Click on blue (hyperlinked) events to register online.
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SAVE THE DATE ...
Mark your calendar with these updates and coming events | |
Major event dates in 2012:
Friday, April 20, 7 - 10 p.m. - Reds, Whites & Desserts wine tasting and auction at Bridgewater Banquet & Conference Center
Thursday, June 14, 4-7 p.m. - Combined Chambers Business Expo at Bridgewater Banquet & Conference Center
Friday, July 20 - A Taste of Worthington food festival
Monday, Sept. 10 - Annual chamber golf outing at York Golf Club
Saturday, Sept. 29 - Old Worthington Market Day
October (to be announced) - Fall for the Chamber event (tailgate theme)
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 Click to learn about these timely promotions from Chamber-member businesses:
Where's YOUR E-sert? Contact the Chamber at 888-3040 to schedule the "E-sertion" of your promotional flier in PDF format.
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SUSTAINING MEMBERS
Gold Sustaining Members
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Follow us on social networking sites
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Ready, set ... QuickConnect for business leads
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Get Ready ... Get Set ... QuickConnect!
QuickConnect is the Chamber's direct sales opportunity for members, giving participants the opportunity to determine quickly if there is a fit in meeting each other's business or personal consumer needs. It's fun, fast, affordable and very effective.
The next QuickConnect session will be held at Camp Mary Orton on March 20 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Check-in is at 9:45 a.m. Please be sure to arrive at this time so the start of the timed exercise, promptly at 10 a.m., will not be delayed.)
 The QuickConnect session is structured so that each participant will make one-on-one contact with 10 others. Participants face each other and have 90 seconds to discuss their company's products or services. Following each contact, participants indicate the next steps, including talking further about doing business; not a fit; and offering a referral.
Prior to the session, participants are provided a business profile/feedback form to complete and bring 11 copies to the session.
Please note: You should plan to attend QuickConnect ONLY if you have received a confirmation of your attendance and a copy of the questionnaire to complete, or a notice that your business category is full and you will scheduled at another date. Considerable care is taken to match QuickConnect participants with other Chamber connections. Therefore, the $10 participation fee is prepaid.
To make the session as meaningful as possible to participants, the number of businesses from a single business category (banks, insurance, financial services, etc.) will be limited to two businesses. In addition, members who have not previously participated in QuickConnect are given preference over those from the same business category who have attended a recent session. This procedure expands interest in QuickConnect and helps all participants receive the maximum benefit from the exercise.
Please register by March 16 through the online link in COMING UP, above left, or by calling 614-888-3040. |
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Young Professionals ready for March Madness
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Young Professionals of Worthington (YPoW) plan to make professional and social connections while enjoying the NCAA basketball games at an upcoming March Madness Mixer.
 The event will be held on Tuesday, March 27, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Winking Lizard, 100 Hutchinson Ave. (Crosswoods area) in the seating area near the bar and banquet room.
Participants will have the opportunity to network with other young professionals, participate in a sports-themed ice breaker, and watch the NCAA basketball games. Pre-registrants are eligible for door prizes
There is no charge to attend for current YPoW members. Non-members may attend one YPoW event to learn more about this subgroup of the Chamber. Please pre-register on the Chamber's online Calendar of Events, available at this link or above left under "COMING UP." Reservations may also be made by phone at (614) 888-3040 or email to connect@worthingtonchamber.org. |
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Last chance to advertise in the Chamber's new Business Resource Guide & Member Directory
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The Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Guide and Membership Directory campaign is coming to a close on Thursday, March 15.
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The mobile app is a popular addition to the advertising package
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As a Chamber member, you have the opportunity to connect with other members to promote and partner your business in this widely circulated publication. The guide will be included in relocation kits, economic development prospect packets and visitor information booklets, as well as through circulation at the Chamber office, public sites (such as libraries and municipal buildings) throughout the area, and at Chamber-member businesses.
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Sample guide from Fresno, Calif.
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The professionally produced, four-color publication will include editorial sections on Worthington-area education, health care, residential and commercial real estate, business services, shopping/dining/lodging and state/local government information, as well as Chamber information and other topics of interest in the Worthington area.
The new publication will provide Chamber members with an additional marketing tool to promote their businesses in all parts of the state. Prospective customers will be able to access information about our members on the Internet, enabling you to extend your marketing online to a worldwide audience. As an added bonus, the Business Resource Guide and Membership Directory is downloadable onto your computer or into your iPhone, Android or other Web-enabled device.
The guide also will offer ...
- A community website featuring the digital "eBook" of the printed guide featuring live website links from your display ads.
- A full technology package, featured within the community website, to promote your business using website banners, video commercials and social media banners.
- Seven levels of display advertising rates, directory enhancement listings and free ad art preparation available.
For detailed information, or to schedule your advertisement, please call our Village ProfileŽ representative, Linda Garrett, at 216-534-8978 or email Linda at lindascottgarrett@gmail.com. You may also reach Linda through the Chamber office at 614-888-3040.
Thanks to the following advertisers, who are among those who will be included. Several others are finalizing contracts today.
- Albright & Schnulo, O.D.'s
- Andara Travel
- Animal Hospital of Worthington
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ChamberSaver Plan - Shawan-Marquis Agency
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Individual Coverage - Lou Ann Madsen
- Anthony Lordo, D.D.S. LLC
- Ashland University - Columbus Center
- Bagley Counseling Services, LLC
- Balestra, Harr & Scherer, CPAs Inc.
- Barbara L. McClatchie, D.D.S.
- Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
- City of Worthington
- CME Federal Credit Union
- Collision on Wheels
- Comfort Inn Polaris
- Convention & Visitors Bureau of Worthington and Olde Worthington Business Association
- Holiday Inn Columbus-Worthington
- Lake Business Products
- Mount Carmel Medical Group and Mount Carmel St. Ann's
- Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center
- Ralph A. Kerns & Associates
- State Farm Insurance & Financial Services/Bill Alsnauer Agency
- The Laurels of Norworth and The Laurels of Worthington
- Tilton's Automotive Service
- Trillium Place
- Wesley Glen
- Worthington Industries
- Worthington Jewelers
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Gary Stephenson retires from Chamber post
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 A former broadcast journalism professional and trade show banner expert is "signing off" from his most recent career experience as events coordinator at the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce.
Gary Stephenson, who joined the Chamber staff in December 2010 and was previously an active volunteer for the Chamber for more than a decade, resigned from his Chamber post last week.
for his service to the Chamber and to wish him well in retirement. Comments will be collected into a single printed card for Gary.
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SOHO subgroup to explore resources for small businesses at Municipal Building on March 22
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SOHO members will meet at the Municipal Building for their March event
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Work at home or in a small office of five or fewer employees? The Chamber's SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) Group invites you to its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 6550 N. High St. (Bring your own lunch, if desired. Beverages will be available.)
Our speaker, Jeffry Harris, economic development manager for the City of Worthington, will share a variety of "Resources for Small Business" (from federal, state and local sources).
If you work in a home office or "wear all the hats" at a small office with five or fewer employees, the Chamber's new Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) subgroup is for you. At each monthly "brown bag lunch" style meeting, members exchange best practices and business leads and learn from experts about topics that affect small business owners and home-based businesses, including legal, tax, organizational, IT and marketing/promotion issues.
Business and Associate Members of the Chamber are eligible to join SOHO. SOHO members pay a subgroup participation fee of $30 per year, in addition to their regular Chamber dues. A prospective SOHO member may attend the meeting free of charge for a one-month period and then may choose sign up for the group with the $30 annual fee.
Registration is REQUIRED. To register, click on REGISTER NOW on the screen at right. Select the member category if you are already a paid member of SOHO; the "Join SOHO and attend" category if you are joining the group for the coming year and attending this event; or the "Non-member/Guest" fee to attend this meeting free of charge as a prospective member (you may attend once as a guest). Be sure to click "submit" when completed.
Call 888-3040 for further details or assistance in registering.
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 Need more information about these or other Chamber activities or benefits? We're open for business 24/7 on our website, www.worthingtonchamber.org, to view or sign up for events. Call 888-3040 or click here to e-mail us for help in using our website, making payment arrangements, or learning more about Chamber member benefits. Copyright 2011 - Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce, 25 W. New England Ave., Suite 100, Worthington, OH 43085. Phone: 614-888-3040. Fax: 614-841-4842. |
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