Grant Funding - OhioMeansJobs-Muskingum County has funding available to help offset the pay of new hires during on-the-job training.  Up to 50% of the cost can be reimbursed to your business through this federal grant.  For more information about the On-The-Job-Training (OJT) program contact Justy Cordray at OhioMeansJobs at CORDRJ01@odjfs.state.oh.us or 454-6211.

Energy Choice - On Wednesday February 19th, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will be conducting an educational program from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the John McIntire Library in Meeting Room B (220 North Fifth St., Zanesville). Erin MacLellan, from the PUCO's Office of Retail Competition, will explain your rights in choosing an electric or natural gas supplier. There is no charge to attend and there is no need to RSVP.

Sales - Here are several good, quick reads on sales related topics.

Sales are Down, I'm Down, People Won't Decide

Four Keys to Sales Success

3 Things You Should Never Say When Presenting

How to Make Killer Sales Calls Even If You Dread Them

Spring Break - Our annual "Spring Break" event is scheduled for Friday, March 21, from 7 am to 9 am, and it will be sponsored by Century National Bank, AT&T and the Zanesville-Muskingum Co. Safety Council.  This is the Chamber's annual membership meeting where we celebrate business successes though the ACES awards program (see below) and the Safety Council awards.  We will also be motivated and entertained this year by peak performance consultant Bruce Boguski.  "Spring Break" is FAR from a serious and formal affair, so break out your spring attire and your summer attitude and be sure to attend.  Reservations can be made online or by emailing jmasterson@zmchamber.com .

Civil War - Planning begins for the 2^nd Annual Civil War Reenactment.  The meeting is Tuesday, February 18 at 9:30 AM in the Chamber of Commerce meeting room.  The Reenactment will take place aboard the Lorena Sternwheeler and along the banks of the Muskingum River on Friday, August 8 with a night ride at 9:00 PM and Saturday, August 9 with rides at 10 AM, Noon, 2 PM and 4 PM.  If you would like to be a part of the planning meeting contact Kelly Ashby at kashby@zmchamber.com

Tourism Marketing - Lori Kappes attended the 29^th Annual Allegheny Sports, Travel and Outdoor Show in Monroeville, PA.  This five day show was geared toward outdoor enthusiasts.  Visitor Guides and a new marketing brochure - Outdoor Adventure in Muskingum County - were distributed during this show. 

Immigrant Investor Program - The Zanesville-Muskingum Co. Port Authority is hosting an informational meeting about financing through the federal Immigrant Investor Program on March 13 from 8:00-9:00 AM at the Muskingum Co. Welcome Center. The Immigrant Investor Program, alkso known as EB-5, was created by Congress in the 1990s to spur economic development in rural and distressed communities.  The Port Authority has partnered with MidAmerican Global Ventures to bring EB-5 financing to our area.  Please join us on March 13 to learn how EB-5 financing can help local developers, investors, banks, and company owners.  There is no charge to attend - please RSVP to Stacy Hazen at 455-0742 or stacy.hazen@zmcport.com. 

Customer Service Training - Our January 31 seminar on customer service has been rescheduled to March 7.  Our presenter, Lisa Kristensen from the Columbus Zoo, had a family matter to attend to and asked us to postpone her presentation.  So, registration is open once again, and although nearly 100 people had made reservations there is still plenty of space for more.  Details including the option to register online can be found here.

State Small Business Assistance - The Governor's office is organizing a one hour meeting to discuss tax changes and other state programs that can benefit your business.  The event will be held on February 25 from 1 to 2 pm at the Muskingum County Business Incubator (MCBI).  Come get a clear explanation of Ohio's new 50% small business tax cut and learn about other programs available to help your business grow. If you plan to attend please RSVP to Kathleen Young, the Governor's Regional Representative, at Kathleen.Young@governor.ohio.gov. 

Celebrating Your Growth - The ACES awards program annually recognizes area businesses that have invested or expanded.  We want to know if you made some kind of improvement so we can thank you for investing in Muskingum County.  Nominate your own business or maybe one of your customers or suppliers.

Submit Your Event - If you have an event coming up you should enter it in our online events and meetings calendar at zmchamber.com as a way to promote it.  It's free to members and it's simple to use.  There is a "submit new event" link on the right side of the calendar page.  Click it and fill in your details.  You can also find the calendar link at any time on the homepage of zmchamber.com.    

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