Healthcare Costs - Everyone knows that the face of health insurance in changing, but one constant are premium price increases.  The Journal of Accountancy published an article recently on how to control your costs. Their ideas include wellness programs, self insured plans, defined contribution plans and taking advantage of the small business tax credit.

Business Success - You take risks, you work hard, you invest your hard earned money, and you grow a business.  Doesn't that at least deserve a pat on the back? We think so. The Chamber's annual "Spring Break" event is where we celebrate all the great things happening at area businesses. So join us! Awards are presented for economic growth and safety achievements, followed by a motivating speaker, Bruce Boguski. The "Spring Break" event is scheduled for Friday, March 21, (This Week!) from 7 am to 9 am, and it will be sponsored by Century National Bank, AT&T and the Zanesville-Muskingum Co. Safety Council.  "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 .

Government Contracts - The Ohio Business Matchmaker is a unique event designed to bring together potential qualified suppliers with buyers from federal, state, local and prime contractors to fulfill their contracting needs and requirements. Buyers and suppliers will have the opportunity to meet for 10 minutes in one-on-one sessions to discuss billions of dollars' worth of upcoming opportunities. This event also provides training sessions aimed at guiding small, minority, veteran, woman and HUBZone businesses on requirements and expectations on how to do business with government agencies and prime contractors. The event will be held on Tuesday, April 22 and 23, 2014. For more information visit http://www.checkohiofirst.com/. 

Sales! - Got enough sales?  If so you can skip this article. But if not, read on. Here is a "short course" in sales improvement made up of articles from Inc. Magazine. Also included is a bonus article from entrepreneur.com about overcoming obstacles to growing your business.  Enjoy!

12 Easy Ways to Increase Sales

How to Manage a Sales Pipeline

10 Principles for the Best Sales Pitch Ever

1 Habit That Will Immediately Improve Your Sales

Hate Selling? How to Get Over It and Get Get Good At It

Seven Reasons Your Business Isn't Growing

Drilling - Marcellus & Utica Supply Chain Opportunities is a special report that is available free from Marcellus Drilling News. It explains each stage in the development of an oil and gas well and details what products and services are needed and what opportunities exist for suppliers.

Submit Your Events - 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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