Bright Spots - Did you know that Ohio State University and

Quasar Energy are conducting  research at Quasar's Muskingum County facility into the commercialization of an integrated anaerobic digestion system that produces biogas and turns plants into energy?  If it sounds complicated and scientific, that's because it is. Learn about this and other bright spots in our community by visiting our This is Zanesville & Muskingum County, Ohio webpage, and check back frequently to see new content.

National Tourism Week - Travel and tourism is one of the largest industries in Muskingum County supporting over 2,513 jobs, and this week is dedicated to celebrating this important economic driver.  Direct sales by travelers visiting Muskingum County total more than $174 million.  Activities this week include a Tourism Team meeting on Tuesday at 9:30, and a luncheon will be held on Thursday at the John McIntire Library featuring author Celeste Friedman.  In addition, the CVB will launch a media campaign that focuses on local tourist attractions and emphasizes that area residents do not need to go far for entertainment as there are so many unique activities available right here in Muskingum County. Tune in to local radio stations for prizes. Call Kelly Ashby at 740.455.8282 or kashby@zmchamber.com for more information.

Pink on Sales - In this free recorded presentation best-selling author Daniel H. Pink shares valuable insights about how entrepreneurs can use their skills and personal qualities to be more successful salespeople. Pink highlights insights from his book "To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others," offering a mix of social science, survey research and rich stories to illustrate the successful approach to persuasion. Pink's book emphasizes that even people in non-sales jobs spend a great deal of time trying to persuade others.

Business Opportunities - Below is information on some potential sources of new business for you.

Doing Business with GSA
Covers government procedures, marketing strategies, and bidding procedures for contracts. Also lists important contacts, such as the 11 GSA regional centers and technical advisors for small businesses.

Office of Small Business Utilization (OSBU)
Through outreach activities in regional offices, promotes increased access to GSA's nationwide procurement opportunities for small, minority, veteran, HUBZone, and women business owners.

GSA Training Programs
Online and onsite courses for vendors and small business, for federal employees, and for state and local government officials.

Local Spotlight - Need spring flowers?  Use our online buyer's guide and member directory  to check out local retailers who can meet your needs. Remember, buying locally makes for a healthier local economy which retains and creates jobs for local people.

Midwest Rowing Association - On May 10 & 11 a very positive and unique event will be held in our community. The Midwest Scholastic Rowing Association will hold their annual Championship Rowing Regatta on the lake at Dillon State Park. This event will bring here thousands of high school competitors, family members, and spectators from 12 states.  It potentially presents a great business opportunity for you, and more broadly it will have a significant economic impact on our area.  Make sure to welcome these out of town guests and feel free to make a trip to Dillon to watch the competition.

Tourism Team - Anyone interested in the tourism industry of Muskingum County is welcome to attend this monthly meeting.  The meeting is held at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, May 6 in the Chamber of Commerce Conference Room on the lower level of the Welcome Center.  During this hour long meeting representatives from the tourism industry come together to talk about promotional ideas, special events, social media, and ways to work together to attract more tourists to the area.  Call 740.455.8282 or kashby@zmchamber.com

Golf Season - A new Spring Golf Outing will be held by the Chamber on Thursday, May 29 with a shotgun start at 12 noon at Eaglesticks. This event will be an 18 hole four person scramble.  Dollar General and CareWorks

are the major sponsor of the outing - if you are also interested in sponsoring please contact Dana Matz at dmatz@zmchamber.com. Team entry fees are $250 and hole sponsorships are  $50.  To register email jmasterson@zmchamber.com. 

Big Ideas - The MCBI Regional Big Idea Contest is designed to identify businesses and  entrepreneurs who have innovative and unique ideas but don't know where to go for assistance to develop and commercialize them. It is free to enter. All Entries MUST be received by May 19, 2014.  The grand prize is valued at $1,700 in cash and services. Entry Forms can be found at www.mcbi.info.  To enter email your entry form to Bigideacontest@mcbi.info or mail it to MCBI, 2725 Pinkerton Rd, Zanesville Ohio, 43701

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.  Events entered in our online calendar also automatically posted to the Chamber's Facebook page.

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