BRIGHT SPOTS - Did you know that Eclipse Resources - a major oil and gas producer in Ohio and Pennsylvania - has its Ohio headquarters in Muskingum County? 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.

$10,000 PRIZE - MCBI is again hosting its annual business plan competition, and the winner will receive $10,000 in cash and services. The entry deadline is Friday, October 3. For details on the business plan requirements visit www.mcbi.info and click the links to review the application requirements and application materials.

TWITTER - You can follow the Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau on Twitter. Follow @zmchamber and @visitzanesville for updates and reports on business, tourism and more.

WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT - Writer Geoffrey James recounts the results of a study on how customers choose who they buy from, in 10 Things Every Customer Wants (Inc.com). "Surprisingly, the best price and best value is at the bottom of the customer's priority list. See what's at the top..."Read More

LEGISLATORS SPEAKING - State Senator Troy Balderson and State Representative Brian Hill are speaking at the Tuesday, September 16 meeting of the Muskingum Area Real Estate Investors. They will be joined by Muskingum County Auditor Debbie Nye. The meeting is at 7 pm at Eaglesticks, and Chamber members are welcome to attend.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - 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.

OIL & GAS - If oil and gas is a target market for your business the Utica Summit II will give you the opportunity to hear national experts in the downstream use of Utica energy, from chemicals and plastics manufacturing to CNG commercial transportation. The conference is being held on October 14 at Kent State University-Stark. For more information visit www.uticasummit.com.

SELLING BIG - Do you want to sell to some of the world's biggest corporations? Visit Supplier Connection, a creation of more than a dozen large companies, such as AT&T, Caterpillar, Facebook, Dell, and UPS, that spend a combined $300 billion on outside suppliers.  Small companies can complete a single application to be considered for contracts by the Fortune 500 businesses backing the site. Also, Supplier Connection is hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, September 17 at 12 noon where you learn tips and insights on obtaining financing for your small business. Register here.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY - The Convention & Visitors Bureau is working with the national Reebok Spartan Race organization to hold an event at the Wilds on October 4 that is expected to draw 10-15,000 competitors. The Spartan Race is an obstacle and endurance running event with a loyal following of competitive athletes. If you are interested in ways you can become a sponsor and capitalize on this major influx of visitors to the area, visit http://www.zmchamber.com/Spartan.htm.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS - If you have an event or meeting 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.  

 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS