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HOW ARE WE DOING? How likely are you to recommend Chamber membership to another business person? Let us know right now through this one question survey.
BRIGHT SPOTS
Did you know that Dillon State Park encompasses more than 2,200 wooded acres and features 12 miles of bike trails, 15 miles of bridle trails, and 9 miles of hiking trails? Learn about this and other bright spots in our community by visiting our Zanesville & Muskingum County BRIGHT SPOTS website, and check back frequently to see new content.
BACK PAIN
This week's Safety Council meeting features a presentation on preventing and dealing with back pain and injuries. The presenter is Tara Kuzma, a physical therapist at the Genesis Center for Outpatient Occupational Rehabilitation. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 19 from 8 to 9 am at Zanesvlle Country Club. Chamber members are welcome to attend. The fee is $10 per person which includes breakfast.
STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS
Get into the holiday spirit in Zanesville-Muskingum County where the community has adopted the theme "A Storybook Christmas" Many attractions and businesses have chosen their favorite story books and have decorated with that book in mind. Over 50 businesses in Downtown Zanesville, New Concord and Dresden will have sales, specials, events and great decorations. In addition there will be a daily music and light show from 6 - 9 PM at the Muskingum County Courthouse. "A Storybook Christmas" kicks off December 3 and goes through January 4. For a complete list call the Chamber of Commerce or email kashby@zmchamber.com
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
This is an annual promotion started by American Express to celebrate the contributions of the nation's small businesses. Shoppers are encouraged to support small businesses by "shopping small" on Saturday, November 29. Some important facts about small businesses:
- Over 50% of the working population works in a small business
- Small business have created 65% of the net new jobs in the U.S. since 1995.
- Small firms pay 44% of the total US private sector payroll.
- 48% of each purchase made at a local small business is recirculated in the local economy.
ECONOMIC OPTIMISM
A measure of small-business optimism rose to a two-month high in October. The National Federation of Independent Business said its small-business optimism index rose 0.8 points to 96.1. The NFIB said a record low percentage of small business owners reported problems getting access to capital and an unusually high number of owners say they have no interest in borrowing. Further, here is the monthly Economic Dashboard for Muskingum County, courtesy of the Muskingum County Library System and the Chamber of Commerce.
FESTIVAL OF TREES
This annual community festival and auction is a GREAT way to promote your business. Provide an entry and/or incentive and increase familiarity with and awareness about your business. The dates are December 3-5, but its time NOW to register an entry. Look for details at www.zmchamber.com.
STATEWIDE ECONOMIC SURVEY
We invite you to take the 2015 Ohio Economic Outlook Health Check. The health check is a short online survey you can complete on your phone or laptop in 5 minutes. The free online health check poll gathers the perspectives of business people on the outlook for their organization, community, region, and Ohio. Over 6,000 U.S. and Canadian chambers of commerce, convention & visitor bureaus, and economic development councils are distributing this health check to their members to better understand how we can make our communities great places for businesses to grow. Please take the health check poll now.
ADVERTISING MAKEOEVER
A free webinar about how to improve the effectiveness of your advertising is being offered on Thursday, November 20 at 1 pm by small business consultant Denise O'Berry. "Too many business owners don't know what to say in their advertising. . .who to say it to . . . where to find them . . . or how to generate a positive ROI. In less than 60 minutes you'll learn how to prepare and execute an advertising plan that brings a reliable, predictable, flow of new leads."
EXPORTING GRANTS
The Ohio International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE), funded by the state of Ohio and the U.S. Small Business Administration, is designed to increase exports and create jobs. The IMAGE grant offers financial assistance for small businesses to promote their products and services in international markets. The grant will provide a 50 percent reimbursement up to $10,000 per fiscal year for qualifying activities. For more information visit the IMAGE program website.
TRAINING GRANTS
The Southeast Ohio Manufacturing Council is hosting a breakfast to discuss workforce development strategies. Methods for addressing the shortage of personnel in critical skilled positions will be presented, including information about Make It in American training grants. The meeting will be held on December 11 from 8 am to 9 am on the Cambridge campus of Zane State College. Please make a reservation by contacting Beth Hampp at 740-588-1207 or bhampp@zanestate.edu.
    
  
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