|
HOW ARE WE DOING?
BRIGHT SPOTS
Did you know that Fanatics Inc. fulfillment center near Frazeysburg was profiled in a recent article on grantland.com and highlighted in a CNBC national television story on Cyber Monday shopping?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.
ECONOMIC DASHBOARD - Here is the monthly Economic Dashboard of economic indicators for Muskingum County, courtesy of the Muskingum County Library System and the Chamber of Commerce.
BUSINESS "SHARK" EVENT
Want to watch local companies go before local business "sharks" to compete for a $3,000 cash prize? Or even compete for the prize yourself? Then join us at MCBI's first ever Shark Tub event. You're invited to a fun evening at MCBI where you can invest "phony" money in actual companies, watch the Sharks in action, and enjoy appetizers and music. It's being held on January 22, 2014 from 6-9pm. Tickets are $10 per person. You can buy tickets online or call 740-453-3649 for more information.
TELL YOUR STORY, WIN $20,000
Microsoft wants the story of your business - your dream, the ups and downs, the challenges and victories, the tears and the laughter. All you have to do is tell your business story in 2 minutes or less, upload your video to YouTube, and fill out the entry form at the contest's Facebook page . Microsoft's Small Business Contest is open to all businesses with fewer than 250 employees, and one winner will receive a $20,000 prize with other prizes for the runners up. You must have been operating for six months and be privately held. There are no other entry requirements, no fees and no purchases necessary. Get started now - the deadline for entries is January 11.
OIL & GAS ADVERTISING
Chamber members that are trying to reach out to the oil and gas industry in Ohio may want to advertise in Shale Mart, which is both a print and online publication based in Canton. Members receive a discount on advertising in this publication. Check it out at www.shalemart.com. The deadline for inclusion in the next edition is Friday, January 9.
PERFECT TIMING
This is the perfect time to invest in a Chamber Marketing Package. Although you can buy a 12 month package at any time, why not start the year off right and amp up your marketing while saving significantly on chamber services. Visit the "Grow & Save" page on the Chamber website for all the details.
WELCOME TO 2015!
Here are some good business articles to help your company get off to a strong and knowledgeable start in 2015.
10 Small Business Predictions for 2015 - American Express Open Forum - Things are looking up for small businesses in 2015. We count down the 10 ways you can get ahead in the new year.
Kiplinger's Economic Outlook - Kiplinger - Economic forecasts for a variety of sectors including jobs, housing, energy, inflation, interest rates, business spending and more.
10 Trends for 2015 - trendwatching.com - 10 prime innovation opportunities to run with - and profit from - in 2015. Each one highlights a key, actionable innovation opportunity that could see you serve, delight, surprise or build stronger relationships with your customers.
The 7 Most Useful How-To-Sell Books of 2014 - Inc. Magazine - Your success in business is directly proportional to your ability to sell yourself, your ideas, and your products. These books will hone your skills.
The Art of Getting Customers - American Express Open Forum - Learn how to attract customers and keep them coming back - from someone who has spent more than two decades helping companies do just that.
    
  
 | 
