HOW ARE WE DOING?

BRIGHT SPOTS

Did you know that Zanesville-Muskingum County is home to some outstanding artists, galleries, performers and organizations? Check out our list of 22 examples of local arts and culture. 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.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE RISING
The Conference Board's consumer confidence index increased in June from 94.6 to 101.4. The index is trending upward - it's at a 5 month high right now - and it has climbed over the over the last 12 months from below 90 one year ago. The 1985 level of 100 is used as a point of reference, and the index moves up and down based on surveys of consumers. Consumer spending in the US is about 65% of the gross domestic product, so it's an important gauge of economic conditions.

CIVIL WAR IS COMING
Come aboard the Lorena Sternwheeler and step back in time during the Civil War Reenactment and Encampment on the Mighty Muskingum River! This third annual event on August 14 and 15 and will feature Civil War battles - complete with cannons - aboard the sternwheeler and along the shore with reenactors in period dress. A special "Night Battle" Twilight Cruise will be held on Friday, August 14 at 9:00 p.m. and public rides will be available on Saturday, August 15 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Reservations are required for all rides during this event and the cost is $15 per person. In addition to the ride aboard the Lorena Sternwheeler, participants may visit the Civil War Encampment at Riverside Park throughout the day on Saturday, August 15 where there will be reenactors, storytelling and musical entertainment.

LAST CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE
Please help the Chamber and ultimately yourself by taking the annual Six Minute Survey for members. We need your help in setting priorities, meeting member needs, evaluating our performance, and finding ways to improve. Your opinions and ideas are essential to making sure that our services are aligned with and responsive to the challenges you face in your business. Please spare a few minutes of your valuable time to complete the survey. We will close the survey on July 31 so please act now.

OVERTIME RULES CHANGING
According to Jim Evans of JK Evans & Associates LLC, a local human resource management consulting firm, the US Department of Labor has issued a proposed rule that will significantly increase the number of employees who will become eligible for overtime. A summary of these changes is available at our Chamber Experts Blog. ALSO: A 1 hour seminar on this topic that will be held on August 27 at 8:30 am at the John McIntire Library. To make a reservation please email dmatz@zmchamber.com.  There is no charge to attend, thanks to the support of JK Evans & Associates LLC, the Muskingum Valley Human Resource Management Association, and the Muskingum County Library System.

GOLF OUTING APPROACING

The annual Chamber-Jaycees Golf Outing will be held on Friday, August 14th, 2015, at Jaycees Golf Club. The shotgun start will be at noon. The event is a four-person scramble format, and entry is $225 per team which includes 2 golf carts and a pre-match cookout. Prizes will be provided for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams, and contests include Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and more. The limit is 32 teams and some years it sells out, so register now! Hole sponsorships are $50. Register by emailing jmasterson@zmchamber.com.

JULY 31 IS DEADLINE TO OBTAIN SAFETY REBATES

Here are the top 5 reasons every business should join the local Safety Council:

1. SAVE MONEY - You can earn up to 4% off your workers' compensation premiums. Participating local employers are saving thousands of dollars in premiums per year through this program.

2. TRAINING - Informative monthly training presentations are provided on workplace safety, employee health, and workers compensation.

3. STAY INFORMED - Stay up to date on changes and better management practices in Ohio's workers' compensation system.

4. HEALTHCARE COSTS - Our new emphasis on workplace wellness training, in addition to safety, can help control healthcare costs and improve productivity and safety.

5. NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY - Over 80 people attend the council meetings each month to hear the training presentation, enjoy breakfast, and interact with fellow business people.
Now is the time to enroll in this program

*           The annual enrollment period begins now and ends July 31!

*           Visit www.zmsafety.com to enroll and to review the eligibility requirements.

LEADERSHIP ADVICE
Here's an interview about leadership that is worth reading. Mike Figliuolo is a leadership expert who is talking about his latest book on the subject: "When things are going great we always say, 'oh it's because I'm an awesome leader.' When things go terrible it's because 'they're a bad person.' My co-author Victor Prince and I are saying wait a minute! You don't get to pick and choose here!" Read more.

CHECK OUT THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS ON WWW.ZMCHAMBER.COM AND WWW.VISITZANESVILLE.COM FOR THIS WEEK'S MEETINGS AND EVENTS!

You can also add your own event by clicking the submit event button at zmchamber.com.

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