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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
Take a look at this photo gallery on our Facebook page of locally made products and help us spread the word about the remarkable achievements of area companies. Also, visit our "Bright Spots" website for more about the positive aspects of our community.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT / NETWORKING
Next week is full of opportunities to stay informed about issues and opportunities.
- Human Resource Management Association - Presentation by Rep. Brian Hill, November 11, 8-9 am, Email dmatz@zmchamber.com for more information and to make a reservation.
- "It Can Wait" - Distracted Driving Virtual Reality Simulator and Safety Presentation, November 11, 9:30 am,Workshop presented by AT&T and Safety Council,More information here
- Health Insurance & Affordable Care Act Update, November 11, 6:30 pm,Seminar presented by QCP,More information here
- Selling on Amazon,November 12, 5:30-7:30 pm,Workshop presented by FoodWorks Alliance and MCBI, More information here
POWER OF CUSTOMER REVIEWS
- 88% of consumers say that reviews impact their buying decisions.
- 72% say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more.
- 88% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
TRAINING FUNDS AVAILABLE
The On-the-Job Training Program (OJT) is a federally funded program that helps employers hire and train laid-off workers for full-time, long term employment.
- Through OJT programs, employers may be reimbursed up to 50 percent of the wages earned by eligible new trainees while they learn the job.
- This funding compensates you for training workers in skills they need to help your business thrive.
- An OJT agreement must be developed before new employees are hired. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Total reimbursement cannot exceed $8,000, and the length of the training period cannot exceed six months.
For more information contact Justy Cordray at OhioMeansJobs - Muskingum County at CORDRJ01@odjfs.state.oh.us or (740) 454-6211.
LOCAL ECONOMIC DASHBOARD
NATIONAL ECONOMIC NEWS
- Rising in 15 of the last 22 months, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index rebounded in September for the second straight month, increasing 1.7 points to 103.0, and was up 14.0 points from a year ago. A reading of 90 generally indicates a healthy economy.
- Consumer spending, up in 68 of the last 76 months and in each of the last seven months, advanced 0.4 percent in August for the second straight month and was up 3.1 percent from a year ago.
- Continued gains in the labor market, combined with falling gasoline prices and growing incomes, should continue to propel consumption.
- Personal income, a key pillar of consumer spending, advanced for the 19th time in the last 20 months, rising in August a solid 0.4 percent after increasing 0.5 percent the previous month, and was up a healthy 3.9 percent from a year ago. Furthermore, it has risen in 62 of the last 70 months.
- U.S. retail and food services sales, up sequentially in 23 of the last 33 months and 43 of the last 60, rose 0.2 percent in August, after jumping 0.6 percent in July.
- Retail sales were up 2.2 percent from a year ago and have sustained year-over-year increases for 70 consecutive months.
- Ten of 13 major retail categories showed increases, including auto dealers, restaurants and clothing stores.
EVERY BUSINESS CAN LEARN FROM LEAN SIX SIGMA
PLEASE JOIN US FOR FESTIVAL OF TREES
The Chamber organizes the annual Festival of Trees event as a community holiday celebration, a promotional opportunity for members, and a fundraiser for the Chamber organization.
- Visiting the festival display, which features about 200 decorated trees, wreath and other items, has become a holiday tradition for many local residents. It's a beautiful and enjoyable place to gather with friends, take in the creativity of local people, and generally celebrate the season.
- The festival is a way for businesses and organizations to gain visibility and shine a light on their products and services. Providing an entry or incentive gets your name in the display, online, on the air, in print and more. And coming up with a creative entry that represents your products or services - or donating an incentive that does so - provides you with even greater brand awareness and name recognition.
- Finally, the resources generated by the festival auction are put right back into Chamber programs that promote the community, support area employers, and grow the economy. The auction of all the entries will be held on December 4. The auction proceeds are an essential source of income for the Chamber and help keep it operating each year.
FOR THIS WEEK'S MEETINGS AND EVENTS!
You can also add your own event by clicking the submit event button at zmchamber.com.
Goss Supply & Rental
Longaberger Country Club
Norvell Hearing Aid Center
Partyland Supply Co.
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