Happy New Year!
 
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season- now we just have to get through this Ohio winter! Whether or not the groundhog saw his shadow, let's hope for an early spring!!

Let me tell you a little about me- I was born and raised in Aurora on Eldridge Rd. I graduated from Aurora High School in 1976 and attended Bowling Green State University. In 1980 I got a job at a bank and have been working in banking ever since. 37 years in banking until my most recent employer decided they were going in a different direction and my position was eliminated. I found out that the Executive Director position was going to be available a week after I lost my job.   Timing is everything!!! So here I am!!

2018 is going to be a very exciting time for the Aurora Chamber and for me! I have been a member of the Aurora Chamber for over 15 years and have served as an active Chamber Volunteer and on the Chamber Board of Directors. I am looking forward to working with all of you and getting ideas for what you are looking for from the chamber and from me!

Our first event for 2018 was on January 24 at Aurora Inn and it was great! Lots of good information, updates and planning for the upcoming year. The State of the City Luncheon is coming up on February 28 at The Bertram and I hope to see you there!
 
Let's make things happen!!!

Karen Bosley
 

Chamber News & Events

2018 Community Guide
Reserve your ad space and listing!

AD SPACE RESERVATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY END OF BUSINESS, MONDAY, FEB. 5TH!!

It's that time of the year to reach new customers and retain old ones for 2018!  

This valuable advertising tool includes important information and a listing
of Community Events for 2018.
 
A minimum of 11,000 will be printed and distributed
to Aurora area businesses, residents, and visitors. 

Guides are also made available at regional tourism agencies and AAA offices.

Remember: every ACTIVE member is listed in a business category as a FREE benefit of membership.  Renew your membership TODAY!  Invoices have been sent via email.  Enhance your listing or increase your visibility with an ad: prices vary and are available by clicking below.  Deadline for securing space for ads & listings is Feb 5th: Don't delay!

Questions? Let us know!

 
State of the City Luncheon
A New Day is Dawning!

Please join us as we welcome City of Aurora Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin and Superintendent of Aurora City Schools Pat Ciccantelli. 

Both speakers are deeply committed to protecting and promoting the strengths of Aurora, and will share how they are dealing with issues relevant to your business and our community.

Do not wait to register for this popular annual event!


Prepaid Reservations Required
$25.00 per Chamber Member
$35.00 per Non-member

$5 late fee after Friday, February 23rd if seating is available.
Cancellations must be received by phone 330-562-3355 or e-mail ( [email protected] ) before 9 a.m. on the Monday prior to the event for a one-time credit to an upcoming luncheon.  Guaranteed meal counts must be provided and paid to our host.  Cancellations received after the deadline and "no shows" will be invoiced and will not be entitled to a refund.  Please adhere to these policies.
For members participating in our prepaid luncheon program, prepaid luncheons are not guaranteed reservations and an RSVP must still be made.


2018 Wellness Fair
Aurora Women in Networking

Enjoy an evening with friends to discuss and discover paths to better health!
 
Vendors will be on hand to help you reach optimum wellness: physical, mental, financial,  emotional and others.
 
Wine and complimentary
appetizers will be available.
 
$10/guest (includes 5 tickets towards wine/giveaways)

Reservations required.

Presented by:
  
 
 
The Gertsburg Law Firm
March Networking Luncheon
"How to Stay Out of Court"

Everyone knows how painful lawsuits are.  They're time-consuming, energy-consuming,  distracting and expensive.  Here's a dirty little secret that every lawyer knows:  most  business lawsuits and investigations, or exposure from them for damages, fines and  expenses, are entirely preventable if a company follows some simple preemptive steps.  

This luncheon is intended to pass along proven strategies for saving companies boat-loads  of money both inside and outside the courts.

Reserve your seat today!
Prepaid Reservations Required
$25.00 per Chamber Member
$35.00 per Non-member

$5 late fee after Friday, February 23rd if seating is available.
Cancellations must be received by phone 330-562-3355 or e-mail ( [email protected]) before 9 a.m. on the Monday prior to the event for a one-time credit to an upcoming luncheon.  Guaranteed meal counts must be provided and paid to our host.  Cancellations received after the deadline and "no shows" will be invoiced and will not be entitled to a refund.  Please adhere to these policies.
For members participating in our prepaid luncheon program, prepaid luncheons are not guaranteed reservations and an RSVP must still be made.


MultiChamber Business After Hours
15 Chambers of Commerce Mixer


 
 
Embrace Aurora!

Welcome Newcomers to the Neighborhood
and Introduce Them to Your Business!

The popularity of the Embrace Aurora program is really incredible. We now have new residents coming into the office to ask when their Embrace Aurora delivery can be expected. They are hearing from their new neighbors that this is just the type of thing that makes Aurora such a special place to live, work, and play! Thank you to all who participating, especially our volunteers.

Our last list of property transfers included 185 addresses. 185! We are growing!  There is no better way to reach new residents than an invitation to your business through Embrace Aurora.   

What better way to inform new residents about what is available to them when settling into their new hometown?
 
PREPARE ITEMS NOW FOR OUR NEXT DELIVERY in SPRING 2018!

Participation is easy and FREE to Chamber members!  Non Members are welcome to join in for a nominal fee. 


Member News & Events



You are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Learn how to help a customer, friend, family member or co-worker. Get trained in Mental Health First Aid.

Mental Health First Aid Training: March 5 & 6, 8 am-noon each day at Coleman Professional Services 3922 Lovers Lane, Ravenna

The cost is $25 and includes the workbook, training materials, and a continental breakfast each day. To register call 330.673.1756 ext 201 or visit  www.mental-health-recovery.org

 
Information on becoming a sponsor is here:
These are higher level sponsorships with more publicity, but any donation amount is welcome.
 
More information on judging is here:
with a new FAQ page and list of judges already signed up.
Portage County's Annual Career Connections Expo
Something new and exciting for our community! 

Do you struggle finding a good workforce pipeline? How about making those connections with our local youth?
This spring, our newly revamped event is dedicated to meet that need. OhioMeansJobs Portage County would like to partner with the local chambers to develop strategies and build bridges that support integrating your members to give local students opportunities to become more aware of careers in their own community! 

On March 14, all area middle and high school students are invited to learn about career choices in Portage County. Local businesses, schools, and military representatives are invited to participated in the expo to help show students what potential career options are available. 
 
Why be an Exhibitor? 
  1. The Expo is a great opportunity to connect with the future workforce and encourage students to acquire the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.
  2. Educate students about the range of career options in Portage County; We would like for you to speak to the students about your company's possible career paths and answer any questions they may have.  Live demonstrations are always a hit!
  3. Expose local students of all ages to meaningful work-and-learn experiences;
  4. Equip local students with the education and skills required to succeed in their careers and meet Portage County's economic needs;
  5. The company and representative will be highlighted in the event's promotional material.
The Commitment:
The commitment is simple: five to six hours of your time as you share what your career is all about, and how it fits into Ohio's economy. The pay-off is huge: "career ready" students who know what they want to do and how to get there, a stronger community, and a more vibrant economy for all Ohioans. 
 
Exhibitor promotion opportunities:
  • Consider donating a door prize. Student's level of engagement will earn them an entry for door prizes. 
Career Connections Expo will focus on career sectors which are projected to be in high demand for Ohio's economy (advanced manufacturing; agriculture, construction science; healthcare & life sciences; information technology; and logistics). However, nearly all careers intersect with these sectors in some way. Be prepared to share how your career contributes to our economic growth and what skills, aptitudes and educational pathways are essential.
 
Career Connections Expo is dedicated to helping students make informed decisions about their future career choices, and linking them with employers and schools in our community. Contact Helene Leightner for event details and to receive a personal invitation 330-297-3763 [email protected]
The Gertsburg Law Firm

The attorneys of Gertsburg Law have a comprehensive understanding of the countless legal issues facing businesses on a daily basis. In order to share our knowledge with the community, we publish weekly blog articles that explain and elaborate on issues relevant to business owners. 

Here are some of the articles available on our blog this month:

Release Me: Which Legal Releases Should You Sign and When?
Releases are useful in several areas of business. But how do you know when you should have someone sign a release and what kind or release they should sign? This blog discusses four common situations where a release form may be necessary.

When is a Personal Guaranty Unenforceable?
Obtaining financing is one of the biggest challenges facing business startups. Without another source of collateral, a bank might require a personal guaranty before it agrees to approve a loan to your business. While banks, financing companies, or other loan underwriters will always attempt to collect on a personal guaranty, there are circumstances where they are simply unenforceable.

How Long is Long Enough? Timelines for Business Recordkeeping
State and federal codes attempt to set guidelines for minimum retention periods of certain documents. Those documents which are the subject of recordkeeping requirements are often those that confirm compliance with other laws - taxes, hiring practices, and other regulatory matters; so it is in your best to keep those records as long as is fiscally reasonable. Although the minimum length of retention depends on the type of document, a good rule of thumb is to keep all records discussed below for a minimum of seven years.

Shopping for the Best Tax Laws
For entrepreneurs, there may be no single greater tax tool than the ability to form a company. Incorporating carries unparalleled benefits for business tax solutions. In most states, you're able to spread operating losses over seven years to offset taxes in profitable years; you're not subject to self-employment taxes; and you can make tax deductions for employee benefits and business purchases. That's the baseline, and it's a great start. But tax advantages at the state level can change the game, and for that we must find those states with the most favorable tax laws.

To learn more about the services of Gertsburg Law, call us today at 440-571-7777 or complete our contact form. From our Chagrin Falls office, we proudly provide legal services for businesses of all sizes.

Information & Resources

Drive It Yourself TourSeptember Business After Hours


  

CLICK TO REGISTER
 
Build Relationships - 
Join A Committee! 

Our volunteer-led committees are at 
the very heart of our success!

Contact the Chamber office for more information about how you can get involved!

Awards  
Build the Chamber scholarship fund - award scholarships - promote and select person & business of the year: we do it all!
 
AWIN - Aurora Women in Networking
This engaged and engaging group provides support and encouragement to each other and our membership through discussion and targeted events. 

Business Advocacy  
The BAC connects us to business-related issues in local and regional government.  

ProBusiness/Tourism 

Supports member businesses through events and activities that get the word out about YOU.

Membership
New member? Veteran member? Potential member? This group is looking out for ways to enhance your member benefits. 
Deals, Discounts and Specials!

MEMBER TO MEMBER DEALS !

Do you have a deal exclusive to chamber members?  We have just the place to advertise them. 
Login to your chamber member account and add your member to member deal.  Reach hundreds to fellow members eager to see what you've got to offer!


   
City of Aurora
Stay informed!
City meetings are open to the public.
Agendas and minutes are made available 
to all who request them.
For schedules of City Council and other City Committee meetings, please visit:
Anthem NOACC                
Now you can get cost savings on your health insurance benefits usually reserved for larger companies.  How?  You get the purchasing power of the group insurance market through your chamber of commerce membership. www.NOACC.org
  
Think Chamber
THE NORTHERN OHIO AREA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE GIVE MEMBERS GROUP BUYING POWER AND ENCOURAGE BUYING LOCAL.

BWC News
Private employers: Prospective billing transition effective July 1. Watch video & sign up for seminar/webinar Click Here.
For BWC eNews   Click Here.
Western Reserve Safety Council
For the latest news and event information Click Here
 
Portage County Safety Council
Stay up to date on news and events by visiting www.portagesafetycouncil.com.
 
COSE
COSE connects small businesses with resources and expert advice they need to grow! www.cose.org 

Portage Development Board
Check out their new website!
www.portagedevbd.org
  
Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County
Mental health and addiction recovery information: 330.673.1756

2018 Board of Directors

President
Jennifer Stanley
First National Bank

Vice President
Laura Radcliff
Edward Jones
 
Secretary
Vicky Rovder
Excalibur Collision

Treasurer
Doug Wieder
Mill Distributors, Inc.

Karen Adams
Don Joseph Toyota

Diane Barben
The Atrium at Anna Maria

Kyle Hersh
Aurora Farms Premium Outlets

Tracey Nagy
Skala Insurance Agency

Alan Shorr
Reitz, Paul & Shorr

Sue Tinlin
The Tinlin Team -
Platinum Real Estate

-------------------------
Liaison
Pat Ciccantelli

Liaison
Denny Kovach/Harold Hatridge
Aurora City Council 
-------------------------
Executive Director
Karen Bosley

Aurora Community  and Events Guide

 CLICK HERE  to view entire guide.

If you need more Community guides, please contact us and we will deliver! 

Platinum Sponsor

Howard Hanna



Gold Sponsors


Community News & Events

2018 Flu Update
Flu Cases Continue to be on the Rise

PORTAGE COUNTY COMBINED GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT
 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 705 Oakwood Street                                                                  Phone: 330-296-9919 2nd Floor                                                                                   Fax: 330-297-3597
Ravenna, Ohio  44266                                                              E-mail: [email protected] _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Joseph J. Diorio, MPH, MS, RS                                                                       Web: www.co.portage.oh.us
Health Commissioner                                       
 
Press Release                                                                                                              Becky Lehman, PIO
 
Flu cases continue to rise; flu shots still available
 
Flu-associated hospitalizations continue to increase throughout the state of Ohio. Portage County has had 111 influenza associated hospitalizations so far this flu season. Flu season generally lasts from October to May, and peaks around this time of year.
 
Flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from getting the flu or reducing the severity of symptoms associated with the flu. Other effective ways to avoid getting or spreading the flu include: washing your hands frequently or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer; covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, or coughing or sneezing into your elbow; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and staying home when sick and until fever-free for 24 hours without using a fever-reducing medication.
 
Who should be vaccinated?
  • Everyone 6 months and older (Recommendation from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • Especially:
    • Pregnant Women
    • People with chronic medical conditions; including asthma and diabetes
    • Children younger than 5 years of age
Flu shots are still available at the Portage County Health District every Tuesday, from 8:00am - 10:00am and Wednesday, from 8:00am - 12:00 noon at 705 Oakwood Street, 2nd floor, Ravenna, Ohio 44266. All clinics are walk-in, no appointment needed.
 
Cost
  • The following insurance plans are accepted and will be billed: Medicaid, Buckeye, Care Source, United Health, Molina, Medicare Part B (if primary coverage), Medical Mutual, Aetna, Cigna, SummaCare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. No out-of-pocket costs with these plans.
  • For other insurance plans (Paramount, Apex, Humana, etc.), cash or check will be accepted and a receipt of payment will be provided to be submitted to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
    • Cost is $30 for children and adults. 
    • High Dose (recommended for 65 years and older) is $60.
  • If uninsured or underinsured, flu shots will be provided free of charge.
  • Pneumonia shots will also be available for individuals 65 years and older and high risk individuals. Same insurances are accepted with no out-of-pocket cost.
    • Prevnar 13-cost $215
    • Pneumovax 23-cost $105
STAY CONNECTED