 |
Connections Newsletter
October 2016
The mission of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce is to facilitate the growth of
Aurora
area businesses, promote tourism, and invest in programs
that enhance and enrich the community.
www.allaboutaurora.com
|
|
|
Well hello, October!
Here's to the beauty and abundance that fall brings to northeast Ohio. At the chamber we are hard at work planning opportunities and experiences that will support, promote, and educate you as we continue to work towards fulfilling our mission. Thank you for taking the time to read through this newsletter.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Stop by the office tomorrow, Tuesday, October 11th, from 2-3pm to learn more about a new medical insurance for small businesses (2-50 employers). This timely opportunity is presented by new member The Alpha Group just as enrollment periods are opening. See below to register or for more information on this money-saving product available only to chamber of commerce members.
NEXT WEDNESDAY,
We are proud and pleased to welcome the State of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine to our 3Chamber luncheon next Wednesday, October 19th at Signature of Solon. Please register today (see the link below) as seating may be limited for this special opportunity.
Then....
IT'S TIME TO SHOWCASE AURORA!
Join us next S
aturday, October 22nd at Aurora High School! This free, family friendly event offers a unique opportunity to spotlight the best of what our community has to offer. We are looking forward to a day full of entertainment, fun, and information -- all with a festive fall theme. Click on the link below to register your business and get planning what treats (no tricks) you will offer from 10am-2pm.
Please also note below that our Nominating Committee is finalizing its slate of candidates for upcoming board of directors elections. We are looking for members who want to have a direct impact on the chamber's body of work. Please contact me to learn more: this might be just the thing you're looking for!
Now let's get busy....there is so much work to do!
Laura Holman
Executive Director, Aurora Chamber of Commerce
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member Benefits Symposium!
New Self Funded Medical Plan for Small Employers
!
Aurora Chamber of Commerce works hard to provide a variety of benefits to save you money and help you do business better.
New member The Alpha Group is working with NOACC (Northeast Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce) to develop a new self-funded medical plan for small employers available exclusively for members of chambers of commerce.
If that includes you, or a business you know, please click the link below to find out more.
SMALL BUSINESS ALTERNATIVE TO AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA) HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
Anthem, in partnership with the Southern Ohio Chambers of Commerce (SOCA), has developed a new program under a self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) designed for small groups from 2-50 employees. The MEWA program enables smaller employers to join together to share in the overall claim risk. The plans provide an alternative to ACA plans that are typically 20% to 30% lower in premium cost.
HOW DO I LEARN MORE?
Contact Aurora Chamber of Commerce member Larry Lahnan of The Alpha Group at 216-315-5325 or llahnan@thealphaga.com to learn more about the plan and obtain quotes.
Larry will be available at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce office, 9 E. Garfield Road Suite 101 in Aurora, on Tuesday, October 11th from 2-3pm to meet with you in person. Register online to let him know to expect you.
THIS PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY TO MEMBERS OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.
|
|
|
3Chamber October Networking Luncheon
Guest Speaker: Attorney General Mike Dewine
Mike has served as an Ohio State Senator, as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, as Ohio Lieutenant Governor, and as a U.S. Senator. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's office helps support economic growth by working to ensure that the state's legal climate promotes job growth for Ohioans. The Attorney General's Office advocates for business interests in court, helps protect small business from fraud, scams and unfair practices, and has published a free manual explaining the legal
framework for economic development.
Join us to learn more about what is happening in the Attorney General's office!
Thank you to our Luncheon Sponsor:
|
|
|
Showcase Aurora 2016
Business and Community Expo
It's time: Let's Showcase Aurora!
Presented by:
Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Aurora City School District
A FREE family event with prizes, costume contests, entertainment, food and more! Don't be left out!
The event will again be held at Aurora High School.
It will feature a fall festival theme with Treat or Treating fun and a costume parade! Representatives from businesses, schools, city departments, clubs, nonprofit organizations and civic clubs will be sharing information, literature, giveaways and product samples.
Guests are treated to two complimentary raffle tickets upon arrival (more can be purchased to benefit the Chamber's Scholarship Fund!) for a chance to win great prizes throughout the day.
Thank you to our
Title Sponsors:
The City of Aurora/The Atrium at Anna Maria/Aurora Farms Premium Outlets
Partnering Sponsor:
Aurora Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation
Supporting Sponsors:
Howard Hanna Aurora/Record Publishing Co.
|
|
|
Marketing Roundtable
November Networking Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:
Our panel of marketing experts will share the
latest strategies for successful B2B and B2C marketing. Bring your best idea to share: samples encouraged! This is a great opportunity to jump-start your company marketing plan for 2017.
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 16th
TIME:
11:30am - 1:00pm
WHERE:
Bella Vita Event Center
50 Trails End Road
Aurora, Ohio 44202
|
|
|
2016 Holiday Party
Save the Date!!
Mark your calendars for Friday, December 9th for our annual holiday party celebrating a year well done and welcoming the new year. We will once again present our Person of the Year and Business of the Year!
Hosted by The Atrium at Anna Maria, guests will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, soft drinks and a cash bar. As well as entertainment by Johnny Live.
The Awards Committee will prepare a Silent Auction to benefit the Scholarship Fund. In 2016 four Aurora High School students each received a $1500 scholarship. We thank you for your continued support and welcome any auction item you can provide.
|
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!
|
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 come 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!
Our current list of property transfers includes 185 addresses. 185! This is from May - August 2016. We are growing!
We are preparing our next round of deliveries: get involved NOW by providing information or a gift to include in our welcome bags!
ITEMS NEED TO BE RECEIVED ASAP OR NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 21 TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS HUGE ROUND OF DELIVERIES.
There is no better way to reach new residents than an invitation to your business through
Embrace Aurora! What better way to inform movers about what is available to them when settling into their new homes?
Click on the form below to register and for further details. Participation is easy and
FREE to Chamber members! Non Members are welcome to join in as well for a nominal fee.
Once registered, your promotional items can be dropped off at the Chamber Office M-F from 9am-2pm. That's it. We take it from there and get your items where they need to go!
|
2017 Board of Directors
Positions Available:
Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
What a wonderful way to get involved in your business community! Our board of directors consists of chamber members like you who are invested in the mission of the chamber and interested in determining how we move that mission forward.
Terms are for (3) years, January 1 - December 31, with an option to run for a second term.
The board meets once monthly at various member locations from noon to 1:30pm. Board members are also involved with a committee of their choosing.
Does this sound like an opportunity for you? We are currently developing our slate of candidates for the upcoming board elections.
If you are interested, or would like to learn more, please contact Laura Holman, Executive Director,
director@allaboutaurora.com before October 15, 2016.
|
| September Business After Hours
|
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 government.
ProBusiness/Tourism
Supports member businesses through events and activities that get the word out about YOU.
Member Services
New member? Veteran member? Potential member? This group is looking out for ways to enhance your member benefits.
|
|
Congratulations Mill Distributors! 90 years in business and an award winning website.
 About the WMA
Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association's annual WebAward Competition has been setting the standard of excellence for Website development. Independent expert judges from around the world review sites in 96 industries. The best are recognized with a WebAward which helps interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world. The WebAward Competition is the premier award recognition program for Web developers and advertising agencies.
|
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
COSE's Residential Energy Program
Fall is here and winter is coming - time to get ready!
As the temperatures begin to cool off Domestic Natural Gas Demand remains high, from a few hotter than normal last days of summer into early September. Demand has remained strong and will continue to do so as we transition from air conditioning to heat. Giving COSE Members the opportunity to take action now and lock in your electric supply price today through our trusted partners OnDemand Energy!
Did you know, heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home -- typically making up about 42% of your utility bill.
No matter what kind of heating system you have in your house, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment, managing a low but comfortable thermostat setting and choosing an energy supplier that offers a secure low, fixed rate.
If you enroll this month through COSE's Residential Energy Program, managed by OnDemand Energy and powered by Public Power we will send you a free energy savings kit!
|
| 
|
Kent State University - Business After Hours
SAVE THE DATE to JOIN US and LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LOCAL RESOURCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
|
|
It's FREE!
Two FREE Events Sponsored by Western Reserve Hospital
|
Join us for the showing of "Dream, Girl," a documentary film
showcasing stories of inspiring and ambitious female entrepreneurs.
Monday, Oct. 24, 2016
5:30 - 8 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Main Library
60 South High Street
Akron, OH 44326
|
|
|
|
Chambers of Commerce and to register for the event.
|
|
The Common Sense Initiative helps create a more jobs-friendly regulatory climate in Ohio. CSI was established to create a regulatory framework that promotes economic development, is transparent and responsive to regulated businesses, makes compliance as easy as possible, and provides predictability for businesses. Get more information by
CLICKING HERE.
|
|
City of Aurora
Stay informed!
Halloween Trick or Treating
Monday, Oct. 31st
6-8 pm
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.
|
|
|
Western Reserve Safety Council
Name: October Program: How Do I Lower My Workers' Comp Premiums?
Date:
October 5, 2016
Time:
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: Mustard Seed Market & Cafe (second floor)
6025 Kruse Drive
Solon, OH 44139
For the latest news and event information
Click Here.
Portage County Safety Council
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
|
|
Board of Directors
President
Lisa Kusner-Hovanec
Vice President
Jennifer Stanley
First National Bank
Treasurer
Dan Mormile
Andersen Aurora Manufacturing
S
ecretary
Laura Radcliff
Edward Jones
Diane Barben
The Atrium at Anna Maria
Dottie Dupuy
Howard Hanna
Michelle Harman
Harman Home Designs
Ing Kiland
Metis Construction
Jim Kraus
City of Aurora
Vicky Rovder
Excalibur Collision
Alan Shorr
Reitz, Paul & Shorr
Sue Tinlin
The Tinlin Team -
Platinum Real Estate
Doug Wieder
Mill Distributors, Inc.
-------------------------
Liaison
Pat Ciccantelli
Liaison
Denny Kovach
Aurora City Council
-------------------------
Executive Director
Laura Holman
director@allaboutaurora.com
|
|
|
Aurora Community
and Events Guide
If you need more Community guides, please contact us and we will deliver!
|
|
|
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
