In The Kn o w
The Weekly Newsletter of The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce   



Friday, January 4, 2019
Today's Featured Video

What Business Trends Will Dominate 2019?
A series of experts make their predictions...

Change, change, change. Perhaps no other word defines our times more than "change." In fact, what worked for business in 2018 may become outdated in 2019. Something like blockchain, which is still a bit of a mystery to the mainstream public, could become as common as the Internet this year. Humans may become more dependent on AI to assist in their professional tasks, while established businesses may become more dependent on start-ups. In this week's video, a group of experts from one of the world's top business schools gives their predictions for the next 300 or so days.
It's Time for the 2019 Investor to Investor Trade Fair
& Business After Hours
Promote Your Business Easily & Affordably.

One of the Chamber's most popular networking and promotional events of the year returns! The 2019 Investor to Investor Trade Fair is designed to promote member-to-member and local spending. This event is a mini-trade fair with Chamber-member exhibitors promoting their products and services in a casual "Business After Hours" setting. It's an affordable, convenient, and effective promotional event to start the new year. Last year nearly 60 businesses had display booths, and over 150 Chamber members and guests attended the event.

One lucky exhibitor or attendee will win the grand prize giveaway of a premium media and marketing package. What better way to keep the promotional ball rolling in 2019 than with an assortment of advertising prizes from some of the top local media and marketing businesses?

This year's trade fair will take place on Wednesday, February 6th, 2019, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at
St. Florian Event Center/Catering By Undo's in Wintersville. Limited exhibitor space and sponsorships are still available. The exhibit price is just $150 which includes admission for two to Business After Hours and the trade fair. The guest-only admission price is $15.00 per person. Non-chamber members are welcome to participate at a guest pricing level.

Please contact the Chamber offices at 740.282.6226 or email Janet McLaughlin at janet @jeffersoncountychamber.com for more details. You may also RSVP or register by clicking here, or access a printable registration form by clicking here . Deadline for registration is Friday, February 1st.
This past week, we asked our Chamber member financial professionals to offer some New Year's advice on how businesses, especially small ones, can do better in 2019 with regard to finance-, tax-, and payroll-related issues. We'll be presenting their responses over the next couple of weeks. Our first installment comes from Ken Perkins of Tri-State Financial Services .

Top 5 Resolutions for Small Business Owners Who Want to be Successful

  • Start your day early. Fewer distractions and more efficient use of your time will allow you to accomplish more every day. The early bird truly does catch the most worms!

  • Save for your future with every dime you earn in the present. Everyone should have a goal of saving at least 10% of their income annually in some type of a retirement plan: 401(k), IRA --Roth or Traditional, SIMPLE IRA, SEP-IRA, 403(b), deferred compensation, etc. Check with your tax advisor to decide which plan fits you best, and consult with your Financial Advisor to assist you with the investment vehicle.

  • Support your local area. You make your living here. Make sure you support those who support you. Contribute to local events, sponsor things you are interested in, and always shop local when you can.

  • Review your current investment portfolio at least annually to make sure you are still on track to reach your goals. Remember, if you are investing for long-term goals such as retirement, you need to keep a long-term outlook. Keep in mind you will not need all funds in one lump sum, but rather over your lifetime. Avoid getting caught up in short-term fluctuations that will keep you from reaching your long-term goals.

  • In almost 35 years I have never had someone tell me that they saved too much money. In fact, many have regretted not saving enough. You and your children can borrow money for college, but no one lends you money for retirement. You will need at least 75% of your current income in retirement. Start planning now to reach that goal.

Thank you, Ken! For more information on how Tri-State Financial Services can assist you and your financial needs, please contact Ken and his associates at 740-264-4466 by email here or by clicking the link to the website above. Watch next week's, "In The Know" for more great information.
Coffee & Connections
Wednesday, January 9th
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
500 Stanton Blvd., Steubenville
Admission: $15 per person
online or at the door. 
Register by clicking here .

Please join us for Coffee & Connections, a monthly networking event sponsored by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. After a delicious hot breakfast, each attendee gets the opportunity to give a brief "commercial" about their business or organization and distribute business cards, brochures, coupons or other promotional items. Don't forget to bring your business cards to enter the door prize drawing.

"Member Orientation" will immediately follow at 9:15 a.m., new and old members welcome. Learn about the latest Chamber programs and how to get the most from your dues investment. No charge and you need not attend Coffee & Connections.
Start the New Year Off
With Some Great Chamber Events!

Watch In The Know, your email, and the Chamber website for details.

Jefferson County Chamber Hank
Kuzma Day
Saturday, January 26th
1:30 to 8 p.m.
Finnegan Field House

Investor To Investor Trade Fair
Wednesday, February 6th
5 to 7 p.m.
See article above for details.


Tri State Home & Garden Show
Friday, March 1st through Sunday,
March 3rd.
Modern Marketing 101:
What to Expect from Social Media in 2019

Our featured video this week focuses on the business trends one can expect to see in 2019. It's only fitting then to address the 2019 social media marketing trends. Are you prepared to do more live video this year? What about using messaging apps and chatbots? User-generated content, anyone? And of course, the one breakthrough we can't escape these days: augmented reality. Information on all this and more can be found by clicking here .

From our last issue: Social media is definitely one of the more curious wonders of the modern age. In fact, one could say it's an all-consuming wonder, easily capable of taking over every aspect of your personal and professional life. That's why, as an entrepreneur who is trying to reach potential customers through social media marketing, you can't let it gobble you up. Shana Bull at NorthBay Business Journal suggests several ways in which you can maximize and at the same time, minimize the time you devote to social media.

 If you missed or want to re-read any of our previous Modern Marketing 101 installments, click here . We encourage you to print, save, share, and add these articles and resources to your business or organization's social media marketing manual.
Member Morsels
Remember to visit individual member websites by clicking on the business name or logo.

On Saturday, March 9th, at 7 p.m., the Kiwanis Club of Steubenville will present its 9th Annual Team Trivia Competition at Steubenville High School in the Commons Area. Teams will compete for cash prizes and of course, bragging rights. Up to 10 people can be on a team, and the cost is $120 per team. There will also be a 50/50 Raffle and a Chinese Auction. Bringing your own snacks is encouraged. To sign up, please call Tom Timmons at 740-314-9574 or email Tom here . Test your knowledge and join the Kiwanis Club of Steubenville for this fun, fast-paced trivia competition.
Do you want your Morsel included in "In The Know"?
There's no charge. Just click the button below and fill out the short online form.
Deadline is Wednesday at noon.
Around the State. Around the Country.
Up-to-Date Information from the Ohio and United States Chamber of Commerce
Bill That Addresses "Drive By" Lawsuits Heads to Governor

On December 13, the Ohio Senate approved House Bill 271, which will attempt to curb frivolous lawsuits faced by Ohio businesses as it relates to disability accessibility. Laws regarding disability accessibility, both state and federal,were enacted to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities,provide access to public accommodations and to provide individuals with remedies for violations of the law.

However, these laws are often complex and technical with no comprehensive administrative oversight.Therefore, enforcement is primarily through litigation.

Currently, when a lawsuit is filed for an accessibility violation, successful plaintiffs are entitled only to injunctive relief, meaning the problem or violation is remedied, and their attorney’s fees.

Read the article in its entirety by clicking here .
Next Steps for North American Trade

After more than a year of negotiations, with plenty of ups and downs along the way, President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and now former Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on November 30. This agreement – a follow-on to NAFTA – will modernize the trade partnership that has formed the basis of North American relations for a quarter of a century. 

After carefully assessing the new deal and its impact on our members, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has thrown its support behind the USMCA, which is critical to maintaining strong economic growth in the U.S.

We will work with the administration and other stakeholders to address a handful of outstanding issues and secure approval of the USMCA in Congress.

Read the article in its entirety by clicking   here .
  The Library Link
 Great Books About Business With Just A Click

Your link to success begins at the library. Each week in "In The Know," 
  you to a business book or magazine that will inspire, teach, inform, or elevate you, professionally and personally. This week's book is:

Leaders Eat Last
by Simon Sinek

Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work, feels trusted and valued during the day, then returns home feeling fulfilled. This is not a crazy, idealized notion. Today, in many successful organizations, great leaders create environments in which people naturally work together to do remarkable things.

In his work with organizations around the world, Simon Sinek noticed some teams trust each other so deeply they would literally put their lives on the line for each other. Other teams, no matter what incentives are offered, are doomed to infighting, fragmentation, and failure. Why?The answer became clear during a conversation with a Marine Corps general. "Officers eat last," he said. Sinek watched as the most junior Marines ate first while the most senior Marines took their place at the back of the line.

What's symbolic in the chow hall is deadly serious on the battlefield: Great leaders sacrifice their own comfort—even their own survival—for the good of those in their care. Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia, and self-interest. But the best ones foster trust and cooperation because their leaders build what Sinek calls a "Circle of Safety" that separates the security inside the team from the challenges outside.Sinek illustrates his ideas with fascinating true stories that range from the military to big business, from government to investment banking.

View or download the book by clicking here .
Today in History

- January 4, 1999 -

Europe united around a common currency, the "euro." The last time this had occurred was in the ninth century under the rulership of Charlemagne.

The euro's rollout was largely successful, with 11 nations participating, affecting a total of 290 million people. As History.com explains , leaders hoped the new currency would increase "European integration and growth. Closing at a robust 1.17 U.S. dollars on its first day, the euro promised to give the dollar a run for its money in the new global economy."

Even though controversy plagued the EU's currency conversion, many of the worries--everything from the euro being a sign of the End Times to panic about counterfeiting and inflation--proved to be overly dramatic. A few countries declined to participate, including Great Britain, Sweden, and Denmark, and Greece was late to the game after failing to meet the qualifications, as delineated in the 1992 Maastricht Treaty on European Union that created the euro.

According to History.com , "The euro consists of 8 coins and 7 paper bills. The Frankfurt-based European Central Bank (ECB) manages the euro and sets interest rates and other monetary policies."

In recent years, talk about the euro's failure has checkered international business headlines. But this article from Bloomberg believes such chatter is more of the same doomsaying that has surrounded the currency since Day One.
- 45% -

The percentage of Americans who make at least one resolution every January. Not surprising perhaps, but only 8 percent remain committed to that resolution for the entire year.

Source: CreditDonkey
For more Calvin and Hobbes , click here .
Questions about Oil & Gas?
These non-profit organizations are here to help you stay up-to-date on the oil and gas industry
in Jefferson County:

Get The Information You Need - The Chamber Staff Is Here To Help
Janet McLaughlin
Investor Relations Coordinator

Janet will assist you with utilizing your membership benefits, answering questions about member programming or how to promote your business through the Chamber.
Tricia Maple-Damewood
President

Contact Tricia with suggestions, input or feedback on member programming, how to get involved on a committee or special project or with questions or information about anything related to the Chamber.
Cassie Balvin
Administrative & Accounting Assistant

Cassie will assist you with event registrations, updating your membership information, questions about your dues or event invoices and any other Chamber programming questions you may have.

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Contact Us
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
630 Market Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: 740.282.6226
Fax:  740.282.6285