CHAMBER NEWS
September 2018
UNEXPECTED INFRASTRUCTURE EMERGENCIES
By: Chamber President/ CEO, Joe Kleinknecht

A recent water line break in the 100 block of Harding Way W. in uptown Galion has brought to light the obstacles businesses in the affected areas face when something like this occurs.
In this instance, the entire street was blocked off, but access was still maintained via the sidewalks in front of each business. Some of these businesses also have rear access and parking available.

Often, any type of construction in an area will keep people away, which can also cause a loss of revenue to the businesses in the affected area.

So, what can we do to help? We can start by continuing to support those in a construction area when possible. It may mean parking further away or walking a slightly further distance to access them. The continued support is always greatly appreciated.

It’s times like these that emphasize the importance of shopping local to support those who are doing all they can to provide the types of products and services that a small community needs.
Below are some tips that can help business owners better prepare to make it through these kinds of difficult situations.

Communication
Businesses should keep customers notified of business hours through several means of communication, including a website (if the business has one), social media, and relaying information to the Chamber of Commerce.
 
Boil Advisories
A Boil Advisory means that all water to be used for cooking, drinking or cleaning food contact equipment should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to use and signs posted on equipment to instruct employees of proper safeguards.

If a boil advisory is issued or you experience a loss of water service, any operation that prepares, cooks or cleans foods should follow these guidelines to ensure the health and safety of its customers. You will need to carefully assess all parts of your operation that require water. Change your menu, if necessary.
If you cannot arrange to have potable (safe) water to cook, clean, serve and wash hands, you must CLOSE until you can put the proper safeguards in place.

The Galion City Health Department works with businesses through this process. You may contact them at 419-468-1075.

After the boil advisory is lifted by the water department:
• Flush the building’s water lines for at least two minutes
• Clean faucet screens,
• Clean the water line strainers on mechanical dishwashing machines and similar equipment.
• Purge all water-using fixtures and appliances of standing water (ice machines, beverage makers, hot water heaters, etc.)
• Clean and sanitize all fixtures, sinks and equipment connected to the waterlines.
 
Electricity
The Galion Electric Department number is 419-468-5520.
The City of Galion also works with a company called Efficiency Smart for energy saving programs and rebate incentives. A representative can work with small businesses on these measures and provide guidance on how to protect appliances and equipment from power surges. Business owners may contact them directly at 877-889-3777 or visit their website,
 
Insurance
We recommend you check with your Insurance Carrier to see if your business can purchase insurance to protect you when these instances occur. If you are unsure as to whether you have coverage, contact your insurance provider. 
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

Planet 14, Eric Young, 137 Harding Way East, Galion, 419-462-7529

Urban Industries, Ned Rieke, 521 S. Market Street, Galion, www.urbanindustries.com, 419-468-3578
The Chamber held a ribbon cutting at Mid-Ohio Insurance Solutions in Galion on Wednesday, August 15th at their new Galion office located at 727 W Church Street.
The Galion-Crestline Chamber and the Morrow County Chamber held a joint ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Van's Tire Pros in Iberia on Friday, August 17th.
Stay up to date with upcoming Chamber events!
Click on the event below to be taken to our events page on our website for specific event details and more information as it becomes available.
Avita Health System; recently opened their new clinic in Bellville. Read Full Article by Clicking HERE

Stay up to date on all of Avita's latest news by clicking HERE
Eighteen-O-Three Taproom; celebrated 3 years in business in August.

Click HERE to follow 1803 Taproom
Fox Winery; recently completed their new patio. 

Click HERE to follow Fox Winery
Galion Community Center YMCA ; completed their front step replacement project. The work was completed by chamber members; Oakstone Landscape and Brothers Body & Equipment.
HomeCare Matters Home Health and Hospice; recently welcomed Rick Utt, Jr. as its Chaplain. He is now providing bereavement support and spiritual care services to patients, families of patients, and the public. 

To read the full story on WMFD click HERE
Waycraft Industries ; recently painted the Gazebo on the Square in Galion.


Do you have an anniversary, new associate or employee, sign, or business update? Contact Joe or Miranda at the Chamber Office, 419-468-7737 or email mjones@galion-crestlinechamber.org  so we can add your business to the Member Spotlight in our next Newsletter.
Third Fridays In Galion a Success in 2018

With the final TFIG event, "Stuff the Bus" wrapped up, we are again thankful for the generosity of not only our Chamber Members, but the entire Galion community. This year, we were able to fill the bus nearly 2/3 of the way full from the generous donations we received from our business and community members. We would like to thank Galion City Schools for providing the bus and also thank the students and teachers who donated their time to help us receive and sort the school supplies. Thank you to all those who make Third Friday's possible! We look forward to bringing these family friendly events back to Galion in 2019.
CRESTLINE STUFF THE BUS
THANK YOU to  Parr Insurance Agency, Inc Dzugan Real Estate Service Depot Deli , Crestline Public Library,  United Bank  Crestline for their help with the first year of the "STUFF THE BUS" campaign in Crestline. Our Chamber Ambassador Kitty Herold distributed the donated items to  Crestline Exempted Village School District  and  St. Joseph Catholic School Crestline . We appreciate all the support from our local businesses and community members. THANK YOU!
Efficiency Smart’s Services Help Drive Sales to Local Galion Retailer

Since 2016, Efficiency Smart has partnered with Liberty Farm, Home and Garden to offer efficient lighting products for Galion Electric Division Customers at a discounted price, while eliminating the need for customers to complete forms or bring coupons. Currently, Galion electric customers can purchase standard and dimmable specialty LED Lightbulbs for $0.99 each at the retailer, while supplies last. 

For Liberty Farm, Home and Garden, partnering with Efficiency Smart it is also an opportunity to increase sales and foot traffic in the store. Since working with Efficiency Smart, the retailer has sold more than 8,500 efficient lightbulbs to approximately 2,100 customers.

In addition to shopping at Liberty Farm, Home and Garden, Galion residents have also used Efficiency Smart’s services to make energy efficiency improvements in their home. In 2018, residential services including discounted efficient lightbulbs, appliance recycling, and rebates on the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and products have helped Galion residents save more than $11,500 annually on their electric bills, and more than $80,200 over the lifetime of the installed products.

Efficiency Smart also provides information, technical assistance and incentives to help Galion businesses complete energy saving improvements. In 2018, these improvements are saving Galion businesses $24,400 in electric costs annually, and are expected to save them $294,300 over the lifetime of the installed products.

In total, Galion Electric Division Customers are saving more than $717,150 annually, and are expected to save more than $9,389,700 over the lifetime of the products installed since Efficiency Smart began offering energy efficiency services in Galion in 2011. 

For more information about the services available to Galion Electric Division customers, visit www.efficiencysmart.org/galion-ohio or contact Efficiency Smart’s customer support team at 877-889-3777.
To Read More About the Executive Leadership Workshop Click HERE
GETTING YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE RENEWED?
Ohio's New Driver License & Identification Card
On JULY 2, 2018 the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles introduced its new Driver License and Identification Card (DL-ID). Click HERE to help you understand what is new, what will change, what won't change, and what documents you may need.
NEW LOOK : The Driver License and Identification Card will have a new look with greater security features and identity protection for customers.
NEW PROCESS: All new driver license and ID cards will be received by mail about 10 business days after you renew or apply at a Deputy Registrar agency.
NEW OPTIONS: New federal travel restrictions requiring secure identification go into effect October 2020. Ohio is offering two options to its customers: Compliant or Standard cards.
Galion City Council