January 18, 2021
Third House Session
Monday, January 25
8:00am via Zoom
This is a free virtual forum where you can hear directly from your state legislators. Topics likely will include:
  • Increased school funding in response to the pandemic
  • Covid liability protections
  • Expanding broadband coverage to rural areas
Sessions will take place once a month, January-April. Register to receive the meeting link.
Want to submit a question? Email us.
Have questions you would like to ask the legislators? Submit questions to Melissa.
Pitch Velocities
Thursday, January 21st
1:00pm
Here's a chance for Columbus and Bloomington startups to practice their pitches, receive feedback and have fun. It happens on the third Thursday of each month. To learn more about this opportunity to practice pitching, contact ecosystem manager Kylie Abrams.
Take the Makerspace Community Survey
The Chamber is part of a cross-sector team of educational, business and community leaders, who are exploring the feasibility of opening a community makerspace at the Airpark campus. Please complete this survey to help us understand how you or your organization might use the proposed facility. Survey responses are due by February 3rd.
10 Tips and Tricks on Zoom
Friday, January 29
8:00am via Zoom
Learn to create better experiences for yourself and your stakeholders on Zoom with tech savant Amber Fischvogt. Improve your use of:

  • music and media
  • colorful backdrops
  • chat and polls
  • recording feature
  • breakout rooms

It's our first Taking Care of Business session for 2021.
SPONSORED BY:
UI and Fraud:
What Hoosier Employers
Need to Know
Thursday, January 28
2:00pm
Join DWD officials for a brief summary of unemployment insurance basics and UI-related fraud issues. Discover how the UI system works, how it is funded, and what the obligations are for employers. Also, be vigilent about possible fraud and what to do if and when your business is targeted.
Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP)
Get up to $15K for your small business to hire a vendor to complete a special project (SBIR/STTR grant writing, app development, IP legal help, prototype development). Small businesses are doing great things with INTAP funds. Apply! Contact Jon Myers to learn more.
Think Local. Buy Local. Eat Local. Support Local.
Each week we will highlight local businesses and their goods and services. As the holiday shopping season begins, please think local before you buy online! Support the businesses that support our community...
Natural Choices for Healthful Living's large, 5,300 square foot store offers you all the resources you need: whole, healthful food products of every type, including fresh, organic, local produce and the largest selection of gluten-free food in the country.

Just Friends provides an engaging and safe place that enhances dignity, uniqueness, and independence for adults who are aging with challenges and provides balance for the life of the caregiver.
Big Woods Pizza is located in the Indiana Premium Outlet Mall. This cozy venue offers pizza, sandwiches, salads, and more to guests of all ages, and Quaff ON! brews and Hard Truth spirits for the 21+ crowd! Full-service dining and carryout available.
2021 Community Partners
COLUMBUS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
812-379-4457