Chamber Updates March 4, 2021 |
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Chamber Members-
This month kicks off Daylight Savings Time, the first official day of Spring and of course the start of the Cactus & Grapefruit League seasons in Arizona/Florida respectively. I always looked forward to the day when pitchers and catchers reported to spring training! For me, the start of the Wednesday night golf league and the return of outdoor events to our chamber of commerce schedule is exciting to see given the recent snow-melt and warmer temperatures.
The Hometown Hero event committee has announced a date of June 17 at the Willow Event Center, and those that participated in this recognition and food truck event know that this is a fun event My hope is that we can build on that excitement and have an even better event this summer…Please save that date!
Our Virtual Happy Hour guest Phil Callaway was unable to participate on the February call so we’ve asked him to join us on March 18 (Third Thursday) giving us an opportunity to laugh and get to know other chamber members in a different way. Phil is a Christian humorist from Alberta, Canada who has written several books and speaks to large groups on a regular basis. My hope is that you will take a look at the information below and join us in this networking event at 5 pm. I recognize that the NCAA tournament will be getting underway that day, but please take a few minutes out to stop by our virtual room to say hey!
Finally, the schedule below continues to offer a variety of programs for our chamber members that build on the value you see in membership at the Colerain Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassadors that will be reaching out to you regarding the TEAMS (Together Everyone Achieves More Support) initiative are tremendous leaders looking to bring the idea of small groups to our participating members. I am also excited to share that our PIVOT (speed-networking) event had over 40 participants last Friday and based on the feedback, will return on April 30 at 11:00am, so please save that date.
Wishing all of you a wonderful month of March and we will look forward to seeing you soon.
All the best!
Dave Moravec
President & CEO
Colerain Chamber of Commerce
President@ColerainChamber.org
513.923.5036 Office
309.838.1947 Cell
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The visibility of the Colerain Chamber of Commerce continues to increase because of the overwhelming support of the members that are delighted with their experience with us. We are excited to announce two new Sustaining Sponsor with the addition of Dinsmore & Shohl (Law firm) and Vinebrook Homes (property management) in the month of February. You can always see new member announcements though our Facebook Page and in this newsletter. Please welcome and support our new members!
If you know of a business that would benefit from our programing and marketing opportunities, please have them contact the chamber directly or make introductions as you are able. THANK YOU!
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Tuesday March 9, noon – Women's Networking Luncheon – Hosted by Red Squirrel - This popular group meets for lunch on the second Tuesday of each month! Our guest speaker this month will be Julie Rowland from Quadrivium Advisors based here in Cincinnati. Julie will be sharing more about her business experiences and talking about topics that affect working women today. Lunch conversations each month may include topics like personal branding, work/life balance, letting go of perfectionism, making your words count, and asking for what you want. Please RSVP to the Colerain Chamber by Monday March 8 so we know you are joining us.
Wednesday March 10, Noon – Sales Summit - This forum provides an opportunity for professional development within the Greater Colerain area and allow for networking with other sales professionals and leaders in a format that is collaborative in nature. A different topic will be discussed each month and open participation is expected from each participant. This format also serves to nurture sales people new to the professional by connecting them with more experienced sales people. Facilitated by chamber members Mark Moser (First Financial Bank) and Scott Marston (Cincinnati Benefit Solutions), this forum is open to chamber members and invited guests at this time.
Wednesday March 17 – Golf League - Season Kickoff Event – Top Golf Complex in West Chester.
The golf league season is upon us and if you have an interest in playing this year, please reach out as soon as possible. If would like to sign up or and get more information, you can do so at the following: GOLF LINKS . The league will begin on Wednesday, April 20 and continue through the summer with tee off times around 4:45 pm at Pebble Creek Golf Course. A Kickoff event has been planned on Wednesday, March 17, 6:30 -8:30 pm at Top Golf in West Chester. You don’t need to be a part of the golf league to participate on March 17 and certainly you don’t need to be at the Top Golf event to play in the league. The league cost will be $26 per week, which includes 9-holes, riding cart and weekly prizes. If you have questions, reach out to Dave Moravec at 513-923-5036 or president@colerainchamber.org .
Thursday March 18, 5-6:30 p.m. – Third Thursday Networking - This month we will be gathering for a different type of Chamber event, creating a fun atmosphere and opportunity to share in some laughs. Christian humorist, author and professional speaker Phil Callaway will be with us to share his life stories and bring a message of hope and laughter amid our COVID pandemic challenges. This is yet another opportunity for Chamber Members to connect with each other and during this COVID-19 pandemic period, we need this more than ever!!!
There may be 10 or 50 Members on any particular Third Thursday, but you're encouraged to drop by from 5 - 6:30 pm to check it out. A very special prize drawing will be held for those in attendance on the Zoom call.
Tuesday, March 23, 4-6 pm – Airy Hills at North Bend Crossing - OPEN HOUSE - Please join us for this Open House for new business and Colerain Chamber of Commerce member Airy Hills at North Bend Crossing. Airy Hills will have refreshments and snacks, and live music by Tracy Walker. Please know that the elevators might not be working yet, and it is a 4-story building, so wear comfortable shoes if you are planning on touring the building. Social distancing and masks will be required.
Airy Hills at North Bend Crossing will feature 31 assisted living units, 32 memory care units and 19 rehabilitation units, a three-story glass front entrance, chapel, gym, spa, game room, full-service kitchen and large sunrooms.
Save the Date
Thursday, April 22, 5 pm – New Member Reception-Third Thursday – Clovernook CC
Friday, April 30, 11 am – PIVOT Event (one-on-one networking)
Thursday, June 17 – HomeTown Hero Event at Willow Event Center.
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Together Everyone Achieves More Support |
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Small Group Initiative
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As you may have already seen or heard, our small group initiative has recently kicked off. Each key person within our membership and some that are new or kicking the tires (so to speak) will be contacted by a small group ambassador with the intention of building on and expanding relationships within the community. Using our Support-Connect-Celebrate foundational Core Focus, each team will have a different personality, meeting cadence, and participation experience based on the leadership of that group and its participants. If you have not been contacted by the end of March or are interested in more information, please contact the chamber office where Debi or Dave can help you plug in. Again, a special thanks to the 20+ leaders who have stepped up as volunteers to make this an integral part of our chamber community.
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MISSION
“Emerging Leaders of Colerain fosters the young entrepreneurial spirit by offering opportunities for networking, mentorship, education, and leadership development. We strive to challenge each other with our diverse perspectives while working together to bring growth to the surrounding Colerain business community.”
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In addition to our member benefits, Chamber members are also eligible for the following:
CINCINNATI BELL: Chamber Members are eligible for some exclusive discounts whether they have Cincinnati Bell now or are looking to switch!
- $9.99 gateway fee waived ($119 annual savings!)
- Free upgrade to 1 GB internet with any TV bundle (where available)
- 24-month pricing on standalone internet
- Free installation & activation for new orders
Please reach out to Jesse Patton to have these discounts applied or to sign up for service! Jesse Patton - Northgate Store Manager - 513-706-6383 - Jesse.patton@cinbell.com
STAPLES MEMBER BENEFIT: Members of the Chamber of Commerce have access to special partner discounts every time they shop in store. They can save on an assortment of products, from signage to PPE to business essentials and more. 20% off your in-store Print & Marketing Services order • Floor decals, signs and posters • Indoor and outdoor banners • Disposable menus and more 10% off your in-store purchase of regularly priced items • Safety essentials like face masks, sanitizer and more • Office supplies like paper, ink and toner and more • Remote furniture like chairs, desks and more CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS ONLY Exclusive discounts at Staples® stores Ready to start saving? Enroll now in Staples Rewards® at staples.com/rewards. Already a Staples Rewards member? To get your number, login to your account, click Rewards, and then click Rewards Profile to locate your Rewards number or call 800-793-3320 for assistance.
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SPONSORSHIPS OF EVENTS
In April, we will again resume sponsorships of our Third Thursday and Educational in-person events. If you would like to be a sponsor ($300) on a one-time or ongoing basis or would like to be the host site for our networking events, please contact Dave Moravec directly. Planning of the 2021 schedule is ongoing, so get your business name and visibility out there as soon as possible! We are looking for locations that can host as many as 50 or more people due to the increased interest in this event. We are specifically looking for businesses that can:
- Provide a quality networking experience with a safe and business friendly atmosphere (Connect)
- Encourage business participation through promotion (Celebrate)
- Model the Colerain Chamber of Commerce initiatives (Support)
SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
We continue to highlight our members and continue to partner with our local school district, the township and the state. We will continue to post between 30-40 times per month on Facebook but need information on ways to promote your business. Send us links, promotions, local news; please visit us there, LIKE and FOLLOW us for the latest news.
PROMO ITEM/GIFT CARD MARKETING
We continue to look for ways to promote your business through…
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Promotional items for membership bags - Your logo'd item can be placed in a membership bag along with other chamber members "trinkets". There is no cost to do this, simply provide the Chamber with 25-50-100 items and we will include them with other chamber member items. Coordinate with Dave or Debi.
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Gift cards or services certificates - If your business would like to provide the Chamber with $10-$25-$50 gift cards or a gift certificate for product/services to be used as giveaways at various events (like Third Thursday or other educational/networking events).
RIBBON CUTTING EVENTS
As always, we want to promote your business in any way that we can. If you have a milestone event or grand opening planned, we would love to help you promote your business across the community. If you have news that you would like to share with our membership, please send it along for us to post on Facebook or in our newsletter.
LOGOS and BRANDING
As you may have seen, several new branding initiatives are in place with our various small groups. If you are interested in joining or hearing more about any of these groups please contact Dave Moravec, president@colerainchamber.org. A special thanks goes out to our student intern, Ana Lu Gehner for her efforts to come up with logos that represent our community and incorporating the colors/logo already branded with the Colerain Chamber of Commerce.
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NEW – Free Business Book Lending Library
We are in the process of making about 250 book titles available to chamber members that can be checked out for up to 3 months without cost. The list below is a short list of some of the best that we have available. Watch for more information to come on this program, but also know that if you have business books that you would like to donate, we would certainly welcome them. Contact Dave for a time to pick them up from your home or office. Some available titles include:
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Art of War for Executives
- Built to Last
- E-Myth Revisited - Why Small Business Can Do About It
- Execution - Discipline of Getting Things Done
- First Things First - Time Management Skills
- Four Disciplines of Execution
- Good to Great
- Great Game of Business
- How to Win Friends and Influence People
- Investing - Changing Forever the Way Americans Invest
- Let's Get Real or Let's Not Play
- Little Red Book of Selling
- Moneyball
- One Minute Manager
- Power of Habit - Why We Do What We Do
- Rocket Fuel
- Total Money Makeover
- Traction - Get a Grip on Your Business
- Tuesday's with Morrie - Life's Greatest Lessons
- You2 (Squared)
PPP Update – Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021
An easy to follow message is provided by chamber member Long Schaefer. Be sure to contact your local bank or CPA for more information on the application process and availability of funds.
US Chamber of Commerce
Please do your part to take preventative measures to help slow the spread and keep America open, healthy and strong using this toolkit with social media graphics and messages as provided by the US Chamber of Commerce. A Review the past lessons we've learned has also been made available.
State of Ohio
Ohio businesses are able to apply for $10,000 Covid-19 relief grants. Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol can apply for $2,500 grants. The new grants for businesses will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency.
Hamilton County
Additional small business relief grants and a Rent/Utility Program may provide additional local relief for business owners and their employees. The following two links will provide details:
For more information, you can also reach out to:
Joy M. Pierson - Community Development Administrator
Hamilton County Planning + Development Department
138 E. Court Street, Room 1002 - Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-946-8234 office
Colerain Township 2021 Strategic Plan
Viewing of the township’s strategic plan can be found here.
Rick Porotsky, Chamber Board Member, wrote an article 1/26/21 on two recent court decisions from Ohio federal courts related to the availability of COVID-19 business interruption insurance coverage. Click Link for the full article.
Scheduled Duke Energy Work to address energy needs for decades to come will cause partial I-275 roadblocks during the first three weekends in March. Learn more.
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Thank You to Our Sponsors |
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President Level Sustaining Sponsor |
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Team Level Sustaining Sponsors |
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