July 2022 | Issue 7
UPCOMING EVENTS

Thurs. July 21 | 5:30 p.m.
Business After Hours
United Church Homes

Tues Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.
Small Office Home Office Network
Chamber Office

Tues. Aug. 16 | 8 a.m.
New Member Orientation
Open to new members and those that want a benefits refresh! 
Chamber Office

Thurs. Aug. 18 | 5:30 p.m.
Business After Hours
Diamonds Direct
A HUGE THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the sponsors, committee members, musicians, food vendors, volunteers, and festival attendees for a wonderful festival weekend! We estimate that it was one of our highest attended festivals ever!

If you'd like to be a part of the 2023 festival committee please email Stacey.
CHAMBER BOARD LOOKS TO FILL OPEN SEATS- APPLY BY JULY 25
In August, the Westerville Area Chamber Board of Trustees will hold elections for new Board members. Chamber By-Laws state this must be held each August. We invite Chamber members representing businesses to submit names and resumes of those interested in serving on the Board of Trustees to President Janet Tressler-Davis. Nominations will be considered by the Nominating Committee.  Email resumes to Janet Tressler-Davis. The nomination deadline is July 25.
BUSINESS TIP- EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT
There’s still time to claim the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) that’s worth up to $26,000 per eligible employee. Are you confused about what you can and should do? What should you look for when selecting an ERC partner? 

The Employee Retention Credit is a significant, unrestricted payroll tax refund from the IRS worth up to $26,000 per eligible employee. The history and establishment of the ERC is complex. A notice published by the IRS encourages employers to take advantage of the ERC as one of several federal COVID-19 economic relief programs for businesses. It was created by the congressional CARES Act, expanded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, and reduced slightly in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Given these various iterations of the tax law and updates to the ERC guidelines, misconceptions about the ERC are common. Learn more here.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Ratliff Contracting
Ratliff Contracting is a local family owned business operated by Bryan and Danielle Ratliff. We offer residential and commercial roofing, siding and gutter services. With quality and attentive customer service as the foundation of Ratliff Contracting, we know you will be a satisfied customer. Give us a call today for a FREE no obligation inspection! 614-702-ROOF(7663)
MEMBER NOTES

Healthy Connection Developmental Disabilities Services is having a Back-to-School event for families in need on Sat, July 30th! If you would like to exhibit your business at the community event, exhibiting is FREE / table provided [with an auction item donation]. For questions or to reserve your space, please email Bridgette Mix or call W: 614-392-5600 C: 614-377-4994.

BBB serving Central Ohio established the Torch Awards for Ethics as an annual awards program to publicly recognize local companies that have practices in place that elevate their commitment to ethical business. Nominations are being accepted through July 31, 2022. Self-nominations and applications are welcome.

Do you have an up and coming leader in your business? Send them through the Leadership Westerville Adult Program. Leadership Westerville is now accepting applications for the Class of 2023. Leadership Westerville is a dynamic nine-month leadership program focused on developing well informed, empowered community leaders. Learn more here.

Each fall, Otterbein mobilizes over 350 students to volunteer for two hours (between 10 AM and NOON) at a local community site. This year, we are focusing our efforts on a local, walkable (from campus) service day where students will have the opportunity to engage with their new community, meet their neighbors, and check out local businesses. If you would like to serve as a host site, please fill out the registration form by Friday, July 22nd. 

COhatch has just released a new digital platform, COhatch+. COhatch+ allows businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and others to network and advertise to over 3,000+ members inside the COhatch ecosystem. COhatch is currently offering WESTERVILLE CHAMBER members 6 months of premium access for free! Use code “6FORFREE” when signing up at cohatchplus.com.

Need a Notary? Your local Westerville PostNet store has you covered! Call (614) 794-1500 to schedule your appt! 

Uptown Untapped is on August 13. The event will feature local craft breweries, musicians and bands, Uptown eateries, gluten free drink choices and more! Click here for more information..

Fitness Matters (164 Wetherby Lane Westerville, OH 43081) is having a ribbon cutting at 1:00 PM on Wed. Aug. 3.

Patrick Edwin McNemar, Prepared Foods Manager at Giant Eagle, tragically lost his life Saturday July 2nd. Patrick's obituary can be found here. Our thoughts are with Patrick, his family, and the Giant Eagle staff.
Westerville Area Chamber | www.westervillechamber.com