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VIDEOThe Columbus Chamber is here to help your business thrive. In this short video, Chamber President and CEO Michael Dalby shares how the Chamber can help businesses get to the next level.
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Columbus Chamber Survey: 75 Percent of Small Businesses Plan to Hire in the Next Year
Columbus, OH (May 22, 2012) – Approximately 75 percent of small businesses in the Columbus Region plan to add to their staffs in the next year, according to a recent, brief survey conducted by the Columbus Chamber. This is promising news, as National Small Business Week (May 20-26) kicks off, celebrating companies with fewer than 500 full-time employees.
“Small businesses are a major force in the Columbus Region’s economic development, accounting for the majority of companies located here and nearly half of employment in the region,” said Michael Dalby, president and CEO, Columbus Chamber. “It’s beneficial to hear directly from these businesses about their challenges and opportunities, so we can better assist them and help them grow.” In the Columbus Region, small businesses represent 94 percent of all companies and 42 percent of total employment. Results of the Chamber’s survey indicate: - Of the 75 percent planning to add to their staffs in the next year, half of businesses surveyed plan to hire between 1 and 5 employees – still significant growth considering the size and scope of small businesses in the region. - Businesses cited various factors having a positive impact on their success in the region, including a central location/market access (38.2 percent), stable economy (32.4 percent) and low cost of doing business (28 percent). - Cost and availability of health insurance was the primary challenge mentioned by the companies surveyed, with 31.7 percent of respondents ranking it “most impactful.” Local and national economic factors followed close behind, ranking 28.8 and 27.2 percent, respectively. - Although small businesses are classified as those with fewer than 500 full-time employees, approximately 80 percent of businesses surveyed have fewer than 50 employees. Thirty percent have staffs of four or less. The Columbus Chamber is small business focused. Ninety percent of the Chamber’s nearly 2,000 members are small businesses, and no other local organization is as deeply connected to this group as the Chamber. Each year, the Chamber staff conducts more than 1,000 one-on-one consultative meetings with businesses—most of which fell into the category of 500 or fewer employees. Opportunities and concerns that have come to light during these discussions mirror the results of the survey. “Whether it is through surveys, other research, one-on-one connections, or events, the Columbus Chamber keeps its finger on the pulse of small business. And we continually evolve our programs and services to better serve them,” Dalby said. The Chamber provides small businesses with connections to resources like access to capital, advisory boards and business plan development to encourage small business growth. For example, the Chamber’s Small Business Council plays a key role in ensuring that small businesses have a big voice in the region. And through the Chamber’s new Entrepreneur Program, start-ups are paired with a personal consultant from the Chamber team. DiversityBridge.com is a central, interactive website that provides access to resources and opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses. For more information on the Columbus Chamber and its resources for small business, visit www.columbus.org. -
Kristen Easterday of the Columbus Chamber: Your Questions Answered
From The Metropreneur:
The Columbus Chamber has reaffirmed its commitment to public policy and cultivating local relationships in order to stay on top of legislative issues affecting its members. In fact, that commitment lead the Chamber to hire Kristen Easterday earlier this year as director of local government relations.
Herewith, Easterday, an Ohio University graduate and former executive director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Office of Farmland Preservation, shares the questions she is asked most about her role at the Chamber− and her answers, of course. Read more. -
Builders Exchange of Central Ohio Young Professionals Group
Founded in 1892 in Columbus, the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio has nearly 900 member firms, representing the entire spectrum of the industry. Members include architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and manufacturers, along with related professionals such as attorneys, insurance and bonding agents, bankers, accountants and computer specialists.
The Builders Exchange Young Professionals Group (BXYP) was created to develop an ongoing opportunity for young (and young at heart) industry professionals to effectively network with each other through networking events, fundraising and community. Activities include: professional sporting events happy hours lunch and learns educational breakfasts family fun days, and more! -
There is no other single source of business resources under one roof.
Katie Hopper, sales directorARC Industries Inc
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Membership
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“It doesn’t make sense to not join the Chamber. It helps you to be more aware of what’s going on in your industry and also keeps you informed on what’s going on outside your industry. The value of our Chamber membership is incredible.” Read More.
J.J. RodehefferZipline Logistics
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Columbus Chamber Clambake
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Regional Initiatives
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Webinar: Full Circle Interactive Marketing - Website, Social, Search, Email and Ads
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Columbus Chamber Announces Support for Income Tax Cut Plan
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Columbus Chamber Survey: 80 Percent of Regional Logistics Company Respondents Surveyed Plan to Hire in 2012
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Retail forum to discuss changing economy
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Analysis: Columbus rises as attractive spot for small biz
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Department of Administrative Services Equal Opportunity Division
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Asian American Commerce Group
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South Central Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council
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Roundtables to Challenge Business Leaders, Encourage Collaboration
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Ohio remains among best for business climate, according to Site Selection magazine
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Ohio Means Business: The State of Small Business
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