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Economic Development Partners Showcase Space and Collaborative Environment

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Franklin County Economic Development Department, City of Columbus Economic Development, Columbus Chamber, Columbus Franklin County Finance Authority and Columbus Downtown Development Corporation hosted an open house for local government leaders and economic development partners.

Mayor Michael B. Coleman; City Councilman Kevin Boyce; Franklin County Commissioners Marilyn Brown, Paula Brooks and Mary Jo Kilroy; Ty Marsh, president and CEO, Columbus Chamber; and Amy Edwards Taylor , Columbus Downtown Development Corporation/Capitol South addressed the 250 guests about the significance of a one-stop shop for economic development, importance of the green renovation of the Lazarus building and the importance of the continued investment in downtown. Following the program, guests toured the Lazarus Building, the country’s largest LEED certified building for core and shell rehabilitation.

The Chamber will host a member open house on Thursday, Jan. 15. Click here to register.

Pictured (top): Amy Edwards Taylor, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation addresses the crowd about the continued plans for downtown revitalization.

Pictured (bottom): Mayor Michael Coleman addresses the crowd about the revitalization efforts that have been made to the downtown and the significance of the Lazarus Renovation.

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Chamber participates in mission to China

The Columbus Chamber joined representatives from the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) on a logistics-focused business development mission to China this month.

The mission, led by the CRAA, was a mix of scheduled meetings and a reception held in Shanghai. The mission primarily targeted air cargo shippers and freight forwarders. The reception attracted more than fifty representatives based in China and presentations were made by the

David Whitaker, Vice President of Business Development & Communications for Rickenbacker, presented information about Rickenbacker, one of the world’s only all-cargo airports.

"Rickenbacker International Airport positioned itself to provide new, low cost consolidation and distribution facilities as well as millions of dollars in potential fuel savings; competitive landing fees; superior service for customers; and less congestion and delays compared to other major gateway airports." Rickenbacker is one of the world's only all-cargo airports.

Matt McCollister, vice president, economic development, Columbus Chamber had the opportunity to present an overview of the logistics industry in the Columbus Region.

"Logistics is a strong economic driver in the Columbus region," said McCollister. "In fact, this industry is currently one of our regions primary job growth drivers. Our geographic location is a key selling-point and it was a tremendous opportunity to meet with these international companies."

The results of the mission were more than 55 new logistics contacts and two economic development leads. "Building awareness and relationships are critical to our long term success in attracting foreign direct investment. A mission like this one generates immediate results as well as lays the foundation to produce many additional leads and opportunities in the long-term."

The Columbus Chamber is implementing the strategic roadmap that was developed by CompeteColumbus and Battelle to grow the industry. Industry leaders have formed the Columbus Region Logistics Council to oversee implementation of the strategy and an executive director has been appointed to drive results.

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Columbus Chamber Honors Small Business Leader Award Recipients

Alan Homewood and Michelle Adams Named 2008 Recipients

The Columbus Chamber and its Small Business Council honored Alan Homewood of 2Checkout.com and Michelle Adams of Prism Marketing Communication as the 2008 recipients of the Small Business Leader Award at its annual Small Business Leader Award program.

"Small businesses are the foundation of our economy’s growth," said Tom Hastings, chair, Columbus Chamber Small Business Council and president, Computer Site Columbus. "My congratulations go out to Alan, Michelle and all of our finalists for their incredible contributions to the Columbus region."

Small business leaders were nominated and finalists selected by a panel of small business and Chamber representatives. The 2008 Small Business Leader Award finalists are:

Over $1 Million Category

• Alan Homewood; 2Checkout.com (pictured right, second from right with Don DePerro, Business First, Jennifer Griffith, Commerce National Bank and Ty Marsh, Columbus Chamber)
• Darla King; King Business Interiors, Inc.
• Mike Berichon; Mediu, LLC
• Fernando Crosa; US Tank Alliance, Inc.

Under $1 Million Category

• Michelle Adams; Prism Marketing Communications (pictured right, second from right with Don DePerro, Business First, Jennifer Griffith, Commerce National Bank and Ty Marsh, Columbus Chamber)
• Zuni Corkerton; RefCheck Information Services, Inc.

The Columbus Chamber’s Small Business Leader Awards are sponsored by Commerce National Bank; Business First, Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP; and Sequent.

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Cautious about 2009? Lean on your Chamber

It’s tough out there, there’s no question, but through your Chamber membership you have access to the information, resources and people that are critical to your success.

With all of the news about the economy, I’m sure you’re cautious, but I want to assure you we’re working harder than ever to bring you the programs, information and connections you need regardless of economic temperature. Here are a few of the ways that we’ll work on your behalf as a member:

• You’re doing more with less – we’re providing significant savings to your bottom line on everything from health insurance to office supplies.
• You’re looking to get more market exposure – we’re extending your reach to your customers online, in print and in person.
• You’re increasing your network of business contacts – we’re hosting 20+ events throughout the year connecting thousands of people to do business and share resources.
• You’re increasing your skills and the skills of your employees – we’re providing professional development opportunities to strengthen your workforce today and in the future through professional development workshops and access to college students.
• You’re worried about taxes, policies and government issues that could affect your business – we’re advocating on your behalf to local, state and national government officials so you can do business more cost effectively and efficiently.
• You’re worried about the economy and what that means for your business – we’re hosting forums to learn what those numbers and trends really mean with insights from our vice president of economic analysis.
• You’re looking for new customers – we’re working everyday to bring new business to our region by partnering with economic development organizations across our region to market Columbus globally.
• You’re trying to get your foot in the door – we’re making targeted introductions to the decision makers you want to meet.

If you have any questions about how to best leverage your membership, please give our team a call at 614-225-6915. Not a member, no problem – you can join online at http://www.columbus.org/member-center/join.php.

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Get Connected at Upcoming Events:

Friday, Nov. 14; 7:30 a.m.
November Member Reception

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008; 5 p.m.
State of the Young Professional

Friday, Nov. 21; 7:30 a.m.
CRGF Investor Meeting

Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:30 a.m.
Columbus Chamber Presents: Dr. Bill LaFayette

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009; 5:30 p.m.
January Business AfterHours

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009; 7:30 a.m.
Columbus Chamber Annual Meeting

Register online for events at: http://www.columbus.org/member-center/events/.

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Welcome New Members!

Premier Members:
Grace Fine Motorcars
Lifestyle Family Fitness - Downtown
National Travel
Plastek Cards, Inc.
Recession Proof Marketing, LLC
The Garage Bar
The Strategy Network, LLC

343 Marketing LLC
Accurate Logistics
Apex Systems, Inc.
Balloons By Me!
Begley Upholstering, Inc.
Bill Rogers, CPA
Buckeye Telecom, Inc.
Cabral Architects
Capitol Recovery
Casual Catering by Dave
Claddaugh Irish Pub
Claddaugh Irish Pub - Polaris
Codeworks, LLC
Columbus Collegiate Academy
Columbus Homewood Suite by Hilton - Hilliard
CompManagement
Darryl Deever & Associates
David A. Worthington, LLC
Deyo Doors
Ditch Witch of Ohio
DOmedia
E.P. Ferris & Associates
FirstMerit Bank
Global Transportation Services
Goldstar Referral Clubs
International Insurance Agency
k2dsquared
Kim Tyndall
Law Offices of John Alden
Lifestyle Family Fitness - East Dublin Granville
Lifestyle Family Fitness - East Main
Lifestyle Family Fitness - Gahanna
Lifestyle Family Fitness - Henderson
Lifestyle Family Fitness - Hilliard
Lifestyle Family Fitness - New Albany
Lifestyle Family Fitness - New Market
Lifestyle Family Fitness - Pickerington
Lifestyle Family Fitness - Polaris
Longaberger Golf Club
Miami-Jacobs Career College
Mitchell's Steakhouse - Polaris
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Perfect Plate Catering
Primerica Financial Services
Prism Marketing
QStart Labs
Ring2 Conferencing
Salem Stones, Inc.
Send Out Cards
Single Source Telecom
SolarTex, Inc.
Star Consulting, Inc.
TMS Administrative Consulting
Web Design Solutions 1
Webbed Marketing

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Newly Launched Web Portal Offers Online Resource to Local Entrepreneurs

TechColumbus, The Columbus Chamber of Commerce, The Columbus Metropolitan Library and OCLC have partnered to build and launch "Entrepreneurial Edge," a Web portal specifically for connecting entrepreneurs with the people, resources and funding available to them in the region.

In addition to links to a number of resources, CentralOhioEntrepreneurs.org offers one-on-one personalized communication services. Chat capabilities put users in contact with librarians in real-time. A dedicated CentralOhioEntrepreneurs.org librarian with experience in locating business and entrepreneurial information is available 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Through the site’s affiliation with OCLC, users have access to 1,400 librarians across the world available 24 x 7 via live chat.

The site, which is currently in beta development, will be driven by user needs. We encourage you to log on, try the chat service, review current content and send feedback as to what you believe will be most beneficial to the innovators and entrepreneurs of the region.

Visit the site at: www.CentralOhioEntrepreneurs.com.

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We’re Marketing Your Organization Everyday

The screenshots below show an example of a “Referral Report” that includes the number of customers that the Chamber has referred to your organization’s Web site to do business through our online directory. You can access this report anytime by logging on to our Web site with your user name and password. This information is available at http://www.columbus.org/member-center/member-login.php. As we continue to market our site, your web traffic grows as well; if you’re interested in driving additional customers to your site we’ve developed several ways to increase your visibility including multiple category listings and banner ads.

Call Cathy Amato for more details at 614-225-6901.

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