Columbus is so cool. I work with people from all over the country and they are often surprised at how much we have going on in Columbus. Read more on the GBQ blog.
In the News
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We are getting noticed around the region and the globe. Read how the Columbus Chamber, our members and the Columbus business community are making headlines.
To arrange an interview with a member of the Columbus Chamber team, contact:
Michelle Bretscher, APR
Director, Marketing and Communication
W: 614.225.6941
C: 614.499.0889
michelle_bretscher@columbus.org
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News
May 17, 2012
Safelite AutoGlass Launches iPhone & Android Apps
From a Safelite press release:
Safelite AutoGlass®, the nation's largest provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services, recently launched apps for both iPhone and Android smartphones.
Safelite® now has apps available to more than 80 percent of the smartphone market. And, according to Nielsen market research, more than 50 percent of all mobile phones in the United States are now smartphones. Much like the Safelite.com website, the app provides customers with a simple and quick way to assess damage and schedule an appointment. The app covers four types of damage: chipped windshield, cracked windshield, broken side window and broken rear window. The app also helps customer assess the damage and find out what work needs to be done to fix the glass. The customer can find a Safelite AutoGlass® location by entering a city name or zip code or the app will use their current location and automatically provide with the details of the nearest Safelite® facility. "This is not only an easy way for our customers to reach us, but to find the nearest Safelite AutoGlass® location and schedule service where it's best for them," said Jennifer Kielmeyer, web and emerging technologies strategic marketing manager. "Smartphones are becoming more popular every day and these apps are another way for us to delight our customers." Smartphone users can still visit the Safelite® website through their smartphone browser without the addition of an app just by visiting www.safelite.com (or m.safelite.com) from their desktop. Customers can schedule an appointment through the app, choosing the location for the work will be done along with a few pertinent details. Safelite's contact centers will call the customer back within an hour to confirm the appointment. Customers also have the option to contact Safelite® directly by phone or send a request to have us call back at a more convenient time. About Safelite AutoGlass® Safelite AutoGlass®, founded in 1947, is the nation's leading provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services, providing mobile service to more than 95 percent of the U.S. population in all 50 states. The Columbus, Ohio-based company employs nearly 10,000 people across the United States and served more than 4.4 million customers last year. For more information, visit www.safelite.com. ### -
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May 17, 2012
Retail outlook brightens in central Ohio
From The Columbus Dispatch:
The central Ohio retail industry has stabilized after a difficult decade, and opportunities exist going forward, according to a new report.
Since a peak of 13.2 percent in 2009, the retail vacancy rate in Franklin County and the adjacent six counties steadily decreased to 11 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011. This year, the rate could fall to a five-year low. “This is still a relatively strong retail economy, even though a lot of shopping is being done online,” said Chamber President and CEO Michael Dalby. “Yes, people buy a lot online, but they still like that social interaction of shopping.” Read more. -
News
May 17, 2012
Pulitzer Prize Winner to Address EcoSummit 2012
From an EcoSummit press release:
(Columbus, Ohio – May 16, 2012) Two-time Pulitzer Prize winning biologist E.O. Wilson will kick-off EcoSummit 2012, the gathering of some of the world’s leading authorities on ecological sustainability to be held later this year for the first time in the United States. The weeklong conference begins September 30, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio and to date has nearly 1400 people from 75 countries registered including scientists, economists, policy makers and corporate leaders interested in ensuring the sustainability of natural assets.
Wilson is the Pellegrino Research Professor Emeritus and Honorary Curator of Entomology at Harvard University. He won the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1979 for On Human Nature and in 1991 for The Ants. Fellow Pulitzer Prize winner, Jared Diamond, who will also address EcoSummit 2012, describes Wilson as “one of the 20th century’s greatest thinkers.” In one of Wilson’s most important books, The Diversity of Life, he describes how the interconnected natural system is threatened by man’s encroachment. He argues that humankind must realize that all organisms and animals are needed to support a healthy planet: “Each of these [bacterial] species are masterpieces of evolution. Each has persisted for thousands to millions of years. Each is exquisitely adapted to the environment in which it lives, interlocked with other species to form ecosystems upon which our own lives depend in ways we have not begun even to imagine.” Wilson describes our encroachment on insects and other species as the “sixth extinction” following the fifth extinction that wiped out dinosaurs. In accepting the 2007 TED Prize, Wilson told the audience that his life work is dedicated to all species, both big and small: “I’ve come on a special mission on behalf of my constituency, which are the 10-to-the-18th-power — a million trillion — insects and other small creatures, to make a plea for them. If wiped out insects alone, just this group alone, from this planet, which we are trying hard to do, the rest of life, and humanity with it, would mostly disappear from the land and within a few months.” It will be appropriate for Wilson to address EcoSummit 2012 as it will serve as an unofficial celebration of Rachel Carson’s seminal work, Silent Spring. Carson’s book is credited with starting the modern environmental movement. Wilson knew Carson and served as one of the book’s editors. Ohio State University Professor Bill Mitsch, Conference Chair of EcoSummit 2012, says “no conversation about ecosystem biodiversity would be complete without the contributions of E.O. Wilson. His life’s work has shaped the thinking and understanding of many of us dedicated to ensuring the protection of our natural treasures such as the Appalachian ecosystem.” Wilson’s address to EcoSummit 2012 is expected to focus on the ecological diversity of Appalachia, which he describes as the second most ecologically diverse area of the world next to the Amazon rainforest. EcoSummit 2012 will explore how innovative, science-based strategies can be used in socially- and culturally-acceptable ways to create, manage, and restore ecosystems. Nearly 2,000 academic papers have been submitted for review for the conference. In addition to symposia and panel discussions, conference participants will be encouraged to take field trips to see first-hand projects dedicated to restoring earth’s ecological diversity. The Ohio State University, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the City of Columbus will host EcoSummit 2012. This is the fourth time EcoSummit has convened. The first conference, in Copenhagen, Denmark, was held in 1996, the second in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in 2000 and the most recent was in Beijing, China in 2007. For more information about EcoSummit 2012 please click here. -
News
May 16, 2012
Summit: Internet, vacancies no threat to a retail resurgence
From Business First:
After a decade that saw malls shuttered and bulldozed in its first half and a recession in its second, Franklin County finally may be poised for a retail rebound.
“There are signs of a turnaround,” said Jung Kim, research director for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Read more. -
News
May 15, 2012
What are the most successful innovative companies doing that others aren't? Plante & Moran, NewNorth Center Announce Survey
From a Plante & Moran press release:
Southfield, Michigan – Plante & Moran, PLLC and NewNorth Center are partnering to survey leaders at businesses across the Midwest to gauge their organization’s Innovation Quotient.
The public accounting, tax, and business advisory along with the executive education and innovation training institute will release the survey on May 16. The 35-question survey, which will take less than 15 minutes to complete, is designed to measure:
- Attitudes toward innovation
- Business value of innovation
- Drivers and catalysts for innovation
- Variables of process, budget and culture and how they impact the innovation quotient for an organization “When we talk with our clients, listen to business leaders, or tune into the media, it is increasingly clear that innovation is key to the long-term growth and success of businesses,” said Gordon Krater, Plante & Moran managing partner. “But what do we mean when we talk about innovation? And how can an organization develop a framework and processes that will support innovation?" “These are two of the key questions that we plan to explore in the Innovation Quotient survey. We are pleased to partner with NewNorth Center to reach organizations throughout the Midwest and better understand how to make innovation more meaningful, intentional and profitable.” NewNorth Center and Plante & Moran are partnering with key industry organizations, trade groups, and business organizations in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio to target their members to participate in the survey, which will wrap up in mid-June. All survey participants will receive a customized report benchmarking their organization’s Innovation Quotient against innovation’s best-in-class practices. Plante & Moran and NewNorth will also publish their findings in a white paper, which will be released later this summer. “We appreciate the support from all of our sponsors that will allow us to conduct the first large-scale analysis of innovation in the Midwest,” said Nate Young, president of NewNorth Center in Holland, Mich. “Our region is home to many creative, successful companies that really know how to harness the power of innovation to benefit their brands and their bottom lines. “We want to demystify the process of innovation and show organizations how to reach their full innovation potential. This survey will begin a true dialogue, allowing us to provide quantifiable results that will let organizations benchmark their innovation quotient against their peers.” For more information, visit innovationquotientsurvey.com. ABOUT NEWNORTH CENTER
NewNorth Center is a nonprofit, hybrid education and business institution. The Center specializes in immersive skills training, research, executive education, workshops, seminars and an annual Design in Business Summit. The Center’s portfolio features design-centric, post-graduate business programs formulated expressly to bring increased value to local, regional and national companies and organizations. For more information, visit www.newnorthcenter.org. About Plante & Moran, PLLC
Plante & Moran (www.plantemoran.com) is among the nation’s largest certified public accounting and business advisory firms, providing clients with tax, audit, risk management, financial, technology, business consulting, and wealth management services. Plante & Moran has a staff of more than 1,600 professionals in 21 offices throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois with international offices in Shanghai, China; Monterrey, Mexico; and Mumbai, India. Plante & Moran has been recognized by a number of organizations, including FORTUNE magazine, as one of the country’s best places to work. -
News
May 14, 2012
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. -
News
May 14, 2012
Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference coming to Columbus in 2013
From Business First:
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. has helped bring a conference geared toward African-American business entrepreneurship and wealth-building to Columbus.
Black Enterprise magazine and its affiliates expect to draw more than 1,500 professionals, entrepreneurs and executives to its business conference and networking event next spring. The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference and Expo will be held at the Columbus Hilton from May 15-18, 2013. Read more. -
News
May 14, 2012
Councilmember Mills Makes Announcement at Pearl Market
Columbus, OH – Columbus City Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, Chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, helps open the 2012 Pearl Market season by announcing proposed “Community Market” legislation that is designed to grow small businesses and support one of Columbus’ most beloved downtown summer time attractions. Councilmember Mills will detail the code changes at Pearl Market Tuesday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Entering its 20th year, Pearl Market opens the 2012 season in the intersection of Pearl and Lynn Alleys in downtown Columbus. Pearl Market runs on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May 15 through October 26.
Pearl Market supports entrepreneurs and buy-local initiatives, acting as a retail incubator for those testing the downtown market while providing locally grown produce to downtown workers and residents. Pearl Market demonstrates that small businesses can and do make money downtown. Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District presents Pearl Market.
Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District covers a 38-square block area in the core of downtown Columbus. Funded by assessments from more than 500 properties and voluntary contributions, Capital Crossroads SID supports the development of a safe, clean, attractive, unique and easily accessible downtown, which serves as the foundation of business, residential, cultural and entertainment centers of the region promoting Columbus as one of the premier downtowns in the nation. -
News
May 11, 2012
Safelite Continues Growing Columbus-based Contact Centers
The nation's leading provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services, Safelite AutoGlass®, continues to expand its Columbus national contact centers. In May and June, the company will hire approximately 125 Telephone Sales Representatives and 100 Customer Service Representatives. Bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply. These part-time positions offer flexible scheduling and benefits, including include optional medical, dental, vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement savings program. Professional development and coaching is provided to all associates in the contact center along with opportunities for advancement. The contact center continues to grow to better serve Safelite's expanding business. Sales in 2011 reached an all-time high of $1.1 billion. Safelite AutoGlass® currently employs 1,000 people in its Columbus, Ohio contact centers and 550 people in its Phoenix-area contact center. Visit www.SafeliteCareers.com to apply.
About Safelite AutoGlass®
Safelite AutoGlass®, founded in 1947, is the nation's leading provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement service, providing mobile service to more than 95 percent of the U.S. population in all 50 states. The Columbus, Ohio-based company employs nearly 10,000 people across the United States and served 4.4 million customers last year. For more information, visit www.safelite.com.###
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May 11, 2012
Creating Connections for Success: Chamber Focusing on Interactions
From Columbus CEO:
Today’s business environment is more fluid than ever. As Rupert Murdoch said, “The world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow.”
A few months ago, the Columbus Chamber began its own dramatic transformation. Its team’s goal: to move at the “speed of business.” To provide new and innovative ways in which it can support its members and help grow the Columbus Region economy. Read more.
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News
May 10, 2012
Nurtur the Salon turning philanthropy on its head
From The Metropreneur:
How does a business take a routine errand and change into a fun, philanthropic venture for its clients?
Located in the The Shops on Lane Avenue, Nurtur the Salon aims to embody the mission and essence of Aveda everyday since its founding in 2006 by owner Patrick Thompson. In fact, the salon has created multiple philanthropic programs to engage their stylists and clients, as well as nonprofits in the community. Read more. -
News
May 10, 2012
Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop Brings Back Pink Ribbon Donut Benefitting Komen Columbus' Race for the Cure
From a Tim Hortons Press Release:
DUBLIN, Ohio (May 7, 2012) - Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop Columbus-area restaurant owners are going pink this May with the return of the Pink Ribbon Donut benefitting the Columbus Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The specialty donut, which retails for $1, comes in two varieties; a ring donut dipped in pink fondant or a ring donut dipped in vanilla fondant topped with pink sprinkles. The Pink Ribbon Donut is available at participating Columbus-area Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop restaurants May 7 through May 19. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from each donut sale benefits Komen Columbus. "As Columbus' hometown coffee, we are proud to help support shining local organizations like Komen Columbus," said Mike Meilleur, senior VP of U.S. operations. "We hope our Columbus guests add a Pink Ribbon Donut to their daily order and help in the fight against breast cancer." "This is an exciting partnership and we are thrilled that Tim Hortons is a supporter of our mission," said Katie Carter, executive director of Komen Columbus. "Every dollar raised will help us provide vital breast health services to men and women in our 30-county service area and to help fund breast cancer research." The Pink Ribbon Donut is now in its sixth year raising funds for Komen Columbus. Restaurant owners hope to sell more than 16,000 donuts in just two weeks. Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop has been a sponsor of the annual Race for the Cure Columbus event since 2005. To learn more about Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop, visit www.timhortons.com or follow on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TimHortonsUS) and Twitter (@TimHortonsUS). About Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop
Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based specialty coffees including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots, specialty teas, home-style soups, fresh sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of January 1, 2012, Tim Hortons had 714 restaurants in the United States and 4,014 restaurants systemwide. For more information, visit www.timhortons.com. About Komen Columbus
Komen Columbus has raised more than $21 million since it began in 1993. 75 percent of that money stays in its 30-county service area and is used to conduct breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs. The other 25 percent goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to fund national breast cancer research programs. For more information, please visit www.komencolumbus.org or call the Komen Columbus office at (614) 297-8155. -
News
May 09, 2012
Central Ohio Businesses Want Decision On Health Care Law
From WOSU:
Sometime in the next couple months, the US Supreme Court will decide the fate of President Obama’s health care law. The decision will affect just about every business in Central Ohio.
Businesses are not making bets on the Supreme Court decision.. they just want a decision. “I don’t think there’s any handicapping at all. I think they’re just trying to figure out, let us know as quickly as possible what’s going to be happening here so we can really make the plans,” said Michael Dalby, head of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Read more. -
News
May 07, 2012
Jeni Britton Bauer Wins James Beard Foundation Award
Congratulations to Jeni Britton Bauer for winning a James Beard Foundation Award for her book Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams At Home! The awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields. View the full list of winners on CBSnews.com.
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May 03, 2012
Columbus Hospitality Announces Five Year Expansion Plan
The largest hotel management company based in the Columbus area has announced an energized plan for growth over the next five years.
Charles Lagarce, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, "We are confident that the economy will improve steadily between now and 2017. Travel industry trends are up and hotel owners are in need of a company they can trust to significantly increase their ROI. That's where we excel!" The plan calls for the addition of ten (10) more first-class hotel assets in key market areas; in particular the state of Ohio and the Midwest. They plan to execute this strategy by increasing their portfolio of upscale select-service and full-service hotels. Founded by Lagarce in 1998, Columbus Hospitality is the area's hometown hotel and hospitality management firm supervising the operations of a variety of hotels, conference centers, restaurants and clubs throughout the state of Ohio and Florida. In the Columbus market the firm manages The Crowne Plaza Hotel Columbus Downtown, The Lofts Hotel, Hyatt Place in Grandview and NorthPointe Hotel & Conference Center in Lewis Center. It also manages the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe and Max & Erma's Restaurant Downtown. Altogether the company manages seven hotels, three conference centers, four restaurants and two private clubs with more than 700 employees and annual revenues in excess of $50 million. The combined valuation of the assets under their supervision is $250 million. Columbus Hospitality has continued to grow steadily during the current recession. "We built and opened Hyatt Place and the Buckeye Grill right in the middle of this down time and both operations are thriving," said Lagarce. "Our point of difference is an ownership mentality that permeates the entire organization. Every employee focuses first on guest satisfaction and is then encouraged to consider long-term profitability, spending each dollar as if it were his/her own." The company has initiated a Professional Services and Consulting Division led by hospitality veteran Bob Monica as Managing Director, Business Development. Monica has general management experience with first-class hotel and restaurant operations around the country including Sheraton City Center Hotel, Washington, DC, Radisson Hotel & Executive Conference Center, Somerset, NJ, Radisson Resort, Scottsdale, AZ and Sheraton Hotel, Orlando, FL. Here in the Columbus area he served as GM of NorthPointe Hotel and Conference Center, Lewis Center managed by Columbus Hospitality. In 1998 he founded a successful wine-themed company based in Dublin, opening the area's first wine bar and restaurant, Wine Shoppe Bistro. The new Professional Services department will offer expert assistance to owners, investors and mixed-use developers in a variety of hospitality-based categories. Specific consulting services are offered in the areas of asset management, market and site evaluation, financial estimates and business valuations, facility design and construction supervision as well as operational, sales, food and beverage reviews and more. "Hotels and other hospitality assets are simply too expensive to build and challenging to operate to allow for less than effective and efficient management," says Monica. "Guest expectations have heightened and operating expenses are at an all-time high," he continued. "It's critical that the operator has the expertise and utilizes judicious decision making to carefully balance the needs of the customer and the owner." Lagarce has more than thirty years of top level experience in managing first-class hospitality operations. He has served on the board of The American Hotel and Lodging Association and is past president of The Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association. He has also served as chair of The Greater Columbus Lodging Council and is a past executive board member of Experience Columbus. "We are convinced that our company is uniquely positioned for significant growth," says Lagarce. "With the growth of Columbus into one of America's largest and leading cities the opportunity for expansion has increased exponentially. Our history in this business community, combined with our track record of success, marks us as the undisputed hotel management leader. And we intend to live up to that position of leadership." -
News
May 03, 2012
Start It Up: Solo Taps Entrepreneurial Acument to Expand Startup-Focused Practice
From ABA Journal:
It’s only natural that Caroline Worley would build a law practice focused largely on the needs of budding entrepreneurs. She grew up mired in the day-to-day workings of Zettler Hardware Co., a family business founded in the 19th century in Columbus, Ohio.
“It’s what I do,” says Worley, whose immediate family still runs several of the stores. “I relate well to entrepreneurs.” Read more. -
News
May 03, 2012
Central Ohio Inc.: Suburbs fuel population rise here, other metros
From Business First:
The seven counties that make up Central Ohio are projected to remain among the fastest-growing areas in the state nearly two decades from now.
Population forecasts by state researchers show Delaware will be the state’s fastest-growing county since 1990, followed by adjoining Union County – each of which are projected to expand at a three-digit percentage pace. Read more. -
News
May 01, 2012
Columbus Named Top Midwest City For Job Growth
Ohio is ranked as the top city in the Midwest for job growth, according to New Geography. Columbus is ranked 22 overall. View the full listing.
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News
April 30, 2012
Coolumbus: Locally Treasured Globally Recognized
Blog by Jim Lane, GBQ
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News
April 27, 2012
Worthington Industries taps its next president
From The Columbus Dispatch:
The president of Worthington Industries’ largest division is in line to become president and chief operating officer of the company.
Mark Russell, 49, now the president of steel processing, will be promoted on Aug. 1, the company said yesterday. President George Stoe, 66, will step down into semi-retirement. Read more. -
News
April 27, 2012
Small Business Job Creation Is Stronger Than We Think
From Bloomberg BusinessWeek:
While small business job creation isn’t as strong as we’d like, it’s stronger than many people think. Since the recovery began, small and midsize companies have been producing more jobs than their larger counterparts and creating them at a faster pace than during the recovery from the 2001 recession. But because small business employment hasn’t yet caught up to where it was before the recession began, the perception that small employers aren’t hiring endures. Read more.
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News
April 23, 2012
Heartland Bank founder Tiney McComb dies; thought of banking "as a community service"
From Business First:
Local banking pioneer and Heartland Bank founder Tiney McComb died Saturday at the age of 69 after a long battle with cancer.
McComb founded Gahanna-based Heartland in 1988 after the community bank where he was working was acquired by Society Bank, a precursor to KeyCorp. He built Heartland to $530 million in assets and 13 branches before retiring in 2009, turning over the reins as CEO to his son, Scott McComb. Read more. -
News
April 20, 2012
Columbus Chamber Members Honored at Corporate Caring Awards
The Columbus Business First Corporate Caring Awards were held April 19 at the Hyatt Regency. Many Chamber members were honored for creatively dedicating their resources to a variety of nonprofit organizations.
Columbus Chamber members honored include: Abbott Nutrition Big Lots Inc. Continental Office Environments Easton Town Center LLC Ernst & Young LLP Fahlgren Mortine Grange Insurance Indus Hotels JPMorgan Chase & Co. Modern Medical Inc. Nurtur the Salon Safelite AutoGlass Congratulations to our members on these great honors! Read more about the Corporate Caring Awards on Business First's site. -
News
April 19, 2012
The Greater Columbus Sports Commission Wins 2011 Outstanding Marketing Campaign Award
From Greater Columbus Sports Commission press release:
The Greater Columbus Sports Commission received the 2011 Outstanding Marketing Campaign Award by the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) at its annual Sports Event Symposium hosted this week in Hartford, Connecticut. The conference made the announcement at the culmination of recognizing its outstanding members during the 2012 NASC Member Awards Luncheon today.
The award was given to a sports commission with the most outstanding comprehensive marketing campaign for an organization or an event including a stand-alone advertisement, a series of print ads, newsletters, email blasts, social media components or any other type of communication piece. As Columbus looked to present the new image and branding for the city, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission collaborated with other Columbus civic organizations for the "ColumbUS" Image Project that launched in the anticipation of the city's Bicentennial in 2012, collaborated with all the sports organizations in Central Ohio for a once-a-decade SportsBusiness Journal advertorial positioning the region as a premier sports destination and collaborated with the city's three professional sports teams on a fan campaign, "Game On Columbus." "2011 marked a special year for Columbus and our sports community," said Linda Logan, executive director of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. "This award speaks to the strength of our community when we collaborate and continues our national momentum as one of the premier sports destinations in the country for facilities, event hospitality and marketing acumen." Awards were given by the NASC in four categories: Member of the Year, Outstanding Marketing Campaign, Outstanding Web Presence, and Outstanding Locally Created Event/Program. Submissions were divided into subcategories according to the organizations' annual budgets. Entries were reviewed by a panel of their peers in the association and judged based on the criteria provided for each category. "We first established the awards program in 2002 to recognize the good work that our members conduct in their communities," said Don Schumacher, executive director of the NASC. "They are all making large contributions to their communities through the economic impact of their events and the leadership and expertise they provide." The Greater Columbus Sports Commission (GCSC) formed in June 2002 to provide leadership, guidance and marketing expertise towards the region being recognized as a premier sports destination in attracting state, regional, national and international sporting events. Since its inception, the GCSC has bid on and brought more than 200 new sporting events to Columbus that have generated an estimated $200 million in visitor spending, while also working to retain annual bid events that have generated an additional $160 million in visitor spending. The National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) is the sports event industry's leading networking organization. Founded in 1992, the NASC represents over 500 organizations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The NASC provides education, networking, and professional development to the sports event industry. For more information on the National Association of Sports Commissions, visit www.SportsCommissions.org. -
News
April 18, 2012
Guylando A. Moreno Named Senior Associate of Frost Brown Todd
From a Frost Brown Todd press release:
April 17, 2012 (Columbus, OH) – Frost Brown Todd is pleased to announce associate Guylando A. Moreno has been appointed a senior associate of the firm. Guy joins 21 new senior associates recently named firm-wide.
Guy practices in the regulated business practice group, focusing on highly regulated industries including international trade, food and beverage, healthcare, franchising and distribution, and public utilities. He assists closely-held, public, and multinational corporations to navigate the complex U.S. regulatory terrain as it impacts entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, contract formation, and variety of other issues related to business transactions. Additionally, Mr. Moreno has significant experience in the area of international trade regulation and cross-border transactions. He has counseled clients on a number of import and export matters, labeling requirements, classification and valuation of products, U.S. embargoes and sanctions, and trade remedy proceedings (customs disputes, antidumping and countervailing investigations). Guy has significant expertise in commercial real estate. He has done work of local and national retailers, commercial developers, and regional property holding companies in complex real estate acquisitions and dispositions, leasing transactions, ground leases, real estate financings, and reciprocal easements agreements. About Frost Brown Todd Frost Brown Todd is a full-service law firm serving some of America’s top corporations and emerging companies. With attorneys regularly identified by clients, peers and industry organizations as leaders in their practice areas, the firm advises and protects clients in business transactions and litigation in industries including insurance, banking, financial services, manufacturing, transportation, real estate, construction, energy and healthcare. Its nearly 450 attorneys in nine offices throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia provide unparalleled service to meet clients’ needs; deliver the insights and solutions available only from a diverse group of professionals; and support the communities in which they operate. To learn more, visit www.frostbrowntodd.com. -
News
April 17, 2012
Retail forum to discuss changing economy
From The Columbus Dispatch:
The future of the retail sector in a changing economy will be the topic for this year’s Franklin County Retail Forum, to be held at 7:30 a.m. on May 16 at Brio Tuscan Grille, 3993 Easton Station. Read more.
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April 16, 2012
Newsmakers Q&A: Logistics moves up on list of area job creators
From The Columbus Dispatch:
Every job fair is designed to connect employers with talented, confident applicants — potential hires who, ideally, know where they want to go and, just as important, how to get there.
That was especially true last month when 40 companies converged on Columbus State Community College for a recruitment event devoted entirely to logistics — an industry that hinges, as one participant put it, on “moving product from Point A to Point B as fast and as efficiently as possible.” “It’s obvious that the logistics industry is a major driver in the Columbus-region economy, and all evidence suggests that it will keep up the positive momentum in 2012 and beyond,” said Columbus Chamber President and CEO Michael Dalby. Read more. -
News
April 13, 2012
Michael Dalby on WTVN
This morning our President and CEO Michael Dalby joined Joel Riley on 610 WTVN. Play the podcast now, and hear them discuss the Chamber’s support for the state income tax cut plan, as well as Chamber Government Day.
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April 12, 2012
Small business seminar series coming to Columbus
The Ohio Department of Development will offer six free seminars for entrepreneurs aimed at strengthening and creating more small business ownership across the state.
Running from April to September, the seminars are sponsored by the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Business Assistance, the Small Business Development Centers of Ohio and the U.S. Small Business Administration. During the seminars, small business owners will receive information about how to establish and operate a business, as well as funding, marketing and procurement opportunities. Representatives from the SBDC of Ohio and the U.S. SBA will be giving in-depth overviews on programs that are available for those seeking assistance. The six seminars in Columbus will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Columbus Urban League at 788 Mt. Vernon Ave. They are scheduled for April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, Aug. 16, and Sept. 20. -
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April 12, 2012
Analysis: Columbus rises as attractive spot for small biz
From Business First:
Columbus is among the Midwest’s most attractive cities for small businesses, says an analysis that linked the region’s growth to its market popularity for small companies. The ranking, compiled by On Numbers after exploring census data, calls Minneapolis-St. Paul the top metro area in the heartland region for small business. Read more.