Columbus Chamber Blog: Columbus Business News

Small Business Leader Insights: Michelle Kerr, Oxford Consulting

In honor of National Small Business Week, June 17-21, the Columbus Chamber is celebrating some of its small businesses and sharing their keys for success in the Columbus Region.

What does it take to build a successful business? Small Business Summit Award Finalists and Recipients weigh in on some of the biggest challenges and best resources to thrive in the Columbus Region.

President of Oxford Consulting, Michelle Kerr shares her best advice for entrepreneurs and what she wishes she would have known when she started.

Watch for more Small Business Leader Insights to be posted throughout National Small Business Week (June 17-21).

Member Spotlight: Outreach Promotional Solutions

Outreach Promotional Solutions is committed to helping organizations achieve their marketing goals through creative promotional products and solutions and by creating unique nonprofit partnerships that help drive more money to support worthy causes in our communities.

Why We Are Members of the Columbus Chamber:

We joined the Chamber to build connections and relationships with like-minded, community-oriented companies and individuals.

Fun Facts about Outreach Promotional Solutions:

Outreach Promotional Solutions has several charitable initiatives throughout the year including their annual “Tailgate for Charity”, a fun business and philanthropic event that integrates fundraising for three Columbus-area charities, football/tailgate games, and fun promotional product giveaways.

Featured Product:

Outreach Promotional Solutions' customers continually come back to them for cost-effective, quality t-shirts and creative promotional product ideas to meet specific marketing and budgetary goals. This company offers free consultation and personalized product ideas to help companies and nonprofits discover fun and creative ideas.

For more information, please visit:

• www.outreachpromos.com
• http://www.linkedin.com/company/2786450?trk=tyah
• https://www.facebook.com/OutreachPromos

 

 

Small Business Leader Insights: Parker MacDonell, Invergarry Partners, LLC

In honor of National Small Business Week, June 17-21, the Columbus Chamber is celebrating some of its small businesses and sharing their keys for success in the Columbus Region.

What does it take to build a successful business? Small Business Summit Award Finalists and Winners weigh in on some of the biggest challenges and best resources to thrive in the Columbus Region.

 

Principal of Invergarry Partners, LLC, Parker MacDonell recalls his inital expectations when he started his business and his best advice for new entrepreneurs.

Watch for more Small Business Leader Insights to be posted throughout National Small Business Week (June 17-21).

Small Business Leader Insights: Pamela Springer, Manta Media, Inc.

In honor of National Small Business Week, June 17-21, the Columbus Chamber is celebrating some of its small businesses and sharing their keys for success in the Columbus Region.

What does it take to build a successful business? Small Business Summit Award Finalists and Winners weigh in on some of the biggest challenges and best resources to thrive in the Columbus Region.

 

President and CEO of Manta Media, Inc., Pamela Springer shares her biggest challenge building a successful small business and why she is a member of the Columbus Chamber:

Watch for more Small Business Leader Insights to be posted throughout National Small Business Week (June 17-21).

Chamber Advocates for Business Issues in June Trip to Washington, D.C.

By Michael Hartley, VP of Government Relations, Columbus Chamber

Last week, Columbus Chamber President Michael Dalby and I participated in a Washington, D.C. “Fly-In” to promote the Columbus Region’s federal priorities with Ohio’s Congressional delegation and U.S. Senators. These priorities included transportation, advanced manufacturing, research and development, military facilities related to a potential Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round and other priorities promoted by the public/private partnership of the Columbus Federal Funds Group.

Dalby joined the members of the Columbus Partnership and other community leaders to participate in direct meetings with Columbus Region Congressional Representatives Joyce Beatty, Steve Stivers and Pat Tiberi, as well as meetings with Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman. This provided Columbus business and community leaders the opportunity to directly advocate for the region’s priorities with our federal elected officials, as well as hear about the elected official’s legislative priorities.

I joined a group of other government relations professionals in meeting with chiefs of staff and/or legislative directors from the congressional offices of Reps. Beatty, Stivers, Tiberi, Dave Joyce, Bill Johnson and Sens. Brown and Portman. Joining me in these meetings were representatives from The Ohio State University, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Columbus Regional Airport and Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority. These meetings represent a continuation of consistent contact from the Columbus Chamber with the staff of our federal elected officials to update them on the community priorities and opportunities to work together on these issues.

The visit culminated in a reception with Ohio’s Congressional Delegation and their staff with special guest Speaker of the House John Boehner. The reception provided a great opportunity for networking with Congressional members and staff from throughout Ohio. It is during these types of events that the seeds for future collaborations and successes begin.

The visit was a great success and discussions are already occurring on planning the next visit. Probably the most important deliverable from these meetings, both from the CEO/community leader and elected official level, as well at the government relations professional and staff level, is that the Columbus community is coming together to “stack hands” on these federal priorities provides ColumbUS with a unique and powerful message to our elected leaders in Washington, D.C. It is a message that helps get things done for our region.

Columbus Chamber Webinar: Is Your Business Ready for a Mobile World?

Presented by: Chris Shirer, CEO and President of Madison & Fifth

Mobile is powerful, and it is everywhere. Smartphones are the place where up to 55 percent of all emails are read today.  Is your website designed to be viewable on any screen and function on all devices?  Find out about where mobile is today and walk through a checklist of options and opportunities that can help you decide how you can use this channel for optimal returns.

About Our Webinars:
This is a special webinar presented by the Columbus Chamber. You can also participate in our monthly series of Smart Edge webinars every second Tuesday at 10 a.m. And view our library of past webinars on demand.

Member Spotlight: The Columbus Athenaeum

The Columbus Athenaeum is one of Columbus’ premiere wedding and corporate event facilities. The building was originally built as a Masonic Temple and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic structure has 10 rooms in a variety of sizes and designs, each with its own unique character and ambience. The rooms can accommodate parties with 50-900 guests. The Columbus Athenaeum has an extensive menu and décor options for bridal and corporate clients. Through Old World charm, modern conveniences, quality catering, and professional service, this conference and special events company prides itself on offering ease and convenience in the planning of any event.

Why We Are Members of the Columbus Chamber:

We joined the Columbus Chamber to connect with other local businesses and build relationships with those in the community.

Fun Facts About The Columbus Athenaeum:

The Columbus Athenaeum has hosted numerous events for political figures, professional athletes, Hollywood stars and prominent Columbus leaders. Their feedback has complimented our professional discretion regarding their event plans. A short list includes:

• President Obama
• Former President Clinton
• Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
• Past & Present Ohio Governors
• "American Idol" Stars Fantasia Barrino and Chris Daughtry
• John Ratzenberger (Cliff from "Cheers")
• Jungle Jack Hanna
• E. Gordon Gee
• Thad Matta

Former President Warren G. Harding was inducted into the Masonic society in our building. His induction robe was found in the Oak Room and is now housed at the Warren G. Harding Home in Marion, Ohio.

Our building also houses a barbershop, infirmary and billiard room. These rooms are currently closed to the public but were once fully functional.

Featured Service:

Guests remember the unique setting and culinary experience. Event planners remember the ease involved in executing event logistics and the trust built through the entire process. With a long tradition for special events, the Columbus Athenaeum offers just the right space for small, intimate events or large, extravagant affairs. Planning your event at The Columbus Athenaeum is stress-free. A sales representative will guide you along the planning process and assist you to ensure your guests have an excellent experience. The building can host a variety of events including:

• Meetings
• Luncheons
• Holiday Parties
• Weddings
• Trade Shows
• Award Banquets
• Fashion Shows
• Lectures & Seminars
• Political Events
• Fundraisers
• Galas & Benefits
• Product Launches
• Demonstrations
• Association Meetings

The in-house culinary team offers a number of meal options including continental breakfasts, boxed lunches, hors d’oeuvres, buffets and served meals. The Columbus Athenaeum takes great pride in offering quality meals and service. Your guest will always be satisfied.

When it comes time to plan your next corporate meeting, holiday party or luncheon give us a call and your event will be a success!

For more information, visit:

• http://www.columbusmeetings.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheColumbusAthenaeum
• http://pinterest.com/cbusathenaeum

Corp-preneurs – A new breed of entrepreneurs in your workforce!

By Shaun Frecska, Vice President, Membership, Columbus Chamber

No other local organization communicates with and works for as many businesses and leaders as the Columbus Chamber does. Our team is in the field engaging with all sizes and industries of business, allowing us to learn a lot from these conversations.

One of the most recent themes we are seeing is the concept of “corp-preneurs,” entrepreneurs working for an already established business.

Before the recession in 2008, there was optimism, energy and risk-taking. But surprisingly, since the recession, we continue to see these qualities in our business leaders, just in a different way. Sometimes we find that same entrepreneurial spirit within the confines of an already established business, as opposed to the traditional startup company.

Advantages for the Company, But Also for the Entrepreneur

Who gains the advantage in this situation? It could seem challenging for the company and entrepreneur, but it actually provides immense benefits to both.

For example, the working professional with entrepreneurial characteristics – such as a competitive attitude, far outside-the-box thinking and an aggressive drive to build personal wealth – is now employed by an established business, and may no longer be pursuing his or her own startup business.

This employer gains a competitive edge because it has added new and fierce “fighter-type” talent to take his or her business to the next level. Though this new staffer may not work the typical 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. schedule, work from the office or not be perceived as a team player, you can expect him or her to possess the initiative, drive and responsibility to win business and retain customers.

On the other hand, the corp-preneur has the opportunity to sharpen his or her business building skills, develop a strong business network and leverage established business strategies and tactics, without the risk of doing so as his or her own business. Other positives for the corp-preneur may include working a “normal” 8-5 schedule, not having to sacrifice personal property as collateral for loans and not having to wait the typical three years of operation before he or she see a profit.

Entrepreneurs in Your Business

There will always be entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. These small and nimble businesses drive us forward, developing new and creative ways to leverage existing resources or build entirely new resources.

But while the economy is rebounding, take advantage of the creative thinking and drive for success that these trend setters can bring to your business. It’s a win-win and another way we can work together to build an even stronger, more prosperous Columbus Region.

For more information, email membership@columbus.org or call 614.221.1321.

Member Spotlight: Coalesce Software

Coalesce Software makes doing business better through mobile technology; this mobile software company specializes in business productivity applications for sales teams, small and medium sized businesses, independent sales representatives and business development professionals.

Coalesce Software is the creator of two mobile service applications, Routzy and iFleet for Smart Service. Both increase productivity for service industry businesses and both work offline when the connection on your mobile device fails.

Skip Stringfield, serial technology entrepreneur, founded Coalesce Software in 2010. He maintains ownership and operation of Coalesce Software alongside My Service Depot, which creates desktop software for service based businesses.

Why We Are Members of the Columbus Chamber:

Coalesce Software is committed to helping businesses grow and become more productive with robust mobile applications. Alongside the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Coalesce Software is dedicated to supporting the continued development of the Columbus and central Ohio region and business community.

Fun Facts About Coalesce Software:

The name Routzy was coined by Coalesce Software founder Skip Stringfield while he was on a boating trip with some Coalesce Software employees. Seems like the ideal place for someone named “Skipper” to brainstorm their next big business idea!

Bella, a Boston terrier, is the office pet. She makes her rounds sitting on laps and begging for treats from the staff.

We are hiding a huge disco ball in our warehouse. We’re hoping it will have a more recognized position in our new office space.

Featured Product:

The hallmark of Coalesce Software mobile products is robust and innovative software solutions that are affordable and easy to use.

Routzy is a mobile sales and contact management app for the iPad that is flexible enough to work with diverse types of businesses and their processes. Routzy eliminates the need for double data entry and has unparalleled analytics for the growth and efficiency of your business or sales team. An important feature that makes Routzy unique is the ability to access all data regardless of the iPad’s Internet connect, Google Calendar integration, and automatic data backup with Dropbox.

iFleet for Smart Service is the industry standard for service based business seeking enhanced mobility for their field based personnel. iFleet offers enhanced mobility for service based businesses currently using desktop software business management software, Smart Service. iFleet for Smart Service in concert with Smart Service is a great fit for any business with a workforce that spends more time in the field than an office, but needs to maintain regular contact with administrative personnel.

For more information, visit:

• http://www.smartserviceinfo.com/products/ifleet
• http://routzy.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/RoutzyApp
• https://twitter.com/RoutzyApp
• http://www.linkedin.com/company/coalesce-software/routzy-sales-and-crm-app-for-ipad-1215617/product
• http://www.youtube.com/user/RoutzyApp

Chamber Savings Programs Prove Enormous Valuable

The Chamber recently received good news from our workers’ compensation partner, CareWorks Consultants, regarding our member savings in this program. In 2013 alone:  

• 322 of our members enrolled for a total savings of $1,477,000!
• This represents an average savings of $4,500 per business member.
• With the average Chamber membership dues at $1,300, this represents over three times in Return of Investment. 
• In fact, three (3) members saved nearly $100,000 (each) in estimated savings.
• Over 162 Chamber Members were represented by CCI at BWC court hearings. Saving time and money of our local business members.

As you can see, we strive to deliver upon your investment into the Chamber and our workers’ compensation program is a great benefit to all members. We encourage you to request a quote through CareWorks Consultants for the 2014 policy year which will be here before we know it. If you would
like a quote, just request one. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific situation please contact Jason Bainum with CareWorks Consultants at (614) 526-7114 or via email at jason.bainum@ccitpa.com.