Columbus Chamber Blog: Information about economic development, economic and business trends, Columbus workforce, programs, events and the Chamber of Commerce in and around Columbus, OH

Young Professionals Spotlight: Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Each month, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of August, Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is featured.

When and why was Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium started?
Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was started in the mid-1980s because of the burgeoning young professional community interested in supporting the Columbus Zoo.

Why should I become a member?
Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium through volunteer service, fundraising, public awareness and community outreach. Friends members give time, raise money, attend membership meetings and social functions, and serve as advocates of the Zoo. Being a member of Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a privilege and an opportunity above a normal Zoo membership. Our members experience a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, events, and activities designed to support the Zoo while creating friendships between our members. Friends are advocates for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Members enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with friends, family, and colleagues to advance the Zoo’s mission. An exciting privilege of membership includes frequent opportunities to learn about the Zoo’s conservation efforts and how to apply these efforts into our daily lives. Through general membership meetings, newsletters, and volunteer opportunities, members gain valuable information about the animals and the Zoo. One of the best reasons to join Friends is the people! We host happy hours and networking events throughout the year.   
 
How do I become a member?

To become a member, please contact Subha Lembach, President, at 614-743-0104 or slembach@msn.com. In addition to purchasing a Zoo membership, Friends volunteer ten hours annually; pay annual dues of $40.00; and attend six membership meetings.

Tell me about your upcoming event(s).

Join Friends of the Columbus Zoo at the 2009 Brew at the Zoo!
 
Date: August 28, 2009   
Time: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.   
Cost: 21+ event. Adults $35 ($45 after Aug. 18), $5 discount on each ticket for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium through Aug. 18. 

Details:
Join Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for an after hours event that offers guests the opportunity to support conservation efforts while having a great time at the Zoo. Entertainment, food, beverages and prizes are highlights of this adult-only event.
 
Ticket price includes 8 samples of beer, 6 delicious appetizers and live music from the Nate McDonough Band! Proceeds from this event support the mission of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Tickets are available at www.columbuszoo.org or by calling Subha Lembach at 614-743-0104.

What are some successes or cool facts about Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium?

Friends of the Columbus Zoo had another stellar year in 2008, with approximately 70 members contributing over 600 hours at Zoo special events. Friends of the Columbus Zoo volunteers engaged in wide variety of volunteer opportunities, including:

• staffing the Annual Fund Phone-a-thon in partnership with the Development Committee;
• connecting with children through Treat Stations at Boo at the Zoo and Eggs, Paws, and Claws;
• supporting Zoo special events including Go Wild! for Opera; and
• partnering with A Kid Again to provide food and volunteers for a very special Dream Night at the Zoo.

Friends of the Columbus Zoo’s premiere fundraiser Brew at the Zoo was a great success. Featuring a wide selection of beer tastings and food, Brew at the Zoo raised approximately $30,000, with about 700 guests in attendance.

Where can I go to learn more information?

For more information, please contact Subha Lembach, President of Friends at the Columbus Zoo, at 614-743-0104 or slembach@msn.com.

Build Your Business Offline Too

Great tip last week from Eric Mandel, CEO of Blackmesh, posted on Business Week Online's Tip of the Day about growing your business offline.

Using Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, many small businesses have been able to increase their Internet presence and online footprint. However, when it comes to building meaningful business relationships, face-to-face, personal communication is still unmatched.

Often, businesses think of the large trade shows and conferences as key to meet-and-greets and networking. However, many small businesses should look to the local community as an easy and inexpensive way to introduce your business to new people, build relationships, and put a face to the company.

Looking for great ways to connect with the local business community in Columbus? Check out some upcoming networking opportunities offered by the Columbus Chamber:

Tuesday, Aug. 4; 5:30 p.m.
Business AfterHours

Tuesday, Aug. 4; 11 a.m.
Golf and Spa Day

Friday, Aug. 14; 7:30 a.m.
Member Orientation

Tuesday, Aug. 25; 4 p.m.
Capital Connections with Director Molitoris

Wednesday, Sept. 9; 3 p.m.
Business Insights - Living Your Brand

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009; 8 a.m.
Disney Keys to Excellence

Thursday, Sept. 24; 5 p.m.Columbus Chamber Clambake

Member Spotlight: SolarTex

Each week, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight one of our member businesses, their presence in the Columbus Region, what they do and how they’ve involved at the Chamber. To submit your member business for a member spotlight contact the Chamber's marketing department.

About SolarTex, Inc.:

Solar-Tex, Inc. is an Ohio Corporation that began operations in 1985 and continues to provide  3M Sun Control products for residential and commercial clients. Over the years, however, our product line has increased to include interior design films, protective coverings and vinyl graphics and signage.

We work with our clients to match the right product to each unique situation, whether the concern is fading, interior comfort, energy conservation, privacy films, company branding signage, safety and security of glass, or anything else.

Why we’re members:
At Solar-Tex, Inc. we are committed to several core values: people, relationships, business integrity and the environment. These values are enhanced by our membership in the Columbus Chamber as we build relationships that help shape and refine our commitment to offering the best products and superior services.
People: The right people make us the right business choice. We are a family-owned business with people who know and trust each others contributions and talents. Our people are committed to bringing the best possible service to our customers.

Featured Products:

Sun-Control Window Films: the use of commercial window film gives your windows added insulating value to help increase interior comfort, employee productivity, and reduce building energy costs.

•    High performance film rejects up to 79% of heat that would otherwise come through the window.
•    Helps maintain a more consistent temperature inside eliminating hot and cold spots.

Additionally, applying window film to your building will provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership and can earn your building LEED credit toward becoming a green facility.

The use of residential window film keeps your home at a more consistent temperature, reducing hot & cold spots that keep your HVAC system working overtime. Other benefits include:

•    Blocks up to 76% of solar heat before it enters your home thus saving money on utility costs.
•    Limits harsh glare that makes rooms uncomfortable and causes unnecessary eye strain.
•    Virtually eliminates harmful UV rays, the primary cause of fading.

Decorative Vinyl Films:

Specialized films and vinyls can be chosen to design and fabricate visual direction that gives designers distinctive and versatile options for interior spaces. Application areas include windows, walls, floors in new buildings and virtually any area you want to give an “aesthetic makeover” in an existing structure. Popular applications include: motivational signage, company mission statements, colored vinyls cut in stripes, dots or other unique shapes, logos & branding and gass to increase privacy. As the needs of the space change these applications can be easily removed returning the area to it’s original state.

Cool Facts:

Founded in 1985 as a drapery & textile company our focus gradually shifted to sun control window films when our founder inquired on an ad in a trade magazine seeking dealers for 3M Window Films.  Some 20 years later window films continue to be an integral part of our operations.

If you call us and ask for someone with the last name Hulett, you will have five different options to choose from! Founded by Roger and Barbara Hulett, 2nd generation operations began in 1999 when Jarett Hulett joined the team. Shortly thereafter, his wife Missy came on board. Finally Brad was added in late 2006 to make it five! Oh yeah, we do have other important associates not bearing the Hulett name.

We don’t do cars! Window film technologies are becoming more and more utilized on commercial and residential properties for the many benefits they offer.

Our decorative line of films are often applied to walls, floors and many substrates other than glass for company branding, motivational signage and building aesthetics.

 

 

Chamber Economist, Bill LaFayette Featured on Columbus Underground

Check out Walker's interview with Bill on the Columbus Underground:

An excerpt from the interview is included below:

We recently sat down with Dr. Bill LaFayette, Ph.D., the Vice President of Economic Analysis at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, to discuss a variety of topics related to the Columbus economy. Bill shares with us his professional insight and research on some of the most important job sectors in the region, the growing importance of the creative class and urban renewal, and his thoughts on how Columbus is weathering the current economic recession. The full interview on the Columbus economy can be found here.


For more insights on the Columbus MSA economy, read Bill's series of posts here.

Foreclosures and house prices

The Columbus Dispatch reported Thursday that Ohio foreclosures have declined for three consecutive months while they continue to rise nationally.  The experts are not sure whether this is a real turn in the trend or just a temporary break in a downward trend.  While foreclosures are likely to continue to be a serious problem for Ohio communities and neighborhoods, there are reasons to think that the situation in other states will be worse.

The foreclosure crisis in Ohio has been driven by different factors than is true elsewhere.  Nationwide there was a large run-up in house prices followed by a crash.  Between the first quarter of 2002 and the second quarter of 2007 (when the market peaked), national house prices rose 47 percent, compared to  14 percent in Ohio and 15.5 percent in the Columbus MSA, according to the federal government’s FHFA House Price Index.  Since then, national prices have fallen 3.8 percent, while Ohio prices are off 0.1 percent and those in the Columbus MSA have recovered and are up 0.7 percent.  (Only 10 of the 50 largest metros have done better.)  California, Florida, Arizona and Nevada account for 56 percent of foreclosure filings.  The 2002-2007 house price gain in these four states was more than 90 percent, and their subsequent loss has been between 18 and 27 percent.  Many of those buying in these states near the top of the market now owe far more than the house is worth.  If the payment on the mortgage increases to an unaffordable level, they cannot refinance and have no alternative but to default.

Homeowners in these four states share the chief problem facing Ohio’s homeowners: payment problems due to job loss.  Ohio employment has declined 5.9 percent since the beginning of the recession – equal to California’s loss, but less than the 7.2 percent in Florida, the 7.8 percent in Nevada, and the 9 percent in Arizona.  The rate of job declines is expected to decrease in coming months, but the recovery in the housing market in boom states is likely to be much longer in coming.

Economic Impact of House Bill 1

The Ohio General Assembly passed its biennial operating budget (House Bill 1).  Governor Strickland is expected to sign the bill.  While the budget contains a number of controversial and well-publicized items, such as authorizing slot machines to operate in our state, I wanted you to know about key portions of the budget that directly impact our ability to fulfill our economic development mission. 

The highlights of the bill include:

• Preservation of tax reform.  The top goal of the Columbus Chamber in this budget was to preserve the 2005 tax reform package.  That is why the Columbus Chamber worked with Ohio ’s other metro chambers, the Ohio Chamber and economic development trade associations such as the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange to encourage legislators to maintain the tax reform package that was designed to facilitate economic development.  Despite monumental budgetary challenges, the General Assembly and Governor Strickland refrained from increasing tax rates.  The final phasing-in of a 21 percent reduction in income tax rates was allowed to occur.  Additionally, the Commercial Activity Tax rate continued to be set at 0.26 percent.
• Elimination of funding for internships.  In the 2008 state stimulus package enacted by the General Assembly and Governor Strickland, a program was created that was slated to provide $50 million a year, beginning in this biennium, to foster new co-ops and internships.  The Columbus Chamber looked to this funding as a possible way to expand the scope and effectiveness of its existing internship program.  As a result, the Chamber partnered with The Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College and many others to submit a proposal to the Ohio Board of Regents that would create hundreds of new internships.  Unfortunately, the state’s severe budgetary situation caused lawmakers to cut all funding for the program.   The Columbus Chamber had led a grassroots effort to try to preserve some funding for this important item in the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda.
• Preservation of funding for important state economic development initiatives.  During the state’s budgetary process, there was an attempt to divert a substantial portion of the Facilities Establishment Fund to fund other initiatives.  Among other things, the State of Ohio uses the Facilities Establishment Fund to issue low-interest loans that facilitate job creating economic development deals.  The Chamber worked with other organizations such as the Ohio Economic Development Association and many of our local economic development officials to keep the Facilities Establishment Fund as intact as possible.  The final version of the budget eliminated the proposed fund diversions that the Chamber had opposed.  There was, however, a significant decrease in the level of General Revenue Fund support of the Department of Development.  In Fiscal Year 2009, the department received $1.2 billion in funding.  In 2010 and 2011, the department will receive approximately $900 million a year.

 

Another small gain in Columbus regional employment

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released preliminary June employment statistics for the Columbus MSA this morning. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, total employment increased in the Columbus Region for the second consecutive month. This is especially surprising because the June decline in U.S. employment was worse than that in May. Our net gain was 1,700 jobs (0.2 percent), close to the 2,000-job gain in May. (May employment was adjusted downward by 300 jobs.) The nation lost 459,000 jobs (0.35 percent), compared to 330,000 jobs (0.25 percent) in May. State employment fell 33,000 (0.6 percent). Since the recession began in December 2007, the region has lost 17,600 jobs, or 2.0 percent, compared to losses of 4.7 percent nationally and 5.9 percent in Ohio. The largest employment gains in June were 2,500 in private education and healthcare and 1,200 in the beleaguered government sector. Construction lost 1,400 and leisure and hospitality lost 1,200. Changes in everything else were close to zero.

For more information on the Columbus economy, visit www.columbusregion.com.

Young Professionals Spotlight: CYP CLUB

Each month, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of July, CYP CLUB is featured.

When and why was CYP CLUB started?
The CYP CLUB was founded in July of 2005 as a way for local young professionals to meet new people, network for business, help the community, play on sports teams, and explore the Columbus area. We decided that we would not charge dues to become a member, allowing local young professionals the opportunity to feel welcome at events and comfortable with belonging to our organization. Close to four years and more than 7,500 members later, we are proud to still be a no-dues organization with a very active membership and events, activities, and athletics offered several times each week!

Why should I become a member?
At its heart, the CYP CLUB is about providing local young professionals and career-minded young adults with opportunities to connect with each other and the opportunities throughout the Columbus area. We promote career and business networking, social interaction, community service, local culture, and athletic participation. We hold a variety of events: some free, some with a fee to enter. The concept is simple: friendly, intelligent people coming together to make their lives and the lives of others better through all of the avenues listed above. If you are of the mindset that you don't enjoy making new friends, then it's likely you will not enjoy the CYP CLUB. But if you appreciate the value of developing friendship, giving back to the community, and networking with other young professionals, you will find the CYP CLUB to be the best place to enhance your circle of friends and contacts.

How do I become a member?
Membership in the CYP CLUB is FREE, and it is easy to join. Simply visit http://www.cypclub.com/join-the-cyp-club.html and fill out our Membership Application. Membership is available only to those over the age of 21 who live and/or work in the greater Columbus area. We do not share or sell any personal information to third parties or send junk mail to members. Rather, we use the membership application as a way to plan events and judge our effectiveness in spreading word about the CYP CLUB. Once your application is approved, we will add you to our member roster and start sending you information about our events and activities. We generally send Member E-mails on Mondays or Tuesdays, and usually once every week. Make sure your e-mail program is set up to receive mail from events@cypclub.com.

Tell me about your upcoming events.
Please visit www.cypclub.com/events for full event listings, details, and to register for upcoming CYP CLUB events:

Wednesday, July 8
Summer Wine Tasting #1
@ Camelot Cellars, 7-9pm

Thursday, July 9
Summer Wine Tasting #2
@ Camelot Cellars, 7-9pm

Friday, July 10
CYP CLUB Culture Series: “Go Wild for Opera!”
@ the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 8pm
(Dinner/Drinks before the show @ Digger & Finch, 6pm)

Friday, July 24 - Saturday, July 25 - Sunday, July 26
Volunteering at the Jazz & Rib Fest
Volunteer opportunities at the Rib Judge’s area and VIP booth

Saturday, July 25
CYP CLUB Culture Series: The Grandview Hop
Check out the Hop with the CYP CLUB, details coming soon

Monday, July 27
CYP CLUB Member Dinner & New Member Orientation
Details coming soon, 6-8:30pm

Monday, July 27
Registration Deadline for CYP CLUB Golf Clinic Series II (Tuesdays @7pm)
Registration Deadline for CYP CLUB Golf Clinic Series II (Wednesdays @7pm)
Registration Deadline for CYP CLUB Golf Clinic Series II (Thursdays @7pm)
Registration Deadline for CYP CLUB Golf Clinic Series II (Sundays @3pm)

Friday, July 31
Dublin Irish Festival Tent Party with the CYP CLUB
@ Coffman Park, 5pm-midnight

July TBA
CYP CLUB Culture Series: “Rent”
@ Columbus Children’s Theatre, 7:30pm
(Pre-show meet-up @ Callahan's Pub, 6-7:30pm)

Saturday, August 1
CYP CLUB Culture Series: Picnic with the Pops: “OSU Marching Band”
on the grass @ the Chemical Abstracts Service lawn, 6pm

Tuesday, August 4
August Speaker Breakfast with Andrea Applegate from the Columbus Chamber
@ Champps Lennox, 7:30-9am

Friday, August 7
CYP CLUB Culture Series: CAPA Summer Movie Series: “Dirty Dancing”
@ the Ohio Theatre, 7:30pm

Wednesday, August 12
Volunteer Info Fair 2009
@ the Hilton Columbus at Easton, 4:30-8:30pm

Thursday, August 13
CYP CLUB Culture Series: Available Light Theatre's “Church”
@ the Riffe Center Studio Two Theatre, 8-10pm

Saturday, August 29
CYP CLUB Culture Series: The Grandview Hop
Check out the Hop with the CYP CLUB, details coming soon

August TBA
CYP CLUB Culture Series: Shakespeare in the Park: “The Tempest”
@ Schiller Park in German Village, 8pm

August TBA
CYP CLUB Culture Series: Shakespeare in the Park: “As You Like It”
@ Schiller Park in German Village, 8pm

Tuesday, September 1
September Speaker Breakfast with Cleve Ricksecker, Executive Director of Capital Crossroads and Discovery Special Improvement Districts
@ Champps Lennox, 7:30-9am

Thursday, September 24
CYP CLUB Culture Series: Available Light Theatre’s “Killadelphia”
@ Junctionview Studios, 8-10pm

Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4
CYP CLUB White Water Rafting Trip
Camping and Rafting in Fayetteville, West Virginia

Visit www.cypclub.com for more details or to register for upcoming events.

What are some successes or cool facts about CYP CLUB?
Founded in 2005, the CYP CLUB has grown to become the largest YP organization in Columbus, the largest in Ohio, and about the fifth largest in the entire United States – with more than 7,500 members! In February 2009, Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman issued a proclamation naming February 4th as “CYP CLUB Day” in the city of Columbus. The CYP CLUB hosts more than 150 unique events each year, in addition to offering ongoing volunteer opportunities and assistance with great local events such as the Arnold Fitness Classic, Jazz & Rib Fest, Slice of Columbus, and the YP Toy Drive for Kids. One of our biggest events – A Date 2 Remember, held in late January/early February – is a combination charity date auction and fashion show that has raised more than $40,000 for charity in the two years we have presented it, with an attendance of 700+ each year. Another one of our larger philanthropic events is the Volunteer Info Fair – a casual, networking expo event offering attendees a unique opportunity to connect with dozens of local non-profit organizations and their representatives, as we raise awareness of volunteerism among our members and the entire YP community of central Ohio. Several CYP CLUB members have been asked to serve on non-profit boards as a result of the VIF, and the event continues to grow each year. The CYP CLUB also offers 14 different sports through athletic leagues and ongoing tournaments throughout the year – including sand volleyball, kickball, bowling, and softball. We just added a golf clinic series and a biking club based on member feedback. In the four years we have existed we have helped bring in tens of thousands of dollars in donations, raised awareness, and created volunteer opportunities for dozens of local non-profit organizations. The CYP CLUB has hosted an annual Caribbean Cruise for members since 2008 and is adding white water rafting, skiing, and other local trips to our travel excursions for members. A new CYP CLUB Culture Series has aligned the CYP CLUB with more than a dozen local arts organizations such as CAPA, BalletMet, Opera Columbus, and Experience Columbus, just to name a few – to heighten the awareness of the arts among YPs throughout Columbus. The CYP CLUB’s networking/professional development offerings have showcased/hosted Cameron Mitchell, President/Founder of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants; Tanny Crane, CEO of The Crane Group; Donna James, former EVP at Nationwide Financial Services; Don DePerro, Publisher of Columbus BusinessFirst; Dave Sceva, Ohio President of US Bank; Doug Kridler, CEO of The Columbus Foundation; Phil Urban, President/CEO of Grange Insurance; Andrea Applegate of the Columbus Chamber; Scott Steinecker, President of PromoWest Pavilion; Jane Grote Abell, President of Donatos Pizza; Charles Penzone, Owner of Charles Penzone Salons; and countless other local executives and business leaders. There truly is something for everyone in the CYP CLUB!

Where can I go to learn more information?
Please visit our website at www.cypclub.com or email a member of the CYP CLUB Leadership Team at leadership@cypclub.com for more information. Events are held quite frequently, and are always listed at www.cypclub.com/events. We hope to see you at a CYP CLUB function soon!