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

Member Spotlight: Grace Motors

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 Grace Fine Motor Cars: Grace rents high-line luxury autos, Mini Cooper and Smart cars by the day or by the week.

Why We're Chamber Members: We're members because we believe that the growth of our fair city and suburbs is a always a good thing, and the Columbus Chamber is doing a lot to get us there. If the community grows, we grow.
 
Fun Facts about Grace Fine Motor Cars: We all have fun doing our job! Next to delivering flowers... delivering a shiny, highly detailed car to clients has got to be the best job ever. No one ever says, "That's not what I ordered. Take it back!"

Featured Product/Service: Our personalized service is what sets us apart. We deliver and retrieve all of our luxury and Mini Cooper autos for free in the central Ohio area, spoil our clients with their favorite treats, program the GPS and radio stations for them... just about anything they want we can try and provide them to make their experience with us exceed their expectations.

Learn more about Grace Fine Motor Cars at www.grace-motorcars.com/.

Member Spotlight: Pro Sign and Graphics

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 Pro Sign and Graphics Company: Pro Sign and Graphics is proud to offer over 20 years of sign industry experience and knowledge to your project. Our insistence on using only the best 3M materials with properly matched laminates has earned us the the privilege of working on projects all over the world. Based in Columbus, Ohio USA, our large indoor facility (climate controlled, secured & patrolled) is dedicated to large vehicle wraps and fleet graphics jobs.

Why We’re Chamber Members:  We are a Columbus Chamber Member because we recognize the need to become locally involved with other companies and organizations here in Central Ohio.  By adding our capabilities & services to the Chamber network we hope to add value to the business community and help increase networking connections for the rest of the members.  By helping others to the best of our ability we hope to continue our own growth and impact in the market area.

Fun Facts about Pro Sign and Graphics: Pro Sign and Graphics is unique in the fact that our service, as well as our attention to quality & detail, has led to many national & international graphics projects located throughout the United States and the world.  We have been honored to handle custom installation projects for multiple global destinations from Argentina to Thailand in addition to jobs all over the continental United States.  In particular, changing out the graphics for a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile for a hospital outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina was an exercise in dealing with culture shock as well an opportunity to see our work directly helping children in a distinctly disadvantaged situation.
 

Featured Product:  Our primary product and focus is the design, printing and installation of 3M custom vehicle wraps.  This product allows us to help increase the visibility & sales of organizations by completely covering their vans & trucks in full color graphics.  A targeted approach using a custom designed mobile marketing message has a proven track record in attracting attention and dramatically increasing awareness for our customers.  In addition, our insistence on using ONLY the industry's best 3M materials with 3M component matched laminates in conjunction with proper installation techniques ensures that our client

For more information visit: www.prosignandgraphics.com.

Guest Post: 10 things that make you a great workers’ compensation group rating program candidate

We asked our workers' compensation provider what characteristics make a company a good candidate for this savings program. Here's what they said:

1. A start-up company with a new workers’ compensation policy can qualify year 1 for maximum discount allowed by BWC towards their premium.  A business does not have to wait 1-2 years to qualify for discounts as they may in other states.
2. Current on all premiums, administrative costs, assessments, fines, etc. due to BWC (not more than 45 days past the due date by the group rating application deadline of February 28th)
3. Have no cumulative lapses in workers’ compensation coverage of 40 days in the past 12 months preceding the application deadline
4. Credit-rated or base-rated
5. Utilization of a transitional work program
6. Lower claims costs than expected for industry/manual classification
7. Low turnover – stable workforce
8. Safety minded organization – senior management that is active in developing and managing a safety plan to reduce and/or eliminate workforce injury claims
9. Organization that utilizes hiring best practices to attract quality employees
10.  Aggressive claims management philosophy and coordination with a third party administrator for representation to reduce claim costs

A no-nonsense guide to signing up for the Columbus Chamber’s workers’ compensation program.  It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3 !

1. Request a free, no-obligation quote through one of the following quick and easy methods:
2. 1. a.    Over the Phone - contact our third party administrator, CompManagement at (800) 825-6755, option 3 and speak to a Customer Support representative
   2. b.    Complete Online – click here http://resources.compmgt.com/AC3/GroupRating.aspx?Organization=ColumbusChamber
3. Watch your mail for information from CompManagement on your Group Savings Estimate
4. Complete the enrollment materials and return to CompManagment by the Group Rating application filing deadline of February 26, 2010

Guest post by CompManagement, the Columbus Chamber's Workers' Compensation provider.
View more information on Columbus Chamber Savings Programs here.

Learn more about CompManagement

Small Business Forum and Leader Awards

Join us tomorrow as we honor small businesses' impact on the Columbus region.

Small Business Forum and Leader Awards
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel
50 North Third Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Register Here

Passion. Vision. Determination. Creativity. It's all part of the entrepreneurial spirit that small business owners possess and share with others. Join the Columbus Chamber and the Columbus Chamber's Small Business Council for the Small Business Forum and Leader Awards as we celebrate our small business leaders and tap area experts to share valuable business information on sustainability, accessing capital, customer service, succession planning and much more.

Small Business Forum (7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
Small business is an ever-changing entity. A different economy. Stages of growth. There's always something new to deal with and lessons to learn. That's why the Columbus Chamber wants to keep you ahead of the learning curve. And, that's why this year's Small Business Forum and Leader Awards not only highlights our area's brightest and best business talent, but it's been designed to provide professional development opportunities.

Download the List of 2009 Forum Panel Presenters Here

Small Business Leader Awards Luncheon (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Celebrating entrepreneurial spirit is really what the Small Business Leader Awards are all about. Small business owners deserve recognition for what they bring to our region and how they inspire others. Columbus is known for its spirit of entrepreneurship and small businesses contribute greatly to our local economy. Join our Presenting Sponsor Commerce National Bank and Partner Business First as we honor these business leaders. Bea Wolper, Attorney at Law, Emens & Wolper Law Firm and Advisory Board Member, Conway Family Business Center of Central Ohio will be the luncheon keynote.

7:30 AM Registration
Continental Breakfast
Exhibitors and Networking

8:00 Keynote Speaker – Clark Kellogg, Basketball Analyst, CBS Sports

8:45 Morning Break and Exhibits

9:00 - 9:40

• Session I Commercial Investments: The Right Track, The Right Time
• Session II Accessing Capital: Your Financial Relationships
• Session III The Company You Keep; Employee Growth & Development
• Session IV Caring For Your Customers: Your Business Lifeline

9:50 - 10:30

• Session I Contacts 2 Contracts
• Session II Accessing Capital: Angel Investors and Banks
• Session III Effective Outsourcing for Your Business
• Session IV Caring For Your Customers: Your Business Lifeline

10:40 - 11:20

• Session I Going GREEN without Going RED
• Session II Succession Planning – A Graceful Exit: When and How
• Session III Effective Outsourcing for Your Business
• Session IV Take the Offensive: Making Your Plan in Advance

2009 Small Business Leader Award Finalists

Under $1 million

• Bill Balderaz, Founder, Webbed Marketing
• Mike Figliuolo, Managing Director, thoughtLEADERS, LLC

Over $1 million

• Kamal Boulos, President, The Refectory Restaurant and Bistro
• Kristen Harris & Catherine Lang-Cline, Owners, Portfolio Creative
• Dan Bashore, Managing Director, Operations; John Killacky, Managing Director of Sales & Business Development; Jerry Spencer, Director of Sales and Production; Bartha Audio Visual
• Bernie & Sandy Senser, CEO/CFO/Owners, CycleMET, Inc.
• Raymond Bohac, President & CEO, CallCopy, Inc.

Questions? Please contact: Somers Martin at 614-225-6919 or Somers_martin@columbus.org.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Young Buckeyes Alumni Club of Central Ohio

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 November, the Young Buckeyes Alumni Club of Central Ohio is featured.

When and why was the Young Buckeyes Alumni Club of Central Ohio started? 
Founded in 1986, the Young Buckeyes Alumni Club of Central Ohio is a group of Ohio State University Alumni who love to have a good time and give back to the community. The Club is composed of young professionals who are committed to participating in community-service activities, networking through monthly meetings and happy hours, and fundraising events. As a part of the Ohio State University Alumni Association, the Club's primary function is to provide scholarships to incoming OSU freshmen.

Why should I become a member? 
To give back to the University and help promote the Ohio State spirit.

How do I become a member?
Dues are $20 per year and you can sign up on our club website, www.youngbuckeyes.com.

Tell me about your upcoming event(s).
Monthly meetings are held at the Longaberger Alumni House the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm. On December 12th, we will be participating in the Young Professionals Toy Drive at Lodge Bar in the Arena District. Come join us and help support your community. Registration is not required for either event. View the event calendar here.

What are some successes or cool facts about Young Buckeyes? 
Our group staffs a beer port at Crew Stadium for home games to raise money for our scholarship fund.  We have awarded more than $12,000 to Central Ohio high school seniors over the past four years.

Where can I go to learn more information?
www.youngbuckeyes.com 

Small Business Leader Award Finalist: Raymond Bohac, CallCopy, Inc.

In its 25th year, the Small Business Forum and Leader Award (fondly SBFLA) program honors and recognizes leaders of small businesses who have achieved company success while contributing to the development of our community. We are grateful for the support of our Presenting Sponsor Commerce National Bank and Partner Business First, plus numerous sponsors who make this program possible. Each day before the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Award, we'll profile our finalists. 

Finalist: Over $1 Million in Revenue - Raymond Bohac CallCopy, Inc.

Ray Bohac is the founder, president and CEO of CallCopy, Inc., one of the fastest-growing companies in the call recording and quality monitoring industry. It was Bohac’s vision that first identified the market opportunity, laid the plans for the development of the company’s solution suite, cc: Discover, and built the team to bring the product to market.

Prior to founding CallCopy, Bohac worked with multiple call recording systems while working for a global BPO/outsourcer. He recognized that of all the applications installed, none had the capacity to scale quickly and affordably to accommodate the changing needs of the clients. A market niche was identified, and Bohac began planning the development of cc: Discover. The end-user was a key consideration in every phase of design, and the finished product was an easy-to-use and feature-rich application.

CallCopy has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2004. Unlike many small companies, CallCopy has achieved entirely organic growth with no outside investments, venture capital or debt. Because of its rapid growth, CallCopy was recently included in the 2009 Columbus Business First Fast Fifty list. In addition to its impressive expansion, CallCopy also takes pride in its people and products, winning both the 2008 Columbus Business First Best Place to Work award and the 2008 Product of the Year award from Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC).

Adding to his experience in corporate finance and business development, Bohac has extensive knowledge in IT systems administration and application programming, specifically within the realm of Computer-Telephony Integration (CTI). Bohac has been a featured speaker at various business and technology events
including the Ohio State Business Builders Club, TechColumbus and the PEP Talks. Bohac is also a founding member of Columbus TechLife, a grassroots group fostering greater culture and passion for social media, Internet, Web and other cutting-edge technology.

Award recipients will be announced at the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Awards on November 10, 2009.

Small Business Leader Award Finalist: Bernie & Sandy Senser CycleMET, Inc.

In its 25th year, the Small Business Forum and Leader Award (fondly SBFLA) program honors and recognizes leaders of small businesses who have achieved company success while contributing to the development of our community. We are grateful for the support of our Presenting Sponsor Commerce National Bank and Partner Business First, plus numerous sponsors who make this program possible. Each day before the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Award, we'll profile our finalists. 

Finalist: Over $1 Million in Revenue - Bernie & Sandy Senser
CycleMET, Inc.

Bernie and Sandy Senser, pioneers of the recycling industry, founded CycleMET in 1984. True entrepreneurs, the Sensers looked for an opportunity area that would combine their joint business backgrounds in scrap and financial management. After researching businesses and industries that were forecast to remain in growth and profit modes for the long term, recycling became their livelihood.

Prior to launching CycleMET, Bernie earned an industrial design degree from Columbus College of Art and Design and worked many years as a senior designer for Hoover and Admiral Corporations. In 1975 he joined the family business in Mansfield, OH where he obtained his scrap business knowledge and talent for

buying scrap metal. His design background has been instrumental in the creation of specialized equipment that has revolutionized the recycling business of CycleMET.

Sandy also grew up in a family-owned business which led to her becoming a CPA after earning a business degree from Miami University of Ohio. After working with Ernst & Young, she began consulting for many different industries including nonprofits and small manufacturers acting as controller and manager of accounting. She has extensive experience with accounting and human resource management
which has brought much to the CycleMET joint venture with Bernie. From their scrap metal start up on McKinley Avenue with only Bernie and Sandy to their expanded state of the art facility today located on Harrison Road with 8 employees, they offer such customer friendly conveniences as a drive-through
drop-off, computer generated receipts, candy, and coffee for each customer. Truly community-minded individuals, both Bernie and Sandy have volunteered countless hours in their service to community, civic, service, and educational organizations including terms as Columbus.

Award recipients will be announced at the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Awards on November 10, 2009.

Small Business Leader Award Finalist: Dan Bashore, John Killacky and Jerry Spencer, Bartha Audio Visual

In its 25th year, the Small Business Forum and Leader Award (fondly SBFLA) program honors and recognizes leaders of small businesses who have achieved company success while contributing to the development of our community. We are grateful for the support of our Presenting Sponsor Commerce National Bank and Partner Business First, plus numerous sponsors who make this program possible. Each day before the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Award, we'll profile our finalists.

Finalist: Over $1 Million in Revenue - Dan Bashore, John Killacky and Jerry Spencer, Bartha Audio Visual

When it began in 1946, Bartha Audio Visual was known as Bartha Visual Education Service. At the time, the company supplied audio/visual equipment mostly to The Ohio State University. Realizing that many companies had temporary audio/visual needs, the company grew and today is a fullservice event production and staging company.

Dan Bashore has been with Bartha since 1982, when he began as a part-time warehouse manager. Seeing the opportunity for growth, Bashore increased his knowledge of the business and helped to expand the company’s services to include videotape editing and duplication and event staging. In 2005, Bashore partnered with John Killacky to purchase the company and today is Managing Director of Operations. Killacky left a long career in the insurance industry to use his vast sales experience in the role of Managing Director of Sales & Business Development at Bartha. Starting with Bartha in 1988 as a part-time employee while attending college, Jerry Spencer brings more than 20 years of experience to Bartha and its clients. Knowing many facets of the business, Spencer serves the company as Director of Sales and Production. In this role, he understands both the creative and technical aspects of staging and production. 

Now in business for more than 60 years, Bartha Audio Visual has a dedicated staff of 40 employees and provides services to corporations, associations and religious organizations statewide and nationally. Bartha takes each client from creative concept to execution whether they are producing an event or showcasing their brand or message. Bartha was recently named to Business First’s “Fast 50” list of fast-growing companies in Central Ohio. They are ranked as one of the top Rental and Staging

Award recipients will be announced at the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Awards on November 10, 2009.

Small Business Leader Award Finalist: Kristen Harris & Catherine Lang-Cline, Portfolio Creative

In its 25th year, the Small Business Forum and Leader Award (fondly SBFLA) program honors and recognizes leaders of small businesses who have achieved company success while contributing to the development of our community. We are grateful for the support of our Presenting Sponsor Commerce National Bank and Partner Business First, plus numerous sponsors who make this program possible. Each day before the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Award, we'll profile our finalists. 

Finalist: Over $1 Million in Revenue - Kristen Harris & Catherine Lang-Cline, Portfolio Creative

  In her career, Kristen Harris has held several positions but the one thing that never changes is her involvement, connection and passion for the Central Ohio creative community. Business Partner Catherine Lang-Cline offers diverse experience from her 20 years in the advertising and marketing industry. Bringing their creativity and expertise together in 2005, the two co-founded Portfolio Creative, a niche staffing and recruiting firm focused on the marketing, advertising and design fields.

Prior to Portfolio, Kristen held a number of creative positions in the Columbus area including design and art direction responsibilities at Express, Structure, Limited Too and Victoria’s Secret. Lang-Cline worked for advertising agencies in Chicago before working with such companies as Spiegel, Bath and Body Works,
and Limited Too.

Both women are Certified Staffing Professionals with the American Staffing Association and are active members of a number of organizations including  Women Presidents’ Organization, Columbus Society of Communicating Arts, Advertising Federation of Columbus and the National Association of Women
Business Owners®.

Portfolio Creative was awarded Best Temporary Employment Agency from CEO Magazine in 2008 and 2009. It was also named to the Business First “Fast 50” List in 2008 and 2009. The agency is listed on the Inc. 500 list of Privately-Owned Businesses.

Harris and Lang-Cline founded Portfolio Creative with the goal of providing a better way of connecting creative talent with clients in the Central Ohio area. Client needs are filled on a freelance, contract or full time basis from a specialized network of top creative talent.

Award recipients will be announced at the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Awards on November 10, 2009.

Small Business Leader Award Finalist: Kamal Boulos, The Refectory Restaurant and Bistro

In its 25th year, the Small Business Forum and Leader Award (fondly SBFLA) program honors and recognizes leaders of small businesses who have achieved company success while contributing to the development of our community. We are grateful for the support of our Presenting Sponsor Commerce National Bank and Partner Business First, plus numerous sponsors who make this program possible. Each day before the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Award, we'll profile our finalists. 

Finalist: Over $1 Million in Revenue - Kamal Boulos, The Refectory Restaurant and Bistro

Growing up in the Catskills in New York provided opportunities to work in the mega resorts of the day. Working winters washing dishes from ages 14-18, Kamal says this experience was very influential in shaping his personal philosophy. For the next few years, he washed dishes and waited tables in other hotel resorts, such as the fabled Concord Hotel. At age 20, he was hired as the kitchen manager at Rock Horse Ranch Resort, which featured a dining room seating 500. Eventually he was promoted to Maitre D.

In 1976 Kamal moved to Columbus. For the first year, he worked at the Olde Church House Restaurant on and off to help out the owners, while he pursued a career selling securities. In 1977 he accepted a full time position as Assistant General Manager, and continued to work for those owners as General Manager from 1978-1981. In 1991 Kamal purchased the restaurant outright. His philosophy is to elevate the experience of the guest during the time they are at The Refectory. Accomplishing this on a daily basis is what drives him.

Boulos has always believed that wine is an every day beverage of moderation to be enjoyed with food in celebrating life. In 1981, a dream of building a world class wine cellar with 12 bottles of wine in a metal locker culminated ten years later with a 17,000 bottle wine cellar and the only restaurant in Ohio to receive The Wine Spectator’s Grand Award. The Refectory is one of only 95 restaurants world-wide to receive this prestigious award. Guests of The Refectory enjoy the benefit of the great commitment and patience required to cellar wines to reach their peak.

Kamal’s commitment to excellence in cuisine, service, and wines has been acknowledged by both guests and the many awards the restaurant has received.

Award recipients will be announced at the 2009 Small Business Forum and Leader Awards on November 10, 2009.