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

Create Columbus Commission (Columbus' Young Professionals Commission)

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

Did you know that Columbus has a Young Professionals Commission to serve as the “pulse” and sounding board on city quality of life issues? The Create Columbus Commission (Commission) is a volunteer working group that identifies strategies and tactics to better attract and retain young and talented individuals in Columbus. Commission members are appointed by Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Columbus City Council Member Andrew J. Ginther and Ty D. Marsh, President & CEO of the Columbus Chamber. As the Young Professionals Manager of the Columbus Chamber, I have the privilege to facilitate and support the work of this diverse group of young talent.

Yesterday, Mayor Coleman, Council Member Ginther, Ty Marsh and Alex Fischer, President & CEO of the Columbus Partnership, were invited to participate in a round table discussion at the Commission’s annual meeting. Also, six individuals were installed to serve on the Commission. I am pleased to welcome “veteran” Commission members as well as new members! The 25 individuals that currently serve on the Commission are (* denotes new Commission members installed on May 27, 2010):

• Lourdes Barroso de Padillia, Executive Director, City Year Columbus
• Robert Bickis, Jr., Real Estate Consultant/Broker, reSource Real Estate
• Amy Bishop, Advertising Manager, Dispatch Printing Co.
• *Benjamin Buckner, Enrollment Counselor, University of Phoenix
• Kacey Campbell (Co-Chair), Retail Recruiter, Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District
• Kate Christobek, Student at the Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University
• Travis Dent, Alternative Energy Resource Coordinator, American Electric Power
• Nicole L. Farrell (Co-Chair), Director of Development, Office of External Relations, Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University
• *Paul Haggard, Community Affairs and Diversity Director, Sterling Commerce, Inc.
• *Shannon Hardin, Policy Advisor, City of Columbus, Office of Mayor Michael B. Coleman
• Dawon Hawkins, Sr. Instructional Designer, EXPRESS
• Leigh Householder, Digital Brand Strategist, GSW Worldwide/Pink Tank
• Kareem Jackson, Co-owner, Milk Bar
• *Steve Michalovich, Communications Specialist, Nationwide Insurance
• Jon Myers, Co-Founder, JUFTi Games
• Yakima Nelson, Special Advisor, State of Ohio, Treasurer’s Office
• *Elisia Newsom, Recruiting Coordinator, Abercrombie & Fitch
• Ken Paul, Legislative Analyst, Columbus City Council
• Greg Schultz, State Director, Organizing for America
• *Nick Seguin, Principal, dynamIt and Principal, weBuild
• Dan Sharpe, Online Media Manager, The Columbus Foundation
• Oyango A. Snell, Attorney, Oyango A. Snell Law Firm LLC
• Mike Valo, Investment Officer, Huntington
• Josue Vicente, Executive Director, Ohio Hispanic Coalition
• TyKiah Wright, Executive Director, WrightChoice, Inc.

Background

In April of 2007, Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting recommended a work plan for Columbus that highlighted three strategies related to the young professionals demographic: “convince the convincibles; connect YPs to each other and to the City; and build a City that’s a Talent Magnet for Young Professionals.” Under the latter strategy, she recommended that “Mayor Coleman appoint a YP Commission – including transplants from large cities outside Ohio – to serve as his ‘pulse’ and sounding board on city quality of life issues.”

The YP Commission, now referred to as the Create Columbus Commission, was formed on May 24, 2007 by Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City of Columbus, City Council Member Kevin L. Boyce, City of Columbus, and Ty D. Marsh, President and CEO, Columbus Chamber.

The members of the Commission are defined as those who are “young” (e.g., 40 and younger) artists, entrepreneurs and professionals, and who are residents or employed in the Columbus metropolitan area. In addition, the Commission consists of individuals that are representative of the broad and diverse community of businesses, organizations and governments, as well as social, ethnic, and arts groups throughout the Columbus region.

The Commission is led by Co-Chairs, Kacey Campbell and Nicole Farrell. For more information on the Create Columbus Commission and its initiatives, please contact me or “like” the group's Facebook page.

Member Spotlight: Invergarry Partners

The success of every business venture should begin with the end in mind. A clear definition of success for your business allows you to plan for the resources you'll need along each step in the development of your enterprise. Invergarry Partners can guide you towards your Definition of Success and help you create a plan to finance it. You will have a banker on your side of the table.

Why We Are Chamber Members
As a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors and Small Business Council (and its chair in 2009-10), Parker MacDonell, Principal of Invergarry Partners, has seen first-hand the power of the Chamber in advocating for businesses and assisting them with education, networking events and member services.  Invergarry Partners also plans to take advantage of membership discounts in health care insurance.

The Chamber's Small Business Council works hard to connect small businesses with revenue opportunities through the Contacts2Contracts project. Parker is also very excited about the potential that economic development project Columbus 2020! holds for the community, especially for small businesses.

Fun Facts Invergarry Partners:
Parker founded this company after 24 years as a commercial banker with Bank One and CFBank and seven years as a private equity investor and member of the Ohio TechAngel Fund. His personal mission is to help others succeed, and he can help do that by connecting businesses with financing.

Featured Service
Parker MacDonell will perform a Quick Check for you and your business.  At the end of one hour, he will give you feedback and determine if Invergarry Partners can help your business be more successful by connecting it with financing. For more information visit the Invergarry Partners website at www.invergarrypartners.com or the company blog at www.invergarrypartners.com/blog/.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Capital Club's Young Executive Board

Each month, the Columbus Chamber spotlights 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 May, the Capital Club's Young Executive Board is featured.

When and why was the Young Executive Board (YEB) started?
The Young Executive Board was formed in 2006 and is comprised of 20-30 Capital Club members under the age of 40. The group acts as representatives for the young professional demographic of the club working in conjunction with its governing body, club management and club ownership. Its internal mission is to help its members achieve professional development and meaningful relationships through programming, philanthropy and social interactions at the Capital Club.

Why should I become a member?
The YEB seeks to provide unique leadership opportunities to its members, invest in the Central Ohio community, promote the Capital Club, and facilitate relationships among club members. We do this by enriching our members’ personal and professional experience through committee participation via one of our committees (Membership, Programs, Social and Philanthropy), club programming and member relationships. Our committees are designed to assist members in preparing for and connecting with charitable boards throughout Central Ohio, thus making a meaningful impact on the community in which we live and work. The club’s programming as well as member relationships offer the opportunity to develop important skills and relationships. Given the strength and attractiveness of the Capital Club’s member base, the YEB is a great avenue for involvement in the club and community while being connected to some of the city’s most influential individuals.

How do I become a member?
Membership on the YEB is available to Capital Club members who express interest in community leadership, social responsibility and other specific criteria. Admittance to the board takes place via selection by current YEB members. Information regarding membership in the Capital Club and the YEB can be obtained by visiting our website or by contacting Kate Green at (614) 228-0225 or kgreen@capitalcolumbus.com.

Tell me about your upcoming events.
Most of our events are only available to Capital Club and YEB members specifically. However, keep an eye out on our website for upcoming Power Breakfasts, which feature influential leaders in an intimate environment and are open to non-members.

Also, the YEB’s signature annual charitable event is Monte Carlo Masquerade. The masquerade is a casino-themed, black-tie optional affair that offers a fun opportunity to benefit a unique local charity as well as mingle with lots of great people. This year, it will be held on the evening of November 5. More details regarding the event will be posted on the event website in coming months.

What are some successes or cool facts about the YEB?
Our successes are all results of our members. We have a great group of individuals who are accomplished in their own right, but are also inspired to achieve alongside fellow members. A few success stories… On the individual front, several of our members have been recognized on Business First’s “40 Under 40” list, most recently Kimberly Blackwell of PMM Agency. Collectively, we helped the club start a new program that we think we will be incredibly valuable to its participants and the Columbus community as a whole. It is called the “Capital Club Ladder Society” and it is a nine-month leadership training program focused on developing a young professional’s personal and professional leadership skills. Lastly, we are really excited about the philanthropic work we are doing. We will be launching an innovative board training and matching program that will assist our members in obtaining board seats on local non-profit boards. Given the amount of interest and opportunity that exists in that space, we are excited to be leading the way in helping young professionals meaningfully invest in Columbus.

Where can I go to learn more?
To learn more about the YEB, you can contact the Capital Club’s Membership Director, Kate Green, at (614) 228-0225 or kgreen@capitalcolumbus.com.

To learn about nearly 60 other local YP and professional organizations, view the Columbus Chamber's directory of YP and professional organizations. 

Answers to your questions about MCO open enrollment

By Jason Bainum, Manager of Marketing & Member Services

Part of my job at the Columbus Chamber is to manage the savings programs for our members. One of our key programs is for workers’ compensation managed care.

The Managed Care Organization (MCO) open enrollment period runs May 3-28. There has been some confusion regarding the program, so we’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions to help our members better understand their option.

When does the open enrollment process begin and end? 
The 2010 MCO open enrollment period began at 7:30 a.m. May 3 and ends at 5:30 p.m. May 28

Whom does the Columbus Chamber endorse as the preferred workers managed care organization?
The Columbus Chamber endorses CareWorks, a BWC certified Managed Care Organization (MCO), as the preferred partner for workers’ compensation managed care services. We selected CareWorks after a thorough analysis of several MCOs.

Do I need a managed care organization?
Yes, State fund employers have two opportunities to select a managed care organization (MCO).

•    A new employer has approximately 30 to 60 days to select an MCO. The new employer will receive a new employer kit. Included in this kit is an MCO selection guide. This guide provides instructions to the employer on how to select a managed care organization (MCO) to medically manage their workers' compensation claims. If the employer does not choose, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) may automatically assign an MCO.

•    The second opportunity an employer has to select an MCO is during open enrollment. This only occurs once every two years. If an employer does not want to change MCOs, then no action is required.

Do I pay a fee to the Managed Care Organization?
No, there are no direct costs for MCO services. MCO fees are included with an employer’s BWC premium.

Are there fees for Third Party Administrative services or to join a group rating program?
Yes, there is normally a fee to participate in a group plan or hire a third party administrator to manage an employer’s claims.

What is the difference between a Managed Care Organization and Third Party Administrator?
MCOs are responsible for the medical management of Ohio employers’ work-related injuries and illnesses. Every employer in Ohio must have an MCO, which is paid for directly by the BWC. TPA is responsible for the administrative and financial aspects of the employers workers’ compensation program. Employers pay for these services.

If you are responsible for your workers’ compensation program, it is important to have a fundamental understanding of the roles of a MCO and a Workers’ Compensation Third Party Administrator. Both MCOs and TPAs play important roles in helping employers control workers’ compensation costs.

You can read about the Chamber’s MCO program on the Chamber’s website.

If you have any question, please contact me at 614.225.6949 or jason_bainum@columbus.org.

Member Spotlight: Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through thousands of human services programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps nearly 2 million people across the country – more than 14,000 in Greater Ohio alone.

Our Hire A Vet program seeks to partner with local employers to help veterans obtain employment. In addition to showing gratitude to a United States veteran, employers have access to federal bonding and tax credits as a result of the 2009 Recovery Act primarily available under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), FREE candidate referrals, extended candidate background information, and the security of a veteran liaison assigned to each employee with the purpose of providing continued support during the veteran’s employment and helping prevent any potential issues.

Why We’re Chamber Members: We are striving to reach out to the Columbus business community and expand our network of local employers. We are passionate about the veterans we serve and will take any opportunity to tell others about the work we do to support them.

Fun Facts about Volunteers of America:
•    Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 – a social movement stemming from the same family that founded The Salvation Army.
•    Volunteers of America has been providing aid to veterans since World War I.

Featured Product/Service: Our Hire A Vet program works to link local employers with veterans. Partnership with Volunteers of America is a win-win. Our veterans obtain viable employment and the employer can receive federal bonding, tax credits and many other benefits. Partnership doesn’t require long-term commitments or agreements. We simply want to know you are interested in helping our veteran heroes achieve their goals.

Contact Sara Dodeci, program director, at (614) 351-1881 x1407 or sara.dodeci@voago.org for more information on the Hire A Vet program. Learn more about Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio at www.voago.org.

Quality of Life: In the eye of the beholder

By Andrea Applegate, Director of Workforce Development

There’s much conversation these days about the great quality of life in the Columbus region and how it translates to economic development.  Did you catch 10TV’s “Central Ohio 2015: A Community Visioning Project” ? Perhaps you saw the article on ColumbusUnderground regarding the 12 Ideas Laid Out for Downtown 2010 Strategic Plan.  Maybe you were one of the 6,000 central Ohio residents who responded to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) survey,  Shaping our Future: the Regional Plan for Central Ohio, to share your opinion about what you think are our community’s assets and what you would like to see changed.  Indeed, my colleague, Robbie Banks, recently boasted that Columbus is a Terrific Place to be a Young Professional. 

I believe Columbus is a terrific place to be. Period.  We have the #1 zoo, the #1 library, and the #1 science museum right here in central Ohio.  Columbus recently played host to the Ohio Rugby Classic at Berliner Park. Columbus has a polo club, an active community of fans and supporters of the MLS Columbus Crew, and Walk! magazine rated the New Albany Walking Classic as “America’s Best Walking Event.”  Columbus’ own Jazz Arts Group was awarded a $200,000 grant by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to create a national model for building jazz and music audiences, entitled the Jazz Audiences Initiative.  How cool is that? 

Not all of these amenities directly appeal to me, but I am proud to live in a community with nationally ranked and recognized assets, a diverse array of clubs and interest groups, and arts and culture diversions of the highest caliber to stimulate the mind and nurture the soul. Oftentimes, when contemplating a move to (or from) a community, people have a list of criteria they expect to be present in their new hometown.  These attributes may be stated or unstated, and they are as personal and varied as the individuals themselves. Each of us seeks a particular quality of life.  Even though we may never take advantage, simply knowing those things are available if we wanted them is satisfaction enough.  I love that in Columbus you can live whatever kind of life you want to lead.  I look around at all the residential construction downtown.  Downtown living may not be for me at this stage of my life, but I’m grateful to see new residences being built because I know there are folks who do want to live downtown.  Now they can in Columbus, rather than moving to another city that will satisfy their interests.  Of course, in addition to being an “urban hipster” living in a downtown high rise, you can be a suburban soccer mom/dad, or you can live in a farmhouse out in the country.  In the Columbus region, we have the Best of Everything. 

So how does a broad and diverse quality of life positively impact economic development? How do bike lanes, farmers' markets and high-quality daycare impact our ability to attract and retain a workforce? When we offer a lifestyle and quality of life that appeals to a wide variety of people—artists, entrepreneurs, school teachers, physicians, business professionals, civic leaders, rodeo clowns, motorcycle cops, chemical engineers, etc.—we will have the people to work in those jobs, for those companies who create those products and/or conduct those services.  So, even if that club or show or building is not important to you, it’s likely important to someone else: a customer, client, employee—even a family member.  It’s likely important to someone else who is important to you.

Dental Care Plus Group

The Dental Care Plus Group (DCPG) is a regional dentist-owned dental insurance company unlike any other health carrier you've ever worked with. The company enters each new market with the intention of planting deep roots and becoming part of the community. In this way we empower healthy communities wherever we operate through relationships built on balance, flexibility and transparency.
 
Why We’re Chamber Members: One of the first ways to become part of the community and to learn about a market (datawise and peoplewise) is to join the local chamber. Of course, as soon as I met some chamber employees, I realized how warm and engaging they were. With such an open and gracious welcome, how could I not immediately join?

Fun Facts about DCPG:
1.  Everyone brushes and flosses.
2.  Twice a year, we have "waffle day" for employees.  Even the CEO gets into the act of making waffles and other breakfast staples. Of course, everyone brushes and flosses afterward.
3. We never go anywhere without a supply of toothbrushes and floss to give away.

Featured Product/Service: DCPG offers employer-sponsored dental insurance plans for groups of two or more in central Ohio. The outstanding feature associated with  all of our products is exceptional customer service -- for the members enrolled in our plans, for the employers who sponsor the plans, for the employee benefit brokers and for the dentists in our network. Managed care is not generally associated with excellent customer service, but DCPG is the exception. We're like the Nordstrom's or Zappo's of health insurance.
 
For more information, visit www.dentalcareplus.com.

Chamber Government Day Puts Economic Development Public Policy in the Spotlight

By Steve Tugend, Vice President, Government Relations

With yesterday’s primary election, government office holders and policies have been in the spotlight. I’m even more excited about the Columbus Chamber Government Day event, which will be held May 14 at the Athletic Club of Columbus.

Each year at Government Day, some of the region's and state's most important policy makers come together with business. The state of Ohio faces some significant obstacles to emerging from the recession, and the business community needs to be informed about how government can help.

The 2010 agenda will include a morning of roundtable discussions where attendees sit at the same table as public policy experts in areas such as workforce, infrastructure, and economic development.

Following the informative morning sessions, the Government Day luncheon program will feature a post-primary discussion between Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern and Ohio Republican Party Chair Kevin DeWine. It will be moderated by political-scene veteran, Mike Curtin, associate publisher emeritus of the Dispatch Printing Company and chairman of the Columbus Chamber Government Affairs Steering Committee.

I hope you’ll join us. Tickets for Government Day are $50. To register for this half-day event, visit the Columbus Chamber event page.