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: DOmedia

DOmedia is the out-of-home (OOH) media industry's most comprehensive database and tool-set of alternative, traditional and digital OOH media.  DOmedia simplifies the process of buying and selling out-of-home media by connecting agencies, advertisers and media providers through our directory and online tools.
Consumers are spending more time away from their homes and have increasing control of what and how they view advertising media.  DOmedia helps agencies and advertisers discover what the ever-expanding out-of-home media industry has to offer in new and effective advertising strategies.
Born and raised in Columbus, DOmedia is a entrepreneurial, technology company funded by NCT Ventures.

Why We’re Chamber Members:
The Chamber offers a young company like DOmedia the services and connections it needs to grow successfully with access to important resources and contacts in the business community.

Fun Facts about DOmedia:
The company counts the OSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Builders Club as partners and sources for talented entrepreneurs in our company!

Featured Products/Services:
DOfind is DOmedia's lastest product - a subscription service that offers unparalleled search capabilities and information access to our database.  Enhanced capabilities include full geographic (region, state, market as well as proximity) as well as demographic search functionality to help agencies and advertisers find media solutions to specific advertising objectives.
Subscribers also have access to media planning information including specific locations, rate card, audience & creative specifications to help them quickly find and build "pitches" as well as sources to execute award winning campaigns.

For more information: www.domedia.com

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations. To submit your member organization for a spotlight contact Michelle Bretscher.

Celebrate your success: Small Business Leader Awards deadline is approaching

 

 

By Somers L. Martin, Manager, Business Development Services

Small businesses are at the heart of everything we do at the Columbus Chamber. And as manager of business development services here, small business is my focus. In fact, it’s my passion.

One of the best parts of my job is being involved with the Small Business Forum & Leader Awards.

For 25 years, the Small Business Leader Award has celebrated success and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Mike Rosati, president of Rosati Windows, a 2005 SBLA recipient and the honorary chair of the 2010 event, understands the significance of this award.

“The Small Business Leader Award underscores how much it means to establish good relationships and run a business that values integrity, excellence and outstanding customer service,” he has said.

Small Business Leader Award recipients are part of an elite group of business owners and entrepreneurs representing some of the best small businesses in Columbus. Last year’s winners include: Bill Balderaz of Webbed Marketing, Kamal Boulos of The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro, Jerry Spencer, Dave Bashore and John Killacky of Bartha Audio Visual and Tom Hastings of Computer Site Columbus. For the complete list of past recipients visit: http://www.columbus.org/member-center/event-details/sbfla-previous-award-recipients.php

The 2010 finalists will be recognized in Business First of Columbus. Recipients will be announced at the Small Business Forum & Leader Awards luncheon on Tuesday, November 9.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, September 9 at 5 p.m. What are you waiting for? For more details and to download the application visit: http://www.columbus.org/member-center/event-details/sbfla-award-application.php

For more details about the Small Business Forum and Leader Awards event visit: http://www.columbus.org/member-center/events/?id=158

I look forward to reading about your business’ success in your application. And I look forward to seeing you on November 9.

Last Chance to Travel to China!

By Cathy Amato, Manager, Member Services

This year the Columbus Chamber is proud to have launched a new travel program for our members and the community. Our first tour will depart in November to China. Seats are filling fast, and the registration deadline is approaching. We'd hate to have you miss this opportunity. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the trip.

Where are we going? Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou & Shanghai, China

When are we going? November 10-18, 2010

Who is going? This trip is open to anyone who loves to travel.

How much will it cost? $2,399 (Based on double occupancy. Includes round-trip airfare, 20 meals, first-class hotel accommodations and tons of sightseeing!)

Are we leaving from Columbus? Yes, the Port Columbus International Airport.

Is it easy? Yes! Everything is handled for you. Many of the tours are guided and everything is already planned by our partner, Premier World Discovery.

What will we do there? See famous sites such as the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, West Lake, Summer Palace, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Explore a new culture. Eat delicious food. Meet other Columbus business executives.

What’s the deadline to register? Deposits must be received by Friday, September 10 at 5 p.m.

Where can I find out more information and view a preliminary itinerary? All the details are provided on the Chamber's travel page.

If you have any questions, please email me at cathy_amato@columbus.org or call me at 614.225.6901.

 

Member Spotlight: BearCom, Inc.

BearCom , Inc.  provides a broad line of high-performance wireless communications products, services and complete mobility solutions. Some of our partners include major manufacturers and industry innovators such as:

• Motorola
• Icom
• Sprint Nextel
• Sony
• Firetide
• Avaya
• Telex
• Positron
• Raytheon JPS
• Honeywell
• OTTO
• Zetron
• and more

BearCom sells, rents and services two-way radios, cellular phones, smart phones, mobile broadband cards, radio dispatch systems, radio interoperability systems, IP media servers and gateways, IP video surveillance cameras, mesh broadband networks, point-to-point bridges, remote call boxes and emergency communications solutions.

Thousands of customers around the world depend on BearCom to keep them connected... everywhere, all the time.

Why We’re Chamber Members:
We chose to join the Columbus Chamber to reach out to as many businesses in our geographical area as possible, in addition to offering them the latest and greatest wireless communications products on the market today!

Fun Facts about BearCom:
BearCom was founded in 1981, is headquartered in Dallas and employs over 400 people across the USA. BearCom is the largest independent dealer in the country for both Motorola and Icom America, Inc., two-way radio companies.  BearCom has 28 offices across the country, with our location in Westerville, OH being our local office in Central Ohio.

Featured Product/Service:
BearCom's "bread and butter" is the design, sale and implementation of wireless, two-way radio systems. We service: hotels/motels, schools, manufacturing and logistical companies, construction, property management, etc. The list includes most anyone that needs to communicate either within their own facility or across the world!

For more information: www.bearcom.com/ 

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations. To submit your member organization for a spotlight contact Michelle Bretscher.
 

Member Spotlight: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA (WWR)

Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA (WWR), celebrating 80 years of experience, provides comprehensive bankruptcy, collection, litigation and real estate default services to creditors throughout the nation including major banks & financial institutions, mortgage lenders & servicers, commercial creditors, government entities, insurance companies, credit unions, service organizations, medical and utility companies.

Recognized as the largest creditors’ rights law firm in the nation, as ranked by Collections & Credit Risk magazine, WWR’s practice areas include bankruptcy, collection services, corporate & financial services, legal action recovery, litigation & defense, probate, real estate default (foreclosure, eviction, title & REO) and subrogation.

The firm has offices in Brooklyn Heights (OH), Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Grove City (OH), Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Why We’re Chamber Members:
We feel it is important to support and be a part of the communities for which we are located and in which we serve. For local business with account receivables, WWR can help.

Fun Facts About WWR:

• WWR was founded in 1930.
• WWR is celebrating its 80th anniversary.
• WWR is a full-service creditor rights practice.
• WWR has over 100 attorneys and more than 1000 legal assistants, collectors, support personnel and administrative staff.
• The WWR Columbus office opened in 1981 and the Grove City office opened in 2002 by Managing Partner, Allen J. Reis.
• WWR Columbus and Grove City offices include 14 attorneys and over 200 personnel.
• Partner Terry Heffernan Retires; Doug Dahmer Is Promoted.
• WWR employees and clients team up to provide meals to families at the YWCA Family Center bi-monthly.
• WWR employees and clients work together at the MidOhio Foodbank monthly.

Featured Product/Service:
The WWR Mission Statement is to “Deliver superior results to our clients, drawing upon our expertise in creditors’ rights.” We promise to always pursue our mission in a professional manner, with the utmost integrity and respect for our clients, our employees and for the communities in which we serve.

For more information: www.weltman.com
WWR Real Estate Default Group website: www.realestatedefaultgroup.com
Bankruptcy Blog: wwrbankruptcy.com
Subrogation Blog: wwrsubrogation.com
Replevins (Collateral Recovery) Blog: wwrreplevins.com
Credit Union Blog: thatcreditunionblog.com

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations. To submit your member organization for a spotlight contact Michelle Bretscher.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club

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 August, Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club is featured.
 
When and why was Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club started?
Rotaract has evolved quickly in its short but dynamic history. In the early 1960s, Rotary clubs around the world began to sponsor university youth groups as community service projects. The 1967-68 Rotary International president, Luther H. Hodges, and the RI Board of Directors considered this club activity to have international relevance, and Rotaract was approved in 1968 as an official program for Rotary clubs. Several decades later, the Rotaract program has grown into a strong, international network of 7,300 clubs in more than 150 countries and geographical areas. Rotaract's 145,000 members are young men and women who serve the needs of their communities, widen their personal and professional contacts, and increase their understanding of the world.

The Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club was founded in the fall of 2007, receiving its official charter in May 2008. Columbus Rotaract is sponsored by Columbus Rotary which supports the club through mentoring, professional development, fellowship and financial means. The Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals has over 40 members.

Why should I become a member?
The purpose of the Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club is to provide an opportunity for its members to serve the community by participating in service projects that make a difference and to develop professional skills by creating venues to learn from proven leaders. As a Columbus Rotaract member you will:

• Contribute to the community where you work and play through a variety of monthly service activities.
• Build relationships with the Columbus Rotary club, central Ohio's largest Rotary chapter.
• Gain access to Columbus-area professional through quarterly development meetings.
• Connect with new people who have common interests through social events.

How do I become a member?
Just send a quick e-mail noting your interest in joining Columbus Rotaract to our membership chair, Kirstin at membership@columbusrotaract.org. We will send you an informational packet and connect with you to discuss Columbus Rotaract in more detail! You may also attend one of our upcoming events that are listed within the Columbus Chamber’s Activities and Events for Young Professionals weekly emails. Feel free to attend events to learn more about Columbus Rotaract before joining. Membership dues are $50 annually.

Tell me about your upcoming events.
During the upcoming months we have several events planned, including:

• Alex Fischer, president & CEO of The Columbus Partnership, will join us for a luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at the Huntington Building, Floor 11. Alex will share how more than 600 Central Ohio business leaders have collaborated to create a bold initiative that will position Columbus to become the fastest growing economy in the country. Columbus2020! is a comprehensive economic development strategy for our region to grow 180,000 net new jobs, increase income by 40 percent and make Columbus a top 10 city in economic development in the nation. You won’t want to miss this lunch! RSVP at www.columbusrotaractalexfischer.eventbrite.com.

Join us at these two fantastic events to volunteer for in one weekend, August 21 and 22!

• Junior Achievement needs help staffing its registration tables at the Bowl-a-thon this year! Join us for a quick shift lasting an hour and half, making it easy to squeeze into your busy schedule! Saturday, August 21, 4:45 - 6:15 p.m.; Sunday, August 22, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
• PELOTONIA is a grassroots bicycle tour with one goal: to end cancer. Columbus Rotaract is extending the invitation to volunteer along the route from Columbus to Athens. For various volunteer opportunities check out http://www.pelotonia.org/ride/volunteer.jsp.

Don’t miss out on the following opportunities to network and meet other young professionals as we venture out for two upcoming events:

• Columbus Rotaract will be attending Cocktails at the Conservatory on Thursday, August 26 at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 and may be applied toward food and beverage purchases. Let us know you’ll be attending at www.columbusrotaractcoctailsatfpc.eventbrite.com.
• Don’t miss out as we support the Nationwide’s Children’s Hospital Slice of Columbus on Wednesday September 15 at 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $12. Let us know you’ll be joining us at www.columbusrotaractsliceofcolumbus.eventbrite.com. We will set up a meeting location for those in attendance!

What are some successes or cool facts about Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club?

• Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club golf scramble, a Round to Remember, has contributed over $10,000 to Alzheimer’s Association, Central Ohio Chapter.
• Columbus Rotaract partners with Junior Achievement and Columbus Rotary to host the annual Barons of Business Professional Development Luncheon recognizing Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame. The 2010 honorees include: Larry Abbott, Retired Chairman, Abbott Foods; David Bianconi, Founder and CEO, Progressive Medical, Inc.; Sandra Harbrecht, President and CEO, Paul Werth Associates; and William J. Lhota, President and CEO, Central Ohio Transit Authority. Save the Date: Monday, January 24, 2011.
• Columbus Rotaract has featured key business leaders through its Speaker Series including Tanny
  Crane, Elizabeth Lessner, Cameron Mitchell, Michael Schoedinger, Jane Abell, and Andrea Cambern.

Where can I go to learn more?
To learn more about the Columbus Rotaract YP you can go to www.columbusrotaract.org or contact us at membership@columbusrotaract.org.

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

Citizen Engagement Efforts Strive to Revitalize Detroit and Cleveland

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

Last month, I attended the Great Lakes Cities: Urban Laboratories, a conference in Cleveland for emerging leaders who are creative, forward-thinking, and devoted to the revitalization of their home towns. It was my third year attending this annual GLUE (Great Lakes Urban Exchange) conference to proudly represent Columbus. I was intrigued with two volunteer-driven movements to engage citizens in local policy, elections, and public decision-making in Detroit and Cleveland: Declare Detroit and Cleveland Coalition.

Declare Detroit
The purpose of the Detroit Declaration is “to elect leadership who will be our allies in a new vision for Detroit and to hold them accountable for upholding the principles outlined in the Declaration.” By signing the Declaration, individuals are making a personal commitment to promote these principles in their daily life and work. Furthermore, they are agreeing to help elect leaders who support them and advocate for policies that uphold them. Approximately 4,000 individuals have signed the Detroit Declaration Detroit Declaration and more than 12,000 people like the group’s Facebook page.

Cleveland Coalition
The Cleveland Coalition is a civic organization of Clevelanders working to create and sustain a more vibrant, healthy and connected community by building civic imagination, community participation and leadership capacity. The coalition’s events allow citizens to participate in policy discussions and empower citizens to take action through the philosophy of “Educate. Collaborate. Act”. The issues and ideas engaged by the coalition focus on quality of life, economic innovation and social equity. The Coalition advocates for these issues through partnerships with existing institutions. To date, the Coalition has focused on one issue, Crooked River Gaming, in which the Coalition’s desire is to make the casino successful not only for its owner and operator but also for the city of Cleveland.

These movements reminded me of local initiatives, efforts and organizations that advocate for issues that are important such as Casino-Free Columbus and the Create Columbus Commission (Columbus’s Young Professionals Commission). However, I’m interested in your thoughts. What do you think about the movements in Detroit and Cleveland? Are there similar efforts in Columbus? What issues or ideas would you like to advocate for in Columbus?

Member Spotlight: ARC Industries

ARC Industries is a contract fulfillment company providing a valuable labor resource pool to other public and private sector businesses. Our employees, adults with developmental disabilities, specialize in hands-on work for products and services.

Why We’re Chamber Members:
We could not promote our services and the talents of our employees without organizations such as Columbus Chamber providing a platform and venue. Over the years, we have met countless businesspersons who have become customers, vendors or advocate ambassadors through our association.

Fun Facts About ARC Industries:
Adults who have developmental disabilities and find employment through ARC Industries pour over a quarter million dollars back in local, state and federal taxes annually. We are the 57th largest employer in central Ohio. ARC’s 1,300+ employees perform contract work for more than 85 local and national customers.

Featured Product/Service:
Whether it be labeling, ticketing, scanning, collating or assembling, ARC employees are best noted for their quality attention to each good that requires their skills to complete – machines cannot answer all the production needs of the business community.

For more information: www.arcind.com

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations. To submit your member organization for a spotlight contact Michelle Bretscher.

Member Spotlight: Capital Club

For more than 20 years, Capital Club has offered professionals the opportunity to rub elbows not only with their peers, but also with prominent members of the Columbus community. The Capital Club was created to provide a fresh business approach to private, city club membership, convenient to downtown businesses and the Statehouse.

Capital Club's charter members envisioned an upscale, service-oriented atmosphere, where anyone who shared their vision would be welcomed to socialize and do business.  Founded at a time in history when not everyone was accepted for membership at area clubs, Capital Club was a pioneer, establishing a policy of inclusion and celebrating diversity since the Club's inception.

Why We're a Chamber Member:
The Chamber has such wonderful resources and tools for companies of all sizes in the greater Columbus area. The Capital Club is proud to be a Columbus Chamber member.

Fun Facts about Capital Club:

• Did you know…the Capital Club currently has the highest outdoor dining terrace in downtown Columbus? Whether networking, entertaining, celebrating, meeting, greeting, eating or retreating, you can do it all at the Capital Club.
• The Capital Club has both women and men as part of its founding members, which was rare in the timeframe of the Club opening. Plus, any member can enjoy exceptional, personalized service and a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere among friends, family, colleagues and like-minded professionals.
• Capital Club has premier, fully-equipped athletic facilities, impressive people, food, amenities, customer service and tremendous opportunities for business and leisure.
• Capital Club is centrally and conveniently located in downtown Columbus across from the Statehouse.

Featured Product/Service
Capital Club is now offering a special membership promotion for Chamber Members. 
Call today and receive 10 percent off any new individual membership for being part of the Columbus Chamber.  Go to http://www.capitalcolumbus.com/membership/classifications for rates.

Capital Club has so much to offer. We're first and foremost a business club and that's exactly what happens — over breakfast, lunch or even on the court. Here, members and their families can dine, celebrate, network and play.

As a ClubCorp® Affiliate Club, we are pleased to offer our members reciprocal benefits at any of ClubCorp's clubs and resorts worldwide. So, your benefits — and the attentive service you receive here — travel with you nearly anywhere life may take you.

Interested in corporate memberships?  Capital Club is now offering tiered Corporate Membership Packages to ensure you have the right fit for your company and employees.  Rates start as low as $60 a person.  Contact Kate Green at kgreen@capitalcolumbus.com or 614-228-0225 to learn more.

For more information: www.capitalcolumbus.com.

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations. To submit your member organization for a spotlight contact Michelle Bretscher.