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: Columbus Rotary

As one of the largest Rotary Clubs in the world, Columbus Rotary takes pride in building communities, businesses and friendships. 
Its members are executives and professionals who meet weekly for programs, networking, friendship and interesting speakers from our community and the world. 

Why Columbus Rotary is a Chamber Member:
Columbus Rotary has maintained its membership in the Chamber for the training, support and networking with the business community that the Chamber provides. Unlike many Rotary clubs, the Columbus Rotary maintains a small staff and office that benefit by this association.    

Interesting Facts about Columbus Rotary:
Founded in 1912 as the 38th Rotary International club, Columbus Rotary has 400 members committed to effecting positive and enduring change in the lives of others. It takes pride in serving District 6690 in Southeastern Ohio.

Featured Service:
The Columbus Rotary also supports local and international communities with funding, programming and hands-on service.  It is service above self.

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations. View our archive of past spotlights.

Green Member Spotlight: Grossman Environmental Recycling, Inc.

Grossman Environmental Recycling, Inc.(GER) is a local, national and international recycling company specializing in finding new uses for recyclables, avoiding the landfill. GER specializes in all types of paper and plastic recyclables, recycling equipment and consulting. Industrialbags.com, Inc., a sister to GER, specializes in distributing a wide variety of plastic bags, Gaylord liners, film, sheeting, bulk bags and lumber wrap.

Why We’re Chamber Members:
GER and IndustrialBags.com have been Chamber members for several years. The opportunity to meet new members, as well as the older members, has proven invaluable. The opportunity to present the companies and their specialties has enriched our marketing programs, as well as provided an experienced very green company for everyone, long before green was green. As a Green Council member, we pride ourselves on working with many other green companies, or companies who simply want to become greener and seek information.

Interesting Facts about Grossman Environmental Recycling:
One item we recycle is hard and soft cover books, assuring them of a fairy-tale ending.

Featured Product/Service:
A few short months ago, Industrialbags.com introduced the BioBag, 100% Biodegradable and 100% Compostable. This bag is approved by the USDA BioPreferred Program and is now featured on the Bio Preferred website.

For more informtaion, visit: www.grossmanenvironmentalrecycling.com, www.industrialbags.com and www.Lumber-Wrap.net.

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations. View our archive of past spotlights.

Member Spotlight: Peebles Creative Group (PCG)

Peebles Creative Group is proud to call northwest Columbus home to our team of great listeners and creative thinkers. We’re a full-service marketing firm in business over 13 years, with a strong portfolio of work and a service offering ranging from marketing plan development to branding to collateral, ad and web design.

Integrity and enthusiasm for our clients are at the core of how we operate at PCG. We provide clarity, focus and momentum and we’re best at telling an organization's story in terms that are compelling and honest...in messages that get noticed and get positive reaction. Our clients appreciate that we provide recommendations with confidence...not that “ego in a suit” type confidence, but a sincere confidence that comes from experience, due diligence and a keen understanding of the marketplace.

Why We’re Chamber Members:
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce provides us with a fantastic way to network within the greater Columbus business community, as well as leverage and learn from the many seminars and educational opportunities that the Chamber offers.

Fun Facts about my PCG:

• In 1997, Doug Peebles set out to create a marketing resource unlike any other. After years working in both corporate and agency environments, he saw the need for an alternative to the traditional ad agency— one that would seek to understand clients from the customer’s perspective, provide honest insight and astute recommendations, and create momentum with a mix of creative ingenuity and practical support.
• We’re pleased to have celebrated our 13th anniversary in an industry in which agencies are often only as good as their last campaign. We’re proud of this milestone and attribute it to our “per project” approach. We’ve found that when we approach every project like it could be our last, it rarely ever is.
• We’ve won a slew of advertising awards over the years, but the recognition we hold in highest regard is that which we received for doing business the right way. In 2005, PCG was awarded the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio’s Business Integrity Award. This award is presented to central Ohio organizations whose business practices and related activities in the community exemplify the BBB’s mission and principles.
• Working in our office on Riverside Drive is a little like a nature walk or like working in a treehouse. We’ve seen our fair share of deer, squirrels and a skunk or two just outside our office!
• We’re a team of animal-lovers, but are having a heck of a time keeping the office fish alive.

Featured Products/Services:
PCG helps companies discover, embrace and communicate their value to the world through captivating creative and results-oriented marketing strategies delivered through:

• strategic planning and budget management
• Brand identity messaging and implementation
• Television, radio and promotional video production
• Print and online advertising
• Website design, web banners and email blasts
• Name and tagline development
• Search engine optimization
• Social media strategy and implementation
• Mobile (SMS) marketing
• Direct marketing
• Small business marketing packages
• Business stationery systems
• Sales letters and brochures
• Point-of-purchase signage
• Organizational values and performance tools
• Media strategy and buying

For more information: www.peeblescreativegroup.com
PCG Blog: peeblescreativegroup.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Peebles-Creative-Group/280627111146?ref=ts

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations. View our archive of past spotlights.

Member Spotlight: C|Suites Executive Offices

C|Suites Executive Offices, is designed especially with the needs of business owners and entrepreneurs in mind. Our packages can be tailored to fit the specific requirements of our clients. We provide an array of professional workplace solutions for office support - including:

• prestigious mailing address
• high-quality, designer-furnished office
• personalized telephone reception
• wireless high-speed internet
• cable TV and state-of-the-art audio-visual presentation equipment
• private dedicated telephone line
• conference rooms
• collaborative space and training
• administrative support services
• mail receipt and handling
• janitorial service and utilities
• underground parking garage
• key fob for after-hour access
• comfortable cafe-style lounge with kitchen facilities and complimentary coffee, teas & filtered water

We also offer the option for unfurnished executive offices if a client wanted to bring their own.

Why we're Chamber Members:
Executive Director, Kandace Watkins sits on the Gahanna Area Chamber Planning Committee and understands that many Chamber members are within the sphere of C-Suites constituency of small business owners and entrepreneurs, therefore, it made sense to broaden the horizon to other communities and the Columbus Chamber is a great vehicle to provide that network velocity.

Fun Facts about C|Suites Executive Offices:
If we are occupied with another client or on the phone, our current tenants are strong advocates and will take their own guests who could be potential C|Suites clients on tours of the facility, which has brought new clients to fruition. It's one of the best compliments a business owner can hope to receive.

Featured Products/Services:
C|Suites is unique in the industry with its superior furnishings, quality environment, inclusive amenities and outstanding services provided by our highly-trained professional staff at competitive prices. This exceptional combination proves effective as it assists our clients and allows them to fully focus on their business. Philosophically, we feel we are an extension and a part of the team of each client at C|Suites.

For more information: www.csuitesoffices.com - C-Suites website www.creeksidegahanna.com - Creekside website

The Columbus Chamber member spotlights put the focus on our member organizations.View our archive of past spotlights..

Small Businesses Can Benefit from Incentives & Tax Credits

Financial incentives and tax credits are available--under certain circumstances--to small businesses to ease their burden and help them grow. 

In addition to the two programs outlined below, the Columbus Chamber seeks small businesses (250 or fewer employees) who plan to hire new employees in October and November.  Under certain circumstances, we can connect you to a funding source to reimburse you for on-the-job training.  Contact the Chamber's director of workforce development, Andrea Applegate, for more information.

Federal Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act

The following information pertains to the federal Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. (NOTE: The HIRE Act is unrelated Ohio's Project HIRE program.) 

The HIRE Act creates a payroll tax credit for employers who hire workers who have been unemployed for at least 60 days and who are not replacement hires. For qualifying new employees hired after February 3, 2010 and before January 1, 2011, the employer can claim a credit equal to the employer’s share of Social Security taxes on wages paid in 2010. The bill also provides a credit of up to $1,000 for employers who retain such employees for at least 52 weeks.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released new Form W-11 for certifying that employees are qualified employees for purposes of tax benefits under the HIRE Act (PL 111-147). 

Employers must collect affidavits from each new employee in order for the employee to count as a qualified employee for purposes of the payroll tax credit and the employee retention credit. However, the employer should not send the affidavits to the IRS, but should retain them in its records.

The IRS has also posted questions and answers for employers regarding both the payroll tax exemption for hiring unemployed workers and the credit for retaining new hires. On the payroll tax exemption, the FAQs cover employer eligibility, employee eligibility, and how to claim the exemption. 

Additional information regarding the HIRE Act, please contact the IRS.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

This new credit helps small businesses and small, tax-exempt organizations afford the cost of covering their employees.  It is specifically targeted for those with low- and moderate-income workers. The credit is designed to encourage small businesses to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. In general, the credit is available to employers who pay at least half the cost of single coverage for their employees. Additional information is available from the IRS at Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Small Employers

Eligibility Rules

• Providing health care coverage. A qualifying employer must cover at least 50 percent of the cost of health care coverage for some of its workers based on the single rate.
• Business size. A qualifying employer must have less than the equivalent of 25 full-time workers (for example, an employer with fewer than 50 half-time workers may be eligible).
• Average annual wage. A qualifying employer must pay average annual wages below $50,000.
• Both taxable (for profit) and tax-exempt firms qualify.

Amount of Credit

• Maximum Amount. The credit is worth up to 35 percent of premium costs paid by the small business in 2010. On January 1, 2014, this rate increases to 50 percent (35 percent for tax-exempt employers).
• Phase-out. The credit phases out gradually for firms with average wages between $25,000 and $50,000 and for firms with the equivalent of between 10 and 25 full-time workers.

Three Simple Steps for Employers to Qualify

• To determine if your small business or tax exempt organization qualifies for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, follow this link to the IRS fact sheet.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Art netWork

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 October, Art netWork is featured.

When and why was Art netWork started?
Art netWork is one of eight volunteer groups of the Columbus Museum of Art. Art netWork is a group of young professionals from across the Columbus community who are passionate about arts. Everything we do – from fundraising to volunteering to hosting social events – is done to support the Museum’s mission of creating great experiences with great art for everyone.

Art netWork, formerly known as Museum Associates, was developed in 1994 with the purpose of supporting the Museum by enhancing the visibility and awareness of the arts for young adults via education, fundraising activities, social events, volunteering and overall promotion of the institution.

Museum Associates hosted one of Columbus’ first and most successful after-work parties; their monthly 1st Thursdays parties were held at the Museum and featured live bands, drinks, and an opportunity for young professionals in the Columbus area to network; attendance often exceeded 1000. With the 1st Thursdays proceeds they sponsored a contemporary Museum exhibition and annually made a significant financial gift to the Museum.

After almost a decade, Museum Associates decided to replace 1st Thursdays with a fundraiser known as Yart Sale and Yart Sale Preview Party. Donations of art by artists, galleries and the general public were showcased in a gallery setting and sold at an upscale Preview Party and a day later at an old-fashion style yard sale in the Museum parking lot. Museum Associates also began to sponsor yearly theme parties such as a Moulin Rouge, Great Gatsby, Rat Pack, & Brat Pack parties that were held both on-site and off-site for their members and guests.

In 2006-07 members reorganized the auxiliary and renamed it Art netWork to highlight their commitment to support the Museum’s newly stated mission of “creating great experiences with great art for everyone”.

With the renovation of the Museum in 2009 and loss of gallery space, they were unable to continue the Yart Sale and the Yart Sale Preview Party. Their members had always volunteered at ArtFUSION, the young professionals part of the Museum’s annual Art Ball fundraiser, but they now began to work with the CMA Board of Trustees Art Ball committee to spearhead the planning and implementing ArtFUSION. This collaboration has proven successful both creatively and financially; the first year they doubled the attendance to the event and were able to continue their financial gift to the Museum at the same level. In addition to ArtFUSION, they continue to host social gatherings for their members and guests, attend special Museum events and other cultural events around the city.

How do I become a member?
All Art netWork members support the Columbus Museum of Art through membership. Additionally, dues are required for Art netWork. To join Art netWork, please contact Kristy Emch at kristy.emch@cmaohio.org or 614.629.0344. For other volunteer opportunities, click here.

Tell me about your upcoming events.

ArtFUSION 2010 - The Joint is Jumpin’
Date: Saturday, November 20, 2010
Time: 8:30 p.m. to midnight
Location: Columbus Museum of Art (480 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215)

In conjunction with the Art Celebration, the Museum along with Art netWork will again present ArtFUSION, an energetic and exciting cocktail party tailored to young professionals. ArtFUSION is hosted again this year by Art netWork, the Museum's young professionals volunteer group, and Co-chairs Pete Scantland, Michelle Altiero and Art netWork President Chelsea Penzone.

We are extremely excited for the event this year because we will be unveiling the newly renovated museum and also having a throw-back to the 1930's when the museum was built. The theme for ArtFUSION is "The Joint is Jumpin" and 1930's inspired attire is encouraged (as well as cocktail attire).

ArtFUSION attendees will begin the special evening with hors d'oeuvres and drinks on the Museum's first floor. As the evening unfolds, both Art Celebration and ArtFUSION attendees will dance 'til dawn in Derby Court. Tickets for ArtFUSION are $125 per ticket. Click here to purchase.

For other events at the Museum, please visit http://www.columbusmuseum.org/. 
 
Where can I go to learn more?
The Art netWork website is currently under construction. For more information about Art NetWork, please contact Kristy Emch at kristy.emch@cmaohio.org or 614.629.0344. To learn more about any of the Columbus Museum of Art auxiliary groups, please click here.

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

Member Spotlight: Hotbarspot

Hotbarspot provides hardware/software to broadcast bars and nightclubs online and on the iPhone. Hotbarspot is endorsed by the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association, and will be broadcasting from the Buckeye Bar Expo today, October 4. 

Hotbarspot features a new way to connect with other users. When a user connects with a bar, they will be offered a list of other users who also frequent the selected bar to connect with. This allows people to connect with other people they might see out on a Friday or Saturday night.
 
Hotbarspot offers bar owners and managers an easy, affordable way to broadcast their establishments online and on the iPhone app. Hotbarspot's software/hardware allows a them to decide when to broadcast, and allows them to set up promotional videos that play whenever they aren't broadcasting.

We are Columbus Chamber members because we want to connect with other Chamber members who are interested in doing good, honest business.
 
Bar owners can sign up at www.hotbarspot.com/order or check out the iphone app at  http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/hotbarspot/id381980269?mt=8

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