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: H.R. Gray

H.R. Gray is a Columbus, Ohio-based construction management and consulting firm with more than 30 years of experience working with municipalities and states in providing all necessary professional services including technical, management, administrative, training and inspection services for their design and construction projects.

H.R. Gray is comprised of construction management professionals who possess extensive expertise in the construction industry including program and project management, ADA compliance, constructability reviews, project scheduling, claims analysis or claims avoidance.

H.R. Gray also has offices in Akron, Ohio, Lexington, KY, and Austin, Texas. 

Why We Are Chamber Members:
H.R. Gray strongly believes in being active in the communities we serve. It is a great pleasure to be involved with the Chamber and to watch our community grow through the Chamber and its programs. Jim Joyce, president and CEO of H.R. Gray, is also an active member of the Chamber’s Small Business Council.

Fun Facts about my Company:
H.R. Gray’s staff includes 27 graduate engineers on its 52-person team.  

Featured Product/Service:
This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). H.R. Gray has assisted several local communities and public agencies in resolving ADA accessibility issues, providing accessible routes and constructing sidewalks and curb ramps that are compliant in the most economical fashion. Our services ensure compliance with ADA accessibility guidelines and other standards for accessible design. Further, H.R. Gray has trained more than 1,700 contractors, engineers and public officials in the proper design and construction methods for ADA requirements. 

For more information visit www.hrgray.com.

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

Member Spotlight: Bradford School

 

 

 

 

The mission of Bradford School is to prepare diverse, motivated students for graduation and entry-level jobs in specialized careers through accelerated and comprehensive education. Students will develop a foundation for long-term career advancement and future learning through an understanding of problem solving, communication and critical thinking.

To give you a little history, Bradford School was founded in Columbus in January of 1911 under the name Office Training School. The school enjoyed steady growth under the guidance of its original founders, R. E. Hoffhines and W. L. Ohmert, and their successors. At that time, the school was an office and secretarial school. Many changes took place throughout the years. We relocated multiple times and finally settled on Stelzer Road between Easton Town Center and the Columbus Airport. We grew and added additional programs of study. Today, Bradford School offers short-term, specialized Associate Degrees for professional careers. The Vet Tech Institute at Bradford School offers an associate degree in veterinary technician and Columbus Culinary Institute at Bradford School offers a culinary arts associate degree.

Why We’re Chamber Members:
We are Chamber Members because we want to not only inform local businesses about Bradford School and the programs we offer, but to develop a partnership in which we are able to help connect businesses with our qualified and determined graduates for successful employment. Our belief is that a well-placed Bradford School candidate helps foster a solid, ongoing and mutually beneficial relationship between Bradford and our partners in business. Most importantly, our services to employers and our graduates are always free!

Fun Facts about Bradford School:
Bradford School graduated 487 students in our last fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.  Bradford School has dorms available for our students, which many people do not realize. We average over 125 dorm students per year.

Featured Product/Service:
Bradford School offers the following Associate Degree programs:
Accounting
Computer Programming
Culinary Arts
Graphic Design
Legal Administration
Medical Assistant
Network Management
Office Administration
Paralegal
Travel and Hospitality
Veterinary Technician

For more information please visit www.bradfordschoolcolumbus.edu, www.columbusculinary.com or www.vettechinstitute.edu.

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

Living a healthy and active life in Columbus: Columbus Art Walks

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

This is the first post for a new blog series focused on living a healthy and active life in Columbus. It’s my personal journey of discovering opportunities to live a healthy and active life. I’ll share resources, information, activities and events, as well as provide feedback on what went well and what did not go so well.

I must confess that I’ve never been a very dedicated athlete. As a child, I spent countless hours at my neighborhood recreation center taking ballet, tap, gymnastics and swim lessons, but had no desire to play sports beyond middle school. But, within recent years, I truly understand that I need to get serious about taking care of myself which means eating well, having regular physical activity, being aware of my health risks and seeking out ways to improve my overall health and well-being. I hope this blog series encourages you to do the same.

My experience

On a beautiful November afternoon, I grabbed my walking shoes (in my case, a pair of wedges), cell phone and a map to take a walk downtown. I know you’re wondering why I’d need a map for a walk downtown, but I was about to take my first Columbus Art Walks tour in the Ohio Statehouse District.

The Columbus Art Walks tour consists of walking maps and cell phone audio tours of public art, architectural, and historical sites in Columbus. It’s an audio tour of Columbus with one-to two-hour routes. Use the map to find the sites, and, if you want, use a phone or media device to listen to site descriptions. The maps are produced by Columbus Public Health in partnership with several local organizations including the Create Columbus Commission.

I was delighted to have great company on this walk: Andrea Applegate, my boss and director of workforce development at the Columbus Chamber, and Betsy Pandora, healthy places coordinator at Columbus Public Health. We utilized the cell phone audio tour, but you can also download podcasts for each walk.

Upon arriving at the first site, 8 on the Square (#172), we called the main number (614.645.2646) and entered the site’s three-digit extension number to hear specific site information. We completed the Statehouse Route (1.2 miles) in an hour. During that time, I discovered sites that I’ve overlooked such as the Ohio Police & Fire Memorial Park (#185) and learned interesting facts. For instance, did you know the Ohio Theatre (#187) was slated for demolition, and Central Ohioans raised more than $2 million during a Save the Ohio Campaign in 1969? As a result, CAPA came to the rescue to purchase and renovate the Ohio Theatre.

My two cents

One drawback to using a cell phone for the tour was that I had to redial the main number followed by entering the site’s three-digit extension number at each site. If you download the podcast, you can just skip to the next track/site. But, nonetheless, it was a great reason to take a walk and learn something new about public art, architectural, and historical sites in Columbus. I’m looking forward to taking additional Columbus Art Walks in the coming months with others. I recommend this activity any time of year, but I encourage you to make it an adventure by inviting others to join you and dine or shop in the district you’re walking.

Get ready to get walking!

There are currently three Columbus Art Walks for these districts in downtown Columbus: Discovery District, Arena District and Ohio Statehouse District. Between the three Downtown Columbus Art Walks you can see over 90 public art, historical, and architectural sites. In total, all three Downtown Columbus Art Walks cover over 10 walkable miles. Healthy places coordinator Betsy Pandora shared that Columbus Public Health plans to develop nine Columbus Art Walks by spring 2011. Printed Columbus Art Walks maps are available during regular business hours in several locations listed here.

Check back in February 2011 for my second post in this series about my experience with a local fitness boot camp.

Member Spotlight: Center City International Trucks

Center City International Trucks is part of the MVI Group, which is comprised of five full-service dealerships and two parts and services locations conveniently located throughout Ohio. Our dealerships provide the highest quality of goods and services to the transportation industry.

Why we are a Chamber Member:
Center City International Trucks joined the Columbus Chamber because we understand it is important to be a part of local committees where they can help show support to neighboring businesses. It’s a fantastic way to network with other professionals who believe in growing the strength of this community!

Interesting facts about Center City International Trucks:
The company was founded in 1980. Its individual dealerships have been recognized as leaders in the industry, consistently earning International’s Circle of Excellence Award, IC Bus Dealer of the year and Isuzu’s Ichiban Award.

Featured Product/Service:
City Center International Trucks proudly represents International Trucks, Isuzu Commercial Trucks, IC Bus, AutoCar, Continental Mixers, Workhorse and Idealease Lease & Rental, Parts & Service and all make types and models for Class 4-8. We are also a parts and service dealer for Cummins, Cat engines and Allison transmissions. 

For more informtaion, visit www.mvigroup.net.

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

Young Professionals Spotlight: National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Columbus Chapter

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 December, the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Columbus Chapter is featured.

When and why was NBMBAA Columbus Chapter started?  

Established in 1970, the National Black MBA Association® (NBMBAA®) is dedicated to promoting the development of intellectual and economic wealth generation in the African American community through strategic partnerships and community service. In partnership with over 400 of the country’s top business organizations, the association has inroads into a wide range of industries as well as the public and private sector. The organization operates around five channels – Education, Career, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Lifestyle.

The NBMBAA Columbus Chapter was formed in 1992, and chartered in 1993. Our mission is to increase minority representation in business and education and to build a solid foundation and legacy for the advancement of future generations. Our vision is to create an environment filled with business professionals who are passionate about enriching, cultivating, and strengthening the position of minorities in Central Ohio, and beyond.

Our primary goal is to demonstrate through strategic leadership, partnership, and programming, the relevancy of the National Black MBA Association from "Cradle to Grave." Our intent is to engage our constituency through mentorship and community service, to see them through their educational careers, their professional careers, and to continue engagement through the provision of strategies for the building of intellectual, social and economic wealth. Our expectation is that this same constituency would utilize its intellectual, social and economic capital to prepare the next generation for unprecedented success!

Why become a member?

As a six-time national Chapter of the Year award winner, the Columbus Chapter believes strongly in developing innovative programming that challenges our members, business, education, and community partners to push beyond current realities to maximize the potential for success.

Benefits of membership. NBMBAA® offers exclusive access to special savings on computer equipment, air travel, car rentals, moving, credit cards and more.
• More than 7,000 business contacts through its national membership
• Networking through 43 chapters
• Visibility and dialogue with major corporations
• Member Employee Network which allows members access to hundreds of corporate opportunities throughout the United States
• Career and Professional development
• A national newsletter providing news of National Black MBA Association, Inc. members and events
• Scholarships and special programs for undergraduate and graduate business students
• An annual five-day national conference, case competition, and career fair & exposition
• Access to one of the world’s largest career fair with over 350 companies

Signature Program. The NBMBAA Leaders of Tomorrow™ program aims to provide mentors and resources to marginally academic performing high school students. These students exhibit leadership potential but need exposure and motivation in order to make good choices about college, their career and their future. Targeted students include inner-city high school youth with a grade point average between C- and C+ who have demonstrated leadership potential. The Columbus Chapter currently mentors over 40 students annually. Students have received over $30,000 in scholarships, computers, and various other resources, since its inception in 2002.

What are some successes or cool facts about NBMBAA?

Chapter Awards. 1998, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Chapter of the Year for making the greatest contribution toward growing membership, developing innovative programs and maintaining standards and practices.

2006, 2007 & 2008 LOT Case Team Winners. Our Leaders of Tomorrow Youth compete against multiple teams from throughout the United States and Canada in the National LOT Case Competition. The Columbus Leaders placed third in 2006 and 2007, and won First Place in 2008!

How do I become a member?

To become a member, go to http://www.columbusbmba.org/, click “Join Now” and complete the enrollment form. There are several membership options:
• Student Membership - $60 Annually, Limited to two (2) years
Student members must be enrolled in an MBA or other advanced management degree program such as: MA, MS, MEd, MBA, MHA, MPA, JD, and Ph.D etc.  New/Renewing members need to submit evidence of matriculation into a graduate degree program (i.e. a copy of a current school ID card)
• Full Membership - $125 Annually
Eligibility for full membership into the National Black MBA Association, Inc. requires you be a graduate of a Masters of Business Administration program or other advanced management degree program (MA, MS, MEd, MBA, MHA, MPA, JD, Ph.D, etc.)
• Associate Membership - $125 Annually
Associate membership status is available to professionals without graduate degrees but with extensive experience or entrepreneurial success
• Lifetime Membership - $1000 One-time or $350/year payable in installments over three (3) years
Lifetime Membership status is granted to any member who makes the financial commitment to the full or associate lifetime status

If you have any questions about membership, chapter events, or require any additional information, please contact the chapter at membership@columbusbmba.org.

Where can I go to learn more?

To learn more about the NBMBAA®, visit http://www.columbusbmba.org/. We look forward to meeting you at our next event...and don't forget to bring a friend!

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

Businesses can benefit from wage reimbursement for new employees

By Andrea Applegate, Director of Workforce Development

Central Ohio businesses with plans to hire over the next weeks and months may be eligible to receive a reimbursement for wages paid to newly-hired, previously unemployed individuals (i.e., “dislocated workers” – see call-out box) for hours spent in on-the-job training. On-the-job training helps long-term unemployed workers gain new skills to find employment; it increases productivity and reduces turnover of new hires; and, through cash reimbursements that offset costs for on-the-job training, it provides incentives to businesses to hire the long-term unemployed. 

Businesses are reluctant to hire.  As a result of the worst recession in decades, many job seekers find themselves among the long-term unemployed. These individuals, who are otherwise qualified and possess excellent employment histories, face a variety of challenges to finding new jobs.  They may be passed over for consideration because they lack specific skills and experiences required of an industry or occupation, or due to concerns that their skills have eroded. In an “employer’s market,” businesses can afford to be choosey. Right? 

Unfortunately, that choosiness may do more harm than good. According to Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, who spoke about the economy on a panel at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, job creation is key to economic recovery.  “Getting new jobs and getting unemployment down is of critical importance,” he said.

Funding through the federal Workforce Investment Act enables—even encourages—businesses to take a chance on potential employees by paying for on-the-job training (OJT) for those who are new to an industry or have been unemployed for an extended period. The skills gaps that these untested individuals possess can be readily addressed through OJT, and the costs employers incur for providing OJT will be offset through a reimbursement of wages paid. After all, employers often over-state their requirements. Indeed, many admit, “Give me a good person with a great work ethic, and I can train them to do the job.” 

OJT has the dual benefit of helping dislocated workers get into employment and encouraging businesses to resume hiring. Because the attention paid in the probationary period ensures a good fit, OJT increases productivity and reduces turnover of new hires. In addition, because each employer defines the plan for on-the-job training, businesses can ensure that new employees are trained to their exact specifications. 

As noted in a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch:

"The economy is growing again after the worst recession in decades, but not quickly enough to deal with what Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said is the top problem -- a lack of jobs...Bernanke said an economy that lost 8.5 million jobs during the recession has added back only about 1 million so far."

Increase hiring by taking advantage of OJT.  OJT funding is immediately available through a variety of programs, each with its own set of criteria. The level of reimbursement varies by program and is dependent on things like the size of the business, the wages paid, and the duration of the training plan.  For one OJT program, the typical reimbursement is 50 percent of wages paid, capped at $8,000; for another, it can be as much as 90 percent, capped at $12,500. OJT is only applicable to individuals who qualify as dislocated workers. Funding is not retroactive. To take advantage of OJT, employers must make arrangements for it in advance of making hiring decisions. The Columbus Chamber’s workforce department can help individual businesses determine which OJT program is a best fit.

On-the-job Training.  OJT introduces new employees to the industry and helps them learn the skills necessary to become proficient in the position (though OJT should not be confused with on-boarding).  OJT is defined by the employer to address the specific needs of the individual new hire and is conducted by the employer, likely the new employee’s supervisor. OJT is short in duration, typically no longer than six months, but at least 160 hours, and results in specific measurable outcomes for the new employee. OJT may be particularly relevant for someone transitioning from one business sector or occupation to another (i.e., shifting from residential design to commercial design). 

Last Word.  OJT has a proven track record of helping unemployed workers gain new skills to find employment.  OJT is a great resource for employers to help create jobs and increase hiring.  Businesses should understand that OJT is not retroactive; therefore, employers must have an approved OJT plan in place for each candidate prior to that individual’s first day of work.  Employers who plan to hire soon should contact Andrea Applegate (andrea_applegate@columbus.org or 614.225.6900) in the Columbus Chamber's workforce department for assistance.