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: Mills James

About My Company

Mills James is among the nation’s largest independent production firms, with more than 130 employee-owners who use creative media – video, broadcast, corporate meetings and events, web and interactive solutions – to powerfully tell its clients’ stories. 

Why We’re Chamber Members

Mills James’ involvement with the Chamber dates back more than a quarter-century and stems from a desire to be an active participant and contributor to economic and community growth. Because the Chamber provides unparalleled support by partnering with local businesses to help identify, attract and maintain commerce and workforce leaders, Mills James saw an opportunity to be part of something that would greatly benefit itself, but also the community at large.

Fun Facts about Mills James

Mills James, headquartered in Columbus, has grown into one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive production firms, with more than 130 employee-owners who all possess enormous talent and creativity.

They come from a wide variety of disciplines but they all share a common background. They are storytellers – 21st century storytellers. People who put magic in the message using today’s creative media as a catalyst for change – moving ideas, moving products and moving audiences to action.  Within Mills James’ walls, you’ll find a rare and unique combination of talent and technology that can produce great creative media for great results; fusing imagination, wizardry and passion to tell a powerful story – yours.

Featured Product/Service

In early 2011, Mills James completed significant upgrades to its Teleproduction Center – including the construction of a new video production studio, two new video post production suites and a series of video infrastructure and transmission upgrades – placing it among the nation’s largest production facilities of its kind.

Call us to schedule a tour to see just what we’re all about!

www.millsjames.com

Member Spotlight: Executive Intervention

About Executive Intervention:

Executive Intervention is a proven training and development company that has helped organizations reach important business goals since October 2000. We focus on strategically developing creative and fun training programs that keep employees involved and align with the business needs of the company. We have established partnerships with several Fortune 500 organizations around the world in industries such as banking, retail, manufacturing, health care, automotive, government agencies and restaurants.

Why We Are Chamber Members:

We have been members of the Chamber for the last two years after being exposed to its potential from a Chamber representative who was familiar with Diversity Bridge. After several conversations and the opportunity to participate in the Small Business Forum and Leader Awards, we believe that our ability to network and learn about future business needs of prospective clients helps us to be more strategic and innovative in our approach.

Fun Facts:

Executive Intervention was a sole proprietorship that taught training classes during the evenings and weekends. We came up with the company name by going through words in a dictionary that described what we represented. We launched with a focus on supporting business executives with the ability to customize training programs in the area of human resources. However most of our clients needed help in creating training for IT system implementations.

Featured Product/Service:

Executive Intervention provides customized training and development solutions that support any organizational changes that a company is planning to make to stay competitive. We can provide this support in the IT and HR functions of a company. Recently, we launched The Futurepreneur, (www.thefuturepreneur.com) a new initiative which provides training and development support for business owners and start-ups.

Young Professionals Spotlight: Franklin County Young Democrats

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 July, Franklin County Young Democrats (FCYD) is featured.

When and why was Franklin County Young Democrats (FCYD) started?

The Franklin County Young Democrats was formed more than 50 years ago and is an official group within the Franklin County Democratic Party. Members of the FCYD come from all parts of the county and have diverse backgrounds and professions.

Currently, there are 25 “democratic clubs” that operate as an organization within the Franklin County Democratic Party and each club represents different regions and interest of our diverse county. The FCYD was formed to give a coherent voice to young people with progressive views not only within the Democratic Party but in the broader community.

The FCYD helps to organize and connect young progressives with each other, and work to elect our progressive candidates. 

In recent years, the FCYD have focused on reaching out to young professionals all across the county to help previously unengaged young people become more active and engaged in the political process. 

Why become a member?

We are a diverse group with a common progressive vision. We are young professionals, union members, teachers, lawyers, assistants and grad students. 

The FCYD strives to make our community the best place to live, work and raise a family by promoting issues and candidates that represent our interests. 

The FCYD gives its members access to our community leaders and an opportunity to have their voices heard. By becoming a member of the FCYD, someone can actively participate in our political process and contribute to positive change in our community.

What are some successes or cool facts about FCYD? 

During the 2010 elections, the FCYD knocked on 13,450 doors, contacted 3108 young voters and had 643 voters pledge to vote for Democratic candidates.

During the last two weeks of the election, we knocked on 3102 doors and talked to 710 young voters about voting for Democrats.

Tell me about an upcoming event hosted by FCYD.

On August 6^th the FCYD will have a booth at Gallery Hop outside of the Short North Tavern from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. We will be doing this throughout the summer to promote the slate of local Democratic candidates on the ballot this November. This event will be a great opportunity to learn more about the group and meet members, young elected officials and candidates.  

How do I become a member? 

To get involved email Aaron Turner, President of FCYD, at aaronvturner@gmail.com.

Where can I go to learn more about FCYD?

Join our Facebook group. 

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

Young professionals DO and CAN have an influence in Columbus

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

Last Thursday, I attended the grand opening of Columbus' newest family destination, The Scioto Mile. The Columbus "ambassador" that I am, it was an occasion I wouldn't miss. (Check out some of my photos from the grand opening here.) The Scioto Mile is simply marvelous, and I know that I'll be spending a lot of time enjoying the activities and events there and at Columbus Commons, my new favorite downtown park. I feel fortunate to have the Scioto Mile in "my back yard" as it's just one block from the Chamber's office at the Lazarus building. As a young professional (YP) in Columbus, I also feel fortunate that my peers and I helped to shape the plans of the Scioto Mile. How did we do that?

In 2008, Dale Heydlauff, the AEP executive who lead the company's efforts to redevelop the Scioto Mile, presented the park’s vision and proposed plans to a few employees of the Chamber. Mr. Heydlauff had made numerous presentations to various groups, and we asked if he had the opportunity to present the information and solicit feedback from YPs about the plans; he hadn’t. The Chamber offered to coordinate a roundtable discussion to provide their feedback and emailed an invitation to our YP distribution list. About two weeks later, Mr. Heydlauff facilitated the discussion with 30 YPs in AEP’s private board room. He presented the vision and proposed plans, answered questions, then sat down and took notes while listening intently on their feedback and ideas. Attendees shared what they liked, didn’t like and what was missing. What was encouraging about this discussion was that it was an exchange of ideas- and knowledge-sharing. Mr. Heydlauff valued their feedback and ideas. The concept for the Columbus Chamber's Young Professionals’ Exchange was born from this discussion.

I tell you this story as it is an example of the influence and impact local young artists, entrepreneurs and professionals can have on various initiatives, projects or ideas – whether related to the City of Columbus, Columbus Chamber or otherwise. If there is an opportunity to provide a voice as a YP, I hope you thoughtfully consider it. The Chamber shares these types of opportunities with you via the weekly email, Activities and Events for Young Professionals, but it is up to you to decide if and how you wish to participate. I challenge you to be actively engaged in discussions that impact the future of our city.

That being said, I hope to see you at the upcoming Young Professionals’ Exchange: An Update - 2012 and Beyond on July 21 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. at the McConnell Heart Health Center. This forum will provide an update on the progress of three particular community initiatives: Columbus2020!, 200Columbus, and WBNS-10TV’s Next 10 ongoing multimedia campaign. It’s a perfect opportunity to be informed, ask questions and discover opportunities to be actively engaged personally or on behalf of your company or organization. (Not to mention, terrific networking with other YPs and experienced professionals immediately after at the Business AfterHours.) The "established" want to hear from you, and if you aren’t participating in these types of discussions, you are not fully leveraging your voice as a next generation leader.

Member Spotlight: Claddagh Irish Pub

About My Company:

Opened in 2001, we present an authentic “pub house” experience based on the “craic” of Ireland—a fun, friendly and exuberant atmosphere. It is our promise to stay devoted to both traditional and modern Irish fare and to remain passionate about the perfect pint. We can accommodate any occasion, from a romantic dinner for two, a cocktail party for 50 of your friends, family and coworkers, or a private party for that special event.

Why We’re Chamber Members:

We pride ourselves on being a contributing member to our community. We like to know what other businesses around us are doing and look forward to collaborations with our neighbors.We are involved in our community. In addition to the Columbus Chamber, we are also members of The Shamrock Club and the German Village Business Association.

Fun Facts

Claddagh Irish Pubs are an Irish-owned, Irish-managed restaurants with 15 locations in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. We are the official pub for the Columbus Crew and for U.S. Soccer. 

Featured Product/Service:

Delicious food, including our award-winning fish and chips, and a great beer and whiskey selection.

Website/Link:

Claddagh – Downtown Columbus Facebook Fan Page:

Corporate Website: www.claddaghirishpubs.com

Member Spotlight: Dupler Office

About My Company:

Dupler Office is a full-service contract office furniture dealership serving central Ohio.  Dupler Office isa working showroom featuring the latest workspace furnishings from Allsteel and HNI. Twin brothers Randy Dupler and Brandon Dupler are founders and co-principals.

Dupler Office develops and delivers workspace solutions to local and regional clients. It offers a full range of contract office furniture services including: professional space planning, installation, moving services, asset management, and consultation.

At the core of the business is a culture founded on behavior that drives results for Dupler clients. The company’s mantra is, “Inspire Performance.” “We create workspaces that enable and inspire workers to achieve their personal best,” Brandon said.

Why We’re Chamber Members

Dupler Office has been a member of the Columbus Chamber since the company was founded in 2006.

“Our chamber membership affords us the best possible opportunity to tell our story and expand our business contacts; stay abreast of important local, state and national economic and legislative issues; offer training opportunities to our team and help our community thrive,” Brandon said.

“It’s a great value,” Randy said.

Fun Facts About My Company

• Randy and Brandon Dupler are Columbus natives and graduates of The Ohio State University.
• Both are identical twins, and are each other’s best friends but operate with different skill sets. Randy has a passion for process; Brandon has a passion for building relationships.
• According to their business cards, Randy is a weekend chef; Brandon a marathon runner.
• Brandon’s wife, Carrie is the company controller.
• Dupler Office was born out of a business incubator.

Featured Product/Service (this is your opportunity to talk about one thing you really do well):

Aside from providing inspiring products, expertise and customer service, Dupler Office is Central Ohio’s best resource for earth-friendly manufacturers, suppliers and products for the workplace, making it easy for its clients to be green.

Dupler Office encourages its clients to consider earth-friendly alternatives in their operations and to work with their staffs to drive that commitment. These alternatives range from the adaptation of energy conservation practices to recycling programs.

In the area of office furniture, Dupler Office consistently works with clients to find solutions that not only deliver maximum results for their businesses but eco-friendly results as well.

www.dupleroffice.com