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

Find out What Makes Columbus Cool at the 2011 State of the Young Professional

By Robbie Banks, Manager, Young Professionals

Young Professionals are the future of the Columbus Region’s workforce. What do they think of Columbus? Find out at the Columbus Chamber’s 2011 State of the Young Professional (YP) on Wednesday, October 26 at Embassy Suites Columbus - Airport.

As the Chamber’s young professionals manager, I invite you to join us for an epic evening that will include career and professional development sessions, as well as a program in which we’ll reveal the results of the “What Makes Columbus 'Cool' for the Young and Talented” 2011 survey.

Here are my top three reasons you won’t want to miss the Career and Professional Development event from 4 - 5:45 p.m. You can:

1. Share a room with high-level senior executives and hear their YP experiences and lessons learned.
2. Learn the knowledge, insights and perspectives you’ll need to succeed while on the job search.
3. Get to where you want to go. The sessions available at the State of the YP are meant to provide you with the resources and knowledge you need to advance your career and propel you ahead of the curve.

Your $30 registration fee includes your choice of two 45-minute sessions and a book written by a local author.

And the top three reasons to attend the State of the YP Program from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.:

1. Connect with other members of Columbus' young and talented community during the networking and refreshments portion from 5 - 6:30 p.m.
2. Be informed. You took the survey, didn’t you? See the results and the progress our community has made since 2007.
3. Hear from leaders. Michael Dalby, president and CEO, Columbus Chamber and Mayor Michael B. Coleman will address the importance of YPs. A few of your peers, including me, will also speak.

And bonus... the networking and State of the YP program portions are FREE to attend!

Facebook Contest: Free Tickets for Career and Professional Development Program

Comment on the 2011 State of the YP note on the Columbus Chamber Facebook page and tell us why you want to attend the Career and Professional Development Event. A random company/organization/individual will be selected to receive two complimentary registrations (each valued at $30). The deadline is Sunday, October 23 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be notified on October 24. Remember, attending the networking and program portions of the event are free to attend and all are welcome!

Register Now

Learn more and register at columbus.org/yp. The 2011 State of the Young Professional is presented by Embassy Suites Columbus - Airport, in partnership with Battelle, State Farm and Columbus Underground and with support from Shutterbooth, CYP CLUB, Columbus Rotaract and Young Professionals of Columbus. 

Chamber Members Make Best Places to Work List

By Andrea Applegate, Director, Workforce

At the Columbus Chamber, we’ve always said that Columbus is a great place to live and work. We applaud all the businesses in our community who “walk the walk” by providing a workplace that is productive, supportive and fun.

In 2011, 20 members of our Chamber have been named finalists in Columbus Business First’s list of Best Places to Work. They include:

Accenture
Axia Consulting LLC
Cardinal Solutions Group Inc.
Delta Energy LLC
Dynamit Technologies LLC
Fifth Third Bank
GBQ Partners LLC
Glimcher Realty Trust
Navigator Management Partners LLC
OCLC Inc.
Parallel Technologies
Plante & Moran PLLC
Portfolio Creative LLC
Quantum Health Inc.
Riverside Radiology and Interventional Associates Inc.
Safelite AutoGlass
Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co. LPA
Sogeti USA LLC
Total Quality Logistics
Zipline Logistics LLC

See the full list on the Business First website. Honorees will be announced at an awards program Nov. 9.

Top 10 Reasons to Attend the Columbus Chamber Clambake

 

 

 

 

 

Delicious food, fun entertainment and tremendous opportunities to build business connections are on tap for the Columbus Chamber's Annual Clambake Thursday, Sept. 22.

Haven't yet registered? Consider these top 10 reasons why you should.

Dine on a seafood extravaganza. Chow down on clam chowder, baked clams, grilled chicken, sweet corn, roasted potatoes and whole Maine lobster. Soft drinks, beer and selected wines are included, too. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Culinary skills will be provided by the talented chefs and students of the American Culinary Federation Columbus Chapter, which has participated in the Chamber Clambake for more than 25 years.

Enjoy Midwestern hospitality. Don't forget to attend the networking reception from 5-7 p.m., where you can enjoy appetizers and drinks, courtesy of our Hospitality Hosts.

Make business connections. The Clambake draws top community and business leaders from all over the region. In 2010, more than 900 people attended. According to member Katie Hopper, sales director, ARC Industries, the Clambake affords opportunities to mingle with executive-level decision makers. "We find a higher level of management at the Clambake," Hopper said. "We try to network in that fashion, at that level."

Entertain your clients. Take a cue from Clambake Presenting Partner Woolpert, and leverage the Clambake as an opportunity to build relationships. Having attended the Clambake since 2000 and sponsored since 2005, Woolpert's involvement has grown by leaps and bounds over the years—from purchasing a few individual tickets, to hosting a table, to making the Clambake a premier client appreciation event. "The Clambake is a great way for us to have relaxed, face-to-face contact with our clients," said Rachel Headings, senior marketing facilitator for Woolpert. "The clients we invite realize it is a good networking opportunity for them, too. We created something that is fun for everyone. Now clients ask us 'When is the Clambake?'"

Treat your team. They've been working hard all year, right? Why not take a break from the office setting, and reward them with an evening out.

Jazz it up. Dwight Lenox steals the show at the Clambake. From blues to ballads and jazz to swing, Lenox shines. He's one of Columbus' top vocalists. For more than 20 years, his rich tenor voice and dynamic presence has captivated audiences around the country.

Go wild. Need an excuse to visit the number one zoo in the country? The Clambake will take place at the Water's Edge Events Park, a beautiful venue along the Scioto River at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Be a part of history. A favorite Columbus tradition, this will mark the Clambake's 88th year.

Win cool prizes. Dozens of great raffle prizes will be given away at the end of the evening—including two tickets to fly anywhere in the continental U.S. on American Airlines. Bring cash to buy raffle tickets, and don't miss your chance to win.

Kick back. The Clambake is a fun, casual event. If you haven't attended before, just take a look at photos from 2010, and see what you've been missing.

What are you waiting for? Register now, and we'll see you on Sept. 22.

PS - To heighten your business' visibility, become a Clambake Hospitality Host or Sponsor.

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: 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

Chamber Member Spotlight: Sarmir & Associates, Lean Consultants

Sarmir & Associates, Lean Consultants assist companies in becoming more profitable by applying lean concepts to manufacturing and service processes. Being small, we target small- to medium-size companies with the belief that a customer should only have to pay for “what can be saved.” As an engineer with more than 30 years in manufacturing, experience in many different industries and eight years with a Japanese 1st-tier supplier to Honda, continuous improvement has become a way of life.
 
Why We’re Chamber Members:
Networking. We look forward to meeting potential clients, and at the same time, acquiring services from other Chamber members. We have a strong belief in making ourselves and other companies grow so that Columbus becomes a better place to live and work.

Mottos We Live By:
“Don’t expect anything to change if you don’t change anything,” which goes hand-in-hand with the definition of ‘insanity’: “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” And with all the changes taking place in today’s business environment (technology, rising prices, etc.): “The only thing that is permanent is change.”
 
Featured Product:
We have the ability to get to the root cause of a problem. Sometimes, a problem has been identified and help is needed to determine the root cause and countermeasures. At others, a review is needed of the entire system or process to identify and eliminate waste—operator idle time, product defects, machine downtime, etc. Working with the concerned parties insures buy-in, and the teaching environment allows for the methods to be applied to similar situations.

For more information on our services, visit www.djslmc.com or contact David Sarmir at djsarmir@djslmc.com or 614.648.0260.

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

Chamber Member Spotlight: Creative Spot

Creative Spot is a full-service marketing, advertising and design agency located in downtown Columbus. We offer strategic marketing planning, branding and identity development, advertising and interactive strategies. Our mission is to be a strategic marketing partner to our clients by achieving results through precise strategy and creativity.

Why We are Members:
As a member of the Columbus community for the past 15 years, we believe that it is important to stay connected. By being a member of the Columbus Chamber, we can be sure we are playing an active role in the economic growth and development of our community.

Fun Facts About My Company:
- Creative Spot’s interactive team recently completed a mobile site for national bike retailer, BikeSource. Visit www.bikesourcecolumbus.com from your mobile device to check it out.

- Creative Spot posts weekly blog entries on its website about all things marketing-related.

Featured Product/Service:
At Creative Spot, we believe that what makes us different is our ability to help small- to mid-sized businesses maximize their marketing dollars. We work with our clients to develop a Strategic Marketing Plan, which outlines marketing objectives strategies and budgets. Through direct interaction with agency principals, first-class creative design and preferred relationships with local media and vendors, we help our clients deliver their message in a creative, cost-effective way.

Ever wonder if email marketing or mobile advertising could be a cost-effective solution for your small business? Check out Creative Spot’s website and blog to learn more.

Creative Spot is also on Twitter. Follow @creativespot and join in the conversation.

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

Chamber Member Spotlight: Crossbow Systems Ltd.

Crossbow Systems Ltd. offers design and installation services, technology infrastructure engineering and media services. Its core competency is voice and data structural cable infrastructure design and installation. In addition, Crossbow provides wireless design, audio visual installations, CCTV and IT solutions.

The company’s experience allows it to offer solutions that are innovative and cost effective. It focuses on keeping up with technological changes, plus it can provide basic solutions.

Crossbow Systems Ltd. also has trusted partners that provide services outside of its core capabilities, and it has developed working partner relationships with experts in various fields, to provide the services customers require. 

Why We Are Chamber Members:
We feel that the key to business success is networking and developing relationships. The Chamber provides us a forum where we can meet the right people and develop business opportunities.

Fun Facts About My Company:
- Crossbow Systems Ltd. was started in October of 2002 as a design consultation company.

- The company was recently acquired by DINATCO Inc., a central Ohio based investment group. The new company continues to do business as Crossbow Systems Ltd.

- We're a Certified Minority Business Enterprise.

- We strive to build strong relationships through consistent performance.

- We have performed services in every county in the state of Ohio.

Featured Product or Service:
Crossbow offers a variety of consulting and installation services including:

• Bid specification
• Project management
• Structured cabling systems
• Optical fiber installation
• Acceptance testing
• Data centers
• Building automation systems
• Fixed wireless systems
• Wireless LANs
• Sound/paging/white sound systems
• Infrastructure audits

For more information on our services, visit our website.

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

Video: Michael Dalby at the Columbus Metropolitan Club

What's in store at the Columbus Chamber? Our new President and CEO Michael Dalby addressed the Columbus Metropolitan Club earlier this month. Watch this video and hear him discuss a four-pronged approach to creating a supportive eco-system for sustainable growth in the Columbus Region.

 

Chamber Member Spotlight: Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Through the support of more than 600,000 volunteers, the Foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education, pursuing public policy and legislation and conducting evidenced-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.

Why We’re Chamber Members:
We joined the Columbus Chamber to take advantage of opportunities to network with other local business and community leaders, to contribute to the marketing and growth of Columbus whenever possible, to use the many resources the Columbus Chamber offers to its members and to promote the important mission of the Arthritis Foundation in central Ohio.

Facts About My Company:
Arthritis is our nation’s No. 1 disabling disease, costing the U.S. economy more than $128 billion in treatment and lost wages. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis affecting joints and the surrounding tissues. Currently, 1 in 5 Americans suffer from this disease and it can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender or age. Nearly 12,000 children in central Ohio have arthritis, and women have a much higher disease rate than men. 

Featured Product/Service:
Exercise is the key to remaining mobile, so we offer many classes in warm water aquatics, tai chi, land-based exercise and walking programs. We also sponsor free equipment loans, a free rheumatology camp for kids, home assessment programs, physician referrals, support groups and many educational opportunities. Nationally we support research to find the cure. We hold fundraising events all year long for anyone interested in sponsoring or volunteering to become part of our mission.

For more information, visit www.arthritis.org.

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