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

Ten Things You May Not Know About the Columbus Chamber

The Columbus Chamber is constantly evolving to better serve our members. Over the last several months, we’ve launched new services and tapped into new resources, all with the goal of helping businesses thrive.

Have you heard about the “new” Columbus Chamber?

From our interactions with businesses throughout the region, we’ve found that there are still some questions and misperceptions about the Chamber’s offerings. Here’s a list of the top 10 little known Chamber Facts.

• The Columbus Chamber is small business focused – 69 percent of our members have 30 employees or less.
• The Columbus Chamber thinks big. We are linked to the region’s largest employers, with more than half of the top 100 largest employers within our membership.
• The Columbus Chamber is a catalyst for the logistics industry. The Columbus Region Logistics Council, an initiative of the Columbus Chamber, is driving growth in one of Columbus’ integral industries and is the only industry-led council in the nation. 
• The Columbus Chamber has a long-term investment in our members’ success. The average length of membership is seven years—and growing.
• The Columbus Chamber extends its services and resources to businesses beyond downtown Columbus. Chamber members are based throughout Franklin County, in our neighboring seven counties, and beyond. In fact, anyone doing business in the Columbus Region can be served by the Columbus Chamber.
• The Columbus Chamber facilitates one-on-one connections. Need to reach a new customer, vendor or partner, or find information to help your business grow? Just call us. We still host some of the region’s biggest and best networking events, but you don’t have to attend events to take advantage of our business network.
• The Columbus Chamber is the region’s largest business organization. With 2,000 member businesses,  we have connections and leverage the group purchasing power of 268,000 employees.
• The Columbus Chamber is the voice of business in the Columbus Region. Our government relations team works with city, county, state and federal policymakers on behalf of business and helps businesses navigate governmental issues.
• The Columbus Chamber is firmly rooted in Columbus’ history. We are proud to have been a guiding force within this community for 128 years.
• The Columbus Chamber team serves as an extension of your workforce. Our 20+ staff members work to help  your business succeed. We are former business owners, managers, front line staff and experienced business professionals.

How can the Columbus Chamber work for you? I invite you to contact me. Let us help you maximize your membership and take your business to the next level. Email me or call me at 614.225.6080, and we’ll get started.

By: Shaun Frecska, Vice President, Member Services

Young Professionals Spotlight: Kevin Tyler

Each month, the Columbus Chamber has spotlighted a local young professionals organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. Starting this month, we will expand this series to also feature young artists, entrepreneurs and professionals who are helping to make Columbus a talent magnet city. Meet Columbus native Kevin Tyler, the Young Professionals Spotlight for April.

Name: Kevin Tyler
Title: Communications Coordinator
Company: Time Warner Cable
How many years you’ve resided in Columbus: All of them
Your neighborhood: Northwest (Hilliard/UA area)
 
What YP or professional organizations are you involved with and in what capacity?
I am currently serving on the Create Columbus Commission, The United Way of Central Ohio Pride Council Steering Committee, Boardmember for Kids Voting Central Ohio, Diversity Committee member for the Public Relations Society of America, People of Color Committee for Out and Equal Workplace Advocates and a member of United Way's Pride Leadership Program Cycle 5.
 
What do you value most about Columbus?
What I value most about Columbus is its diversity and spirit.
 
How have you made a difference in Columbus?
I hope that I have been able to contribute to the vibrancy of Columbus' GLBT community through my involvement with several organizations.
 
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
"Never miss an opportunity to say nothing."

What one word best describes Columbus?
Accelerating.

The Chamber develops strategies to attract, retain and engage YPs because they are an energetic, educated and highly-mobile workforce – the future of our region. Sharing information about activities hosted by local organizations is one way the Chamber keeps YPs connected to the community. If you'd like to stay informed, sign up here to receive Activities and Events for Young Professionals, a weekly email from the Chamber to keep YPs connected to the community. Learn more about YPs here.

Providing Direction: Entrepreneur Program

When you start a small business, sometimes you might feel like you’re all alone. It can be challenging to find resources, especially financial ones, unless you keep your ear to the street and talk to other entrepreneurs who have experienced similar challenges.

As a former entrepreneur myself, I know that it is important to always have a plan B, but to also have the rest of the alphabet covered, too. That’s where the Columbus Chamber comes in.

Our new Entrepreneur Program was designed to answer the question: “Where do I go to access the resources, the connections and the funding that I need for my business?”

Why? At the Chamber, we were hearing that a lot of entrepreneurs were going to multiple organizations and entities, trying to find answers. In response, we created a “one-stop-shop” to help navigate all of the resources that are available to small business owners.

Participants in the Entrepreneur Program can turn to Somers Martin. Somers, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development Services, has been serving the needs of small businesses in various roles in Columbus for more than two decades. I call Somers a “virtual” business adviser. She wakes up every day thinking about how to help entrepreneurs.

Depending on where the entrepreneurs are in their business cycle, she might connect them to organizations that can help them tackle challenges like business planning or financial literacy. Or suggest they take advantage of money savings programs, like those offered through the Chamber. Somers can also connect Entrepreneur Program participants to each other – so they can learn and lean on one another.

Entrepreneurs, what can the Chamber do to help take your business to the next level? I invite you to contact Somers to learn more about the business services and solutions we’ve designed for you.

By: Shaun Frecska, Vice President, Membership, Columbus Chamber

Member Spotlight: All-Green Janitorial and Building Services

We are a Columbus, OH based janitorial and building services company built to focus on providing superior service while using professional EPA certified green cleaning products that are eco-friendly and/or recycled.

Why We're Chamber Members:

We joined to make aware our eco-friendly services to the Columbus businesses that share our same interests and have a need for our janitorial and building services.

Fun Facts about All-Green: 

Not only do we use professional EPA certified green cleaning products, but all promotional materials, from flyers to pens, and even our uniforms tops, are made from recycled materials.   

Services/Offer to Chamber Members:

Current Columbus Chamber members get a choice of either a discounted contract cleaning/building services rate or we will price match any existing janitorial contract monthly rate. Either contact us via website at www.AllGreenJanitorial.com or via phone at (614) 475-1000 for a Free walkthrough assessment of your office building along with a no-obligation contract price quote. Our team listens to your wants and needs to tailor our services to your specific requests. 

Community Service:

We support any eco-friendly or green businesses that encourage recycling efforts, as well as city wide programs to reuse materials and promote less pollution of the earth, water, and air.  We also applaud responsible homeowners who recycle and reuse household items/materials.   

Our Company Personality:

Detail oriented, efficient, environmentally friendly, top quality, with high standards

All-Green's Biggest Accomplishment:

Taking a dream, putting energy behind it and making a company that promotes our own ethically and environmentally responsible standards.

www.AllGreenJanitorial.com

Member Spotlight: Paper Plus

Why We're Chamber Members:

We have been a part of the Columbus business community for over 40 years. Unisource is our well known parent company. We would like Paper Plus to be more known throughout the Columbus business community. 

Fun Facts about Paper Plus: 

We are part of one of the oldest commercial wholesale paper distributors in Columbus, Ohio. We were originally known as Central Ohio Paper Company, then COPCO, now Unisource. Paper Plus, a division of Unisource, is part of one of the largest paper distributors in the world. There are 38 Paper Plus stores throughout the US servicing small to medium printers and copy shops. Unisource, our parent company, has warehouse locations across the US and Canada.

Paper Plus was originally created (in the mid 70’s) to sell distressed paper for the parent company COPCO. However, in the early 80’s, the quick print industry started booming with franchises such as Minuteman Press, Ink Well, Kwik Kopy and a host of others setting up shop in Central Ohio. Paper Plus changed focus to be a resource for the quick printers, selling production quality paper and printing supplies. This still remains the biggest part of our business today. 

Products:

We sell a variety of papers in color, heavier weights, paper specific for color copiers, laser and ink jet printers. In addition to paper, we have envelopes, carbonless form paper, pressure sensitive paper and die cut products (such as door hangers, raffle tickets and post cards). With the explosion of  digital equipment in all sizes of businesses, we have the products to meet the needs of these businesses. 

www.paperplus.com 

Member Spotlight: Hersh Packing and Rubber Company

Why We're a Chamber Member

We have been chamber members since the late 1960s. We have always been a business that is close with the community and involved with charity. We enjoy the networking opportunities that being a Columbus Chamber member has given us, and the savings are a perk too.

Fun Facts:     

a) Hersh Packing is a family owned business that has been open since 1958.

b) We are currently the largest Parker Hannifin distributor in Central Ohio.

c) We have 3 locations now in Canal Winchester, Hilliard, and Heath, Ohio.

d) Our Heath location is the largest ParkerStore at over 6,000 square feet.

e) We have our very own in house fabrication shop, weld shop, hose shop, gasket shop, and kitting and packing rooms for all your industrial and hydraulic needs.

f) Our Canal Winchester location is open 7 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday and also 8:00 am to 12 noon on Saturdays. Our Hilliard and Heath locations are open 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.

g) We have a 24 hour Emergency Service.

Service After The Sale – This has been our motto since the beginning. We strive to take care of our customers long after the transaction has been made. From our skilled technicians who can fabricate any hose or sealing product that you may need, to our ParkerStore managers who can make you a new hose on the spot, to our Outside Salesmen who can come out to your business and take care of your needs so you never have to lift a finger, we are here to help!

www.hershpacking.com 

Member Spotlight: The Memorial Tournament

The Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance is held annually at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. The Tournament, founded and hosted by Jack Nicklaus, is conducted each year with three goals in mind: to honor the memory of individuals living and deceased who have distinguished themselves in the game of golf; to showcase the world’s best golfers competing on one of the most challenging venues in the world for the enjoyment of spectators; and to benefit charitable organizations in central Ohio.  

Why We’re Chamber Members:

The Memorial Tournament appreciates being an active participant in the business market through the Columbus Chamber. Sharing insight, partnership opportunities and the responsibility of philanthropy with other business leaders is important to the Memorial. Collaboration establishes balanced focus between building successful business while also addressing the important needs of our community.

Fun Facts:

- A team of nine people work full-time in planning the Memorial Tournament year-round.

- Over 2,500 volunteers dedicate their time throughout the year and during Tournament week to plan and execute the Memorial.

- Mr. Nicklaus used to hunt with his father as a boy on the land which is now home to Muirfield Village Golf Club.

The Memorial Tournament is known for a consistent top field of PGA TOUR players and a week of incredible golf in its purest form. Beyond play, the Memorial Tournament is also tremendously focused on philanthropy. The Tournament’s primary benefactor is Nationwide Children’s Hospital by way of an alliance with the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. Over $9.8 million dollars has been donated over the course of the Memorial’s 36-year history, which includes a specific concentration on premature infant services. The Memorial Tournament Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was named in 2006 addressing an area of need for the patients and families served by Nationwide Children’s.

www.thememorialtournament.com | @MemorialGolf | www.facebook.com/thememorialtournament

 

Columbus Chamber Supports the Income Tax Cut Plan that Benefits Small Business

By Michael Hartley, Vice President, Government Relations

Today the Columbus Chamber came out in support of the income tax cut plan proposed by Governor Kasich. Why? Small business drives the private sector, and 75 percent of small businesses pay all their taxes through the state income tax. The proposed plan would cut Ohio’s state income tax, which will benefit small business in Central Ohio.

This move was taken after a thorough process involving the Chamber’s Government Affairs Steering Committee, Small Business Council and Executive Committee.

Advocacy always has been a core focus of the Chamber, and we will continue to work with our elected officials to create the best possible business environment for our members.

The Chamber has taken the lead on this issue as the first organization to come out in public support of the tax cut plan. For months you have heard the term the “new Columbus Chamber,” and this move represents part of that philosophy. With today’s announcement, the Columbus Chamber has assumed the role as a public policy and opinion leader. Moving forward you will continue to see the Chamber out front taking the lead on the issues important to the business community in Central Ohio.

Now, you tell us. How would the income tax reduction affect your business? What other regulatory issues are important to you now? We’re eager to hear your feedback.

Member Spotlight: Workware

Workware specializes in employment branding. An employment brand is the way your organization’s prospective and current employees perceive you as an employer. In addition to helping clients develop an employment brand, we create the tangible tools that go along with it, like recruitment ad campaigns, on-boarding workbooks and facilitator guides and benefits kits.

Why we're Chamber members

Workware started out supporting the human resource departments of local businesses, but as our clients were promoted, they left town and took us with them. As a result, many of our clients are now out-of-state and we’d like to re-establish ourselves in Columbus. The Chamber has such a great reputation for networking, that we knew joining would help us get back in the local market and we like to support local businesses.

“Fun facts” about Workware

• In 2010 we were recognized by the Creative Excellence Awards, in seven national categories, for recruitment advertising collateral we created for Waste Management.
• Workware is a family, woman-owned business — Nancy started the business in 1998 and her daughter, Megan, recently joined the company.
• We have an international workforce — one of our employees spends several months out of the year working in her native Germany.
• Our office is located in a home builder’s former showroom — we even have a double-sided fireplace.

www.workware.net

Columbus Region Logistics Council Member Spotlight: Hy-Tek

About Hy-Tek

Since 1963, Hy-Tek Material Handling, Inc. has grown to be the premiere single-source provider of solutions in material handling systems integration, engineering, equipment, and services. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Hy-Tek began as an equipment dealer, and in 1978, added a 50,000-item Catalog Service Division and launched its Integrated Systems Division to include design, engineering, installation, and storage systems to national industrial clients. Today, Hy-Tek remains one of the few companies in the industry to take on the challenge of designing successful solutions for every aspect of a facility’s operation.

Why CRLC

Hy-Tek’s mission of supplying world-class solutions for material handling equipment and engineered systems requires a comprehensive understanding of trends in the logistics and warehousing industry, new technologies, as well as global and local market developments. Critical to Hy-Tek’s ability to offer best-in-class solutions is understanding the real world experiences of those member organizations who actively participate in groups like the Columbus Region Logistics Council. To this end, our active investment and involvement in the CRLC is central to our role as an engineering and equipment solutions provider for the logistics industry.

Products and Services: A One Stop Shop

Whether it’s warehousing, order fulfillment or building a distribution center from greenfield, Hy-Tek creates the original concept or enhances a current system to achieve the optimal performance and return on investment. Backed by factory certified technicians with 24/7 on-call emergency services to support our comprehensive line of mobile lift equipment, clients can count on Hy-Tek to always have the right products for your supply chain demand needs. For more information visit www.hy-tek.net.