In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, small businesses face a number of challenges. From limited resources to fierce competition, the challenge to stand out in a crowded industry can seem nearly impossible. However, there is a powerful tool that is often overlooked, but is essential to overcoming roadblocks and achieving success, networking. Although it is no secret that there are countless benefits to having a strong network, until you realize the power it has for your small business, why devote time out of your busy schedule to it?

Wearing the many hats of a small business owner can often feel lonely. However, having a network of like-minded entrepreneurs who understand the journey and can offer support and encouragement can alleviate the feeling of isolation and providing a sense of community.

Networking allows small business owners to learn from others in the industry who have faced similar challenges and overcame them. It provides an opportunity to share ideas, best practices, and saves you hours not having to search for the latest industry trends to stay up to date. But it doesn’t stop there, through networking, small businesses can also gain access to valuable resources and open doors to collaborate with other businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in related and complementary industries. These collaborations often lead to partnerships, joint ventures, and shared resources enabling you to expand your reach and capabilities.

Having a strong network also boosts your brand’s reputation and enhances your brand image. By participating in networking events and contributing to discussions, small businesses are seen as knowledgeable, reliable, and trustworthy. If you’re ready to open doors to new opportunities and generate more leads, but don’t know where to start, join us Thursday, June 8, 2023 for a 2-hour workshop as we learn from consultant, speaker, and author Chris Borja on how to become a stronger networker. Sign up online here!

The Chamber’s HR Group hosted three panelists during a lunchtime discussion on hiring and retaining employees on May 19 at Richwood Bank in Bellefontaine. Panelists Justin Dinovo (Citizens Federal Savings & Loan), Karen Tron (PCPI Plastics), and Rob Underwood (Indian Lake Schools) shared their best practices for finding qualified applicants, conducting meaningful interviews, and creating an atmosphere of understanding to encourage employees to stay. All panelists stressed the importance of company culture to retain employees. Rob Underwood, Indian Lake Schools Superintendent, shared: “We always ask in interviews, ‘How do you react in stressful situations?’ and the interview group gets to hear that answer. So if an employee reacts differently than they said in their interview, we can go back and say, ‘What’s changed? Because in your interview, you said this. So how can we get closer to that original reaction?’”

Quarterly HR events are planned for the remainder of 2023. Additional event information will be posted to the Chamber’s event calendar when it becomes available.
This panel discussion was a joint effort of the Chamber’s Pursuit of Excellence Series and HR Group. The Pursuit of Excellence Series is sponsored by Ascend Consulting and Open Road Renewables and the HR Group is supported by HBD/Thermoid, Inc. Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Applications for the 2023-2024 class will be available starting in mid-June. Contact Chamber Director Lydia Hess for additional information.
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Congrats again to our Leadership Grads!

​The Chamber team celebrated with Wrangler Matt and the staff at Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield on May 7 at the opening ceremony for their newest building, the Orchard Barn. The construction project is a part of the farm's "Vision for the Valley" campaign. The Vision for the Valley campaign will increase both overnight and daytime capacity, as well as expand the number of restrooms. The camp experience will be enhanced by additional and/or remodeled activity pavilions, and increased security measures, including outdoor lighting and cabin locks.

Marmon Valley Farm is located outside of Zanesfield on State Route 292. Learn more about their family friendly activities and camp offerings at www.marmonvalley.com. 

Chad shared his story of personal encounters with suicide and loss - and the lessons he learned from his experiences - during an interactive discussion with attendees. He provided mental health statistics and outlined resources for those struggling with mental health issues, including 988, the national 24-hour suicide and crisis lifeline. 

​Logan County Safety Council meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month and are free to attend. More information on Safety Council is available here. 

The Chamber hosted its monthly Legislative Impact Meeting on April 11th with a Logan County School Superintendents panel. Scott Mann from Riverside Local School District, John Scheu from Benjamin Logan Local School District, Rob Underwood from Indian Lake Schools, Rick Smith from Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, and Brad Hall from Bellefontaine City Schools all shared about recent wins and challenges at their schools.  They asked the community to continue holding the schools and students to a high standard. All students, regardless of economic status, behavior, or other obstacles are still just as capable of learning and being successful in the community.
Several highlights shared include:

• Logan County Schools share an incredible partnership and collaborative spirit.  The Superintendents regularly interact and share ideas
• Our schools are a reflection of the greater Logan County community.  The values of the community are seen in the schools just like the challenges seen in the community are seen in the schools.  Superintendents asked the community to not believe everything they read about schools as issues that show up in national or even state news often do not reflect what is happening locally.
• Mental health of students has become a focus and concern.  More dollars are being budgeted for things outside the classroom: social emotional issues, mental health professionals, counselors, school security, and safety.
• There is ongoing concern for the ability of students to pay for lunch.  During COVID all students received free breakfast and lunch.  Today, many kids simply go hungry.  Looking to the state for possible other resources to support students nutrition.
• Enrollment at all districts but Benjamin Logan and Ohio Hi-Point has been gradually declining and now seems to be nearing a plateau
  • Bellefontaine about 2,300 students gradual decline for 15 years. Major success in 2022 adding pre-school which will expand in 2023
  • Riverside about 600 students and also a steady decline.  Very proud of 31 kids being selected to compete in the national Business Professionals of America event this summer
  • Indian Lake about 1,400 students down from 1,800 in 2009.  Expect to plateau at about 1,300. Seeing significant growth in their FFA and Agriculture programs with onsite pasture and livestock
  • Benjamin Logan about 1,700 students and seeing minor growth.  Covers 3 counties and is the 16th largest school district in the state by square mileage.  26 bus routes. Very proud to onsite health care with Community Health and Wellness Partners and of their required financial literacy class for all students. 
  • Ohio Hi-Point has growing enrollment and programming.  They cover 5 counties and 14 school districts.  They are about to expand into their 59th program offered either onsite or at their satellite school locations.
• School Funding is always a challenge as the state makes changes every two-years with the state budget, yet schools budget on a 5-year plan.  85% of budgets are employees so any time reductions are needed, there are not many non-people places to reduce cost.  95% of what schools receive funding for is for mandated programming, meaning there is little discretion in how dollars can be spent. 

The next Legislative Impact Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 9th from 8-9am at the Mary Rutan Health Center.  The Logan County Commissioners will be presenting on recent project updates, wins, and challenges. 

​The Chamber hosted April’s First Thursday Coffee networking event at Gathering Grounds in Russells Point for the first time ever! Gathering Grounds joined the Chamber last year and was added to the First Thursday coffee shop rotation this year. They provided excellent coffee, tea, and breakfast items for our 30+ attendees at the event.

​Car And Driver Magazine reports on Honda’s historic $124 million investment as it opens a full-scale state of the art wind tunnel in East Liberty 

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