August 4 marked the official opening of the One-Eyed Cookie Lab! Owner Jennifer Rachek has been baking her whole life and decided to turn her hobby into a business in 2020, naming it after her one-eyed Labrador Amelia (the original “one-eyed cookie lab”). Her record-breaking ribbon cutting crowd is a testament to how excellent her cookies are! Jennifer’s shop in the Historic Opera Block on Court Avenue in Bellefontaine will be open Wednesday – Saturday 10 – 8pm starting in mid-August. You can learn more about the One-Eyed Cookie Lab at www.oneeyedcookielab.com. Congratulations, Jennifer – the Chamber team is so excited to have you in downtown Bellefontaine and we look forward to regular stops in your store!
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Any business that joins during our Membership Drive will receive 50% off their 2023 membership dues, 25% off their 2024 membership dues (if paid by 7/25/2023), and free event registration for select upcoming Chamber events, including our New Member Meet & Greet on July 28. Interested in helping us reach our goal? Here are a few ways you can help:
We look forward to sharing our progress with our members at the end of July. Happy Membership Drive month! The Chamber celebrated the grand opening of the K9 Army Dog Training’s new space with a Ribbon Cutting on June 29. Their new space looks great and is perfect for their puppy classes, basic obedience, and residency programs. To learn more visit hafhpetcare.com or stop by and see them at 8104 State Route 117, Huntsville. Congratulations, K9 Army Dog Training!
The Chamber recently hosted a Ribbon Cutting on June 28 to welcome Hodson Energy to Bellefontaine. Hodson Energy said, “Our focus goes beyond merely setting up operations. We understand that the heart of Ohio beats in its rich industrial heritage, particularly in the manufacturing sector, and we are eager to support and enhance this legacy by embracing the transition toward electric vehicles and domestic battery manufacturing. As we move forward, our company's mission is to create a future where renewable energy technology supports innovation and strengthens time-honored industries, all while providing a cost-competitive form of energy generation that ensures their ongoing vitality.” Welcome to Logan County, Hodson Energy! Hodson Energy’s new Bellefontaine office is located inside the Main Street Marketplace at 130 S Main St, Bellefontaine, OH 43311. To learn more about Hodson Energy visit: hodsonenergy.com
The Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting on June 16th to congratulate Dependable Companions Dog Training on their new building. Dependable Companions Dog Training started as an at-home business, and has now grown into its own space offering boarding, training, and doggy daycare for all ages of dogs. Stop by and say hi at 9037 Township Rd 172, East Liberty, OH 43319 or check out their website to learn more info: https://www.dependablecompanions.com/
The Chamber celebrated our freshly renovated space with a ribbon cutting on June 9th. Thank you to everyone who attended and a special thank you to Marker, Inc for doing the renovations and Beasley Architecture & Design for being the vision behind our new, beautiful space. We are excited to continue supporting area businesses and serving the community. Stop by and see us at 100 S. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311 or check us out online.
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.
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. |
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