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December 31, 2011
President's Message - Debra Lynn-Schmitz
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Happy New Year! Thank you, to our members, our Board and our volunteers for your support and work on behalf of the Chamber and our community.
On the Chamber’s organizational chart the members are at the top. That is a little different than a usual business chart. That means that the Chamber members own the organization. Although we have up to 20 Board Members and Ex-Officio’s that develop the strategic plan and oversee our fiscal circumstances, and we have staff at the Chamber office, we rely heavily on our volunteers to help us carry out the mission. We have many members that have been actively involved over the years in a number of projects and programs the Chamber has conducted. This year, however, recognized four very special volunteers/leaders that have gone above and beyond in their volunteerism in 2011.
The first “shout out” goes to our Golf Chair for the past five years. Mike Warner, Sr. with WarnerTech.Net, LLC joined the Chamber in 2003 and since 2006 he has chaired or co-chaired our golf committee. The Chamber’s Golf Outing is our largest fundraiser and the golf committee puts in considerable time and energy to making it a success. We know that we compete with so many golf outings in the community but our golf outing has been going on for about 50 years. Each year Mike has reviewed the details of our golf outing and assisted in helping us find ways to keep our outing fresh and fun. Mike has even included his family, representing two other Chamber members, Michael Warner, Jr. with Warner Technology, Inc. and Kathy Warner with Warner Communication, LTD. Over the past five years our golf outing has raised over one hundred thousand dollars to support the Chamber’s Mission. Thank you, Mike.
The next volunteer has been a member since 2009. Kathy Breitenbucher, Managing Partner of The Pedestal Group, came on the scene as a Chamber volunteer immediately after joining. Kathy has been Chair of our Program Committee, an Ambassador, a speaker in our technology series, and has an incredible attendance record at our events. Kathy has brought new and fresh ideas to our Chamber programs and has helped us recognize new opportunities on behalf of our members. Thank you, Kathy.
The next two members are Board Members but this year they went above and beyond their Board responsibilities to implement the new Young Entrepreneur’s Academy or YEA! Jani Davis recognized an opportunity on behalf of Westfield Insurance to participate in a youth education program. In this case, YEA is educating students and helping them create their own business over the course of the school year. Westfield Insurance stepped up to be our Premier Sponsor, making the program a reality. Thank you, Jani.
Chad Wilson, with Rapid Marketplace and Chad Allen Consulting, is also a key volunteer in the success of YEA! Chad immediately seized on the opportunity for the Chamber to connect with the High School and stepped in as Champion for the program helping to raise money, recruit volunteers and participating in the YEA sessions. Chad will be helping to fill in as an instructor and help coach the students throughout the program. Thank you, Chad.
And, last but not least, I would like to thank my team at the Chamber office. Many people think our job is about lunches and shaking hands. They may not be aware of the work the Chamber staff does to make it look so easy. Karen Whitaker has been with the Chamber for almost 30 years. Susan Murawski has been with us 16 years, Tina Gienger for 5 years and Becky Parkhurst for almost a year. The staff is responsible for helping carry out the day to day operations as well as the strategic plan established by the Board. You will see one or more of them at all of our events and they are always happy to greet you whether it is in the office, behind the registration table or moving around the room at an event. So, thank you Karen, Susan, Tina and Becky.
I look forward to working with all of our volunteers and leaders in 2012.
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Posted by Tina Gienger
on December 31, 2011 at 2:55 PM
in Business News |
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December 28, 2011
Chairperson's Message - Valerie Rapp
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The commitment to the concept of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce continues as we approach 2012. It is a true pleasure to serve as your Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the upcoming year. We, the board, are looking forward to a great year despite our unique economic climate. The economy is slowly getting better and, although there will be challenges; our 2012 business plan has been set in motion with big things to come.
I still pinch myself wondering, “How did this happen!” But how could it not? I am holding one of the unique honors in the Medina Chamber’s history. My husband, Rob, held the same role in 1999, under the title of President, making us the first married couple to serve but mine is as Chairman/Chairperson of the Board. As a resident of Medina for 36 years, and depending on who you talk with, I am a newbie to Medina when it comes to his family. Rob’s Great, Great Grandfather came to the county in the 1870s and we actually lived in his Great Grandfather’s farmhouse which Robert Lance purchased in 1914. Chamber wise, we have a history there too. Sid Lance, Rob’s Grandfather, and Fred Greenwood (step father) were both recipients of the Chamber Hall of Fame award and Fred served as President in 1963.
For the past 4 years, while serving on the board, I have learned from the experts with so much more experience than I. These well-informed, knowledgeable individuals make up the Greater Medina Chamber’s board and ex-officios that live and work in our community. They are continually educating themselves not only at the local level, but on state and federal issues as well. As members, the board of directors is working on your behalf to stay informed and is dedicated to the success of your Chamber. As 2012 Chairperson of the Board, it is my allegiance to continue that success for our Chamber as well.
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our past Chairman, Dave Mueller. It has been an honor to observe and learn from him over the past year and, with his guidance, our Chamber has been in goods hands. This secure, stable environment will remain because of his commitment and his professional leadership. My objective is to continue the momentum he started during his reign. Dave’s expert qualities and efforts which he applies in his business have been reflected in the dedication he has for loyal service to the Greater Medina Chamber. He, as well as the Chamber board, believes in the importance of supporting locally owned businesses that employs local people and is committed to our community. Thank you, Dave. The Chamber looks forward to your contribution as you remain as our past chair.
As a member of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce, I would encourage the business community to stay informed and make sure you are heard. Please introduce yourself to our board members when you attend a membership meeting. Pick up the phone, email, or write a letter to share your thoughts, ideas and concerns so they might be taken back to the full board for discussion. We, the board, are here to help educate, advocate for local businesses, and support economic development. If you do not participate, how is the Chamber or the board able to represent your interests? I look forward to serving the membership of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce community and extend my wishes to all for a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Valerie Rapp
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Posted by Tina Gienger
on December 28, 2011 at 3:12 PM
in Board of Directors |
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December 9, 2011
New Member December 9, 2011
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Sushi on the Roll
985 Boardman Alley
Medina, OH 44256
330-661-0600
Ken Oppenheimer
www.sotronline.com
Our quality product is recognized as the
pinnacle of excellence for taste, freshness,
consistency & value for the money. SOTR
Also caters large events & offers Chef on-site services.
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Posted by Karen Whitaker
on December 9, 2011 at 2:47 PM
in Member News |
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December 8, 2011
View Chamber VP of Membership Position - see details here
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The Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to fulfill the role of Vice President. Preferred candidates will possess at least 3-5 years of experience in a comparable leadership position and/or sales and marketing experience. Job requirements include being a self starter, highly organized and possessing strong relationship building, social, communication and business skills. Candidates must reside in Medina County.
The Vice President:
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is responsible for the design and implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan that achieves the Chambers annual budget revenue goals.
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manages the design and production of all internal and external marketing tools, including, but not limited to: Chamber event promotional media, social media, website, newsletter, membership sales materials, signage, presentation tools & materials; and membership retention tools.
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is responsible for developing an annual membership plan which includes calendar and budget goals.
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manages all event sponsorships and membership acquisition and retention campaigns.
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reports to the President.
For more information about the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce visit www.medinaohchamber.com.
Resumes accepted by email only. Please send resume to Debra Lynn-Schmitz, President at resumes@medinaohchamber.com by December 23.
click here for full details
http://www.MedinaOhChamber.com/images/company_assets/8B289AD2-ECF6-4A8F-BEA3-1D7C035265B8/MedinaChamberVicePresidentJobDescription2011_5d74.PDF
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Posted by Susan Murawski
on December 8, 2011 at 10:47 AM
in Member News |
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December 5, 2011
Protecting Your Business Against Identify Theft
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PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT
Column by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted
According to a recent report by the research firm Javelin Strategy & Research, identity theft affected more than 8 million people in 2010. While identity theft has often been considered a crime targeting just consumers, business identity theft has become an increasingly alarming trend.
Business identity theft—also referred to as corporate or commercial identity theft—occurs when a business’s identity is used to transact business and establish lines of credit with banks and/or vendors. This could include establishing temporary office space and/or merchant accounts in a company’s name, or ordering merchandise or services with stolen credit card information. Like consumer identity theft, business identity theft can result in potentially ruinous consequences for the victimized business as well as those individuals associated with the business.
December is Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. As the guardian of business filings in Ohio, I am encouraging all Ohio companies to take some time to evaluate and address any vulnerabilities they may have, and also to sign up for the Secretary of State’s business filing notification system, which adds another level of protection against identity theft.
There are many things to consider when deciding to establish a business. After completing the necessary steps to register a business entity with the Secretary of State’s office, a company should focus on protecting against identity theft. Helpful tips are available in the Business Services section of the Secretary of State’s website at www.OhioSecretaryofState.gov and both the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau offer best practices for prevention whether for new or existing business. These include:
Periodically checking the state business filings, filing on time and keeping records up to date.
Monitoring credit reports and business accounts.
Being diligent in safeguarding your company’s sensitive information, including account numbers and passwords, and encourage employees to do the same.
Ensuring that computer systems, networks and website are secure.
In addition to following these best practices, the Secretary of State’s office provides a free, easy-to-use filing notification system that allows businesses to track any changes and updates to business filings with our office. Businesses or individuals need only submit an email address and business charter, registration or license number for each filing, which can be found through a simple online business search at www.OhioSecretaryofState.gov. Please note that if in addition to a regular business filing a company also a registered trademark or service mark, for example, businesses will need to know the numbers for each of those filings as well. Once subscribed to our service, an email will be sent automatically the day after any document is filed. The email will serve as notification of all changes to that business record.
Education, information and readiness are the best defenses against potential threats to a business’s identity. I encourage all business owners to use the Secretary of State’s filing notification systems and other helpful tools during Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness month to make sure their business’s identity is as safe and secure as possible.
For more information on business identity theft please visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website at: www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/Businesses/BusinessInformation/BusinessIdentityTheft.aspx
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Secretary Husted is Ohio’s 53rd Secretary of State and brings a strong record of leadership and a unique breadth of experience to the office. As Secretary of State, Secretary Husted is focused on enhancing economic growth and job creation
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Posted by Tina Gienger
on December 5, 2011 at 10:45 AM
in Business News |
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December 1, 2011
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