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May 18, 2012
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May 14, 2012
President's Message
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What have we done for you lately?
Debra Lynn-Schmitz
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the projects and programs we forget to tell you just what it is we are doing. Since I haven’t written a column in two months there is a lot of information and it is longer than usual but should give you an idea of what is going on at the Chamber and in the community.
Jaclyn Ringstmeier has joined the Chamber staff as our Vice President. Her primary responsibility will be membership but she will also participate in our economic development and business advocacy efforts. Jaclyn joins us with years in the banking industry and her high standards for customer service and relationship building will serve our chamber well. When you see her at one of our events please make sure you introduce yourself. She can be reached at 330-723-2593 or Jaclyn@medinaohchamber.com.
The Board of Directors passed a resolution several months ago supporting the oil and gas development for Ohio. This exciting opportunity to improve the economic circumstances in Ohio is already making a difference in many areas. It is estimated that we will see more local efforts in about a year as the development moves west. Several of our businesses/manufacturers are already aggressively working with the oil and gas industry. Working directly with the oil and gas companies presents a host of challenges; however, there are tremendous opportunities for companies that provide services and products at the tier three and four levels. The workers in this industry will need places to stay, restaurants and amenities while they are in our community. Other businesses outside our area will need products and services that can come from our local businesses. This chain of opportunities can give our local economy a boost as businesses see profits, create jobs and generate taxes.
We brought in Dr. Robert Chase, a professor of petroleum engineering and geology to help educate ourselves and our community on how shale oil and gas development is achieved. You can access the program online at http://tinyurl.com/cw7vojp or visit www.medinatv.org for airtimes on Cable Access Channel 36.
On Tuesday our Chamber will receive the Chamber Action Alliance award from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce for our work in business advocacy. Through our Board of Directors and other interested volunteers our chamber has worked hard to follow those issues that are important to business locally and at the state and national levels. We review the issues, speak with our legislators and discuss the best course of action to influence pro-business legislation. Most of our members do not have the time to do this for themselves so we do our best to speak on their behalf. We have a responsibility to address opportunities that will help our local businesses create jobs and eliminate obstacles that are preventing your business from growing.
Last week at the Board meeting the Chamber Board of Directors passed a resolution supporting the formation of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) for the City of Medina. The CIC will provide another Economic Development tool for the City to help attract business and create jobs. A Community Improvement Corporation is a nonprofit corporation organized under the Ohio Revised Code solely for the purpose of advancing, encouraging and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial, and civic development of a community. The CIC can assist the City with remarketing land owned by the City and developing in accordance with a plan. It has more flexibility to assist a private development. For more information visit the headline news on the Chamber website, www.medinaohchamber.com.
This month’s member meeting at Williams on the Lake featured Kathy Breitenbucher as our moderator for a CEO panel including Mike Baach, Larry Johns, Dave Mueller, Brad Root, Ed McKeon, and Mike Warner. Next month Mike Rao, The Growth Coach will present, “People are Predictably Different…”. Make certain to RSVP for the lunch at Williams on the Lake on June 5.
Sometimes projects will take months to get on track and involve collaboration with other organizations and entities. The Chamber is participating in a coalition that is undergoing a feasibility study for an incubator in Medina County. Other coalition members include Medina County Economic Development Corporation, the Cities of Medina, Brunswick and Wadsworth and Brunswick and Medina Chambers.
With so many programs and events these past two months we have kept busy organizing and planning. It is the time of year for golf (and min-golf). Our golf outing has been going on for well over 50 years and is our primary fund-raiser for the Chamber. This year the committee has decided to make some changes to the day that will add more fun and value at our golf outing. The Golf Outing is August 6 at Medina Country Club.
And don’t forget our mini-golf outing is coming up. The Mini-Golf outing is just fun with networking, putt-putt, food and beverages. It is a great chance to catch up with your business friends and it is only $15 per person for the evening at Rinky-Dink on May 30. Visit the website to register.
We are looking at redesigning many of our programs events and committees. Please watch over the next couple of months for opportunities to get involved and offer your suggestions and ideas for making the Chamber even more relevant to you and our community. Or send me an email
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) is about finished for this year. The students are excited and made their presentation to our Investment Panel a couple of weeks ago. On May 31, the students will have a trade show at the Chamber’s Business after Business hosted by the Moose Lodge and Contemporary Photography. You can visit www.medinatv.org for airtimes on cable or watch it online at http://tinyurl.com/c9a4ljb.
We are already getting ready to promote the YEA! program for the 2012-13 school year. If you know of a high school student that has a natural passion for business or has a great idea to develop into a business, this program provides a hands-on experience. Students will meet with business leaders, take field trips and learn from experts on everything from business accounting, legal considerations, to writing a business plan and marketing. These are life-long lessons they will not learn in the traditional classroom. Contact the Chamber office or visit our website and click on the Young Entrepreneur Academy logo for more information and a link to a registration form.
Did you know you can post Hot Deals on our website? Free! You can contact the Chamber office for instructions. Hot Deals can include special offers that you can change as often as you like. While you are at it, you can also post job openings. We know they work because our members have told us. If you visit the Chamber website you will find other benefits and programs to help you with your bottom line.
You should have received a video regarding the new interactive map the Chamber is doing. Our project is with Hampton Publishing and you may receive a call from John Gootee. If you receive a call regarding a video project the City of Medina is doing please, understand that it has nothing to do with the Chamber.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at exec@medinaohchamber.com if I can be of service.
Debra
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Posted by Susan Murawski
on May 14, 2012 at 4:54 PM
in Member News |
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May 11, 2012
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Medina Entrepreneurs Club
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TECA - THE MEDINA ENTREPRENEURS CLUB
On Wednesday, May 16th we will be joined by Debra Lynn-Schmitz.
With her passion for Medina and business, Debra Lynn-Schmitz has been a driving force in our community for many years. She has been with the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, serving the last 18 as President. She acts in the best interests of the business community facilitating discussions with local and state government, assisting with zoning and building issues, and generally informing the business community of new opportunities and challenges.
Under Debra's service to the community through the Chamber she has helped create several other organizations including Main Street Medina and Young Professionals.
She is Past President/Chairman of Medina County United Way and Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio. She is a graduate of Medina County Leadership and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Debra is a graduate of Institute for Organization Management, a training program for Chamber Professionals sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, holds a B.A. in Business and Organization Communication and a Master's in Organization Management. As an educator, her latest significant accomplishment is as the Program Manager for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.
Debra has a passion for travel and has visited Spain, Ireland and two trips to China in the past two years.
Bunker Hill Golf Course
3060 Pearl Rd.
Medina, OH 44256
Call Bunker Hill Golf Course to RSVP 330-722-4174
or click through to their web site.
$10.00 pre-register
$12.00 at the door
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Posted by Susan Murawski
on May 11, 2012 at 1:27 PM
in Business Events |
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May 4, 2012
New Members May 4, 2012
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Quick Fix Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic
930 Lafayette Road Unit A
Medina, OH 44256
330-558-1540
Wendy Mirrotto
Low cost spay/neuter & wellness services & kitten & cat
adoption center
Sponsor – Sandy Frommeyer
Kaiser Permanente
1001 Lakeside Avenue Suite 1200
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-479-5735
Jaime Lebron
Health care delivery organization providing
health benefit options for Medicare beneficiaries
and commercial businesses.
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Posted by Karen Whitaker
on May 4, 2012 at 3:32 PM
in Member News |
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