RICHLAND AREA CHAMBER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CHAMBER LINK
JANUARY 2021
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
Letter from Jodie STAFF Jodie A. Perry, CCE, IOM, CCEO-AP President/CEO Phone extension 102 Patrick Clinage Executive Assistant & Sector Coordinator Phone extension 101 Lisa Duckworth Programs & Events Manager Phone extension 105 Angie Fanello Marketing & Communications Coordinator Phone extension 104 Jessica Gribben Economic Development Liaison Phone (419) 342-4159 Kathy Fox Front Office Coordinator Clint Knight Workforce Development Director Phone extension 112 Nikki Lewis Chamber Foundation Manager Phone extension 103 Ashley Meyer Member Services Coordinator Phone extension 110 Barrett Thomas Economic Development Director Phone extension 111
55 N. Mulberry St. Mansfield, OH 44902 Phone: (419) 522-3211 Fax: (419) 526-6853 info@richlandareachamber.com
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The Year Ahead Here we are, a new year, but carrying forward many of the challenges we faced in 2020. I’m sure we would all like a crystal ball to be able to tell us what is ahead of us. I don’t know for sure, but I do know we still have months of difficulty ahead. But rather than focus on the negative, let me look on the brighter side and offer a few “community New Year resolutions” I hope we can embrace together. 1. Let’s resolve to work together, relentlessly, to help our community overcome our current circumstances. If you have known me for a any length of time, you know that I am a collaborator at heart. I know that when we work together in tackling the problems that lay ahead we will ultimately be more successful. 2. Let’s resolve to keep long-term vision in mind, while combatting the shortterm challenges. While it is true that for all of us, COVID-19 has upended many of our carefully laid plans – at work, at home, and in the community. We must face the present with an eye on the future. The end of this crisis will eventually arrive and communities that managed to find the balance will be much better off. 3. Let’s resolve to understand that everyone’s experience with COVID is different. How COVID has impacted my life, is different than how it has impacted yours. Some have lost beloved family members, some have had livelihoods destroyed, some have battled long-term illness, still others have had different experiences. Sometimes, we can respond better by listening to others, first. 4. Let’s resolve to show grace to each other as often as possible. Most of us have never lived through something like this. It’s stressful. It’s worrying. It’s relentless. We all have lost our temper, or made a mistake at some point during this pandemic. By being people of grace and sharing forgiveness with others (and ourselves), we will better be able to handle it. 5. Let’s resolve to ask for help when we need it. This is hard. Real hard. But last I checked, none of us are Superman. We all need help sometimes. There’s no shame in it. Reach out, don’t suffer alone. Honestly, we all deserve a “Survival Award” for all that happened in 2020. If life were fair, we’d get it by having a nice long break from anything difficult. But that’s not what’s happening. Instead of focusing on what’s out of our control, let’s keep in mind on how we respond and let’s make 2021 the year of our RESILIENCE & RENEWAL. Happy New Year, Richland County! Jodie
Jodie A. Perry, CCE, IOM, CCEO-AP President & CEO Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
I N T R O D U C I N G J O R DA N H A A S
English & History Intern at the Chamber
Jordan has become a member of the Chamber’s team as an intern for the early spring season of 2021. Jordan is currently a student on course to graduate from The Ohio State University in the spring of 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in both English and history. In the Chamber she works mainly with Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Angie Fanello, but she also assists the staff as needed. Jordan discovered her passions for English and history through an early childhood love of reading and a newfound interest in student government extracurriculars at school. Between her full-time dual major, a part-time job at Papa’s Gondola restaurant, a philosophy tutoring position at Ohio State, and an internship with the Chamber, Jordan stays busy building her experiences and skills for the future. Some of her achievements include reception of both high honors and the English Departmental Award from Lexington, acceptance into the Ohio State STEP program, consistent Dean’s List status, and induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success. Outside of work and school, Jordan enjoys literature, foreign films, sightseeing, and quality time with friends and family. She enjoys learning and exploring new things whether it be from cultures, food, entertainment, or music. After her bachelor’s programs at Ohio State, Jordan hopes to attend law school where she would be interested in studying art/museum law or intellectual property law. Jordan is excited to receive a new opportunity with the Chamber where she hopes to grow both her workplace skillsets and her community friendships.
If 2020 was an account, we’d close it. Hello 2021! Here’s to a fresh start and a new year that’s (fingers crossed) filled with better things. And we’ll be here to help— in person or online. | MyMechanics.com
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STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
RECENT RIBBON CUTTINGS
Spherion Mid Ohio - Ontario
Village Roots - Plymouth
Ivory Bean Coffee House - Shelby 4
Mind Pod & Soul - Ontario
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUR ENTIRE ORGANIZATION DEVELOPED BY
PRESENTED BY
We believe that developing leaders can positively transform individuals, organizations, and entire communities. That is why we are introducing the Learning Lab this year. This program will focus on providing a space for our community leaders, both current and rising, to discuss topics relevant to our community. In order to make sure Richland County grows, we all need to play our part. With a mix of leadership development topics, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. We want to play our part in ensuring every organization is filled with diverse individuals that are also inspired and equipped to lead for the future – whatever it may bring.
MICROLEARNING SERIES A series of hour-long sessions dedicated to relevant topics featuring intellectually stimulating speakers and topics from the Richland County community that continue your personal leadership growth, business connections and hands-on community engagement. Series brought to you by Gorman-Rupp Pumps. Sessions: Jan 14, Mar 11, Apr 8, and Jun 3.
DEVELOPMENT SERIES A series of sessions (1-3 hours) dedicated to further develop leaders within our community and your organizations. Sessions will be led by national speakers and experts. Series brought to you by Park National Bank. Sessions: Feb 11 and May 20.
JOIN US FOR OUR VIRTUAL LEARNING SESSIONS! STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
J A N U A R Y: LEADERSHIP PRESENCE WITH DUANA PATTON
January 14 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
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F E B R U A R Y: THE SEASONS OF BEING STUCK
February 11 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am
With Chris McAlister, founder of SightShift. This session takes participants through discovering the actions they need to take through the 4 seasons in their journey, in order to get unstuck and grow to the next level. We discuss how letting go, leaning in, taking bold action, and approaching work from a playful place allows one to tune into what inspires them and to create work that's aligned with who they are. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BOOK CLUB
TH I S IS W H E RE Y O U BE L ONG B Y: M E L O DY W A R N IC K
January 20 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Join us as we begin our monthly book club series for Learning Lab Club members. Our first session will include author Melody Warnick as we discuss loving where you live.
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Upcoming sessions: March 11, April 8, May 20 and June 3
PRICING - LEARNING LAB CLUB Individual Club Pricing Learning Lab Club Membership - $200.00 Access to all of the series sessions, book club, and monthly newsletter
Learning Lab Development Series - $150.00 Access to just the Development Series and the monthly newsletter
Learning Lab Microlearning Series - $100.00 Access to just the Microlearning Series and the monthly newsletter
Corporate Club Pricing Organizations registering 1-5 employees - $600.00 Access to all Learning Lab series sessions, book club and monthly newsletter for up to 5 employees. Business will be listed in monthly newsletter.
Organizations registering 6-10 employees - $1,200.00 Access to all Learning Lab series sessions, book club and monthly newsletter for up to 10 employees. Business will be listed in monthly newsletter.
Contact us for pricing over 10 employees
LU ALUM CLUB - $50.00 Support Leadership Unlimited, access to book club and monthly newsletter. 6
Contact Nikki Lewis at nlewis@richlandareachamber.com for all pricing and membership
Small Business of the Year Awards STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
Our 2020 Small Business of the Year Awards went off without a hitch thanks to DRM Productions and their expert filming skills!
Finalist Video Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
Premier Sponsors
Regional Leader Sponsor
7 Entrepreneur Sponsors:
Innovator Sponsors
Ambrose Asphalt Inc
Commercial Cutting & Graphics LLC
MHS Industrial Supply
RBC Inc.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINALISTS AND AWARD WINNERS!
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
You all are so deserving of this honor and have made Richland County a better place. Keep up the GREAT work! See the Chamber Facebook page for the Finalist videos.
The winner of our 2020 Small Business of the Year Award in the 14 and under category is DRM Productions.
Congratulations to other finalists in the 14 and under employee category, Studio 19 Salon Spa and Elzy Milling & Trade LTD!
Our WINNER in the 15 and over employee category of the 2020 Small Business of the Year Awards is Debt Recovery Solutions of Ohio!
Congratulations to other finalists in the 15 and over employee category, Dearman Moving & Storage and
8Schmidt Security Pro & Schmidt Fire!
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
The 2020 Small Non-Profit of the Year recipient is Richland County Foundation!
Over the last 75 years, the Richland County Foundation has helped so many organizations in our community. The Richland County Foundation was created as an independent nonprofit organization that could accept and administer charitable gifts and bequests, regardless of size, for the benefit of the local community. The Richland County Foundation also organizes Richland Gives, which is designed to encourage everyone to contribute to local nonprofits they care about through a single giving platform/website. Congratulations to the Richland County Foundation on this well deserved award! Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed.
Our 2020 Small Business of the Year Awards looked a little different just as everything else has. To highlight the good we have noticed in our community, we have created a special Community Spirit Award for two businesses that went above and beyond in 2020.
The first Community Spirit Award goes to Studio 19 Salon Spa! When shutdown hit in March, the team at Studio 19 knew there was still work to be done and help was needed. In response to this, Studio 19 organized a "Day of PPE Donation" event at the salon. GREAT JOB to Studio 19 with the leadership of Melissa Cary! You are truly a COMMUNITY HERO!
The second Community Spirit Award goes to Y-Not Cycling! Y-Not Cycling stepped up to the plate to make many families happy in the summer of 2020. On top of keeping all bicycle rentals clean and germ free, they made the rentals FREE! Starting with teachers and students, Y-Not expanded the free rental to everyone after to shelter in place order was given. Thank you SO MUCH Y-Not Cycling! You brought so much JOY to a time of fear! This makes you a true COMMUNITY HERO!
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STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
2020 Nominees & Semi-Finalists Dr. Jonathan Wilson DDS
Skyline Chili
Amerascrew Inc
DRM Productions Inc
Sluss Realty Company
Bankz Salon
Elzy Milling and Trade
Snow Trails
Boyd Eichinger Brafford Group at Merrill Lynch
Heartland Design Concepts
Studio 19 Salon & Spa
Henry’s Key & Lock Shop Div of Billheimer Security LLC
Superior Cleaning & Recovery
Semi- Finalists
Carothers Pest Control LLC Dearman Moving & Storage Debt Recovery Solutions of Ohio Doc’s
New Directions EAP & Counseling Center
The Gated Dock TresDen’s Jewelers Truck Sales & Service, Inc.
Richland Sealcoating Company Inc
Whitaker’s Natural Market
Schmidt Security Pro
Y-Not Cycling & Fitness
Nominees
113 ACE Hardware 3rd Gen Plumbing LLC Appleseed Valley/Clearfork Veterinary Hospital Bishop Insurance Services Blevins Fabrication Corp Buckeye Horizon Callahan Door & Window Chinatown Restaurant City Grille Clear Fork Family Denistry Commercial Cutting & Graphics LLC Crowe’s Shoes Deluxe Catering & Events / Dan Lew Exchange
ists Non-Profit Final
E S Consulting Inc Floral Garden Florist Gandert Door Company Inc Hales Sport Center Inc Hamilton Insurance Group Inc. Lloyd Rebar Company Lybarger Insurance Agency Mid-Ohio Roofing Inc Milark Industries Northwest Regional Systems Paul’s Drive-In Penwell Turner Funeral Home Pivot Creative Rable Machine Inc SASCO Specialty Advertising
Altrusa of Mansfield, Inc.
Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio
Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center
Lucas Community Center
Humane Society of Richland County
inees
Non-Profit Nom
Back Room of Hope Friendly House Harmony House Homeless 10 Services, Inc.
Mid Ohio Guardianship Services, Inc. Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society Richland Carrousel Park Inc SCORE Shelby CIC
Shaw & Ott Medical Smith True Value Hardware Spyder Signs Staker Dental Steve’s Dakota Grill Sun Graphics Terra Valley Excavating The Clean Company The Hidden Acres Farm The Holden Agency The Phoenix Brewing Company The Seckel Group Architects Ltd AIA Wallington & Bauer Warrior Drive-In & Pizza Weekley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Co
NAMI Richland County Ohio Genealogical Society Richland Academy of the Arts Richland County Foundation Richland Pregnancy Services The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc The New Store The Shelby Foundation Westbrook Country Club What Goes ‘Round Thrift Shoppe
STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
A Pandemic Review & Warning The Ugly, The Bad, and The Good
by Reed Richmond, Health Education and Communications Specialist, Richland Public Health It’s January 4 as I write this and I look at the pandemic numbers and it’s quite frankly horrifying. 1.8 million deaths worldwide; 350,000 in the United States; 9,100 in Ohio; and 89 COVID-19 deaths right here in Richland County. The collateral damage is heart-rending: never before has the United States seen this many deaths in a single year. Those numbers are ugly. We are left with our sorrow for those who have lost loved ones. How did we get to this place? As someone who has worked in the health field for 20 years, I know that a pandemic is something that Richland Public Health and its planning partners regularly have drills for. We have a pandemic play book. We’ve rehearsed scenarios. We’re well aware of what happened in 1918 with the last pandemic. So how did it get this bad? There will be a lot of finger pointing (I’m pointing at you, social media), but we all share a portion of the blame. Way back in February, I read an article entitled “How to Prepare for the Coming Pandemic.” The author correctly predicted that 2020 was going to be the “Big One.” One of the author’s points was “in a pandemic the rules change as we gain more knowledge about the virus.” Public health did a poor job of preparing the public for that scenario (and, yes, as a communications professional, I share in that blame). The good thing is that public health departments across the nation went into overdrive to protect their citizens. Richland Public Health used “all hands on deck” to provide support for our often overwhelmed Public Health Nursing staff. And the County has gotten on board with the “CountOnMeRC” campaign (see CountOnMeRC.com or #couuntonmerc) to emphasize what you can do to help. The other obvious good news is that COVID-19 vaccines have arrived. While we all hope the vaccine distribution goes smoothly, there are bound to be some bumps in the road. There may be a breakdown in the supply chain. We may fall short of our goals. And we may find out something new about the vaccine that will cause us to change our plans. So you should know that things are still going to change despite our best plans, because this is a pandemic. And the rules change. I ’ve heard many comments that now that we have a vaccine it’s the end of the pandemic. Instead, I like the comment from Winston Churchill after a pivotal victory in the early stages of World War II: “This is not the end. It’s not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” We have a long row to hoe yet. So stay diligent. Continue to wear your mask, socially distance, and wash your hands. Can we count on you, Richland County?
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The COVID-19 vaccines are in Ohio! STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY
Check out the “phased approach” to vaccine distribution in Ohio below. Richland Public Health’s vaccine supply initially will be going to qualifying Phase 1A facilities and groups. To find out more about the vaccines and plans, see richlandhealth.org/covid-vaccine-qa Be aware that it will be some time before vaccines are available to everyone who wants one. Continue to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.
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Looking for local workforce talent?
Introducing Community Opportunity Build Your FREE Business Profile Today! What is Community Opportunity? Simply put, Community Opportunity is a resource for companies to find local talent. It is a comprehensive website for students, job seekers, and area businesses alike to connect, network, and find/share employment opportunities within our community. The goal of Community Opportunity is to ensure that everyone in our community is aware of the jobs and careers available. Our local companies are in need of our local talent, who all too often do not realize the great opportunity right here in our own backyard.
Why Should I Participate? Community Opportunity is a free resource for you as a local business -- you will have access to local job seekers’ resumes, and you’ll also increase your organization’s visibility and community engagement at no cost to you. It’s a win-win!
How Do I Build My Profile? It’s easy! Follow the three simple steps below to get started. You’ll just need basic contact information, a company summary, plus a photo and/or video. Step 1: Visit www.communityopportunity.com. Click “Company Registration”. Step 2: Complete the Company Registration form. This includes contact information, company summary/profile information, and industry selection. Step 3: Click the green “Register” button. Once you’ve submitted your information, you’ll be able to edit the content, upload photo/video, and post job openings. All profiles are subject to approval. Once your profile is approved, you will be able to upload your logo, photos of your business, and more.
We’re happy to help! Once you’ve set up your profile -- or if you have any questions during the process, don’t hesitate to contact us. Clint Knight Director of Workforce Development Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development Phone: 419-522-3211 Email: cknight@richlandareachamber.com
The Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation provides so many ways for you to learn and grow! If you have any questions about Leadership Unlimited or YEA!, contact Nikki Lewis, Leadership Unlimited Manager at (419) 522-3211 or nlewis@richlandareachamber.com
We are so excited to announce our YEA! Class of 2020-21. These five amazing young people have already been hard at work for a month. In the coming months, they will develop and launch their own real businesses. We cannot wait to share their great ideas with you all soon. Stay tuned!!
Learning Learning LAB LAB We want to thank Mansfield City School District Superintendent, Stan Jefferson, for presenting to Learning Lab today. His presentation on Leadership Choices wasDEVELOPMENT filled with great words LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT of wisdom and advice for every organization.
FOR FOR YOUR YOUR ENTIRE ENTIRE
Don’t forget to register for our next Microlearning session on ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION January 14 from 12-1 pm with Duana Patton of Area Agency on Agency. Duana will be presenting to us on Leadership Presence. Email Nikki at nlewis@richlandareachamber.com if you’re interested in registering.
New TechCred Application Period Now Open Clint Knight, Workforce Development Director
The seventh TechCred application period opened January 4th and closes January 29th at 3:00pm. TechCred helps businesses upskill their current and incoming workforce with tech-focused credentials. Businesses can receive up to $2,000 for each tech-focused credential earned, up to $30,000 per employee each application period. Since the program’s start, a total of 966 Ohio employers have been approved for funding, supporting the earning of 15,105 tech-focused credentials by Ohio employees. Businesses can learn more and apply at TechCred.Ohio.gov. Additonal information is also included below.
TechCred Program Guidelines January 2021 Application Period
Ohio's TechCred Program gives employers the chance to upskill current and future employees in today’s tech-infused economy. Employers who submit successful applications will be reimbursed up to $2,000 per credential when current or prospective employees complete eligible technology-focused credentials.
Application and Reimbursement Process
1. Employer applies for funding during application period 2. Development Services Agency scores application and awards funding 3. Employer sponsors current or prospective employees to complete an eligible credential program 4. Current or prospective employee successfully completes the program and receives approved credential 5. Employer submits proof of completion and receives reimbursement
Employer Eligibility Any Ohio registered employer that employs Ohio resident W-2 employees is eligible to apply. Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to apply. Only one application will be accepted per employer per application period. Agencies of the State of Ohio are not eligible to receive reimbursement.
Employer Size Classification For the purpose of application and fund distribution, the following employer size classifications will be used: • 1-50 Employees: Small • 51-200 Employees: Medium • 201+ Employees: Large
Individual Eligibility
Ohio employers may apply for reimbursement for credentialing of both current and/or prospective employees. Employers will not be required to identify specific individuals on the application for funding but will be required to identify employees who earned the approved credentials when completing the reimbursement request. To receive reimbursement, the employer must be able to verify that credential earners are Ohio residents with a verifiable Ohio address. Individuals must be W-2 employees at the time of the reimbursement request; independent contractors or 1099 employees are not eligible for this program. MORE INFORMATION HERE or visit https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred/home
THANK YOU TO OUR CATALYTIC LEADER INVESTORS
ADENA CORPORATION • NANOGATE NORTH AMERICA LLC & JAY INDUSTRIES • MEDICAL MUTUAL • MILLIRON AUTO PARTS FIRSTENERGY CORP • HAMILTON INSURANCE GROUP, INC • HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK • NEWMAN TECHNOLOGY