Alliance Chamber Newsletter - February 2023

OHIO SAFETY CONGRESS AND EXPO

Registration is now open for the 2023 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo® (OSC23®), hosted by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. OSC23® returns live and in-person to the Greater Columbus Convention Center March 8-10.

A select number of educational sessions will be livestreamed, offering the flexibility to attend how you choose.

With over 100 educational sessions from leading experts and nearly 200 exhibitors waiting to connect in the Expo Marketplace, there is something for everyone at OSC23®.

Join representatives from employers and government across the country to discover strategies and tools for a healthy, safe, and productive workforce.

OSC23® offers topics on:

• Business strategies

• Construction safety

• Governance and regulatory

• Government employee safety

• Leadership and professional development

• Manufacturing safety

• Safety management systems

• Technology and innovations

• Total Worker Health

• Workers’ compensation

Visit the OSC23® website to register for the event. Registration is free, so invite your colleagues.

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Chamber members,

For those who don’t know me, I’m Melissa Gardner, and I have the pleasure of serving as the chair of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce Board for 2023. I have lived in the Alliance community for nearly 30 years, first as a student at the University of Mount Union and then as a member of its administration. I currently serve Mount Union as the vice president for marketing.

As we kick off the new year, we do so with a new look and delivery method for The Chamber News. Our February issue features a new design, and it is now being delivered digitially. Although there are often concerns when making a transition of this nature, our careful deliberations have led us to the conclusion that the benefits of digital delivery far exceed the drawbacks.

Here are just a few of the advantages:

• The newsletter is more visible, easily shareable, and likely to be seen by more individuals as it will now be accessible via email, the Chamber website, and social media.

• We are no longer subject to page limitations, so we can adjust the size of the newsletter to ensure robust coverage of Chamber news.

• The elimination of space constraints means that we can offer a wider-variety of ad sizes. We can also link your ads to your websites.

• The transition will allow the Chamber to reallocate resources to other critical initiatives.

If you haven’t yet reserved your ad space for 2023, there’s still time. Please submit your ad reservation form as soon as possible. If you need assistance designing your ad, the Chamber will provide these services free of charge in 2023.

I look forward to serving as your Board chair in 2023, and I hope to see you in person at a Chamber event soon.

Melissa Gardner Chair of the Board

WOMEN’S DIVISION POT OF GOLD FUNDRAISER

The Women’s Division of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce is selling raffle tickets for its Pot of Gold fundraiser. The raffle offers a chance to win a lottery scratch-off and gift card basket valued at $500. The drawing will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, and the winner need not be present to win. Proceeds will be dispersed back to the Alliance community to organizations that support women and children.

The Women’s Division is currently collecting gift cards and scratch-off lottery tickets to be included in the raffle basket. Those who would like to contribute can bring donations at the Alliance YWCA or Buckeye State Credit Union by February 24.

If you are interested in purchasing raffle tickets, which are $5 a piece, please see any Women’s Division member.

As a result of your generosity, the Women’s Division was able to contribute $15,000 to area organizations in 2021 and 2022. Thank you in advance for helping us make an even bigger impact in 2023.

Scott D. Lawrence Business Banker

Cheers TO THESE CHAMBER MEMBERS

ALLIANCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Alliance Historical Society was recognized by the Canton SCORE chapter in December as its Small Business of the Year during its 14th annual Client Recognition Luncheon. Nominated by SCORE mentor Gary Lustig, the Society is working on a business plan that will lead their Alliance History Center project. Alliance Historical Society President Karen Perone accepted the award on behalf of the Society’s board.

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION

The University of Mount Union is proud to have been tied as the number one private institution in Ohio for online master’s in education (M.Ed.) programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Mount Union’s program was ranked number five overall for all online master’s in education programs in Ohio. The University was also the highest-ranking Northeast Ohio institution.

Mount Union’s online Master of Education degree offers concentrations in athletic coaching, educational leadership, instructional design and technology, and Ohio Principal’s Licensure. Successful alumni of the program have gone on to become athletic directors, principals, and leaders in the education technology space.

LISA TRUMMER OF TANNER REAL ESTATE

Congratulations to Lisa Trummer of Tanner Real Estate on receiving the Top 5 RateMyAgent - Agent of the Year County Award for 2023.

IN THEIR OWN words

Nate Sheen, president of Astoria, discusses the impact that Chamber involvement has had on his business.

IT WAS A GREAT YEAR. I CONSIDER THIS THE STRONGEST GROUP I AM A PART OF IN OUR COMMUNITY. IN 2022, ASTORIA HAS WRITTEN ALMOST 55K IN NEW BUSINESS BECAUSE OF THE TUESDAY TIP CLUB. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH ASTORIA AND YOUR CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT IN THE TIP CLUB. IN 2023, WE PLAN TO GROW TOGETHER IN PARTNERSHIP AND WRITING BUSINESS.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Alliance Family Health Center

CHAMBER TIP CLUBS

PARTICIPATE IN HOLIDAY OUTREACH

All three Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce Tip Clubs adopted families for the 2022 holiday season through the YWCA Family Outreach program. Club members provided gifts for each member of each family, making a significant difference in the lives of a number of residents in our Alliance community.

RE-MARKS

As you can see the Chamber News has a whole new look and is now digital. A huge thank you goes to Faye Roller, Administrative Director for the Chamber and Melissa Gardner, VP of Marketing at the University of Mount Union for all their hard work in making this happen.

Congratulations to Greg King on being named Mount Union’s 14th President. Greg is a Mount Union Alumni and has served as the vice president of Advancement. The Chamber looks forward to working with Greg as we continue our incredible relationship with the university.

The Wednesday morning Tip Club held their annual Christmas Party at the Chamber office on December 14th. Pat Gates and Mike Patterson from the Alliance Community Pantry were there to give an update on the Pantry. Tip Club members donated food and monetary donations for the Pantry.

All three Tip Clubs adopted families from the YWCA for Christmas. Club members provided gifts for each member of each family. The Tuesday Tip Club is facilitated by Nate Sheen with Astoria, the Wednesday Tip Club is facilitated by Karen Perone with the Alliance Historical Society and the Thursday Tip Club is facilitated by DJ Digiantanonio with Rodman Library.

If you have renewed your Chamber membership for 2023, thank you!! There are many benefits of membership in the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce. The simple truth is that you will only get something out of your Chamber membership if you

THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE ALLIANCE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. THE SIMPLE TRUTH IS THAT YOU WILL ONLY GET SOMETHING OUT OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP IF YOU ARE WILLING TO PUT INTO IT. WE HAVE A GREAT DIVISION AND COMMITTEE STRUCTURE DESIGNED TO FACILITATE NETWORKING, EDUCATION, LOBBYING AND BUSINESS PROMOTION.

are willing to put into it. We have a great division and committee structure designed to facilitate networking, education, lobbying and business promotion. Sorry to say there is no free lunch. To get the most from your membership you must get involved.

We need and appreciate your membership. The Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce cannot carry out its broad program of work to protect and advance business without volunteers and adequate financial support.

As we begin 2023, I would like to thank the Board members, Divisions heads and committee chairs for all their hard work in 2022. Also, a huge thank you to Adam Christian for serving as Chairman of the Board during yet another very strange year as we came out of many of the COVID 19 protocols, your leadership was greatly appreciated.

Mark Locke President of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce

To learn more, visit mountunion.edu

And we’ve ALWAYS been here. As our community’s ONLY locally owned and operated health system, we have ALWAYS been committed to providing you with the very best in care, wellness, education, insurance and more … because you matter.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Rodman Public Library

Find Your Friends at Copeland Oaks

Staying socially engaged is essential to maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.

Ways our residents stay social:

Interest groups and clubs

Volunteer opportunities

Community planned events

Indoor and outdoor recreation

Personal training and fitness classes

Spiritual groups

Gathering with friends

At Copeland Oaks we offer a worry-free, safe, and fun environment where seniors can thrive emotionally,

and spiritually. Visit our website or set up a private tour to learn more.

FIRST FRIDAY

Please join Downtown Alliance March 3rd, 5-8pm, for First Friday celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and Music Madness for the whole family!

Alliance City School’s music department will be performing at various locations around downtown and businesses will be hosting a shamrock scavenger hunt, each business will have a prize. There will also be a grand prize raffle, including everyone who finds ALL the Lucky Charms, and turns in their completed map. The Rodman Public Library Bookmobile will be joining with a wonderful selection of children’s books, and story time at approximately 6:30pm. The Alliance Preservation and Historical Society booth will be performing a musical history play. Visit one of our wonderful local downtown eateries, Sisters Social or The Grumpy Troll Café (inside the Troll Hole Museum). The Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce will also be hosting a meet & greet with the Roller Brothers Band and delicious food from Old Carolina BBQ. Visit Ohio Hippies for their rock painting event and Celebration Destination with a St. Patrick’s Day photo spot!

EASTERN STARK COUNTY SAFETY COUNCIL

FEBRUARY MEETING

The Eastern Stark County Safety Council will meet on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from noon to 1 p.m. at Don Pancho’s Restaurant.

The speaker this month is Don MacBride of Dominion First Energy, who will present the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide. Don will review those dangers that can affect us both at work and at home to ensure our safety.

The spotlight company of the month is Consumers National Bank.

For reservations, either call the Chamber office at (330) 823-6260 or email faye@allianceohiochamber.org by February 22, 2023. The cost is $20 per meeting.

Mark E. Hostettler, MD David B. Kimbell, MD

Pamela A Rodocoy, MD Matthew Gooch, CNP Quinn M Repp, PA C SheriSiefke,PracticeManager

Alliance (330) 821 3244

Canton (330) 492 8117

Minerva (330) 868 3711 www.impdoctors.com www.ncqa.or

Welcoming New Patients

Recognized by the National Committee on Quality Assurance

LIBRARY corner

ONE BOOK ONE COMMUNITY EVENTS SCHEDULED

Three One Book One Community programs leading up to the author’s visit are on the calendar.

The selected title for 2023 is The Children’s Blizzard, a piece of historical fiction by Melanie Benjamin. The story is set in January 1888 when a freak storm hit the Great Plains. This storm tragically killing hundreds, many of them schoolchildren trying to get home. For that reason, the event came to be known as The Children’s Blizzard.

The novel follows two sisters – both teachers on the Great Plains – who are faced with making a life or death decision as a blizzard strikes on a day when many of their students had not come to school dressed for such weather. One makes a decision that will lead her to be ostracized. The other is viewed as a hero in the aftermath. It also is a tale of survival and redemption for two other main characters – one a servant girl who miraculously comes through the tragedy and the other a journalist who lured immigrants to the unhospitable land with his newspaper stories.

Full of human drama and a bit of history, the book is one that will strike up lots of discussion.

Kicking off the 2023 One Book One Community events at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, will be local Scouts

who will talk about winter survival as they prepare for their annual Klondike Derby.

Robb Hyde, president of the Alliance Area Preservation Society, will give a history lesson when he delivers “Local Schoolhouses and the Three R’s in 19th Century Alliance” at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, March 6.

On Saturday, March 11 at 2 p.m., Eric Wilhelm, chief meteorologist at Youngstown’s WFMJ (Channel 21) will talk about his job as a forecaster, the science of forecasting and how it has changed since The Children’s Blizzard struck, and the challenges of forecasting in Northeast Ohio.

All of those programs will be held in Rodman Public Library’s Main Auditorium and registration is required at rodmanlibrary.evanced.info/signup.

On Thursday, March 23, Benjamin will visit Alliance to discuss her book, answer audience questions and sign books. Her appearance will be held at 7 p.m. at the Union Avenue United Methodist Church, located at 1843 S. Union Avenue. Registration is not required to attend Benjamin’s lecture.

For more information about these events or about One Book One Community in general, call 330-821-2665.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS