March - April 2023 Chamber News Newsletter

FAREWELL TO MARK LOCKE

After nearly 20 years of service, longtime Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Locke will be retiring April 30, 2023.

Locke, who assumed the leadership role at

the Chamber in May of 2002, has transformed the organization and its services in his two decades at the helm. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Eastern Stark County Safety Council and launched tip clubs, the Tourism Committee, Human Resources Committee, Marketing Committee and its related marketing seminars, and numerous social media outlets in promotion of the organization and its events. In addition, under his leadership, the Chamber began sponsoring Christmas in the Park

and Business After Hours events monthly throughout the year.

“One of the areas that I am really proud of is the collaboration that we’ve done related to economic development,” said Locke. “When I came on board in 2002, my first official charge from the Chamber board was to bring the city’s economic development partners together for collaboration and cohesiveness. As a result, we established the Economic Development Committee of the Chamber, which includes continued on page 2

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Chamber members,

When I first became involved with the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce more than a decade ago, I was impressed with the sheer volume of activities that Chamber membership afforded its members. From divisions to committees and networking events to promotional development opportunties, there is truly something (or many things) for everyone!

Many networking opportunities await you as members of the Chamber. I encourage you to connect with other area business professionals through events such as the Annual Meeting, Business Alliance Awards, and weekly tip clubs.

Monthly Business After Hours events also provide the chance to engage with the local business community. These popular engagements would not be possible without the willingness of our Chamber members to step up and host their fellow members. So far this year, events have been held at Rodman Library, the Hidden Abbey Event Center, and The Alliance Commons. Future 2023 hosts include Habitat for Humanity, the Alliance Parks Department, Consumers National Bank, ComDoc and the Early Childhood Education Alliance, Pauli Electric, the YWCA of Alliance, and Nest on State. Many thanks to our 2023 hosts.

A very special Business After Hours event will honor retiring Chamber President Mark Locke on Thursday, April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chamber/ Alliance Area Development office facility. Please come wish Mark a fond farwell and enjoy a “Taste of Alliance” featuring food from many of our local eateries. Mark has truly made an indelible impact on the Alliance Business community during his tenure, and this event provides an opportunity to show our thanks for his many years of dedicated service. I hope to see you there!

Melissa Gardner Chair of the Board

continued from page 1

representation from the Chamber, AAD, City of Alliance, Greater Alliance Foundation, Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, University of Mount Union, and the Stark Development Board.”

A 1975 graduate of Alliance High School, Locke earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Kent State University in mechanical engineering technology. He retired from American Steel Foundries in 2000 after a 22-year career, including service as the manufacturing engineering manager from 1993 through 2000.

Active in the community, he currently serves as a board member and president of the Alliance Area Habitat for Humanity and chairman of the Alliance Planning Commission. He is also a member of the AAD, Workforce Investment Board, Alliance City Water/ Sewer Advisory Board, and the Alliance Historical Society. In 2022, he was recognized as the Alliance Rotary Club’s Rotarian of the Year honoree.

Active at Christ United Methodist Church, Locke has been married to his wife, Karen, for 42 years, and the couple has two children and four grandchildren.

Scott D. Lawrence Business Banker

RE-MARKS

As I am sure the majority of you know, I will be retiring at the end of April. That means I have written approximately 235 Re-Marks columns and this is by far the most difficult.

When I started at the Chamber in March 2002, I said this was my dream job and I would probably stick around for about 5 years. Now, 21 years later I feel the same way. It has been an absolute honor and privilege serving the Alliance Area Chamber and the Alliance community for all these years.

There are so many people that I am so thankful for including, but certainly not limited to, the past and current Boards of Directors, committee members, Tip Club members and most importantly, you, the members of the Chamber.

A very special thank you to Faye Roller. Shortly after Faye came on staff, she found out I would be retiring. She has worked tirelessly over the past year to learn all she can about what the Chamber does and how we put it all together. It did not take her long to figure out that we are a very active Chamber. She has put in many additional hours making sure the transition would be as smooth as possible. Thank you, Faye!!

Rick Baxter will assume the duties of President of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce as of May 1st in addition to his duties as the President of the Alliance Area Development office. Rick and I have been working on the transition over the past year. I hope that you will give Rick the same support you have given me over the last 21 years. I wish Rick, Faye, and Lidia all my support as you lead both organizations into this next chapter.

WHEN I STARTED AT THE CHAMBER IN MARCH 2002, I SAID THIS WAS MY DREAM JOB AND I WOULD PROBABLY STICK AROUND FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS. NOW, 21 YEARS LATER I FEEL THE SAME WAY. IT HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE HONOR AND PRIVILEGE SERVING THE ALLIANCE AREA CHAMBER AND THE ALLIANCE COMMUNITY FOR ALL THESE YEARS.

MARK LOCKE RETIRING CHAMBER PRESIDENT

Thank you to each one of you for making the last 21 years an incredible experience, I hope I will continue to see you at many Chamber events.

Mark Locke President of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce

To learn more, visit mountunion.edu

Mark Your Calendars

September 21, 2023

Social Media 101

Trista Todd CommQuest Services

October 19, 2023

Social Media Panel –Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Alysha Davis

University of Mount Union

Niki McIlvain

Alliance Area Habitat for Humanity

Cheyanne Gonzales Alliance City Schools

Dustin Burgess

Dustin Burgess Insurance Group, LLC

Nate Sheen Astoria

MARKETING LUNCHEON SERIES

Marketing 101

May 18, 2023

Mike Johnson, SCORE

11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Rodman Public Library

Cost: $15 (lunch included)

Mike Johnson’s alma maters include Ohio University, Marshall Law at Cleveland State University, and Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He also served two years in the Army, including 13 months in Korea.

During his 35-year business career, Mike worked at three Fortune 500 companies – General Electric, TRW and Timken. During those years, he also chaired councils for two national trade organizations – the National Association of Manufacturers and the American Iron & Steel Institute. He finished his business career as corporate vice president of marketing and communications for Timken where he was responsible for financial communications, media relations, internal communication, marketing communications, branding and advertising. During the 1970s, he spent six years at Penton Media where he was a senior editor for Industry Week magazine.

Seating is limited to 40. Reservations are required. Reserve by Monday, May 15. Call (330) 823-6260 or e-mail faye@allianceohiochamber.org for reservations.

24-hour cancellation notice required. No shows will be billed. Please indicate if a vegetarian lunch is preferred.

CHAMBER OF COMMERC E

PUPPER

MARK WILL MISS SEEING HIS LITTLE BUDDY AT THE OFFICE

EVERY DAY!

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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS The Alliance Commons

Cheers TO THESE CHAMBER MEMBERS

BURGESS GROUP

Congratulations to CEO Dustin Burgess and the employees of the Burgess Group on being named a 2023 National Sales Marketing Executives (NSME™)

Accent on Excellence Event™ awards program in the region recognizes the Executive of the Year, the Outstanding Community Leader, multiple Achievements in Excellence™ Award™ recipients and the Collegiate Award Recipient.

These honorees have demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism during their careers in diverse sales and marketing roles. Winners are selected by NSME™ leaders based on nominations from local professionals, questionnaire responses provided by the nominees, and publicly available information. Criteria include community and civic involvement, professional experience, and demonstrated performance.

YWCA AWARDS

Caitie Scott, director of The Mount Union Fund at the University of Mount Union, recently received the Black History Month Leadership and Service Award from the YWCA of Alliance.

Niki McIlvain, executive director of the Alliance Habitat for Humanity, was the recipient of the YWCA Women’s History Leadership and Service Award.

Congratulations Caitie and Niki!

REGULA CENTER AWARDS

Congratulations to Pat Kovach-Gates on receiving the 2023 Mary Regula Award for Community Service from the Ralph and Mary Regula Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement at the University of Mount Union.

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

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

ALLIANCE AREA FARMERS MARKET VENDOR’S MEETING

Returning, new, and prospective vendors, join us for a 2023 Alliance Farmers Market Vendor’s Meeting on Friday, March 31 at 5 p.m. in the auditorium of Rodman Public Library (215 E. Broadway St., Alliance). We will pass out market information and do our best to answer any questions you may have during this one-hour meeting. Please contact Faye at faye@allianceohiochamber.org with inquiries. We are looking forward to another great season with you all!

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING

You’re invited to attend the HR Committee of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, April 4 at 12 p.m. at the Elks Lodge (606 Glamorgan St., Alliance). We’re excited to have Jeremy Corbisello as our next featured speaker. He serves as the Assistant Superintendent of the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center, where he focuses on program development, state compliance, budgeting, policy, recruiting, marketing, facilities maintenance, and staff development. Jeremy is an educational leader and will discuss career and technical education and workforce development. We encourage anyone who could benefit at your company to attend these meetings. Are you interested in becoming a speaker for this event? If so, please contact Faye at faye@allianceohiochamber.org.

WOMEN’S DIVISION Updates

OFFICER INSTALLATION

During its February meeting, the Women’s Division of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce installed its 2023 officers. They are Stacie Bacorn, president; Lisa Trummer, vice president; Heidi Loy, treasurer; Sue Grove, assistant treasurer; Brenda Pauli, secretary; Abby Schroeder, assistant treasurer; Susan Coy-Kamph, chair of the Board; and directors Nicole Brown, Karen Locke, Connie Mohr, Brenda Oldfield, Barbara Shoemaker, and Patty Wallick. In addition, three members were granted lifetime membership – Bonnie Kidd, Connie Mohr, and Barbara Shoemaker

POT OF GOLD FUNDRAISER

The Women’s Division held a Pot of Gold fundraiser, raffling a lottery scratch-off and gift card basket valued at $500. The drawing was held on March 1, and the winner was Stacie Bacorn. Congratulations Stacey!

Overall, the fundraiser brought in more than $2,000 in proceeds, all of which will be dispersed back to the Alliance community to organizations that support

women and children. As a result of your generosity, the Women’s Division was able to contribute $15,000 to area organizations in 2021 and 2022.

WOMEN’S DIVISION MEMBERSHIP

Did you know that Chamber members can have up to five employees serving on Women’s Division? If your business currently has less than five attending, we encourage you to consider appointing additional representatives. We would love to see your business or organization fully reperesented at our next meeting.

APRIL MEETING

Our next meeting will be Wednesday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hidden Abbey Event Center (23250 Main St., Homeworth). The menu for the meeting includes parmesan panko chicken breast and a stuffed shell with green bean almondine, crunchy romaine salad, and French bread and butter. The cost is $19 per person. Please RSVP by emailing faye@allianceohiochamber. org. The RSVP deadline is Friday, March 31.

2023 OHIO SAFETY CONGRESS EXPO

At the 2023 Ohio Safety Congress Expo, we had a blast! You and your workers can attend educational sessions next year that include basic and advancedlevel instruction on technical safety topics, safety management and culture, training, ethics, technology, health and wellness, emergency preparedness, and more – all topics that are so important in protecting your workforce and managing workers’ compensation costs.

This education can be used for as continuing education credit for many professional certifications, including certified safety professional, certified industrial hygienist, and human resource designations. Join the Eastern Stark County Safety Council and receive a 3% workers compensation rebate and stay up to date on important safety topics!

Please send inquiries to Faye Roller at faye@ allianceohiochamber.org.

FIRST FRIDAY March and April Events

MARCH FIRST FRIDAY

The March First Friday event was held downtown on March 3 with a St. Patrick’s Day theme and Music Madness for the whole family! Alliance City School’s music department performed at various locations around downtown and businesses hosted a shamrock scavenger hunt with prizes. There also was a grand prize raffle, including everyone who found ALL the Lucky Charms, and turned in a completed map. The Rodman Public Library Bookmobile was on site with a wonderful selection of children’s books, and story time was held that evening as well. The Alliance Preservation and Historical Society booth performed a musical history play. In addition, attendees had an opportunity to visit one of our wonderful local downtown eateries – Sisters Social or The Grumpy Troll Cafe (Inside the Troll Hole Museum). The Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a meet and greet with the Roller Brothers Band and delicious food from Old Carolina BBQ. Ohio Hippies held a rock painting event and Celebration Destination provided a St. Patrick’s Day photo spot!

APRIL FIRST FRIDAY

The Alliance First Friday group has put together a jam-packed family friendly event for April 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. Make sure to mark your calendars! Easter is just around the corner, and we’ve got events planned such as the signature scavenger hunt, easter egg hunts (select businesses participating), and visits and pictures with the Easter bunny so you’re sure to feel the Springtime magic! We will have a plethora of local artists, vendors, and crafters set up. The Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting McDonald’s offering free drinks and a raffle Easter basket from Tanner Real Estate (see picture of basket on page 25). The Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter will be doing a collection of needed food and household items (see wish list on page 25). Items can be dropped off at the Chamber, Sisters Social, or any other business on the scavenger hunt map (also on page 25). The Rodman Public Library’s Bookmobile will be back with its story time at 6:30 p.m. There will be freebies handed out to all participants as well as chances to win awesome raffle prizes and baskets at every location. Raffle tickets are only $1 each. Be sure to hop on down and join in on family fun for everyone!

RAFFLE EASTER BASKET FROM TANNER REAL ESTATE

ALLIANCE AREA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER WISH LIST

Canned vegetables

Canned fruit

Pancake Mix

Syrup

Rice

Cereal

Pop tarts

Juice

Taco Kits

Pasta noodles

Pasta sauce

Cleaning Supplies

Sponges

Paper Towels

Toilet Paper

Brian Amos

Dustin Burgess

Lisa Carter

Adam Christian

Gary Conny

Marcie Curry

Chris Debo

Robert Fountain

Melissa Gardner

Lisa Gentile

Rob Gress

Mark Johnson

Laura Kessel

Ryan Klusch

Julie Lee

Frank Minear

Dave Mitchell

Eva Murphy

Mike Oakes

Dave Shroades

Eric Taggart

Lisa Trummer

Stacie Bacorn (Women’s Division Chair)

Rich Burton (ESCSC)