February 2012 Hilliard Business Monthly

HILLIARD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS MONTHLY

February 2012

Issue 21

Feb. 17 luncheon

Muirfield golf pro Dornisch to speak On Friday, Feb.17, please join us for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Heritage Golf Club, 3525 Heritage Club Drive.

Our speaker will be Larry Dornisch, the Director of Golf and Head Golf Professional for Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Dornisch started as a caddy at the age of 11.

He is one of the many professionals mentored by Robert Ross and is a two-time PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year.

The Memorial Golf Tournament will take place May 28June 3.

Dornisch will talk about the

behind the scenes events gearing up for the Memorial and anecdotal golf stories about the tournament. The Memorial Tournament is a major economic boom to our region. Even if you are not a golfer, this luncheon is a reminder that spring is coming.

Reservations and payment are required and need to be made by Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Our luncheons are open to the general public.

The cost to attend for chamber members is $18 and for guests and prospective members is $21.

The sponsor for this luncheon is Baker & Associates Insurance Agency.

The green at the 14th hole at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Hilliard Area Chamber unveils its new logo A new logo has been developed and we are excited to share it with our members and the community.

The marketing committee looked at many different choices to determine which logos would be sent to the board of directors for final approval. The new logo shows the upward movement of not only the chamber, but the com-

www.hilliardchamber.org

munity as well. We are excited that this new representation of the Chamber will be branded in all we do and complements the synergy of activity of not only our business community, but the existing organizations in our area. We would like to thank Creative Spot for their creative work in designing our new brand.

February 2012 | Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

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Group rating enrollment deadline approaches By now your organization should have received an invitation to participate in the Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce’s group rating program for workers’ compensation for the 2012 policy period that begins July 1, 2012.

The invitation would have been delivered by our program’s administrator, CompManagement, Inc. Group rating still remains to be a very viable alternative rating option that enables employers with better than average claim histories to com-

bine claim expenses and rate calculations in order to take advantage of premium savings currently reserved for large employers by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). By participating in group rating, your organization can enjoy a much lower premium than could be attained on

your own. Historically, groups administered by CompManagement have realized savings between 15 percent and the maximum discount allowed by BWC, which this year stands at 51% after the BWC mandated break-even factor is applied.

Don’t miss your opportunity to continue your workers’compensation premium discount for 2012.

The deadline to enroll is Feb. 27, 2012.

Enrollment is easy. The enrollment form is at www.hilliardchamber.org in a pdf format that you may print and send in for your quote. Return your

enrollment invoice along with payment to CompManagement in the envelope provided in your invitation packet or send direct to the following address: CompManagement, Inc. PO Box 182412 Columbus, OH 43218-2412 Should you have any questions regarding group rating or to request a quote directly, please contact CompManagement’s Customer Support Unit at (800) 825-6755, option 3.

Nominations being accepted Hilliard police offer reward for Annual Chamber Award following recent robberies

The 2012 Annual Meeting will again be a luncheon meeting to be held at 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16, at the Heritage Golf Club.

The annual Chamber report in addition to Chamber awards will be presented.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend this important meeting.

A nomination form is included for the three categories for chamber awards: Most Involved Chamber Member, Emerging Business and Established Business.

Please feel free to nominate a deserving chamber member for any of these awards.

The deadline to receive the nominations is Tuesday, Feb.

15.

You may go to www.hilliardchamber.org to download the nomination form.

The Annual Meeting is being sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Allied Sources.

Once again, Allied Sources will be doing the video production of the award winners.

New system set up for payment for Chamber luncheon reservations This year, we are asking for luncheon payments to be paid at the time the reservation is made.

Payment in advance helps at registration upon arrival of our members and guests so that we may get you through registration faster.

We are committed to paying for each reservation made to the venue so we are trying to avoid

any invoices for no-shows. You may call in a credit card to the office or you may also send a check to the office to arrive prior to the event.

Our deadline for luncheons is three days prior to the date which enables a check to be received at the office in plenty of time if it is mailed on time.

We appreciate your cooperation.

The Hilliard Division of Police is offering a reward of $1,000 to anyone providing information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) behind a series of armed robberies in Hilliard recently.

Contact The Hilliard Division of Police 24 hours a day at (614) 876-7321 to report any tips.

Every business should take an active part in making their business safe.

Here are some suggestionsfrom the police depertmane to follow to help prevent robberies at yor business: • Have at least two employees open and close the business.

• Install a burglar alarm.

• Place a surveillance camera behind the cash register facing the front counter with a digital recorder.

• Vary times and routes of travel for bank deposits.

Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce 4081 Main Street, Hilliard, OH 43206-1435 Phone: 614-876-7666 Fax: 614-876-3113 E-mail: info@hilliardchamber.org www.hilliardchamber.org Officers Tom Baker of Baker & Chair Associates Insurance Agency Shawn McCabe of McCabe PrintWorks Vice chair Rich Capuano of Credit Union of Ohio Treasurer Board of Directors Cheryl Bundy of KeyBank

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Steve Bunyard of OhioHealth Doug Davidson, Jacadis, LLC Don Nixon of Creative Spot Bonnie Nyikes of Prudential Calhoon Company Realtors Brenda Roth of Hampton Inn & Suites Jean Sickles of Premier Chiropractic Center of Mill Run Carrie Stanley-Davis of Nationwide Insurance, David Stanley & Associates Brian Wilson of Hilliard City Schools

• Keep a low balance in the cash register.

Don’t leave large bills under the drawer.

• Place excess money in a safe or deposit it as soon as possible.

• Stay alert. Know who is in the business and where they are.

• If you see something suspicious, call the police. Never try to handle it yourself.

• Use care after dark. Be cautious when cleaning the parking lot, taking out the trash, or going to your car after work.

• Make sure to post important signs such as “Clerk cannot open the time lock safe” or “Premises protected 24 hours by video surveillance.”

• Cooperate with the robber for your own safety and the safety of others. Comply with a robber’s demands. Remain calm and think clearly. Make mental notes of the robber’s physical description and unique characteristics.

Sunset Cemetery

Staff Libby Gierach President/CEO Jessica Woolley Administrative Assistant

February 2012 | Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

Founded in 1922

6959 West Broad Street Galloway, Ohio 43119

(614) 878-4692 • (614) 878-7801 www.sunsetcemetery-columbus.com www.hilliardchamber.org

Chair’s perspective

Following up on ‘Our Community, Our Future’ events This month, I want to focus and highlight the Jan.17 Hilliard United Summit, a celebration of the Hilliard Community, highlighting Hilliard’s various organizations, and our award from Ohio Magazine as central Ohio’s 2012 Best Hometown in Ohio.

The evening was a united Hilliard with the attendance of the city council, the mayor, Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce, Franklin County Agricultural Society (Fair Grounds), YMCA Hilliard, Hilliard Youth and Family Commission, Hilliard City Schools, Norwich Township trustees, SON (Serving Our Neighbors) Ministries and Destination Hilliard.

Each group presented programs and ideas they have been working on for 2012 and beyond. I would like to recognize each group and give a brief highlight that each contributed that evening. It was a

great show of support from each group to the other. I encourage the members of the Hilliard Area Chamber to recognize each group as you go about your business TOM and you have an occasion to cross paths BAKER with any of the members of these groups.

Mayor Don Schonhardt’s administration and the Hilliard City Council: Presented the revised mission statement with the emphasis on Hilliard as a “lifelong community.” Defined as the desire for Hilliard to be a community that the residents feel compelled to live in from the cradle to retirement.

Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce:

Highlighted the Taste of Hilliard & Business Expo which garnered over 1,000 attendees for a night of good food and exposure for Hilliard’s business community. Also, the Hollyfest Arts & Craft Show, which last Novembe , had over 6,000 in attendance and brought many out-of-area citizens to Hilliard exposing them to the great city of Hilliard.

Franklin County Agricultural Society: Not just The Franklin County Fair, they revealed how their facilities host both The Budweiser Clydesdales and horses from France throughout the year as a resting stop for the horses. This is great exposure for Hilliard as these organizations travel throughout the United States.

YMCA Hilliard: Expressing the importance of a healthy family, youth development, and social responsibility and

Have you renewed your Chamber membership?

We appreciate your continued support of the Chamber’s work on behalf of the business community. We appreciate you being a chamber member and look forward to another great year!

Thank you to the following members who have re-invested as of press time: Infintech; Hilliard United Methodist Church/Preschool; City of Hilliard; Franklin County Agricultural Society; Reception House at Raymond Memorial by Schmidt’s; Boyd’s Hilliard Goodyear; Hilliard Community Calendars; Crossroads Counseling Group; COBA/Select Sires, Inc.; Hilliard-Rome Chiropractic and Rehab Co., P.C.; Gregory S. DuPont Attorney at Law, Ltd.; Security Plus Insurance Agency; Jan-Pro of Columbus; ProForma Graphic Impressions 2 LLC; Hilliard Dry Cleaners, Inc.; H. R. Gray; Columbus State Community College; Bobcat Enterprises, Inc.; Avery Animal Hospital; Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation; Town & Village Insurance Services; EB Solutions, LLC; Extra Space Storage; Sports Ohio, Inc.; Trudeau’s Fence; Prudential Calhoon Company Realtors – Thomas F. Calhoon; Columbus Metropolitan Library – Hilliard Branch; McCann Services, Inc.; KAS Accounting; Ray Insurance Agency, Inc.; Papa John’s; American Health Network; Tolles Career & Technical Center; OfficeMax (1297); Hilliard Dental Associates; Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern

www.hilliardchamber.org

Dublin; Robert P. Krauss, D.D.S.; Thomas S. Rankin, DDS; Midwestern Associates, LLC; Racquet Club of Columbus, Ltd.; Morning Light Photography; Ruscilli Construction Co., Inc.; Yun Strength and Fitness Systems, LLC; Ackerson Vanderhorst Eyecare Center, Inc.; Concord Mortgage Group; Ohio State Bookkeeping, LLC; Century Equipment; OSMA Insurance Agency; Hilliard Family Medicine; The Keenan Agency; Bowen & Keck Attorneys at Law, LLC; Baker & Associates Insurance Agency; Crunelle Insurance Agency, Inc.; Columbus Appraisal Company; Tidd Funeral Home; Scientific Instrument Center, Inc.; Northwest Bible Church; Northwest Counseling Services; Amity Care Home Health Services, Inc.; Louie’s Grill; Susan E. Thomas CPA, Ltd.; Mill Run Vision Center; Ferguson Construction Company; KeyBank – Hilliard Rome Rd.; Orthopaedic Specialists of Central Ohio; ARC Industries; Credit Union of Ohio; AAA Travel and Insurance; RICH Products; Sawchuk Jewelers; Acloché; Telhio Credit Union; Jones, Cochenour & Co.; Homewood Suites by Hilton 177; Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Centers of Ohio – Hilliard; Two Men and a Truck; Flyers Pizza & Subs; McCabe PrintWorks; FASTSIGNS See CHAMBER, page 4

the positive impact the Hilliard YMCA has brought to our community.

Hilliard Youth and Family Commission: Highlighting our youth through leadership development and encouraging them to be advocates for the community.

Hilliard City Schools: Presented data and fun facts about today’s youth and their learning styles in the age of technology; as well as the Hilliard City School’s plan to keep their “Excellence” rating as they plan to keep up with this technology to enable our children to thrive in the future.

Norwich Township trustees: Announced their budget would have no tax increase in 2012.

SON Ministries: Great message of “bringing hope to children and families in need,” and the importance of support

from the local community for local families.

Destination Hilliard: Announced the much anticipated signature event for Hilliard, Solebrate! Food & Music Festival, a three-day event to be held June 21-23, 2013. Each year the summer in Hilliard will begin with this event. Look for more in June of this year at the planned launch party.

The message of this evening was all about Hilliard, and what it has to offer.

A great business environment for both the Hilliard Area Chamber business members, and the citizens who enjoy the services and products our great businesses provide. Be proud Hilliard!

Tom Baker is the chair of the board of directors for Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce.

Join the LinkedIn group for the Hilliard Chamber The Hilliard Chamber of Com- LinkedIn is the professional plat- ing meaningful conversations merce has a LinkedIn group that form of social media, we want to about business issues. Look for we encourage you to join. As connect you to others in generat- our group and become a member.

Painter & Westfall, LLC Serving Hilliard and surrounding communities Voted 2011 “Rising Star” in Business Litigation by SuperLawyers Business Law, Business Litigation, Criminal Law, Divorce Education Law, Election Law, Employment Law, Equine Law, Estate Planning, Personal Injury

www.NathanPainterLaw.com 5491 Scioto Darby Road, Suite 102, Hilliard, OH 43026 614-319-3306

February 2012 | Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

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New Chamber members Anna DeGraw 6003 Farmcreek Court Hilliard, OH 43026 (614) 921-9444 Individual member Marlin & Ray’s Seafood Shaun Christopher 1840 Hilliard Rome Road Hilliard, OH 43026 (614) 527-8930 www.marlinandraysseafood.com Marlin & Ray’s is a laid-back atmosphere where friends and family meet for great seafood and remarkable cocktails, and an atmosphere where you expect to find only at the beach.

Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP Christine Liberto 366 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 628-0797 www.cpmlaw.com For over 40 years, Carlile Patchen & Murphy has been responsively serving the legal needs of central Ohio businesses, their owners and executives. The firm counsels and advises clients on financing, tax planning, mergers, acquisitions, succession planning, real estate, employment matters, litigation, securities matters, and more.

Salon V Kelli Roberts 3440 Heritage Club Drive Hilliard, OH 43026 Salem of Ohio – WRFD Radio (614) 328-3909 Ashley Greene www.SalonV.com 8101 N. High Street Salon V is a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon located in the heart of Columbus, OH 43235 Hilliard managed by Kelli Roberts, National Educator for John (614) 787-5224 Paul Mitchell Systems. Along with haircare, Salon V offers manwww.wrfd.com icures, pedicures, and facial waxing. Salon V is a virtual salon in For over 30 years, Salem Communications’ WRFD 880 AM a real world, offering online booking and personal attention to “The Word” has been providing life-changing Christian make your experience truly unique. radio for central Ohio. If you are interested in growing your small or large business, we can help! Find us at www.wrfd.

Great Clips com.

Mindy Swank 3788 Fishinger Blvd.

Shearz Hilliard, OH 43026 Kelli Mickley (614) 527-9390 4122 Wayne Street www.greatclips.com Hilliard, OH 43026 Great Clips is a great place to come and relax for a haircut.

(614) 771-7112 Shearz has the talent you need to give you the look you want.

Metal Formed Goods Company Color, cut, products, etc., we are here to help you look your best.

Dave Nott Also featuring award winning Jane Iredale Cosmetics.

5040 Nike Drive Kelli Mickley — Owner/stylist Hilliard, OH 43026 Cortney Curtis — Stylist (614) 876-4280 Rebekah Eilers — Stylist www.metalformedgoods.com Call today to book your appointment.

Celebrating our tenthy ear of business at our Hilliard location,

Have you renewed your Chamber membership?

Continued from page 3 Hilliard; Bob Apel; Nikworks, LLC; Massage Envy-Hilliard; Powell Prints LLC; Patches of Light, Inc.; Rider Financial Group; Edward Jones-Fishinger Blvd.; IT Done, LLC; BMW Financial Services; Nationwide Children’s Hilliard Close to Home; Hooters; Buckeye Nissan; Insights Insurance & Investment Group; Hampton Inn & Suites; Madison Plumbing, SPL Division; Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church; A.J. Holman

DDS & C.A. Holman DDS, Inc.; The Olive Tree Café; DeWalt Family Medicine at Mill Run; Doctors Obstetrics & Gynecology; Children’s Castle EduCare; First Service Federal Credit Union; Company Insights; Creative Spot; Huntington National Bank-Hilliard Rome Road; Darby Glenn Nursing & Rehabilitation Center; Mayfair Village Nursing Center; Planes Companies; Insource; Earman and Wood, CPAs; Traditions at Mill Run; Bee Line Aligning Service; Hilliard Area Realty Association; CompMan-

agement, Inc.; Central Ohio Transit Authority; Micro Center; Invitation to Dance, LLC; Conway Center for Family Business; Eastman & Smith, Ltd.; Easter Seals Central & Southeast Ohio; TrueMT; Fifth Third Bank-Hilliard Rome Rd.; Craig A. Coleman, O.D.; ITT Technical Institute; Doctors HospitalOhioHealth; Jim Keim Ford, Inc.; Pickups Plus Cars; Chick-fil-A at the Market of Hilliard; Vargo Companies; Dennis P. Williamson, CPA; and Staybridge Suites.

Metal Formed Goods Co. manufactures quality metal roofing for homes and businesses throughout Ohio. With 28 energy star colors to choose from, finding the right one for your home is a snap.

Call Dave or Carleton for a quote on the last roof you’ll ever need.

Alternative Risk Management Doug Maag 4700 Northwest Parkway #210 Hilliard, OH 43026 (614) 219-1290 Alternative Risk Management is a leader in workers compensation and unemployment services, at cost effective solutions. We offer one of the largest groups for WC discounts, Self-Funded administration, alternative plans or remedial solutions. Our UC division provides services on a national level. Although new, our staff averages over 20 years of experience in each discipline.

Artisan Carpentry Mel Millimen Jr. 5101 Hamilton Road Hilliard, OH 43026 (614) 893-5724 www.facebook.com/pages/Artisan-Carpentry-LLC/148666961830065 As an artisan craftsman I want to make your home closer to your dream home using products and methods that will stand the test of time. From design to finish my goal is creating home improvements you and your family will cherish forever. Purpose.Passion. Craftsmanship … Artisan Carpentry.

Joe Dixon Photography Joe Dixon 6365 Old Avery Rd., Suite #2 Dublin, OH 43016 614-766-8088 www.joedixonphoto.com Joe Dixon Photography is a professional commercial studio located in Dublin. Joe’s work offers a diversified approach to professional photography. It includes commercial work of people, places and things as well as great family and senior portraits. Please visit his Facebook site or website for samples and information.

ools, t e h t t o g e v We’ alent. t e h t t o g e We’v

Kitchens • Baths • Basements • Additions Windows • Doors All Of Your Remodeling Needs

4146 Anson Dr., Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Read all about the Chamber at hilliardchamber.org 4

February 2012 | Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

614-777-9009 www.redsremodeling.com

www.hilliardchamber.org

10 questions that help you create your success Want help focusing on what really matters? Ask yourself these on a daily basis.

Think that success means making lots of money? Think again.

Pictures of dead presidents have never made anybody happy. And how can you be successful if you’re not happy?

And buying things with that all money isn’t much better. A new car, for instance, might tickle your fancy for a

GEOFFREY JAMES day or two — but pride of ownership is temporary.

Real success comes from the quality of your relationships and the emotions that you experience each day.

That’s where these 10 questions come in.

Ask them at the end of each day and

I absolutely guarantee that you’ll become more successful. Here they are: 1. Have I made certain that those I love feel loved?

2. Have I done something today that improved the world?

3. Have I conditioned my body to be more strong flexible and resilient?

4. Have I reviewed and honed my plans for the future?

5. Have I acted in private with the

Leadership Hilliard to host panel of leaders forum A dynamic panel of regional leaders will be talking about their leadership styles, how they lead others, and other great insights.

Two of the panelists will be Gene Harris, superintendent of Columbus City Schools; Richard Pfeiffer, Columbus City Attorney; Brian White, head football coach at Hilliard Davidson High School; and Mark Sturgeon, CFO of Advanced Drainage Systems.

Please come to the Joint Safety Services Building, 4147 Northwest Parkway, at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, for this community

event.

Leadership Hilliard’s mission is to enhance the Hilliard community by developing and cultivating current and potential leaders.

There is a yearly class which interacts with our local elected and appointed officials, develop team building skills, and complete a class project designed to benefit the community, among other topics.

The Hilliard Farm Market is a recent class project which is held on Center Street beginning in June.

same integrity I exhibit in public?

6. Have I avoided unkind words and deeds?

7. Have I accomplished something worthwhile?

8. Have I helped someone less fortunate?

9. Have I collected some wonderful memories?

10. Have I felt grateful for the incredible gift of being alive?

Here’s the thing. The questions you ask yourself on a daily basis determine your focus, and your focus determines your results.

These questions force you to focus on what’s really important. Take heed of them and rest of your life—especially your work—will quickly fall into place.

Reprinted courtesy of Geoffrey James.

Be a Chamber luncheon sponsor Many of our chamber members ha ve sponsored a luncheon and have found it to be worthwhile.

We have spots available in 2012 for you to sponsor a luncheon.

The cost is $200 which enables you to have

two complimentary lunches, be able to speak for three minutes before the membership,have items at each person’s place setting; an 8-foot table for your display; your logo on our webpage linked to yours; and be promoted in the newsletter.

Winter hours

Try our ! e k a c t e v l e v red

Hilliard: Sun-Thurs 12pm-9pm Fri & Sat 12pm-10pm Lane Ave: Open daily 12pm-10pm Party room available!

Hilliard location only

Atwood receives Harlequin ‘More Than Words’ Award

www.hilliardchamber.org

gluten free Non-fat, no sugar and flavors! available in a variety of toppings in town! d an ts ui fr st he es fr e Th

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each day of her life.

The Harlequin ‘More Than Words’ program aims to enhance the well-being of w omen. Our goals are to: • Raise awareness about worthy causes that are of concern to women • Provide financial assistance to these important charities • Engage employees, authors and readers and the general public in worthy causes and provide opportunities for them to make a difference • We solicit nominations of ordinary women who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities. With your support, we hope to turn awareness into action, and mobilize others to become engaged and make a difference.

• The Harlequin ‘More Than Words’ program is responsible for the administration of Harlequin’s philanthropic initiatives dedicated to the well-being of women.

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Congratulations to Mindy Atwood for being the receipent of the Harlequin ‘More Than Words’ Award. If you don’t know Atwood, she does extraordinary things for our community and for families of critically ill children Mindy Atwood is the CEO Mindy Atwood and founder of Patches of Light, a nonprofit organization for families of critically ill children, which assists with nonmedical items, including groceries, rent and parking money. She is the mother of four and grandmother of three. She has devoted her life to helping others, as well as working full-time to help her own family through the trials and tribulations.

Her favorite quote, “Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light,” is the standard she chooses to live by

LOCATIONS: Lane Avenue Hilliard-Now Open!

1629 West Lane Ave. 3870 Main St. 614-771-1388 614-488-8248

Check us out on

for our specials!

To advertise in the Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly, contact ThisWeek Community Newspapers sales representative Michelle Rettig at (740) 888-6016 or mrettig@thisweeknews.com.

February 2012 | Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

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Ribbon-cutting at Hertz Car Rental

Primrose School of Hilliard at Mill Run

Hertz Car Rental recently opened at 4686 Cemetery Road in the shopping center at the corner of Leap and Cemetery roads. Hertz has cars ready to rent for any occasion and timeframe. Pictured at the event are staff members Branden Bradley (left), Matthew Bowman, Paige Dissinger and Jeremy Hoover.

A new daycare facility, Primrose School of Hilliard at Mill Run located at 4230 Trueman Blvd, held its grand opening in January. Pictured at the event are: Lindsey Sullivan (left) , Jacob Schmidt, Sherri Schmidt, Dean Colombini, Katie Biechler, Pam Mayer, Jessica Jenkins, Morgan Wetzel, Tara Colombini and Samantha Mize.

If it ain’t broke, break it now Welcome Doug Davidson to the One of the worst hackneyed clichés is “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

If this is your way of doing business, then it is a good bet that it’s just a matter of time until you hit that big bump in the road and the wheels fall off your wagon.

Customer loyalty today is based on a “What have you done for me lately?” mentality.

For customers to be loyal to you, they have to know that you’re always improving and on the prowl for how to do it better or how to find new solutions to new problems sometimes before your customers even know they might have a problem.

To be a player, you have to devote time, effort and, yes, money to perpetual research and development. R&D is not just for tech companies or manufacturers but also for companies that plan to be around tomorrow.

Even small businesses, as basic as a cleaning service, have to be on the look out for anything that can do it better: from the latest vacuum to a new cleaning chemical that proves to be a better solution (pun intended).

Retailers, too, are constantly changing store presentations as well as merchandise. When each side of an ongoing relationship starts taking one another for granted, it’s just a matter of time before problems begin to percolate.

Certainly money is tight for small and big com-

MICHAEL FEUER panies alike, and the bean counters are quick to give R&D expenses an evil eye. The justification is typically that innovation needs to be put on hold because there is no immediate return on the investment.

The bigger question for the CEO is,“Are these types of expenses nice or necessary?” I vehemently would argue it’s the latter. Why do car companies perpetually come out with new models with new gadgets every year? Why do technology companies introduce version 1.0, and then, six months later, come out with version 1.1. The answer to both is, “to keep a product fresh and compelling.” It’s about creating a degree of planned obsolescence to ensure that a product doesn’t become commoditized, which can spell the beginning of the end.

It all gets down to changing or being a casualty of change.

When you improve your business, you can continue to dazzle your customers and hopefully keep them, which will make your business grow, allow sales and profits to increase and create more jobs.

This is the heart of capitalism. So,if it ain’t broke, make sure you break it.

Reprinted courtesy of Michael Feuer

Read all about the Chamber at hilliardchamber.org 6

Chamber’s board of directors Doug Davidson, principal at Jacadis LLC, has joined the board of directors for the Hilliard Chamber of Commerce. Davidson brings a great wealth of knowledge of small business as he once Doug Davidson

Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly is a special advertising supplement to ThisWeek Community Newspapers. Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly is not responsible for opinions and views expressed in the paid advertisement in the business profiles. All real estate adver tising herein is subject to the federal F air Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familiar status, or national origin, or intention to mak e any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the la w. All per sons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal oppor tunity basis.

worked as a researcher in the Economic Development Department at the Columbus Chamber.

His business was one of our award winners for the Emerging Business of the Year.

We would like to thank Cindy Seitz of Rosati Windows for her years of service on the board.

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February 2012 | Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

www.hilliardchamber.org

When was the last time you went to a flea market?

Member anniversaries The Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize our members who have continually supported the purpose of the chamber and its activities.

The following members have invested in the chamber for ten or more years as of February 2012:

The Franklin County Fair Board is sponsoring flea markets from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month through April at the Edwards Building on the fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia Street in Hilliard.

Admission is $1 per person and vendor rental space is $25. For details, contact the fair board office at (614) 876-7235.

23 years Earman & Wood, CPAs – Larry Earman 22 years Nationwide Insurance, David Stanley & Associates – Carrie Stanley-Davis

Member bits • State Rep. Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) received the Ohio Association of Convention and Visitor Bureau’s 2011 Friend of the Industry Award.

• Northwest Counseling Services will offer the 8th annual Educational Forum on Older Adult Issues on from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Wednesday, March 14, at Meadow Park Church of God, 2425 Bethel Road. This is a free event which will include continental breakfast and is open to anyone. To reserve a space at the conference or for more information, please call the registration line at (614) 457-7876 ext. 432.

• Bat Demo Weekend will be held from from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Feb. 18 and 19 at All Star Sports, 3700 Parkway Lane, Hilliard. Call (614) 876-4487 for more information. Come in and try out new BBCOR, 1.15BPF, slow pitch and fast pitch baseball/softball bats before the seasons get underway. Many specials the entire weekend and on-site sales. Bats from Easton, DeMarini, and Baden (AXE bats).

Morning Business Network Exchange Don’t forget to check out our morning networking group and bring one guest this month. The Morning Business Network Exchange meets on the second Friday every month from 8 -9 a.m.

The location will be at Chick-FilA at the Market of Hilliard, 1988 Hilliard Rome Road. The group meets for coffee, networking and information sharing. Come with lots of business card. RSVP to josh@securityplusinsurance.com or call him at (614) 777-8999 or the Chamber office at (614) 8767666 to obtain more information.

www.hilliardchamber.org

• If you are interested in learning how to build a float to be in the 4th of July parade,a session will be held from 6-8 p.m. onThursday, March 1, at the Joint Safety Services Building, 5181 Northwest Parkway.

• The Hilliard branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library will be hosting a program from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, on obtaining financing for your small business. A staff member from the Small Business Administration will discuss loan programs to fit your needs, show you how to find a lender and help you get a yes to your loan request! Please re gister for this program on the events page at columbuslibrary.org Have something going on in your b usiness that is noteworthy? Please submit information that we can include in our “Member Bits”section. We are looking for information on business growth, awards, community involvement, etc.

MAKE YOUR GREAT OUTDOORS GREATER!

www.Buckandsons.com 614-876-BUCK(2825)

15 years Homewood Suites by Hilton – Jim Lozier 14 years AAA Travel & Insurance – Brian Rex Hilliard Pediatrics, Inc. – Linda Cundiff 11 years Norwich Township – Jamie Miles 10 years CompManagement, Inc. – Genny Hart Hilliard Arts Council – Ken Brenneman Racquet Club of Columbus, Ltd. – James Hendrix

Calendar of events Friday, Feb. 10 Morning Business Network Exchange Chick-fil-A 1988 Hilliard Rome Road 8 -9 a.m.

Friday, Feb. 17 Chamber Luncheon Heritage Golf Club 3525 Heritage Club Drive 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Friday, March 9 Morning Business Network Exchange Chick-fil-A 1988 Hilliard Rome Road 8 -9 a.m.

Showcase your business to the Hilliard community ■

Introduce your staff

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Tell your story

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Advertise specials

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Announce new services

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Invite community to events

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Report community service

Take advantage of affordable rates in the Hilliard Business Monthly each month.

A partnership between the Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce and ThisWeek Community Newspapers.

Call Michelle Rettig today!

(740) 888-6016

February 2012 | Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

Space reservation deadline is February 29.

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Spotlight on Business

Fastsigns Hilliard can meet all your signage needs Fastsigns Hilliard is owned and operated by Lynn and Mike Thatcher, as Thatcher Enterprises, and includes Fastsigns Columbus, located in Downtown Columbus.

Fastsigns is part of an inter- for 16 years. 2012 is the 17th national franchise system, and year for Columbus and the ninth the Thatchers have been in ‘the year for Hilliard. sign business’, with Fastsigns Fastsigns Hilliard strives to

stay at the forefront in sign technology, and is very diverse with all the types of signs and graphics that can be designed and pro-

duced in Hilliard. Most recently Fastsigns Hilliard completed a large job for Chase Bank, which will all ship to Nashville for meetings. The products include stage props, hand held signs, ID credentials, directional signs and more.

Fastsigns Hilliard can design and produce a simple name tag for you, and on up to that large sign for the front of your b usiness.

Dimensional graphics, engraved signs, vehicle graphics, complete tradeshow displays, and how about floor graphics!

We specialize in ADA signage

A logo that was created by a router cut at Fastsigns.

for your office or business, and would be happy to visit you at your convenience.

Give us a call, stop by in the Giant Eagle Center, or visit our website at www.fastsigns.com/ 413.

Have a smart phone? See our Mobile Website at m.f astsigns.com/413. You can also visit us on Linkedin.

You may visit our storefront which is located at 1744 Hilliard Rome Road.

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The Fastsigns storefront at 1744 Hilliard Rome Road.

Central Ohio Business Resources Small Business Administration www.sba.gov

Service Corp of Retired Executives www.scorecolumbus.org

Ohio Chamber of Commerce www.ohiochamber.com

The Women’s Business Development Center (614) 222-6700; cascenter@aol.com

Small Business Development Centers of Ohio Conway Center for Family Business www.odod.state.oh.us www.familybusinesscenter.com Small Business Development Center www.entrepreneurohio.org

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Central Ohio Better Business Bureau www.centralohio.cbbb.org

Your partner for manual therapies in Central Ohio 614.300.0868 • MyTrueMT@TrueMT.com To advertise in the Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly, contact ThisWeek Community Newspapers sales representative Michelle Rettig at (740) 888-6016 or mrettig@thisweeknews.com.

February 2012 | Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

www.hilliardchamber.org