Grove City Business Monthly

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce To create a positive environment for the development and success of business

Business Monthly November 2012

Progress Through People

Issue 17

Thank you for a successful Arts in the Alley The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Arts in the Alley would not be possible without the help of the sponsors, volunteers and participants. We have watched the celebration of art grow every year with an estimated 40,000 people attending in 2012. As it continues to grow, the support of our members and the community make it possible to coordinate the event, support artists, and provide a positive experience for the community.

We would like to thank the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Board Members, especially past President Ron Seymour, President Darlene Murphy, board members Bob Bright, Scott Vandegrift, and Mitch Hall, the Chamber staff, Ambassadors, volunteers, and many others for their time and energy spent on such a successful event.

The Arts in the Alley parade is a partnership with the Grove City Girls’ Club. A special thanks to Kay and Jim Kaho, Kim McCutchen, Betty Potts, and the Girls Club volunteers, as well as, the City of Grove City and Jackson Township for their support and assistance.

Finally, a thank you to everyone involved with Arts in the Alley. We spent a year planning and organizing Arts in the Alley for the benefit of our community. In two days we see a world of colors, song, and celebrations unfold before our eyes.

The support of the community makes our work in presenting this festival worthwhile. We are looking forward to celebrating the 34th Arts in the Alley in 2013.

2012 Arts in the Alley saw approximately 40,000 visitors and is only made possible through the support of sponsors, volunteers and the community.

The Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the 2012 Arts in the Alley

SAVE THE DATE

Presenting Sponsor

Soap City Laundry Ribbon Cutting Nov. 15: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 4310 Broadway

Heartland Bank

Thanksgiving Nov. 22, Chamber Closed

Platinum Sponsors

Hilton Garden Inn Open House Nov. 29, 3928 Jackpot Rd.

Mount Carmel Health System

Wal-Mart Distribution

Happy Holidays Dec. 25-Jan. 2, Chamber Closed!

Gold Sponsors Berger Health System OhioHealth

In this issue

Shawan-Marquis Agency

Silver Sponsors AAA – Ohio Auto Club City of Grove City Columbus West Park Goddard School

Jackson Township Telhio Amity Care Home Health Services / Monterey Care Center

Bronze Sponsors Fifth-Third Bank Furniss Corporation Gregory Electric McDonald’s Plank’s on Broadway

Rieser Brothers Body Shop Schoedinger-Norris WesBanco Bank Wright Graphic Design

Manager Shirley Spellman and Assistant Manager Sherry Byrne from Heartland Bank, the presenting sponsor of Arts in the Alley 2012.

Copper Sponsors Bob Evans Buckeye Beverage Bay Cold Stone Creamery Grove City Veterinary

Hospital

• Small Business Saturday • Spotlight on Business: Leafy Greens Local Foods and Market

Posh Nosh

Portraits by Cameron • Grove City voted Best Hometown • Family Traditions Ribbon Cutting • WE:LEAD - Working Women’s Wine Down • New members • Harrison College celebrates 110 years

Hirth-Norris & Garrison Sound Communications

www.gcchamber.org

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November 15, 2012 | Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

Posh Nosh: Catering your way “There is no sincerer love, than the love of food,” said George Bernard Shaw; and Doug Yors of Posh Nosh has a sincere love of food. After starting out in the fast food businesses, Doug went on to study for 10 years under Chef Keni Garver.

Today, Doug continues his love for cooking through a luncheonette and a catering business.

Posh Nosh Luncheonette, located at 910 Dublin Road, serves a variety of foods including waffles and candied pecan rolls for breakfast and Shrimp Po’ Boys and Caesar Wedge salads for lunch.

You could probably

encourages anyone interested in catering to design the menu the way they want it.

Be on the lookout for Posh Nosh in the future. Doug is eager to expand.

For more information about Posh Nosh visit www.donteatlamefood. com, contact them at (614) 778-4821. To sample Doug’s creations, visit the luncheonette at 910 Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH 43215 located in the Columbus Public Utilities building.

CONTACT US: Posh Nosh (614) 778-4821 910 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 www.donteatlamefood.com credit his dedication to food service in Grove City to his family’s long history in Grove City.

Doug grew up in Grove City, and his family has been here for generations. He’s happy to say that there are many roads that share his family’s names. He’s a descendant of the Orders, and remembers hearing stories of great grandparents being educated in the school house.

When he’s not in his luncheonette, he’s catering events. Weddings, corporate events, birthdays, he’ll cater it all.

Doug provides a list of foods that he can create including hors d’oeuvres of Brie quesadillas, rotisserie chicken entrees (his favorite), chocolate covered strawberries for desserts, and much, much more.

Don’t see anything on the list that you like? He

Winterize your water features Now is the time to prepare for the winter months ahead. For those with water gardens, ponds or fountains, proper fall maintenance will keep your water garden healthy and beautiful all winter. Here are a few steps to ensure an easier (and cleaner) start up in the spring: The less organic debris the better! To keep leaves from falling in, place netting over the pond. To ensure oxygen exchange for fish, bottom aerators can be allowed to run through the winter. Foun-

tains should be removed from water and power washed to remove any algae or calcium buildup. Do not shut off a fountain if you decide to leave it in water throughout the winter! Aqua Doc recommends all fountains be stored in a heated facility to prevent damage from freezing conditions.

Team Aqua Doc’s passion is aquatics.

If you have any questions about winterizing your water feature, contact Aqua Doc at (440) 286-POND or visit www.aquadocinc.com.

www.gcchamber.org

Successful women’s event for WE: LEAD held at Garden Café On Wednesday, October 3, WE: LEAD (Women Executives: Leading, Empowering and Developing) hosted a “Working Women’s Wine Down” an evening of networking and fun with appetizers and wine for the working women in our community.

The event, held at Garden Café on Broadway was attended by 20 members of the Grove City business community. “Great women, conversation, food and wine”, said by one of the women who attended the event.

Toni VanHorn, chair of the WE: LEAD committee shared that, ”WE: LEAD is excited for their fourth upcoming year and ready to keep holding remarkable experiences for women in our community”. WE:LEAD looks forward to providing events like these and many others to the community as they continue their goal of enriching business knowledge through seven planned events in 2013.

For more information on WE: LEAD visit the chamber website at www.gcchamber.org.

UPDATED DAILY!!

Visit www.ThisWeekNEWS.com and www.ThisWeekSPORTS.com for breaking news.

www.gcchamber.org

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November 15, 2012 | Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

Small Business Saturday brings holiday spending to small business

NEW MEMBERS Amy Leska Massage Chris Leska, Owner Amy Leska, Owner (614) 353-7337 syma513@aol.com www.amyleskamassage.com Category: Therapeutic Massage

WB Construction Products Kathy Lavelle, Office Manager Tom Lavelle, President 1670 Harmon Ave., Unit A Columbus, OH 43223 (614) 443-8170 rlwurz@cox.net www.wbconstructionproducts.com Category: Construction Products

JM & M Rentals Vicki Karaffa PO Box 442 Galloway, OH 43119 (614) 870-2310 vkk442@yahoo.com Category: Rental Property

The Wireless Center / Verizon Premium Retailer Abhishek Goyal, Marketing Director Joshua Stover, Store Manager 2798 London Groveport Rd. Grove City, OH 43123 (614) 495-1054 marketing@thewirelesscenter.com www.thewirelesscenter.com Category: Telecommunications

The Wireless Center / Verizon Premium Retailer Abhishek Goyal, Marketing Director Curtis Denham, Store Manager 3807 South Hamilton Rd. Groveport, OH 43125 (614) 610-4459 Category: Telecommunications marketing@thewirelesscenter.com www.thewirelesscenter.com

Huntington National Bank / 665 Melissa Wagner, Branch Manager 2607 London-Groveport Rd. Grove City, OH 43123 (614) 480-0135 Melissa.wagner@huntington.com www.huntington.com Category: Financial Institution / Bank

Body By Vi (Visalus Sciences) Tara Borghese, Regional Director (614) 519-9167 Category: Health / Weight Loss tara@borghese7.com http://taraborghese.myvi.net

Discover the difference becoming a chamber member can make for your business visit www.gcchamber.org or call (614) 875-9762

In 2010, small businesses were hurting. The worst recession seen in a generation had hit the nation and small businesses with small profit margins were being left behind. Black Friday has long been a boon for bigger corporations like Best Buy and Wal-Mart.

Consumers would flock to the retailers to snap up cheap electronics, toys, and various other Christmas gifts. So the “mom and pop shops” were at a disadvantage.

That was until M Booth & Associates and American Express OPEN got involved. Researching and planning showed how badly small businesses had been hit by the recession. There were massive job cuts after a huge market loss. At the same time, surveys showed huge support for small

businesses. Nearly all surveys said that small businesses were vital to the health of the whole economy, that small business brought value to communities, and that the majority of money spent at small business remained in the community.

So…Small Business Saturday was born.

We sat down with Carol Alberts from the Garden Café on Broadway, who became involved in Small Business Saturday last year after learning about it through Facebook.

As an early adopter of Small Business Saturday in Grove City, Alberts says that she was happy with the results, although they were slight. She estimated that only 9 or 10 people specifically said they were there for her sales on wine and beer, a sale she plans to run again this year.

Using promotional material that she had received for free from American Express, Alberts hopes to have an even bigger turn out this year.

Last year, shoppers who used their American Express cards at small business on that day received a preloaded gift card as a reward for their participation. With the free material and with incentives for consumers to come in the door, she hopes that other businesses will participate as well.

Participate in Small Business Saturday this November 24, and help support the local economy through small businesses.

For more information about the Garden Café visit them at 4057 Broadway, Grove City, OH or call at (614) 875-2233.

For more information and downloads to help you promote your business, visit: www.americanexpress.com/us/ small-business/Shop-Small/

Business Tip of the Month

Plant seeds that will grow business relationships

your talents of profesnetwork: 1) mutual trust In last month’s busiand abilities sional – trust is everything, 2) ness tip I stressed the outside of level quesreciprocity – it’s the acimportance of networkthe worktions.) tion of mutual giving and ing to build your busiplace. Take Finally, receiving, 3) etiquette ness. But remember, it an active imple– be nice, kind and conisn’t all about going out role to ment the siderate, 4) confidentialand promoting yourself. show them following ity – it’s the strongest eleIt isn’t selling and telling what you’re steps and ment that builds mutual people what you do, how Nancy Stoll, Certified made of. If keep in trust, 5) accuracy – make you do it, how much you’re only mind, they Business Advisor from sure all information you they need you while you a “Memdon’t call it Ohio Small Business share and all you do is distribute hundreds of ber” you’re “net-work- Development Center accurate, and 6) mutual business cards.

Even an avid gardener like me has missing out ing” for respect – if this doesn’t Networking is truly to admit when it’s time to put a wrap on 95% of nothing! exist …you’re wasting about planting seeds on the season. When you have time, the true benefits of your • Don’t tell – ASK! your time. Pour these that will, over time, grow here are a few must-dos. membership. If you only Find out about them and six ingredients into your strong supportive busiClean up your act. Before storing live there…your name is their needs…they’ll find business relationship ness relationships with garden and lawn gear, remove soil, out about you by your ac- John Q. Public. those you meet and get to building (networking) sharpen blades and put a little cook• Know and be known. tions and follow through. efforts and the network know. It is your effort to ing oil on a paper towel and wipe the See and be seen.

• Look for ways your build that supportive ‘net’ that you build will result wooden handles and blades.

Michael • Find ingenious ways resources and informain building net worth in that ‘works’. It’s the perBring in any houseplants remainand reasons to recontion can help others fect foundational effort to all you do. ing outside. (I’ve forgotten a few and it Leach nect, follow up, stay in fulfill their goals.

Next, develop a list of make that cliché, “people isn’t a pretty sight.) touch, follow through • Get to know at least questions that will help do business with people Tune-up the lawn mower and sharpen the blade and build that strong 30 people well enough you find out more about they know, they like, they — or mark the calendar to do this in early February business relationship that they know you by whom you want to do before you need to mow. Ready the snow-blower and trust,” come to life. which will support you in face, name and voice. business with and be a other winter survival gear.

Here are some tips all you do. And finally…

They know your talents, part of your network.

Put a second application of fertilizer on the lawn if to implement into your • Forget about YOU, skills, abilities, character, These questions should you fertilized in early September. Early and late fall are networking efforts. You’ll take care of THEM and and your principles. be designed so you get the two most important times to fertilize, according to see they will build strong eventually you’ll see • Make sure you know to know them both on Ohio State University Extension. business relationships those 30 as well as they a personal and profesFinish planting spring-flowering bulbs. Continue and, over time, they’ll THEY will take care of know you so strong refersional level. Start on the planting shrubs and trees until the ground freezes. If build a “net” that “works” YOU! professional level and the ral networks are built. rain is scant, water the newbies until soil freezes. for you.

To contact Nancy Stoll • Get involved in an personal will follow. (Go Clean patio furniture and store it. I keep a folding First, always keep in of the Ohio Small Busiorganization and in your to the Chamber’s website lawn chair handy just in case there’s a warm afternoon. mind the six ingredients ness Development Center community. Showcase to obtain a sample list No sense wasting good weather. of a strong successful at nstoll@cscc.edu Michael Leach is a master gardener and former garden reporter with The Columbus Dispatch. Visit www.enjoyyourlandscape.com and HeartlandMISSED AN ISSUE OF GROVE CITY CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY? Gardening.com, where Michael blogs.

Find all your favorite columnists at gcchamer.org or thisweeknews.com in convenient page-turners.

Prepare your plants for winter weather

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November 15, 2012 | Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

BOARD MEMBERS Grove City Area Chamber Of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS Darlene Murphy - President, Vice Chair - Arts in Alley & Parade, Chair – Auction Committee, Your Neighborhood Reality - Term: 2012-2014 Bob Bright – VP Communications; Vice Chair – Parade, Morley Parren and Bright - Term: 2011-2013 John Dubos - John J. Dubos, DDS, Inc. – Term: 2012 Jeff Guminey – Chair – 5 Year Planning Committee, Fifth Third Bank - Term: 2012 Mitch Hall - Vice Chair - Arts in Alley, WalMart Distribution Center - Term: 2010 – 2012 Robert Halley - Heartland Bank – Term: 2010-2012 Tim Harris – VP Finance – Chairman of Bylaws and Policy Review, Hirth, Norris and Garrison - Term : 2011-2013 Allen Houk – President-Elect, Allen R. Houk CPA CMA Term: 2012-2014 Rick Louder - VP Membership, Chair - Taste of Grove City, O’Charley’s - Term: 2012 Christopher Love - Southwest Chiropractic – Term: 2012-2014 Charlene McFarland - Co-Chair - Auction Committee, WesBanco - Term: 2011-2013 Grant Miller - VP - Education Chair - SW Leadership, Grant J. Miller, CLTC - Term: 2010-2012 Ron Seymour – Past President, Chair – Arts in the Alley & Parade, Key Bank - Term: 2012-2014 Caroline Cassady Shroyer- Southwest Leadership Chair, Grove City Tree Service -Term: 2011-2013 Jerry Sowers, VP - Business Development, Chair – Golf, Key Bank – Term: 2010 – 2012 Scott Vandegrift – Chair – Farmers’ Market & Family Fun Day, Chair, Strategic Planning, GAP – Term: 2011-2013 Toni VanHorn - VP Government Affairs, Chair- WE: LEAD Program, Sound Communications - Term: 2010-2012 Tricia Zelenak - Co-Chair, Strategic Planning, Monterey Care Center – Term: 2012-2014

www.gcchamber.org

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

Leafy Greens Local Food and Market: Supporting local producers Tucked away in the old Farmer’s Exchange Building at 3937 Broadway in Grove City, lies a treasure trove of locally made items. Leafy Greens Local Food and Market opened on July 4 of this year by Chris Carney. Stepping in, one quickly realizes the love that Carney has put into her shop and her desire to promote local businesses.

Carney, a nurse, was raised as an herbologist by her grandmother who would take her foraging in the local woods. “She taught me a natural way of living,” she said.

The walls are stocked with brands that won’t easily be found on the shelves at traditional grocery stores. Local coffee, teas, sweeteners, and more lined the room. Each of them produced in Ohio.

Carney knew the building from years ago and had wanted to start her own business in Grove City for several years. She fell in love with the history of Grove City and the feel of the town center. Grove City still holds the small town appeal that she had always loved. Coming from Southern California, it seemed like the perfect place to raise a family.

With her eye still on the old Farmer’s Exchange, Chris saw her opportunity to make her mark on Grove City. With her background in nursing and upbringing that taught her about a natural life, she decided to open the only natural

ABOVE: Leafy Greens Local Food and Market is located in the old Farmers Exchange building at 3937 Broadway. RIGHT: Owner Chris Carney learned her love for a natural way of living from her grandmother.

food store within 25 miles of Grove City to provide healthy, healing, and natural products to her customers.

For more about Chris Carney and Leafy Greens Local Food and Market visit the shop at 3937 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123, online at www.gcleafygreens.com or, on Facebook at www.facebook. com/gcleafygreens, or call at (614) 875-5295.

Winter Lights Christmas Celebration L Saturday, Dec. 1

Grove City Town Center

ACTIVITIES | 6-7:30 p.m.  Entertainment & Musical Performances  Visit with Santa   View Live Reindeer  Take a Ride on a Horse-drawn Wagon

Watch an Ice Sculptor at Work

WINTER LIGHTS PARADE | 7:30 p.m.  TREE LIGHTING

follows the Parade

MISTLETOE MARKET | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Find unique, creative gift items, decorations, food and entertainment at the holiday market in a cozy setting. Visit www.grovecitytowncenter.org for details.



CHRISTMAS ART EXHIBIT | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Warm up in City Hall and enjoy the Grove City Arts Council annual exhibit of works by local artists, while enjoying music and a holiday-themed art market.

WELCOME CENTER & MUSEUM | 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy festive, historical holiday decorations, holiday contests and more.



L

L

Make a monetary or toy donation, for children up to age 12, to Jackson Township s Firefighters for Kids program or donate personal-care items, non-perishable food or a monetary donation for Grove City Food Pantry at the Winter Lights Celebration.

L

For a full schedule of events visit: www.GroveCityOhio.gov

facebook.com/GroveCityOhio • twitter.com/GroveCityOhio • 614-277-3050

Mayor Richard L. Ike Stage

www.gcchamber.org

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

Portraits by Carmen: Capture your memorable moments Fun, uniqueness, and elegance: Those are the three words that Carmen Hall uses when she thinks about what drives her to succeed with her photography business, Portraits by Carmen. Open since May, Carmen provides high school senior, wedding, newborn, family, and boudoir pictures.

When it comes to photography, she believes that no two subjects are ever alike and that no two subjects should be treated alike.

Everybody is different so every session is different. Today, Carmen will do photography anywhere she can.

Her newly opened studio located at 4048 Broadway in Grove City is fully equipped for fun, unique, and elegant photography. If you are looking for something more exciting, she makes herself available to shoot on location.

Photography is a passion for Carmen. She moved to Grove City from the west side of Columbus to be closer to her 16-year career as a nail technician in 2002. In 2006 she started doing photography in the basement of her home or on location. Today she enjoys photography in the Grove City community, and she is not shy about her ambitions.

Working with an intern, she hopes to expand even further.

Portraits by Carmen is located

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November 15, 2012 | Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

Business Monthly Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 Business Monthly is a special advertising supplement to ThisWeek Community News. Business Monthly is not responsible for opinions and views expressed in the paid advertisement in the business profiles. All real estate advertising herein is subject to the federal Fair 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 make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

ABOVE: Portraits by Carmen’s newly opened studio is located at 4048 Broadway in Grove City.

LEFT: Owner Carmen Hall shoots high school senior, wedding, newborn, family, and boudoir pictures in her studio or on location. at 4048 Broadway, Grove City. For more information visit www. portraitsbycarmen.com or call (614) 332-6900 to make an appointment.

Helping your business succeed.

2250 Stringtown Road

www.CitizensBankAshville.com 614-875-8700

Page 6

November 15, 2012 | Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

10 tips to healthy eating throughout the holidays yourself to that occasional high calorie treat just make the portion small. Studies show that after the first 3 bites of one item our taste buds are satisfied.

Use the baseball mantra … 3 strikes you’re out …

3 bites your done!

7. Bring gum or mints to use when you Tara Borghese are done eating. This will not only keep you 1. Never skip meals, from eating mindlessly especially breakfast. but could help you make friends.

If you are short on time, drink a 8. Take the focus off food. Go see protein shake. (I start everyday with a the Zoo lights, take a walking tour of nutritional Vi Shake). the lights in your neighborhood, and 2. Have healthy snacks around at possibly see a holiday concert or play. all times. Keep a bag of almonds with 9. Exercise! 10-15 minutes of brisk cranberries or a protein bar in your walking twice daily will not only car. burn a few calories but increase your 3. Drink, drink, drink … water energy as well. that is. According to the Mayo Clinic, 10. Write out your health/weight mild dehydration can drain your goals. Post it in your car and on energy and make you tired. We need the refrigerator. I wear a “Health all the energy we can get this time of Challenge Bracelet” as a reminder of year. my goals.

4. Slow down! Rush hour should not happen at the dinner table.

Tara Borghese is the Regional Studies have shown that it takes 20 Director of Body By Vi. For more minutes for our brains to get the information about Body by Vi visit message from our stomachs that we www.taraborghese.myvi.net, call are full.

(614) 519-9167, or contact Tara at 5. To ensure that there is a healthy tara@borghese7.com dish on the menu, offer to bring it.

6. Moderation is the key. Treat It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Huge dinner parties, homemade cookies, and treats in every direction. This poses the challenge to each of us; how do I enjoy my seasonal favorites without my waistline paying the price?

www.gcchamber.org

Grove City named Best Hometown of Central Ohio Grove City has been selected Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometown of Central Ohio for 2012-13.

The City will receive regional recognition when featured on the cover of the November issue.

The magazine’s editors selected one city from each of five regions in the state as a Best Hometown for 2012-13. The selection was based on categories of civic life: community spirit, education, attractions, events, safety, business environment, culture and heritage. Grove City met or exceeded in all areas.

“This is an honor that belongs to the residents and business owners in Grove City,” said Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage.

“We are proud of our small town feel while we

“We are proud of our small town feel while we continue to grow. Receiving this recognition as ‘Best Hometown’ is what we work to accomplish – every day” — Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage

continue to grow. Receiving this recognition as ‘Best Hometown’ is what we work to accomplish – every day.”

A collector’s edition of Ohio Magazine featuring Grove City on the cover hit newsstands Tuesday, Oct. 23. Additional stories featuring Grove City will be highlighted in the “Best of Ohio” edition in January and again in the July issue.

“We are certainly

pleased with this significant recognition and look forward to sharing the exceptional quality of life in Grove City,” said City Administrator Chuck Boso. “Our civic organizations, schools, churches and community groups work together to make Grove City a hometown we all admire.”

For more information, contact City Administrator Charles W. Boso, Jr. at (614) 277-3000.

Don’t miss the December issue!

ThisWeek and the Chamber want to help your small business succeed. With resources and affordable ways to get your message out to the community; you will have us working to help you and your business succeed!

Call Mark Taylor for more information today: (740) 888-6024 or email mtaylor@thisweeknews.com Space reservation deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 28

CHAMBER MEMBER BENEFIT

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Contact us today for a no obligation quote! All we need is a copy of your recent Electric and Gas bills. Email of Fax information to:

Chamber Benefits Plan 1 (888) 506-1574 Toll-Free (614) 889-0250 Office (614) 889-6129 Fax epgcham@strategicenergyservices.com

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Strategic Energy Billing Services, LLC. 425 Metro Place N. Ste. #140 Dublin, Ohio 43017 1-888 -506-1574

www.gcchamber.org

November 15, 2012 | Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

Page 7

Don’t let low rates sink your retirement plans Over the past few years, if you’ve taken out a mortgage or another consumer loan, you’ve probably welcomed the low interest rates you may have received. But as an investor, if you’ve kept any retirement savings in fixed-rate investment vehicles, you may have seen low rates in a less favorable light. And that’s why it may be time for you take a closer look at your financial strategy for working toward the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

Of course, you can always hope that interest rates will rise, and perhaps they will. As you may know, the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates at record lows in recent years to stimulate lending and thereby boost the economy. But rates can’t get much lower, and if inflation were to heat up, the Fed could reverse course by starting to raise rates.

However, if you’re going to do a good job of building financial assets for retirement, you really can’t afford to play “wait-and-see” with interest rates. Instead, consider the following moves: • Rebalance your portfolio.

No matter what your situation, it’s a good idea to periodically rebalance your investment portfolio to help ensure it still reflects your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term

goals. If you’re concerned about low rates harming your future investment income, you Terri Menendez, have more Edward Jones reason than ever to review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed, relative to your objectives. For example, if it seems that your portfolio has become “overweighted” in any one vehicle, you may need to change your investment mix, keeping in mind your individual risk tolerance.

• Redefine “retirement.” Retiring from one career doesn’t have to mean retiring from work altogether. If you decide to work part time, do some consulting or even open your own small business, you may be able to earn enough income to take some of the “pressure” off your investment portfolio in terms of providing you with the money you need to live on during retirement. Also, by working during your nominal retirement years, you may be able to delay taking Social Security until you’re a little older, when your monthly checks can

be larger.

• Review your withdrawal strategy. During your retirement, the amount you choose to withdraw from your investments each year will depend on several factors, including the size of your portfolio and the amount of income it is providing. As you chart your retirement strategy, you’ll need to factor in a realistic withdrawal rate.

• Re-examine sources of investment income. You may want part of your retirement income to come from investments that offer protection of principal. If so, you don’t have to settle for the lowest-

How to avoid email slang in school work Plz practice your writing B4 U head bak 2 school.

C U in a few wkz.

Millions of children (and adults!) use language like this to chat with friends, make weekend plans and stay in touch with out-of-town relatives via email, Twitter and Instant Messaging (IM). It is important that this informal writing style of shortened words, improper grammar, lack of punctuation and use of “emoticons,” such as smiley faces and other keyboardcreated graphics, does not become a habit of writing.

Email and IM style of writing isn’t completely bad, since it does encourage students to write more often. Many educators agree that children can benefit from email and IM as learning opportunities. The popularity of Internet writing is also helping children see writing as a fun activity that encourages creative writing, and not just something they “have to do.”

To help children boost their effective writing skills, here are a few tips that parents can use to avoid IM, Twitter and emailstyle language making its way into schoolwork: Talk to children about using different writing styles to communicate with different audiences. Describe the importance of personalizing messages and why it’s important that students know their

audience. While it’s okay to close a letter with “C ya” to a friend in an IM, it is not okay to include this slang in homework assignments. Remind them that formality is required in school.

Have fun with writing. Provide children with enjoyable ways to practice their writing.

Involve your child with writing grocery lists, thank you notes, dates on calendars and messages.

Review schoolwork for IM and email-style language. Encourage your children to write properly and take the time to carefully review assignments several times before submitting them to the teacher. Review your child’s homework to ensure he or she is not using

shortcuts or slang.

Talk with children to establish ground rules for using IM, Twitter and email.

Work with your child to develop a plan for using IM and email to make sure other responsibilities, such as completing homework and chores, are met before going online to chat with friends. Discuss time limits with your children and ensure they are kept. Consider putting your family rules in writing and posting them near the computer.

For more information about Sylvan Learning Center visit sylvanlearning.com, call (614) 277-9585 or visit them at 4067 Third St., Grove City, Ohio 43123

rate vehicles. By looking at the various alternatives and blending them with your overall portfolio, you may be able to boost your income without significantly increasing your investment risk.

In short, just because interest rates are low, you don’t have to lower your retirement expectations — as long as you

plan ahead and explore your options.

This article written by Edward Jones for use by Terri Menendez, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. For more information contact Terri at (614) 875-5773 or visit Edward Jones at 4007 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123

How to prevent damage from trees during a storm With all of the recent, intense windstorms, a lot of people in the area are dealing with damage caused by falling trees and limbs. The damage that a fallen tree or limb can do to houses, garages, power lines, fences and cars can be severe.

So, is this preventable? Is there any way to make your home and yard safer from storms and the damage they cause? Well, although you can’t completely prevent your trees and/or limbs from falling, you can take precautions which will help. The biggest reason that trees come down in a storm is because they were dead, or very close to dead, before the storm even hit. Trees that are dead or dying aren’t nearly as stable as a living tree. When a tree starts to die, the branches and the trunk start to rot, meaning they lose the strength to hold themselves up. Add 60 mph winds to that and you’ve got a tree on your house.

The best thing you can do to ensure the safety of your yard and home from tree damage due to a storm is take care of your trees. If you notice that leaves are dying and falling off during the summer, or it looks like branches are starting to rot and die, call an arborist immediately! If the tree is dead or weakened, has dead limbs or compromised unions, it could pose a major threat to you and your home.

Your tree can also be trimmed to allow the wind to flow through the tree and prevent breakage, to remove limbs that are hanging over your home, and to remove any

deadwood that is vulnerable to wind. A certified arborist can assess your trees and tell you whether or not they need trimmed or removed.

You may not want to wait until the storm hits to call your preferred tree service.

Typically, they will already have a book of business they are working on and may not be able to service your trees immediately. Trust us, it’s a lot better to remove a dead tree before it comes down on your house, versus afterward.

If you have specific questions for our Arborist, or would like to schedule a free estimate, please contact Grove City Tree Service at (614) 871-2979.

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November 15, 2012 | Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly

Harrison College: Educating communities for 110 years On October 23, Harrison College opened their doors for the public as they celebrated their 110th anniversary.

Founded as Indiana Business College in 1902, the school changed its name to Harrison College in 2009.

Today Harrison College offers more than 40 degree programs in six schools of study (Culinary, Business, Criminal Justice, Health Sciences, Information Technology, and Veterinary Technology).

Job seekers were invited to attend the event and meet with hiring businesses and organizations in the area including Fifth Third Bank, First Service Federal Credit Union, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), the City of Grove City, and more.

Attendee’s could also meet with local elected officials there to celebrate the anniversary. Attendees were also treated to raffles, a prize wheel from Sunny 95, and refreshments.

For more information about Harrison College call (614) 539-8800, visit www.harrison.edu, or visit the school at 3880 Jackpot Rd., Grove City.

www.gcchamber.org

RIBBON CUTTING

Family Traditions opens their doors to Grove City On October 19, the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Family Traditions Cards and Gifts as a new member with their Grand Opening and ribbon cutting. Visit Family Traditions at 3521 Broadway, Grove City, OH or call at (614) 539-0050.

CHAMBER STAFF William H. Diehl - Executive Director Marilyn Reiner - Director of Membership Services Melissa Sims - Director of Chamber Relations

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Top Performer on Joint Commission Key Quality Measures ™

2011