December Chamber News

The Official Newsletter of the Troy Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER NEWS December 2023 Vol. 12

Inside This Issue:

Spotlight Interview Member of the Month Marketing Tips New Members Did you know?

Member Benefit Program Tip of the Month Keep the Cheer Here Connect With Us

About our Spotlight: Our Spotlight for the month of December is Korrect Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning, Inc. It was founded in Dayton, OH in September 1950 by N. Ivan Patterson and C. Edwin Hunn. Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning,. was incorporated in 1954 and continues today as a closely held family business .This interview is with the President Nate Patterson.

Spotlight: Korrect Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning, Inc. Q: Korrect Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning was founded in Dayton in 1950. When did you start serving the Troy community?

A: Believe it or not, Korrect has been working in Troy since I’ve been involved with the company – so for more than 20 years – primarily for commercial customers with multiple locations in the area like Speedway, and several restaurant chains. We also work with Troy Schools and Hobart. In 2022 we decided to be more intentional in getting the word out that we serve the communities north of Dayton – including Troy. We leased a small office space on Cherry St. that helps potential customers find us as a contractor in the Troy area. Troy continues to grow in both the residential and commercial markets and we believe it’s a great area for us to focus on.

Q: What was your mission at the start of your business? How does that compare to your mission now?

A: Our mission statement has changed and adapted over the last 75 years, but the basis of our mission hasn’t changed. Our focus is on making a positive impact on people. As a company built and run on Christian principals - we truly care and value our team and their families, our customers, our vendors, and the community. The golden rule found in Matthew 7:12 says “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”. We take that seriously and it’s the core philosophy of our company.

Q: How many employees does your business have?

A: We currently have 86 team members.

Q: Your team members have volunteered with many local businesses in the community. How did this get started, and can you tell me more about it?

A: Giving back to the community started as a priority for my grandfather - Ivan Patterson. He is one of the most generous people I’ve ever known. His personal priority became the priority for future generations, and for our company. Each year we look for opportunities for our team to use the talents and skills they have to help others. This year we worked with Habitat for Humanity in Dayton on a couple houses, and we sent 8 team members to Dawson Springs, KY through the Brethren Disaster Relief organization to work on 6 more houses. We are also volunteer labor and providing material for the Victory Project building that is being renovated. In addition to projects that we volunteer for, we financially support several other local non-profit and ministry organizations.

Q: What moments/things have been most rewarding to you in this business?

A: As a 3rd generation family member working at Korrect, it’s rewarding to continue a company legacy that was established by my grandparents and polished by my father and aunt during their careers. We work really hard to build a team of great people. I love being involved in helping people learn, grow, and become successful on our team. Our company is growing because we have people who work hard, and live out the mission and philosophy every day.

Q: What challenges have you had to face and overcome?

A: The recession in 2008 and 2009 was a challenging time for everyone. Our business revenue dropped about 30% compared to previous years. We pray every day but through that period of time, we prayed a lot! Our team buckled down and we cut expenses where we could while continuing to employ everyone. Another challenge came in 2011 when we acquired a small heating and air company. Merging people and company cultures together and building trust wasn’t an easy task. It took several years but it has turned out to be a great decision. And of course, COVID had its challenges. It was difficult to find the “new normal” and to work in the best way to make all of our customers feel safe.

Q: What elements of your business do you think makes you so unique and so vital to the Miami Valley small business community?

A. A couple things are differentiators for us: 1. The first is Longevity. In our industry it seems like companies come and go more often. Customers have a bad service experience, or a job isn’t complete in a timely manner or done properly and the contractor or company has disappeared. We’ve been serving the Miami Valley for almost 75 years, and we stand behind the work we do.

2. Secondly, training is another big one. We tend to hire team members that fit our culture and core values: Honesty, Hard Working, Committed and Desire to Make a positive impact. And then we train the skillset. All our plumbing technicians have completed a 3 ½ apprenticeship and take the local Journeyman Licensing test. Our HVAC team members are EPA Certified, work towards NATE certifications and complete continuing education classes each year.

3. The third is our vendor relationships. We partner with local suppliers and treat them like an extension of our business. We need each other to be successful and we value those relationships.

4. Lastly, we understand that this work we provide costs money, and we try to make sure that our work equals the value that you are spending for our services. We want to make sure that our customers get the best services possible and feel satisfied with the results.

Q: What is something new you would like to do with your business, or start to offer more?

A: One thing we really excel at is working in historic homes and buildings. I would love to be involved in more renovation projects where the skill and craftmanship of a technician can be truly appreciated. Working in historical homes/buildings requires different skillsets and materials; and we have skilled employees that have the experience in this field. We would like to utilize their unique skills to serve these historic places.

A: What is something about Korrect that you think people would be surprised to learn about?

A. We have never laid off a team member during a recession cycle or slow season. We recognize the people that work for us; they are the most important assets that we have, and without them, we couldn’t serve our customers in the best way possible.

To learn more about Korrect, go to their website, which is linked here: https://www.korrectplumbing.com/

Thank you to Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for this interview!

Member of the Month

Harris Jeweler Harris Jeweler has served the local community for 77 years and through 3 generations of Harris Family. The company is a full-service jewelry store specializing in everything from engagement rings and wedding bands to custom design, fashion and estate jewelry and in-house repairs.

The amazing staff at Harris Jeweler has a combined experience of over 250 years. Third generation owner, Bonnie Harris Frey, said “Our staff is truly out-of-this-world! Not only will you find a friendly and low-pressure buying experience, we have the most highly educated staff in the Miami Valley, ensuring we can help you find exactly what you are looking for.”

The store makes sure to have jewelry to fit every gift giving and self purchasing occasion, from $50 Kendra Scott necklaces to $1 million diamonds, Harris Jeweler has something for everyone.

But don’t let us tell you what makes Harris Jeweler so special, their loyal clients are telling the world! Harris Jeweler is the number one most highly reviewed and highly rated jewelry store in entire central/southern Ohio region. The store boasts around 950 Google reviews with an average rating of 5-stars.

The store has over 3,000 unique jewelry pieces in stock but commits to everyone who walks through their doors, “if we don’t have it, we will find it, if we can’t find it, we will make it in our state-of-the-art design studio”.

“We would love to welcome all Chamber Members to our Holiday Open House on December 1st & 2nd for our best deals of the season! You can RSVP to receive an additional 5% off all sale prices, plus receive a free gift when you set an appointment.” Frey said. Visit https://www.harrisjeweler.com/pages/customerappreciation-holiday-party to RSVP or set an appointment.

This year, the team at Harris Jeweler designed a gorgeous holiday catalog with over 150 unique gift ideas available in their store and also on their website. Visit https://www.harrisjeweler.com/pages/holiday-catalog-2023 to shop their Holiday Catalog or visit their store at 2343 W Main St in Troy.

Their holiday hours are M-F 10a-8p, Sat 10a-6p and Christmas Eve 10a-3p. You can also reach them by calling or texting 937-335-0055 or emailing bonnie@harrisjeweler.com

How Much Should I Budget for Marketing?

As 2024 quickly approaches, you’re likely working on a budget and plan for your marketing dollars. Let’s look at a few methods you can use to start creating your 2024 marketing budget.

Every business is different - different industries, different revenue models, different customers. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to how to plan your budget. However, there are a few methods you can use to help guide you to the best answer for you.

One way is through percentages. The Small Business Administration recommends that small businesses invest about 6% to 7% of gross revenue in marketing and advertising. New businesses and those that market directly to consumers (B2C) often need to spend more.

Using data, you can also set a budget using this formula: Step 1: Determine how many new customers you’d need to reach next year’s revenue goal.

Step 2: See how many new leads you need to generate to reach that number of customers.

Step 3: Determine your cost per lead (divide the total amount you spent on marketing by the number of leads generated).

Step 4: Multiply your cost per lead by the number of total leads you need to reach your customer goals.

If you’ve been spending the same amount on your marketing program year after year, ask yourself if you’re really happy with the results you’re getting. If you’d like to see improvement in any of these areas, it may be time to tweak your marketing budget.

Scan to Request Your Free Digital With a team of 30+ marketing and sales experts, Marketing Essentials Marketing can help you set measurable goals, create a budget, map out a strategic & Sales Consultation plan and execute any tactics you need support with.

Contact us today to learn more.

By Tyler Louth, Chief Executive Officer at Marketing Essentials (mktgessentials.com). Submit your marketing and sales questions to Tyler at connect@mktgessentials.com.

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Welcome New Members!

Art of Alchemy Aesthetics & Wellness 125 S. Market St. B Troy OH 45373 (937 ) 552- 5050 Category: Beauty Salons/Spas, Medical, Dental & Nursing Care https://aoalchemy.com/ Coffee with Champions (937) 350-1564 Category: Training https://www.coffeewithchampions.com/ The Concord Room Managed by The June Ohio LLC 810 Arthur Rd Troy OH 45373 (402) 525- 4167 Category: Party/Event Rental https://www.eventective.com/troy-oh/the-concord-room-747114.html The Courtyard at Troy 2900 Corporate Dr. Troy OH 45373 (937) 339-5199 Category: Assisted Living https://thecourtyardatohio.com/troy/ Dr. Jo's Pet Wellness and Acupuncture 1341 Wayne St. Troy OH 45373 (937 ) 667-3217 Category: Pets & Veterinary https://www.drjopetvet.com/

Member Discout Progam Did You Know?

Did you Know?

Did you know that you can share your events on our Community Calendar?

Gain visibility and attendance for your event by sharing it on our community calendar. You can send your event information to hmccartney@troyohiochamber.com and it will be shared on our community calendar.

Make sure to include the necessary information: Event Name Location Times/Dates Description Any event promotional graphics (preferably in a PNG or JPEG) Our community calendar is on our website here: business.troyohiochamber.com/calendar

Did you know that Miami County will be experiencing a total solar eclipse in 2024?

There will be a total solar eclipse on Monday April 8, 2024 between 1:53pm and 4:25pm; the Miami County area will be completely in the path of totality for 3 min and 45 seconds.

Because of this total solar eclipse, the Miami County area will experience a significant increase in visitors during this time. Make sure that you are preparing your business or organization for this by going to the following link: This Eclipse Planning Guide for Local Businesses Learn more about how to stay safe and how the county is celebrating by going to the Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau’s website and the webpage for the solar eclipse.

SOCA Benefit Plan Progam Member Discout

It’s that time of year where you may be interested in changing or updating you benefits plan, this can be made easier with SOCA’s Benefit Plan. By being a Chamber Member, you have access to this self-funded plan that offers a variety of plan designs to fit what’s best for you. This plan is administered by Anthem BCBS and is great for small businesses who can find it hard to find the care that you and your employees need.

So why should you be interested? Here are some key benefits: Competitive rates Fixed, predictable monthly payments A variety of health plan designs Anthem’s broad Blue Access PPO provider network and Essential Rx drug list Coverage for claims run-out/terminal liability coverage Expanded wellness offerings Exclusive rates and plan options including vision, life, disability and more You can save up to 20-25% on your monthly medical spend with the SOCA Benefit Plan 24/7 Nurseline, Future Moms, ConditionCare, and more You also have the option of buying dental, vision, life, and disability health insurance coverage at a discounted rate

Learn more about this program and where to sign up on the link below: https://www.joinsoca.com/soca-benefit-plan Have further questions? Give the Chamber Office a call: 937-339-8769.

Keep the Cheer HereProgam Member Discout This holiday season, we encourage you to Keep the Cheer Here when you Shop Local!

Join the Troy Chamber as we support local! Follow the Chamber’s social media each day as we highlight a local business and give away local gift cards. Each day a Shop Small Elf will be hidden at a small business. Find the Elf and you WIN!

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT? Support local with our Support Local Troy Ohio digital gift cards. Perfect for everyone on your list. Gift cards can be used at 20 local businesses.

Gift cards are buy one get one.

December 1-December 31 (or while supplies last), Buy $100, Get $40 Buy $50, Get $20 Buy $25, Get $10 Bonus cards expire 6 months from purchase.

Gift cards can be purchases 24 hours a day on our website: https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/troy--oh-troy

Tip of the Month

The season for bad weather will soon be upon us, make sure that you are ready for it.

When planning for the winter season, make sure that you have all the supplies your business or organization may need to keep your environment safe for all. This could be ensuring that you have the appropriate tools to clear snow, purchase salt for sidewalks in advance, or even make sure that you have your services scheduled to clear large parking lots.

Additionally, make sure that employees are informed of your procedures during bad weather. Inform your employees of your procedures concerning: weather advisory levels closings workplace safety for both employees and patrons who is responsible for clearing any weather related obstructions

MEMBER FACEBOOK GROUP Did you know that the Chamber has a Members Only Facebook group?

The purpose of the group is to find connections, share current promotions, business needs and additional resources.

LETS CONNECT Follow the Chamber on social media platforms to stay connected.

Use our hashtags: #MyTroyChamber #RememberAMember Want us to share your post? Be sure to tag us in the post or in the comments and we will do our best to share and help you with added reach.