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Copyright 2009

Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-702-2722

Health care reform, other issues

explored at chamber luncheon

By Marvin Jones

President and CEO

While health care reform dominates the debate in Washington today (in addition to the White House party crashers), there are plenty of other issues waiting in the wings that could drastically affect the way you, our members, conduct your business. The Employee Free Choice Act, the cap-and-trade energy bill and Healthy Families Act all were on the menu for this past week’s Issues and Eats luncheon at the Chillicothe Country Club.

Ben Taylor, who covers six states for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Linda Woggon, the vice president for governmental affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, provided details and updates on the major issues facing business and industry today. Taylor explained in depth the reasoning behind his chamber’s position against the health care reform legislation before Congress in addition to touching on the other issues.

Woggon reiterated how many businesses will be hit hard by the changes in the third-party administrators’ discounts on premiums for the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. The discount for businesses with good safety records was at up to 95 percent a couple years ago and is going down to no more than 51 percent in another year, forcing heavy increases onto businesses.

On health care reform, the Chillicothe Ross chamber is providing an informational role for its members, as noted in an earlier email this week. Here is a link to a page on the chamber’s website to an unbiased, straightforward resource on the health care reform issue as well as links to get in touch with the four congressmen who represent our county: Health care reform

Businesses moving to higher premium plans

In an effort to keep health insurance coverage for their employees, businesses are moving to higher deductible plans. A survey by the HR consulting firm Hewitt Associates found health care costs per employee to jump 6 percent in 2010 to an average $9,120.

Employees are expected to pick up much of the increase with individual premiums and out-of-pocket costs rising 10 percent next year. Another trend by businesses to rein in costs is a shift to “spousal carve-out plans.” A spouse would not be covered if they can obtain coverage from their employer.

Chamber holding the line on your dues and benefits

In an effort to keep your cost of membership to the Chillicothe Ross chamber as affordable as possible along with the cost to take advantage of your many membership benefits, no increases are planned in 2010. This means:

• For the vast majority of members, your dues will remain the same as in 2009. The majority of members pay dues based on the number of their employees. For those with eight or fewer employees, that means no increase for the fourth straight year. For those with more than eight employees, it means no increase in the amount for each additional employee. If you haven’t already, expect to receive a call from the chamber in the next week as we update our records on the number of employees you have. Dues schedule
• No increase for email blasts. We started this highly popular advertising and marketing feature about three years ago and charged $50 per blast. Next year, it remains $50 a blast.
• No increase to advertise on our website or on what many say is the best benefit of all of membership – this newsletter. Check out the rates: Marketing through the chamber

Corner Market heritage continues

Carl Janes, the chamber’s 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year, cuts the ribbon on his new Corner Market this week, surrounded by family, friends, contractors and officials. The new market replaces the former IGA store leased by Janes to Don Crabtree that burned in a fire in April. It’s the site where Janes began in the business with his wife Lois in 1962 in a renovated home. Showing dedication to his community, Janes used local contractors whenever possible, including main contractor, Sunrush Construction. Check out the more than 60 ribbon cuttings conducted by the chamber: www.chillicothe-chamber.smugmug.com

Next BAB to be a cooperative affair

The Glenn Activity Center at Bristol Village in Waverly is the site for the next Business After Business on Wednesday, Dec. 16. The Chillicothe Ross chamber is teaming with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce for the event that will feature the usual appetizers and beverages along with door prizes. Sign up now if you plan to attend: BAB registration

Facility’s technology pays off

Specialists from the Cleveland Clinic, George Washington University, the Maryland Heart Center and elsewhere presented at the Second Annual Cardiovascular Symposium at the PACCAR Medical Education Center recently. “This symposium was a perfect example of why the (center) was created,” said Executive Director Dr. John Gabis. He noted that, in addition to training nursing students, the center can provide high quality continuing education for physicians throughout the region.

Ross, other jobless rate increase in October

The unemployment rate for Ross and all surrounding counties increased in October from September levels, according to state figures. Ross County’s rate of 11.9 percent, or 4,100 out of work, is up from 11.5 percent in September, an increase of 100. Here’s the breakdown for the county rates:

Vendors licenses issued recently the Ross County Auditor:

• Tammy Dailey, 10180 Ohio 207.
• Instant Auto Sales, 1555 N. Bridge St.
• PNC Bank, at 800 Western Ave. and 1080 N. Bridge St.

Area business seminars and workshops of note:

• Pitch Your Plan training: Tuesday, Dec. 8, OSU South Centers, Piketon, 9:30 a.m.-noon; learn how to submit your business plan in the $35,000 competition open to all entrepreneurs, small business owners and students; for more information and to register: www.pitchyourplan.osu.edu
• Crucial Conversations: Wednesday-Thursday, Dec.9-10, Ohio University-Chillicothe; the award-winning program is designed for executives and HR managers to conduct effective communications with individuals and groups to achieve common goals; registration needed by Nov. 20 as space is limited; for more information: Flyer; to register: www.southamconsulting.net.
• Fundamentals of Document Management : Tuesday, Dec. 15, Christopher Conference Center, 11 a.m.-noon, free to chamber members, includes free lunch; leanr how to convert paper documents to electronic ones, manage electronic documents, protect them; by Advantage Data Systems and its partners; to register: Document Management