May 17, 2019 newsletter

NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO 
This past Monday felt like any other Monday – wake up, get the coffee, work through the morning, and let the work week begin …
But it’s not every Monday that ends up with the biggest financial and physical undertaking by your local medical provider in 45 years. In fact, that’s probably the sunniest of Mondays, all things considered.
That’s exactly what Ross County, and the region for that matter, received when Adena Health System announced a $70 million project that would include a completely new structure for its orthopedic and robotic surgery centers, as well as a new parking deck to accommodate the influx of new patients from around southern Ohio.
Seventy. Million. Dollars. Spendng that amount of money in the 76th biggest city in the state seems like a gamble, but it’s not for employers such as Adena – they know the greatness that exists inside the county and region.
While Adena CEO Jeff Graham has been paying attention to problem issues such as billing, he’s also been charting, along with his board, a new course for health care that sees AHS continue to solidify its status as the region’s top choice for health care.
“Since ARMC opened more than 45 years ago, we have grown our services as more patients across south central Ohio have entrusted us with their care,” said Graham in a press release. “In recent years, we have developed a great need for additional operating rooms and inpatient space to accommodate the new technology in robotic surgical procedures. The new center will meet the needs of our rapidly growing orthopedic service line and robotic surgery program, and will become a “destination center for care.” Our investment will also enable other specialties to grow as a result of this project.”
Six new operating rooms and 20 new inpatient rooms as well as a new concierge atmosphere to go along with 300-plus new parking space in a five-story structure that will fit seamlessly with the new Emergency Department upgrades the hospital has added.
If you’ve been paying attention, you know that’s more than $200 million worth of expansion in two projects — coupled with Kenworth’s April 24 groundbreaking on its new $140 million paint shop project — in Ross County in just a few weeks. That’s nothing to roll your eyes at and certain proof of this community’s strength.
Key to expanding our economy is making sure the top employers are continuing to thrive and Adena and Kenworth’s recent announcements are proof that they feel comfortable with Ross County and want to not only remain here, but see the area thrive.
As Jay Timmons, president of the National Association of Manufacturers and a native Chillicothean, said last month at the Kenworth groundbreaking event: “We hear stories of small towns all across the country that are being left behind, but that’s not happening here.”
We’re not perfect, but with a revitalized downtown, strong anchor employers, a regional shopping presence, improved city services, a strong county leadership structure, and an education system that is preparing young people for success, we’re making great strides.
Michael Throne
President/CEO
Chillicothe-Ross Chamber of Commerce
45 E. Main St., Chillicothe, OH 45601
Office: 740-702-2722
Fax: 740-702-2727
DOWNTOWN DETAILS
Ongoing construction at the NE corner of Mulberry and Second streets as The Fort Collective continues its work on a coffee roastery, café, and storefronts..
Thursday’s meeting of the Design Review Board was eventful as the board approved a few matters of interest:
  • 50 West Brewery, which has been announced to go into the former Huntington Bank building, has been tentatively approved to create outdoor seating for the brewpub along Main and Paint streets once finalized. Architects for brewery are making sure the plan complies with the ADA requirements. Owner and founder Bobby Slattery said he intends for tours of the beer making process once they open.
  • After years of inactivity along North Mulberry Street, a second building will be going up in that area. The Fort Collective’s building continues construction in that area and will be soon joined by a four-storefront marketplace where the unused parking lot on the southeast corner of Mulberry and Water streets currently sits. Brad Roll, who owns the property, received approval from the board for his plan, which will include the possibility of a drive-thru window on the south side of the building, and will be built with brick and stone that has a similar look and feel of many existing downtown buildings.
  • Finally, a new ice cream shop will open on North Paint Street and the owner is a familiar face. Pat Highland, once of Shawnee Lanes and a long-time partner of Dan Ramey on CHS sports broadcasts on WBEX-AM is set to open “Highland’s Ice Creamery” in the former home of About Cooking. The shop will sell Johnson’s Real Ice Cream and hopes to be open by July 4.
THIS WEEK’S BUSINESS AFTER BUSINESS
AO Price’s auction services on full display
What a great night at the Chillicothe Country Club Wednesday as AO Price Real Estate and Auction hosted the May Business After Business. Their online auction raised more than $3,500 for Rock For Tots, with prizes including two spots on the Buckeye Cruise, naming rights on a drink at the Pour House for a year and much more. The June BAB will be at Bell Manor on Wednesday, June 19 and will be sponsored by the EPIC young professionals network. Check out images from Wednesday’s fun!
Congratulations to the Ross County Safety Council
COLUMBUS – The Ross County Safety Council is one of the top five in the state – again.
At the annual Safety Conference and Awards Program in Columbus on May 6, the local safety council, a managed program of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce, earned fourth place in the Safety Council of the Year program.
“With 83 members and over 100% member attendance, the program continues to thrive and provide a tremendous platform for occupational safety and health in their community,” the BWC’s Michelle Francisco said at the awards.
Accepting on behalf of the Safety Council were Program Manager Phillip King, and steering committee members Marsha Bevins, Trevor Sullivan, and Tiffany Castor.
As the Safety Council said in their application, “We credit the success of our safety council to our membership. It is through the dedication of our member employers who attend each month, then take the message back to their employees, that has made the Ross County Safety Council a success.”
The BWC, in honoring the Ross safety council, mentioned the group’s active shooter demonstration and commitment to create fun, but informative, events that help promote safety in the region. It also lauded the active and engaged steering community for its commitment to growing the council.
Learn how the Ross County Safety Council can benefit your business today! Click here.

More news and notes


A judge in Licking County ruled the Ohio History Connection can reclaim the Moundbuilders Country Club to create public access and as part of the World Heritage project.
 
Chamber members in the news:
Ross County Christian Academy graduates five in first senior class. (Gazette)
First Capital Enterprises shifts services to help determine, realize life dreams.(Gazette)
Council, city schools asked to consider community reinvestment area for 50 West project. (iHeartMedia)
 
Other events:

  • Adena Health System is hosting a FREE Women’s Expo with keynote speaker Tamara Paul, an Ohio U grad, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m, Saturday. Get more information here.
  • May 23, 2019 – The Miami Valley SBDC will be hosting Recordkeeping for a Small Business in Dayton.  This FREE workshop will provide an overview of recordkeeping and is designed to help participants understand how recordkeeping can benefit their small business.  To register, please visit here.
  • The Ross County Historical Society will host historian and author Dan Masters to discuss The Final Days of Chillicothean Joshua Woodrow Sill, a Civil War hero. The event is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22 at the Historical Society center on West Fifth Street.
Report member news, events to us by e-mailing us.
 

Welcome to our newest members!
This week, we added: 
That brings our new member total up to 38 new members in 2019.
 
Who do you know that should enjoy the benefits of Chamber membership?
For more information on the benefits of joining the Chamber
please call 740-702-2722 or  visit www.chillicotheohio.com

 

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS   
 
May 21 – RIBBON CUTTING: Go Free Yourself Escape Room, 14 Health Drive, 3 p.m. 
May 21 – Lunch with 12 Strangers at Tumbleweed Restaurant.
May 22 – Greater Chillicothe Women in Business monthly luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at Chillicothe Country Club.
May 27 – Memorial Day CHAMBER OFFICES CLOSED
May 30 – RIBBON CUTTING: Spero Health, 42 N. Plaza Boulevard, 2 to 5 p.m.
For more information or to register for any of these events please call 740-702-2722 or
visit the Chamber Calendar at www.chillicotheohio.com

 

2019 PREMIUM MEMBERS
Platinum Level
Adena Health System
Advanced Services Heating and Cooling
Atomic Credit Union
C. Walters Management
Central Ohio Financial Services
Chillicothe City Schools
Chillicothe Paints
Classic Brands
Horizon
Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC
Kenworth Truck Co.
Kingston National Bank
Landmark Properties Group LLC
McDonald’s
Ohio University- Chillicothe
Printex Same Day Printing
Ross County Banking Center
Signature HealthCARE of Chillicothe
WesBanco
Gold Level
National Church Residences
Staff Source