Membership Matters July 2009

Membership Matters

Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce
July 14, 2009

This week on Thursday July 16 is our new networking opportunity for members - Third Thursday Networking Luncheons!

It will be held from 11:30 to 1 pm at Maria Adornetto Restaurant at 953 Market Street in Zanesville. Attendees can purchase lunch at the meeting. Please RSVP to jriddle@zmchamber.com if you plan to attend.

Join us as we continue this new series of business networking meetings organized for the sole purpose of helping you make real business contacts, gain referrals, give referrals, and pitch your products and services - in a word, Networking!

At each meeting we will conduct exercises that let you explain who you are, what you do, and why someone would want to be your customer. All area business people are welcome to attend and participate in the organized activities...but don't be intimidated by this description since these meetings are actually pretty casual.

You are virtually guaranteed to leave with some new contacts (and maybe even a few sales leads) and leave behind greater awareness in the local business community about your company and its products and services. So, if you need to expand your personal and professional network and increase sales you don't want to miss this meeting presented by the Chamber of Commerce.

We will also continue our longstanding Final Friday Networking programs from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. on the final Friday of each month. However, the opportunity to attend a lunch meeting may fit your schedule more readily than an early morning meeting.

Papa Chucks Accepting Chamber Gift Certificates
Chamber Gift Certificates are no longer valid since the issuing and processing company, Certificheks, Inc., declared bankruptcy. However, Papa Chucks is still accepting the certificates if you spend an amount equal to the certificate's value that you want to redeem there. Thanks Papa! Contact Papa Chucks for more information.

Wage Survey Available
The results are in and the 2009 Wage and Benefit Survey has been completed. Members may view the results by visiting www.zmchamber.com and going to either the Recent Posts list or the Economic Development Section. The file is password pretected (again it is for members only) and the password is zmchamber2009. Thanks to Muskingum Growth Partnership for sponsoring the survey and to JK Evans and Associates for completing the survey work.

NOT a Chamber Map project
Area businesses have been receiving invoices for advertisements on a local map, and the invoices are marked "Chamber of Commerce Map Project." Please be aware that this is not a chamber project. We are undertaking our own map project next year.

Nomad Ridge at the Wilds opens to the public
Nomad Ridge at the Wilds, a luxury tented-camp experience opened to the public on July 1st. It offers visitors an immersive experience at the Wilds, helping to achieve part of the Wilds' mission by advancing conservation through visitor experiences.

Nomad Ridge overlooks the Wilds' open-range animal areas and is comprised of 10 yurts situated atop a ridge. The yurts feature well-appointed interior design and each has its own private deck with outdoor seating.

The overnight package includes dinner and breakfast for two, choice of day tours for two people and staff concierge assistance for planning additional activities at the Wilds. For more information, visit www.thewilds.org

Exporting Webinars
We have information on a number of webinars on exporting your products that are coming up soon. The programs are sponsored by the US Department of Commerce. Send an email to tpoorman@zmchamber.com if you would like to know the details.

REMINDERS:
Chamber-Jaycees Golf Outing
The annual Chamber-Jaycees Golf Outing will be held on August 21. Mark your calendar now and watch for more details.

Legislative Breakfast
A Legislative Breakfast event featuring state legislators, sponsored by AT & T, will be held on August 28. Again, mark your calendar and watch for more details.

Business Survival Toolkit Available
The 2009 Business Survival Toolkit prepared for area businesses by the chamber is still available on CD. Call the chamber at 455-8282 or email tpoorman@zmchamber.com and we will send one to you.

Downtown Farmers Market
Remember, the Downtown Farmers Market has begun and runs through October 14th. Vendors set up in the Welcome Center parking lot on Wednesdays from 4-6:30 p.m. A variety of "in-season" produce is available as well as baked goods and plants.

Make plans to attend "Taste of Zanesville"

Join the fun as downtown Zanesville celebrates the annual Taste of Zanesville during Pottery Reunion 2009. The event will take place this Wednesday, July 15, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Downtown businesses will be offering a variety of refreshments and displays to celebrate the annual pottery convention. Special activities will be offered along with live entertainment, great food and much more! The public is invited to attend and admission is free. Stop at the Chamber of Commerce at the Welcome Center on the evening of the event to pick up a map that includes the participating locations. For more information, call the Chamber at 455-8282.