Tomorrow is the big day!

Alright folks, it's time!  Get your mouses ready to start clicking!  Voting begins tomorrow on the Pepsi Refresh Grant website: www.refresheverything.com for the New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Sunshine park project.  We're building a handicapped/special needs accessible playground at Bremenfest Park and we're in the running for a $250,000.00 grant from Pepsi.  We NEED YOUR HELP to vote!  Folks can vote daily on the website, on the Pepsi Refresh grant Facebook page AND via text message.

Please consider taking time to vote daily for our project.  We'll impact the lives of children and families with special needs all over west central Ohio and east central Indiana.  The park will be the only one of it's kind within about a 100 mile radius!  When we win the grant money, we can begin building, since the $250,000.00 will cover the cost to build the park.  So tell all your friends, send the word out to all of your facebook and twitter friends, and help us put a smiel on the faces of special needs children!

You can learn more about the Sunshine Project at www.rotarysunshineproject.org.  Search for us on Facebook, follow us and keep track of what's going on with the project!

Also, we'll be hosting a media day on Friday Dec 3rd at 10:00 at the site of the payground in Bremenfest Park.  Consider stopping by to meet Benson, the special needs service dog, see the sign dedication and learn more about the project.

It's a two post day!

It's not often I find myself inspired to write two blog posts in one day but I feel so inspired today!  I just returned from an exciting celebration in Minster!  H.A Dorsten, Inc has qualified for, and has been awarded VPP approval from the US Department of Labor, OHSA for their successful completion of the Voluntary Protection Programs.  H.A. Dorsten, Inc., General Contractors (Minster) is one of only 13 contractors in Ohio that has ever been awarded VPP approval.  Business partners, company employees & management, subcontractors and even our State Representative came together to congratulate the company on their accomplishment.  

From the OSHA site:   

"The VPP recognize employers and workers in the private industry and federal agencies who have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries. In VPP, management, labor, and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through a system focused on: hazard prevention and control; worksite analysis; training; and management commitment and worker involvement. To participate, employers must submit an application to OSHA and undergo a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. Union support is required for applicants represented by a bargaining unit. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the programs. VPP participants are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status."

Congratulations to the employees and management at H.A Dorsten on this remarkable achievement.  They've really set the standard for workplace safety with successful completion of VPP.  As a result of this designation, H.A Dorsten will no doubt continue to lead the construction industry, building on their excellent reputation for quality and safety.  This accomplishment speaks volumes about the type of people that make up our work force in west central Ohio, and we're very proud to count H.A Dorsten among our chamber of commerce members and supporters.  During the ceremony, a representative from OSHA presented the company with a plaque and the VPP "Star Workplace" flag, and as a part of this afternoon's proceedings, District 78 State Representative John Adams (R) presented the company with a Commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives.  Well done!

Chamber Lecture Series, last one for 2010

Our final Chamber Lecture Series event of the year will take place on Tuesday December 7th at 11:00 am in the upper meeting room of the Lockkeeper's House.  Julie Miller, Director of the Business Enterprise Center on the WSU Lake Campus will be on hand to discuss the various business and training programs available at the BEC.

Miller will talk about the Skills Trac program, the WSU Lake Campus MBA program, all of the various manufacturing training programs and more during the session.  The event is free and open to the public, so come discover what a world-class asset we have in our very own back yard!  Please RSVP if you plan to attend, by calling the chamber office at (419) 629-0313, or send us an email at info@auglaize.org.

helping others

It's so important, especially at this time of year, that we consider those around us who might be struggling financially, emotionally, with the loss of a job, a loved one, or an illness.  WCSM has kicked off their annual Holiday Food train, and the Southwestern  Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce is fortunate to be a "stop" along the "route of giving."

Please consider dropping off non-perishable food items in the bin at the chamber office here in the Lockkeeper's House.  The food items will be given to the Call Food Pantry in Celina and Agape Ministries in St. Marys.  Many folks in our area are still suffering at the hands of a difficult economy, even though things are slowly improving.  So, if you find yourself abundantly blessed this holiday season, please share in that blessing by helping us help those in need.

Looking for feedback!

As a part of the planning process for 2011 and beyond, we're looking at various ways to improve the value of your chamber membership investment.  If you would, please take 2 minutes to complete a brief, four question survey regarding the chamber website.

Click here to take survey

More great technology in the "Golden Triangle"

Take a visit to the SWAC Chamber website homepage and you'll notice a new link there: "Interactive SW Auglaize County Map."  Click on the link and you'll be taken out to a seperate site that features an interactive map of our communities.  The map features the ability to zoom in and out, and has locator pins for advertising businesses, very nifty!  Also, folks who visit can download a .pdf version of te map itself to keep on their computer or email out to folks.  This is a dynamite tool for visitors to our website, and a great marketing tool for th ebusinesses who chose to advertise on the interactive map.

Great stuff, check it out:  www.auglaize.org

German Family Christmas!

This is the big weekend!  Fourteen local businesses will hold holiday open houses during this weekend.  Merchants will feature various activities, specials, and promotions all throughout the weekend.  The best advice I can give you here is to consult the Chamber of Commerce website www.auglaize.org and click on German Family Christmas under "events."  On the German Family Chirstmas page you'll find a full listing of all the participating merchants and details about their open houses.  There is a link to a printable .pdf version of the GFC map that also includes all the details about the weekend.

There are three special open house events I'd like to highlight:  The YMCA Festival of Trees, the Holiday Bazaar and Christmas in the Village.

The YMCA 1st Annual Festival of Trees takes place at the South Branch of the Auglaize-Mercer Family YMCA all weekend.  Businesses and private individuals have donated fully decorated trees, wreaths and crafts for sale at a weekend long silent auction.  So, stop down there and take a stroll through the lobby of the Y, bid on your favorite decorated tree or wreath.  Proceeds from the auction sales go into the Y Financial Assistance Fund.

The 1st Annual Holiday Bazaar takes place at the Lockkeeper's House in New Bremen Staurday from 10am until 3pm.  The Holiday Bazaar features the Holy Redeemer Youth Group baked goods sale, and several home-based businesses/consultants available to consult for holiday gift giving and display their products.  Stop over, grab some delicious holiday treats and browse around the displays, all in a festive holiday setting at the Lockkeeper's House.  (note, the sidewalks are in, so entry to the building is much easier!)

Christmas in the Village is back again this year in a new location, the American Legion in New Knoxville!  On Sunday from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, ten home-based businesses and consultants will be available to share their gift giving ideas and display their products and services.  Admission is only $1, and while you're there enjoy refreshments and an opportunity to win prizes and a raffle!

Also on SUnday from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, Santa will make a stop at Western Ohio True Value Hardware.  He will be available for photos, so bring your digital camera or choose from a photo package available on-site.

While you're shopping, you can register for three gift packages donated by participating merchants.  The drawing will be held next week, winners will be notified via telephone!

Full details are available on the Chamber of Commerce website at www.auglaize.org  I'll see you out and about during German Family Christmas!

Festival of Trees!!

The Auglaize-Mercer Family YMCA South Branch is holding their first annual "Festival of Trees" during German Family Christmas, November 12, 13 and 14.  Private individuals, organizations, and companies have donated decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and craft items for silent auction throughout the weekend.  Folks can come in, look at the items and bid on the display items all throughout the German Family Christmas weekend.  All of the auction proceeds will go to the YMCA Financial Assistance Fund.  Stop in and check out the beautifully decorated items!  (see photo!)

This is the tree donated by Buschur Electric.

Social Media a fad? Not so much!

Marissa Lundstrom, owner of Locust Street Consulting presented an excellent program on Social Media this morning at the Lockkeeper's House.  Eleven interested persons participated in a session packed with questions and answers about social media in general and how it can be utilized in a business setting.  Most of the presentation addressed how to get started with facebook and how to use facebook in a business setting.  Our panel of small business owners/leaders (including Kelty Inman with VPP Inc; Rand Fisher with the Auglaize County United Way; Wes Farno a social media and political consultant and small business owner; and yours truly with the Chamber of Commerce) shared our experiences with social media, citing several real-world examples of how we are presently utilizing social media to grow and promote our respective businesses.

The attendees comprised an interesting cross-section of folks from non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses made up mostly of chamber members.  It was interesting to note that there was a wide range of Social Media experience levels among the attendees, as well as a significant age range.  Several lively conversations took place as Marissa led the group through her power point presentation, offering several specific examples of the business applications for facebook, often "backed-up" and punctuated by a brief statement or two from the panel throughout the two hour session.

Once the session concluded, several attendees remained behind to ask questions of Marissa and Kelty.  This tells me that we probably need a few more sessions in a series dedicated to Social Media.  We may have created more questions than were answered, due to the broad range of information available concerning social media.

Click here for an eye opening video found on You Tube regarding the power of Social Media, and see if this doesn't get you thinking!

New Kid in Town!

Another new business opens in New Bremen!
Justin Luedeke, the owner of Cardinal Landscape Management dropped by my office Friday to join the chamber and tell me about his new landscaping business.  Cardinal Landscape Management handles residential and commercial landscaping, lawn mowing and snow removal in the winter.  Justin clearly expressed his passion for excellence in landscape management (as evidenced by the photo!) while we chatted.

So, if you're in need of a good fall yard clean up, snow removal over the winter and landscape management during spring and summer, give Justin a call for a consultation!  His business line is (419) 629-2676, cell (614) 565-9794. 

Thanks Auglaize County!!

The voters of Auglaize County once again overwhelmingly gave their support to our seniors.  I had the good fortune to be elected Chairman of the Auglaize County Council on Again renewal levy committee this year, what an experience!  We got the word out through media, speaking engagements, good old grass roots efforts, and everyone's work paid off!  I'd like to thank the committee, the ACCA board & staff, and their incredible director Chris Roby for their dedication to Auglaize County Seniors!  It has been an honor working with all of you! 

We want to thank the voters and property owners in Auglaize County for continuing to fund the operations of the ACCA.  Without this levy and the funding it provide, we would no long be able to carry out the good works in support of our Auglaize County seniors.  Most of all, I want to thank the seniors of Auglaize County for all they've done over the years to make our area such a wonderful place to live, work and play!  I'm proud to call New Bremen and Auglaize County home!

German Family Christmas 2010

Preparations are under way in the Golden Triangle in advance of the annual German Family Christmas Holiday Open House weekend. The event is set to take place Friday November 12, Saturday November 13, and Sunday November 14 in Minster, New Knoxville and New Bremen. Local shops will offer special promotions, discounts and activities to kick off the holiday shopping season. The list of participating businesses includes: La Piazza New Bremen, Western Ohio True Value Hardware, The Cornerstone Shop, Emmy’s Bridal, Topsy Turvy Toys, SecurCom, Gilberg Furniture, Frames and Such, Jenni’s Hallmark, Lock One Theater, New Bremen Coffee Co. and Books, Wagner’s IGA, The Crown Store, Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen, and the Bicycle Museum of America.

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Holiday Bazaar” in the Lockkeeper’s House from 10-3pm on Saturday. This special event will feature a bake sale, and several home-based businesses and consultants. Come tour the beautifully decorated Lockkeeper’s House as a part of your weekend! Sunday will feature the ever-popular New Knoxville “Christmas in the Village” from 1-4pm at the American Legion in New Knoxville. Ten home-based businesses and consultants will be on hand to demonstrate and sample their products and services. The Auglaize-Mercer Family YMCA will host their first annual Festival of Trees all weekend. Local businesses and organizations will donate decorated Christmas trees and wreaths which can be bid on in a silent auction. All the proceeds from the auction will benefit the YMCA.

Lock One Theater will offer two Saturday and Sunday matinees for the kids, so mom and dad can get some free time to shop! Show times are 2:30 and 4:45 pm both days, and the feature film is “Mega Minds.” The Bicycle Museum will be open from 11am until 2pm on Saturday. Sunday will also feature a special visitor from the North Pole!! Santa will visit Western Ohio True Value Hardware from 10am until 2pm, so bring the kids and your digital camera for photos!

Be sure to visit the Chamber website at http://www.auglaize.org/ for details on the 2010 German Family Christmas weekend. Any home-based businesses or crafters ought to call the chamber office at (419) 629-0313 if they are interested in showing at the Holiday Bazaar. Call soon, because space is limited!