November, 2008 Chamber Luncheon - Learn from GLIDE How to Grow Your Business he Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise (GLIDE) is a unique public/private partnership that can help you to grow your business, whether you are at the idea or expansion stage. GLIDE provides many services including idea assessments, technology/staffing support, legal counsel, business management mentoring and access to capital. T Join us for networking and lunch at the Cleveland Yacht Club on Thursday November 20th. Cliff Reynolds and Dennis Cocco of GLIDE explain what GLIDE can do to help the economy of Northeast Ohio. Cliff Reynolds is the Director of GLIDE and responsible for the planning, organizing and directing all activities of the enterprise. Cliff co-founded DIY Home Warehouse and served as President and CEO of the 16 store, 1800 employee company in addition to founding Chatham Consulting, LLC. Dennis Cocco is the Associate Director of GLIDE and is responsible for developing marketing and tech-based business strategies for the enterprise. Dennis was Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications of PolyOne Corporation. His more than 37+ year career included product and application research and development, as well as technical service and marketing. Sponsored by: Seeley, Savidge, Ebert & Gourash, Co., LPA Celebrate Christmas with the Chamber Chamber Luncheon Thursday, November 20 Networking – 11:30 a.m. Lunch – Noon Cleveland Yachting Club (second floor) 200 Yacht Club Drive, Rocky River By 11/17 After 11/17 Members $15 $20 Non-Members $20 $25 Indicate your menu selection when making reservations: #1 Chicken Picatta #2 Apple walnut salad with grilled chicken #3 Vegetable Lasagna RSVP to the Chamber office at (440) 331-1140 or [email protected] Advance reservations are required! We cannot expect the chef to have a meal ready for you if we’re not expecting you. If you fail to cancel your reservation at least 48 hours prior to the luncheon, you will receive a bill for the cost of your reserved meal. Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 4, as we share in the spirit of the holidays at the Chamber’s Annual Christmas Party at the Don Umerley Civic Center. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. The cost is just $20 per person and proceeds benefit the Rocky River Assistance Program. Santa’s helpers Debbie Bernard, Rick Joyce and the Christmas Party Committee are decking the halls and planning an unforgettable holiday celebration for you and yours featuring: • A bountiful buffet donated by local area restaurants • Soft drinks and libations for toasting • The sounds of the season • Chances to win magnificent gift baskets • A visit from Santa • Happy holiday surprises! Contact the Chamber office at (440) 331-1140 or [email protected] for more information. rockyriverchamber.com From the President We are all feeling the effects of the national economic downturn. The effects of the economy have been especially rough on small and mid-sized businesses, which make up the majority of our Chamber’s membership. During these tough economic times it is very important that we do what we can to support our local economy. We need to make a conscious effort to keep our personal and business dollars local. As such, the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce asks and encourages its membership to interact, support and do business with fellow Chamber members as much as possible. This is a critical economic time and by supporting one another, the Rocky River business community and the local economy will continue to flourish. Staying with the theme of keeping it local, I sat down the other day and made a list of all of the Chamber member businesses that I have used or visited over the past month. I came up with twenty-three, and some of them were visited or used on more than one occasion. I would encourage you to take a moment and think of the fellow members you have dealt with over the last month and make an effort to think of fellow Chamber members when deciding where to go to eat or where to buy something. Sincerely, Gregory L. Thompson President Mission Statement The Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, an advocate and vital presence in Rocky River, strives to support a network of businesses and civic interests to promote business for its members. WE ACCEPT MASTERCARD AND VISA For your convenience, you may use your credit card to pay for Chamber luncheons and events, your annual membership investment, and more. Welcome New Members! Nancy L. Daniel MSA LLC Nancy Daniel 568 Red Oak Lane Bay Village, OH 44140 (440) 527-0672 Investment/Financial Advisor Workflow.com Jay Volk 20006 Detroit Road, Suite 300 Rocky River, OH 44116 (440) 827-2000 Medical Professional/Dental/Healthcare Melting Pot Eric McIntyre 3111 Westgate Fairview Park, OH 44126 (440) 356-8900 Restaurant/Deli/Food Service Giant Eagle Tim Hriczo 22160 Center Ridge Rd Rocky River, OH 44116 (440) 333-2733 Bakery/Catering/Food Sunflower Coffee Roasting Tracey Demers 3645 Middle Post Lane Rocky River, OH 44116 (440) 376-0594 Bakery/Catering/Food **Recruited by Ellen Ballas of House Beautiful! Ellen gets a free dessert at Sweet Melissa’s! DKM Salon and Spa Debra Knotts-Meadows 21571 Lorain Road Fairview Park, OH 44126 (440) 331-2395 Hair Salon/Spa **Recruited by Cliff Obrock of Garcia Obrock Inc.! Cliff gets a free dessert at Sweet Melissa’s! Great Lakes Computer Corporation Joseph Janos 33675 Lear Industrial Parkway Avon, OH 44011 (440) 937-1123 Internet Services, Sales, Website Development Pzazz Dale Jones 19132 Old Detroit Rd Rocky River, OH 44116 (440) 333-2271 Retail **Recruited by Sharon Spooner of WestLIFE! Sharon gets a free dessert at Sweet Melissa’s! rockyriverchamber.com Spotlight Members Sharon Spooner Account Executive, WestLIFE Newspaper 26933 Westwood Rd., Suite 200, Westlake, OH 44145 (440) 871-6296 #1 [email protected] WestLIFE Newspaper has been serving the West Shore Community since 1959. We are the best read newspaper due to the coverage we give all communities in the West Shore. Editorial, school sports, community activities, classified and the ever popular Police Beats. Our editorial staff is always out and about capturing the latest and most interesting stories. Our General Manager Pete Deverall and the Sales Department work to find new and interesting ways to broaden the way for your advertising dollars to be spent wisely. We have a creative Art Department that is available to put together beautiful ads for you. The best part is that there is no additional charge for this service. I came to the WestLIFE from a retail career, spanning 40 years with The Higbee Co. and a few other smaller retailers. This has given me the background to know all the ins and outs of advertising for both large and small businesses. I am always available to offer my suggestions to enhance your advertising choices. I am privileged to be on the Committee for Relay for Life in Rocky River. The Rocky River Chamber Women in Business group has broadened my contacts in the business world with positive and enjoyable experience. I look forward to continue working with all of my community contacts and would like to wish everyone HAPPY HOLIDAYS. John Mulholland Fitness Together 19910 Detroit Road, Rocky River 44116 (216) 458-0611 [email protected] Tom Schulien and I were popular personal trainers at the Westlake Fitness Together location. We put together our years of experience and passion for fitness and made the decision to open our own studio in Rocky River. We created a private personal training studio that focuses on building customized programs for each of our clients. Oneon-one training sessions in private rooms mean that clients feel comfortable and the full attention of their trainer means that clients perform techniques properly. Positive encouragement helps to keep clients motivated and brings faster results. Also, knowing that you have a scheduled workout time means you are less likely to miss workouts. Tom and I have included Michelle Swidrak and Becky Pilgrim to our well-rounded team of trainers. Whether you are working out for the first time, training for a sport, or getting your body back after having children, one of the trainers at Fitness Together will have the experience to create a program to fit your needs. Join us on November 13 for Business After Hours You and your guests are invited to network with other members at Pearl of the Orient at 19300 Detroit Road in Beachcliff Market Square. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and networking. There is no cost to attend and advance reservations are not required. Invite a friend or colleague who could benefit from meeting other area business people. Seeley, Savidge, Ebert & Gourash Co. LPA opened its doors to Chamber members and hosted a Business After Hours gathering on September 25th. Many members enjoyed a tour of the firm’s beautiful new offices, as well as complimentary food and beverages. Members in the News Vision Graphix received the top management award from CPrint, Certified Printers International. Each six months, CPrint selects the printer who has demonstrated the most significant positive changes in their company over the past six months from among its participants. Jeff Brant, Jr. (left) of Vision Graphix in Westlake received a Management Award from Tom Crouser, CPrint®, Certified Printers International) Scott Cowan, owner of Century Cycles, was part of a story on www.crainscleveland.com/cyclingbusiness that reports bicycle sales have gone up as gas prices have risen. Cowan reported that August 2008 sales were up 35% compared to the same month last year. Sun News West Group editor Carol Kovach was honored recently with a Women of Accomplishment Award. Fred DeGrandis, president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic Regional Hospitals, presented the award to Kovach and three other women at the sixth annual “Simply Women, Simply Wonderful!” event. Kovach has been with the Sun since 1974. New member Jake’s Life Rocks held its Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, October 18th. Mayor Pam Bobst was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony with store owners Randy Baun and Patrick Randall. The new store, featuring the “Life is good” brand, is located at 19354 Detroit Road in Beachcliff Market Square. Mayor Pam Bobst shows her T-shirt purchase to Bill Brink, Property Manger of Beachcliff Market Square, at the Grand Opening of Jake’s Life Rocks. (Photo by Debra Sherman) Letter from Executive Director: It’s the month of Thanksgiving, so I would like to share with you all for which I am thankful: • For all members of the Chamber. This organization has a very supportive group of people who want to be involved. I’m very proud to be a part of such a solid organization. • For the Board of Directors. We have a very engaged Board that cares about Rocky River and its economy. They are generous people who give a great deal of their time to help the other members of the Chamber. • For the Expo Committee who worked hard to produce a great event. I think it’s amazing that majority of the work that went into making the Expo happen was done by volunteers! I am especially thankful for Jim Riedl, the Expo Committee Chairman who did a lot of work and always remained calm and cool. We are fortunate to have Jim’s commitment to the Chamber. Seriously. • For Donna Kopina and Laura Jameson. Donna has been the Chamber’s Executive Assistant for over three years and she keeps this organization running like clockwork. She is such a dedicated employee and smart person. Laura is our new intern and has already made a difference. She is a hard worker and a fun addition to our office. • For the new database that the Chamber implemented a couple of months ago. It provides for greater accuracy and ease of keeping member information current. • To be living and working in Rocky River. After having lived in other cities around the country, I have a tremendous appreciation for this beautiful city. It’s such a great place to be, it’s easy to get around, everything is so convenient and, most importantly, the people are really warm and friendly. • For Fall. The colors here are spectacular and the weather has been beautiful. I know I won’t be so thankful for the weather in February. I am also thankful for the Cleveland Metroparks. Yes, I enjoyed the scenic mountains and waters in the Pacific Northwest, but the valley is a unique gem that I treasure. Member Special Events • Celebrate Rocky River Public Library's 80th Anniversary! On Sunday, November 23 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. there will be entertainment, prizes, giveaways, a spectacular cake and more! This event is sponsored by the Rocky River Public Library Foundation, the Women's Committee of Rocky River Public Library and the Friends of Rocky River Public Library. • Style Mutt will host a Holiday Open House on November 8th, 10am – 5pm, refreshments will be served. The store for dogs will also host a Yappy Hour on November 13, 5:30 – 7:30pm, with wine and h'ors doeurves for humans, treats for dogs. $5 donation requested. • The Wellness Center at Supplements Etc. presents “Kinesiology 101” on Thursday, Nov 6 at 7:00pm. This is a hands-on class to learn about muscle testing. The cost is $30.00. Thursday, Nov 13 at 7:00pm, you are invited to attend a free presentation, "Stressed out - The holistic story” to learn natural approaches to alleviate the stress in your life. RSVP to (440) 333-9691. If you have a special event you’d like promoted in River Biz, simply send a two sentence summary of your event to [email protected] by the 15th of the month prior to the event. Gemini Tower I, Suite 550 1991 Crocker Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44145 440-835-0600 • Fax: 440-835-1511 • For my job. I love this job and I feel very fortunate to work here! I am thankful that the Board of Directors chose me. • For my friends and family. Although I really miss the family I left in Seattle, my local friends and cousins have made me feel very welcome back in my hometown. There are “good people” here! Happy Thanksgiving! Liz Manning rockyriverchamber.com Board Election Ballots for the election of the 2009 Board of Directors will be mailed to members in early November. Each candidate has written a bio, here is a chance for you to preview the candidates. Please vote! John Ballas It would be my great honor to serve on the Board of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce. To follow in the footsteps of the men and women that came before me would be very fulfilling. My objectives as a Board member would be to continue to grow the Chamber through increased membership and increased involvement of current members. We have a calendar full of wonderful events and community involvement and I feel that we as members can improve that in the future. I am especially interested in using and patronizing local businesses whenever possible. It is our obligation as local businesses to support and enrich each other. I am a lifelong resident of Rocky River and a local business owner since 1985. I am married with three children in the school district. I serve on the Board of the Rocky River Education Foundation. Debra Bernard I have been a member of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce for eleven years. I have been serving as V.P. of Special Events for the past three years, coordinating the Quality Business Award, New Teacher Luncheon and the annual Christmas Party. Previously I served as a Board Member/ Chairperson of the Education Committee for five years. I am the Principal of Rocky River High School and have been an employee of the Rocky River City Schools since 1996. I began as a business teacher for three years and served as Assistant Principal for five years. If re-elected to the Board of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, I will continue serving as a liaison between the business community and the school system. It is a privilege to be a member of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce. Serving on the Board of Director of the Chamber affords me the opportunity to support our business community. Paul Hvizda I currently serve as Vice President of Operations for Admiral Products Inc., a Cleveland-based national printer for the packaging industry. I am responsible for plant operations, staffing and equipment. I have been on the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2005, actively participating on the Membership Directory, Golf Outing and Business Expo committees. I actively serve on various committees and groups for the statewide Printing Industry Association serving Northern Kentucky and Ohio (PIANKO). I am a member of the Master Printers of America and am the past president of Young Professionals in Graphic Communication (YPGC). I have also served on PIANKO Board of Directors, Community Service Alliance Board of Directors and Rocky River Parks and Recreation Foundation. I am an alumni of Rocky River High School, Cuyahoga Community College (AS) and Baldwin Wallace College (BA). I am a lifelong Rocky River Resident, married with 3 children who are in Rocky River schools. I have a vested interest in Rocky Rivers’ economic stability and growth of commerce within the city. I feel that through the various groups, associations and business experiences, I can make a valuable contribution to the Board, its mission, and the membership. Zac Patton Hello. I am Zac Patton, Co-Owner of Patton Painting Inc. I have been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 2004. As many of you know all too well, the owner of a small business often has to wear many hats. My current roles include estimating, sales and marketing just to name a few. I have lived in Rocky River with my wife Julie, son Owen, and beagle Lou for the past three years and hope to stay for many more. I became involved in the Rocky River Chamber because I believe developing relationships with and patronizing local businesses is one way I can contribute to the strength of our local economy. As a board member, I would like help create new and effective ways for Chamber businesses to interact with each other and the community at large in order to foster a positive economic environment, especially for small businesses. Allen Roy I manage the JoS. A. Bank Clothiers store in Beachcliff Market Square. I have been with JoS. A. Bank for four and a half years. Before JoS. A. Bank, I worked for other retailers, in the financial services industry and in politics. I have been actively involved with the Chamber since our store opened two and a half years ago. I regularly attend the Chamber’s monthly luncheon meetings, had an exhibit at the 2006 Taste of River, and we had a table at the Business to Business Expo in 206, 2007 and 2008. I feel I would bring fresh ideas and a different perspective to the board. The chamber has had a tremendous impact on my success at JoS. A. Bank and I see this as a small way to give back to an organization that has helped me. That’s why I ask for your vote. Tim Yanda As a veteran employee of Cox Communications, I am honored to accept the nomination to run for the Rocky River Chamber Board of Directors. Cox has been a member of the Rocky River Chamber for more than 20 years. By representing Cox on the Chamber board I can continue to help Cox invest in the communities we serve. Cox Communications has partnered with the Rocky River Chamber on a variety of events including the Rocky River Business to Business Expo and partners with the city of Rocky River on such events as the Rocky River Summer Sunset Concert Series, the Hole-in-One Shoot Out and various school-sponsored activities and events. Cox prides itself on being a good community partner while serving both the residential and business customer. Along with my expertise in technology and the relationships I have through Cox I feel my appointment to the board is a win-win situation for both the Rocky River Chamber and Cox Communications. Thank you for Making Expo 2008 a Success! The Chamber appreciates and acknowledges the sponsors, exhibitors, contributors and volunteers who helped to make our sixth annual Business to Business Expo a great success! The attendance was down slightly, to approximately 750 visitors. But feedback from exhibitors has been very positive and many valuable connections were made on October 16th at the Don Umerley Civic Center. Many exhibitors had giveaways and drawings. Here are the results of a few, along with some comments about the Expo: “Pete Jenkins and Ronald DeVandry of Single Source Solutions won our free logo design giveaway.” Steve Toth of J. Toth Graphic Design "The Expo exceeded our expectations. We developed more leads than in past years and recouped the cost of the event in two days." Allen Roy, Jos. A Bank “I was able to give away 375 ‘mini moos’ stuffed cows, 200 chicken nuggets, 300 breakfast club cards and 250 "Be Our Guest" cards for free chicken sandwiches. Plus it was fun!” Dan Curran, Chick-fil-A “We all had a great time and found several leads as well. We will definitely be back next year.” Rusty Deane, OneLink “Michele Pierson won the Buick Enclave for a weekend from Steve Barry Buick. We enjoyed the Expo very much.” Steve Barry of Steve Barry Buick The winner of the bean guessing game at Gilbert, Mayor & Co.’s table was Allison Pritchard of WestLIFE. The actual number of beans in the jar was 4,078 and she guessed 4,062. Good job Allison! She won a gift certificate to Danny Boy’s Pizza. Platinum Sponsors Cleveland Clinic Regional Hospitals Cox Business Gold Sponsors Cuyahoga Community College WestLIFE Cellular Technology Food Sponsors Chick-fil-A P’ZAZZ Pearl of the Orient Russo Espresso Salmon Dave’s Sunflower Coffee Roasting Sweet Melissa’s The Woods Silver Sponsors Dawson Companies Giant Eagle Gloria Hardington – Relaty One/The SALEMaker Team I Buy NEO Inside Business & West Shore Magazines Lorain County Community College Sun News Committee Paul Hvizda of Admiral Products Jim Riedl mans his display. Kory Koran Debra Bernard Carole Calladine Pete Deverall Paul Hvizda Rick Joyce Melissa Henahan The trainers at Fitness Together give the Expo a thumbs up. Liz Manning Rick Mack Cliff Obrock Joe Toth Mike Trifiletti Anita Simko Greg Thompson Lindsey Wenzinger Joe (left) and Steve Toth found new business with their bright display. Volunteers & Contributors John Adamescu Ellen Ballas John Ballas Carol Benyo Cindy Falasca Paul Gallagher Bob Gray The team from Dr. Uveges-Heimke Aesthetic Denistry were all smiles at Will Kelly the Expo. Donna Kopina Laura Jameson Tom Jarus Frank Martau Anthony Moore Annemarie Synek Scott Schumacker Ted Stephens Debbie Gibbs of the Normandy Peter Toomey Retirement Community talks across the aisle with Rick Joyce of Liz Toth Huntington National Bank. Steve Toth Deborah Toth Mark Wagner RRHS Business students RRHS Key Club students RR Senior Center Danny Boy’s Pizza Giant Eagle Chad Chillemi of The Woods and George Hwang of Pearl of the Orient Sunflower Coffee Roasting were both popular food sponsors. Alan Wesen of OneLink and Ed Turza with First Federal of Lakewood talk with an Expo visitor. rockyriverchamber.com 2008 Activity Schedule November 6 13 20 December 4 4 Event Time Location Board Meeting Business After Hours Chamber Luncheon sponsored by Seeley, Savidge, Ebert & Gourash, Co. Speakers: Dennis Cocco and Cliff Reynolds of The Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise (GLIDE) 12:00 noon 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. TBD Pearl of the Orient The Cleveland Yachting Club Board Meeting Christmas Party 12:00 noon 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Plaza West Don Umerley Civic Center Fashion Show Upcoming Committee Meetings The Winter Fashion Show was cancelled due to insufficient ticket sales. Thank you to all who showed support of the event. These committees need your help and welcome your participation. If you would like to get involved, be sure to contact the committee chairperson or attend the next committee meeting. The Park West and Westgate Tower Commercial Office Buildings • Conveniently located within a few miles of I-90/I480 • Close to Hopkins Airport • Within 10 minutes to downtown Cleveland • 5 nights a week cleaning service • Full janitorial service • Free parking • 24 hour/7 days a week uninterrupted use of your office These are just a few of the amenities offered by our two buildings. We currently have space available from 280 to 7000 square feet. If you are interested, please call us at (440) 333-1888. Christmas Party Committee Wednesday, November 12, time and place TBD Contact: Debra Bernard (440) 356-6801 Membership Committee Thursday, November 13, 8:00 a.m. Original Pancake House at Westgate Contact: Annemarie Synek (216) 642-9300 Women in Business Committee Tuesday, November 11, 8:00 a.m. Panera Bread, 19705 Center Ridge Road Contact: Ann Davies (440) 227-6939 For Smooth Sailing Service Call Gloria Hardington the SALEmaker Providing you with top quality services from 2 locations for your convienence VM: 216.999.2132 Office: 440.356.2200 Fax: 440.356.6210 E-mail: [email protected] 1095 Center Ridge Road Rocky River 44116 440-356-6361 4591 Great Northern Blvd North Olmsted 44070 440-777-2211 www.greatnorthern.minutemanpress.com • S A L O N & S PA • RIVER 19025 OLD LAKE RD. ROCKY RIVER, OHIO (440) 333-7994 WEST 30239 DETROIT RD. WESTLAKE, OHIO (440) 899-1930/ 930-2957 www.charlesscott.com 20220 Center Ridge Road, Suite 130 Rocky River, Ohio 44116 • ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 2008 Chamber Officers PRESIDENT V.P. OF POLICY & ADVOCACY V.P. OF SPECIAL EVENTS V.P. OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY TREASURER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Greg Thompson, Thompson & Thompson, LLC Mike Trifiletti, Devries, Huntley, Trifiletti & Loy, CPAs Debra Bernard, Rocky River City School District Jim Riedl, Chase Home Mortgage Cynthia Falasca, Falasca’s Mike Mayor, Gilbert, Mayor & Co., LLC Liz Manning 2008 Board of Directors Paul Gallagher Melissa Henahan Paul Hvizda Rick Joyce Will Kelly Kory Koran Gail Liggett Cliff Obrock Anita Simko Ann Marie Synek Lindsey Wenzinger Brahma Capital Corporation Baker and Co., Incorporated Admiral Products Inc. Huntington Bank Minuteman Press City of Rocky River, Economic & Community Development FirstMerit Bank Garcia Obrock, Inc. dba GO!2 Administaff PrimePay Baker and Co., Incorporated October 2008 Visitors: 963 New Visitors: 634 (634 out of 963) Visits per day: 46-48 Could you use 46-48 new customers today!?! Reach your customers all day, everyday with “Ad Links” Call (440) 356-0745 for details River Biz Credits EDITOR: Liz Manning DESIGN & LAYOUT: If you would like to write an informative article for River Biz, please send your idea to [email protected] PRINTING: J. Toth Graphic Design Minuteman Press PHOTOGRAPHY: Peter Toomey Phone: (440)331-1140 • Fax: (440)331-3485 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web site: rockyriverchamber.com
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