2016 01 january newsletter.pub

JOIN US!
WE’RE IN BUSINESS FOR
YOUR BUSINESS
CHA MB E R
CO N N ECT IO N
JANUARY 1, 2016
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 48
FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
January’s Theme: Planning
THIS MONTH’S
MEETING
2
TASK FORCE
NEWS
3
UPCOMING
EVENTS
4
WELCOME NEW
MEMBERS
5
COSE CORNER
5
MEMBER NEWS
& EVENTS
8
When I think of planning the first thing that pops into my head is a sign (yes,
shocking, I know) that reads:
PLAN AHEAD
Planning ahead is important lest we run out of room, out of money or out of time.
Plans are an essential part of each of each and every day. Calendars are “synched,”
appointments scheduled, lists written, calls made. It’s especially true during the New Year. We are
thinking ahead…because we want to fit it all in.
With the holiday season still fresh in my mind, I’m reminded of how relieved Ebenezer Scrooge was
that the three Spirits fit in their visits all in one night…that he hadn’t missed Christmas after all. Being
continued on page 2
THANK YOU TO
OUR 2016
SPEAKER
SERIES
SPONSORS
SPECIAL POINTS
OF INTEREST:
FROM THE CEO & PRESIDENT
• Holiday Bid & Buy
online auction recap:
Page 6
• A Championship Run for
Your Business, Page 7
• Holiday Party photos:
Page 9
• Chamber Announces
2016 Speaker Series:
page 10
Chances are, by the time you read this newsletter-you might have already broken some of your New
Year’s resolutions. Don’t despair! This is your year and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is ready
to help you reach your potential.
Most of you resolved to develop your business in 2016. You're looking for ways to cut costs and trying
to think of creative ways to bring in new business.
This is when your Chamber of Commerce membership is most valuable and here’s how:
Network and attend events to get information and support from fellow business and civic leaders. This
year, we’re introducing the 2016 Speaker Series. Just one meeting a quarter, with a fantastic line-up
of presenters you won’t want to miss!
Get educated! We offer fantastic educational workshops that are open to you and your employees. On
February 19th we’re hosting, “A Championship Run for Your Business”, featuring Bob Negen from
continued on page 3
lakewoodchamber.org
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Page 2
THIS MONTH’S MEETING: YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR COMMUNITY
AND THE 2016 RNC
Join us for the first of four quarterly
presentations featuring headline
speakers discussing some of the
region’s most interesting topics. The
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce’s
2016 Speaker Series promises to
educate, inform, inspire and entertain.
Events can be purchased individually
or as a series.
Friday, January 22nd, 2016
Brennan’s Catering & Banquet Center
11:30am
13000 Triskett Road, Cleveland
Lunch provided
Cost: $20 Members,
$25 Non-members
Thank you to our Speaker Series sponsors:
Your Business, Your
Community and the 2016 RNC
Luncheon with Joseph Roman,
Roman
CEO and President of the Greater
Cleveland Partnership and Vice Chair
of the 2016 Republican National
Convention Host Committee.
Save time by paying for this event or the entire series in advance at
http://lakewoodchamberstore.com/2016-speaker-series/
See page 10 for more information on the 2016 Speaker Series.
FROM THE BOARD CHAIR, CONT.
from page 1
good planners, those Ghosts synched their schedules coming once every hour. In my favorite adaptation of A Christmas Carol, the
Ghost of Christmas Present tells Scrooge, “There is never enough time to do or say all the things that we would wish. The thing is to try
to do as much as you can in the time that you have. Remember Scrooge, time is short and suddenly you’re not there anymore.”
Not to be morbid and say the clock is ticking and you need to change your ways like ol’ Ebenezer but rather, let’s get every good moment out of the time that we have. So, plan that trip, call that friend for coffee, schedule a date night with someone special, make a
resolution, start a hobby, finish a project you’ve been putting off, attend a Lakewood Chamber of Commerce event to network your
business. Planning is part of our lives and a plan is only as good as those who see it through.
Julie Warren
lakewoodchamber.org
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 48
Page 3
TASK FORCE & COMMITTEE NEWS
Economic Development Task Force
The Economic Development Task Force will be canvassing Lakewood’s business corridors in the next few weeks in an effort to crosscheck business locations and addresses in the Chamber’s database. In 2016, the task force will begin hosting networking events for
various business segments such as contractors, manufacturers and industrial suppliers.
Membership & Marketing Task Force
2016 will be a busy year for the Marketing & Membership Task Force, as we introduce some unique programs that will enhance your
Chamber member experience and promote your business and the community in new and exciting ways. This sounds mysterious and
vague now, but later this month, all will be revealed!
Legislative & Governmental Affairs Task Force
Congratulations to our newly elected Lakewood officials who begin their terms this month. We wish you patience and wisdom as you
lead our fine city. The Legislative & Governmental Affairs Task Force will be hosting the Annual Chamber versus City Hall Bowling
Tournament in February as a fun way to build better relationships with our elected officials.
Education & Programming Task Force
SAVE THE DATE! The Education Task Force is planning a fantastic marketing boot camp titled “A Championship
Run for Your Business” featuring Bob Negen - renowned retail expert and founder of WhizBang! Training. The
event will be held on Friday, February 19, 2016 from 7:30-Noon at UA Lakewood. Mark your calendars and look
for details on page 7.
►Interested in getting involved with one of our Task Forces or committees? Contact Patty Ryan at [email protected].
FROM THE CEO & PRESIDENT, CONT.
from page 1
WhizBang! Training. Look for details on page 7. We also partner with COSE on webinars and the annual Small Business
Conference - allowing you to attend at COSE member pricing.
Take advantage of inexpensive advertising opportunities afforded Chamber members through event sponsorships, print
publications, the newsletter, and our website.
Finally, look into the potential discounts and benefits that are available to you through your membership. From Anthem Healthcare
to the COSE Energy Choice Program, we offer a variety of options. Visit our website at www.lakewoodchamber.org to see a
complete list of programs that can save you money.
I encourage you to use your membership. Get involved, get educated, build relationships and save money. Remember our
tagline... We're in Business for your Business.
Business
Here’s to your year- 2016!
lakewoodchamber.org
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Page 4
DOUBLE YOUR BENEFITS WITH A CHAMBER / COSE DUAL MEMBERSHIP
Lakewood Chamber
members:
Strengthen your presence
in the local community
while supporting the
economic development
of the entire region.
You can join the Lakewood Chamber
of Commerce and the Council of
Smaller Enterprises (COSE) for one
low price. Not only can you save big
on essential business products and
services like health insurance, workers’ compensation and office
products, but you’ll also gain access
to valuable contacts and resources
throughout Northern Ohio.
Current Lakewood Chamber
members (and COSE members) can
receive a $150 discount on their
COSE dues. For more information on
becoming a dual member, visit
www.cose.org/dualmembership.
Enjoy the stronger local
& regional
connections and
expanded
educational
opportunities that being
a member of both
organizations can
provide!
Questions?
Contact Patty Ryan at 216-226-2900.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, January 22, 2016
Luncheon Meeting: Your Business, Your Community and the 2016 RNC
Joseph Roman, CEO and President of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Vice Chair of the 2016 Republican National Convention
Host Committee. Sponsored by COSE
COSE, First Federal Lakewood and Cox Business
Business.
Brennan’s Catering & Banquet Center,
Center 13000 Triskett Road, Cleveland
See page 2 for details.
Tuesday, February 9
Fat Tuesday Business After Hours with the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce sponsored by Cox Business.
Business
Around The Corner (Warehouse Room)
18616 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood
5:30-7pm. Cash bar.
Friday, February 19
“A Championship Run for Your Business” with Bob Negen of WhizBang Training
Live Interactive Video Training Event
7:30 Registration, 8am-12pm (one 30-minute break)
Lakewood, 14725 Detroit Ave. Suite 108, Lakewood
University of Akron Lakewood
Chamber & DLBA members: $50 ($30 for each additional registration from same business/organization). Non-members: $60 ($40 each additional registration)
See page 7 for details.
Friday, March 11
Community Leaders Breakfast
In partnership with Lakewood City Schools
Harding Middle School
View all upcoming Lakewood Chamber events at www.lakewoodchamber.org/events.
lakewoodchamber.org
Page 5
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 48
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS
Urban Bulk Foods
Dennis Paszkowski
14021 Madison Ave.
Lakewood OH 44107
Tel 216-644-6911
www.facebook.com/URBAN-BULK-FOODS-994636870586572
Retail Grocery
GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland
Megan Lodge
15316 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood OH 44107
Tel 216-529-3333
[email protected]
www.gigisplayhouse.org/cleveland
Down Syndrome Achievement Center (Nonprofit)
Payscape
Aaron Barcus
12407 Madison Ave.
Lakewood OH 44107
Tel 216-313-8485
[email protected]
www.payscape.com
Payment Processing / Business Software
COSE CORNER
A Glimpse Inside the 10,000 Small Businesses Program
Interested in learning more about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small
Businesses program or thinking about applying? This is an opportunity for you
to get an inside peek at what the program is about. You will learn about the
program, meet lead faculty member Larry Polena, participate in a mini-10ksb
session, and engage with a panel of local small business owners who
graduated from the program. See page 10 for details.
Driving Cash Flow from Energy Efficiency Projects Webinar
increasing number of small businesses are implementing upgrades that improve energy efficiency,
reduce waste and minimize the impact on the environment. Business owners know that lower energy
use translates into improved profitability and cash flow, and that investments in energy conservation
measures can add significant value to business assets.
Attend this webinar and learn how to evaluate your facility, identify rebates and incentives, coordinate
with the installer(s) and determine the right debt financing option for your project.
Wednesday January 27, 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM. Free. Email [email protected] for more information.
View & register for these and all upcoming COSE events at www.cose.org/events.
lakewoodchamber.org
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 48
Page 6
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE 2015 HOLIDAY BID & BUY ONLINE AUCTION
The 7th Annual
Holiday Bid & Buy
online auction is
now closed. The
auction was a
great way for the
region’s holiday
shoppers and the
400,000+ members of the Bidding For
Good community to shop online and shop
local while making a difference: Over
$4500 was raised in support of the
Chamber’s economic development
programs.
The power and reach of the online auction
continues to grow. This year we had
winning bids from Lakewood, Strongsville,
Bay Village, North Ridgeville, Cleveland,
Willoughby Hills, Chagrin Falls, Lagrange
OH and even Algonquin IL, Austin TX and
Seattle WA! We love promoting and
spreading the word about our great local
businesses!
Thanks to everyone who participated in this
great community event – especially the
businesses who donated items and our
fabulous sponsors!
Thank you to the following businesses who donated items to this year’s auction
Burgers 2 Beer
Lakewood City Schools
Beat Cycles
Paisley Monkey
Italian Creations
Sweet Designs Chocolatier
Cox Business
Steve Barry Buick
Paula Reed
GV Art + Design
The Side Quest
My Mind’s Eye
16-Bit Bar + Arcade
Game Zone
Carol and John’s Comic Book Shop
Erie Design
OfficeSprout
Ranger Cafe @ West Shore
Carol Lynn’s Salon Plus
Dollar Bank
Nature’s Bin
West End Tavern
Cleveland Vegan
Indigo Perfumery
Ohio Savings Bank (Div. of NYCB)
Cleveland Magazine
Jammy Buggars
Dewey’s Pizza
Hospice of the Western Reserve
Around The Corner
Georgetown
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Vosh
Madison Avenue Car Wash
AXA Advisors
Lakewood Historical Society
Mahall’s Twenty Lanes
Cleveland--Airport
Holiday Inn Cleveland
Ice Cream Joy
Artists Uncork’d
Cleveland Home Title
Bobo’s Smokin’ BBQ
Pet’s General Store
Serpentini Winterhurst Arena
Gatherings Kitchen
Beck Center for the Arts
Lakewood Recreation Department
Cozumel Restaurante
Angelo’s Pizza
Convey360
Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation
Little Lakewood Pasta Company
Maria Shinn of Shinn Lanter LLP
The Movement Factory
DMS Management Solutions
The Dubis Group
Baroness Virtual Services
Thank you to our 2015 Holiday Bid & Buy Auction Sponsors:
Mistletoe Sponsor:
Star Sponsors:
Jingle Bell Sponsor:
lakewoodchamber.org
A Championship Run for Your Business
Bob Negen of WhizBang! Training
Live Interactive Video Event
Friday, February 19th
8:00am—12:00pm
University of Akron Lakewood
14725 Detroit Ave. Ste. 108
Lakewood OH 44107
From hardware stores to gift stores to boutiques and beyond – every retail business faces challenges and
opportunities. Take control of the trajectory of your retail enterprise – attend A Championship Run For Your
Business on Friday, February 19th.
A Championship Run For Your Business will feature two 90-minute virtual training sessions with Bob Negen,
retail business expert, bestselling author of Marketing Your Retail Store in the Internet Age, and founder of
WhizBang! Training. Bob Negen has taken the customer-focused business philosophy he developed at his own
retail business and applied it to the new realities of retail: increased competition, incredible price pressure,
and the availability of 24/7 shopping online. Bob’s hard-hitting and often hilarious training stories come from
over two decades in the retail industry building his own retail store into a multi-store, multi-million-dollar
operation.
Registration begins at 7:30am
Opening remarks at 8:00am
Lakewood Chamber and Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance members: $50 for first attendee, $30 each
additional registration from same business/organization.
Non-Members: $60, $40 for each additional registration from same business/organization.
For more information and to register: http://lakewoodchamber.org/a-championship-run-for-your-business/
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 48
Page 8
MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS
Hospice of the Western Reserve is seeking volunteers to assist in private residences, nursing homes, assisted living communities,
our two Hospice House locations, and hospital settings. The next series of volunteer classes will be held at Hospice of the Western
Reserve, Great Lakes Conference Room, 300 East 185th Street, Cleveland, 44119, on Mondays and Thursdays, January 25, 28,
February 1 and 4, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit hospicewr.org or call 800.707.8922.
Support Lakewood Catholic Academy and toast the Saints of LCA at “Sippin’ with the Saints’, a casual evening to support the
students, faculty and programs of Lakewood Catholic Academy on Friday, January 22nd, 7-11pm at Around The Corner. Tickets are
$25 (includes 2 drink tickets). The deadline to purchase tickets online is January 21st at noon. For more information contact Nikki
Mohar, Director of Development, at 216-521-0559 x3026.
The “Kegmas Tree” at Buckeye Beer Engine was picked up by BBC News and included
in their list of ‘Christmas trees with a difference’ in the December 17th ‘Have Your Say’
column on www.bbc.com. Robert Wright, Chamber Board member and owner of the
Beer Engine, designed the tree, and many local breweries donated their kegs!
The Lake Erie Crushers managing members announced in October that Tom Kramig
has taken over as President of the Crushers organization. With Tom and his wife
Jacquiline running all daily operations the club hopes to have a more competitive team,
several new exciting additions to the ballpark and an improved fan experience for next
season. The Lake Erie Crushers kick off the 2016 season at home on May 12 at
7:05pm against the River City Rascals with a special Thursday night Home Opener and
fireworks show. It will be the first of 48 home games at All Pro Freight Stadium as the
Crushers look to return to the playoffs in pursuit of the 2016 Frontier League title.
Has your business been featured in the news? Do you have an announcement or a one-time special event to share?
Send your press release, link, or short summary to [email protected] by the 25th of this month.
Items received by the 25th will be included in next month’s newsletter.
FROM THE MARKETING DIRECTOR
2016 promises to be a great year for the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce!
With help from our Chamber Board of Directors, we have revamped the Chamber calendar for 2016. Our new Speaker Series (see
page 10) will give our members the opportunity to hear from regionally-known business & government leaders in the months of
January, April, July and October. And our Education Task Force has planned a virtual training event, specific to our members and
friends in retail, for February 19th (see page 7).
But what about some of our traditional and longest running events, you ask? Are they still on the calendar? Yes! We hope to see all
of you at the Annual Awards Luncheon, the New Teachers Luncheon, the joint luncheon with Rocky River, the Community Leaders
Breakfast, the Annual Golf Outing, the Taste of Lakewood, and other educational & networking events throughout the year. Call the
Chamber office for details on how you can market your business at these events.
A marketing project that has been in the works for nearly a year will finally be unveiled toward the end of this month. Let me just
say, if you haven’t liked the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, followed us on Twitter, and bookmarked our website,
these should be on your list of New Year’s resolutions.
Lastly, the Chamber has made an investment to upgrade our internal systems that will
be of benefit to our members as well. Stay tuned for details, and Happy 2016!
lakewoodchamber.org
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Page 9
DECEMBER EVENT PHOTOS
CHAMBER HOLIDAY PARTY, 12/10/2015
Thank you to First Federal Lakewood for hosting our Chamber holiday party and to and our
Membership and Marketing Task Force, especially co-chairs Heidi Finniff and Marty Foster, for
organizing the event!
Celebrating the ‘End of Prohibition’ (and the two drink ticket limit), Chamber members and friends rang in the
holidays in the FFL lobby with music, an open bar and food provided by Chamber members Italian Creations,
Creations
Catering, Nature’s Bin
Bin, and Gatherings Kitchen
Kitchen.
Brennan’s Catering
The Bar Raffle was won by Mike DeStefano of DMS Management Solutions.
Solutions Proceeds from the 50/50 raffle—including the cash won by
Patrick and Urvashi O’Toole of O’Tooles Pub & Restaurant—were
donated to Lakewood Community Services Center.
Restaurant
Center
lakewoodchamber.org
Page 10
2016 SPEAKER SERIES
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce announces
The 2016
Speaker Series
Join us for quarterly presentations featuring headline speakers discussing some of the region’s
most interesting topics. Events can be purchased individually or as a series.
Your Business, Your Community and the 2016 RNC
Luncheon with Joseph Roman, CEO and President of the Greater Cleveland Partnership
and Vice Chair of the 2016 Republican National Convention Host Committee.
Friday, January 22nd, 2016
11:30am
Lunch provided
Brennan’s Catering & Banquet Center
13000 Triskett Road, Cleveland
Cost: $20 Members, $25 Non-members
Rising Strong: The Cleveland Flea as an Innovator of Leading and
Working in a Post-Industrial Rust Belt City
Luncheon with Stephanie Sheldon, CEO and Founder of The Cleveland Flea.
Friday, April 15th, 2016
11:30am
Lunch provided
The Clifton Club
17884 Lake Road, Lakewood
Cost: $20 Members, $25 Non-members
“Meet the Brewers”
Featuring a discussion on the emerging brewing industry and beer tasting with 4 local
breweries.
Thursday, July 14th, 2016
6-8pm
Happy Hour
The Clifton Club
17884 Lake Road, Lakewood
Cost: $20 Members, $25 Non-members
What County Government is Doing for Your Business
Luncheon with Armond Budish, Cuyahoga County Executive.
Friday, October 21st, 2016
11:30am
Lunch provided
Brennan’s Catering & Banquet Center
13000 Triskett Road, Cleveland
Cost: $20 Members, $25 Non-members
For more information visit
lakewoodchamber.org.
lakewoodchamber.org
Page 11
Page 12
LAKEWOOD CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
Promote your company/organization
by placing an ad in the
Chamber Connection newsletter!
See below for more info, or visit
www.lakewoodchamber.org.
16017 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood OH 44107
Tel 216-226-2900
Fax 216-226-1340
Email [email protected]
www.lakewoodchamber.org
JOIN US!
WE’RE IN BUSINESS FOR
YOUR BUSINESS
2013
L A K E W O O D 2013C H A-2014
M B E Officers
R OF COMMERCE
Chairperson
Vice Chair, Economic Development
Vice Chair, Legislative & Governmental Affairs
Vice Chair, Membership & Marketing
Immediate Past President
Treasurer
CEO & President
Julie Warren, Erie Design
Bill Craighead, Cleveland Home Title
Maria Shinn, Shinn Lanter LLP
Heidi Finniff, First Federal Lakewood
Cindy Einhouse, Beck Center for the Arts
Mike DeStefano, DMS Management Solutions
Patricia L. Ryan
20152015-2016 Board of Directors
Ian Andrews
Carol Barrett
Steve Barry
Michael Daso
Kelly Flamos
Marty Foster
Mary Johnson
John Lanson
Cindy Lowrey
Sharon Marrell
Pete Nelson
Brian Siftar
Dru Siley
Bob Wright
LakewoodAlive
Carol Lynn’s Salon Plus
Steve Barry Buick
AXA Advisors, LLC
Mahall’s Twenty Lanes
Conexo Communications
Cornucopia, Inc.
Cox Business
Convey360
Marrell Music
Dollar Bank
Lakewood City Schools
City of Lakewood
Buckeye Beer Engine
lakewoodchamber.org
ADVERTISE IN THE
CHAMBER
CONNECTION
NEWSLETTER
Looking to get more exposure in our
business community? Advertising your
company or organization in our monthly
e-newsletter is a great, cost effective
method of reaching Chamber members,
community business leaders, and friends
of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
The monthly e-newsletter is directly
emailed to 1000+ individual email
addresses, posted on the Chamber
website, communicated out via the
Chamber’s Facebook page and
automatically sent out via Twitter
(@lccohio).
For more information on advertising and
marketing opportunities, visit
www.lakewoodchamber.org and under
“Member Benefits” click on “Marketing
Opportunities”.