The-News-Leader.com - Chamber Chatter: Thanks to those who supported successful duathlon

by Laura Sparano, Chamber Executive Director
Hats off to new member Dr. Kevin Hoy, of Sagamore Hills Chiropractic and therapy Center, for bringing in the most Duathlon 2008 sponsors. His work has made this the most successful Duathlon in years.

One more time, I need to thank Eric Daniel (Thompson Hine LLP) and Connie Perney (Arbonne Intl.) for all their work putting this event together.

Thank you also to our sponsors and donors: Sagamore Hills Medical Center -- Cleveland Clinic Health System, Record Publishing Co., Cable 9, Anytime Fitness, Lawrence School, Mindigital, Church of the Hills, ABC Rental Center East, Better Letters & Graphics, Stan's Bakery, UPS Store -- Sagamore Hills, Mindigital, Children's House Day Care, Peak Fitness and HMA Productions.

As always, the very best way to thank these businesses for their generosity is to patronize their businesses and purchase their goods and services.

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Searching for leads? Looking for support and ideas from other businesses? One of our new groups can provide you with opportunities for building business relationships, weekly sounding boards for your ideas (and concerns) and quality business leads that will translate into dollars for your business.

All groups are industry exclusive and members must be members of the Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce. The cost for each group is $60 per year or $15 per quarter. Attend a meeting firsthand to see if one of these groups can benefit you and your business.

Business support groups meet at the following days and times:

* Wednesday, 8 to 9 a.m. at the Days Inn Macedonia. Contact Laura Sparano at 330-467-8956 or laura@nordoniahillschamber.org

* Friday, noon to 1 p.m. at Panini's of Sagamore Hills. Contact Shauna Kaminsky at 330-468-0208 or designwizardinc@aol.com

Leads generating groups start meeting July 14 at the following days and times:

* Business-to-Business Group, Monday from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. in the Chamber Office. Contact Ronald Haines at 216-539-0583 or ronald@nordoniaresources.info

* Business-to-Consumer Group, Monday from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. in the Chamber Office. Contact Haines at 216-539-0583 or ronald@nordoniaresources.info

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Rhonda Solomon, founder of No Time Cleaning Services, is not only a former Captain of the U.S. Army and a war hero, but a local hero as well. She is a proud supporter of Cleaning for a Reason Foundation, which cleans for women undergoing treatment for cancer. Fighting cancer is difficult enough, but living with it is even tougher -- and that's where the Cleaning for A Reason Foundation steps in. This newly formed nonprofit offers free professional housecleaning services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer.

Rhonda's commitment to the foundation takes on a very special meaning, as her grandmother was a victim of cancer. For further information, please contact No Time Cleaning Services at 330-908-1499.

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Did you know that your shopping habits affect your community? You can make our businesses grow or you can make them disappear. A good first step towards developing local shopping habits is to explore the town. Check out those stores you pass every day but don't notice. Don't hesitate to visit the businesses and meet the proprietors. They are most likely local residents who know and support their community. They are typically knowledgeable and provide personalized service.

Local merchants are also convenient for follow-up service, advice, questions, etc. Local residents can help build a strong economy in Nordonia Hills. Keep in mind that local businesses employ local people who pay local taxes -- and that helps all of us. Give them a try. You can make a difference.