The-News-Leader.com - Chamber Chatter: All area businesses invited to attend 'Chamber 101'

by Laura Sparano, Chamber Executive Director

"Working hard to make your business a success," is the tag line for the Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce. That's what we do.

Everything the Chamber does is meant to save you money, make you more efficient and/or increase your contact list, which builds your business and makes it a success.

If you have a business in or around Nordonia Hills, you don't want to miss "Chamber 101" -- an orientation into the workings of this Chamber. Current members are certainly invitedto this annual event.

Each year we add more events and more benefits. Your attendance at this event enables you to keep up to date with what's happening. Have breakfast with us. Bring your promotional materials for the Table-Top Expo. Everyone goes home with a gift. Chamber 101 is scheduled for July 31 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Reinecker's Bakery and Party Center on Freeway Drive in Macedonia.

There is no charge for this event because it is graciously sponsored by our hosts. Reservations are now being accepted at the Chamber Office. Call the office at 330-467-8956.

Golf outing next month

There are many reasons to golf in the 2008 NHCOC Chamber Links Outing. You can either pick one of these when you tell your boss/wife/husband/co-workers that you'll be out of the office Aug. 21, or you can make up your own. Our reasons to golf are all bona fide business reasons -- yours may not be. Either way, be sure to go to our Web site at www.nordoniahillschamber.org/golf_outing.htm and sign up to spend a wonderful day at the beautiful Country Club of Hudson. If your computer is down, feel free to call our golf event coordinators Ellen Campbell at 216-470-5558, or Lynn Horsfall at 330-467-3330.

Here is our list of reasons:

1. It's entertaining -- A golf outing is a great event to show customers and clients (current and prospective), co-workers, neighbors and family a good time. You're not necessarily making money that day, but seeing the benefits down the road.

2. You're networking -- This is the perfect way to bring different people together for the same cause -- to further your business and strengthen and add to your contact list.

3. For the competition -- You know you like to win. But this might be the time to lay back and let your client take the glory.

4. To get publicity -- The outing is a great excuse to promote your business. Your name on a hole, beverage cart or auction item will show this community that you are involved and support the Nordonia Hills business community. Every marketing professional will tell you that your sponsorship may not reap rewards that day, but the more exposure you get, the more likely your business will grow.

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Upcoming Chamber member events are ways to have fun an learn more about local businesses:

* July 24 -- Community Support Group Meeting, "Laugh for the Health of it!" at 6 p.m. at Elmcroft Assisted Living and Memory Care Center, 330-908-1166

* Aug. 1 -- Movie in the Park, presented by Stone Creek Community Church, Chick-fil-A and the Macedonia Family Recreation Center from 9 to 11 p.m. in Longwood Park Field D. This free event includes free popcorn, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, pop and sno-cones.

* Aug. 1 -- Kelly Miller Circus at Sagamore Hills Township Park. Show are at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Nordonia Hills. Send e-mail to nordoniakiwanis@yahoo.com for ticket info.

* Aug. 2 -- Pat Dees Pub and Eatery Poker Run "Ride for the Cure of Pancreatic Cancer." For more information, call Pat Dees at 330-467-8879.

* Aug. 5 -- National Night Out Crime Prevention / Safety Fair at Target, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Local police and fire department personnel will be on-site, with free food from Target, Chick-Fil-A and Papa Johns. There will be fun for all ages with entertainment, health screenings by Sagamore Hills Medical Center and Crossroads Chiropractic and lots more.

* Aug. 16 -- Back to School estival presented by Stone Creek Community Church from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a fun and free family event with free food, face painting, carnival games and inflatables.