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Month: August 2021

The latest from the Chamber, our members, and Jefferson County

Coffee & Connections

It’s Time For Coffee & Connections!

Come enjoy the Chamber’s most popular networking event! Join us on Wednesday, September 8th, at a Coffee & Connections’ favorite location. We will be gathering at Margaret’s Cafe in Toronto to network and mingle with fellow Chamber member businesses and organizations.

Coffee & Connections is casual, fun, and the perfect way to share news about all that your business or organization has to offer. Bring business cards, marketing pieces, coupons, and/or giveaway items. We’ll have you in and out in no time.

What: “Coffee & Connections”
When: Wednesday, September 8th, 2021 – 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. (Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.)
Where: Margaret’s Cafe, 805 North 5th Street, Toronto, OH 43964
How Much?: $15 Per Person. $20 for walk-ins.

Please Note: The Chamber’s credit card processing is currently down for maintenance and will be up and running early next week. In the meantime, please feel free to RSVP by phone or email. 740.282.6226 or hannah@jeffersoncountychamber.com. Watch your email for updates.

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Herald-Star Annual Fall Speaker Series

Herald Star 2021 Speaker Series Featuring Eddie Olczyk

Date: Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Steubenville High School Auditorium
Price: General admission tickets – $25

Preferred Tickets: A preferred ticket package is available for $50. It includes a copy of “Beating the Odds” and the opportunity to be among the first people to meet Olczyk after the presentation.

VIP Admission: A VIP package is available, and includes admission to a private reception that will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Froehlich’s Classic Corner; a selection of beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres; the opportunity to meet Olczyk and have a photo taken with him; a copy of the book “Beating the Odds;” transportation from Froehlich’s to the high school; and preferred seating for the presentation. The price is $150 for a couple and $85 for a single ticket.

Tickets may also be purchased at the Herald Star offices, 401 Herald Square, Steubenville. Tickets also are available at heraldstaronline.com and weirtondailytimes.com.

For more information about tickets and the availability of preferred and VIP packages, contact Diana Brown at the Herald-Star at (740) 283-4711.

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Five Under Five

Five Under Five: This week’s list reminds us of what we may be overlooking.

Sometimes we forget the basics of being a small business owner. Make sure you have them covered, or your hard work and long hours may not be enough.

  • Have a website. Even if it’s just one page. List your products, services, location, hours, and phone number…..minimum. An online presence is not just suggested anymore. It’s a given if you want new customers and if you expect returning customers to not eventually go with a competitor. If consumers look up your business online before they decide to buy from you, but you don’t have a website, many will suspect you’re not trustworthy. And these days, you can create and host a website for $20 per month or less.
  • Respond to emails & phone messages. Nothing turns a prospective customer off more than being ignored. Set aside an hour each day and get back to people, even if it’s to say you can’t help them right now. One of those unreturned calls may have turned into a big sale, a long-time customer, or an income source during a slow time.
  • Know “Marketing 101”. Have a logo, a quality printed marketing piece, a professional headshot, and be able to say what your business does in one minute or less.
  • Be professional & polite. Have a voicemail box that is not full and with a pleasant message. Don’t post signs, inside or out, “yelling” at people with rules, what not to do, what you don’t accept or what they shouldn’t do. Stay off social media with personal and political commentary. Train your employees in customer service. Don’t assume they know it or don’t need ongoing reminders.
  • Be humble. No business is immune to hard economic times, unexpected scenarios or bad luck. The novelty will wear off. A dry spell will happen. Just because you’re booked for six months, doesn’t mean that will always be the case. So don’t let success go to your head. And give back when you can, whether it’s time, money, product or expertise.

If you’d like assistance in any of these areas, contact the Chamber offices at 740.282.6226.

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