2016 Freedom Fund Banquet

“OUR LIVES MATTER; OUR VOTES COUNT”

Dear Faithful Supporters:

This is the official “SAVE THE DATE” notice regarding the Springfield Unit NAACP 2^nd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet to be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the Marriott Courtyard Springfield. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr., 21^st President Wilberforce University the nation’s oldest private historically black college and university (HBCU).  

Dr. Felton’s commitment to HBCUs has spanned his professional career.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from UNCF-member institution Edward Waters College.  He earned his J.D. from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida and served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years.  He is the co-founder of the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (HELF), an organization that ensures that the nation’s HBCUs identify and cultivate a pipeline of highly skilled and principle leaders.

It’s because of loyal supporters like you that we are able to provide Civil and Human Rights Services to everyday Citizens throughout our community and the surrounding areas who are in need of assistance.   Please take a minute to review the Sponsorship request which is attached and forward your generous donations NLT 15 October 2016.

We look forward to seeing all of you on November 5, 2016 as we will celebrate the Springfield Unit NAACP 2^nd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the Marriott Courtyard at 6:00 p.m. with social hour beginning at 5:30.  Please share this date with your network of friends.

For additional information feel free to contact me at 937-521-2650 (office); 937-624-7402 (cell).

Respectfully,

Ms. Denise D. Williams

President NAACP

Springfield Unit

 

NAME__________________________________PHONE__________________

 

Corporation/Organization___________________________________________

 

Address____________________________________________Email_________

 

City________________State_________________________Zip_____________

 

#________Banquet Tickets @ $50.00 each

Ads Only for Souvenir Program Book (deadline October 14, 2016)

_______1/4 Page @ $75.00

_______1/2 Page @ $125.00

_______Full Page @ $200.00

________Organization Banquet Table Sponsorship @ $500.00

(Table for 10)

Corporate Banquet Sponsorship (full page ad and table for ten included)

*check one*

                                                                _______Sliver Table @ $2,500.00

_______Gold Table @ $5,000.00                                                                              _______Diamond Table @ $7,500.00

_______Platinum Table @ $10,000.00

_______Contribution/Donation to the NAACP

 

Total Amount Submitted_________________

 

You may email PRESS READY ADVERTISEMENT TO: President@naacpspringfieldohio.com

Please make checks payable to:  NAACP

Mail to:   Springfield Unit NAACP

300 E. Auburn Ave; Suite 229

Springfield, OH 45505

Savings for your Business

This annual marketplace connects you to potential customers. As a Chamber Member you are eligible for savings that are not available elsewhere. Make sure you are using your Chamber Membership to your greatest advantage. If you need help understanding the programs contact Eric Sirons at 937-325-7621.

• Save up to 53% of your current Workers’ Comp Premiums by qualifying for a savings pool.
• Save 15% to 55% on items you use every day – by using your Office MAX-Office Depot Savings card
• Do you advertise? Then why not save up to $400 on a business ad? This discount is already assigned to your company!
• Take control of your gas and electric costs by using the services of Alternative Energy Source
• Join the Safety Council – get important information on safety programs and save up to 4% on your Workers Comp Premiums. Contact Val Kelly for more information at vkelly@greaterspringfield.com
• Groundbreaking – Ribbon Cutting: We help you plan and implement a great event. Scissors and ribbon included.

Your Bronze Level investment of $350 opens the door to over $1,300 in savings! Higher level investors save even more.

Amazing race, Amazing Opportunity

by Karen Ehman, Director, Leadership Clark County

Many Clark Countians who watch the popular reality television show The Amazing Race don’t realize that there’s a local, adapted version of the race that happens every September right here in Springfield. Leadership Clark County’s annual Amazing Race – a team-building event that highlights our area’s history, cuisine, diversity, businesses, architecture and more – is set for Sept. 15, and is the opening session for the 35th class of the Community Leadership Academy.

The Academy consists of nine sessions overall that aim to develop current and future Springfield community leaders’ leadership skills and sensitivity to community needs, while also encouraging the class participants to assume community leadership roles and to contribute their talents and energies to community service. The 2016-17 Community Leadership Academy sessions will cover various topics impacting and affecting our community, including servant leadership; history and development; nonprofit board governance; socio-economic issues; crime and rehabilitation; issues that affect lifespan; and economic vitality.

Whether you’ve lived in Clark County your whole life or are new to the area, the Community Leadership Academy will immerse you into the challenges and opportunities facing Clark County and prepare you to serve our community for the greater good.

For questions about Leadership Clark County or the Community Leadership Academy, contact director Karen Ehman at 937-460-7782 or karen@leadershipclarkcounty.org. To fill out an application for the 2016-17 class (and to compete in this year’s Amazing Race!), visit http://www.leadershipclarkcounty.org/join.

Help Us Choose the Best of Springfield

By Chris Schutte

We all know that Springfield offers a multitude of great options for dining, recreation, entertainment and the Arts. Now it’s time for you to help us decide which of these restaurants, attractions and destinations are the Best of the Best!

Similar to last year’s Best of Springfield contest, the voting will include twenty different categories ranging from Best Pizza and Best Fine Dining, to Best Salon/Spa and Best Food Truck. All businesses operating in Clark County are eligible to win, and the voting is “open ended” so you can write in any of your favorites.

Online voting is currently open at http://www.BestOfSpfld.com. Voting will run throughout the summer and close on August 30th. Businesses are encouraged to campaign via social media and point-of-purchase signage to be provided by the Chamber.

The contest culminates with a special Best of Springfield Celebration on October 20th at Clark State’s Hollenbeck Bayley Center where the winners will be announced. All winners will receive a special Best of Springfield award and window cling designating them as the “Best of the Best”. The 2016 Best of Springfield magazine will be unveiled at this event and will include profiles of the category winners and runners-up, insider tips from local residents, feature stories on our local heritage and much more.

A total of 10,000 issues of the Best of Springfield magazine will be printed and distributed via direct mail, visitor information centers, new resident packets and special events. We anticipate readership of the magazine to exceed 30,000. Advertising opportunities are available in this popular publication. You may contact Eric Sirons for more information at: 937-521-1943.

While you need not be a Chamber member business to be named a “Best Of” winner, we certainly hope that our member businesses will help spread the word and promote the Best of Springfield. Look for the Best of Springfield on social media and “share” our posts.

We’re excited to help promote everything that is great about our community. Cast your votes today and help us name the Best of the Best!

Contest Website: www.BestOfSpfld.com

CHAMBER OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD NAMED AS FINALIST FOR 2016 CHAMBER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

CHAMBER OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD NAMED AS FINALIST FOR 2016 CHAMBER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

One of sixteen chambers nationwide to advance in prestigious competition

Springfield, OH. (June 13, 2016) — The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives today announced finalists for the 2016 Chamber of the Year competition, sponsored by Indianapolis-based WebLink International Inc.

The Chamber of Greater Springfield (OH) was named as one of three finalists in Category 2 along with the Vail Valley (CO) Partnership, and the Muskegon Lakeshore (MI) Chamber of Commerce. This is the third time in five years that the Chamber of Greater Springfield has been named a finalist in the competition.

ACCE President and Chief Executive Officer Mick Fleming said, “Applicants have already proven themselves worthy of emulation and praise by the time they reach finalist status. Only chambers meeting certain benchmarks are even invited to apply, so becoming a finalist is a big deal.  In each case, the chamber’s numbers are good, their highlighted programs are strong and their impact on businesses and communities is evident.”

“It’s an honor to be chosen by a committee of our peers as a finalist for Chamber of the Year,” said Mike McDorman, President & CEO of the Chamber of Greater Springfield. “Our Chamber team – and our members – help drive transformational projects in our community and we are proud to be recognized for this work.”

In the final phase of the competition, the judging committee conducts in-person interviews with leaders from each finalist chamber. One winner from each category will be named at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives annual conference in Savannah, Georgia, August 9–12.

Springfield Farmers Market Grows Sense of Community

Springfield Farmers Market Grows Sense of Community

By Camaren Sloan, Events Manager, Greater Springfield CVB

You have probably seen banners and posters around town announcing the start of the Springfield Farmers Market season. The market features everything from fresh local produce and meats, to homemade baked goods and artisan wares. The market is open every Saturday – rain or shine – beginning June 4th and running through September 24th, downtown adjacent to the Heritage Center.

With the recent dissolution of the Center City Association, the Farmers Market will carry on under the leadership of the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Farmers Market Committee and the CVB have implemented new branding for the market which you will see on billboards, LED signs, posters and across social media platforms. The response to our new brand and promotions has been fantastic and we are looking forward to welcoming even more shoppers to the market this year.

The market has teamed up with the Clark County Combined Health District and the OSU Extension Office’s EFNP Program to help promote health and wellness in the community, which is the focus of the market this year. You can expect to see cooking demonstrations, gardening tips, and more. Follow the Springfield Farmers Market Facebook page for demo times and weekly vendors.

Each week the market will typically offer a bike valet service and if you need help with your bags, the market will be providing volunteer staff to help with that too. Just ask and someone will carry your bags to a designated pick-up space and help you load them into your car.

Included among the dozens of different vendors that you’ll see at the Springfield Farmers Market are many of our long-time vendors including Baker’s Vegetable Market, On-the-Rise, Wishwell Farms, Mama Nola’s Pies & Unbelievable Bakery. We will also be welcoming a number of new vendors including Steven’s Bakery & Orchard, Covered Wagon Farm Market, & Davidson Family Growers. Soon we will be offering a list of all of our vendors on our Facebook page so make sure to check that out as well!

One thing shoppers and vendors both love about the market is the sense of community. You see many of the same faces week after week and many people say that they do a significant amount of their grocery shopping at the market each week. There are so many friendly people at the market and so many people willing to help. If you see a vegetable you are unfamiliar with or wouldn’t know how to prepare, just ask! You will likely find a vendor or customer who is more than happy to share a favorite recipe of theirs with you.

It’s great to see so many people from all walks of life coming together in one place and supporting our community. So meet up with friends (or make some new ones), shop fresh local food and locally made items, and enjoy being a part of something really awesome in our community!

Buying Local Does Make a Difference

Mike McDorman, President & CEO
     Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

In recent years the chamber has spent much time, money and effort on changing your buying habits. We have worked with the business community to educate shoppers on the importance of buying local. During this Christmas shopping season, the most important time of year for retailers, we hope you will consider spending more of your dollars in Springfield.

Over the past year Clark County has seen a surge in sales tax revenue. While we can’t make a direct connection between the Buy Springfield campaign and this increase in sales tax revenue, we believe you are more aware of the impact of shopping local and, when possible, are making the choice to shop in Springfield.

Thanks to participating businesses – from retailers to car dealerships, restaurants to services – Buy Springfield window clings are displayed all over Greater Springfield. Our billboard, radio and TV campaign has sent out a message loud and clear that buying local DOES make a difference.

As you may recall:

• $68 out of every $100 spent at a locally owned business stays in the community in the form of jobs and sales tax for county services, such as roads and law enforcement
•  If that $100 is spent at a big box store, $43 still stays in our community supporting jobs and services
• Purchases made out of town bring zero dollars back to our community

For those of you who have a smart phone, we also added a BUY SPRINGFIELD App to help you keep up with local events and take advantage of dozens of coupons and discounts posted on the app each day.  More than 4,500 users now enjoy all that the app offers every day!

 

So, why does this matter?  It matters because when we buy our goods locally and find our entertainment locally it is reinvesting in our community.

• It allows our local businesses and entertainment venues to employ our neighbors
• It keeps our businesses funding our government and educational services through income and property taxes
• It funds our county services such as law enforcement and road improvements through sales taxes
• It provides the foot traffic businesses need to justify sufficient inventory and selection

While we have unfortunately lost some local retailers, new retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods are coming to our community. The key to sustaining our local retail economy – and bringing in new merchants – is keeping your dollars in our community.

Let’s make sure that we are doing our part in buying local this Christmas season!

Have a great Chamber day!

A Night Out in Springfield

Mike McDorman, President & CEO
     Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

 

I met a realtor last week who recently moved to Springfield from a bigger city. She told me how she and her husband have fallen in love with our gem of a community, and how much they have appreciated the variety of opportunities to dress up, go out and enjoy the many events happening in and around downtown.

That has certainly been the case for me. Over the past month I have attended noteworthy events like the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kick Off, the Westcott Gala, and Community Mercy Foundation’s Gala. Like many other arts and non-profit groups operating throughout our community, these organizations are doing a very important work here in our community.

The Salvation Army, a Christian organization that offers support for children and families, held its annual Red Kettle Kickoff at the Courtyard by Marriott to get the community off to a good start on raising money for both Christmas, and its year-round programs designed to bring hope to individuals and families in need. Last year alone the Salvation Army touched more than 2,000 children through its various outreach and assistance programs. The organization runs more than a dozen programs for adults and children – from food and shelter assistance, to summer camps, in-school and after-school programs that nourish students’ minds, bodies and spirits.

With the theme “Make Ripples,” the fundraising luncheon brought in more than $34,000 to kick off the Christmas giving campaign that will help those adults and families in our community who need it the most!

The first ever Westcott Gala was a sold out affair. The event was held at Clark State’s Hollenbeck Bayley Center to celebrate 10 years of the famed Frank Lloyd Wright designed Westcott House. The house museum, located along East High Street, is the product of arguably the most important architect of the modern era, and was designed in 1906 and built in 1908.

The event featured guest of honor and world-renowned architect, Peter Bohlin, and celebrated the remarkable community of people who help make the $6 million renovated Westcott House a vibrant, dynamic and irreplaceable asset through their participation in tours, programs and events.

Each year, the Community Mercy Foundation holds a Gala to benefit the health of our city and county. This year’s event themed as “A Night in Tuscany” was held at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery at the Upper Valley Mall.

This year’s gala was arguably the most well attended in Springfield and will benefit Community Mercy Health Partners (CMHP) Chronic Care Centers as well as providing support for the only prescription assistance program in Clark and Champaign Counties, Community Mercy Med Assist.

The health assessments for these two counties found the number of adults with chronic disease exceeded the state average by 6 to 10 percent. To address this health concern, CMHP will operated two chronic care centers (one in Urbana and one in Springfield) to focus on delivering care to those with ongoing illness.

As chronic disease does not discriminate, anyone can benefit from individualized and continued care management for diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or emphysema and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease to name a few. This continuity of care can help patients achieve better overall health, reduce hospitalizations and enjoy life a little more.

Yes, there is plenty to do almost any night of the week in Springfield! Whether you want to enjoy the array of arts and recreation located here, or simply support one of the many non-profit benefits happening throughout the year, you do not need to go out of town to find it!

For more information on local happenings, go to: VisitGreaterSpringfield.com.

Have a Great Chamber Day!

Holiday in the City Kicks Off Holiday Season

Mike McDorman, President & CEO
     Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

 It is that time of year again when we get together with family and friends to give thanks for the many blessings that we have all been given. It is also time for our whole community to come together to kick off the Christmas season in a very festive way.

Center City Association’s Holiday in the City, which is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is arguably one of the best events of its kind anywhere. In its 16th year, the celebration kicks off the holiday season in style right in the heart of Springfield’s downtown.

The festival includes many attractions for the whole family to enjoy, especially the little ones. Along with the community Christmas tree, and decorative lights that can be seen on buildings throughout the core block, there is the popular Santa Land and a carousel. There are also street performers, 15 food trucks and vendors, along with many other fun activities happening throughout the core block of downtown. Holiday in the City culminates with Santa’s Arrival, a grand illumination of downtown, and a dazzling fireworks display that will “WOW” the youngest to the oldest in the crowd.

Lori Houseman, Holiday in the City Coordinator, along with the committee and many volunteers hopes you will come to the special festivities happening in downtown this Saturday. You will witness the progress being made with the resurgence of office, retail, and restaurant activity happening in our downtown.  You will also get to see the hard work being done by many key stakeholders, and by the City of Springfield, as we seek to move our downtown forward.  Community events like this one only help highlight these important investments being made in our Center City.

As we all enjoy our time together with family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday, let us not forget to stop and thank the one who gave each of us our many blessings. Let us also not forget to take time and enjoy all our great city has to offer; and that includes one of our community’s biggest events, Holiday in the City!

Blessings to you and your family during this week of Thanksgiving!

All About Jobs in Clark County

Mike McDorman, President & CEO
     Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

 More than 1,100 Clark County 8th graders had a chance to picture themselves pursing their dream jobs in Clark County during the Nov. 12 “It’s All About Me in Clark County” career fair held at the Hollenbeck Bayley Center.

During the all-day event, middle school students from Clark County area school districts met with representatives from 30 local employers including Pentaflex, John Deere, Security National Bank and Speedway who spoke to the students about 16 different career cluster opportunities at their companies, skill sets and education needed for those jobs and potential salaries.

“This way the students are hearing from the employer not from their parent, not from their teacher, but actually from the employer of what it’s going to take for them to be successful and make whatever amount of money they’re looking to make in that career opportunity,” said Amy Donahoe, director of hiring and employer services for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Students participated in a pre-event career assessment survey to explore how their interests could translate to future careers. Students were surprised to learn that companies, such as Speedway for example, provide job opportunities in a wide variety of areas, including engineering, accounting, IT and even construction.

The third annual “It’s All About Me in Clark County,” was a collaboration among OhioMeansJobs-Clark County, The Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center, Clark County school districts and the Community Improvement Corporation of Springfield and Clark County. These officials want students to know that if they go away to college they can return to Clark County, Donahoe said, and find career opportunities in this community.

It is critical for the future of our community that our young people not only be equipped for the jobs of the future but that they have the opportunity to pursue those careers close to home.  That is why it is even more important for the business community to continue to partner with our local schools to make sure we are producing the talent for the jobs being created today and in the future.

Have a great Chamber day!