Happy New Year Barnesville Business Community,
You can already tell Barnesville is ready for an exciting and action packed year. This was so apparent at our January meeting which was very well attended and helped set the stage for 2018. There seemed to be a vibe in the room. We were all inspired to help the Chamber become even a greater resource to its members. We resolved to have meeting speakers, have activities throughout the year, attend all meetings and functions…and to end the year being better than we started. The board has been meeting on a consistent basis to ensure it’s the best the Chamber has ever been. Plans have been made to orchestrate many activities throughout the year, all of which have been designed to show activity in our community.
It’s been said many times that our small businesses are the backbone of the economy. These businesses are important for so many reasons. They bring life, vitality and economic activity to our villages, towns and cities. They employ our neighbors and they support our neighborhoods. They supply us all with products and services that enrich our lives. In turn, these same small businesses reinvest in our communities helping to further strengthen our economy. They represent the truest sense of “neighbors helping neighbors.”
Your Barnesville Chamber is unlike most Chambers in that it also manages a business. We are proud to direct the local BMV which provides a very valuable service to the Barnesville community. We constantly hear stories of appreciative customers who enjoy the quick and friendly service they receive. Please stop in any time to visit and to learn of all the services they are providing to the Barnesville area. I heard an interesting story the other day which I felt really emphasized the added benefits of the BMV. A husband and wife had travelled from out of town to Barnesville to renew their license plates. They had always allowed a two hour time frame to renew their licenses. Much to their surprise, they were only in the BMV for a matter of minutes. Instead of going back home, they used the extra time to shop the streets of Barnesville and to have lunch here. Think about it. This is an excellent example of how the BMV is now bringing in additional visitors who end up spending some of their valuable time and resources in our special village.
I would like to once again thank you all for your trust in having me serve as your leader. I think this is going to be a great year for the Chamber. Please check this newsletter for the exact dates of the functions that have already been booked. Please also share this newsletter with those around you and invite them to the next chamber meeting to see what all the excitement is. The Barnesville business community has so many things going for it. It is truly a special place that supports its residents and its businesses. There’s no time better than now to get things going. So let’s get started.
John Rataiczak
President
Barnesville Chamber of Commerce
Officers, Staff, & Board Members
The Barnesville Chamber of Commerce works together to promote business around the Barnesville Area.
Officers:
John Rataiczak
President
Business: WeBanco, Manager
Staff:
Jill Stephen
Director
Board Members:
Joel Braido
Board Member
Business: Braido Memorials, Owner
Aaron Bruggeman
Board Member
Business: Bricker & Eckler Attorneys at Law, Associate
Bill Knox
Board Member
Business: William Knox CPA, Owner
Nancy Mayo
Board Member
Business: From The Heart Photography, Owner
Donna Nelson-Gilson
Board Member
Business: Emerald Pointe, Admissions & Marketing Director
Bill Steedle
Board Member
Business: Belmont Dodge, Owner