Chamber will be ‘Racing for Success’ March 9

ThisWeek CW 02/16/2012

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2012/02/14/chamber-will-be-racing-for-success-march-9.html

The Canal Winchester Area Chamber of Commerce hopes to rev businesses up with this year’s annual business expo and awards dinner.

Racing for Success will be the theme of this year’s event, scheduled from 5:30 to 9 p.m. March 9 at the Cheers and Lakeside Chalet, 1211 Coonpath Drive.

“This year, we’re using a NASCAR-inspired theme,” chamber director Kim Rankin said. “We want our businesses to put the pedal to the metal as they race for success this year.”

NASCAR racing simulators will be available for attendees to test their driving skills, Rankin said. Guests will receive a pit pass as well as being transferred between the expo and the dinner via decorated trolleys.

According to Rankin, the business expo will be an opportunity for members of the public to get more information about local businesses and meet members of the chamber.

“We expect there will be about 150 people there,” Rankin said. “It’s a great opportunity to network and meet the businesses in the community.”

Nominations are currently being sought from the public for Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year and the Pillar of the Community awards. According to Rankin, anyone wishing to nominate a person or business for an award should call the chamber at (614) 837-1556.

“Last year’s winners were Heiberger Paving, Carl Heister of HER RealLiving and Mike Ippoliti of the (Canal Winchester) historical society,” Rankin said. “The nominations are open to any local business or person and must be submitted by Feb. 20 to the chamber.”

The business expo is free to attendees, while the award dinner requires tickets, available through the chamber for $45 per person.

“This year’s dinner will be a hog roast, and your tickets will include an open bar, “ Rankin said. “We plan on having several proclamations read during the evening by Congressman (Steve) Austria, state Rep. (Anne) Gonzales and Mayor (Michael) Ebert.”

This event will also be a celebration of outgoing board chair Melva Cottrilla and a welcome to new chair, Jim Long.

“Melva Cottrilla’s leadership has been instrumental to making the chamber a success, so this will be a celebration of her time as chair,” Rankin said. “And we’re looking forward to Jim Long’s future leadership. There are lots of great things in store for us.”

Information about tickets, business expo booth space or the dinner is available from the chamber at (614) 837-1556 or online at www.canalwinchester.com.