As we did at last year's Annual Chamber Banquet, awards will be an important part of the evening's entertainment.  We have awards that serve as a "thank you" to past presidents, trustees, and SummerFest chairman.  Last year we added special awards and will give those again this year.  We are asking you to nominate those who you feel deserve the following awards:

            Business of the Year: Presented to the nominee who has shown a dedicated interest in the community through participation and leadership in several areas within the community.  This business will have given unselfishly of time and resources for the benefit and gain of the improvement of the quality of life in St. Marys.  It also involves staying power - a substantial history as an established business, growth in the number of employees, increase in sales, and evidence of contributions to aid community-oriented projects through the use of his/her personal time or resources.
            Ambassador Award: Presented to the individual or group who has represented St. Marys in a positive and professional manner to the world around this area.  The nominee will have promoted a positive image of the local community through vocal contact and/or actions, to those people outside of St. Marys.  This individual has made many contributions to aid community-oriented projects through the use of his/her personal time or resources.
            Most Improved Property Award: Presented to the business who has improved the aesthetic appearance of their property.  Someone who has made noticeable improvements which are visible to the passer-by.
            Outstanding Business Person: Presented to the person nominated by his or her colleagues for being an outstanding person to work for and with.  This person will have contributed substantially to the success of his or her business and will be considered a humanitarian to those around him or her.  The nominee will also possess a desire to see and work for the overall improvement of St. Marys, its business climate and quality of life, not solely for individual personal advancement.
            Non-Profit Organization of the Year: Presented to the non-profit organization which has shown a dedication to the improvement of the quality of life within the community.  This could be demonstrated through a project, service, or sponsorship that has had a positive impact on the community during the past year.
            Emerging Business of the Year: This award is given to a business with less than three (3) years of operation.  It will give recognition to that business which has not only thrived, but grown and flourished in its period of operation. This business is also beginning, if not proficient, in its activities to improve or enhance the quality of life in the community.

                I Nominate:______________________________________________________________  

Report Scams and Get Tips

Small businesses and non-profits act like consumers
every day, purchasing goods and services from other
businesses. If you've been a victim of an unfair business
transaction, report it to Attorney General Richard Cordray.
Go to www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/Business or call
the Help Center at (800) 282-0515.


Beware of these common scams!

• Businesses that charge a fee to help your business comply with a "new government regulation."

• Unauthorized phone charges.

•  Office supply scams where businesses will supply you with
  

products you did not order or deliver lower quality goods.

• Phony offers to advertise on behalf of your business.
  

• Phony billing schemes, where businesses are sent phony invoices
  

or a service is "renewed" without consent.

Tips for protecting your business!

• Centralize office management so that one person knows all of the
  

vendors for your business. This will help prevent companies from pretending that

they've done business with you before.

• Immediately report any unordered merchandise or invoices to the supplier.
  

• Ask for written confirmation of your transaction with all conditions clearly stated.
  

• Always get contact information from those offering services over the phone or email.
  

 www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/Business

Visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/Business to learn about the latest scams  affecting businesses or to file a complaint about another business that has acted unfairly or deceptively.

St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce

Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday January 26, 2009