Article: Chambers, associations are making a concerted effort to help communities mind their own businesses

Northeast Suburban Life, Community Press, September 9, 2009
By Jeanne Houck

Montgomery Mayor Gerri Harbison is welcoming two new business initiatives in the city.
"The formation of viable business groups is always important and beneficial to our city," Harbison said.

"With the premier of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and Prosper Montgomery - a group of businesses located in our historic district - our businesses have been energized and able to network with each other.

"In this economy, this is a great tool to maintain the viability of our business community within Montgomery," Harbison said.

The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, established in June, is the brainchild of chamber Executive Director Paul Myers of Myers Associates Inc. The group already has about 15 members.

Myers said the chamber will emphasize business development, visibility, networking and support - and that its "Montgomery First" pledge shows those that those words are more than just talk.

"This is a commitment by chamber members to give a Montgomery business the first opportunity to conduct business with them prior to conducting a transaction with a non-Montgomery business," he said.

Myers said there are many benefits to having a chamber of commerce.

"A single voice speaking for business concerns is an advantage to the business community," he said.

"Whether you are a small, medium, or large company," Ayers said, "a chamber is the ideal way to network and explore tie business opportunities with individuals from other companies."

Harbison is scheduled to speak about Montgomery's business climate Thursday, Sept. 10, as part the chamber's new "Montgomery Morning" series. The series will feature speakers discussing issues of importance to the business community.

Harbison will take the podium at 7:30 a.m. at Ohio National Financial Services, 1 Financial Way.

Not a traditional chamber of commerce, "Prosper Montgomery" is a recent city initiative to work with businesses in the historic district on marketing strategies.

The Blue Ash Business Association is 20 years old, but something new is brewing with the 95-member group in Blue Ash.

"Our new Web site is launching soon; hopefully we have worked out some kinks that will make it easier for all of our members to interact with us in many ways," said BABA President Gloria Cook of Sibcy Cline.

Cook said the group's "main focus is to highlight our members' businesses and networking among our members, as well as, giving back to the community through Matthew 25: (Ministries) and Hike for Hospice."

She said the group also funds a college scholarship and sponsors a trade show in the spring.

“We like to be out in the Blue Ash community to show support for each others' businesses as well as interacting at Blue Ash activities such as the opening of the new Recreation Center and working at the Taste of Blue Ash,” Cook said.