Power of 32 planning moves forward

The planning process for the Power of 32 project continues to move forward. The regional visioning process involves 32 counties in and around Pittsburgh. Counties in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio (including Jefferson) and Maryland are participating in the effort.

The group’s steering committee will be meeting on Jan. 11 to review a contract between the Power of 32 and AmericaSpeaks, which will assist in gathering public input for the process.

Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance, last week was officially named to the Power of 32 steering committee.

TechGrowth seminar coming to county

TechGrowth Ohio has confirmed the dates for its month-long series of business growth seminars with U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson serving as the featured speaker.

Three of the programs "Re-Inventing Small Business in Appalachia" will highlight general business growth, development and bring together the "largest assembly of business resources in the region".  Inventors, entrepreneurs or anyone with a new innovation will also be able to meet with a "panel of experts" and fast pitch their concept.

Jefferson County will host a small business seminar on Monday, Feb. 8 at the Eastern Gateway Community College.

Event specifics and registration will be available on the TechGrowth (www.techgrowthohio.com) website beginning the first week of January.

Chamber plans January luncheon

"Building a Culture of Customer Service" will be the topic for the first Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce quarterly luncheon session of 2010, to be held Jan. 27 at the Steubenville Country Club.

The keynote speaker will be Dave Fatula, events coordinator for the Franciscan University of Steubenville, who has been conducting customer service training for the past 12 years.

The event will begin at noon.

"Dave is an amazing, entertaining individual and we are delighted to have him as our January speaker," said Sue Hershey, chamber president.

For information, contact the chamber at (740) 282-6226.

Second annual Best of County dinner set for March

The second annual Best of Jefferson County Awards Dinner, sponsored by Progress Alliance, will be held on Monday, March 29 in St. Florian Hall.

The social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow at 7 p.m. Information regarding tickets will be announced at a later date.

Progress Alliance currently is accepting nominees for 2010 awards.

Nomination forms are available on the organization’s website, www.theburb.org and also can be obtained at the Progress Alliance office, 630 Market St. in downtown Steubenville. In addition, nomination forms are being published by The Steubenville Herald Star.

Chamber picks date for trade fair

The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 10^th annual Member to Member Trade Fair on Thursday, Jan. 21. The event will run from 5-8 p.m. at Froehlich’s Classic Corner in downtown Steubenville.

The event is designed to promote spending among chamber investors. The mini-trade fair will be held in conjunction with Business After Hours and provides an ideal venue for members whose main clientele is other businesses.

The cost to participate is just $100, which includes a display table, electric if needed and two tickets to the Business After Hours.  Please watch your mail for more details or call the Chamber (740) 282-6226 now to reserve your spot.  Space will be limited and reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Office will close for the holiday

The Progress Alliance office will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Normal business hours will resume on Monday, Dec. 28.

The staff at Progress Alliance wishes you all a very merry Christmas.