Artisans hope to give valley a boost

A group of local bakers has banded together to form the Food Artisans of the Ohio Valley.

“We are a group of bakers trying to jumpstart the local economy and bring awareness to local foods available,” said Linda Freed of the Dolce Pizzelles Cookie Co. “We are asking local businesses to become our partners in this movement by selling and showcasing our products.”

Freed pointed out artisan refers to foods that are traditionally handmade in smaller batches and typically by family-owned businesses. Items such as breads, baked goods, beverages, condiments, cheese and soups are just a few of an endless list of gourmet products. The Food Artisans of the Ohio Valley was formed in March of 2009.

The group was organized to provide a marketing, advertising and promotional cooperative for its members, including Aubrey’s, Dolce Pizzelles, Downtown Bakery, Finishing Touches with Jennifer Cesta, Peanut Butter Passion, Rosie’s Cookie Nook LLC and Sweet Shop Unlimited.

To learn more about the organization and perhaps host an event, contact Hallie Barcalow, coordinator for Community Outreach and Professional Development at Eastern Gateway Community College, (740) 264-5591, Ext. 30.

EM Media open house planned for Feb. 26

EM Media will hold an open house and ribbon cutting at its new facility, 2728 Sunset Blvd., on Friday, Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at noon. Jim Emmerling, president of EM Media, says the event will be held come “rain, sleet, snow or sunshine.” 

Emmerling purchased the former home of the Steubenville Women’s Club in late September and performed a total refurbishing of the facility.

‘Big Idea’ contest deadline nears

The deadline for entering the first “Big Idea” Contest is Friday, Feb. 26.

The contest, sponsored locally by Progress Alliance, is designed to encourage local residents to pursue their ideas regarding the launch of a new business or the expansion of a current one. The Jefferson County winners will compete regionally for additional recognition.

The MCBI Regional Incubator for Entrepreneurs is sponsoring the contest on a regional basis.

Local sponsors include The Herald Star, EM Media, Tri-State Financial, D’Anniballe and Company Inc., Minor Insurance and Blake, Hershey and Bednar Attorneys At Law.

Contest entry forms are available by contacting Progress Alliance at (740) 283-2476 or on the web at www.mcbi.info.

Third Frontier extension to appear on ballot

Ohioans will be voting on an extension of the Third Frontier program on May 4.

The Ohio House and Senate recently placed a four-year, $700 million extension of the program on the May ballot. Supporters praise it as one of the state's most effective economic-development tools, funding "innovation centers" at state universities and investing in start-up companies involved in high-tech, alternative-energy and biomedical fields.

Voters "will be able to see the tangible proof of the program," said Sen. Tom Niehaus, R-New Richmond, before the Senate's 30-2 vote.

The House voted 83-14 to approve the measure, a show of bipartisanship that "sends a strong message to the people of Ohio that this is a wonderful program and a proven program for job creation," said House Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood.

Bootstraps seminar will focus on marketing  

Project Bootstraps, the 2010 version, will come to a close on Wednesday with a presentation about marketing.

Jeff Rankin, assistant professor of marketing at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, will be the featured speaker. The seminar begins at 7 p.m. in the St. Joseph Center on the Franciscan campus.

The seminars are sponsored by the Students in Free Enterprise chapter at Franciscan in cooperation with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Progress Alliance, the Community Foundation of Jefferson County, Valley Ventures and The Steubenville Herald Star.

Artisans will be featured at BOC dinner

The Food Artisans of the Ohio Valley will be featured at the second annual Best of Jefferson County Awards Dinner scheduled for Monday, March 29.

“Our dinner is all about stressing what’s good about our county and this organization certainly fits that description,” said Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance.  “I look forward to sampling the fantastic treats at the dinner.”

Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams has accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote address for the event, scheduled for St. Florian Hall.

Tickets for the event are priced at $65. A table of eight can be reserved for $500. For more information, please contact Progress Alliance at 283-2476.