Columbus Chamber Blog: Information about economic development, economic and business trends, Columbus workforce, programs, events and the Chamber of Commerce in and around Columbus, OH

Tis the season! Internship season, that is.

2012-05-31T09:00:00-04:00

It's internship season! This is the time of year when college students traditionally seek internship opportunities to gain meaningful work experience, supplement their academic coursework and, in some cases, even earn some extra cash during their summer break from school.

Internships are vital to preparing our future workforce and integral to retaining educated young people in the Columbus Region—after all, it is through real work experience with local companies that students better understand the employment opportunities available to them right here in our community. In addition, employers increasingly expect their entry talent to have previous experience—which students gain through internships.

Supply vs. Demand | Benefit vs. Cost

The demand among students for internships, however, far outpaces the supply offered by employers. Many more students seek internships but are disappointed in the lack of offerings and opportunities. Businesses may be discouraged from offering internships because of the perceived hassle surrounding the process, from conceiving of an internship position to identifying qualified internship candidates to implementing and supervising the intern. The problem is compounded by stories in the national news suggesting that offering internships to college students puts employers at risk.

In reality, internships are well worth the small amount of effort that goes into putting together a high-quality opportunity, and ColumbusInternships.com makes it easier than ever to find interns.

Tips and Best Practices - Paid & Unpaid Internships

The Columbus Chamber offers these tips and reminders to ensure everyone has accurate information about paid and unpaid internships:

It is a best practice to pay wages to an intern.
Small businesses and non-profit organizations are held to a different standard than large, for-profit corporations. An individual can volunteer for a non-profit, like the YMCA; one cannot volunteer for a Fortune 500 company.
Employers (regardless of tax status) should ensure that interns work with their college or university to obtain college credit if the internship is unpaid.
Interns must be compensated for the work they do. Compensation does not necessarily mean wages. Most often, students earn college credit in place of earning a wage. There are other creative things that employers can offer, like paid attendance to events and conferences offered by the business. Also, grants, such as Ohio's Third Frontier Internship Program, may be available to businesses who qualify. I can help employers think through options and navigate funding sources.

Note that the intern portrayed in the article was not enrolled in college and, therefore, could not earn college credit to compensate her for the time she spent essentially volunteering for a large, for-profit corporation.

Other Helpful Tips

Post internship position descriptions and source candidates at ColumbusInternships.com and OhioMeansJobs (narrowing search criteria to “interns”). I can help you navigate specific career centers and college campuses.
The Columbus Chamber offers a series of brief, informational videos housed at www.ColumbusInternships.com regarding best practices on how to provide high quality internships so that both the employer and the intern get value from the experience.
Finally, employers should seek legal advice from someone who specializes in employment law for specific questions.

As always, I am available to consult with employers on how to implement “high quality” experiences. Contact me at andrea_applegate@columbus.org.

With more than 140,000 students attending colleges and universities in the Columbus Region, there's an eager and skilled workforce just waiting for you. The Columbus Chamber and ColumbusInternships.com are here to help you get started.

Member Spotlight: Vista Packaging & Logistics

2012-05-23T11:08:01-04:00

Vista Packaging & Logistics has evolved into a full service, third party logistics provider serving clients across the country. To accommodate customer growth the company has opened facilities in Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Why We're Chamber Members:

The Chamber has been a valuable resource for our business. The staff is always helpful and available. We also value the Supplier Diversity Program, networking opportunities, the Columbus Region Logistics Council and that the Chamber is an advocate for small business in legislative matters.

Facts about Vista Packaging & Logistics:

27^th year in business
Woman Owned
Family Owned
Business was started out of family’s garage and grown to two facilities
Green Initiatives

Featured Products & Services:

Turnkey packaging solutions, fulfillment, warehousing & distribution services, automated packaging equipment & processes
Focus on quality, customer service, reducing time to market for our customer’s products & our ability to manage projects in a more efficient and cost effective manner
Flexibility & quick response

Biggest Accomplishment Over the Past 6 Months:

I would say that the biggest accomplishment over the last 6 months is the implementation of the Tripack high speed shrink banding line.

Vista presented this automated solution to our customer to save them time to market, money and create a more aesthetically pleasing product. It was a big investment for the company and has helped us to not only serve this existing customer but to allow for expansion into other markets.

Organizations Vista Supports:

March of Dimes, Special Olympics, Salvation Army, Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, Amethyst Incorporated, Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, Pelotonia, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Heifer International.

Vista Core Values:

Versatility - It is imperative that we are able to adjust to our customer needs and be able to think strategically as we continue to grow our business.

Integrity - Always do the right thing! Display exemplary ethics in the way we interact with our customers, vendors, and each other as employees.

Stewardship - We have a responsibility to build and protect the Vista brand for future generations by developing our people and working to improve our community.

Teamwork - Respect each other and value the work and input of all team members. All employees are critical to the success of the business so value everyone’s opinion and create a culture of ownership and empowerment.

Accountability - Everyone must take responsibility for their actions and attitude. Set the example and be a leader!

www.vistapl.com

Member Spotlight: Cardno ENTRIX

2012-05-22T17:01:54-04:00

Why We're Chamber Members:

Cardno ENTRIX has recently opened a central Ohio office. We are interested in becoming involved with our region’s business community and connecting with potential clients and teaming partners.

Facts about Cardno ENTRIX:

- Cardno ENTRIX is a subsidiary of Cardno Limited, a global provider of physical and social infrastructure services.

- The strength of the Cardno brand extends across more than 160 worldwide offices and represents an employee base of over 4,200.

- The Cardno family of companies has received many recent accolades showcasing our successful partnerships with our clients, the talent of our people and our commitment to providing high-quality service:

Cardno USA Ranked #34 of top 500 Firms - The Engineering News Record "ENR" display recognizes Cardno's status as the industry's fastest growing firm in 2011.
Zweig White “Hot Firm 2011” – Cardno ENTRIX was awared the “Hot Firm 2011” award and recognized by Zweig White as No .1 in this year’s competition.

The Columbus Cardno ENTRIX office was opened with our corporate expertise in water resources management, environmental litigation and risk management, natural resource management, permitting and compliance. Our Columbus office offers these service areas as well as an expertise in the site development services. This integration of services serves as an opportunity to integrate the ENTRIX expertise with the Columbus team’s strengths to the benefit of our clients. Among the Columbus team’s professional practice strengths are the following:

Sustainable planning and design/LEED
Land asset management
Site selection/ Site Feasibility Studies
Land use and master planning
Site development (planning, zoning, feasibility studies, engineering, infrastructure such as utilities/roads, project management, construction administration)
Civil Engineering
Recreational planning & design (parks, trails, masterplans)
Stormwater/ watershed planning
Landscape Architecture
GIS/CAD services

Additionally, Cardno ENTRIX and Cardno’s family of companies offers a wide variety of consulting services including:

Water Resources Management
Natural Resources Management
Economics
Permitting & Compliance
Liability Management
Product Safety & Compliance
Ecological Assessments & Permitting
Stream and Wetland Design & Restoration

www.cardnoentrix.com

Avoid 401(K) Fee Sticker Shock This Summer

2012-05-21T09:44:16-04:00

By Kyle Pifher, Findley Davies

For many of your employees, it will be an eye-opening experience. Beginning July 1^st the Department of Labor will require companies to disclose to their employees exactly how much they pay in retirement plan fees and expenses, and more detailed information on the investment options. There could be some sticker shock.

Granted, this may cause a bit of backlash and even resentment from some employees, but let me explain why I think this is a positive change to the industry. First, it offers more transparency. In the past, many service provider fees were buried within the investments giving the inaccurate impression that the services came free of charge. Secondly, it levels the playing field for service providers who've been disclosing their fees, but who were competing against firms that did not. This could ultimately improve the service and plan operation, as well as drive down the costs of 401(k) fees and expenses. And lastly, it is a nudge to engage employees to get more involved in their own retirement planning by providing detailed information on the investments and the overall plan expenses. No more chucking the retirement statements in a drawer.

There is still time to take a proactive approach to these new changes. At Findley Davies we are encouraging our clients to take the following steps:

Utilize the increased transparency to conduct a plan review and benchmark fees, services, and investment performance
Be prepared for questions from employees about administrative costs, especially if fees have not been disclosed and employees feel as if they have been left in the dark
Be proactive in communicating so employees understand the role of plan providers, their fee structure, and what the employer is doing on behalf of the plan

Kyle Pifher is a Principal with Findley Davies and leads the firm's Columbus office. Kyle has extensive experience in the assessment, development, and execution of retirement plan administration.

This post by Findley Davies is the first post in our Member Insights blog series. The Columbus Chamber’s goal is to help businesses thrive. That’s why we’re offering the opportunity for Growth and Elite Connect level Chamber members to share their business expertise on our blog. Do you have helpful tips or advice for other members? Growth and Elite members can submit content for this series. Posts must be 250-400 words and must be educational, not promotional, in nature. All posts must contain original content, and members can submit up to two posts per year. Posts will be selected based on relevance and the order they are submitted. Submissions can be sent to socialmedia@columbus.org for consideration.

Member Spotlight: Surfacequest and Re-Construction Industries

2012-05-15T17:11:07-04:00

Surfacequest and Re-Construction Industries (RCI) are now under the same ownership to better serve our customers. Surfacequest is a professional paint and wall covering company and RCI is a service-oriented general contractor that specializes in being the “one call solution” to any maintenance, remodeling and construction project – inside, outside or on-site. Both companies have the highest standards, take care of their customers and are capable to respond quickly to any needs.

Why We're Chamber Members

We want to support the Columbus business community, and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce makes it easy. By investing in the community we can successfully build for a better day.

Fun Facts about Surfacequest and Re-Construction Industries

Surfacequest takes pride in providing creative solutions – many times saving the cost of other more expensive and time consuming remedies – to enhance the environments we live, work and relax in.

One fun fact about RCI is we literally work at the top of Columbus’s skyline. Our projects include the 1999 renovation of the LeVeque Tower penthouse straddling the 43rd and 44th floors for Jim Hagedorn, the Scotts Miracle-Gro chief executive.

Not only do we provide outstanding service, Surfacequest features architectural films – an interior / exterior, fire-rated surface applied product – developed for the luxury casino and cruise ship industries that simulates expensive old world materials like leather, wood or marble at a fraction of their costs.

RCI focuses on taking care of any and all of our clients construction, maintenance or remodel needs – no matter what. Our philosophy is that there is no need for you to have to call or coordinate with anyone other than our trained and professional staff. Period. We take being the “one call solution” seriously.

http://www.reconind.com

http://www.surfacequest.com

Young Professionals Spotlight: Kacey Campbell Brankamp

2012-05-14T13:02:53-04:00

Since late 2009, the Columbus Chamber has spotlighted a local young professionals organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event each month. We have recently expanded this series to also feature young artists, entrepreneurs and professionals who are helping to make Columbus a talent magnet city. Meet Columbus native Kacey Campbell Brankamp, the Young Professionals Spotlight for May.

Name: Kacey Campbell Brankamp
Title: Retail Recruiter
Company: Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District
How many years you’ve resided in Columbus: All of them, except for the college years in Vermont
Your neighborhood: Short North

What YP or professional organizations are you involved with and in what capacity?
I am one of three co-chairs of the Create Columbus Commission. I serve on the Board of Trustees for Wonderland Columbus. I’m a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I’ve participated in Project Mentor since its inception. I also participate on various event planning committees and steering committees.

What do you value most about Columbus?
Its friendliness and openness, accessibility to arts, culture, and entertainment of all types. You have the ability to make an impact on this community.

How have you made a difference in Columbus?
I hope that I’ve been a positive influence in the strengthening of our urban core, supporting our wonderful small business community, and being a good ambassador for our city.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
"Treat others how you want to be treated.”

What one word best describes Columbus?
Home!

The Chamber develops strategies to attract, retain and engage YPs because they are an energetic, educated and highly-mobile workforce – the future of our region. Sharing information about activities hosted by local organizations is one way the Chamber keeps YPs connected to the community. If you'd like to stay informed, sign up here to receive Activities and Events for Young Professionals, a weekly email from the Chamber to keep YPs connected to the community. Learn more about YPs here.

Member Spotlight: HBCU Connect

2012-05-08T14:59:41-04:00

Why We're Chamber Members:

HBCU CONNECT became involved with the Chamber to increase exposure throughout Columbus and to grow and develop our business. Also, we wanted to network and connect with other local businesses.

Facts about HBCU CONNECT:

We started our social network for black college grads on HBCUConnect.com in 1999, years before popular MySpace.com and Facebook.com websites!
Our first client was Dante Lee, famous author and business man who later relocated to do business in Columbus, Ohio.
Our founder and CEO, Will Moss, was featured on the “Mo’Nique Show”, a late night talk show on the popular BET network.
Yahoo employees learned the meaning of “HBCUs” after a phone call with HBCUConnect.com which led them to create a list of Historically Black Colleges within their college directory.
The first online HBCU Career Center was created in response to many requests from diversity recruiters which wanted access to a centralized place to recruit African American professionals online.
HBCUConnect.com manages over 2,500 social networking sites online.

We’ve been ranked in the top 1% of all websites according to web traffic. We’re one of the best recruiting websites for diversity recruiting. We have a variety of recruitment options from job postings and resume access to advertising in one of the two magazines we publish, HBCU CONNECT Magazine (for alumni) and HBCU CONNECT “On Campus” (for students).

http://www.hbcuconnect.com

Increase Hiring of Diversity Candidates With These Resources

2012-05-03T17:38:35-04:00

A local employer with a global presence recently reached out to the Columbus Chamber to help them with “outreach efforts in our continuing endeavors to maintain a diverse workforce” as a part of their company affirmative action program. This employer strives to make job opportunities available to diversity candidates (i.e., minorities, women, veterans and others) who are traditionally considered to be under represented in the workforce.

Resources to Connect with Diverse Workforce Populations

Register as an employer and source candidates at www.OhioMeansJobs.com. With all other criteria being equal, resumes of veterans will be delivered at the top of search results. Likewise, there is a way to set selection criteria for “diversity” candidates. In addition, OMJ scours company websites (and other job boards—which accounts for duplication) for positions descriptions, so it’s likely that your company’s available positions already appear on OMJ. However, you should post directly to OMJ. To learn how to maximize your OMJ account, set up a free training session with folks from OMJ. Contact Tanya Calbert, Ohio Means Jobs Project Manager.

The Central Ohio Diversity Consortium is an excellent resource for employers who want to launch or enhance their diversity and inclusion program. Contact David Sullivan for membership in this employer-led organization comprised of diversity practitioners from great local companies like Ohio Health, Nationwide, Limited Brands, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Honda of America Manufacturing.

Employers interested in providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities (the hidden “D” in diversity) in the Central Ohio area:

Ohio Business Leadership Network helps build workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are respected for their talents; and recognizes and supports best practices in the employment and advancement of people with disabilities; etc. Contact Leslie Wilson for information about membership to the Ohio BLN and to be alerted on upcoming training and workshops. Sign up for the USBLN e-newsletter.

There is funding available for employers who hire candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria—many of whom are considered “diverse”:

COWIC is the employment “one-stop” in Columbus and Franklin County. Contact Jo Youngs, Project Manager.

Ohio Works First allows employers to 1) add workers without adding overhead, 2) get tax credits for every participant you hire—upto $9,000, and 3) find workers who are ready to work for your company

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program provides Ohio Employers with a tax credit against their federal tax liability when they hire individuals from nine targeted groups of disadvantaged job seekers. There are no limits to the number of new hires who can qualify an employer for the tax credit.

Ohio Department of Job & Family Services provides employment services and training for veterans who are job seekers, and helps businesses navigate any funding opportunities and incentives that may be available. Contact John McClure, Veteran’s Program Manager, Region 6.

Some other places to source “diversity” candidates:

GrapeVine Columbus | Central Ohio’s newest way to connect to minority professionals. Perfect for: Career/Job Postings, Company Press Releases, Event Announcements (click Advertising/Pricing or contact Shanelle Lewis).

Empleos and Employment | Professional Hispanics and Latinos contact Cristina Villacinda-Farr

Of course, diversity does not simply mean race or ethnicity. It is in the best interest of business to employ a workforce that represents your customer base and your leadership represents your workforce.

Connect with college students and recent college graduates seeking internships: www.ColumbusInternships.com
Connect with graduates of Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Connect with mid-career professionals through Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group and Forty-PLUS.

Employers and Third Party Recruiters can gain free access to Talent Profiles of Right Management candidates and a Job Bank to post jobs to the same group The process is very simple:

Go to www.right.com
Place your cursor on the orange “I Am Looking For…” banner
Click on the “Are you hiring?” link in the drop-down menu
Click the “SIGN UP NOW” button and complete the brief registration form
Or contact Susan Foote, the Right Management Job Resource Consultant

Many companies seek older workers to fill key positions, particularly customer-facing roles. Reasons these employers cite include for the advantages of older workers over younger counterparts:

Are more flexible regarding work hours and locations; can accommodate non-traditional shifts
Can fill temporary, seasonal or parttime work
Have strong desire to apply their knowledge and skill to benefit the company and mission
Serve as role models and mentors

Organizations that reach out to “senior” workers and retirees in the Central Ohio area:

“Mature Staffing Systems” via Mature Services
Employment for Seniors

By the same token, it is as important to bring younger people, especially high school students and young adults, into the workplace to help them get acclimated to "real" work environment. Take advantage of the opportunity to bring young people into the workplace through the SOAR Hire program.

Member Spotlight: Nurtur the Salon

2012-05-01T11:11:47-04:00

Nurtur the Salon is an Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa, located in the Shops on Lane Avenue in Upper Arlington. Founded in 2006, it is part of Nurtur Holdings, LLC, which includes the Aveda Institute Columbus, Aveda Institute Chapel Hill and Aveda Institute Los Angeles. As an Aveda Salon and Spa, Nurtur upholds the mission to “give back to society and set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.”

Why We’re Chamber Members:

We became Chamber members to get more involved and partner with other businesses in the community in order to enhance Columbus and make it a better place to live and work.

Fun Facts about Nurtur:

Our salon and spa was constructed using environmentally friendly building materials that are MDF (medium density fiberboard)-free. For example, our cupboards, wall panels and reception desk are made out of pressed sunflower seeds; our floors are reclaimed hardwood, and we have tiled walls made out of recycled glass. We also collect all bottle caps from the community to be recycled into new product packaging.

Each month we select a charity or cause to support through our Tip For A Cause program, in which our professionals donate $10 from their gratuity each month. Every April for Earth Month, Nurtur the Salon partners with the Aveda Institute Columbus for Earth Jam, a hair and fashion show that raises funds for the Central Ohio Sierra Club Clean Water Campaign. Since partnering with the Sierra Club for Earth Month, Nurtur the Salon has helped raise $160,000 to help clean Central Ohio’s waters, raising $31,000 last year alone.

www.nurtursalon.com

Member Spotlight: Three Leaf Productions

2012-04-25T15:40:45-04:00

Three Leaf Productions is comprised of a team of individuals whose mix of talent allows us to work on small or large scale marketing projects, depending on the scope of work and associated timeframes. Our team of professionals can help with all marketing needs ranging from concept development and design, to packaging, printing and fulfillment. We manage it all with impressive results. With sales offices and distribution centers across the country, our ultimate goal is to help our customers save money and time while providing exceptional customer service.

Why We’re Chamber Members:

Our membership with the Columbus Chamber allows us to expand upon our targeted market through their advertising efforts, member directory, referral programs and networking opportunities. We are able to stay abreast of changes in the business community, notified of new business opportunities, and able to share our experiences with newly developed small businesses. It is because of the efforts of the Columbus Chamber that we are able to focus on our customers’ needs and continue to produce the quality products and services we stand by while keeping abreast of the movement and activities in the business community.

Fun Facts about Three Leaf Productions:

Our daily services go beyond printing, marketing and warehouse fulfillment. Three Leaf Productions is a team of leaders that believe in giving back. We understand the importance of education, mentorship and community involvement. We are community activists at heart. As a part of Three Leaf Productions, we operate as a team strengthening, encouraging and empowering one another. Independently we serve our community by managing and operating basketball camps, coaching, mentoring, volunteering as committee members and serving on behalf of non-profit agencies. We also hold positions as alumni leaders, school board members, chamber board members and motivational speakers.

Three Leaf Productions offers complete marketing project management services to our customers. We can enhance almost every aspect of the company’s business that promotes their image. Our services can accommodate a variety of order requests streaming from logo design to employee benefits, video and audio productions to direct mailers, and from website development to supplying marketing products. If a customer’s request has any impact on their branding we can fulfill that need and will do so with exceptional customer service and delivery of quality products.