1PB

MonthlyHighlighting the People, Places, Businesses and Activities of Madison County, Ohio FREE January 2013 � Vol. 1, Issue 10

January offers winter fun for all agesBy David Jackson

The softly falling snow and a chill in the air are too inviting to ignore in Madison County. With all of the fun winter activities across the county, there is no time to waste indoors!

Whether you’re looking for a tranquil snow hike through the woods or you seek the adrenaline rush of speeding down a sledding hill, it can all be found in and around Madison County. So grab those scarves, hats, coats and gloves and enjoy the “coolest” season of the year! Following is just a sampling of affordable activities, events and destinations perfect for outdoor winter fun.

Sledding near Mt. Sterling

The beach area at Deer Creek State Park, located south of Mt. Sterling, is home to a popular sledding hill. To get to the hill, drive about 10 miles south of Mt. Sterling on St. Rt. 207. Watch for signs for the public beach area, which is located just off Rt. 207 on Crown Over Mill Rd. The beach parking lot provides easy access to the hill. It’s recommended to call the park office at 740-869-3124 for a snow report before bundling up the family. The park office is located at 20635 State Park Rd. 20, (Waterloo Rd.) in Mt. Sterling.

Ice Skating in West Jefferson

The Village of West Jefferson’s ice skating rink will return in the same spot as years past, the grassy area between the village swimming pool parking lot and Inwood Rd. The rink is created every year using a wood-framed rectangle, lined with heavy plastic and filled with water. There is no charge to use the rink. Because it is located outside the fence on the pool property, it is accessible anytime. Users skate at their own risk. For more info, call the Village of West Jefferson at 614-879-7674.

www.madisoncountyohio.org

New Year, New Business! From 2006 to 2012, the Madison County Future Inc. CIC has counseled over 75 new businesses and multiple growing businesses. Scan the QR code to learn how we are growing MadisonCounty’s economy one business at a time.

COMING UP IN THE FEBRUARY EDITION ● Madison County’s own motorcycle museum ● Business Spotlight: West Jefferson Hardware● Exciting new Chamber/CVB February Activity - Details coming soon! ● London’s Romantic Getaway, Alexandra’s Bed & Breakfast

Submit article ideas and content to david@madisoncountychamber.org

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS! This is a FREE non-profit publication supported by our advertisers, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Madison County Future, Inc.

Each advertiser has included a way for them to know that you saw them in Madison Monthly. By shopping with these advertisers, you are supporting their advertising in this publication and ensuring that they continue to fund Madison Monthly.

1375 U.S. Rt. 42 SE, Ste C, London, OH740-852-3555

Bring this ad to your first meeting with us for a FREE beverage from London Coffee Peddler.

Front Row Left to Right: Kristin Sollars, Office Manager/Agent; Debbie Cushman, Agent; Nicci Todd, Agent; Linda Schutte, Agent; Liz Finchum, Owner/Agent

Second Row Left to Right: Janie Cox, Agent; Angie Wilderman, Agent; Kelli Hawkins Reed, Agent; Brenda Werner, Agent

Third Row Left to Right: Andrea Markley Ashmore, Agent; Tim O'Brien, Broker; Kurt Bergemann, Agent; Greg Finchum, Co-Owner; V. Patrick Hamilton, Agent; Robert Smith, Office Assistant; Al Wilderman, Agent

Not in Photo: Linda Harper, Katherine Funderburgh and Dawn Haas, Licensed Assistants for V. Patrick Hamilton of the V. Patrick Hamilton Group

www.remaxleadingthewayhome.com

Sledding, Ice Skating & Cross-Country Skiing at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Another nearby winter wonderland awaits just a few minutes east of West Jefferson at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.

The sledding hill is known for speed, but park rangers do monitor the fun, to keep it safe for all ages. Park officials often light a bonfire on crowded days for a quick warm-up before the next run. The address for the sledding hill

is 8465 Alkire Rd. in Galloway. Take Rt.

40 about 2.5 miles east of

West Jefferson; turn right on Darby Creek Dr.; go almost 4 miles to Alkire Rd.; turn right on Alkire and go about three-quarters of a mile. Parking

is available at the canoe access parking lot on the left-hand side of the road.

The ice skating pond at the park isn’t far from the sledding hill. From West Jefferson, follow the same directions to the hill, but in-stead of turning at the canoe access, go another few yards to turn right on Gardner Road. Look for parking about 500 yards down the road at the Little Darby Picnic Area on the left. The address is 3711 Gardner Road.

Less than one foot deep, the pond was created just for ice skating. Skating will be permitted when the water freezes at least

six inches deep.

The Little Darby access also features a cross-country skiing trail.

For more information about these winter activities, call Metro Parks at 614-891-0700 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Winter Hiking at Madison Lake State Park

Lying within the vast Darby Plains, the 76-acre Madison Lake State Park, at 4860 E. Park Dr. southeast of London, is small and peaceful. A scenic 1-mile hiking trail takes winter visitors through woodlands and along the lakeshore. Call 937-322-5284 for more information.

Photo by Jeff Pfeil

Madison

32 2

Mad About Activity Madison Monthly � January 2013 � Vol. 1, Issue 10

Tuesday, Jan. 1NEW YEAR’S DAY - Happy New Year!

Christmas in the Park (Last Day)WHEN: 5:30 - 9 p.m.WHERE: Garrette Park

Tuesday, Jan. 29Downtown London Assoc. Meeting WHEN: 12 p.m. EVERY TUESDAYWHERE: Rothwell’s Neighborhood Restaurant, 225 Lafayette St., London

Madison Co. Future, Inc. Board MeetingWHEN: 6 p.m.WHERE: Chamber Conference Center, 730 Keny Blvd., London

Monday, Jan. 7BookloversWHEN: 4 - 5 p.m.WHERE: Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library

Tuesday, Jan. 8Chamber of Commerce Board MeetingWHEN: NoonWHERE: Chamber Conference Center, 730 Keny Blvd., London

Downtown London Assoc. Meeting WHEN: 12 p.m. EVERY TUESDAYWHERE: Phat Daddy’s Pizza, 15 E. 1st St., London

Thursday, Jan. 17

Drug-Free West JeffWHEN: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.WHERE: West Jeff United Methodist Church

Friday, Jan. 11

StorytimeWHEN: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.WHERE: Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library

LifeCare Alliance Open HouseWHEN: 1 - 2:30 p.m. 2nd & 4th Fri. WHERE: Madison County Hospital Harley Room

Wednesday, Jan. 30

StorytimeWHEN: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.WHERE: Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library

Tuesday, Jan. 15

Downtown London Assoc. Meeting WHEN: 12 p.m. EVERY TUESDAYWHERE: Phat Daddy’s Pizza, 15 E. 1st St., London

Thursday, Jan. 3

Movie Night Out - Dark Knight RisesWHEN: 6 p.m.WHERE: London Public Library

Saturday, Jan. 5

Holiday Sparkle PageantWHEN: 3 - 6 p.m.WHERE: Plumwood Church of Christ in the Christian Union Community Building (royalpageants.webs.com)

Monday, Jan. 21

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR’S DAY

Thursday, Jan. 10West Jeff Community Assoc. Meeting WHEN: 6:30 - 8 p.m. WHERE: HBML, 270 Lilly Chapel Rd., West Jefferson

Sweet Emotions Photography Ribbon Cutting WHEN: 4:30 p.m. WHERE: 61A E. High St., London

Friday, Jan. 18

StorytimeWHEN: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.WHERE: Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library

Wednesday, Jan. 23

StorytimeWHEN: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.WHERE: Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library

Friends of the Library MeetingWHEN: 6 - 7 p.m.WHERE: Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library

Tuesday, Jan. 22Madison Monthly Ad & Story Content Deadline

Downtown London Assoc. Meeting WHEN: 12 p.m. EVERY TUESDAYWHERE: Phat Daddy’s Pizza, 15 E. 1st St., London

Have something for the February 2013 or a future calendar? Please send ALL details in the above format to david@madisoncountychamber.org by the third Monday of the month before the activity.

Wednesday, Jan. 9

StorytimeWHEN: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.WHERE: Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library

Safety Council Meeting: TOPIC - “OSHA Record Keeping” WHEN: Noon WHERE: 730 Keny Blvd., London WHO: Companies wishing to improve their safety and/or who want to earn a BWC rebateCOST: $12 per meeting/$144 for the fiscal year

“Mad Cow” MobWHEN: 3 - 5 p.m.WHERE: West Jefferson Hardware, 228 E. Main St.Come and spend a min. of $10 to be entered into a drawing for an item valued at $50 or more!

Wednesday, Jan. 16

StorytimeWHEN: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.WHERE: Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library

FMCPT Monthly MeetingWHEN: 7 - 8:30 p.m.WHERE: Madison Co. Senior Citizens Center, 280 W. High St., London

Friday, Jan. 25

StorytimeWHEN: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.WHERE: Hurt-Battelle Memorial Library

Jeffersonian Senior Citizen Food Box Pick-UpWHEN: Noon - 2 p.m.WHERE: Jeffersonian Senior Citizen Center, 28 E. Main St., West Jeff

Madison County Future Inc. has successful year in retaining and creating jobs and investment in Madison County

• Jobs Created or Retained (TOTAL) – 883 (3,630 since 2007)• Total New or Retained Payroll Created in County = $24,180,000• Small Business Counseling Sessions – 64 (a 17% increase over 2011)• New Small Business Jobs – 81• New Small Businesses – 11• Large Employer Expansion and Retention Projects Completed – 2• Economic Development Dollars Sought - $140,000

• Economic Development Dollars Won - $140,000• Public Infrastructure Projects – SR29/I70 Interchange• Countywide Investment in Economic Development by Public and Private Partners = $72,978.06• Investment made in Madison County by New Employers/Expansions/Retentions = $50,000,000• Return on Investment* (ROI) = 586%

MADISON MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATESRates are for Madison Co. Chamber of Commerce Investors. Non-investors are subject to 25% premium on the rates below.

● 2”x2” - $35● 1.5”x3” - $40● 2”x4” - $65● 3”x3” - $75● 2”x6” - $110● 1.5”x10.5” - $125● 5”x7.5” - $350● Exclusive Envelope Ad for mailing to Chamber Investors - $250Apply a 1% discount for every prepaid month (after the first month) up to 10%.

Did you know that for the first time in history Madison County is importing as many workers as it is exporting — 62% vs. 58%?

32

Madison Monthly � January 2013 � Vol. 1, Issue 10

What is a “Mad Cow” Mob?Madison County “Mad Cow” mobs, modeled after the cash mob concept, is a group of people who assemble at a local business and purchase items. The purpose of the “Mad Cow” mobs are to support the local business and our local economy.

• “Mad Cow” mobs will be hosted by Chamber Investors on the second Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m.

• Marketing is directed at Madison County consumers, not just Chamber investors.

• Attendees are expected to spend a minimum of $10 at the hosting business.

• The host business must offer special discounts the day of the mob.

• During the event, the hosting business will raffle off a prize valued at a minimum of $50.

• There is no cost to host a “Mad Cow” mob, other than offering discounts and an attendee prize worth at least $50.

Success of the “Mad Cow” mobs depends on the community’s willingness to participate and spread the word to co-workers, friends and family.

To schedule a “Mad Cow” mob for 2013, please contact Kayla Sanders, Investor Relations & Activities Manager at 740-852-2250 ext. 2 or kayla@madisoncountychamber.org

Like us on Facebook!

We welcome our new Chamber & Community Investors (Dec. 2012)

• Kroger• Staples• MT Business Technologies• Ohio Economic Development

Association• Rick Colliver

Thanks to our renewed Chamber & Community Investors! (Those who renewed in Nov. 2012)Forrest Trucking Co.The Purple OxWalmartAngie Wilderman RE/MAX

Leading EdgeDwyer Insurance AgencyEberle-Fisher Funeral Home, Inc.Green & Sons, LTD.Advanced Drainage SystemsKentucky Fried Chicken/

Long John SilversHaslett Heating & Cooling, Inc.Village of Mt. SterlingEquipment Specialist, Inc.Deer Creek Honey Farms, Ltd.Procter CenterDonato’s PizzaRoyal CabinetsVillage of West JeffersonArmaly BrandsMadison Tree & Landscape CompanyMadison Equipment and Madison

Garden Center & Vineyard WinerySchenker Logistics, Inc.Andrix & Herman InsuranceMadison County Historical SocietyUnited Way of Clark, Champaign &

Madison CountiesSheffield Veterinary Hospital, LTDSt. Patrick Elementary SchoolDr. James TetzMadison County HospitalNelson and Ball HeatingHolland BuildersFriends of Madison County Parks

& TrailsMATCO ServicesFarm Credit Services of Mid-America

Ohio Business SystemsLondon Eagles 950J S Custom Graphics &

Computers/Sheehy SystemsBoyd Garage Doors, LLCJD Equipment, Inc.West Jefferson

Community AssociationBST, Inc.Buckeye Ford MercurySim’s ConstructionTolles Career &

Technical CenterAdvancement Counsel, LLCStanley Electric US Co., Inc.London Dental CareChoctaw Lake POARalph Parsons

Farm PartnershipFirst United Methodist

Church- LondonMadison County TireBasinger, Inc.Kronk & Scaggs Insurance, Inc.Denes Tree Farm, Ltd.Flyers Pizza & SubsTriec Electrical ServicesFischnick PhotographyIntelligrated Products, LLCAdvantage BankHuntington BankRent-2-OwnDowntown London AssociationAlexandra’s Bed & BreakfastColumbus State

Community CollegeLoving CareThe Brennan LoftWilson Printing & GraphicsAnn & Tony’s RestaurantCoughlin AutomotiveFirstMerit BankMadison County Agricultural Society

Thanks to our renewed Chamber & Community Investors! (Those who renewed in Dec. 2012)London City SchoolsRemedy Intelligent StaffingMadison/Champaign Educational

Service CenterDr. C.T. HayObstetrics & Gynecology of London, Inc.Gary W. LonderganSam’s ClubJefferson IndustriesGateway Shoppes of

West JeffersonFlax Law Firm, LLC - Midland TitleJefferson Local SchoolsThe Madison Senior

Living CommunityMid-Ohio Harley-Davidson Inc.Dunlap-Hay Insurance AgencyWest Jefferson HardwareMadison Lawn Care, LTD.Columbia Gas

Who we are: We are a public library serving the Jefferson Local School District. We provide the traditional library services such as books, movies and storytimes, but also provide computers with Microsoft products and wireless access for your laptops. HBMLibrary has a color copier, fax machine and scanning services available to the public.

What sets us apart from others: Public library services run pretty much the same anywhere you go and Madison County has four excellent libraries. We try to be a positive presence at as many county events as we can such as Madison County Safety Day and the Madison County Community Expo as well as supporting our local West Jefferson events such as the Ox Roast and Christmas in the Park.

Who we serve: Public libraries provide service to anyone, old or young, resident or visitor, mobile or homebound. Our biggest challenge is getting the word out about what we provide to our community. Not a day goes by that someone says to us that they didn’t know we “did that!”

Madison County has cultivated our success: Madison County is very supportive of their public libraries and we know that in West Jefferson especially they “Love our Library!”

The Chamber of Commerce has cultivated our success: Our relationship with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce has helped all of us raise the profiles of the public libraries in Madison County and our individual communities by providing leadership opportunities and ways to contribute to the overall success of the county. Businesses coming into an area look for good infrastructure such as schools, police and fire and commitments to the health of their communities like good libraries and other service industries.

Join us for our first “Mad Cow” mob!Where: West Jefferson Hardware 228 E. Main St., West JeffersonWhen: Wednesday, Jan. 9, from 3-5 p.m.

DISCOUNTS!Spend $10 to be entered to win a prize!

Come out and support a local business and your local economy!

Hurt/Battelle Memorial Library 270 Lilly Chapel Rd. West Jefferson Cathy Allen, Director 614-879-8448 www.HBMLibrary.org

Mad About Business

Madison Monthly

Highlighting the People, Places, Businesses and Activities of Madison County, Ohio

730 Keny Blvd., London, OH 43140740-852-2250

PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSean K. Hughes

BOARD PRESIDENTMike Boerger, Boerger Farms

MANAGING EDITORDavid K. Jackson

ASSOCIATE EDITORKayla Sanders

PHOTO EDITORJim Rinaldi, Wide Photographic Studios

COMMUNITY RELATIONS & DISTRIBUTION CHAIRDevin Hamilton, The Madison Press

FUNDRAISING & ADVERTISING CHAIRMarci Darlington, The Gateway Shoppes

c o n v e n t i o n & v i s i t o r s b u r e a u

Madison Monthly � January 2013 � Vol. 1, Issue 10

PB4 4

Mad About PeopleMadison County reindeer gamesBy David Jackson

They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games. In Madison County,however, we are fortunate to have a few of the playful creatures that are much more willing to let you join in the fun!

These reindeer are doubly unique in that they have a particular set of skills, which often lend themselves to unusual scenarios. From riding school buses and selling girl scout cookies to shooting off fireworks and having snowball fights. All of their antics take place in Madison County on U.S. Route 42, just north of the Canaan Township Building.

Affectionately referred to as the “Rt. 42 Reindeer,” you won’t see them attempting to cross the street. They’re made out of grapevine and enjoy the comforts of home in Rusty and Tammy Smith’s front yard, near Tolles Career andTechnical Center.

That hasn’t stopped them from creating quite the buzz from all those driving by. And even those who have never been down Rt. 42 may have seen them on the Internet or the 6 o’clock news. The Rt. 42 Reindeer received international media attention in 2010 and again in 2011 for their off-the-wall tricks, and are up to nearly 4,000 fans on their very own Facebook page.

The Smith family faithfully changes the scene every week and residentsand visitors alike go out of their way for a chance to see what games thereindeer are playing that week.

Then, all the people loved the Rt. 42 Reindeer, as they shouted out with glee. Only time will tell how far the Rt. 42. Reindeer will go down in history.

Madison Monthly � January 2013 � Vol. 1, Issue 10

SAVE THE DATE!

April 27, 2013

Schapiro study: Chamber investment is effective strategy

Recent national polling reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy. Two-thirds of the 2,000 adult consumers surveyedbelieved that companies that invest in their local chamber utilize sound business practices, are reputable, care about their customers and are active in the community. The new study tracks similar data reported by The Schapiro Group in 2007.

To learn more about how your business or organization can benefit from your Madison County Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.madisoncountychamber.org orcontact Kayla Sanders, Madison County Chamber of Commerce Investors Relations & Activites Manager at kayla@madisoncountychamber.org or 740-852-2250 ext. 2