I’m looking forward to a fresh start, I hope you all are as well. I’m going to share my New Year’s Resolution with you all…to save money. We had a handful of life events in 2023 so a lot of money went out the door. Most of it reasonable. As we reflected on what was brought in, we were a tad ashamed that more had not been put away or invested. Wish me luck!
The article this month relates to helping small businesses saving money. There are four simple ideas listed. I like simple. Hopefully, if even one helps your small business save some money you will be happy. The chamber is a non-profit small business as well. I plan to definitely see where we can save some money and still provide incredible service.
If any of you were able to attend our Annual Meeting at the beautiful 1859 in downtown Loveland, the chamber offered a year in review. We also shared what to expect in 2024 that will be different. We’re thrilled to share, that the chamber will be doing more giving back and participating with our non-profits. I’m personally very excited about this!
She was born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio, CeeCee Collins attended Carroll High School and has been a swimmer her entire life. She received her undergraduate degree at Xavier University where she also participated on the swim team for four years. She graduated from college in 1989 and began working at USA Today Newspaper as a Regional Marketing Manager. After marrying James Collins IV, they moved to Tampa, FL where she worked for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA for 6 years as an Executive Director.
CeeCee and her family moved back to the tri-state area after her second child’s birth. She continued to work for the Greater Cincinnati YMCA for 10 years part-time. CeeCee then pursued full-time work and became the Development Director at Ohio Valley Voices for 6 years. Throughout her years at the YMCA and Ohio Valley Voices she was active in the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (formerly the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce). She became the President of the Chamber in 2013.
CeeCee continues to enjoy working at the chamber and keeping up with her three children. She and Jim live in Miami Township.
Lately, I have been hearing a lot about empathy in the workplace and the importance its role has in a business’s success.
The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is part of another organization in Ohio called the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA). Basically, they take many chambers and pull them together to provide additional benefits to the chamber’s members. This organization is optional. One of the largest benefits SOCA provides is affordable health insurance to small to medium sized businesses through their Anthem plan. I do know that it is a comprehensive health plan and businesses can join at different levels of coverage…this is where I hand it over to the brokers as I do not handle health insurance.
I mentioned the Health insurance plan to give you an idea of the types of programs SOCA brings to the table, I believe they have close to 14 different benefits including: BWC coverage, credit card processing, clean energy program, legal shield, HR Business Advisors, 401 K plans, shipping plans, certificate of origin, payroll programs, a student debt to build wealth program and last but not least a program to build empathy in the workplace.
One may think that you listen to employees and treat them well, but the fact is everyone is different. You may have a student right out of college that is money driven or an almost retired employee that simply comes to the office to fill their day. Regardless, part of being a good leader is truly being empathetic to each of your employees. You may wonder why empathy is so important to your business success. It ties in with retention. Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours/days at work. When we fully understand or feel understood that creates a more relaxed productive work environment. That environment is obviously good for business and your employees want to stay around. Empathy is the key to building a strong culture!
We can connect you and they will provide training to all of your employees. I promise it will help. Many of us think we’re good listeners but empathy goes beyond just listening, it’s action in the workplace.
For all of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance programs, check out this website.
She was born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio, CeeCee Collins attended Carroll High School and has been a swimmer her entire life. She received her undergraduate degree at Xavier University where she also participated on the swim team for four years. She graduated from college in 1989 and began working at USA Today Newspaper as a Regional Marketing Manager. After marrying James Collins IV, they moved to Tampa, FL where she worked for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA for 6 years as an Executive Director.
CeeCee and her family moved back to the tri-state area after her second child’s birth. She continued to work for the Greater Cincinnati YMCA for 10 years part-time. CeeCee then pursued full-time work and became the Development Director at Ohio Valley Voices for 6 years. Throughout her years at the YMCA and Ohio Valley Voices she was active in the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (formerly the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce). She became the President of the Chamber in 2013.
CeeCee continues to enjoy working at the chamber and keeping up with her three children. She and Jim live in Miami Township.
Over the past few years one of the topics the chamber has continued to share is, How to Build your Own Brand. This is a subject that continues to come up almost weekly as I meet with new and veteran business owners. It’s something that took me some time to truly understand myself when I first started working with the chamber.
Our Board of Directors encouraged me to build the chambers brand. Stick to the mission of helping and advocating for businesses but build WHO we are. A lot of people aren’t sure what a chamber does or represents. I always explain that when meeting with business owners. Our job is to help THEM (the business owners) succeed. How each chamber decides to accomplish that may look different based on the types of businesses they serve.
I also believe building your brand may look different based on the type of business and where the business is in their lifecycle. Are you new, or have been around for a while, but are a new owner? I’m thinking of the Railroad Barber Shop-they have a new owner who is doing an amazing job of building his brand by giving back to the community and getting involved. If you need ideas of how to build your brand, check out this article. I’m also always happy to meet and have many ideas.
Some people get humble and embarrassed on some of the ideas of building their brand. I tell them get out there, get involved, be in the parade with a big sign. Once I share with them that it truly isn’t about them, it’s about helping their business succeed. It seems to come together, and they understand they have to market and share how they are the best at what they do.
I’ve also included an article on the recent Barbie movie. It’s been so fun to watch Mattel market the movie and continue to build their brand. I grew up with Barbie, but I have a feeling with many changes in developments since the 1950’s that it was time for a Barbie makeover. The movie definitely accomplished that and I’m sure that doll sales have exploded once again!
She was born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio, CeeCee Collins attended Carroll High School and has been a swimmer her entire life. She received her undergraduate degree at Xavier University where she also participated on the swim team for four years. She graduated from college in 1989 and began working at USA Today Newspaper as a Regional Marketing Manager. After marrying James Collins IV, they moved to Tampa, FL where she worked for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA for 6 years as an Executive Director.
CeeCee and her family moved back to the tri-state area after her second child’s birth. She continued to work for the Greater Cincinnati YMCA for 10 years part-time. CeeCee then pursued full-time work and became the Development Director at Ohio Valley Voices for 6 years. Throughout her years at the YMCA and Ohio Valley Voices she was active in the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (formerly the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce). She became the President of the Chamber in 2013.
CeeCee continues to enjoy working at the chamber and keeping up with her three children. She and Jim live in Miami Township.
“CeeCee Collins from the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance tells us all about the mission of the Chamber, upcoming events, and how they’re working to connect area business owners.”
Have you seen the technology on AI? This month’s article is on AI and Chat GPT. It seems suddenly, I keep hearing more messages about AI. I am familiar with Artificial Intelligence and have read some about the technology, however, I was not aware of chat GPT until recently.
At first, I couldn’t decipher how it was different than google. You simply have a question or topic and throw it into a search. Chat GPT takes the topic and search way further. The difference, it’s original content. This blew my mind! Not only did I think, wow, this is going to be handy for me, but my mind went to so many industries and careers that this will alter. Education will look different. What’s to stop a student from writing an entire dissertation by having Chat CPT create the content. Teaching our students and how they resource information is going to look very different. I have been told, beware, it’s not perfect. If you plan to do your next power point presentation, be sure to review, for some reason chat can’t perfect hands-on people. Kind of an odd flaw but I’m sure it will get worked out. With technology like this it will take some time to discover what all it can do and not do for our lives.
Chat GPT offers intel from recipes to financial analysis. The technology uses artificial intelligence with software such as chatbot you get Chat GPT. There are other platforms however Chat GPT seems to be the most advanced and popular currently. The platform even does social media. Simply put a topic in the search such as, “create a post for social media on the 2023 Chamber’s Food Truck Rally on May 13.” and Chat GPT creates this:
Attention foodies! 🍔🍟🍦
Join us at Little Miami River Chamber Alliance’s 2023 Food Truck Rally on May 13th! 🎉
Bring your appetite and indulge in delicious eats from a variety of food trucks serving up everything from BBQ to tacos, pizza to ice cream. 🍕🌮🍦
This is a family-friendly event with plenty of activities for all ages, including live music, games, and more. 🎶🎲
Don’t miss out on this tasty and fun-filled event! Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family. See you there! 🍴😋 #LMRCARally2023 #FoodTruckFrenzy #EatLocal
All this information is correct fortunately, but you must review the information. I love the emoji’s and that it feels like there is excitement behind the post. Pretty cool!
The link to try this out is https://chat.openai.com/ I simply created a trial. I hope you enjoy the new technology, it’s amazing.
Stay tuned for a Lunch and Learn from our chamber later in the year on the topic. We can’t wait to share all that Chat GPT, and other platforms can offer to help your business.
She was born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio, CeeCee Collins attended Carroll High School and has been a swimmer her entire life. She received her undergraduate degree at Xavier University where she also participated on the swim team for four years. She graduated from college in 1989 and began working at USA Today Newspaper as a Regional Marketing Manager. After marrying James Collins IV, they moved to Tampa, FL where she worked for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA for 6 years as an Executive Director.
CeeCee and her family moved back to the tri-state area after her second child’s birth. She continued to work for the Greater Cincinnati YMCA for 10 years part-time. CeeCee then pursued full-time work and became the Development Director at Ohio Valley Voices for 6 years. Throughout her years at the YMCA and Ohio Valley Voices she was active in the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (formerly the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce). She became the President of the Chamber in 2013.
CeeCee continues to enjoy working at the chamber and keeping up with her three children. She and Jim live in Miami Township.
Loveland, Ohio – At Tuesday’s council meeting CeeCee Collins released the results of a parking garage survey recently conducted by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. Collins is the President of the Chamber.
Loveland, Ohio – It was a beautiful Summer night at the first installment of Bands and Brews in the heart of Downtown Historic Loveland last Saturday!
Families and friends grabbed their lawn chairs, blankets, and their favorite beverage and gathered around the Fountain Greene as they enjoyed live entertainment by the Counting Skeletons and Everything’s Jake.
The fun-filled night kicked off at 6 PM with the Counting Skeletons performing their personal “Dance-able Rock” favorites. As Bone Head, Bon “E” Phish, Phred “Big Bones” McAllister, Skeleton Keys, Jon Bone-m, and Dead Ear got the crowd rocking and rolling kids from the surrounding families joined the Skeletons on stage showing off with their best dance moves!
Check out the video below that I took of the Counting Skeletons rocking out with the community’s kids!
After the Counting Skeletons finished their set, the crowd intermingled with one another as many members of the community had not seen each other since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Next on the entertainment line-up was Everything’s Jake featuring the trio of Ben Duke, Joe Cremeans, and Marianne Puntenney. The community of music lovers grabbed their beverages from the President of the Little Miami Chamber of Alliance, Cee Cee Collins, and intern, Amanda Fox, and once again gathered around for one heck of a show!
Everything’s Jake ended the night with a bang playing everything from R&B to Blues to Pop. As everyone swayed and grooved to the sweet harmonies of Everything’s Jake it was clear that the first rendition of Bands and Brews was a Summer success!
Check out the video below captured by Loveland Magazine Publisher David Miller of Everything’s Jake!
Bands and Brews 2021 will be going on every month throughout the Summer from 6 PM-10 PM on the Fountain Greene in Downtown Historic Loveland. The next installment will be on July 3rd and will feature Model Behavior.
Loveland, Ohio – Foodies from all over came together to enjoy local food trucks, vendors, and superb live entertainment on Saturday at Shopper’s Haven Plaza for the 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally!
Me being the Food Guru I am, I couldn’t miss out on all the local cuisine, so I grabbed my boyfriend and enjoyed a beautiful walk from Downtown Loveland to Shopper’s Haven Plaza.
As Adam and I inched closer to the Food Truck Rally we were beyond impressed with the 24 Food Trucks lined along the plaza welcoming the community as they selected their food truck of choice! Included in all the fun were inflatables for children to play on, face painting and henna tattoos, vendor booths in which local businesses/organizations, like LIFE Food Pantry and Garden City Chiropractic, were able to share their story with the community, exciting give-away raffles, and a stage in which 3 different entertainment groups, Premier Dance and Tumbling, Minar and Sowers, and The Dan Varner Band, were able to perform while many stopped to watch to cheer them on.
Those who attended the Food Truck Rally were able to bring in their own “Tailgating” set-up so that they could safely and comfortably enjoy the atmosphere and of course the most important part; the food. Take a look at the video below for a glimpse into the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!
After going to the last few Food Truck Rallies I have learned that the best way to take in all the Food Trucks is to start from the first truck and slowly but surely make your way to each and every one. Me being the journalist I am I have gotten into the habit of documenting each Food Truck and what they bring to the table so that by the time I get to the last Food Truck I know exactly which ones I’m going to try!
This year the Food Truck Rally had a little something for everyone! From the unique flavor combinations from Kona Ice to the Texas Joe award-winning Brisket, not one community member came out of the Rally empty-handed. Being Vegan, each year I am always curious as to what Food Trucks will be representing those with a plant-based lifestyle, and to my pleasant surprise, I had several options to choose from.
One of my favorite Vegan Food Truck options was Just Jerks Jamaican Grill. Just Jerks specialized in “Rice Boxes” and Tacos with a little Jamaican flair! I decided to go with the Veggie Rice Box, which included Plantains, Jamaican rice and beans, sauteed veggies, and Caribbean slaw. The Plantains were to die for as they melted right in my mouth when I took my first bite. Jenn’s HOT Tamale Food Truck also had some great Latin street eats for Vegans as they featured both sliders and tacos with Zucchini substituted as the protein!
Although many are now moving towards a plant-based lifestyle, the Loveland Food Truck Rally had more than enough options for the meat-lovers out there!
East Coast Eatz represented a blacked-out style Food Truck offering a variety of cheesesteaks, chicken subs, and street tacos. Rock n Rolls displayed a vintage speaker on their Food Truck and specialized in Tots (Goetta and Buffalo Chicken), Egg Rolls, and Wraps including an Orange Ginger Chicken combo. Mama Bear’s Mac ended up being my boyfriend’s Food Truck dinner choice as he ordered the Flamin’ Jack Grilled Cheese. Even though I couldn’t try the grilled cheese, my boyfriend said and I quote, “My mouth is on fire, but for some reason, I can’t stop eating this!”
Of course after a filling yet scrumptious dinner you have to get something sweet, right? That simply is a no-brainer for me. The Food Truck Rally had so many sweet options that I believe some of those that attended the Rally skipped dinner and went straight for dessert! The legendary Loveland Dairy Whip brought their mobile truck, serving up only the creamiest soft serve you can imagine, while Funnel Vision offered 10 creative funnel cake creations ranging from Maple Bacon to Tooty Fruity to Salted Caramel Pretzel.
I decided to go with Sweet Maize Kettle Corn being the popcorn lover I am. I was anticipating an average-sized bag of Kettle Corn but when my boyfriend went to order it for me he came back with a 13-pound bag of Kettle Corn! Needless to say, I’m still working on finishing the bag. There have already been a couple of nights where I have woken up the next morning with the bag of Kettle Corn laying right next to my pillow! I think that describes how fantastic Sweet Maize Kettle Corn tastes.
Cincinnati’s Graeter’s also brought their Food Truck, which of course you can’t go wrong with a couple of scoops of their infamous Black Raspberry Chip, while The Cheesecakery made an appearance again this year featuring Oreo, Birthday Cake Batter, White Chocolate Raspberry, Original with Lemon Creme, and Chocolate Silk as their cheesecake flavors.
All 24 Food Trucks present at the Annual Food Truck Rally went above and beyond to serve up only the best street food to those wanting to support the individuals working within the Food Trucks’ passions. Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance President, Cee Cee Collins said the feedback from the community this year was out of this world.
“Loveland is back open! We had the largest attendance we have ever had for the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally,” Collins said, “The feedback we are receiving is amazing. Everyone feels it was a fantastic day all around; great weather, great music, great company, and GREAT FOOD! We want to see any guests come back soon and visit all of the businesses throughout our area over the summer months.”
Meredith Taylor, Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance Program Director, couldn’t agree more with Collins, as she said she couldn’t thank the community of Loveland enough for all of their support.
“It was an amazing day and night! Thanks to so many of the community members who came out to support us. The food trucks, vendors and entertainment had a blast and we can’t wait for the next one,” Taylor said, “Loveland is a special place and we are honored to serve you and the business community!”
If you missed out on the Loveland Food Truck Rally’s musical guests or you would just like to reminisce on all the fun you had watching, check out the videos below!
Minar and Sowers Performing at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck RallyThe Nationally Recognized Dan Varner Band Putting on a Great Show at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally
Thank you to all those who supported, helped, and served up delicious food at this year’s Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally! We are so lucky to be a part of a community that enjoys spending time together while supporting one another’s passions. I for one can’t wait until next year’s Food Truck Rally as well as all of the fun and exciting things to come this summer in Loveland as we safely transition back to a bit of normalcy!
Be sure to stay tuned to all things delicious with Me, Cassie the Food Guru, as I take on the absolute best cuisine in the area and share it with YOU our loyal Loveland Magazine readers! Enjoy the photos I captured at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally below!
Loveland, Ohio – Love was most certainly in the air on Thursday in Downtown Loveland’s Sweetheart Alley as some of the sweetest people in Loveland gathered to witness the 2021 Valentine Art and Card Reveal!
Valentine’s Day of course is one of the most coveted holidays in Loveland for obvious reasons…the city has the word “love” in its name and the city has been given the “Sweetheart of Ohio” title! With that title comes a long standing tradition that dates back to 1972; Loveland’s Valentine Program. This lovely program has significantly grown over the years adding more community activites focusing on the celebration of Valentine’s Day and a NATIONALLY recognized “catchet stamping and postmark program.”
The Loveland Valentine Program includes opportunities to volunteer for various Valentine’s Day activities, the nomination of a Valentine Lady (women who have distinguished themselves in the Loveland community, school, or family endeavors and acts as the ambassador for the Chamber’s Valentine Program, while visiting local businesses, nursing homes, and schools), the Valentine Card Design Competition, the Valentine Breakfast, the Valentine Poetry Contest, the opportunity to purchase Valentine Yard “Heart” Signs, a Business Window Decorating Contest, a Kids Valentino Coloring Contest, and volunteer opportunities to stamp Valentines at the local post office as well as purchase them. Because of COVID 10 the annual breakfast has been cancelled for this year.
With the 2021 Loveland Valentine Program activites set to kick off at the Loveland Post Office on February 1st with the stamping of Valentine’s Day cards, here at Loveland Magazine we decided to share with you our loyal readers, the 2021 Valentine Art and Card Design Reveal as well as the introduction of the winning artist!
Although both the introduction of the 2021 Valentine Lady and the Card Design Artist is typically celebrated with a much larger audience the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance President, Cee Cee Collins, wanted to be sure to keep everyone safe making the reveal a much smaller gathering. The celebration included the Valentine Ladies, who were thrilled to honor this year’s and next year’s (due to COVID-19 restrictions this year the Chamber decided to give the 2021 Valentine Lady the 2022 title as well in hopes that she could be more celebrated next year) Valentine Lady, Jeannie Shumaker, several members from City Hall and the LMRCA, and the 2021 Valentine Card Design Artist Cindy Wilmes.
Click below to witness the 2021 Valentine Art and Card Reveal presented to you by Loveland Magazine TV!
Shortly after the Valentine Card Design reveal Loveland Magazine had the opportunity to chat with the 2021-2022 Valentine Lady herself, Jeannie Shumaker, and the 2021 Valentine Card Artist, Cindy Wilmes about how it feels to represent the “Land of Love.” Nothing in the world is as sweet as these two very special women! Click below to watch the interview!
Here is a list of the 2021 Valentine Program activities and contests you can get involved in!
Enter the 2021 Valentine Poetry Contest. Submissions are due by January 26th (Download the Entry Form >).
Purchase and send out a Loveland Valentine Card! You can purchase your card at the LMRCA Office, the Loveland Post Office beginning on February 1st, MILE42 COFFEE, the Loveland Kroger, Busy Bee Boutique, Trailside Provisions, Lemons and Limes Boutique, Blume, Alley’s Boutique, Hometown Cafe, and some local banks.
The Valentine Lady tradition goes back to 1971 when the Loveland Chamber of Commerce created a Valentine postmark. Doris Pfiester, chamber secretary at the time, mailed 1,000 Valentines for Loveland residents that had a special Loveland, Ohio postmark that year and was referred to as the “Valentine Lady” until a formal selection process began in the 1980s.
Pfiester was named the very first Valentine Lady in 1992. The Chamber re-mails thousands of cards they receive from around the world for people wanting their cards mailed from “Loveland” with the slogan, “There is nothing in the world so sweet as Love.” Chamber president in 1972, Dr. Roland Boike, coined the phrase, inspired by Samual Johnson.
The official announcement of Loveland’s 2021-2022 Valentine Lady, Jeannie Schumaker, will occur at Loveland City Hall on January 26th.
2020: Debbie Murray 2019: Dr. Kathy Lorenz 2018: Kay Bolin 2017: Carol Williams (Photos) 2016: Laurie Gordon (Photos) 2015: Sue Lundy 2014: Janis Fogle (More Video) 2013: Marge Henderson 2012: Jan Ranard 2011: Avery (Winkie) Foster 2010: Bonnie Larson 2009: Linda Cox 2008: Kay Napier 2007: Sue Newburger 2006: Peggy Goodwin 2005: Lu Boike 2004: Helen Gosch 2003: Kathryn Undercoffer 2002: Patricia Furterer 2001: Marirose Stiver 2000: Anne Fowler 1999: Winona Franz 1998: Barbara Dee 1997: Bobbie Books 1996: Jo Ann Richardson 1995: Mary McDonnell 1994: Margaret Keifer 1993: Kathryn Sidney 1992: Doris Osborne 1991: Martha Hockman 1990: Rose Wene 1989: Pat Randolph 1982-88: Ruth Jackson (Doris’s daughter) 1982: Doris Pfiester
We have more Loveland Magazine TV videos for you to enjoy! Click below to watch now!
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CeeCee Collins is President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.
