Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: CeeCee Collins

  • ROAD TO HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

    ROAD TO HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

    Advertisement

    Loveland, Ohio – Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is pleased to announce the Road to Health, a Health & Wellness Expo at Nisbet Park: 126 Karl Brown Way in Loveland on July 27th from 9 AM – 12 PM.  “Loveland by nature lends itself to health and wellness; the beautiful parks, flowing river, and overall landscaping offer opportunity to exercise and live a better life,” CeeCee Collins, President/CEO of the LMRCA chamber said. “When we combine the natural landscaping with an array of health, wellness, and recreational businesses in the area, we felt that it made sense to showcase and offer to our community.”

    This free event will bring in Mental, Physical, and Financial health professionals and enthusiasts to communicate to the community the benefits of living a life balanced with health and wellness. The event will include swag bags for attendees, 35+ health and wellness booths, free 30 min workouts and much more!

    This event is free to attend and is open to the public. No registration required for attendance, show up and have fun!

    The event includes:

    *mammograms provided by the Mammography Mobile

    *local business vendors specializing in physical, mental & financial wellness, and senior care

    *local businesses showcasing their healthy smoothies & snacks

    *free fitness classes: 9:15am class by SPENGA

    10:15am class by Activate

    11:15am class for ages 5-12 by Kids First

    _____________

    Sign up for the FREE fitness classes:

    Road to Health Fitness Registration

    Please click the link to complete the form.

    _____________

    Here are a list of local businesses registered so far:

    A Healing Journey, LLC and Resilient Wellness and Physical Therapy

    Activate Brain & Body

    Athletico

    Ben Morrison Memorial Fund

    Better Blend Loveland

    Cincinnati Children’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center

    Clinical Elements LLC

    CrossFit Illuminate

    Devoted Health

    Everdry Waterproofing

    Galen College of Nursing

    Garden City Chiropractic LLC

    Homestead Insurance LLC

    Kauffman Chiropractic

    Loveland Chiropractic Offices, Inc.

    Loveland Health Care

    Mercy Health – Loveland Primary Care

    Mosaic Climbing

    Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol

    Onward Physical Therapy

    Optimize U

    Pedigo Electric Bikes

    Premier Pain Treatment Institute

    Renewal by Andersen

    Resourceful Woman LLC

    Rx Integrative Solutions Inc

    SAW Pilates

    Seasons

    Self Care Counseling Inc.

    SPENGA

    Sycamore Chiropractic

    The Christ Hospital

    The Grail in the US

    Vantage Financial Partners

    Western & Southern

    2020 Eye Care

    For more information or to register your health and wellness business at the Expo, visit https://lmrchamberalliance.org/events/

  • Downtown Loveland is now the home of a BREW Tour!

    Downtown Loveland is now the home of a BREW Tour!

    Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland is now the home of a BREW Tour! The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance along with several downtown Loveland, Ohio businesses have launched a unique, fun,and complimentary BREW tour to encourage the community to patronize area businesses during the chillier and slower months of business.

    Residents and guests can pick up a punch card at any participating downtown Loveland restaurant, bar, or coffee shop to participate in this fun event.

    CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, said that “All folks need to do is ask for their punch card and then visit all the establishments for a beverage of their choice. Once they have visited all of the establishments and have a full punch cared, they can pick up their “prize,” at the chamber. They get to choose from either a commemorative pint glass or a coffee mug.”

    We’re having a lot of fun with the event and the establishments are excited to be a part of this unique BREW Tour. We encourage beer, wine, coffee, soda drinkers all to be a part of the fun!”

    The participating establishments are:

    Narrow Path Brewing
    Ramsey’s Trailside
    RODI Italian
    Tano Bistro
    Mile 42 Coffee
    Hometown Café
    Paxton’s Grill
    The Works
    Bishop’s Quarter
    Hops and Berry
    Rose Boutique Wine Bar
    Cappy’s Wine & Spirits

     

    The event goes from February 19 to April 19 in downtown Loveland, Ohio only.

    CONTACT:

    ​​CEECEE COLLINS

    ​​513-683-1544

    ​​CEECEE@LMRCHAMBERALLIANCE.ORG

  • Bring your full self to work

    Bring your full self to work

    by CeeCee Collins,

    This article addresses strategies to bring your full self to work including your mental health. I understand that some people may be willing to share more of themselves and their lives than others. Perhaps sharing some of who you are will allow your supervisor and coworkers to understand you better. This will provide you with a greater opportunity to reach your full potential.

    We have some excellent mental self-care businesses in our area. Hope Restored and Self Care Counseling are right in the Loveland area. The chamber has information on how to reach out to these businesses if you are interested.

    A few pointers when addressing mental health in the workplace whether it is your mental health or a co workers:

    • be professional
    • be clear and concise
    • be sensitive

    In addition to the professional business resources I mentioned above. Our area has a plethora of non-profits that share mental health resources in our schools, community and businesses.

    Please consider sharing (professionally) with your place or work if you are going through a difficult time, chances are you aren’t the only one.

    Enjoy your Spring!

    __________

    CeeCee Collins is President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.

    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.

  • Eastside Business Bash has become a staple in the Milford-Miami Township-Loveland area

    Eastside Business Bash has become a staple in the Milford-Miami Township-Loveland area

    “This event has become a staple for our business community,” says CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.

    Advertisement

    Milford-Miami Township-Loveland, Ohio – The 2024 Eastside Business Bash, presented by Bassett Services and hosted by the Milford Miami Township Chamber and Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, will take place on March 7 from 4 until 7 PM, at the Little Miami Brewing Event Center, 310 Mill St in Milford, Ohio. In the third year of this event, the hype has grown, with the 48 booth slots selling out in record time. The Bash provides an easy and interesting way for attendees to learn about a wide variety of B-to-B and B-to-C businesses in the area.

    Attending the Expo is free, and the first 50 people to arrive will receive a free beer, featuring Little Miami Brewing’s unique hand-crafted beers. Attendees will enjoy light bites and drinks from the cash bar as they browse the booths. Items from local businesses and attendees will be raffled off throughout the afternoon.

    Little Miami Brewing Event Center

    This crossover event supports not only the entire Milford-Miami Township-Loveland area, but the entire east side of our region. In the past two years, over 200 people attended the Bash to explore the various businesses.

    “This event has become a staple for our business community,” says CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. “We couldn’t believe how quickly booths sold out, and requests have continued to come in.”

    Andrea Brady, Executive Director of the Milford Miami Township Chamber, adds, “Because this event is so well-attended – it’s in a fun location, with a wide variety of businesses to explore – it’s sought-after as an effective way to reach a large swath of the area.”

    The Event Center sits at the start of downtown Milford, a street lined with unique shops and restaurants. The DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) allows alcoholic drinks to be carried on the street (in DORA cups), so visitors may browse the shops and wend their way to dinner after the event while enjoying their beverage.

    220 MILL ST. MILFORD, OH 45150 (513) 831-2411  INFO@MILFORDMIAMITOWNSHIP.COM

    For more information, visit the Milford Miami Township and Little Miami River Chamber Alliance websites.

     

     

  • Timing is crucial on when to make a change

    Timing is crucial on when to make a change

    Over the years I have shared my thoughts and many articles on change. There’s no question that settling into a routine or rhythm can be relaxing or comforting, however, staying stagnant in the business world could be damaging to your business in more ways than one.

    Timing is crucial on when to make a change. As the article shares, you will want to make sure that your staff are properly prepared. You will want to communicate clearly to both customers and staff.

    I’m always evaluating ways to improve or grow, with that often comes change. Change can be difficult for some. I actually enjoy it at times, but it can also create a great deal of stress.

    This article shares ways to minimize the stress and make change a positive experience for your customers and staff.

    Have a great month, stay warm!

    __________

    CeeCee Collins is President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.

    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.

  • Where you can buy the new 2024 Valentine Card and more Valentine 411

    Where you can buy the new 2024 Valentine Card and more Valentine 411

    In the photo above is CeeCee Collins the President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance and Lauren Connolly revealing Lauren’s winning design at a recent event at City Hall. (Photo by David Miller/Loveland Magazine © 2024)

    Loveland, Ohio – The 2014 Loveland Valentine Card was designed by Loveland artist Lauren Connolly and for the first time represents the world famous Loveland Castle, Chateau Laroche. (Read more about the castle HERE and HERE.)

    The Valentine Program began in 1972 and has grown over the years to include a variety of Valentine community activities, as well as our nationally-known cachet stamping and postmark program.

    Cards are out and about around town at the following locations:

    • Fleurish
    • Lemons and Limes
    • Trailside Provisions
    • Alley Boutique
    • Better Blends
    • Mile 42 Coffee
    • Hometown Cafe
    • Bike Trail Books
    • Whistle Stop Clay Works
    • City Hall
    • Union Savings Bank
    • Graeters
    • Pet Wants
    • and Kroger (soon).
    The pricing is $2 each or 3 for $5. The Valentine Ladies will be stamping the cards with Loveland’s unique cachet at the Loveland Post Office from Feb 1st through February 12th, 10 AM until 4 PM on weekdays and until 2 PM on Saturdays.
    About artist Lauren Connolly

    Wildlife Photography, Painting, & Nature Journaling

    Wildlife education through visual arts

    Creating ways to connect to something wild!

    “My passion is for conservation, and my mission is to create ways to use wildlife in visual arts to spark a desire in people to get outside and connect with the natural world.”

    Maritime Studies Degree & Certified Remote Pilot (JL Aerial Views)

    PADI S.C.U.B.A. Instructor & OH Certified Volunteer Naturalist

    Pet Portrait Watercolor Artist & Explorer (WildDevelopments. Etsy.com)

    Read more about Lauren’s adventurous life…

    For inquiries into my work or my availability, please use the form to contact me. I thank you for your interest, and I will do my best to get back to you soon! 

    Email: Lauren@JLAerialViews.com

    Welcome to Wild Developments, a unique podcast inviting you on a profound journey connecting nature, art, and storytelling. Inspired by transformative experiences and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, our founder shares a personal story that led to a departure from a corporate career and a rekindled passion for visual arts. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, nature became a sanctuary, fostering connections through routine nature journaling, photography, and watercolor paintings. The podcast emerges as a bridge to unite people through the power of narrative, encouraging listeners to share their unique stories. In this collective journey toward healing and connection, Wild Developments inspires individuals to venture outside and embrace the transformative forces of nature.

    ___________________

    How to send your Valentine for cachet stamping with the Loveland, Ohio postmark

    Valentine Lady Linda Cox stamping Valentine Cards at the Loveland Post office. (Chamber Photo)

    All valentines are hand-stamped with Loveland’s unique cachet, which is modeled after the year’s winning card, and then hand-cancelled with a special Loveland, Ohio postmark.

    Each year, The ladies re-mail thousands of cards to all 50 states and many foreign countries. They also stamp wedding invitations throughout the year.

    MAIL IN YOUR VALENTINE
    In a larger envelope send your prepared cards with the proper postage attached, the addressee, and your return address and they will add the romantic cachet stamp and the Loveland postmark.

    Mail to:

    The Valentine Lady
    Little Miami River Chamber Alliance
    113 Karl Brown Way, Second Floor
    Loveland, OH 45140

    DEADLINE TO MAIL:

    ALL CARDS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 11th to be mailed in time for Valentine’s Day.

    DROP OFF YOUR VALENTINES
    If you’d like to personally drop off your Valentine cards for stamping, take them to the Post Office during the hours above or at the Chamber office at 514 West Loveland Avenue in the West Loveland Historic District next to Union Savings Bank. The phone number is: (513) 683-1544

    ___________________

    Valentine Breakfast

    Feb 9
    8:30 AM – 10 AM
    Join the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance along with the Loveland area business community & residents for our 2024 Valentine’s Day Breakfast Event at the Oasis Conference Center!

    Join us as we honor and recognize our 2024:

    -Valentine Lady
    -Valentine Card Designer
    -Poetry Contest Winners
    -Valentino Coloring Contest Winners

    There will be special entertainment and a full, hot breakfast! Come and see why everyone “Loves” Loveland, OH!

    BUY TICKETS

    __________

    [Photo Album] “Ladies” kick off Loveland Valentine’s season

    Interview with Becky Giver the 2024 Loveland Ohio Valentine Lady

    __________

    Valentine’s Season is upon us in the Land of LOVE!
    Parents: Need an activity for the long, cold weekend ahead? Check out our Valentino coloring contest and our poetry contest for all ages!
    Poetry: https://lmrchamberalliance.org/…/valentine-poetry-contest/
    Valentino: https://lmrchamberalliance.org/…/valentino-art-contest/
  • “ROAD TO HEALTH WELLNESS EXPO” this Saturday in Nisbet Park

    “ROAD TO HEALTH WELLNESS EXPO” this Saturday in Nisbet Park

    Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is holding their Road to Health, a Health & Wellness Expo at Nisbet Park this Saturday from from 9 AM until noon.

    “Loveland by nature lends itself to health and wellness; the beautiful parks, flowing river, and overall landscaping offer opportunity to exercise and live a better life,” CeeCee Collins, President/CEO of the LMRCA chamber said. “When we combine the natural landscaping with an array of health, wellness, and recreational businesses in the area, we felt that it made sense to showcase and offer to our community.”

    The free event will bring in mental, physical, and financial health professionals along with many other enthusiasts to communicate and demonstrate the benefits of living a life balanced with health and wellness. No registration is required for attendance, show up and have fun!

    The event will include swag bags for attendees, health and wellness booths, free 20-minute workouts, and much more!

    The EXPO includes:

    • Mmammograms provided by the Mammography Mobile
    • Cincinnati’s FIRST Acai Bowl Food Truck
    • Local business vendors specializing in physical, mental & financial wellness, and senior care
    • Free fitness classes for the whole family (see schedule
    • Local businesses showcasing their healthy smoothies & snacks

    FREE FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE:

    9 AM: Yoga

    9:30 AM: Stretching by Stretch Lab

    10 AM: Strength Challenge by Trainer’s Spot

    10:30 AM: Breathing & Meditation by Tula Veda

    11 AM: Flexibility, Mobility, and Relaxation by Activate Brain + Body

    The Booths and Vendors

    • Activate Brain + Body
    • AFC Urgent Care – Harper’s Point
    • Apollo Health Optimization
    • Athletico
    • Ben Morrison Memorial Fund
    • Better Blend
    • Christ Hospital
    • Clinical Elements LLC
    • Crossfit Illuminate
    • Devoted Health
    • Drayer Physical Therapy
    • Everydry Waterproofing
    • Epilepsy Alliance of Ohio
    • Fleet Feet
    • Garden City Chiropractic LLC
    • Gray Nutrition LLC
    • Grow as a Parent
    • Health Source
    • Kauffman Chiropractic LLC
    • Logic Cardio
    • Mercy Health Mobile Mammography
    • Mental Health of America
    • NAMI SW Ohio
    • Pedigo
    • Prime
    • Robeks
    • Rx Integrative Solutions Inc
    • Saxon Financial
    • Self Care Counseling LLC
    • The Grail in the US
    • Traditions of Deerfield
    • Trainers Spot
    • Tula Veda
    • Vantage Financial Partners
    • Veg Head
    • Wolterman Law Office LPA
    For more information visit www.lmrchamberalliance.org or call 513-683-1544.

  • One of the best parts of my job

    One of the best parts of my job

    July’s newsletter shares some excellent basics of starting your own business. Every chamber is different, but the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance’s membership base is mostly made up of smaller businesses with less than 50 employees. This often requires us to offer coaching and resources to the area businesses we serve.

    I mentioned in the June newsletter that one of the best parts of my job is to sit down with new business owners and listen to their plans for their business. I often hear the passion for what the business is selling, but the details on how to operate the business are often missing. We want to see them succeed.

    We do our best at the chamber to advise new business owners, connect them to affordable resources in our community and within our membership base. We work to secure their success in every way possible.

    This article really breaks down in simple language what every new business owner needs to consider when starting their business: What makes your business unique, are you needed? Are you filling a gap or need in your community, are you staying on top of your finances? (This was a must when I started working at the chamber)!

    The last point in the article advises that business owners use their instincts. You know your business best. You will get to know your service area and community. Tap into that.  I know I asked a lot of questions when I started at the chamber. So many people were trying to sell us trainings, media, and services. To be honest, we couldn’t afford any of it, but I listened to them all and took it up the chain until I felt I had my footing. The board of directors would say to me, what are your instincts on this? I would say, well, I don’t understand why we would need that (or, I can see how this would help our members)…and they said that’s your answer. Obviously, this has a lot to do with confidence in what you are selling or producing.

    I hope you take a minute to read this article, it’s not long and keeps the message pretty on point.

    __________________________

    CeeCee Collins is President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.

    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.

  • ROAD TO HEALTH – HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

    ROAD TO HEALTH – HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

    Promoted Post

    Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is pleased to announce the Road to Health, a Health & Wellness Expo at Nisbet Park: 126 Karl Brown Way in Loveland on July 29th from 9 AM – 12 PM.  “Loveland by nature lends itself to health and wellness; the beautiful parks, flowing river, and overall landscaping offer opportunity to exercise and live a better life,” CeeCee Collins, President/CEO of the LMRCA chamber said. “When we combine the natural landscaping with an array of health, wellness, and recreational businesses in the area, we felt that it made sense to showcase and offer to our community.”

    The free event will bring in Mental, Physical, and Financial health professio als and enthusiasts to communicate to the community the benefits of living a life balanced with health and wellness. The event will include swag bags for attendees, health and wellness booths, free 20 min workouts and much more!

    Vendor applications are still being accepted. This event is free to attend and is open to the public. No registration required for attendance, show up and have fun!

    Vendors register here:

    http://business.lovelandchamber.org/events/details/road-to-health-health-wellness-expo-2023-6909

    The event includes:

    *mammograms available through Mercy Health Mammography Mobile

    *Cincinnati’s FIRST Acai Bowl Food Truck

    *local business vendors specializing in physical, mental & financial wellness, and senior care

    *free fitness classes for the whole family in the park

    *local businesses showcasing their fresh juices & healthy snacks

     For more information visit www.lmrchamberalliance.org or call our office at 513-683-1544. 

  • [Photos] Loveland Food Truck Rally was huge success

    [Photos] Loveland Food Truck Rally was huge success

    Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance held their tenth annual Loveland Food Truck Rally on May 13.

    Despite threats of rain throughout the weekend, the LMRCA tenth annual Loveland Food Truck Rally presented by Wolternam Law was a huge success according to the Chamber.

    Thanks to their presenting sponsor, Wolterman Law and many other sponsors, not to mention a grant from Hamilton County this year; they were able to add many fun elements. An inviting balloon arch, a large tented seating area, more children’s inflatables, and a larger stage were just a few of those items they could afford due to the generosity of the County. Extra security, two beverage stations, and extra generators were also added, among other items.

    CeeCee Collins, president of the LMRCA, said “It’s always tough to see how many folks attend the event, but after ten years we can get a pretty good estimate. The crowds were incredible, the food trucks did very well, and the beverage stations were steady. Despite all of that, we believe the crowd was a little lighter this year than in 2022. A couple of reasons could have been; people being afraid of the rain, Loveland HS prom was taking place, although we had a few prom attendees come for a food truck dinner, and last year was a “bust out” year after the pandemic.”

    Meredith Taylor, VP of Operations said, “We sold out of food truck vendor spots months before the event. We’ve created quite a reputation with the local food trucks and they know this is a well-run, quality food truck rally. Many are already eager to plan for 2024.”

    Collins said that the Chamber hopes folks continue to enjoy the event for years to come. “We’re considering moving it to a later date in May. This will take it away from Mother’s Day weekend and from the craft show that came in recently across the street, which creates some congestion and parking issues. We’re also considering moving the time to include lunch. The committee and the chamber’s Board of Directors will make this decision over the coming year.”

    Collins said, “Thank you to everyone who volunteered. This is a large, challenging event to put on. We always need volunteers and they stepped up this year. We are incredibly grateful. We are also grateful to Shoppers Haven and all the businesses that allow us to use their lot for the day. We understand that the parking can be a slight inconvenience, but we’re hoping the exposure of the event affords them way more exposure and therefore customers in the long run.

    Collins added, “We look forward to next year. We’re always tweaking and improving the event, so next year will be even better.”