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Running a small business in Ohio comes with its unique set of challenges, from managing day-to-day operations to finding time for networking and building valuable local relationships. As technology advances, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers practical solutions to make these tasks easier and more efficient, ensuring you have more time and resources for what truly matters—growing your business and connecting with your community. Here are five straightforward ways to incorporate AI into your business without being tech-savvy. 1. Boost Your Marketing Efforts Marketing can often feel overwhelming for small businesses. AI tools like ChatGPT can lend a helping hand by creating eye-catching content, personalizing customer interactions, and even analyzing your audience's preferences. By automating some of these tasks, you can focus more on engaging with customers and making those all-important local connections. 2. Take the Hassle Out of Financial Management Balancing the books and staying on top of finances is essential but can be stressful. AI-enhanced financial tools can automate processes like bookkeeping and invoicing. These tools offer insights into your business's financial health, helping you make better decisions without pouring over spreadsheets for hours. 3. Streamline Hiring Process Finding the right employees can make or break a small business, and AI can aid in this process by filtering through resumes and highlighting the best candidates. With AI, scheduling interviews and other repetitive tasks become more straightforward, giving you more time to meet potential team members and see if they fit your business environment. 4. Better Manage Your Inventory Keeping track of inventory can often be time-consuming and complex. AI tools can predict when products will be in demand and suggest optimal stock levels, ensuring that you never have too much or too little. This smart management can improve your bottom line and ensure customer satisfaction with on-time deliveries. 5. Elevate Customer Interaction Customer service is vital for any business, but responding to inquiries can take up a significant portion of your time. AI-driven chatbots can handle frequent questions and direct customers effectively, acting as a digital assistant. This way, you can provide excellent customer service, whilst focusing on growing personal relationships with your key clients. Frequently Asked Questions Q: How do I get started with AI in my business? A: Look at where AI could ease business pressures—be it marketing, finances, or inventory—and explore user-friendly tools fit for your business needs. Q: Are AI solutions expensive for small businesses? A: Many AI tools are budget-friendly and designed for small businesses, providing automation and efficiency without significant costs. Q: If I'm not tech-savvy, how can I learn more about AI? A: The Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce offers workshops and expert connections to help demystify technology, making it easier for you to integrate into your operations. By introducing these simple AI tools, you can experience more efficient operations and focus on strengthening your business community involvement and customer relationships. Not a Member yet? JOIN NOW at www.beavercreekchamber.org .

For Immediate Release Contact: Tom Nichols, Director of Media Relations 937-228-2287, x140, tom.nichols@daytondragons.com Dayton, Ohio (July 23, 2025) —The Dayton Dragons announced today that Day Air Ballpark has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Newsweek Fans’ Choice Award for Best Single-A Ballpark in the United States. This award follows the recent selection of the Dragons as the First-Place winner in the Dayton Daily News “Best of Dayton” contest in two categories: “ Best Attraction ” and “ Best Family Fun Destination. ” “We are very pleased to be named best ballpark by a publication as distinguished as Newsweek,” noted team president Robert Murphy. “While we work extremely hard to keep everything first class and professional, we really have to tip our caps to our corporate partners, season ticket holders, group leaders, and the entire community for helping us keep this building sold out for the past 25 seasons. It is truly remarkable what has been built here in downtown Dayton … we have the best fans in sports.” There are many things that contributed to Day Air Ballpark winning this award: The stadium was designed incredibly well. Every seat is close to the action; there is not a bad seat in the house. There are numerous hospitality options available with 25 suites, three party decks, and one larger all-inclusive, hospitality area located over the leftfield wall, called the “Dragons Lair.” Over 6,300 stadium-style theater seats, complete with arm rests, and cupholders. Three overflow lawn seating areas that are great for groups and families. The stadium concessionaire does a terrific job with both catering and concessions options offering fresh cooked foods, and many local and nationally branded offerings, such as Mar-Chele Pretzels, Donatos Pizza, Dip N’ Dots, Kona Ice, Graeter’s, Pepsi, and Anheuser-Busch products. The 7-story HD video board compliments a larger entertainment emphasis with three mascots, a complete 10-person “Green Team” leading the in-game entertainment, over 300 skits and entertainment options for the two-minute, in-between inning breaks, and much more that create laughs, smiles, and memories for fans at Day Air Ballpark. Behind the outfield wall is a Fun Zone for kids with carnival games and inflatables. The Dragons brand of “unsurpassed customer service” has been recognized locally with many is awards from local media and business organizations in the Dayton region. The stadium has a multi-million-dollar entertainment control room and in-house TV studio that allows the team to produce and broadcast its own TV games. The stadium is located in Downtown Dayton. Day Air Ballpark lies in the heart of the Water Street District, making downtown a great and thriving place to live, work, and play. The ballpark has major freeway and surface street access making getting to the ballpark remarkably simple and easy. And the ballpark has over 6,000 street, public, and private parking options just ¼ of a mile from the main entry gates. Dragons ownership has contributed over $20M back into the ballpark in repairs and maintenance and capital improvements over the past 25 seasons keeping it updated and fresh for fans. Since 2021, a $20M public/private funding plan has produced a brand-new state-of-the-art playing field, updated stadium lighting system, a new state-of-the-art sound system with over 500 speakers, over 240 feet of outfield and fascia LED signage for game info and entertainment, new roof, new HVAC heating and air systems, and a brand-new $6M Diamond Club event center (scheduled to open September 15, 2025) that will be used for Dragons games and year-round for hosting of business meetings, social events, wedding receptions, and holiday parties. Through this weekend’s games, the Dragons lead Minor League Baseball’s Single-A level (60 teams) in attendance, averaging 7,756 per home date. The Dragons currently rank #2 among all levels of the minor leagues (120 teams) in attendance average. Their total attendance to date is 310,239 with 24 scheduled home games to play this season. The Dragons have led the Single-A level (60 teams) in attendance for all 24 seasons of their existence and finished in the top 10 among all levels in every season since their first year of operation in 2000. In 2024, the Dragons finished the year ranked #3 among all levels of Minor League Baseball. About Diamond Baseball Holdings: The Dragons ownership group, Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), was formed in 2021 to support, promote and enhance Minor League Baseball Clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation, and investment. *Approved Dragons marks, logos, photos, and videos can be found here: https://daytondragonscs.box.com/s/vawqwub6gite6ajcinn14j6k6eb73tj9 More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play 66 home games at beautiful Day Air Ballpark, in the heart of the Water Street District. Contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com , or go to daytondragons.com. For more information, please visit the following links: 2025 Schedule: https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/gameplanschedules Season Tickets: https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/seasontickets Group and Hospitality Options: https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/groupoutings The Dragons sellout streak is active and stands at 1,613 consecutive games. The streak is a testament to the Dayton area community. Support the Dayton Dragons and become a Dragons season ticket holder.

Scott Family Mcdonald's is seeking a restaurant Equipment Maintenance Technician

When small business owners in Ohio consider investing their marketing dollars, the question often arises: "Is annual chamber sponsorship worth it?" The answer isn't just yes—it's a resounding investment in your business's future growth, community standing, and long-term success. Annual sponsorship with the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce represents far more than simply placing your logo on materials; it's a strategic pathway to becoming a recognized community leader and trusted local business. Understanding the True Value Beyond Logo Visibility Many business owners mistakenly view chamber sponsorship as a passive marketing expense—pay the fee, get your logo displayed, and hope for the best. This outdated thinking misses the transformative potential of active sponsorship engagement. Annual sponsors who understand and leverage the full scope of benefits consistently see measurable returns on their investment. The real value begins with the comprehensive promotional support that Beavercreek Chamber staff provides. As an annual sponsor, your business receives dedicated promotion across multiple touchpoints throughout the year. Chamber staff actively highlight sponsor businesses at networking events, featuring them in conversations with attendees and introducing key decision-makers. This personal advocacy from trusted chamber representatives carries significant weight in our tight-knit business community. Multi-Channel Marketing at Work Your sponsorship investment activates a multi-channel marketing approach that would cost significantly more if purchased separately. The chamber's social media presence becomes your extended marketing team, regularly featuring sponsor businesses in posts, stories, and community highlights. This consistent digital visibility keeps your brand top-of-mind among local business leaders, potential customers, and community stakeholders. The chamber website serves as a year-round digital showcase for sponsors, providing SEO benefits and local search visibility that helps potential customers find your business online. When community members search for services in the Beavercreek area, sponsor businesses enjoy enhanced online presence through their chamber partnership. From Recognition to Revenue: The ROI Reality Addressing the ROI concern directly: measurable returns from annual sponsorship come through consistent brand exposure leading to tangible business opportunities. Businesses that maintain their annual sponsorship year after year consistently report becoming the "go-to" entities in their respective industries within the community. This recognition translates into several revenue-generating opportunities. First, enhanced referrals flow naturally when chamber staff and fellow members consistently see your brand and associate it with quality service. The Beavercreek Chamber's member-to-member referral program becomes significantly more effective when your business maintains high visibility through sponsorship. Second, networking opportunities multiply exponentially. Annual sponsors often receive priority invitations to exclusive events, early access to chamber workshops and seminars, and opportunities to present their expertise to fellow members. These connections frequently develop into partnerships, vendor relationships, and customer acquisitions that far exceed the sponsorship investment. Building Community Trust and Credibility Perhaps the most valuable long-term benefit of annual sponsorship is the trust and credibility it builds within the community. When residents and business owners consistently see your company supporting local chamber initiatives, educational programs, and community events, they perceive your business as invested in the area's success. This community goodwill becomes invaluable during challenging economic times or when customers choose between competing services. Businesses known for their community contribution enjoy customer loyalty that transcends price competition. They become trusted advisors rather than just service providers. Active Engagement Amplifies Results The businesses that maximize their sponsorship ROI understand that engagement amplifies investment returns. Simply writing the check and waiting for results yields minimal impact. However, sponsors who actively participate in chamber events, volunteer for committees, and engage with fellow members see exponential returns. The Beavercreek Chamber offers numerous engagement opportunities that complement your sponsorship investment. Utilizing the multi-media studio rentals for content creation, hosting meetings in chamber conference rooms, and participating in educational workshops demonstrates your commitment to growth and community involvement. The Business Development Grant program, offering up to $8,000 annually, provides additional value for engaged sponsors looking to expand their operations or implement new technologies. This grant opportunity alone can offset a significant portion of sponsorship costs while funding business improvements. Strategic Positioning for Growth Annual sponsorship positions your business strategically for both immediate opportunities and long-term growth. When the chamber promotes local businesses to visiting executives, potential new residents, or media representatives, sponsors receive priority mention and consideration. This positioning proves especially valuable for businesses seeking to expand their customer base beyond their immediate network. Chamber connections often introduce sponsors to regional opportunities, government contracts, and partnership possibilities that wouldn't otherwise be accessible. Measuring Success and Maximizing Investment Smart sponsors track their return on investment through multiple metrics: new customer acquisitions traced to chamber connections, referrals received from fellow members, speaking opportunities that establish expertise, and partnerships formed through chamber networking. The most successful annual sponsors view their investment as part of a comprehensive community engagement strategy. They leverage every aspect of their chamber membership, from networking events to educational opportunities to sponsorship recognition, creating a synergistic effect that multiplies their marketing impact.  If you'd like to discuss sponsorship options, contact us at info@beavercreekchamber.org or call us at (937) 426.2202. Not a Member yet? JOIN NOW at www.beavercreekchamber.org

“Wright-Patt Credit Union is here to help you borrow smarter and meet your financial goals! Join us for a conversation that matters. Women At the Table Talks is a powerful gathering focused on financial independence, equity, and empowerment. Together, we’ll explore how women can navigate the pay gap, advocate for themselves and others, and create lasting balance—in life and finances. Pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and join the dialogue. Your voice belongs at the table.” Register here - https://events.bizzabo.com/womenatthetabletalks/home

June 18, 2025 COLUMBUS – More than 130 golfers will tee off for a chance at the Governor’s Cup at the 29 th annual Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Foundation on Monday, September 8 th , at the Golf Club of Dublin. The shot gun start is at 10 a.m. Lunch options are available, and an awards dinner follows the event. Golfers can challenge themselves for the longest drive and closest to the pin competition. A silent auction and prize raffle drawing provide extra excitement. The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame has inducted nearly 1,000 members since its inauguration in 1992. Every year, the Hall inducts up to 20 deserving Ohio Veterans - men and women from all walks of life who, after their military service ended, went on to serve their communities in distinguished ways. Financial support for the Hall of Fame is provided by the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Foundation recognizes and honors the inductees of each year’s class with a dinner the night before their induction and a reception the morning of the induction ceremony. The Foundation’s golf outing provides funds for these events. Space is still available for foursomes, individuals and sponsors for this year’s golf tournament. Entry and additional information is available online at ovhoff.com. The deadline for entry is August 24, 2025. Click here for sponsorship information. Click here for golfer registration.

Joining your local Chamber of Commerce or other business networking groups can be a game-changer for your professional growth. But simply attending events and handing out business cards isn’t enough. To truly excel in these settings, you need a strategic and authentic approach. Here’s how to make the most of your networking efforts. 1. Show Up Consistently The first step is to be present. Attend meetings, mixers, and events regularly. Consistency builds familiarity, and people are more likely to do business with those they know and trust. Make it a point to show up with a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute. 2. Focus on Building Relationships, Not Just Leads Avoid the hard sell. Instead, aim to form genuine connections. Ask questions, listen actively, and learn about others' businesses. When people feel seen and heard, they’re more inclined to remember you and refer you. 3. Volunteer and Get Involved One of the best ways to stand out is to volunteer for committees or help organize events. This shows leadership and commitment, and it places you in closer contact with influential members of the community. 4. Have a Clear Elevator Pitch Be ready to articulate who you are and what you do in a concise, engaging way. Tailor your pitch to highlight how your business solves a problem or brings value. Practice it until it feels natural, not rehearsed. 5. Follow Up and Stay in Touch After making a connection, don’t let it fizzle. Send a follow-up email or connect on LinkedIn. Mention something specific from your conversation to personalize the message. Staying top-of-mind is key to turning contacts into clients or collaborators. 6. Leverage Social Media Engage with your Chamber and other members on social platforms. Share event highlights, tag people you meet, and comment on others’ posts. This extends your visibility beyond in-person meetings. 7. Educate and Share Value Position yourself as a helpful resource. Offer insights, share tips, or host a workshop. The more you give, the more trust you build—and trusted professionals are the ones people refer. 8. Be Patient and Persistent Networking is a long game. It takes time to build trust and see results. Stay the course, keep showing up, and nurture your relationships. The payoff will come. Excelling in networking isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about being consistent, genuine, and valuable. By investing in relationships and giving more than you take, your local Chamber of Commerce and other business groups can become powerful allies in your growth journey. Not a Chamber member yet? Join now today!

Unlock Up to $8,000 for Your Business: Apply for the 2025 Beavercreek Chamber Business Development Grant

Every year, Ohio BWC releases the MCO Report Card, scoring MCOs in six categories. During MCO Open Enrollment every two years, the Report Card can play an important role in employers’ decision making. However, not everyone understands what all of these benchmarks mean, or they’re thrown off by how the numbers are represented. Most scores are represented in a horizontal bar chart with a vertical line representing the “statewide average” in that category. While the numbers may appear far apart on the graphs, they may be very close in value. It’s important to look at the actual numbers, not just visuals. It’s just as important to know what each category means, and why some of these benchmarks matter more to BWC than employers. The first two categories aren’t scores, but give you an idea of market share for each MCO. Page 2 shows the number of employers represented by each MCO, and how many active claims they were managing at the time the snapshot was taken. Page 3 showcases each MCO’s book of businesses across 12 industries. Everyone is close in market share – the biggest spread in any industry is 11% on the 2025 Report Card. It’s important to remember that “a claim is a claim.” Different industries have different needs, but that doesn’t mean one MCO will manage claims better for a trucking company because they have a higher market share in transportation. The first scored category is FROI Timing . FROI is the acronym for First Report of Injury. This is an average of the amount of days between the date of injury (DOI) and a claim being filed with BWC. The quicker this happens, the quicker the injured worker will be assigned a claim number – which makes things like filling prescriptions and getting into physical therapy much easier. FROI Turnaround scores are next. All MCOs are fairly close here, but faster is not always better. In this window of time, MCOs gather details from all involved parties and may communicate with your TPA on the matter. The MCO should verify all of the details and make sure there are no red flags prior to submitting. As an employer, you want your MCO to take the time to ensure the mechanism of injury lines up with everything else that’s been reported, as well as the medical necessity of treatments being requested. Provider Bill Timing measures the average number of days between the MCO receiving the provider bill and when it’s submitted to BWC for processing. The report card states that lower numbers are better here, but consider that your MCO is taking time to review the bills to ensure they’re marked down to state fee schedule and free of errors. Some MCOs utilize software or AI to complete this task, and some still do this manually by employee review. Billing delays can also be caused by things out of an MCO’s control - like missing claim or provider numbers, invoicing the wrong MCO, insufficient documentation, etc. These errors typically occur on the provider side, and the MCO must contact the provider to get it corrected before submitting. Provider Bill Accuracy scores an MCO on the accuracy of bills submitted to BWC for payment. Only specific errors outlined by BWC count as an error here. The score given is a percentage of an MCO’s correct bills submitted during a certain time period. For example, if an MCO had 1000 claims at that time and only four claims with errors, their score would be 99.6%. MCO Penalties: Capacity – This means an MCO cannot accept new employer assignments, and it can be implemented either by the MCO themselves, or by BWC. There are over a dozen reasons that this may occur, but the more likely culprits are violating BWC’s MCO marketing rules, unresolved weaknesses identified in compliance reports or audits, FROI turnaround over 2.5 days, or a major vendor change (such as a software) that could create volatility in everyday operations. Setoff – BWC can deduct from an MCO’s fee payments for things like FROI timing averaging over 12 days, provider billing averaging over 8 days, FROI system data accuracy under 94%, bill payment accuracy, and audit compliance. Withhold - BWC can withhold all or a portion of an MCO’s fee payment for “substantial failure” on the MCO’s part to fulfill its contractual obligations, or for the inappropriate approval of medical, non-medical and rehab services. Finally, the Employer Satisfaction Survey . The clinical and administrative benchmarks in the first five categories may not resonate with employers, since they’re not a big part of the day-to-day relationship between the employer and their MCO. MCOs were created by BWC to outsource the medical management of workers’ comp claims in Ohio. They’re all held to the same set of rules, with the same basic services expected out of each company. The level and quality of customer service is where many employers may notice a difference from one to the next. These scores are derived from surveys completed by Ohio BWC policyholders with at least one lost time claim. Employers rate their MCO on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being worst and 5 being best) in categories like response times, help with return-to-work strategies and programs, professionalism and case management. You can view the 2025 BWC MCO Report Card here .