200Columbus, Chamber recognizing businesses open 25 years or more

Announcements — By Melanie McIntyre on June 19, 2012 at 8:00 am

The Columbus Chamber and 200Columbus are recognizing local businesses in operation for 25 years or more with its Milestone Businesses program.

It only takes about 30 seconds to register online for the program, which is free and open to all businesses in Columbus. The registration deadline is Friday.

“If your company has been in operation for 25 years or more, you most likely have experienced highs and lows, laughs and cries, profits and maybe some losses,” says Kristen Easterday, director of local government relations for the Columbus Chamber. “We understand the perseverance it takes to stay in business one year, let alone 25.

“And most likely you have established strong ties within the community and regularly give back. Perhaps you financially support local charities, participate in civic associations, and provide employment to citizens of Columbus. This celebratory year is a perfect time for ‘milestone’ businesses to be thanked and recognized,” she says, referencing Columbus’s bicentennial.

Once registered, businesses will receive a “200Columbus Milestone Business” window decal. They also will be recognized at an event this fall. Event details will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

“The Milestone initiative is a small example of the benefit we provide to businesses,” Easterday says. “We also advocate on behalf of businesses at the federal, state, and local levels of government, can provide research and resources to expand business or workforce, and provide businesses with the connections they need to excel.”

To learn more about the Milestone Businesses Program, contact Kristen Easterday via email at kristen_easterday@columbus.org or by phone at 614-225-6903.

To learn more about Columbus Chamber membership, call 614-221-1321 or visit Columbus.org./membership.

Author Bio: Melanie McIntyre:
Melanie McIntyre has served as editorial director of The Metropreneur since its launch in 2010. She previously worked as a staff writer for a business and legal newspaper, where she wrote more than 500 stories about finance and real estate and development in Central Ohio. Since 2008, Melanie has worked on a freelance basis for several local entities, including Columbus Underground, where she is a featured writer. She also blogs about fashion, style, and pop culture at Thoroughly Modern Melly. Melanie is a graduate of The Ohio State University, lives in the Short North, and enjoys reading and running.