There have been plenty of accomplishments for members of the Jackson Area Chamber Of Commerce to become excited about over the past decade.

Very few events have had such a positive impact on the Jackson County business community as the establishment in 1998 of the Jackson County Spring Showcase business exhibition.

"This has proven to be one of the most successful ideas ever undertaken by the Jackson Area Chamber Of Commerce," said Randy Heath, the executive director of the chamber since 1996 who originated the idea for the show after seeing how other chambers in Ohio had been successful with the idea.

"It has been so valuable to the exhibitors because it gives them exposure that is invaluable over just a three-day period," noted Heath. "It is valuable to the chamber as it has become our biggest fund-raiser and we are still able to give so much in return."

Heath says for many of the exhibitors, who have smaller businesses, the exposure some receive in one weekend is more than they might gain the entire year.

"The public certainly looks forward to the event each year and it is a tribute to the Jackson County business community that they continue to improve on the appearance of their exhibits and their generosity in their prizes that makes the event the success it has been year after year," he remarked.

Those visiting have enjoyed the opportunity of registering for many free gifts as well as learning more about the many services and products available in the Jackson area. Nearly $50,000 in prizes has been given away since the event began.

The event has grown in its seven years to include over 60 business exhibitors for the weekend show and between 1,300 and 17,000 patrons in attendance, including those visiting the event as well as those who work at the event.

The first big project undertaken by Heath when he became the chamber's executive director was to raise money for Christmas decorations for the business district of Jackson. The business district had gone for years with no decorations for the holidays after decorations used in previous years had worn out and were not replaced.

The success of the effort has grown to such large proportions that community groups are now needed to assist in the effort as nearly 90 utility pole decorations have been purchased the current value of the decorations in place is $53,000.

In 2001, the chamber developed the first-ever Community Profile Book for Jackson County, which serves as a valuable tool for prospective industries and businesses looking to locate in Jackson County, for those re-locating to the area or those just wishing to visit.

In 2004, the dawning of www.jacksonohio.org, our official Chamber of Commerce web site is becoming one of the premier and most comprehensive chamber web sites in Ohio.

These are just a few samples of the success stories of the Jackson Area Chamber Of Commerce for its members and the community as a whole, and hopefully there are many, many more to come.