Offered through local organization, Clermont 20/20, Inc., this popular program gives high-level business leaders a quick tour of the county's government, historical sites, educational opportunities, economic development programs, public safety and justice services, recreational opportunities and much more. They also get to meet and network with key officials, including local and state government leaders.

It all takes place in three sessions spread over three consecutive weeks: two evening sessions from 5:30 to 9:00, and one all-day tour from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This year's program will be conducted on Thursday, October 25, Friday, November 2 and Wednesday, November 7. Tuition is $1000 ($750 for not-for-profit organizations), and covers refreshments, program materials and transportation.

"First Impressions is designed specifically to fit the schedule of busy professionals who need to be acclimated to the community and networked quickly," says Cindy Jenkins, Executive Director of Clermont 20/20, Inc. "The purpose is to orient a new business leader to our community and to a network of community leaders on a fast track."

Started in 2002, First Impressions takes place once a year and is open to 30 people - 15 participants and their spouses. A main goal is to show business leaders how they can get involved in the community.

"That's very key to the mission of this organization," says Wayne Baughman, Director, Leadership Development for Clermont 20/20, Inc. "In addition to business leaders finding meaningful involvement in the community, they are quickly learning information about and meeting those individuals who are the decision makers in Clermont County, hence making them more effective in their role as a leader in their respective business."

Clermont 20/20, Inc. is a private organization that partners with the Chamber and other business and community leaders by bringing people and organizations together to improve the community. First Impressions is one of five leadership programs offered by Clermont 20/20.

For more information, please contact Wayne Baughman, Director of Leadership Development for Clermont 20/20, Inc. at 513-753-9222 or leadership@clermont2020.org.

The MRC Program includes 25 hours of comprehensive training in all aspects of solid waste and then volunteering 25 hours in the community to help raise awareness. The 25 hours of instruction take place over an 8 week period with classes meeting every Thursday evening starting September 13, 2007. There will also be two Saturday field trips.

Paul Braasch of the Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District encourages interested residents to contact the Clean and Green Program. "The MRC Program covers all facets of solid waste reduction. As our county continues to grow reducing solid waste will continue to be a priority. This is a great opportunity to become educated in the latest composting and recycling issues. This is a unique program, the first like it in the country," states Braasch.

The Master Recycler Composter Program is funded through the International Paper Company, Adam-Clermont Solid Waste District and the Ohio EPA Environmental Education Fund.

Class space is limited. For more information or to receive an application please contact the Clean and Green Program at 513-753-9222 or cleanandgreen@clermont2020.org.

Please plan to attend this opportunity to lunch and learn with your Congresswoman at the Holiday Inn Eastgate, 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM. The community is welcome at the same Chamber member price of $35. For further information or to register contact 513-576-5000 or use the web site.

Mark your calendar for Friday, August 24, 6:00 PM. Call your classmates and carpool up. If you join us for dinner, we need to know by Friday, August 17, and the cost of dinner is $20. Join us for the campfire, and it's as our guest! Please RSVP your intentions to attend, so we can plan accordingly for the refreshments! RSVP at 513-753-9222 or by e-mail at leadership@clermont2020.org.

For more information, visit their web site, or call Wendell McElwee at 513-528-2067.

For more information visit their web site.

Sunday, August 19 at 7:00 PM at SEM Villa, (201 Mound Avenue) Milford - this program will feature the Blue Chip Jazz Band (quintet) playing swing tunes of the 40's, 50's and 60's with an audience sing-along during the second half of the program. Song sheets will be provided.

All concerts are ADA accessible. Families of all ages are welcome. Join the crowd for two evenings of music in Clermont County. For further information, call 513-732-2561 or visit their website.

1. Do not procrastinate. There's no time better than the present to do what needs to be done.
2. Constantly prioritize your work and do the most important things first. Priorities count! Save less important tasks for times when you have caught up with your most urgent issues.
3. Don't wait for others to make the first move. When something needs to be done, just get out there and do it!
4. Be a participant, not a spectator. You'll achieve your professional and personal goals much more quickly, and you'll be a happier, more productive person.
5. Take advantage of opportunities quickly. Many opportunities are fleeting: act on them before someone else does, or before the chance to act slips away.
   
   Reference: Nelson, B. (1999, p.46). 1001 ways to take initiative at work. New York: Workman Publishing

Four Things Customers Never Forget

1. Customers do not forget attitudes.
   This includes the attitudes of everyone in your company they deal with - the receptionist, the secretary, even the driver or messenger who delivers your product to their office. Each member of your corporate team is an extension of the sales and customer service experience, and if any person has a sour attitude, or doesn't care about the customer, this will spoil the whole experience of your customer.
2. Customers never forget your promises.
   Your business is based on trust. When you lose a customer's trust, there is really no basis for continuing the business relationship.
3. Customers do not forget how you handle any issues or misunderstandings.
   Be aware that an issue or problem is always an opportunity for your customers to remember the professional way you handled an uncomfortable situation.
4. Customers never forget the small stuff.
   The best marketing tool available to you is your customer's satisfaction after the sale. You can really set yourself apart by becoming an after-the-sale customer champion.
   
   Reference: Cottrell, D. & Layton, M.C. (2006, p. 20- 22). Listen up! customer service: a guide to develop customer loyalty. Dallas: CornerStone Leadership Institute.

Leadership's Seven Daily Tasks

1. Direction: Negotiating the vision
2. Integration: Making stars a team
3. Mediation: Settling leadership conflicts
4. Education: Teaching the educated
5. Motivation: Moving other leaders
6. Representation: Leading outside the organization
7. Trust Creation: Capitalizing your leadership
   
   Reference: Salacuse, J.W. (2006, p. 64). Leading leaders: how to manage smart, talented, rich and powerful people. New York: Amacom.