BY ANNA GUIDO
Enquirer Contributor
John Spinelli
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MASON -- A metamorphosis is under way at the Mason-Landen-Kings Chamber of Commerce.
Founded in 1968, the chamber's focus has been more social and civic, said Operations Director John Spinelli. Now, the organization intends to become a one-stop information center.
"They welcomed folks, made them feel comfortable and provided a certain array of benefits such as health insurance," Mr. Spinelli said. "But now, Warren County is the second-fastest-growing county in Ohio and that brings with it a whole new set of challenges."
The chamber plans to meet those challenges through creation of its new Business Resource and Information Center, which leaders want to be the county's top economic development organization. Behind the controls of the new center are Mr. Spinelli and center manager Michael Hammond, each with credentials in the economic development industry.
Before joining the chamber in February, Mr. Spinelli owned and operated the Red Tomato Deli & Cafe in Columbus; served on the Ohio Public Works Commission that administers millions of dollars in financing for local government; and was director of economic development for the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.
He promises big things from the Mason center.
It "will be the information backbone of our organization," he said.
The primary purpose of the chamber is to provide services and benefits for its more than 450 members.
Chamber President John Harris, who's been with the organization since the mid-1980s, said the impetus behind its creation had a lot to do with how the community has perceived the chamber's role over the years.
"We get all kinds of calls," Mr. Harris said. "We got a call recently from a woman who had a skunk in her window well and wanted to know how to get it out. Another time, somebody called here asking if we knew of any male strippers. The absence of information and the way we had to send people running here and there was a concern."
The Mason-Landen-Kings Chamber of Commerce is at 316 W. Main St. Telephone: 398-2188.
