News
North Valley Bank announces Chris Olney as President, effective September 1
Thursday, September 10, 2026 For Immediate ReleaseNorth Valley Bancshares and North Valley Bank are pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Olney to President, effective September 1, 2026. Chris joined North Valley Bank in 2017 and most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit and Risk Officer. During his tenure, he has been an integral member of the leadership team and has played a significant role in the growth, performance, and strategic direction of our organization. A lifelong
Licking County #1 Nationally for Job Growth
Licking County No. 1 Nationally for Job Growth as Columbus Region Continues Midwest Leadership Newark, Ohio — Licking County recorded the highest year-over-year employment growth among the nation’s 376 largest counties, according to newly released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, further demonstrating the county’s role in the continued economic momentum of Ohio and the Columbus Region.Employment in Licking County grew 3.6% from March 2025 to March 2026, adding approximately 2,700 jobs and
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Understanding the Impact of Data Center Growth
With several data centers already operating or under development in Licking County - and additional projects being considered - it is important for community and business leaders to understand both the opportunities and the challenges associated with this rapidly growing industry. At a recent discussion, representatives from the Montrose Group provided an overview of national data center trends and the potential economic and community impacts of these projects. John Seryak, founder and Managing Partner
How Licking County Small Business Owners Can Take Control of Tax Season
Tax filing is one of the most consequential obligations a small business owner faces — and one of the most time-consuming. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the IRS estimates business taxpayers will average 24 hours on tax prep for 2024, with recordkeeping consuming the most time of any single task. For business owners in Licking County, that time investment is worth making carefully — because the most common tax mistakes don't surface until you're past the point where they're easy to fix.Know
How Employers Can Build Onboarding Packets That Build Confidence From Day One
Employers across Licking County know that a strong first impression shapes how long new hires stay and how quickly they contribute. An onboarding packet is often the first structured signal of what a workplace values. Done well, it clarifies expectations, reduces new-hire anxiety, and accelerates ramp-up. Learn below about: How to craft packets that create clarity and belonging Essential components to include Guidance for remote and on-site teams Tools and pacing strategies that make onboarding
Opening a Franchise: Essential Factors Every Licking County Entrepreneur Should Weigh
Opening a franchise can be one of the most rewarding business decisions you’ll ever make. But it’s not just about picking a recognizable name and signing paperwork — it’s about aligning your resources, values, and local market understanding. For members of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, this means balancing community needs with smart operational design.TL;DR Franchising offers a proven model — but local market realities, financial readiness, and structural decisions will define your
Building Customer Loyalty in the Subscription Era: How Local Businesses Can Keep Members Engaged for the Long Run
The New Challenge for Businesses In Licking County and beyond, small businesses and service providers are shifting toward subscription models — gyms, coffee clubs, software suites, and even car washes now thrive on recurring relationships rather than one-off sales. The challenge? Turning renewals into relationships that last.TL;DR Loyal customers stay when businesses deliver: Consistent value they can count on. Personalized experiences that make them feel seen. Seamless renewals that remove
Healthy Cash Flow, Healthy Business: Smart Money Habits for Entrepreneurs
Running a small business means juggling multiple priorities — customers, employees, suppliers, and that all-important lifeblood: cash flow. Even profitable businesses can falter if their cash inflows and outflows aren’t well-managed. The goal isn’t just to stay afloat — it’s to create financial stability that fuels growth, resilience, and opportunity. TL;DR Healthy cash flow means more than paying bills on time. It’s about forecasting, invoicing consistently, building cushions for slow months, and
From Zero to Memorable: What Every Small Business Needs to Know About Branding
Building a small business from scratch is a wild mix of vision, adrenaline, and about twenty tabs open in your brain at once. Somewhere between launching a product and trying to get your first customer, there’s one foundational piece that either sets you apart—or leaves you floating in a sea of sameness: your brand. Branding isn’t your logo. It’s not just your font or your favorite shade of teal. It’s the memory you leave behind after someone interacts with your business. And when you’re small, those
Moments That Matter: Turning Small Business Milestones into Magnetic Marketing
When a small business reaches a milestone—be it its fifth anniversary, 10,000th customer, or even a modest product relaunch—it’s more than a private achievement. It’s a spotlight moment, a signal flare in the market’s sky. In the hustle of daily operations, it’s easy to treat milestones as mere checkmarks on a timeline. But with the right strategy, they become compelling chapters in a larger narrative, each one capable of engaging customers, media, and even competitors. Make It About Your People, Not
