| Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell Speaks at Chamber Luncheon |
| Wednesday, May 7, 2003 12:34:32 PM - Middletown Ohio |
For more information call: Dick Slagle or Karen Carroll at 513-422-4551
OHIO SECRETARY OF STATE KENNETH BLACKWELL SPEAKS AT CHAMBER LUNCHEON
Mid-Miami Valley Chamber members and guests held their monthly luncheon to network and hear remarks by Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell who spoke on the subject “Cornerstone of Citizenship: Character.”
Secretary of State Blackwell issued a “call to character” which he translated as a “call to engagement” challenging those in the meeting to get involved in building their community by demonstrating strong character and moral values. “If you want safer neighborhoods or better schools” you must be involved. He further stated that today’s leaders are expected to be able to inspire, create opportunities, and be capable of pulling people together.
In answer to a question from a listener, he said the often misunderstood “separation of church and state” was addressed by the writers of the constitution through their original intent to protect religious freedom, meaning there would be no one “state church.”
Another questioner brought up often misleading ballot language. Secretary Blackwell explained that the problem was being addressed at the state level for future ballots.
In response to a question about the state budget, Blackwell explained that even the “most austere” budget being discussed at the state level is 8 percent above the past bi-annual budget.
Blackwell told listeners that a diversified work force helped any company gain a competitive advantage. A widely diverse group also had widely diverse contacts in their private lives and could influence a larger number of people because of their diversity.
Four Chamber members were honored during the program for long years of business service to the Mid-Miami Valley. B D Morgan, Middletown Senior Citizens, Mount Pleasant Retirement Village and Middletown Christian Schools were given plaques.
The next luncheon meeting will be on Thursday, June 5, from 11:45am to 1:15pm when Barbara Barrett of the U S Department of Labor will speak on the topic “Not Knowing the Child Labor Laws Can Be Very Costly.”
The monthly luncheons are sponsored by PCC Internet Group with special help from Butler Tech.
To make reservations, call the Chamber at 513-422-4551 or visit the chamber website at www.mmvchamber.org. Cost for members is $15 if prepaid, $18 at the door. Non- members pay $30.
Story Contributed By Ann Mort |
| |
|
