Coffee Shop Etiquette

Is your local Panera Bread or Chick-fil-A now someone's office? It is in my neighborhood. And sometimes, the business chatter takes away from my enjoyment of lunch! It might be time to set some guidelines for those "coffee shop workers".

1. Don't spread out. Keep your work contained to a small table. You don't need a table for 6 - leave that for diners.
2. Buy something. A good rule of thumb is to buy one coffee or snack every hour you're there. Be a patron - not a squatter!
3. Be quiet. This is not the place for a long business call or loud conversations.
4. Don't overstay. Set a time limit. I heard that in some Panera Bread facilities, they cut off the internet at a set time.
5. Meet one or two people only. This is not free meeting space. Unless everyone is eating a meal, make other arrangements.
6. Tip! It's not necessary to add to the tip jar, but if you spend a lot of time at a certain restaurant, it's a good idea to be nice to the people behind the counter.

More and more restaurants have WiFi now, so it might be good to share the tips above. As our work becomes more mobile, we need to learn a new set of good manners!

Chamber News - 1-10-11

Congratulations to our NHCOC President Eric Daniel (Thompson Hine LLP) for being selected as a “Rising Star” Attorney by Super Lawyers. Ohio Super Lawyers name the "Rising Stars" based on independent voting from Ohio lawyers for the best up-and-coming lawyers they have personally observed in action. Only 2.5% of Ohio’s attorneys were named Rising Stars. Attorneys must be 40 years old or younger to receive this honor. Good work, Eric!

It’s easy for business people to “Get Connected” at Dos Coronas Mexican Restaurant (269 E. Highland, Macedonia 44056)! On Thursday, Jan. 20, 6-8 PM, area business people are invited to join new and existing Chamber members for an event designed to showcase our new members and acquaint others with all the benefits and savings of membership. New members (since July 2010) will have a display table and 3 minutes to present their products and/or services. Everyone will have the opportunity to expand their list of contacts through one-on-one conversations and even win a prize. Admission is $10; new members will also have a display table at their disposal. Refreshments and soft drinks are included. A cash bar is available. Any business contemplating joining this Chamber is strongly encouraged to attend – we’ll make it worth your time! Special discounts will be offered to new memberships that night. Please call the Chamber Office at 330-467-8956 to RSVP.

Are you ready to “Discover Nordonia Hills?” That’s the theme for the 19th Annual Community Expo. This year’s Expo (Saturday, March 26, 2011) is all about promoting the local products, services and resources. Are you looking for more exposure for your business? You can find more information or register now at www.nordoniahillschamber.org/expo . This is your chance to save some money on your booth registration - if you register before February 1st, you can take advantage of our Early Bird Discount! We are also offering discounts on Chamber Membership if you join while registering for the Expo! The 2011 Community Expo is brought to you by the Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Nordonia Hills City Schools, and co-promoted by The NewsLEADER. Our Platinum Sponsors to date are UH-Bedford Medical Center and WeatherKing. Jackson Comfort Systems is our first Gold Sponsor and South Pointe Hospital is returning as a Silver Sponsor. Bronze Sponsors include Hageman Pest Control, Allstate Insurance – Eisner Agency and SpiderCat Marketing. This is an event you don’t want to miss!