The health care in these communities is composed of a network of the most dedicated, well-educated, and highly skilled professionals in the nation. Their simple strategy consists of focusing all resources towards meeting the health care and service needs of every citizen, and ensuring their continued well-being and high quality of life.

The Kettering Medical Center, a comprehensive facility that includes two hospitals, a medical arts college and research capabilities, is a primary provider of medical services. Additionally, there are four other major hospitals serving the region.

Recent studies by the Primary Care Sub-Committee of the Miami Valley Health Improvement Council have been initiated in the region to address identified needs and develop priorities and appropriate health care implementation strategies. This action will provide health care officials with needed information concerning general health status, health care access, and health care utilization by area residents.

The Kettering/Moraine/Oakwood area also provides excellent fire and ambulance services with the most comprehensive emergency response services available as well.

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A number of innovative companies call Kettering, Moraine, Oakwood and the Miami Valley home. Nearly 1,000 high-technology companies operate in the region. The National Composite Center and Scitex Digital Imaging are right here in Kettering. The Miami Valley Research Park, one of the ten largest university-related parks in the U.S., is an attractive location for many companies.

There are more than 500,000 individuals in the labor force located within 30 miles of the tri-city area. Kettering itself boasts an unemployment rate of 3.1%, well below the national average and the lowest rate for Ohio cities since 1983 of more than 50,000 residents. The City of Kettering has access to some of the most educated and experienced workers in the United States. More than 20,000 scientists, engineers, computer specialists and technicians live and work in the Miami Valley.

One of the added attractions for businesses interested in this area is the outstanding reputation for solid city government. Through its ‘can-do’ attitude and economic incentive programs, Kettering has developed a reputation for being responsive to existing, expanding and relocating businesses. Kettering officials have a track record for solid financial management, which is one of the reasons the city is widely known as one of the best-run in Ohio.

Some of the most respected names in manufacturing and industry are proud to have a home here in Kettering. TRW, a world leader in research and manufacturing, employs 200 at its local facility. Bell Optical Lab, Inc., manufacturers of prescriptive lenses, has 175 employed here. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, a major defense services contractor, has 500 workers in Kettering. The General Motors Corporation, the region’s largest employer, has more than 20,000 workers at four nearby facilities. Other major industrial employers include NCR corporation and Ameritech, all with more than 1,000 workers.

Victoria’s Secret Catalogue Order Center, with over 1,250 employees, is one of the largest specialized service companies in Kettering. GE Capital has 1,200 working at its Bank Credit Card Calling Center, and the Kettering Medical Center Medical Services Campus employs 3,200 professionals here in town.

The tri-city area’s reputation for progressive industry and innovation is visible in the companies that currently operate in the area. The Miami Valley Research Park, located primarily in Kettering, is an example of the city’s commitment to quality and economic growth.

Whether for relocation or investment, the Kettering area is one of the most attractive and rewarding for business and industry in all of Ohio.

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Our goals for 1999-2000 have been established at our annual board retreat. With that information in our minds, we will move into the new millennium with anticipation.

This, our 42nd year, promises to be an exciting one, both for the Chamber and Baord of Directors. I am personally looking forward to the new year as I accept the president's position. We have some new ideas and an energetic board to carry those ideas to completion.

The Ketttering/Moraine/Oakwood Area Chamber, as in the past, will be committed to serving the businesses in our areas. We will eagerly recruit new members and have special focus on retaining existing members, who are indeed the backbone of this organization.

The KMO Cahmber needs and wants the support of its membership, and we welcome your input. It is the wish of the presidency that you, in the business community, see the worth of this Chamber and become participants in our endeavors.

Robert D. Hoopes
Owner, Sales
New England Financial

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