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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — If any Clark County business owner is planning to hire new employees, invest in the business, train new or existing staff members or increase existing space, David Zak and his team want to know.

Zak, vice president of economic development for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, implemented the HITS program — hiring, investment, training or space — in January 2008 with the goal of contacting 1,000 Clark County businesses by the end of the year.

The program was created to function as a customer service delivery system for area businesses to help them meet needs and control costs in the four HITS categories.

By using the no-cost consulting services provide by the HITS team, businesses can get information regarding tax breaks, grants, financing, site selection and workforce training.

Zak runs a team that includes representatives from the city of Springfield, WorkPlus, the Small Business Development Center, Clark State Community College and Clark County Department of Job and Family Services.

As of July 1, the program had connected with 355 area businesses and helped more than 70.

"We are where we want to be right now," Zak said.

The program has identified 49 company projects this year with more than $8.3 million in new investment, more than 300 new jobs and more than 2000 retained jobs.

Why it works

Before he was a part of the Chamber, Zak experienced a survey program that required businesses to answer 140 questions before consulting could begin.

"So many of those questions did not directly address need of businesses," he said.

This program works, he said, because the consulting process has been streamlined. It begins with only four questions that business owners can answer in minutes.

The HITS team asks if the business needs assistance with hiring, investment, training or space.

Once it is determined a business needs help with one or more areas within HITS, the information is shared with the team and then only the necessary members contact the business owner.

The HITS team uses Salesforce.com, a Web-based customer relationship management software-as-a-service program. Everyone on the team has access to common information and can add to the files as they work with HITS clients.

"As I'm speaking with an employer, I'm asking the HITS questions. If they have a hiring need, I take action. Other needs are forwarded to other HITS partners," said team member Amy Donahoe.

The result has been few overlapping contacts and conversations, which saves everyone time and money, bringing only the necessary services to business owners.

"Business people are inundated with so many people doing the same thing. Our database allows us to be efficient and effective," said team member Duane Hodge.

Big wins

While the HITS program works for Clark County businesses regardless of their size, the most recent gains have come for some of the area's larger employers.

Konecranes recently received a 50 percent job creation tax credit valued at $158,620 during a six-year term to expand operations. The $3 million project, a proposed 24,360-square-foot addition to its existing 15,200-square-foot facility, is expected to create 34 jobs and retain 178 positions within the first three years.

The Sutphen Corporation recently received a 45 percent tax credit valued at $72,495 during a five-year term to expand operations at two facilities. The $900,000 project is expected to create 30 jobs and retain 76 positions within its first three years.

Teikuro's $3.4 million expansion was made possible with a $200,000 incentive package that included a $50,000 state job creation tax credit, a $25,000 Rapid Outreach grant and a $136,000 sales tax savings.

Springfield also gave them a 60 percent, 10-year enterprise zone tax exemption worth $77,000.

HITS consultants helped the three companies save significant money through the tax exemptions, training grants and recruitment services at the state and local level.

"We've saved those three companies alone over $1 million over the next 10 years," Zak said.

The program is also credited for fostering relationships between businesses.

Tracy Tackett, Chamber ambassador and marketing manager for Texas Roadhouse, said she has contacted businesses to see if they need HITS assistance and established relationships that directly benefit her restaurant and other businesses.

"This is a great networking tool," she said, "it took me to GFS, a business we regularly support and helped build a new relationship within the local business community."

The program is already more successful than similar programs in larger markets. Dayton's BusinessFirst program has surveyed approximately 300 businesses a year since its inception in 1999. In three years and at a cost of $585,000, an award-winning program contacted 175 businesses and helped 48 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

"Our goal is to have an award-winning program ... and one that provides significant value to our businesses," Zak said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.