POSTMASTER: TIMELY MATERIAL. PLEASE EXPEDITE. Standard Mail U.S. Postage Paid Tiffin, OH 44883 Permit #88 Celebrating 15 Years of Service APRIL 2009 Vol. 15 No. 4 Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc. “The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties” INSIDE THIS MONTH Open Your Eyes and FOCUS .......2 Legal: Second Marriages .........7 Estate Planning: Tax and Retirement Planning Deadlines..........9 IT: Spring Showers and Cleaning ......... 21 Sales: Take the Order and Run? ........ 23 Accounting: How to Protect Against Theft ................ 25 Business Books: The Well-Booked Business ........... 27 ON SANDUSKY COUNTY 2008 Annual Report to the Citizens of Fremont Excerpted from Fremont Mayor Terry Overmyer’s State of the City Address in February of this year. It is my honor and privilege to present for the 17th time the State of the City Address. Good evening members of the Fremont City Council, Department Heads and City Staff as well as members and friends of the City of Fremont. You know, I really look forward to this speech each year. That’s because in my job as Mayor, it’s easy sometimes to get caught up in the day to day routine. Preparing for this speech gives me a chance to pause, not only to look back at what we’ve accomplished together as a community, but also to look ahead to where we are going. Fremont City Council and I have been given the opportunity to serve all of you, and it is both an exhilarating and a humbling challenge. I’m proud to report on the opportunities and accomplishments of the past year and to share some exciting prospects for our immediate future. Every morning we wake up to the difficult realities facing America, whether we’re talking about foreclosures or gas prices, or war in Iraq. There are issues and challenges to this country, and like every other community in America, we in Fremont have our challenges too, but I sincerely believe we are making progress. As we reflect on 2008, we can say with great certainty that this past year was a time of contrasts. Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce Genoa Chamber of Commerce FOCUS www.ncbj.net Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce It was a very good year in many ways and a difficult year in other ways. During November, our nation held an historic election for President of the United States. Last month a 47-year-old son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas become the first AfricanAmerican to reach the nation’s highest office. This should make us all stop and count our blessings - because it proves that we live in a nation where anything is possible. I mentioned in the State of the City Address last year that we needed to be a City that values the role education will play in taking us to the next level by making sure that the next generation is ready to take advantage of the opportunities we are creating for them. I am so proud of this community showing their support by passing the 5 year renewal Fremont School District’s Income Tax Levy in March and then in November by passing the new Middle School - Ohio School Facilities Funding levy proposal. It’s an exciting time in Fremont.The recent launch of our upgraded website has successfully united all City Departments and divisions in one location, www.fremontohio. org. The result of this new website has been incredible as citizens flock to use the new interactive services available at a click of a mouse. We wanted our Economic Development Report for 2008 Michael Jay Economic Development Director The nation’s recession has greatly affected the economic development activities in Fremont and Sandusky County during the past 12 months. One project worth noting involves an Ohio Department of Development prospect. A Japanese auto parts manufacturer had a very serious interest in locating in Bark Creek Center. ODOD generated the lead on July 16, 2008 and we were able to meet the requirements in the project specifications. Site selection representatives and engineers from the Japanese company visited the site on July 25, 2008. They returned two more times with consultants and engineering firms to study the building and gather additional data. Fremont became the premier site in Ohio competing against two other states. A fourth visit was scheduled for October 22, 2008. The President of the company and an entourage of his top executives were coming to evaluate the site before making a final decision. Unfortunately, they cancelled their trip one week before the visit. They said because of the downturn of our nation’s economy, the project has been postponed. This was to be their first plant built in the United States. I worked with another overseas company looking to locate their first plant in the United States. Moventas, Inc. from Finland had narrowed their multi-state search to three locations; the former EPCO building in Fremont, and sites in Wisconsin and Iowa. After working seven months to land this manufacturer of windmill gear boxes, Moventas decided to set-up shop in Wisconsin. Although disappointed in their decision, the efforts we put forth to attract this company made us a stronger community for future prospects. Continued on page 3... Huron Chamber of Commerce Continued on page 4... Vermilion Chamber of Commerce We’re a proud member of the following: Elmore Chamber of Commerce Milan Chamber of Commerce Put-in-Bay Chamber Oak Harbor Area of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Erie County Chamber of Sandusky County of Commerce Marblehead Peninsula Norwalk - Huron County Tiffin Area Chamber Willard Area Chamber Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce of Commerce of Commerce 2 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal facilitators keep the group focused (hence the name) on the subject and toward the outcomes that only they know you seek. Visualize a funnel -focus groups start broad, then carefully narrow in (or focus) on the desired information goals. A number of years ago, a major glassware company wanted to learn more about their brand image. Focus groups invited women to research centers under the auspices of talking about entertaining at home. Over the course of the session (about 2 hours,) the facilitator narrowed the group’s discussion from entertaining at home, to types of entertaining (casual/formal), to who they entertained, what rooms of the house they entertained in, what types of food they served, what beverages they served, what kind of glassware they used for the beverages, what brands of glassware they were aware of, where they shopped for glassware, what brands they bought and what they thought of different glassware brands in terms of price, quality, and styling. Can you see how she controlled the “focusing?” Can you imagine the new insight the client gained about their image? What results would we have obtained if we had just started with traditional research. With a question like “What do you think is XYZ Glassware’s image?” Last general rule -- you’ll need to do more than one focus group – to not only help verify insight from earlier groups but also to follow up and possibly expand on findings and ideas generated from those groups. And, if your product has national distribution, you may want to recruit from different geographical areas to allow for any regional differences. Sometimes focus groups confirm www.ncbj.net many things you already know. And that’s good. Or they tell you some bad things you didn’t expect to hear. And that’s good. And every so often, they tell you things you had no idea customers were thinking about. And that’s really good! A leading vacuum cleaner company had just spent millions of dollars extolling the suction power of their electric motors. With focus groups they learned that many women judged that carpets were clean, not by the motor’s size, but by seeing the intricate patterns left by the beater brushes. The many “swirl marks” in the carpet engendered a feeling that the vacuum cleaner was doing a good cleaning job. This perception was reality. Future television commercials zeroed in on the beautiful swirl patterns made after each pass of the brand’s sweeper. Focus groups told a leading coffee maker company that one of the machine’s least-expensive parts – a 2 cent LED indicating when the coffeemaker was on – was rated by consumers as one of its most important features. It was a safety feature unique to their brand at the time, but one they had never promoted. They made an immediate packaging change, highlighting this benefit on the front of the box. In conclusion, every good marketing plan should be based on the customer, and begin with their insight. Focus groups can be a valuable tool in helping you gain that insight. Ask the right questions of the right people in the right way, listen and you’ll learn a lot. Just stay focused. well as their perceptions of you and your competition. Focus groups should be exploratory and qualitative in nature – they should never be used for projectable research. If you need to By Jeffrey H. Bryden, Editor know whether 25% of Last month we discussed the your target market will buy your conduct quantitative importance of listening to your product, customers and using their personal research with adequate sample size comments, phone calls, (another article.) Focus groups are intended to give correspondence and e-mails to learn of their likes and dislikes. And then you “soft” information – likes and of using real customers as your media dislikes, feelings and thoughts. They “disciples” – to spread the gospel of can give you product insight – what they value, what they don’t. Why your brand. Of course, this was assuming you’ve they buy some brands and not others. been in contact with customers. But Why they shop at one store, but if you’re new in business or you’re never at another. People can paint thinking of offering a new product or word pictures and assign personalities service – you have no consumer input to brands or stores. And, they can to work with. So, it’s time for you to give you valuable insight. Is focus group research right for focus, using research! Focus groups (usually groups of 8-12 you? It can be priceless, if it’s done unrelated people who represent your properly. First of all, the people in customer base or prospect base) can the groups need to be recruited be a valuable source of untainted, professionally – to truly represent honest opinions about their needs as your customer/prospect demographics and to eliminate possible bias from anyone related to or associated with competitors. Next, they need to be moderated or facilitated by a professional. Trained moderators “The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, know how to put a Sandusky and Seneca Counties” group at ease, and how 205 S.E. Catawba Road, Suite G, to elicit response from Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 shy members of the 419-734-4838 • Fax 419-734-5382 group while tempering and controlling any Publisher JOHN SCHAFFNER domineering members. Editor JEFFREY H. BRYDEN These professional This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Director of Sales Creative Services Manager Accounting Manager Layout & Graphic Design Circulation Manager DAVE KAHLER This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it HEIDI RIFE This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it CINDY CONSTIEN This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it JENNIFER DAUBEL This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it BRUCE DINSE Open Your Eyes… Now Focus. Small Business Basics Seminars Set for April The Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra Community College is offering free, twohour seminars, “Small Business Basics,” that will answer questions about starting, buying or expanding a small business. This seminar will take the confusion out of your efforts and help you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary steps. Learn the basics of: name registration, licensing, taxes, zoning, business entities, employees, insurance, financing and business planning. The April schedule is: Wednesday, April 8 – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce (conference room), 62 S. Washington St., Tiffin Wednesday, April 15 – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Erie County Chamber of Commerce (conference room), 225 W. Washington Row, Sandusky Wednesday, April 22 – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Terra Community College (Building B, Room 101), 2830 Napoleon Road, Fremont These events are free and open to the public. To register or for more information, call Bill Auxter, Director of the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra Community College, toll-free 800-826-2431 or 419-559-2210. Or contact him by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . North Coast Business Journal is owned and published monthly by Schaffner Publications, Inc., and is mailed free to chamber of commerce members in a five-county area: Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties. The editorial deadline is the 25th of each month, with the advertising deadline the end of each month. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed, written consent of the Publishers. We welcome submissions from readers in the form of letters, articles or photographs, although we reserve the right to edit and condense any articles submitted. Submissions should be sent to the editor at the above address. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you would like an item returned. We prefer material (copy & photos) to be submitted electronically. www.ncbj.net Annual Report Continued from Cover... citizens to have an easy and convenient way to communicate with City offices, access government information, and transact business online. Each year, we get thousands of phone calls and e-mails, letters and other requests from people looking for help. Many are handled well. But too often, the caller is confronted by a system that does not value their time or their intelligence. Worse yet, if someone does get through to the right person, we often have no way of knowing whether their problem was solved and the loop closed. That’s why on May 27, 2008 we started E-Gov. Citizens now have the ability to visit our website and request a service, report a problem, view an online calendar of events or download a City document. The interaction between City officials and the citizen is kept in a database and is accessible at anytime. A report can be generated on the activity so all parties know exactly what is happening with a request for service or reported problem. 2009 will bring greater recognition for the City of Fremont through a marketing effort that includes a new web page tool to better brand the community’s tremendous attributes and provide greater connectivity to residents. A new video link that combines form and function delivers a fresh, new look that captures the spirit of our community. Six one-minute videos will showcase the assets and attributes that Fremont has to offer to its residents, visitors and business community. The videos will include a welcome from me and information on the educational systems, downtown, sports & recreation, quality of life and real estate. Ohio Magazine sponsors an annual Ohio’s Best Hometown competition. The editors evaluate submittals from Ohio communities and choose one winner from the northwest, northeast, southwest, southeast and central parts of the State. The submittals must show evidence why they are the best community when it comes to education, health & safety, heritage, arts & culture, and business. Sandusky County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spearheaded an effort of community leaders to submit a proposal for Fremont. Although Perrysburg was the Northwest Ohio winner, a very nice promotional piece that can be used to attract business to Fremont resulted in the attempt to win the recognition for Fremont. Progress is also evident in the heart of downtown, where last year a number of exciting new events took place. The biggest surprise has been the Farmers Markets on Front Street this past summer. These events were a great success as fresh baked goods, produce, meats, cheeses and plants were brought to our downtown. Plans are already in the works for 2009 which begins on June 20, 2009. The Farmers Markets has not only provided good health choices for food, but also a great opportunity for the community to gather and share friendships. My thanks to those who organize these events and North Coast Business Journal Downtown Fremont, Inc. headed by Executive Director, Angie Morelock, who is in attendance tonight and assisted in tying this project altogether. In today’s economic climate it is important that everyone be careful with their resources and wise about expenditures. I encourage Fremont residents and businesses to shop in Fremont. Every little bit helps such as doing your weekly grocery shopping here, choosing to eat out at Fremont restaurants, purchasing big ticket items like American made vehicles from local auto dealerships, and by investing in the real estate opportunities in our community. Shopping in Fremont helps the strength and vitality of our City. 2008 saw much activity involving studies, planning, designing, and obtaining the necessary permits for construction of the Fremont Reservoir. Environmental assessments, endangered species habitat evaluations, historical and archeological studies were just some of the actions that had to be completed to get the project approved by the regulatory agencies. Time does not allow me to go over every City Department accomplishments for 2008. My written annual report will have much more information. Income Tax collected last year totaled $7,465,937. This was a $330,469 or 4.24% decrease over 2007. Here is the breakdown on these numbers: Withholding Tax Collections totaled $6,118,014 up $97,018. This represents people working within the City Limits. Individual Tax Collections totaled $700,357 up $6,795. This represents people who work outside of Fremont but live within the City Limits. Business Tax Collections were $604,235 which was down $427,332 over 2007. This represents profits that the businesses made inside City Limits. One major company restructured their tax entities that equaled $225,000 of the $427,332 loss. It is clear to me that the strength of this City lies in its people. The collective efforts of City Council, our citizens, and our businesses have helped us to accomplish our many successes. All of these accomplishments do not tell the whole picture of what we completed in 2008, but I want to focus now on the year ahead. Considerable uncertainty lies ahead in 2009. These uncertainties extend not only through our local economy, but throughout the nation as well. Everywhere we turn we hear about a weakened economy, difficulty in the real estate market, a faltering stock market, and high oil prices all adding up to a tightening in consumer spending, which in turn, creates a domino effect that affects the City. The City has and continues to search for additional revenue streams, recognizing that there are minimal opportunities for additional dollars but doing our best to identify and act on opportunities when they occur. As we began the budget process; I challenged all of my Department Heads to search for efficiencies and consolidations where appropriate. We will look for new April 2009 3 4 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal community and it is all related to hard work and a team effort. I believe I speak for my colleagues on City Council when I pledge to you that we will continue to work hard to provide leadership for this City. There is no doubt that there will be difficult decisions that will need to be made as we move forward in this New Year. I value the efforts of our Department Heads, all of whom take a serious approach to their responsibilities and I also appreciate the work effort of our City employees who work for our residents. While I am the one who gets to deliver the State of the City, I know that our success is certainly not about me. It’s not even just about City Hall. The well being of the City is very dependent on the makeup and character of its citizens. Once again I feel we are very fortunate in those who have chosen to make Fremont their home. As City leaders we appreciate the support and positive input that we receive. I know that many good and charitable acts are performed every day just neighbor to neighbor. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to report that, the state of our City is well positioned to weather the downturn of the national economy. www.ncbj.net Economic Development Continued from Cover... CURWOOD INC. Curwood Inc., a division of Bemis Company, Inc., announced plans on August 5, 2008 to expand its operations in Fremont. Curwood is a preferred supplier of innovation packaging materials and systems for the food, beverage, household, industrial and personal care industries. Growth in their existing product lines as well as the development and production of new packaging for the meat, cheese and coffee markets caused the need for additional space, equipment and people. The Fremont facility was competing against Bemis divisions in two other states for the expansion project. Because of the Fremont plant’s excellent safety performance and positive workforce attitude, the decision was made to make the investment here. An additional 128,000 sq. ft. is being added to the existing 80,000 sq. ft. building.New equipment will be delivered during the first quarter of 2009. Fifty new jobs will be added to the existing 141 employees. The construction cost is estimated at $6.5 million and the new machinery and equipment will cost $4 million. A 75% real property tax abatement for 15 years was offered to Curwood. In exchange for the incentive, Curwood will be making an annual $20,600 contribution to the schools during the term of the abatement. The State of Ohio also prepared an incentive package to convince Bemis the expansion project should be done in Fremont, Ohio. FREMONT ENERGY CENTER On January 31, 2008, FirstEnergy Corp. announced the United States Bankruptcy Court approved the purchase by its subsidiary, FirstEnergy Generation Corp. of the partially completed Fremont Energy Center. The January 28, 2008 auction attracted multiple bidders and FirstEnergy’s bid of $253.6 million bettered the next highest bidder by $500,000. Calpine Corp. had invested approximately $304.2 million in construction of the facility before they went bankrupt. The goal for FirstEnergy was to have the 707-megawatt natural gas, combinedcycle generating plant completed and operating by the end of 2009. Well over 200 skilled craftsmen were hired and construction resumed at the site. On December 3, 2008, FirstEnergy’s Executive Vice President & President of Generation, called the Mayor and Economic Development Director to announce they will be pushing the project back two years and will be laying off 200 ways to close any gaps without reducing the level of services that our citizens have come to expect. This will not be an easy task. It’s no secret these are harder times. And we collectively have challenges in front of us. But we’ve been through difficult times as a City before, and together we have risen to the occasion, and have become stronger for it. The following projects will be part of the 2009 budget for City Council approval: • Start Construction Fremont City Reservoir • Master Plan Engineering Improvements WPCC • CDBG Curb Improvements • Fifth St. Hill Improvements from State St. to Pine St. • Two Sidewalk Replacement Programs • Engineering Garrison St. Sewer Long Term Control Plan As you can see our project list is not as big as in years past. This could change depending on the details of President Obama’s stimulus package and the grants that may be available to Fremont. We will focus more on engineering this year so we as a City will be in a better position if these funds become available. In closing, progress continues in our We know small business insurance. We should — we’re small business owners too. And although we’re small enough to care about you, we’re experienced enough to serve you. We understand that just like every industry is unique, so is every business. We have the experience and resources available to answer your questions and provide useful coverage options. To see why so many local businesses turn to us, call Diversified Insurance Service today. Take control of your print fleet, and watch your profits and productivity soar! Introducing optimize. manage. improve. PagePilot™ is RS’ new all-inclusive program that gives your business the control to optimize your print infrastructure, manage its print environment and improve efficiency and workflow, all while saving up to 40% annually! Call us today at 800.516.7321 for your no-obligation print assessment. 1-800-848-2788 www.divinsurance.com Serving Northwest Ohio with offices in Elmore, Port Clinton, Fremont, and Whitehouse. www.ncbj.net craftsmen that afternoon. The economic recession has caused a sharp decline in demand for industrial, commercial and residential power. Limited critical activity will be continued at the site with some employees being retained. If the economy makes a drastic change for the better, construction could resume earlier than expected. CLAUSS CUTLERY PROPERTY The former Clauss Cutlery site on N. Prospect Street has been closed and abandoned since 2004. Studies were conducted immediately after the facility closed to determine whether there may be releases of hazardous substances on or around the site as a result of previous operations. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metals were found. VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, such as paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies and other materials. The primary constituent detected in soil and groundwater is Trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE was an industrial solvent commonly used for degreasing from the 1940s to the 1970s. The owner of the property, Alco Industries, Inc., has been working with the City of Fremont to address the environmental concerns. With the assistance of Alco, Partners Environmental, ERM and Frantz Ward, LLP, the City of Fremont submitted a $2 million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund (CORF) grant application to the Ohio Department of Development. The City was notified on December 17, 2008 that it was successful in receiving the grant. It is a requirement of the grant that the Clauss site become the property of the City of Fremont. A Property Transfer and Development Agreement has been entered into by the City and Alco. The site will become the City’s property in early 2009. All cleanup cost above the $2 million CORF grant will be the responsibility of Alco. The clean up will be completed within three years at which time the City will be able to redevelopment the property. Three CAD students from the Tech Center have chosen to do their senior capstone project on drawing plans for redeveloping the Clauss Cutlery site. City of Fremont’s Engineer and Economic Development Departments are working with the students. PHYSICIAN’S CHOICE HOSPITAL, LLC Dr. Jerome McTague, MD, JD and Dr. John J. Wukie, DO are investing in the development of Physician’s Choice Hospital on Enterprise St. off SR 53. Features of the new hospital will include private rooms with natural lighting, round-the-clock food service and a coffee house in the lobby. Groundbreaking took place on October 17, 2008 with a completion date slated for May 2009. The 11,000 sq. ft. one-story hospital will cost $7 million to build, equip and staff. Up to 40 new jobs will be created. The state-of-the-art hospital will be equipped with flat screen TVs, electronic medical records, and digital radiography and CT scans. DOWNTOWN FREMONT Activity continues to flourish in Downtown Fremont. Under the leadership of Downtown Fremont, Inc.’s executive director and many volunteers, the Farmer’s Markets continued to attract hundreds of visitors to the historic district. Held every third Saturday of the month beginning in June, the 3rd Annual Farmer’s Market added a fifth market in October. A special event was held during each of the markets and sponsorships continued to grow. Ralph’s Joy of Living became the title sponsor of the markets. Carbo Forge sponsored the Service Club Olympics and Croghan Colonial Bank North Coast Business Journal sponsored the Creative Construction Contest. The car show held during the first market in June was sponsored by Fremont Federal Credit Union and Memorial Hospital sponsored the scarecrow decorating contest. After a successful five-year run with Holiday DeLights, the event which was held at Rodger Young Park each December did not take place in 2008. The company that had contracted with Downtown Fremont, Inc. to provide the displays has shifted their focus to larger markets. Downtown Fremont had a five-year contract which expired December 2007. Over the course of the event, more than 10,000 cars visited the light displays with an estimated 50,000 visitors. The event also raised more than $65,000 for Downtown Fremont which went toward downtown revitalization efforts. The City of Fremont has been enduring years of frustration trying to work with the Jackson Annex owner to rehabilitate or sell the building. Finally, the building located at the corner of Arch St. and Birchard Ave. was purchased in 2008 by Morton Properties LLC with intentions to develop the building. Other events that took place in downtown during 2008 included a Candlelight Christmas Open House from November 13-16 where carolers and individual store activities were plentiful for the visitors shopping in downtown. Santa Claus made scheduled appearances in the “Little Santa House” located on Croghan Street across from Croghan Colonial Bank. The Festival of Lights Parade made its way through downtown under the coordination of class members from Leadership Sandusky County. Before the parade, horse and carriage rides were available, live music played and a taste of the season was held in stores which included wines, coffees, teas, chocolates, cocoa and gourmet treats. KF-6 KF Ventures, Ltd. completed the construction of a $3,150,000 facility in Fremont North Industrial Park in March 2008. Positioned on 8.2 acres, this building will be used to attract a manufacturing, warehousing or distribution company. The 126,000 sq. ft. building has rail access and is available for sale or lease. It is currently being used as a warehouse and distribution center and 4 new employees run the operation. FREMONT OHIO’S WEBSITE The City of Fremont’s website continues to be an important media in communicating to the world. On June 5, 2008, an enhanced w w w. fremontohio.org website went live. Deb Hellman with WAMH Design, LLC contributed to the success of this project. E-GOV With the addition of E-Gov, the City of Fremont’s website has become more interactive. Citizens now April 2009 5 have the ability to visit the website and request a service, report a problem, view an online calendar of events or download a City document. The interaction between City officials and the citizen is kept in a database and is accessible at anytime. A report can be generated on the activity so all parties know exactly what is happening with a request for service or reported problem. The program started on May 27, 2008 and 152 action items were generated through December 29, 2008. CGI COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Another exciting new feature of Fremont’s website is the addition of videos promoting the public and private assets of our community. CGI Communications, Inc. in Rochester, New York contracted with the City of Fremont to produce a series of online videos. A videographer was in Fremont shooting from October 21-23, 2008. Six oneminute videos will showcase the assets and attributes that Fremont has to offer to its residents, visitors and business community. The videos will include a welcome from the Mayor and information on Fremont’s educational systems, downtown, sports & recreation, quality of life and real estate. COSTAR GROUP, INC. Properties in Fremont that are available for commercial or industrial use are now listed with CoStar Group Inc. CoStar provides a comprehensive online database of independently researched information including commercial real estate for sale, property for lease, verified comparable sales transactions, and tenant information. CoStar provides information for property Continued on page 8... John K. Krupp Certified Public Accountant • Electronic Tax Filing • Individual & Corporate Tax Returns • Accounting & Tax Services • Bookkeeping Service • Financial Planning • Management Advisory Services • Computerized Payroll Processing • Notary Public (419) 625-9000 Toll Free 866-625-9005 1604 E Perkins Ave., Suite 108 Sandusky, Ohio 44870 Fax (419) 625-9005 www.johnkruppcpa.com 6 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net CHAMBER CALENDAR Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce April 2 Monthly Luncheon Noon, The Willows The Bellevue Hospital Cost will be $9.00. “Customer Service” Adam Wynbissinger Bellevue ACE Hardware Administrative Professionals Luncheon, Noon WoodShed Steakhouse April 27 Gallery of Achievers Induction Luncheon 11:30 a.m. Sawmill Creek Resort (RSVPs required by April 17) Chamber Golf League Kickoff Round 4:30 p.m. Woussickett Golf Course (Advance enrollment required) 42nd Annual Academic Achievement Awards Banquet 6:30 p.m., Mesenburg’s Plaza Place Huron. (RSVPs required by April 17) Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce April 2 Homebuyer Workshop Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank 6 - 8 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Offices Community Easter Egg Hunt 10 am Fostoria Middle School Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce April 2 Directors Meeting Otterbein North Shore 7:00 p.m. Business After Hours 5 to 7:00 p.m. Hosted by: Avery’s Cafe April 16 Business After Hours 5- 7 p.m. National Bank of Oak Harbor Port Clinton Chamber Workshop “WOW your Windows and Bring Customers in the Door” Amy Heflinger and Kim Godfrey, Chamber Conference Room Two Sessions : 8 - 9 am and 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Chamber and Main Street Annual Dinner and Awards Program Catawba Island Club Cocktails (Cash Bar) at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. April 22 April 27 April 16 April 22 Norwalk-Huron County Chamber of Commerce April 7 Unemployed Workers Forum 10:00 am - 11:30 am, FTMC Distance Learning Center @ Norwalk High School Update: “Employee’s Free Choice Act” federal initiative 8:00 am Chamber conference room Open to all area CEOs, Please RSVP, seating is limited Tax Day Business After Hours 5 - 6:30 p.m. Advanced Computer Connections Wine tasting by Mid-Ohio Wines Complimentary hors d’oeuvres All members invited. April 16 Huron Co. Safety Council 7:30 am FTMC Distance Learning Center @ Norwalk High School Senator Sue Morano, 10:00 am Chamber conference room Update on State issues and take your questions Free, RSVP requested April 23 Erie County Chamber of Commerce April 13 Safety Council Annual Awards Banquet 6:00 p.m. Sandusky High School Cafeteria. ($15 per person) RSVPs required by April 6th Business After Hours Commons of Providence 5:15 p.m. (RSVPs required by April 13th) April 15 Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce April 2 Business Showcase & Hatbox Auction Crystal Arbors 5 - 7:30 p.m. Best of Sandusky County Pizza Challenge Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds, 12 - 3 p.m. Agricultural Committee Chamber office, 7:30 a.m. Chamber Board of Trustees Chamber office, 7:30 a.m. Chamber Ambassador’s DaVinci’s Coffee House, 8 a.m. April 15 April 4 April 19 YOUR COMMUNITY BANK Providing Financial Solutions for Everyday Life FREE Checking FREE Online Banking Personal Checking Commercial Checking Overdraft Privilege Passbook Savings Statement Savings IRA Retirement Plans 24-Hour ATM Access VISA Credit/Debit Cards Home Loans Construction Loans Home Equity Lines of Credit Investment Property Loans Personal Loans TouchTel 24-hour Telephone Banking April 17 April 2 April 22 April 28 Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce April 16 Business Networking – Business After Hours Seneca House 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tiffin University – Franks Hall Chisholm Auditorium Please arrive by 4 pm Free Seminar “How to Attract and Retain Dollars in the Local Community” Speaker: Iris Cooper, Director Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Ohio Department of Development Sponsored by Old Fort Banking Company RSVP please Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce April 4 Easter Egg Hunt Log Cabin area, 2 p.m. April 25 Member FDIC 1840 E. Perry St., Port Clinton (419) 734-5568 207 W. Washington Row, Sandusky (419) 626-5576 427 Main St., Huron (419) 433-2437 Also Serving: Lorain, Avon and Amherst Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce April 13 Board of Directors Meeting 8 am Chamber Conference Room Membership/Marketing Committee 9 am Chamber Conference Room Biggest Loser Awards Meeting 8 am, Chamber Office April 13 www.firstfedlorain.com April 15 www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 7 Legal Second Marriages By Jeff Roth People are living longer today. Many are remarrying to fully enjoy the second half of their lives. This being said, many estate problems can occur when no estate planning is completed prior to or after the marriage. The purpose of this article is not to give all of the solutions but to alert you to the potential unintended consequences after the death of one of the spouses of a second marriage. You may even disinherit your children without knowing that it could happen. There are several second marriage categories: -Each spouse has children. -Each spouse has children and they have a natural child between them. -One spouse has children and the other spouse has none. -Neither spouse has children. Each of these situations requires special planning to insure that the right beneficiaries receive the correct family property. Most couples take it for granted that their children or family will receive their property upon the death of themselves or after the death of the second spouse. PRENUNPTIAL AGREEMENT - SEE THE LAWYER BEFORE THE MINISTER. A prenuptial agreement can often save the children of each family a lot of grief. First of all, it is contract that has to be entered into BEFORE the marriage ceremony. Its validity depends on full disclosure. It is best that each party have an attorney to advise and verify the contents of the agreement. It is imperative that each person disclose in detail all of their assets. If this is not done, then the survivor can possibly prove that the assets of the deceased were not disclosed and break the agreement. This is most often initiated by the children of the surviving spouse. They discover what the deceased spouse owned and that it could belong to their parent and eventually to themselves. It is important to understand that a prenuptial agreement will do nothing to protect the assets of a spouse if the other person enters a nursing home. NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT. Most couples had a handshake and a kiss and promised to see that the other’s children would get everything that belongs to them. They are probably telling the truth but they have no idea of the results that can occur without planning. The following is a partial list of assets that could go to someone other then where the deceased intended: JOINT AND SURVIVORSHIP ACCOUNT, TRANSFER ON DEATH ACCOUNTS. for a second marriage. It is also one the most The titling of accounts is crucial to proper difficult planning areas. The attorney’s job is to planning. These accounts will go as set forth on the look at all of the worst case scenarios and plan signature card. Many times an account created for accordingly. We must take the emotion out of the the convenience of the spouse or the child will be equation and see that each person’s assets get to transferred automatically to the other spouse or the intended beneficiary. A trust is often the best child of the deceased. Large accounts can end in tool to insure completion of the couple’s desires. the wrong hands with the check of the box on the Having the couple plan will prevent potential signature card. feuding among the survivors. Without proper LIFE INSURANCE. documents, your children may not even be involved It is imperative to know who is the named in your end of life decisions. Moving to another beneficiary. If the beneficiary designation is not state can have adverse consequences in the ultimate updated, the wrong person may receive the funds. distribution plan. There are many other potential Life insurance is a great planning tool but if problems that can be prevented by honest informed neglected, the pay out can surprise everyone. planning and continued thought as new assets are IRA, 401K’S AND OTHER LIKE ACCOUNTS. acquired. These accounts all have designated beneficiaries. Many individuals forget to update or make an Jeff Roth is a partner with Forrest Bacon and informed decision as to who is second in line if the David Bacon of the firm ROTH and BACON with first designated beneficiary should predecease the offices in Port Clinton, Upper Sandusky and owner. This type of account is also a great tool in Marion, Ohio. Mr. Roth is also licensed and planning but one must know who will inherit. practices in Florida. His practice is limited to REAL ESTATE. wealth strategy planning and elder law in both Improper titling of real estate can have disastrous states. Nothing in this article is intended for, nor consequences. People think their real estate is should be relied upon as individual legal advice. titled one way only to find out it not. Remember The purpose of this article is to help educate the that a property titled as joint and survivorship will public on concepts of law as they pertain to estate go to the survivor. Real estate passing under a will and business planning. Jeff Roth can be reached can be subject to the probate statutory rights of the at ohiofl This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (telephone: 419-732new surviving spouse. The children may be forced 9994) copyright@Jeffrey P. Roth 2009. to buy back their parent’s property or lose the family homestead forever. MOTOR VEHICLES. A simple asset such as an automobile can go to the wrong person. A man had a 1929 Ford that was supposed to go to his son. He didn’t provide for that in writing. At his death, the surviving spouse is allowed by law two motor vehicles automatically. Of course the son of the second wife convinced her that • Tabloid Newspapers • Broadsheets • Journal Magazines that her husband must have wanted her to has • Flyers • Inserts • and more.... it and she elected to take title to the antique car as “We’re not a quick print... provided by law. She has since passed away but we’ll get you to print quickly.” and the car looks great in her son’s garage. If dad had titled that car in his name, transfer on DOUTHIT death to his son, it COMMUNICATIONS would be in his son’s garage today. INCORPORATED ESTATE PLANNING. Detailed estate CALL DAVE OR TAMMI • planning is imperative WE SPECIALIZE IN: 419-625-5825 8 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal pharmacy was completed during the fourth quarter of 2008 and will open on January 18, 2009. It is unclear as to how many employees will be needed for the new store that will replace the old CVS located next to Kroger on Fifth Ave. Goodwill Goodwill had a ribbon cutting on December 11, 2008 to open its new store in Potter Village Shopping Center. The new building was constructed next to Rite Aid Pharmacy and has 10,000 sq. ft. of floor space. An area was designed on the end of the building to improve the drop off of donated items. Journey’s Family Amusement Center Robert and Stephan Carter purchased the former indoor go-kart Race Place and converted it into a familyoriented amusement center. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 25, 2008. Journey’s Family Amusement Center is a 28,000 sq. ft. facility at 1811 Dickinson Street next to Super K-Mart. It offers 18 holes of glow in the dark mini golf, an arcade and prize area, three party rooms, a concession area and a small indoor train for children that will go around a circular track. One area contains a giant inflatable slide, bounce house and obstacle course. Inflatables will be available for renting out to the community and businesses. Mr. Carter said 45 employees will be hired to run the operation. KELLOGG’S Kellogg’s in Fremont made 80% of the cheese for Cheeze-It Crackers. The 27,500 sq. ft. facility had a daily capacity to produce 820,000 pounds of milk, 52,000 pounds of cheese, 63,000 pounds of cream and 35,000 pounds of dry whey. A decision was made to consolidate the cheese production and move it to Brewster, Idaho. The plant was shut down at the end of May 2008. Fifty employees were laid off and the building and equipment were auctioned off. CHRISTY COMPANY The Christy Company has been in the cutlery business since 1891. Their premier product has been the Christy Sliding Blade Pocket Knife. Once employing hundreds of people, the Christy Company is now down to one person, Randy Christy, son of the late Earl Christy. Randy manufactured 325 Earl B. Christy Commemorative Gold Filigree Knives with handles that were handcrafted in 1940. The knife was unveiled at Harvey Oaks Jewelers in honor of his late father Earl on April 11, 2008. Randy will continue to manufacture a limited number of knives and the Christy Building on Dickinson Street is on the market to be sold. An auction held on May 17, 2008 was unsuccessful in finding a buyer. FREMONT COMPANY A City of Fremont project involving the separation and upgrading of storm and sewer lines on Liberty St. and Milton St. was completed by June 30, 2008. The $462,407 improvements were necessary in order for the Fremont Company to complete major infrastructure improvements that will ultimately create six new jobs to the existing 75 full-time and 15 seasonal workers. A $100,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development’s Roadway (629) Development Fund and a $362,407 grant from Fremont’s Revolving Loan Fund were used to pay for the upgrades. Liberty was then resurfaced under the street paving program. As a part of the project, The Fremont Company separated their storm, sanitary and processing wastewater lines. A new parking lot was constructed off of Milton www.ncbj.net Street and the whole area was repaved. All of this work was necessary in order for The Fremont Company to continue production in Fremont. The improvements that were made in 2008 could result in an expansion of the facility in the near future. SANDUSKY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATED Building the Bridge to Tomorrow: The Sandusky County Comprehensive Plan 2003 is a long range plan to guide growth and development. It identifies where development may best be accommodated and the resources available to revitalize declining commercial/ industrial areas as well as obsolete facilities through redevelopment, rehabilitation and other means. In order to keep pace with changing needs, the Comprehensive Plan was reviewed by the Sandusky County Economic Development Practitioners in July 2008 and the Goals, Objective and Strategies were re-evaluated with recommendations made to update the Comprehensive Plan. The Economic Development Section was thoroughly reviewed with an Addendum prepared to update the plan. This process moved up the redevelopment of the Clauss Cutlery site on the priority list which was necessary in order to apply for the CORF grant. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY Many local and regional communities ramped up their efforts in 2008 to position themselves to be a destination for companies involved in the alternative energy markets. The State of Ohio recognized the importance by introducing the Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Program in 2008. Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) hosted a presentation on December 3, 2008 by The Marshall Group to discuss a long-term economic development strategy for Sandusky County to become independent from foreign oil and create good, green manufacturing jobs. SCEDC set a hefty goal of Sandusky County being recognized by the State as the leader in emerging industries with alternative energy. Regardless, the county has to be ready to take advantage of opportunities that will soon be knocking on the door. Meetings are being held across the state to discuss alternative energy issues and opportunities. The Great Lakes Wind Network conducted several half-day workshops to discuss how companies can benefit by becoming part of the fast-growing wind market. Companies that produce power electronics, control systems, hydraulics, fasteners, brakes, blades, nacelles, or supplemental equipment such as ladders, elevators, hoists, fire suppression, lighting, or meteorological equipment can supply the wind market. Companies that operate a foundry, forge, machine shop, or fabricating plant also have opportunities to enter into the wind market. Webinars are being conducted by USA Energy Advisors on Advanced Energy and Fuel Efficient funding opportunities. A local company hosted a meeting on November 17, 2008 to discuss using wind and solar power in Fremont’s industrial parks and residential areas. The City of Fremont needs to be ready to assist existing companies who want to enter into the alternative energy market and be prepared to attract new companies with interest in the alternative energy industry. In addition, zoning regulations related to placement of windmills and solar panels should be addressed by the City of Fremont. The alternative fuel industry will continue to grow as our country works toward becoming more dependent on locally produced green energy. Economic Development Continued from page 5... investors and sales professionals in the United States and United Kingdom – covering more than 59 billion square feet of commercial property, including over 7 billion square feet of space for lease. It is reported to be the most common used database by site selection consultants. AMERICAN WELDING AND TANK American Welding and Tank, a division of TaylorWharton International LLC, announced on November 18, 2008 the consolidation of propane tank manufacturing and refurbishing service operations at the Jesup, Georgia factory into the company’s four remaining facilities in Fremont, Ohio, Crossville, Tennessee, Bloomfield, Iowa and Salt Lake City, Utah. The restructuring will provide the opportunity for approximately 6-10 additional jobs at the Fremont plant located in Bark Creek Center. A 3,000 sq. ft. expansion to the existing building will accommodate the propane tank refurbishing operation. Future expansion opportunities for American Welding and Tank were being discussed. However, because of today’s economy the focus is on survival rather then expansion. OHIO MAGAZINE BEST HOMETOWN COMPETITION Ohio Magazine sponsors an annual Ohio’s Best Hometown competition. The editors evaluate submittals from Ohio communities and choose one winner from the northwest, northeast, southwest, southeast and central parts of the State. The submittals must show evidence why they are the best community when it comes to education, health & safety, heritage, arts & culture, and business. Sandusky County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spearheaded an effort of community leaders to submit a proposal for Fremont. Although Bowling Green was the Northwest Ohio winner, a very nice promotional piece that can be used to attract business to Fremont resulted in the attempt to win the recognition for Fremont. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT Walgreens The Walgreens drug store that is under construction at the corner of Oak Harbor Road and West State Street is scheduled to open in March 2009. Between 25 and 30 jobs will be created. The 13,650 sq. ft. store will have a pharmacy drive-thru and will offer customers a variety of options to refill medications. A photo finishing department will offer one-hour processing. Walgreens drug stores sell a variety of grocery items such as canned fruits, vegetables, soups, packaged meals, cooler items, frozen items, snacks and beverages PostNet A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on June 5, 2008 for the opening of PostNet at 1409 E. State Street. PostNet is owned and operated by Troy and Barbara Wildermuth and offer black & white/color copies, printing services, binding/laminating, bulk mail services, computer rental stations, internet access, graphic design, scanning & archiving, UPS/FedEx/ DHL & USPS expert packaging services, boxes & packaging supplies, crating & freighting, notary public, fax services, office supplies, and greeting cards. CVS CVS pharmacy purchased the northwest corner of Fifth Ave. and E. State Street from Rudy Sprenger bringing to close Rudy’s Restaurant which was frequented by locals for many years. The construction of a new CVS www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 9 SIMPLE IRA plan to become effective January 1, 2010, provided the employer will not maintain any Qualified Retirement Plan (QRP) for 2010. A 457 plan is not treated as a QRP for purposes of denying SIMPLE IRA contributions. Note: beginning 2002, salary deferral contributions made to an eligible 457(b) plan no longer reduces the amount Douglas Gildenmeister, an employee may defer to a SIMPLE IRA. Senior Vice President, Investments November 2, 2009 – Deadline For Retirement Plan Consultant Providing SIMPLE IRA Required Notices (Including Notification Of Plan The Gildenmeister Wealth Management Group Termination). Employers sponsoring a of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. SIMPLE IRA plan must provide each eligible This article focuses on a number of employee with two required notices 60 days fast approaching tax filing and document execution prior to the start of the 2010 plan year. First, employers deadlines. It is not too early to begin thinking about these must provide eligible employees with either (1) a Summary and other year-end tax and retirement planning Plan Description (SPD) for the plan, or (2) a copy of the IRS opportunities as you prepare for year-end. Form 5304-Simple or 5305-Simple (whichever is September 30, 2009 – Beneficiary Designation Date. It applicable). may be possible for beneficiaries of IRAs and Qualified Second, employers are also required to notify each eligible Retirement Plans (QRPs) to take Required Minimum employee that the employee may make or change salary Distributions (RMDs) based on their own single life reduction elections during this 60-day period, the “election expectancy. But only if the deceased IRA or QRP account period.” Such elections or changes will become effective on owner had a Designated Beneficiary(s). Generally, a January 1, 2010. Employers terminating a SIMPLE IRA Designated Beneficiary is a beneficiary designated as of the effective December 31, 2008 must include notification of account owner’s death who still remains a beneficiary on the termination. September 30 of the year following death. Thus, any person December 1, 2009 – Deadline For Notification Of or entity that was a beneficiary as of the date of the account Switch From Regular 401(k) Or Profit Sharing Plan To A owner’s death, but is not a beneficiary as of September 30, Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan. Employers that have amended 2009 (either due to distribution or qualified disclaimer), is their existing 401(k) or PSPs to include a safe-harbor 401(k) not taken into account in determining the existence and provision effective 2010 must provide written notice to identity of a Designated Beneficiary. each eligible employee between 30 and 90 days prior to the October 1, 2009 – 2009 Catch-up Contribution Universal start of the 2010 plan year. The written notice must (1) Availability Deadline. Individuals who attain age 50 or explain their rights and obligations under the plan, (2) be over on or before December 31, 2009 may make catch-up accurate and comprehensive, contributions to applicable employer retirement plans: and (3) be written in a 401(k)s, Simple IRA, SEP, 403(b), or 457 plans. A plan is not manner calculated to be required to permit catch-up contributions, but may do so. understood by the average A plan that offers catch-up contributions meets non- employee eligible to discrimination requirements only if all catch-up eligible participate in the plan. participants are given the same opportunity to make catch- Notification that each eligible up contributions. An employer that sponsors more than employee may make, or one of the applicable plans and want to provide for catch- change, a salary reduction up contributions must adopt catch-up contributions election that will become provisions for all the applicable plans no later than October effective on January 1, 2010. 1, 2009. December 15, 2009 – Last October 1, 2009 – Deadline To Establish SIMPLE IRA Day to Initiate A 2009 Plan For 2009 Plan Year. An employer may set up a Simple Termination Of A Money IRA plan any date between January 1, 2009 and October 1, Purchase Pension Plan Or 2009. If an employer doesn’t come into existence until after (2) Reduction Of Future this deadline, special rules apply and a Simple IRA plan may Plan Year Benefit Accruals still be established. To Zero. Beginning 2002, October 1, 2009 – Deadline To Set Up A New Safe- Economic Growth & Tax Harbor 401(k) Plan for 2008 Plan Year. The first plan year Relief Reconciliation Act must be at least a three-month plan year. Therefore, new (EGTRRA) increased the Safe-Harbor 401(k) plans must be established by October deduction limit for Profit 1st. Sharing Plans (PSPs) from October 15, 2009 – Last Day To Recharacterize A 2008 15% to 25% of eligible Conversion To A Roth. Certain taxpayers may want to compensation. Because of recharacterize from a Roth IRA to a traditional IRA. These the new limits, employers taxpayers are (1) those whose Roth IRA has experienced a will no longer need their drop in market value of the assets following a 2008 existing Money Purchase conversion from a traditional to a Roth IRA, (2) those who Pension plans (MPPs) to converted and their AGI for 2008 exceeded $100,000, and maximize contributions. (3) those who made a Roth IRA contribution and their AGI Therefore, many employers exceeded $95,000 for a single filer, or $150,000 for a will either (1) terminate married filer. existing MPPs, or (2) change Assuming the taxpayer has timely filed their 2007 tax the plan document to cease return, the taxpayer has until October 15th to transfer the benefit accruals. monies without incurring a penalty. To claim a refund for ERISA requires employers any taxes paid on the conversion to the Roth IRA, file an that are terminating a MPP, amended return on Form 1040-X and mark the top of the or changing it to cease benefit first page “Filed pursuant to section 301.9100-2.” accruals, to provide written November 2, 2009 – Deadline To Establish A SIMPLE notice to all eligible IRA Plan Effective 1/1/2009. An employer may adopt a participants at least 15 days Important Tax & Retirement Planning Deadlines for 2009 prior to the effective date of the termination or change. December 31, 2009 is the last day to effectively terminate or merge a MPP prior to the beginning of the 2010 tax year. Therefore, the employer must provide the written notice on or before December 15, 2009. December 31, 2009 – Last Day To Execute Documents To Adopt A Qualified Retirement Plan (other than a Safe-Harbor 401(k)) For 2009. December 31 is the last day an employer may execute document to establish a Qualified Retirement Plan for 2009 to be effective any date between January 1st and December 31st, provided the employer did not previously maintain a Simple IRA plan for 2009. Employers whose corporate entity came into being after January 1 should use an effective date coinciding with or following the corporation’s inception date. 401(k) plan notes: A participant may only defer compensation earned after a salary deferral form has been completed and signed. New Safe-Harbor 401(k)s must be established by October 1st, see above. December 31, 2009 – Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Deadline. Taxpayers taking their second and following RMDs, from a QRP or IRA, must take distribution of their 2009 RMD on or before December 31, 2009. Taxpayers reaching age 70 ½ during 2008 may delay taking their 2009 RMD, the initial RMD, until April 1, 2010. Taxpayers electing to delay distribution of their first RMD will then take two distributions in 2010: the 2009 RMD by April 1, 2010 and the 2010 RMD by December 31, 2010. For more information on these and other year-end tax and financial planning opportunities, please consult with your Financial Advisor or CPA. This material was prepared by Raymond James for use by Douglas Gildenmeister, Senior Vice President, Investments of Raymond James & Associates, Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. 10 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net 11th Annual Huron Chamber Half Marathon to Include Children’s Fun Run The city is celebrating its 200th birthday this year and the Huron Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its 11th annual Lighthouse Half Marathon & 5K Race. Several hundred runners from across Ohio and surrounding states will be participating. In commemoration of the Bicentennial, the Chamber is hoping to attract 200 youngsters to compete in a 1K Fun Run, which will also be held on race day, Saturday, May 2. Every youngster who competes in the Fun Run will receive a commemorative ribbon, refreshments and have a chance to wine door prizes. Start and finish lines for all events will be on Kalahari Field at Huron Memorial Stadium. Registration for all events will be in the locker rooms at the stadium from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Starting time for Half Marathoners is at 8 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. for those competing in the 5K. The Fun Run will begin on the track as soon as the 5K runners have taken off. In the past 11 years, the Chamber has contributed nearly two dozen scholarships to graduating members of the Huron High School track team with funds raised through these races. The events provide people of all ages and levels of fitness a chance to enjoy a day in the sun while catching glimpses of Lake Erie while on the flat, fast course through Huron’s scenic neighborhoods. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers in each race and to the top three male and female in each age division. Pre-registration fee for the Half Marathon is $20 and $12 for the 5K. Fees will be $25 and $15, respectively, on race day. Half Marathon and 5K competitors will receive a complimentary race shirt, refreshments and a chance to win valuable door prizes. Age groups will include: 13 and under, and 14-19, (5K only) 19 and under, (Half Marathon only) 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65 and over. For information or registration sheets, contact the Chamber, 419.433.5700. eye-catching need-it-done-yesterday mailers ad designs snazzy, colorful professional, flat fee classy, timeless brochures t web design w annual reports 419.341.1117 www.aha4creative.com www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 11 Terra Community College – In the Right Place at the Right Time Article from Dr. Marsha S. Bordner, Terra Community College President If you only listen to the media, you might believe that there is nothing to celebrate in Ohio. Terra Community College is doing its part to help our economy recover and our region to flourish. To drive the state’s economy successfully through the nation’s financial crisis, Gov. Strickland and his administration have set a goal of increasing enrollments in higher education in Ohio by 230,000 students through the next decade. The Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents created the University System of Ohio to assist in that endeavor. Terra is doing its part to help in this goal. A 6.8 percent increase in headcount for this spring term followed on the heels of three consecutive terms with substantial enrollment increases. We have every reason to believe that trend will continue into the foreseeable future. Where is the growth coming from? Here are a few trends we are seeing: In Ohio, unemployment has hovered around 9 percent, but even higher in some of the counties we serve. We are seeing more and more laid off workers who are seeking a job that cannot be outsourced. In our Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program, for example, over half of our students have lost their jobs. We also actively seek partnerships with our local high schools. Several of our schools asked us to offer college classes on their campuses, primarily because some students do not have access to cars and are being denied an opportunity to come to Terra to earn Post-Secondary Enrollment Options credit. At this point we have several new PSEO arrangements. Our Tech Prep program reached a milestone last year; our students have completed more than 107,000 college credits since the program began in the ‘90s. That has saved parents more than $5 million. Terra is also following a national trend in the delivery of online learning. Nationally, the number of students taking online classes has increased annually and Terra is experiencing the same. In fall 2007, 920 students were enrolled in online classes. A year later, 1,112 were taking online classes from Terra. Many students cannot attend classes at the times they are offered so our distance classes offer one more option for students to get that college degree. Next year, we will continue to add to our allied health programming with a joint program in Clinical Laboratory Science with Lorain County Community College and a similar agreement in Physical Therapist Assistant with Owens Community College in the following fall. Our music program continues to grow. Credit classes are being offered at the Sandusky State Theatre and plans are underway for a music presence at Sandusky High School. We also have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the 2009-2010 academic year. Our 10-year capital plan kicks off with the construction of the new Skilled Trades Center. Groundbreaking is expected in September. HVAC, welding, automotive, and truck driver training will have a new home. Once the Skilled Trades Center is complete and labs are moved from Building D, the vacant space will be renovated to house an allied health wing and a music/arts wing. Terra also continues to make higher education more accessible by not raising tuition for three years in a row. Terra’s per credit hour is the lowest in Northwest Ohio. And our Foundation raised close to $2 million for scholarships. With a July 1 deadline, there is still time to apply for the second round of scholarships. At Terra, we are excited to do our part to assist the State of Ohio in its recovery from this recession. Making college affordable, offering programs that result in viable jobs, and continuing to seek partnerships with other educational institutions are just a few of the ways we are helping educate the state’s workforce. And that’s just the start of the good news! Second Annual Best of Sandusky County Pizza Challenge If you like pizza then you will want to be part of the Second Annual “Best of Sandusky County Pizza Challenge” being organized by the Chamber Foundation of Sandusky County to raise money for local youth scholarships. This years event will feature up to 10 pizza businesses, have more seating and a new system to be sure each attendee can easily sample a couple of slices from each vendor before they vote for their favorite. On Sunday, April 19, Jon’s Dream Barn at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds will be transformed once again into the best pizza parlor in the county as area pizza vendors compete for the prestigious titles of being the “Best of Sandusky County” for 2009. This year, along with competing for the People’s Choice, Celebrity Choice and the Quality Award, the vendors will also be competing to win the first ever “Kids Choice” award, which will be selected by a special panel of area elementary students. Vendors participating in this community wide event include Pizza House, Weezie & Emerson’s, AJ’s Heavenly Pizza, Big D’s Pizza, The Depot, Domino’s Pizza, East of Chicago Pizza, Fort Ball Pizza Palace, Papa Murphy’s, Pizza Hut and Woodville’s Pisa Pizza. Profits from the Pizza Challenge will be used to award a scholarship to a graduating senior in each of the school districts that reach into Sandusky County. Schools with students who are eligible to apply for these scholarships include Bellevue, Clyde, Margaretta, Fremont Ross, Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic, Lakota, Gibsonburg, Woodville, Old Fort and Bettsville. Students can pick up an application from their guidance councilor. The completed application and essay are due by April 24th to the students’ guidance counselor. Tickets for the Pizza Challenge are $7.00 in advance and $8.00 at the door; children age 5 and under are free. Tickets are available for purchase at the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County and at various other Chamber member businesses. For a complete list of ticket outlets contact the Chamber of Commerce or log onto the Chamber website at www. scchamber.org. Challenged by Today’s Economy, Short-Term Orders or Fluctuating Staffing Needs? Goodwill Can Help! Contract these operations with us: Assembly Data Entry Inventory Mgt. Packaging Sanding Shredding Sorting Warehousing And a whole lot more! Low rates! Reliable service! For more information call 419-625-4744 Sandusky Bay Area Goodwill Industries provides employment services to the disabled and disadvantaged in Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties. 12 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal Street, Norwalk. This SBDC office is available to all Huron County businesses and these services are free. The SBDC provides quality, in-depth counseling and training assistance to small businesses in order to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased www.ncbj.net At the Annual Banquet of the Norwalk-Huron County Chamber of Commerce, President Tracy Brown (Brown, Crane & Associates) announced the opening of a Small Business Development Center office within the chamber building at 10 West Main Norwalk-Huron County Chamber Secures SBDC Office At Fisher-Titus Medical Center Our ER Doctors Are Always “In” John J. Parente, D.O. Ryan S. Prudoff, D.O. Jeffrey L. Pay, D.O. Dana Parsons, D.O. Sonny Bare, M.D. Timothy J. Thomas, M.D. productivity and improved management. The SBDC office can assist businesses with business plan development, strategic planning, financial analysis and projections, human resource management, international trade assistance, marketing analysis, record keeping procedures and policies, sales and advertising, and much more. This service is appropriate for all businesses and industries and the chamber strongly encourages the Huron County business community to take advantage this opportunity. The SBDC also works in tandem with the International Trade Assistance Center Program, the Manufacturing and Technology Small Business Development Center, the Ohio Manufacturing/ Defense Transition Program and the Ohio Procurement Technical Assistance Program. These programs provide assistance with exporting, improving operations, becoming globally competitive and government contracting, and more. Along with the above services, the SBDC office, in conjunction with the chamber will be offering seminars throughout the year to compliment the services offered and these seminars will be open to all area businesses. The SBDC office will be served by Tim Moore, Certified Business Counselor, and will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All of the services, counseling and training are confidential and may be done at the SBDC office or on-site. Appointments are recommended and may be made by calling 419525-1614. 24/7/365 When you have a medical emergency, anything from bumps and bruises to a more serious health condition, Dual Enrollment Agreement Partners Heidelberg, NCSCC Expert Emergency medical care close to home ... at Fisher-Titus Medical Center. you want the best emergency care available. When the need arises, our highly qualified team of ER doctors at Fisher-Titus Medical Center will be here for you. We think our ER doctors are the best in the area providing excellent emergency care combined with a friendly bed-side manner and backed by a team of nurses, physician assistants and support staff specially trained in emergency medicine. We treat you like we’re caring for family, friends and neighbors, because that’s what you are. And our rapid triage system allows you to be seen by our ER staff to quickly determine the severity of your illness or injury. That way you’ll receive prompt attention from our highly skilled team of physicians and emergency medicine professionals. Primary Stroke Center Level III Trauma Center (Provisional Designation) 24/7/365. Our ER Doctors Are Always In. FTM C Fisher-Titus Medical Center | 272 Benedict Avenue, Norwalk, OH 44857 www.ftmc.com | 419-668-8101 or Toll-Free 800-589-3862 F i sher- Ti t us MEDICAL CENTER www.ftmc.com Heidelberg University and North Central State Community College in Mansfield are partners in a pair of new agreements that will simplify the transfer process for North Central students to Heidelberg and create new and exciting opportunities for them. Administrators from both institutions gathered at North Central on Friday to sign a pair of agreements, one an articulation that will make the transfer process seamless for North Central students, who can enter Heidelberg with junior standing after having completed their associate’s degrees. The second component of the agreement is a dual enrollment program that will allow North Central students to apply and be accepted at both institutions simultaneously. During their first two years at North Central, students will have the option to take one course per term at Heidelberg at North Central tuition rates. After completing their associate’s degree, students would be guaranteed transfer to Heidelberg to pursue their bachelor’s degree. A series of articulation agreements Heidelberg has forged with regional community colleges over the past two years, and with more on the way, confirms the university’s commitment to transfer students and the value Heidelberg places on enrolling these students, said Thandabantu Maceo, vice president for enrollment and marketing. In addition to the transfer process, Heidelberg offers several financial aid packages to the transferring students. www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 13 Don't Graduate Under a Mountain Of Debt! At Terra Community College you can find your fortune without spending one. Terra offers career programs in business, digital media, allied health, engineering, computer and industrial technologies. If you want to hit the ground running, Terra can help you get into a career so you can start earning an income faster than you thought possible. If a bachelor’s degree is in your future you can cut the cost of that four year degree by over thirty-five percent by completing two years at Terra and transferring to a four year college or university. Current tuition at Terra is $3,600* – that’s a full year, not a semester. Terra has transfer agreements with both public and private colleges and universities that allow you to transfer seamlessly and earn your bachelor’s degree at a fraction of the cost. *Based on 15 credit hours per semester. Bachelor degree completion programs are also offered on Terra’s campus with agreements with: • University of Cincinnati • Tiffin University • Miami of Ohio • Lourdes College Options to help you find your fortune without spending one: • Dual enrollment program with Heidelberg College provides reduced tuition costs at a private college. • Post Secondary Enrollment Option allows high school students to jump start their college experience by earning college credit that will transfer. • Generous academic scholarships are available through the Terra College Foundation. Average tuition and fees at Ohio’s community and technical colleges for new students is only 38% of what is charged by Ohio’s public universities. $10,000 $9,000 $8,000 $7,000 $6,000 $5,000 $4,000 $3,000 $2,000 $1,000 0 $8,888 $3,366 Community and Technical Colleges University Main Campuses Do your homework and compare costs. Source: Fall Survey of Student Charges for Academic Year 2006-2007, Ohio Board of Regents, 2006. For more information call 866.AT.TERRA www.terra.edu April is National Community College Month 14 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Hayes Presidential Center – It’s Many Things to Many People By Nancy Kleinhenz Communications/Marketing Manager Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center A true gem of American history, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center located in Fremont, Ohio, is America’s first presidential center. It opened to the public May 30, 1916, and has continued daily operation since that time. Visitors can tour the three-story Hayes Museum/Library, the 31-room Hayes Home or visit the Hayes tomb – all situated on the President’s beloved Spiegel Grove estate. Spiegel Grove is itself an historic site. Amid the 25 acres of towering trees are the remnants of two ancient trails – the Scioto Indian Trail (used by Ohio’s earliest residents) and the Harrison Trail (dating to the War of 1812). Most of the trees owe their existence to 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes. An amateur horticulturist, he planted both indigenous and exotic specimens on the property. Each day, many people enjoy walking through Spiegel Grove’s park-like setting. A mile of paved paths and expanses of lawn offer opportunity for a myriad of outdoor activities. The Hayes Presidential Center has expanded those opportunities with its recently introduced Grounds Rentals. The new program opens the property as a ‘destination’ event site. Businesses, individuals or organizations now can make use of the grounds for meetings, parties, company/family picnics and reunions, or other special events. Spiegel Grove not only provides the backdrop of a presidential home and museum, but also offers the opportunity for event guests to walk in the footsteps of six U.S. Presidents! (Presidents McKinley, Garfield, Taft, Harding and Cleveland visited here). The Hayes Presidential Center continues to take innovative approaches to engage the general public. The Grounds Rental program not only accomplishes this goal, but also is an effort to ensure the long-term viability of the facility. The Exhibition of these White House Historical Association exhibits is made possible by WonderlyHorvath-Hanes Funeral Home & Crematory. Outdoor Verandah Concerts take place every other Wednesday evening in June, July and August. Each concert begins with an old-fashioned ice cream social at 6:45 p.m., followed by a musical performance from 7-8 p.m. Fremont Federal Credit Union sponsors these free community events. The Toledo Symphony Concert Band presents a rousing performance of patriotic and popular music during the Independence Day Concert 2-3:30 p.m. July 4. Admission is free thanks to support from Crown Battery Mfg. Co. and other generous donors. Highlight of the event is the firing of Civil War cannons by costumed reenactors during performance of the 1812 Overture. The largest and most popular of the Center’s events takes place Oct. 3 & 4. The Hayes Civil War Reenactment brings more than 500 costumed reenactors to Spiegel Grove where they camp for the weekend providing a live demonstration of what life was like during the American Civil War. A full schedule of family events, including three battle reenactments, is on tap thanks to sponsorship by Memorial Health Care Service and other donors. Admission to the Reenactment is $3/adult, $1/ children ages 6-12. The 2009 Hayes Civil War Reenactment, which celebrates President Hayes’ service in the Civil War, falls on his birthdate October 4! The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center website (www.rbhayes.org) contains updates on special events and an ever-growing collection of resources relating to President Hayes. The Center is affiliated with the Ohio Historical Society. Hayes Presidential Center is privately funded. It receives no federal support for its operations or programs. The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center is open seven days a week year-round. In addition to community programming like summertime concerts, the Hayes Museum hosts a series of temporary exhibits. Now through August 2, visitors can enjoy First-Lady Style: White House Gowns, an exhibit of 33 original and reproduction gowns designed for America’s First Ladies. The exhibit, sponsored by the Randolph J. & Estelle M. Dorn Foundation, can be seen only at the Hayes Museum. From August 25, 2009 through January 10, 2010, the Hayes Museum hosts White House Pets: Ambassadors at Large and White House Horses. Proudly Serving Sandusky County! Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County Serving the Community Submitted by Holly M. Stacy President/CEO The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County is proud to have the North Coast Business Journal aiming the spotlight on Sandusky County. Just like every other county across the country, the first quarter of 2009 has proven to be challenging for all segments of the economy. These challenges are coming in the forms of all aspects of doing business for all businesses. Given this, we continue to remind our members to be sure to take advantage of all aspects of their Chamber Membership. But, regardless of the economy, there are lots of great things going on in Sandusky County and we hope you have the chance to read up on several with this issue of the NCBJ. The Chamber Board of Trustees and Staff continue to assess the various member benefits that the Chamber offers. The group insurance rates for worker’s compensation and health insurance are two of our biggest money saving benefits offered. The Chamber offers various advertising options and we have a number of “member to member” benefits available thanks to members offering these savings. The advantages of taking part in the many activities of the Chamber are hard to put a value on, but if talking face to face with other businesses is something you find valuable then all our Chamber activities will make your membership priceless! Speaking of activities, the Chamber is working on launching a new Sandusky County Business & Industrial Directory and preparing for the second annual “Best of Sandusky County Pizza Challenge” event on April 19th. To help you learn about the many services and benefits of membership log onto the Chamber Web site at www.scchamber.org. Thanks for taking a close look at Sandusky County. The Chamber of Commerce is proud to say we have been serving our members and the community since 1946. woo lm E - Assisted Living - Skilled Nursing - Independent Living Elmwood Communities Fremont Green Springs 419.332.6533 419-639-2581 www.elmwoodcommunities.com www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 15 Clyde Economic Development – Producing Results Submitted by David Danhoff, Director of Clydescope The Clydescope Economic Development Corporation has been in existence for fifteen years and has been instrumental in making quality changes in the lives of residents in the City of Clyde. Clydescope has worked closely with City Council and City Manager Dan Weaver to make positive, wholesale changes in the city’s infrastructure. Many industrial and business additions have made Clyde a booming small city with many job opportunities for local and area residents. Unemployment within the City of Clyde remains very low and substantially lower than the state and national averages. Clydescope has teamed with the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation and Kay Reiter to form a formidable partnership in working together to help attract quality businesses and industry to Clyde and Sandusky County. Clydescope works closely in formulating a strong working relationship with the Whirlpool Corporation, world’s largest producer of washing machines. Clydescope also works closely with many industries that work hand in hand with Whirlpool to make the Clyde area very strong in industrial development. Industries that work closely with Whirlpool include; Revere Plastics, Fisher & Paykel, Evergreen Plastics, Clyde Tool & Die, Clyde Foam, Spader Freight Services and Penske Logistics. Clyde also has Gerstenslager Corporation, Toledo Tool and Die, K and W Distributing, KF Ventures, and Fultz & Son Disposal as major industries that allow the residents of Clyde and Sandusky County to make a competitive wage and remain fiscally solvent. The City of Clyde has been very aggressive in recruiting and maintaining current industry through innovative incentives for cost savings. Clyde has its own municipal electric company, Clyde Light & Power, thus enabling the city to offer major incentives and savings through electrical power. The City of Clyde also offers a Real Property tax abatement for fifteen years at 100% with 25% of the abatement going to the Clyde-Green Springs Schools as a donation. The City is very aggressive in establishing renewable energy sources through wind turbines as they are currently completing a study for wind feasibility. The City of Clyde has been classified as a Class IV wind and will be striving to add this form of renewable energy as a plus for its residents. In addition, the City of Clyde along with a private investor, are pursuing a new way to make renewable energy and eliminate waste products that currently fill our landfills. The Pyrolysis Energy Systems produce synthetic gases to run gasoline engines that are connected to electric generation sets. This procedure will save thousands of dollars for residents and eliminate wastes that are sent to landfills. The City of Clyde has installed a fiber optic loop which currently services municipal offices and will provide future communication opportunities to the Clyde-Green Springs Schools. The City is finalizing plans to run fiber optics to every home and business in Clyde for internet, cable and phone services. This fiber installation will save the citizens of Clyde thousands of dollars and will give them excellent reliable services for years to come. The City of Clyde is also investing in long term stable power costs in the future by participating in three major projects through American Municipal Power or better known as AMP-Ohio. This includes participation in the AMPGS, American Municipal Power Generation Station currently under development, which is a 1000 megawatt clean coal electric generating facility located in Meigs County along the Ohio River. The second project is C l y d e ’s participation in three Hydro Electric projects on the Ohio River and the third project is the participation in the Prairie State Campus 1600 megawatt clean coal generation facility in southern Illinois. All three of these projects will be instrumental in stabilizing electric rates and reducing the vulnerability by not participating in market pricing. Clyde is a very progressive small city, always striving in their attempts to better the standard and quality of life for the citizens who live and work in this FREMONT 315 Croghan Street 2374 W. State Street 1457 E. State Street 419-334-4434 WOODVILLE 801 W. Main Street 419-849-2570 www.fremontfcu.com 16 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net C NS Newcomer Concrete Services, Inc. WEATHERING THE TEST OF TIME SINCE 1970 Quality - Reliability - Dedication Northwestern Ohio’s Premier Full Service Commercial and Industrial Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor ANY ROOF - ANY SERVICE - ANY TIME Specializing In Parking Lot/Roadway Construction Building & Grounds Maintenance Decorative Concrete Excavation 646 Townline Road 151, P.O. Box 672, Norwalk, Ohio 44857 Phone: (419) 668-2789 Fax: (419) 663-3441 Website: www.newcomerconcrete.com J.B. & Company Inc. 100% Employee Owned service@jbroofing.org PO Box 520, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 Phone 800.472.0969 N FAMILY FRIENDLY-KID SAFE EW MAKE THE SWITCH www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 17 18 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Submitted by Lisé Konecny, Green is the new buzzword in the United States and Executive Director of Business Services, Terra Community College is already in on the action. Terra Community College Last fall, the college offered its first green class, Terra Community College has contracted Fundamentals of Alternative Energy, and students are with SHP Leading Design from Cincinnati to currently halfway through the second class, Sustainable plan and design a new Skilled Trades Center Architecture. It was part of the restructuring of Terra’s for the college. Currently, this project is in Architectural/Construction Management program. the design development phase where the The new curriculum will make the program’s graduates College is working with SHP in defining even more marketable, according to Bill Hotz, an expectations, site planning, budget parameters associate professor in the program. and detailed cost estimates, as well as schedule “Our program has always opened lots of doors for our expectations. graduates, from architecture to surveying, to drafting,” This new building will be approximately Hotz said. “This gives our students even more avenues 23,225 square feet. The total cost of the to explore and makes them more marketable.” Bruce Meyer, Dean of The courses are designed to enlighten students on the building will be approximately $3,300,000, the Technology and concepts of environmentally friendly energy and with the funding for the project being a Workforce Development construction. combination of state and local funds. Terra Community College expects to break ground Division. • Fundamentals of Alternative Energy is for anyone who late August to mid September. The timeline has an interest in the related technologies for electric for construction will be approximately one power and the current status of our non-renewable sources. Topics of alternative energy, including fuel cells, solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen energy, biomass, Lisé Konecny, Executive Direc- year. The new design incorporates many geothermal, wave and tidal energy are discussed. tor of Business Services, and Red energy savings and conservation measures. It •Sustainable Architecture is a study of the process of green building, covering the Haslinger, Director of Plant Op- will also provide the shell for future energy theory, history and current materials and systems that are used in today’s building erations, stand on the site of the management plans to incorporate either a biomass boiler or a natural-gas fired combined industry to meet the environmental needs. future Skilled Trades Center at heat and power unit for the campus. The associate degree program in Architectural/Construction has also been Terra. This facility will consolidate spaces into a streamlined. Students beginning the program in the fall of 2008 will have only 63 new state of the art lab facility for skilled credits to complete which will allow them to be finished in two years. And next fall, Terra is planning to offer a Wind Power certificate. The certificate trades including, HVAC, Welding, Power Technologies, and Truck Driving. These will include a series of electrical classes as well as a wind technology class to help are existing programs being relocated to this new building to support program students understand how wind turbines work and also create an awareness growth. The new facility will also include classrooms and administrative offices. regarding alternative energy. “There is a tremendous amount of interest in These new lab spaces will be sized appropriately for the program to allow for infrastructure jobs which includes Electrical/PLC, Welding, Fiber Optics, Computer maximum efficiencies of space. The students completing programs in the new Technology, HVAC and Alternative Energy,” said Bruce Meyer, Dean of Technology Skilled Trades Center will meet the workforce needs of our communities. The space that is being vacated by these programs will be renovated in the future and Workforce Development at Terra. “Terra is really focused on developing students that can add value to an organization immediately after graduating.” For in order for the College to offer new Allied Health programs in collaboration with neighboring colleges. It will also provide upgraded space for our growing music more information on the Wind Certificate, call Denny Setzler, at 419-559-2443. programs. Terra Looking to Green Future Terra Community College – Skilled Trades Center FTMC Receives Trauma Center Status Fisher-Titus Medical Center was granted provisional status as a Level 3 Trauma Center by the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Public Safety on Monday, March 2. Fisher-Titus Medical Center is the first area hospital to have this designation. The provisional designation comes after a consultative site visit by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Subcommittee in January and the submission of a follow-up report to the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Department of Public Safety. A trauma center is a hospital which has the immediate availability of specialized surgeons, physician specialists, anesthesiologists, nurses, resuscitation and life support equipment, and operating rooms on a 24-hour-basis to care for severely injured patients. “The commitment of our general surgeons and anesthesiologists to be on-call 24/7, 365 days a year along with our highly skilled team of emergency physicians and emergency department staff was critical to earning this designation,” said Patrick J. Martin, president of Fisher-Titus Medical Center. “The team is backed by our top-notch ancillary support staff and the latest medical technology to provide residents in our community and service area with the highest quality emergency care possible.” “Trauma Centers are designated as Level 1 through Level 3,” said Dr. Eric Schmidt, a general surgeon, who chairs FTMC’s Trauma Committee and is medical director of FTMC’s Trauma Program. “The differences in levels are based on the depth of the resources available to treat the trauma victim. “Specifically, Level 3 trauma centers can provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, emergency surgery, and stabilization and also arrange for possible transfer to a facility that can provide definitive trauma care,” Schmidt explained. The Ohio Trauma law establishes guidelines to identify trauma patients and selects appropriate transport destinations. The law establishes transfer guidelines between trauma centers and non-trauma hospitals effectively making Ohio an inclusive system wherein any trauma center verified by the American College of Surgeons can be a trauma transport destination. This assures patients are receiving the highest quality emergency care by experienced medical personnel. All centers form part of a system and work together to allow for care of mass casualties and times when one center is at risk of having its resources overwhelmed by patient load or through loss of physician manpower. “The effort to become a Level 3 Trauma Center took a tremendous commitment of resources by our board and medical staff,” said Martin. “This provisional status allows us to continue to provide services to patients who have historically been treated here. Without this designation, some patients would have needed to be transferred to trauma centers in Mansfield, Cleveland or Toledo.” FTMC is working to attain full verification by the American College of Surgeons in 2009. The American College of Surgeons does not designate trauma centers; instead, it sets the standards for verification and performs site visits. The designation as a Trauma Center, based upon ACS verification, is a function of the state of Ohio. www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 19 What’s Your Score? New Screening Adds It Up! Heart attacks often come with no warning. But CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring, a high-tech screening now being offered by the FTMC Snyder/ White Heart & Vascular Center, may provide some advance notice of problems. In December, Fisher-Titus Medical Center and FTMC’s Chief of Radiology Dr. Matthew Gutowicz initiated the new screenings by providing Norwalk firefighters and police officers and Huron County law enforcement officers complimentary screenings. This non-invasive screening uses FTMC’s 64-slice CT scanner to locate and measure calcified plaque in coronary arteries – the vessels that take blood to the heart muscle. “Plaque can, over time, narrow the arteries or even close off blood flow to the heart muscle. By detecting it in the earliest, most treatable stage, patients and Photo caption: Registered CT Technologist Cherri their physicians can take steps to reduce heart disease Schaffer prepares Norwalk Firefighter Dave Wal- risk,” Dr. Gutowicz said. lace as he participates in the preliminary testing for Because the Calcium Scoring Screening is not useful CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring. for persons at low or high risk for heart disease, patients are pre-assessed using the American Heart Association Heart Attack Risk Assessor. If the assessment indicates an intermediate risk, the patient can be scheduled for the screening. The Calcium Scoring is performed on FTMC’s 64-slice CT. Because the scanner is so fast, it captures multiple images synchronized with the heart beat cycle, resulting in clear pictures of the heart and its vessels with minimal exposure to radiation. The actual scan takes only a few minutes. After the procedure the patient is able to leave and resume normal activities. Board Certified Radiologists Dr. Gutowicz and Dr. William Ferber read and interpret the scans. A registered nurse of the Snyder/White Heart & Vascular Center follows up with each patient to review the results. With this information, the patient’s physician can recommend appropriate treatment, including diet and lifestyle changes, medication, or further testing if needed. CT Calcium Scoring should not be confused with CT Angiography. CT Angiography is a more elaborate test that provides detailed images of the coronary arteries. It is not a screening and the procedure must be ordered by a physician. Terra Job Fair Draws Hundreds In what must be a sign of the economic times, Terra Community College’s Annual Job Fair drew a couple hundred job seekers to campus. “There were people waiting in line before some of the employers even arrived,” said Mary Mc Cue, Director of Marketing and Auxiliary Services at Terra. “It’s been a great turnout.” Nearly 20 employers were available to talk to and accept resumes from those looking for jobs. Companies from as far away as the Cleveland area had representatives at the job fair. “This is the largest group of job seekers we have ever had at our job fair,” said Joan Gamble, Coordinator of Career Services at Terra. “Usually it just involves our students, but this year we are doing what we can to help area residents who are in need of employment.” “Jobseekers also flooded the Terra Community College table requesting information about financial aid, scholarships and general enrollment questions,” Mc Cue said. “The majority of those individuals seeking advice on enrollment are considering new careers.” Life doesn’t stop... Why should we? NOMS Aft NOMS After Hours Care fter t urs Care rs s re r • Board Certified Physicians • No Appointment Necessary • Minimal Wait Time • Private Office Setting with Convenient Parking • X-Ray, Lab and Diagnostic Testing On-Site • Significant Savings Compared to ER Visit Walk-In Hours www.nomsdrs.com AFTER HOURS CARE 2800 Hayes Ave., Bldg C. • Sandusky • (419) 502-5911 Tuesday - Friday Saturday 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 20 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Ottawa County’s OCIC Recognizes Business Leaders Catawba Island Club was awarded the Business of the Year Award at the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation’s annual Business & Industry Awards Dinner at Camp Perry Clubhouse on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. OCIC recognizes outstanding companies and individuals that are making a difference in the growth and quality in Ottawa County. Awards are given in categories for small business (1 to 30 employees), medium business (31 to 65 employees) and large business (66 plus employees), business of the year, individual business leader, economic development partner, entrepreneurial business and volunteer of the year. A committee of OCIC Trustees reviews and determines the award winners. This year’s small business nominees were Bolte Real Estate & Insurance, Port Clinton; Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, Elmore; and Casa las Palmas Mexican Restaurant, Port Clinton; with the award presented to Bolte Real Estate & Insurance in the small business category. Medium business nominees were Civilian Marksmanship Program, Port Clinton; Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery, Port Clinton; and Rayz Café, Genoa. The medium business category award went to Rayz Café. Nominees in the large business category were AdFilm/ACPO, Oak Harbor; Islander Inn & Niagara Conference Center, Put-in-Bay; and Magruder Hospital, Port Clinton AdFilm/ACPO received the award in the large business category. The Bill Mack Business Leader Award was presented to Bill Dupps of Dupps Printing & Supply in Port Clinton. Entrepreneur of the Year went to Mann Technologies of Genoa. Volunteer of the Year Award went to Mike Bassett, President of the OCIC for his continued involvement with and support of the OCIC. Economic Development Partner Award was presented to Genoa Bank. Pictured in the photo, left to right, are: Cliff Harmon, Magruder Hospital; Joel Mann, Mann Technologies; Bill Dupps, Dupps Printing; Loretta Paul and Ray St. Marie, Rayz Café; Dave McSherry, AdFilm/ACPO; Phillip Bolte, Bolte Real Estate & Insurance; Holly Rhodes, Catawba Island Club; Mike Bassett, Bassett’s Market; Marty Sutter, Genoa Bank. For all your Business Needs • Awards Banquets • Golf Outings • Business Meetings • Sales Seminars • Lunch and Dinner Meetings • Weddings For information, contact Tom Smerillo at 419-625-5394 Membership not Required PLUM BROOK COUNTRY CLUB 3712 Galloway Rd., Sandusky • www.plumbrookcc.com www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 21 Information Technology Spring Showers & Cleaning! By Don Knaur Sleep like a baby. Have you ever wished you could sleep like a baby again? Are you tired of being tired? The specialists at Magruder’s new Sleep Medicine Center can help. Stress, trouble at work, depression, even stroke and coronary artery disease can all be linked to sleep disorders like insomnia, apnea and narcolepsy. If you are having sleep problems, talk with your physician about Magruder’s Sleep Medicine Center. It can make a night and day difference in your life. 615 Fulton Street Port Clinton OH 43452 419-732-4037 www.magruderhospital.com April showers could ruin your tower! The rainy season is upon us and it seems that flooding is becoming more of a problem every year. Recently I had a PC, which had been in a flooded basement, brought to my shop for diagnostic work. The owner said that it had not been turned on during the flood but did have a live power chord plugged into it. At that time I told him to turn it in to his Insurance Agent as a total loss. I was able to salvage his Windows License along with his hard and optical drives, but everything else was literally toasted. Even though the PC was not turned on, there is power to the motherboard. Since water is the perfect ground, when the water got high enough to hit the Motherboard, about 2” deep, the motherboard, CPU, RAM and power supply were shorted out and ruined. So if there is any possibility of flooding, you should have your PC unplugged or better yet, on top of your desk. Now on to spring-cleaning, your PC has at least two fans and several vent holes or slits. Dust accumulates in these slits and needs to be removed periodically. I recommend running a vacuum cleaner hose over the outside of your PC at least monthly just to cut down on the accumulation of dust inside the case and improve the air circulation. Since you will still have some dust inside the PC, as dust can get in the PC a lot easier than it can get out, you should also run the vacuum inside your PC at least twice a year. (Warning: Before doing this, unplug your PC and only use plastic vacuum attachments inside the PC.) Cleaning your keyboard and mouse at this time is a good idea but not as important as the dust removal. The best keyboard cleaner I have found is a piece of old T-shirt, a soft and clean, lint free cloth, and rubbing alcohol. Before using this, please unplug your keyboard, as there is always power to the keyboard on newer PCs. Do not use water on a keyboard. If your PC has an optical mouse, you can clean it just like your keyboard. If you have a ball mouse, call me for instructions at 419-448-8020 and I will explain it to you for free. Cleaning the Hard Drive and Windows on your computer is a far more complicated task. Some people run a thorough Scandisk and Defrag on a regular basis, but I just include it in my semi-annual cleaning. Even if you do this regularly, you may have found that these processes are not completing when you run them, due to interference from other programs. If you have this problem, E-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will send you instructions at no charge. Windows XP has eliminated this problem as it will not attempt a Scandisk or Defrag during normal operations. It asks you if you want to do this on your next start-up and you simply tell it “yes”. However, there is one problem with this procedure, you need to remember to restart your computer when you can let it run at least an hour before you use it. Another chore that should be done, is cleaning up all the leftover, unwanted files that hide themselves on your PC. I have found an excellent Freeware tool that will do this for you. It is called “Ccleaner” as in “Drive C: cleaner”. You can find this software by looking at the “most popular downloads” list on www. filehippo.com. Running the “Cleaner” option will get rid of all of your temporary files including some that you really are better off without. It allows you to analyze the junk files before cleaning them but I recommend going straight to the cleaner. This program will also scan your registry and clean it up. There are many registry cleaners available that can cause problems, but I have not seen any problems with this one. I recommend you use this feature as well as the cleaner. This is also a good time to find and remove unwanted programs from your hard drive. Running two anti-virus programs at the same time is one example, I have found, of programs that should be removed. When two anti-virus programs are running simultaneously, they can conflict with each other and cause unwanted lock ups. Before you remove any program, you must be sure that the program is not running. Removal needs to be done through the control panel. The proper steps are as follows: • Click on “Start” • Double click on “Control Panel” • Find “Add Remove Programs” and double click on it • Scroll through the list of programs until you find one you want to remove • Highlight that program • Click on the “Remove “ button at the bottom of the window • Follow the wizard directions from that point • It is normally a good idea to answer “yes to all” to the question about removing files that are not used by other programs. Or easier still, if you downloaded Ccleaner as I recommended above, just go to the tools portion of that program and use it to remove the programs. After doing all this, you should now be ready to enjoy warm weather computing, if Mother Nature and “Global Warming” will just cooperate and give us the warm weather. Don is the CWO (Chief Working Officer) of Help-Desk, Ohio, a complete computer service center, located in Suite A of the Courtlee Interiors’ Building, 2499 W. Market in Tiffin. Don has a degree in Computer Programming from Tiffin University and has been an Information Technology Professional for over 20 years. He started Help-Desk, Ohio in the spring of 1996 and opened his shop in March 2001. Don welcomes calls for advice or information at 419-448-8020. 22 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Innovation, Renovation and Teamwork Mark the Start of 2009 at Memorial Health Care System Memorial Health Care System (MHCS) is moving forward with exciting new plans that will not only enhance the appearance of Memorial Hospital— but also improve efficiency and enhance the comfort of our patients and guests. If you walk through the hospital lobby, you will immediately see that this area is currently undergoing a major renovation. This project will create a lovely new look and feel for the lobby and registration area. Upgrades include updated lighting, fresh paint, new flooring, comfortable furniture and a “water feature” in tribute to a local family. A cozy new fireplace will be added to the waiting area in the Weitzel-Kern Surgery Center. With an emphasis on improved patient flow and comfort, the 8,300 square foot area will be transformed to better accommodate the activity in the lobby and registration area. To date, the Memorial Hospital Foundation and Memorial Hospital Auxiliary have raised nearly three fourths of the $200,000 cost of the project which is scheduled to be complete in April. Potential contributors should contact Chastity O’Neill, Foundation Director at (419) 334-6667. are taking steps to ensure that our patients, their families and guests—receive the most advanced, compassionate care. This project is a visible demonstration of our common focus in placing our patients first.” Building A Stronger Team Memorial Health Care System recently formed a new Rewards and Recognition team dedicated to ensuring that hospital employees and staff feel valued and connected. The ultimate goal of this team is to ensure that everyone associated with Memorial Health Care System feels valued as critical to the well being of their patients and the success of the organization— and connected to one another as partners in success. Emergency Room Physician, Dr. Spencer Johnson examines patient. Mobile Meals Program Awarded Grant from Wal-Mart Rob Hershey, General Manager of the Fremont Wal-Mart presented Memorial’s Mobile Meals with a gift of $1,100 from the Wal-Mart Foundation. “We are in tough times at the moment,” Hershey stated. “The cost of food and expense of heating a home can cripple some families.” Hershey is hoping this gift will make the remaining winter months a little less harsh for area families. The Mobile Meals program is a home-delivered meal service provided by Memorial Hospital. Meals are planned and prepared by the Dietary Department of Memorial Hospital from the subscriber’s menu selection. Volunteers—who generously use their vehicle at their own expense, deliver the meals. Emergency Department The Memorial Health Care System Emergency Department is also undergoing a major renovation that will significantly improve patient flow and efficiency—while creating a comfortable waiting More Changes to Strengthen Growing area for patients and guests. In 2008, Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department experienced an all time high in patient visits with approximately 20,000 patients seeking emergency care. Memorial Hospital Providing Multiple MHCS is working with Ohio National offers competitive products and a Cleveland based “Hotel-Style” Services to Guests Similar to other hospitals around the Country, services for individuals and businesses, including: architectural firm, recognized for excellence patients are expecting hotel-like services during in health care design their hospital stay. Consequently patients are now and medical technology expected to be treated as “guests.” Taking the lead integration to create a perfect design for Memorial’s Emergency Department— integrating both patient comfort and convenience with the emphasis on optimum patient care. The Emergency McClendon & Associates Department staff and J. Edward McClendon, LUTCF physicians are working with architects to 85 Benedict Avenue, Suite #104 provide valuable insight Norwalk, Ohio 44857 regarding the delivery of 419-663-2995 quality, compassionate and efficient care. The design reflects input from MHCS emergency Securities offered through the O.N. Equity Sales Company, Member FINRA/ Linda Gegorski serves a patient her individually staff members. SIPC, One Financial Way, Cincinnati, OH 45242 513.794.6794. According to MHCS prepared meal selection. Product, product features and rider availability vary by state. Issuers not licensed to conduct business and products not distributed in AK, HI and NY. The Ohio National Life Insurance Company CEO John Yanes, “We Life Changes. We’ll be there.® Call today for more information. Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation Continued on page 24... www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 23 Take the Order, And Run!? By Roger Bostdorff Many years ago I was on the Regional Sales Support team for IBM out of Southfield, Michigan. One of the branches that I supported was in Indianapolis. We had a sales representative in that branch that I was working with by the name of Henry. I was the so called “Hot Shot” from the Region that went to Indianapolis to help these mere mortal sales representatives improve. One day, while I was near Henry’s desk, he received a telephone message that a prospective customer had called in to buy a computer system. We had the company’s name and the name and phone number of the caller. My reaction was, make the call, get the address and see when we can go pick up the order. Let’s get moving!! Henry had a very different approach. He called the customer and found out that the caller was actually the President of the company, and he indeed wanted to buy a computer. I have by now put my coat on grabbed the contracts and am half way out the door. However, Henry is still talking and by the way, trying my patience. Didn’t he know that we were delaying a sale? What kind of turkey was this guy Henry? The next question really made me think that this guy Henry was losing it. Henry asked the customer why he wanted to buy a computer. Can you believe this, a company wants to spend thousands of dollars with IBM and rather than take the order we want to have the customer think about it longer and potentially change his mind. I continued to be frustrated as the conversation continued. The customer had an inventory problem he needed to solve. He thought he had too much money invested in inventory but he had no good way to control it. Henry asked him how many $$ he had invested in his inventory? Is he nuts? These types of questions could tick off the customer. Let’s just go get the order!! The customer answered the question and went on to answer the question “How many $$ could you reduce your inventory investment by if you had better controls? By the time Henry was done we knew not only what model computer system the customer needed but also why he wanted it and what the projected ROI was for this investment. It was then that we grabbed the contracts and went out and got the order. However, the next week the brother and co-owner of this company called a meeting with Henry, the President and I. The brother was concerned about spending this much money. Henry calmly took out his notebook with the notes regarding the inventory issues and the payback and went thru them with the brothers. When Henry was done the two brothers were more excited than ever and wanted to know how soon the computer could be delivered! The “Hot Shot” was humbled! What did I learn? I learned that to get an order and keep it we need to understand the business reasons to make the investment, the customer’s pain points. The investment needs to be less than the benefits to make it a good business decision. Had we gone out to get the order without gathering the needs and quantifying those needs we surely would have celebrated one week and lost the order the following week. By the way, Henry later started his own business, built it up and sold it for approximately $20 Million. You tell me who the real Hot Shot was? Roger Bostdorff is the President of B2B Sales Boost. He spent over 30 years with IBM in sales and sales management. B2B Sales Boost is a consulting company helping organizations improve their sales and overall business processes. You can find more about B2B Sales Boost on the web at www.b2bsalesboost.com or calling 419-3514347. If you would like to receive the B2B Sales Boost Newsletter please send an email to sales@ b2bsalesboost.com 24 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Memorial Health Care Continued from page 22... from other major medical centers and hotels around the country, Memorial Hospital is now providing complimentary wireless internet service (Wi-Fi) to all patients and guests. According to MHCS Chief Information Officer John Allen, “Creating a Wi-Fi environment at our facilities will allow our guests to have another convenience of home during their stay with us. Today many people use their computers as a communication and work device and we must provide Internet access for them.” Wi-Fi will be available throughout Memorial Hospital, in areas such as guest rooms, waiting areas and lobbies. Guests with laptops will have instant access to news, weather, communication and many of the other benefits available on the internet. “With Wi-Fi, our guests have the ability to instantaneously communicate with family and friends while staying at one of our facilities,” added Allen. “From daily world events, to tracking the stock market, to scores from local sporting events, our guests have easy and instant access to a resource in the internet that will make their time with us like being at home.” Hotel-style room service is another benefit provided for patients at Memorial Hospital. With a menu offering a wide variety of choices for meals between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., room service allows patients or guests at the hospital to have a hassle-free dining experience. In addition to improving satisfaction, through improved food temperature, room service has also reduced food waste. “Good nutrition is an essential part of recovery,” said Nancy Brown, Clinical Dietitian at Memorial Health Care System. “Room service ensures that guests receive their required diet from the comfort of their own room.” Dietetic Technicians guide guests through menu selections to make certain that they adhere to their diet plan and understand the benefits of good nutrition. “Our guests’ health care needs are our main priority; the room service program at Memorial Hospital ensures that those needs are being met while greatly enhancing the comfort of their stay,” said Brown. For more information on guest services provided at Memorial Hospital, please log on to memorialhcs. org or call Nancy Brown, Clinical Dietitian, at 419334-3429. For more information and updates about MHCS renovations and programs, please visit our website Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon, James A. at www.memorialhcs.org. Huddleston, D.O. performing surgery. Free Packaging, Reduced Shipping? The Post Office has become competitive Beginning late last month, Postmasters across the country began hosting Business Connect activities as part of usps.com Week. This is an opportunity for them to talk to you — especially small and midsize businesses — and show you the benefits and convenience of using usps.com for all your shipping and mailing needs. “With usps.com, you can focus on business and let your desktop deliver!” said Vice President of Sales Susan Plonkey. She told postal employees to “Spread the word in your community that they can save time and money using the Postal Service’s suite of online shipping solutions.” Almost anything you can do at the Post Office, you can do online at usps.com — from the convenience of your home or office. The Web site lets you skip the trip to the Post Office and conduct Postal Service business with the click of a mouse. The Postal Service also offers discounts between 3 percent and 11 percent when you ship online, whether it is for personal use or business. Free packaging, reduced shipping – The Post Office has become competitive. The mail is big business. It’s so big, that if the United States Postal Service (USPS) were a privatelyowned company, it would rank within the top 25 on the Fortune 500 list. Any private sector company of that size would tell you that it’s important to be nimble and stay competitive. And thanks to the Postal Act of 2006, the USPS is now able to do just that. In its attempts to become as user-friendly as possible, the USPS is empowering you to ship letters and packages in a way that makes sense for you. To that end, the Postal Service has moved increasingly towards enabling every company and firm to act as its own post office. The Postal Service’s Web site, usps.com, has become a one-stop resource for mailing services. On the Web site you order envelopes and boxes and get them delivered to your offices. USPS account manager Vicky Dolinsky explains, “Our packaging is free. All you have to do is go to our Web site, click on Order Supplies and how many boxes, envelopes and supplies you want shipped. We ship your selection in 7-10 days for free.” Dolinsky also points out that all of the Postal Services packages are recyclable and use soy-based inks. Additionally, Tyvek based envelopes that won’t puncture, tear or suffer water damage are available. The USPS has also made available a new legal sized envelope that allows legal-sized paper to be sent across the U.S.A. without folding or bending. The envelopes can be sent using Priority or Express Mail, and pricing is based on the weight and destination. Flat Rate Envelopes are also available. Paying postage and getting parcels shipped out can also be handled online. Mailing labels can be printed using a downloadable program available on usps.com. The Postal Service is also proud to offer Click-N-Ship, a free online service that allows you to print prepaid shipping labels using a credit card. Click-N-Ship also provides a free delivery confirmation number for each shipment. What’s more, using Click-N-Ship saves money on reduced Priority and Express Mail rates on parcels shipped anywhere in the world. A USPS parcel carrier will then come and pick-up your package and take it to an official post office branch for shipping. The Web site also offers a host of other tools business owners and company heads may find helpful. Also, we offer Forever Stamps, our FirstClass postage stamp that remains valid regardless of future rate changes. Firms interested in increasing their marketing presence can also subscribe to the Postal Services’ award winning, bi-monthly marketing magazine, Deliver. Like so much else offered by USPS, a subscription to Deliver is free of cost. From stamps to envelopes, boxes and shipping, users can get everything they need to mail and ship parcels delivered to their door without ever setting foot inside a Post Office. They even offer pre-printed labels for companies who have multiple departments and prefer to still hand write the recipients name. As Dolinsky says, “We’re out there; we’re interested in new business. We have a great product and great service. We don’t add on surprise surcharges that you are getting from our competition. It’s time to rethink your shipping.” www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 25 Accounting How to Protect Against Theft: Financial Woes Fostering Workplace Fraud By Timothy D. Mayles, CPA, CFE Director-in-Charge Sandusky Office Barnes Wendling CPAs In the wake of lives rife with credit-sponsored amenities beyond their financial scope, many Americans are facing the worst economic hardships of their times. With mounting financial woes and duress, given the avenue, many otherwise honest, principled individuals will resort to stealing from their employer to bridge the shortfall. Pressure to continue living beyond one’s means is the genesis of most employee theft. Whether the result or a combination of a financial loss or a vice, including addiction, those who have amassed large personal debts feel very real, unparalleled pressure to steal. Even an organization’s oldest, most trusted employees are not immune to lapsed moral judgment under the economic strain. And in fact, most often these individuals who have been given the greatest latitude, can be the best candidates for fraud in any economic circumstances. In a 2008-2009 Integrity Survey conducted by KPMG LLP, findings showed “the prevalence of misconduct remains high. Nearly three out of four employees (74 percent) report that they have personally observed or have firsthand knowledge of wrongdoing within their organization within the previous 12 months.” “The nature of observed misconduct remains serious. Nearly half of the employees (46 percent) reported that what they observed could cause ‘a significant loss of public trust if discovered’” Regardless of the escalating pressures to thieve, the employee must first believe a reasonable opportunity to steal-without-detection exists. A number of variables can provide an employee with the opportunity, but the primary culprit is weak or lacking internal controls in the company’s accounting processes. Chances are, if you are reading this, you are the individual concerned about the prospect and in a position to thwart it. Tempted employees’ prospects of fraud are hindered only by their imagination and the looseness present in your processes. The schemes range from and include: padded hours and bogus mileage; fictitious employees; unauthorized pay rates or bonuses; paying personal bills or expenses on credit cards; securing false refunds; selling inventory surreptitiously; and, writing unauthorized checks. In 2007, an Association of Certified Fraud Examiners study of American workplace theft indicated: nearly 75 percent of employee theft was a result of personal financial distress. Moreover, employee fraud was over $100,000 in 60 percent of cases and almost 20 percent resulted from a divorce or other family crisis. In unprecedented financial straits, personal problems escalate and further create a fraud-prone work environment. Under any circumstances, warning signs could include: divorce or family problems changes in personality or habits including increased drinking, drugs or gambling changes in lifestyle including expensive showy acquisitions e.g. car, home or boat unusually close relationship with a vendor missing or incomplete financial documentation e.g. bank reconciliations not performed working excessive hours without taking time off and being largely protective of their work complaints from customers about their accounts By instituting good internal controls, you remove or minimize the potential for theft. It is exponentially cheaper to institute checks and balances over cash receipts, accounts receivable, payroll and cash disbursement functions, than to absorb theft. It is very simple to accomplish and even the smallest business can institute controls. How is fraud first discovered? The following chart is part of the 2006 Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Report to the Nation Fraud Examiners Fraud Prevention Check-Up Booklet by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Timothy D. Mayles, CPA, CFE is the director-in-charge of the Sandusky office of Barnes Wendling CPAs. He is a CPA and an experienced certified fraud examiner with a strong history of expert-witness testimony. Tim may be contacted at 419.626.3627 or 800.369.6375 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . MONEY TALKS Survey: Most Executives OK With Applicants Asking About Compensation by Second Interview Job interviewees reluctant to discuss compensation with hiring managers during tough times are getting a green light from employers, a new survey shows. More than half of senior executives (56 percent) surveyed said they are comfortable with applicants broaching the subject in the first or second interview. In fact, approximately two-thirds (66 percent) of executives indicated they most commonly discuss the subject by the second interview, with 19 percent saying it usually comes up during the first interview. The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world’s first and largest staffing services firm specializing in accounting and finance. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with 150 senior executives from the nation’s 1,000 largest companies. Senior executives were asked, “When is it appropriate for job candidates to ask about compensation and benefits during the hiring process?” Their responses: 17% 30% 26% 10% 12% 5% 100% Respondents also were asked, “When is it most common for you to discuss compensation and benefits with a potential hire?” Their responses: Phone interview ................................... 14% First interview ...................................... 19% Second interview .................................. 33% Third interview or after .............................9% Once you make the job offer ..................22% Other/don’t know ......................................3% 100% Phone interview ................................... First interview ................................... Second interview ............................... Third interview or after ....................... Once you make the job offer .............. Other/don’t know ................................ It can be as rudimentary as the owner requiring and reviewing detailed support for every check, signing all checks, and receiving the bank statement personally, directly from the bank. How you respond to discovered fraud is just as important. Prosecution to the fullest extent is the obvious and correct response. However, it may not be so easy to follow through when it’s your employee. Many employers’ resolve is weakened by the thief’s story of despair; however, without legal consequences you simply relegate the individual’s next employer to your same fate. The squeamish, empathetic employer also sends a clear message to the rest of the organization that stealing is tolerated and that no threat of embarrassment or public humiliation exists. To have your business evaluated for internal controls or if you already have concerns about theft, engage a certified fraud examiner. In addition, it is key to establish a “tone from the top” leadership style. Through visible actions as simple as paying for personal postage and phone calls, and turning in receipts for petty cash, these simple actions will demonstrate and communicate a zero-tolerance for fraud. And in any event, meet with a trained forensic accountant to deter or eliminate fraud before it erodes your business in these of all dire economic times. To see how your organization rates in the area of fraud prevention, request a copy of the Association of Certified “While employers and job applicants don’t have to agree on a final figure right away, general salary requirements should be discussed early in the hiring process to avoid surprises later on,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies®, 2nd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). “ 26 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net FTMC Receives Trauma Center Status physician specialists, anesthesiologists, nurses, resuscitation and life support equipment, and operating rooms on a 24-hour-basis to care for severely injured patients. “The commitment of our general surgeons and anesthesiologists to be on-call 24/7, 365 days a year along with our highly skilled team of emergency physicians and emergency department staff was critical to earning this designation,” said Patrick J. Martin, president of Fisher-Titus Medical Center. “The team is backed by our top-notch ancillary support staff and the latest medical technology to provide residents in our community and service area with the highest quality emergency care possible.” “Trauma Centers are designated as Level 1 through Level 3,” said Dr. Eric Schmidt, a general surgeon, who chairs FTMC’s Trauma Committee and is medical director of FTMC’s Trauma Program. “The differences in levels are based on the depth of the resources available to treat the trauma victim. “Specifically, Level 3 trauma centers can provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, emergency surgery, and stabilization and also arrange for possible transfer to a facility that can provide definitive trauma care,” Schmidt explained. The Ohio Trauma law establishes guidelines to identify trauma patients and selects appropriate transport destinations. The law establishes transfer guidelines between trauma centers and non-trauma hospitals effectively making Ohio an inclusive system wherein any trauma center verified by the American College of Surgeons can be a trauma transport destination. This assures patients are receiving the highest quality emergency care by experienced medical personnel. All centers form part of a system and work together to allow for care of mass casualties and times when one center is at risk of having its resources overwhelmed by patient load or through loss of physician manpower. “The effort to become a Level 3 Trauma Center took a tremendous commitment of resources by our board and medical staff,” said Martin. “This provisional status allows us to continue to provide services to patients who have historically been treated here. Without this designation, some patients would have needed to be transferred to trauma centers in Mansfield, Cleveland or Toledo.” FTMC is working to attain full verification by the American College of Surgeons in 2009. The American College of Surgeons does not designate trauma centers; instead, it sets the standards for verification and performs site visits. The designation as a Trauma Center, based upon ACS verification, is a function of the state of Ohio. Fisher-Titus Medical Center was granted provisional status as a Level 3 Trauma Center by the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Public Safety on Monday, March 2. Fisher-Titus Medical Center is the first area hospital to have this designation. The provisional designation comes after a consultative site visit by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Subcommittee in January and the submission of a follow-up report to the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Department of Public Safety. A trauma center is a hospital which has the immediate availability of specialized surgeons, Inaugural “Lake Erie Boat Week” to Launch on Labor Day Weekend Port Clinton to Cap Summer of Fun with National Event A major, national event is coming to the north shore of Lake Erie! The inaugural “Lake Erie Boat Week” will be a week-long series of boating-related events and parties held in Port Clinton, Ohio, from September 1-6, 2009, culminating in an Offshore Performance Association (OPA) powerboat race on Labor Day weekend. Port Clinton, on the shores of Lake Erie in Northwest Ohio, was chosen as the location for the Lake Erie Boat Week event because of its reputation as a boating Mecca and ideal summer vacation spot. “The City of Port Clinton is very pleased to have been chosen to host the inaugural Lake Erie Boat Week event,” stated City of Port Clinton Mayor Debbie Hymore-Tester. “I have had many positive comments from the community since word of this event has been released, and have had many volunteers approach my office, ready to help get this new venture off the ground. We are working closely with the Lake Erie Boat Week staff to ensure that this event is not only going to boost our local commerce, but also enhance the profile of the entire region in general on a national scale. I am looking forward to working with Lake Erie Boat Week’s organizers to make Port Clinton a home for this event for years to come.” The week-long celebration begins on Tuesday, September 1st, with the first day of a Powerboat Regatta for pre-registered pleasure boaters, and will include competitions in navigation, docking and maneuverability for skilled captains, along with on-shore parties and entertainment. The Powerboat Regatta continues through Thursday, September 3rd, when an Erie Elite “Fastest Boat on Lake Erie” Competition is held, a title that has never been bestowed, allowing boaters in each of 10 different speed classes a chance at bragging rights for the following year. Thursday, September 3rd, the competitors and staff from the OPA will descend on Port Clinton, setting up in Racer’s Village, which will occupy the Waterworks Park and parking lot areas in downtown Port Clinton. The boating festival will continue on Friday, September 4th, when a huge Racer’s Welcome Parade will take place on the streets of Port Clinton, followed by an autograph session and Racer’s Welcome Party. The first on-water action for the OPA regulars will come on Saturday, September 5th, when their 180mph boats take to the shores of Lake Erie (just east of the Municipal Pier, about ¼-mile off shore) to test for the afternoon. Sunday, September 6th is Race Day, when the OPA rockets run their course for a nice purse, points and prestige! Racer’s Village food and merchandise vendors will be open, and entertainment and other festivities will take place daily, open to the public for the nominal price of a wristband, except for opening day on Tuesday, September 1st, which will be designated “Port Clinton Community Day,” where all activities and areas will be open to the public for free. Walkways and beachfront areas line the shore, allowing spectators to spread out and set up a picnic for prime viewing of the racing activities, or to simply enjoy the spectacular scenery. Grassroots boating enthusiasts around the country now have a way to get involved with this event by becoming a member of the “First 100 Club,” which will designate the first 100 people to support this inaugural Lake Erie Boat Week event through a donation of at least $250.00. A limited edition t-shirt will be given to these special supporters, and there will be other ways to commemorate their critical involvement throughout the week’s activities in supplying a sound financial foundation for this firstyear event. See the official event Web site at www. LakeErieBoatWeek.com for additional information about how to become one of the “First 100 Club” members. Volunteer Race Committee Captains and general event volunteers, volunteer boats, vendors and corporate partners (both trade and cash) are currently being sought for this inaugural Lake Erie Boat Week event. For more information on the event, or to become involved as a sponsor, vendor or volunteer, please contact Event Director Janie Vogel at racingpr@ oh.rr.com, or visit the official event website at www. LakeErieBoatWeek.com. Information on the OPA Racing Series can be found at www.oparacing.org. www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 27 The Well-Booked Business By Cathy Allen I don’t so much read books as devour them, with a pen in my hand, highlighting and making notes. When I really feel like I am benefiting from something, I will copy down all the notes and type them up, considering each idea all over again. Yet, I have often found that key learnings are too quickly gone from memory. That’s why I started compiling these short synopses, which I offer now so that North Coast Business Journal readers may gain the insight of these authors and perhaps become inspired to read the entire work. As a facilitator, I often develop feedback information for clients as part of preparing for a strategic planning process. Before making decisions about short- or long-term goals, or setting budget priorities, it is helpful to get a sense from board and staff, customers, colleagues, and others, about how an organization is doing, what people value most or least, and whether the group is meeting expectations. The basic predicate of my work is that most of us don’t get that kind of information in the natural course of a day. To get actionable feedback, it is necessary to ask for it. In this month’s book, Executive Coach and Business Consultant Marshall Goldsmith talks about the importance of developing high-quality feedback… and what to do when the report is less than pleasant. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful By Marshall Goldsmith Hyperion, New York, 2007 PRIMARY THEME/SUMMARY: Though we may be completely unaware of it, most people – even highly successful people - have at least a few interpersonal habits that are off-putting to others. Even the most well-intentioned of comments and behaviors can be misunderstood by others, causing us to develop a reputation that is not of our choosing. The book provides a step-by-step guide to finding out how our supervisors, peers, or subordinates perceive us and correcting any problems we discover. KEY LEARNINGS: • What we may think of as helping, others may see as arrogance. What we think of as delegating, others may see as shirking responsibility. The way others view our actions or hear our words can be very different from what we intend. • As important as a to-do list can be, a “to-stop” list can be equally so. Goldsmith’s list of 20 bad habits to stop – based on thousands of interviews with the colleagues of his clients – is eye-opening. • Feedback is best when it comes from others who 1) can let go of the past, 2) will pledge to tell the truth, 3) are supportive and helpful, and 4) are focused more on improvement than judgment. • “Feedforward” refers to feedback which is purposely focused on future progress, rather than on past grievances. When soliciting such information from colleagues or friends, listen carefully to their suggestions without judgment, defensiveness, or comment. If you want to know the truth about how you are perceived, you cannot shoot the messenger. • There is no substitute for a timely and sincere apology. To be effective, an apology has three elements: 1) “I’m sorry,” 2) “I’ll promise to do better in the future,” and 3) Silence. Explanations, justifications, and additional details only dilute the impact of “I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better in the future.” • Hard as it is to change interpersonal behavior, it is even harder to change people’s perceptions, so anyone committed to changing must continuously remind people that they are trying to change, and enlist their support. • Before we can grasp another person’s meaning or perspective, we must hear it. Active listening requires keeping the mouth shut and engaging the information another person is imparting. Skill at listening is the difference between great leaders and near-great leaders. • Thanking people for a service, favor, or helpful suggestion merely meets their expectations. Withholding it is damaging to relationships. Remembering to say “thank you” can diffuse a potentially volatile situation, so cultivation of an “attitude of gratitude” can yield big benefits. • Eight rules for positive change given in one of the later chapters include “Pick the right thing to change,” and “If you can measure it, you can achieve it.” • Successful people often find themselves in positions of authority, though with less-thanoptimal cooperation from subordinates. The book’s final chapter contains a series of items for the boss’s “to-stop” list, including “Stop trying to coach people who should not be coached,” and “Stop letting your staff overwhelm you.” TOOLS: A 72-question executive feedback instrument in an appendix called the “Global Leadership Inventory.” The 20 interpersonal flaws that damage our relationships and limit our success. 1. Winning too much. 2. Adding too much value. 3. Passing judgment. 4. Making destructive comments. 5. Starting with “No,” “But,” or “However.” 6. Telling the world how smart we are. 7. Speaking when angry. 8. Negativity, or “Let me explain why that won’t work.” 9. Withholding information. 10. Failing to give proper recognition. 11. Claiming credit that we don’t deserve. 12. Making excuses. 13. Clinging to the past. 14. Playing favorites. 15. Refusing to express regret. 16. Not listening. 17. Failing to express gratitude. 18. Punishing the messenger. 19. Passing the buck. 20. An excessive need to be “me.” Cathy Allen is the owner of Creative Option C, LLC, a consulting firm in Port Clinton dedicated to helping groups and organizations invent solutions together. By developing feedback from stakeholders, planning strategically, and taking the time to get everyone in an organization on the same page, groups can achieve greater levels of success than they ever imagined – all while bringing projects in under-budget. To learn more about how Creative Option C can help you and your organization, call them at 419-732-1770 or check out their Web site at www.CreativeOptionC.com. Also posted there are additional book synopses, original articles, and information about a monthly book discussion group at the Huron Public Library. “Building the North Coast” Bu ild ild Bu an d d an De sig n e as Le Chamber Discount on Commerical and Health Insurance Amy Flickinger 30 E. Main St. Norwalk www.flickinger-ins.com 419-668-4406/800-947-3700 General Contractors FOCHT CONSTRUCTION 1-888-797-7724 28 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal and consistent improvement goals for its entire operation. With its goals of increasing student achievement, closing socioeconomic/ethnic/disability gaps in achievement, and building hope, trust, and respect with our community squarely in mind, Fremont Schools invites all stakeholders in education to join www.ncbj.net Fremont City Schools: Excellence, Equity and Opportunity Submitted by Dr. Traci McCaudy Superintendent Fremont, Ohio, boasts a diverse population of nearly 40,000 residents. Located in Sandusky County, Fremont is fifteen minutes from the popular “North Coast” attractions, including the Lake Erie Islands. Proud of its traditions and rich history, Fremont is home to former President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes. Fremont is a community that also looks to the future, committing to change and growth. Valuing education, especially, The Fremont Area Foundation raised ten million dollars to construct seven classroom/computer labs, to build new athletic facilities, and to provide educational support materials. Such commitment has been instrumental in preparing Fremont’s young people for professional careers in medicine, teaching, writing, athletics, politics, and business. The Fremont City School District serves 4,200 students that come from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. The PK – 12 program is provided in seven elementary schools (Atkinson, Croghan, Hayes, Lutz, Otis, Stamm, and Washington), one middle school (Fremont Middle School), and one high school (Fremont Ross High School). The district employs 288 certified staff and 175 classified staff. Better than 56% of Fremont’s teachers have Master’s Degrees. All of the district’s staff bring a dedication to quality to their positions each day. Fremont’s schools are guided by a carefully developed Comprehensive Continuous Improvement Plan, a long-term educational plan that synthesizes the work of many into a focused plan of constant protocols and timelines for curriculum design and delivery, calendars for textbook adoptions, budgets and procedures for the purchase/use of supplemental materials. Fremont is proud of its comprehensive course offerings, including Advanced Placement (AP) and Post Secondary Education Options (PSEO) classes. Fremont’s close partnership with Vanguard Career/Tech Center and with Terra Community College enhances the district’s program offerings and the opportunities for a wide range of student interests. Gifted programs are available for elementary and middle school students, while tutoring programs are available for all students in grades 3-12. WSOS (Wood, Sandusky, Ottawa, Seneca) Community Action Commission offers after school and summer programs for elementary and middle school students. Fremont also understands the value of and is committed to a wealth of co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities. Fremont’s athletic programs are respected state-wide and many of its athletic facilities, including a newly-constructed natatorium, are models of excellence. Its performing and visual arts programs (K-12) are recognized for their quality every year. A variety of activities and clubs open the doors to a number of options for students interested in meeting together in complementary educational activities outside the classroom. Fremont City Schools is a district committed to excellence, equity, and opportunity. Children are the world’s most important resource and the Fremont City School District is dedicated to taking very good care of its share of that resource. “We have the ability to secure people’s access to EMR’s,” added Schoen. “We allow minimal access to caregivers who need to know information in order to do their job. In fact, physicians can only see records for their own patients, and not the patients of any other physician. And, we can perform an audit trail on each EMR to determine what is being done and who is accessing the information. Schoen noted that passwords and encryption also aid in the security of each patient’s EMR. “In many ways, EMR’s will be more secure than, say, having a patient chart laying out on the counter at the nurse’s desk,” added Schoen. “And, access to information is right at the fingertips of the caregiver. Access is so much quicker for physicians as well. Instead of trying to locate a chart, they can access via a computer, and even look up historical data on the patient. This all helps make treatment decisions much more efficient.” Next step in the process for TBH is to enable physicians to access their patient records from their office as well as electronically sign their charts from any personal computer. Stults is also training physician staff members on access and electronic signature. Continued Schoen, “Then we will add medical record scanning to the process, where any forms not electronically generated must be scanned into the patient’s EMR. Once this is completed, the record will be completely electronic.” The final step in the process will be physician order entry and the medication/pharmacy component, all of which should be in place by the end of 2010. the pursuit of district goals. The district’s Business Advisory Council, for example, is comprised of Fremont’s business leaders and this council actively collaborates with the district in the development of best practices for district operations. Involvement of this group and others like it (Fremont Area Foundation, PTOs, music boosters, athletic boosters, faith community, levy committees, and concerned citizens) have contributed to the district’s successes, including attaining an Effective rating on the State of Ohio Report Card for two consecutive years. Specific curriculum goals for the district’s schools are contained in its Comprehensive Curriculum Management Plan. This ambitious plan establishes (EHR’s). The EMR is the central repository of all patient information where care providers can quickly and easily access a comprehensive view of demographic, historical, and clinical patient information from all care settings within the hospital. This will help to assure that treatment decisions are based upon the most up-to-date information, and care can be properly coordinated between multiple care providers. “We began this process about two years ago,” continued Schoen, “And although we will not be truly paperless with our medical records for a while yet, we are well on the way to making that a reality. Prior to this, each and every care provider, who had a role in the care of a patient, wrote all information by hand into the patient’s chart. This process will be so much easier and efficient.” For the past two years at TBH, nurses have used electronic order entry, entering data into the patient’s electronic record such as physician orders for lab, radiology, dietary, rehab, cardiopulmonary, and pharmacy. The next step, currently underway by TBH education director Kim Stults, is clinical documentation. Nurses now have a single, convenient location in each private patient room to document patient care such as vital signs, intake/ output values, progress notes, and nursing tasks. This information, which now resides with each patient’s EMR, is accessible to physicians and ancillary staff members who can view the information on clinically accessible computers. EMR at TBH The Bellevue Hospital (TBH) has begun the transition to an Electronic Medical Record (EMR), with full implementation expected by the end of 2009, according to Marianne Schoen, director of TBH’s Health Information Management Department. “Not only is this an opportunity for TBH to continue to ‘Go Green,’ by helping to eliminate paper records, but the EMR is one of the campaign issues that President Obama has pledged to pursue with the nation’s healthcare providers,” said Schoen, referring to the government’s vision of creating national, interoperable Electronic Health Records www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal Dave Sachs received the Farmer of the Year Award and Mark Koenig was presented the Agricultural Service Award at the 2009 Ag Week Kick-off Breakfast last month at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed in Gibsonburg. Over 160 people attended this year’s event. Farmer of the Year, Sachs farms in both Riley and Sandusky Townships. His preservation farming practices include; no-till corn and soybeans, tile drainage, surface drainage, wind breaks, CRP filter strips and grass waterways. He also participates in the Conservation Reserve Program and the Conservation Security Program. His community and civic involvement includes; Fremont Lions Club, Ohio Corn Growers Association, Ohio Soybean Association, Farm Bureau and has served two terms on the Soil and Water, Board of Supervisors. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church and has been recently appointed as a Riley Township Trustee. April 2009 29 Sandusky County Chamber “2008 Best of the Best” Patricia Gerber, CSB Embroidery, was awarded the “2008 Best of the Best” for her ongoing support, hard work and dedication to the Ambassadors and the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County. The awarded stated that her participation and volunteerism went above and beyond what is expected of any ambassador who volunteers their time. She was presented with a certificate and gifts from other Chamber Ambassadors during the meeting at DaVinci’s Coffee House. The Best of the Best award is given to the Ambassador who accumulates the most points throughout the year. Points are awarded for attending ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, fundraisers, and volunteering for a variety of events as well as serving on Chamber committees, in addition to attendance at monthly meetings. Gerber’s’ involvement with the Chamber of Commerce was a business decision. “I became a member as a way of networking and promoting my home-based embroidery business. This year I am currently serving as the Ambassador Chairperson for the Chamber. I began my home-based business in Feb. 2005. We specialized in providing American Made Products.” she said. Gerber and her husband Mick reside in Clyde and have three sons. CSB Embroidery was named for their sons, Craig (senior), Sam (freshman) and Bryan (1st grader). In her spare time, you might find this business entrepreneur at a crosscountry meet, soccer game, wrestling meet or a track meet. Aside from her Chamber activities she also serves the Eagle Bay District Boy Scouts as the District Commissioner and as the Secretary of the Clyde Business and Professional Association. “I feel by being involved at the county level with the Chamber of Commerce and locally with the Clyde BPA I have expanded my networking and resources. I have to say that one of the best opportunities for my business was joining the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County.” she added. Sandusky County Ag Week Ag Service Award winner, Koenig, through his position as Extension Educator, Agriculture, Natural Resource & Community Development, and as County Co-Director, offers services that meet the current and future needs in farm management, livestock production, home horticulture/Master Gardeners, commercial horticulture, farmland use issues and innovative agricultural business opportunities. The main focus for Koenig as an educator is agriculture. His major effort as an educator is to maintain a strong statewide research base within the area. He leads the most significant program in the area of Natural Resources in “Exploring Your Backyard.” the focus of this program is to expose fourth grade students to the wide array of agricultural and natural resources found in Sandusky County. The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County Agricultural Committee presented the Sandusky County Food Pantry with a check in the amount of $700.00 in donations received from Ag Committee Members and Chamber members. Community Hospice Care EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS THROUGH EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. Kwest Group has the resources necessary to meet the needs of our clients, providing the best solutions for any given project. We have the right people and the right equipment to assist your organization in any of the following areas: • Commercial Site Development • Industrial Site Development • Underground Utility Installation • Demolition • Environmental Remediation • General Excavation • Shore Protection • Wetland Mitigation and Construction • Marina Construction and Maintenance • Dredging • Sheet Piling • Custom Crushing With Community Hospice Care, it’s not the destination, but the journey that matters Proudly Serving Seneca & Huron counties since 1983 Our mission is to provide high-quality construction services that maximize value across the board. To accomplish it, we recruit and retain the best employees available. As a result, we’re setting new standards for our people, our clients and our role within the community. Discover the difference Kwest Group can make in your next project. Not for Profit - No Patient ever receives a bill for our care 181 E. Perry Street; Tiffin, OH 44883 (419) 447-4040 1-800-834-8100 Visit our website: www.communityhospicecare.com or contact us via email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 960 S. Plasterbed Rd. • Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 419-734-5533 • Fax: 419-734-5534 Community Hospice Care 30 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Elmwood Assisted Living of Fremont Welcomes Muratori Hired as EHOVE Career New Medical Director Center Principal for 2009 – 2010 Elmwood Assisted Living of Fremont graduate of the On The Move EHOVE Career Center has hired Dennis M. Muratori as high school principal for the 2009 – 2010 school year. He replaces John Spitler, who is retiring. Muratori is currently Assistant Principal of Academic and Student Affairs at Sandusky High School, a position he has held since 2003. From 2001 – 2003, he was the Athletic Director at Sandusky High School, and from 2000 – 2001, he was the Assistant Principal and Middle School Athletic Director at Sailorway Middle School in Vermilion. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Bowling Green State University, and his Master’s Degree in Education from Cleveland State University. In addition, he holds certification in Elementary Education, Secondary Administration and an Ohio Superintendent License. Muratori was chosen from a field of about 50 people who expressed interest in the job and 35 job applicants. He said the move is the next logical step in his career and looks forward to the new challenges the job will bring. Firelands Names New Director, Medical Education and Family Practice Residency Firelands Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce that Eric E. Mast, DO, has accepted the position of Director, Medical Education and Family Practice Residency. Dr. Mast received a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Anderson University and a Doctor of Osteopathy from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a Rotating Internship at Firelands Community Hospital, Sandusky, Ohio and a Family Practice Residency at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, MI. In addition to his private practice, Partners in Primary Care, located in Sandusky, Dr. Mast is Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine as well as a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners, and the Ohio State Society of American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners of which he is an appointed member of the Board of Governors. Dr. Mast has been on the Medical Staff at Firelands Regional Medical Center for over 13 years. Most recently he served as the Director, Family Practice Residency at Firelands. Dr. Mast currently resides in Huron with his wife Jody and their three children. For more than 40 years, Firelands Regional Medical Center has provided osteopathic medical education in Northwest Ohio. Fostering a collegial environment, both allopathic and osteopathic physicians work together to offer a quality clinical medical education to the trainees. Firelands Regional Medical Center is a 401-bed, full service, not-for-profit hospital. Serving the five-county region, Firelands provides comprehensive diagnostic, medical, surgical, emergency and rehabilitation services for people of all ages. For more information about Firelands Regional Medical Center visit www.firelands.com. University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine and specializes in Family and Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Hoelzle is in private practice in Fremont, Ohio. As Elmwood of Fremont’s Medical Director, Dr. Hoelzle will be available to both current and new residents of the community to act as their primary physician should the family request his services. He will also serve as a professional resource in the development of new nursing policy and procedures, while keeping Elmwood’s Wellness Director and healthcare staff knowledgeable and informed on current nursing practices, Kathy Hunt, Owner and CEO of Elmwood Centers, protocols and Inc. welcomes Dr. Mark R. Hoelzle to Elmwood Assist- community health ed Living of Fremont as their new Medical Director. concerns. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark R. Hoelzle, M.D., as the community’s new Medical Director. Born and raised in Fremont, Ohio, Dr. Hoelzle is a Huron County Development Council Hires Director The Huron County Development Council (HCDC) is pleased to announce that T. Alex Beres has accepted the position of Economic Development Director. As the Economic Development Director, Mr. Beres will work collaboratively with community leaders, and develop and direct economic development programming for the purpose of retaining and expanding existing businesses. He will also work to attract new businesses and assist to secure state and federal grants and funding. “I am looking forward to bringing my hard work ethic and passion back home to keep our community vibrant and competitive,” says Mr. Beres. “I believe in the principle that to truly revitalize an area it needs to be done by members of the community. I recognize the difficulties that lay ahead for the area and more than anyone I am determined to see us make it through these tough times.” Mr. Beres is a graduate of Norwalk High School and Ashland University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. Most recently serving as a Research Analyst for the Ohio Historical Society, Mr. Beres brings to the position experience in economic development, grant writing and management, and public/ private partnerships with the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Historical Society. The Huron County Development Council is a private, non-profit networking organization with numerous members that promote Huron County as a great place to do business. The primary focus of the Huron County Development Council is the retention and expansion of existing business and industry and the attraction of new business and industry to Huron County. For more information about the Huron County Development Council, please visit www.hcdc.net. www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal April 2009 31 The Bellevue Hospital’s Newkirk Tusing’s Philipps and Williamson Earn MSN Degrees Certified for Linda Newkirk, RN, BSN, MSN, and Kelli Williamson, RN, BSN, MSN have earned their Master of Science degrees in Nursing. Both are employees of TBH’s Emergency Department. Newkirk received her degree through the University of Toledo, College of Graduate Studies. She received her degree in December 2008. This degree allows her to teach as a nurse educator at the bachelor level. Newkirk has been employed with TBH for the past eight years. She and her husband, Mark, reside in Bellevue. She received her degree through the University of Toledo, College of Graduate Studies, in December of 2008. This degree allows her to teach as a nurse educator at the bachelor level. Williamson has been employed with TBH for the past nine years. She resides in Clyde with her husband, Ralph, and their two children. “Green” Roofs Tom Philipps of Tusing Roofing has been trained and certified to sell and install LiveRoof brand green roofs. LiveRoof has expanded into Northeast Ohio with an investment and commitment to locally grown plants in Sandusky, Ohio and delivered to Tusing Roofing jobs in Northern Ohio. Tom Philipps is available to speak with environmental concerned building owners, facilities managers, non-profits and government agencies about sustainable roofing, LiveRoofing, heat loss prevention, solar roofing solutions, LEED points and retrofitting with green products. Philipps is not only a green roofer as a profession but is also a green activist in his daily practice as well; he drives a bio-diesel powered work truck, lives in a restored windmill and heats with dead fall and industrial wood scrap. BUSINESS MARKETPLACE Design Build General Contractor *Butler Steel Buildings *Site Development *Concrete Work *Demolition *Fire Restoration “Committed to Excellence” CHRISTOPHER D. PALMER Branch Manager/Sales Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation 402 Columbus Avenue | Sandusky, Ohio 44870 phone: 419-626-4475 fax: 419-626-8333 toll free: 800-442-7767 mobile: 419-656-1209 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Abby Slemmer Mortgage Loan Originator 2374 W. State St. • Fremont, OH 43420 Phone: (419) 333-2936 Fax: (419) 355-2678 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.fremontfcu.com 419-448-1365 www.clouseconstruction.com (419) 684-5502 Fax (419) 684-5756 TOLL FREE 800-356-5125 CASTALIA TRENCHING & READY MIX, INC. EXCAVATING - BUILDING SUPPLIES READY MIX CONCRETE SINCE 1953 4814 SR 269 CASTALIA, OHIO 44824 ONE MILE SOUTH OF CASTALIA 32 April 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net get motivated to feel good. all ages. all fitness levels. all abilities. we are here to help you. Committing to an exercise program isn’t easy for anyone. And for people suffering from chronic pain or physical limitations—it is especially challenging, requiring specialized help to “step up” and get moving. That’s why Memorial Health Care System recently developed a new, structured exercise program designed specifically for people struggling with the physical and emotional challenges of a regular exercise program. Starting with a physical therapy evaluation, participants work with a team of specialists to develop an individualized exercise and nutrition program that’s fun, safe and effective. For more information, please call Dr. Ryan Travis at 419-333-2785 or the Physical Medicine Department in the Herbert-Perna Center for Physical Health at 419-334-6630. STEP Memorial Health Care System 715 South Taft Avenue Fremont, Ohio 43420 Phone 419-332-7321 www.memorialhcs.org M E M O R I A L H E A LT H C A R E SYST E M