POSTMASTER: TIMELY MATERIAL. PLEASE EXPEDITE. Standard Mail U.S. Postage Paid Tiffin, OH 44883 Permit #88 Celebrating 15 Years of Service JULY 2009 Vol. 15 No. 7 Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc. “The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties” INSIDE THIS MONTH My Time is Your Time ..... 2 Gifts for a Step-Up in Cost Basis .... 7 The Well-Booked Business ......... 15 Key IRS Developments During the First Quarter .. 18 Are You Going Back to Florida? 19 Can You Finish? ............ 21 Driving Your PC ............25 FOCUS ON MILAN & WILLARD the Thomas A. Edison Birthplace Museum on Edison Drive. Check out the just completed renovations at the Milan Historical Museum, one block down from the Edison Birthplace Museum. Visit the new Milan Canal room and other beautiful improvements made to the Galpin Building as part of this seven building complex. Milan has been effected by the economy as have most towns and cities in our area. 2008 was a difficult year for local businesses with several closing their doors. The good news, in Milan at least, is a new business has opened on the Square in the former Candles On The Square location. The new shop, Simply Gifts, looks to satisfy your gift giving needs. The Village gas station, closed since 2007, has been purchased by Village of Milan From the Mayor, Robert C. Bickley The Village of Milan was founded on February 23, 1833, and continues in 2009 to embody the best of small town America. From magnificent scenery to the excitement of the Melon Festival, you will discover many different places and activities within this beautiful community. There are reminders of history at every turn, in the New England styled community. The birthplace of the famous inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, the Hoover Potato Digger, Ship Building, Milan Canal, and architecture. There are museums with working antiques, the world famous Mowry glass collection, and inventions. You’ll see one-of-a-kind crafts, rare antiques, and an awesome festival. Visit local entrepreneur Todd Sebolt and is expected to reopen mid-summer after significant improvements. The Invention Restaurant is also slated to reopen about the same time as Todd’s station. All this will bring the Square back to its typical vibrancy. Take time to enjoy the scenic Town Square with its delightful charm of Continued on page 3... Willard is Moving Forward Submitted by Janet Cok, Willard Area Economic Development Director At Willard’s State of the City address this spring, City Manager Brian Humphress encouraged his community to focus on the future. He stated that the past year has been a difficult one in many ways especially economically, but Willard’s future looks quite bright. In fact, the Willard area is currently positioning itself for positive growth by undertaking a variety of initiatives: Downtown Willard is receiving a major facelift. A $400,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant was awarded to the City of Willard this past February. Over the course of 2 years, the target area which runs along Myrtle Avenue from Emerald Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce Genoa Chamber of Commerce www.ncbj.net Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce Street to Woodland Avenue will undergo an important renovation process. The infrastructure has already been addressed. The waterline along Pearl Street has been replaced. Soon, Myrtle Avenue from Emerald to Woodland, the area of Pearl Street affected by the Milan Chamber of Commerce waterline, and several parking lots in the target area will be repaved. Sidewalks in this area will also be repaired or replaced this summer. Additionally, this Community Development Block Grant will allow local building and business owners in the revitalization area to receive 50-50 match funds, up to $25,000, to make improvements to their own buildings. The grant’s intention is to focus on improving the overall streetscape – so the improvements are limited to exterior projects such as replacing windows and awnings, masonry repair and painting, roof work, and outdoor signage. To ensure that the integrity of this important area is restored and not lost, Willard’s City Continued on page 5... Vermilion Chamber of Commerce We’re a proud member of the following: Elmore Chamber of Commerce Huron 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 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal lines at service counters and at check outs. Why? Because most of their staff is at lunch too! A number of years ago, my advertising agency went to work for a mid-size Cleveland bank that wanted to break into the dominant market share of several big banks in town. Their CEO was willing to do what it took to make his bank distinctively different in terms of both products and they way they served their customers. One of the first things we did was to survey Cleveland area banking customers to ascertain likes/ dislikes. A concern that surfaced right away with many working customers was the limited hours they had access to the bank and the inability of their current bank to meet their needs. And the biggest gripe? When did many of them need to do their banking? During lunchtime! So the bank restructured the hours www.ncbj.net of their officers and tellers, staggering them on both sides of the traditional 12-1 o’clock lunch hour. And our first full page ad broke in the papers showing a teller’s window with the traditional arrow and “Next Teller” sign. The headline? “The last place your teller should be during lunch hour is at lunch.” Guess what? This tactical changes and other changes in the bank’s attention to customer needs were tremendously successful. Customers appreciated the fact that their needs, not the bank’s needs, were first priority! So consider your hours of operation. And consider your staffing during those hours. Are you, like the cable company, putting your needs first? Or, like the bank, putting the needs of your customers first? If your time doesn’t match their time, you’ll be out of business in no time. “My Time is Your Time.” By Jeffrey H. Bryden, Editor Several issues ago, (“If the Phone Don’t Ring, You’ll Know It’s Me”) I wrote about the need to provide customers and prospects with updated, viable and easy conduits for contact and questions (like phone and e-mail.) This month, I’d like to address the importance of giving them more opportunity for personal access to your business. It’s hard to imagine a restaurant being closed on Friday or Saturday night, or a church being closed on Sunday. This counters common sense and everything you’ve ever read about customer service doesn’t it? Yet many businesses seem to fail to consider the customer when setting their hours of operation. When do you have time to take care of your personal needs? Before work, after work, during lunch, or on the weekends? Can you imagine a service company being open only the same hours as you work, then being closed when your workplace is closed. Sound crazy? Consider this. A check of a local cable company office reveals customer service office hours of 9 am - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Customer friendly? I think not. If you need to open or close an account, ask a question, return a defective digital tuner box, you’ll need to take off time from work to do so. If you’re one of the few who still get an hour for “lunch hour,” try to get something done during that time. You’ll most likely find long Apologies to Russ Panas, Economic Development Director, Bellevue Economic Development Corporation. He submitted the above article, but June issue’s “Bellevue’s Main Street Farmer’s received no credit line for it – Sorry Russ! JHB Market” article Editorial Correction: “The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties” 205 S.E. Catawba Road, Suite G, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 419-734-4838 • Fax 419-734-5382 Publisher Editor Director of Sales Creative Services Manager Accounting Manager Layout & Graphic Design Circulation Manager JOHN SCHAFFNER JEFFREY H. BRYDEN This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 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 Northcoast Jobs Connection July Schedule for Ottawa County The Northcoast Jobs Connection Job Stores and the Seneca One Stop offer numerous services and resources for job seekers and employers. Seminars are free and open to anyone in the community. The seminars are also available to be customized for employers and delivered on site. The area seminar dates in July are: At the Ottawa County Community Resource Centre, 8043 W. SR. 163, Oak Harbor • July 16 – 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – “Get a Job or a Better Job, POD.” Discuss applications, resumes, interviewing, networking, the Internet and more. • July 23 – 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. – “Get to Know Your Stress.” Measure your own stress and learn what it is doing to your body. • July 24 – 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – “Individual Resume Writing Assistance.” Work one-on-one with a specialist and produce a good resume before you leave. By appointment only by calling 419898-3688 or 1-800-665-1677, ext. 270. • July 30 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – “Get a Job or a Better Job.” Discuss applications, resumes, interviewing, networking, the Internet and more. Job Store officials are asking that people who are interested in these workshops should register by emailing Carol Guice at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling her at 419-307-1189. For more information on the Job Stores, log onto www.northcoastjobs.org. Or in Ottawa County, call the Job Store at 800-665-1677 or 419-8983688, ext. 270 or call Denise Ventrone at 419-8986242 at the Community Improvement Corporation. The Job Store is a collaboration of 23 partners in Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca counties and is funded by those organizations through the Workforce Investment Act under contract with Terra Community College. The Job Store is located at 2511 Countryside Drive and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. All basic services are free of charge. It is located at 8043 W. State Route 163, Oak Harbor and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All basic services are free of charge. 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 North Coast Business Journal Festival each year on Labor Day weekend with its two hour long parade on that Sunday. The Gazebo on the Square is also utilized frequently throughout the year for weddings, often officiated by the Mayor of Milan. The Gazebo was refurbished this year with new columns and lattice installed followed by a new coating of paint. A new roof is planned for later in 2009. 2008 saw the complete reconstruction by the Street Department of Liberty Street north of Williams St. and Merry Street west of Huron St. Street Superintendent Larry Smith and Administrator Bruce Bowie performed the 2009 Street Survey during late winter. Larry and Bruce drive every alley and road in the Village noting their condition. They then report their recommendations to Council’s Street Committee. Council approved their recommendations for 2009 including reconstruction of East Merry Street between Edison Drive and Center Street as well as paving of the balance of Merry Street between Center and Huron Streets. Additional work will also occur including paving E. Front Street east of Edison Drive down to St. Rt. 113 and several alleys in the Village. The Street Department will additionally continue as in years past to provide monthly brush pickup, mow all the parks grass weekly and sweep the streets weekly. The Street Department installed new street signs in the original historic district during 2008. The new signs and posts are a significant design change July 2009 3 "Milan" Continued from Cover... by-gone era, the restored architecture houses, several antique shops, friendly restaurants and other businesses, or just relax in the park and enjoy the soothing tranquility of a small town. Come share the wonderful surprises of Milan, Ohio. Fraternal and civic organizations play a vital role in any small town and very much so in the Village of Milan. The Milan Area Chamber of Commerce is one such organization. The active group organizes and hosts Milan’s Cruisin’ On The Square every Tuesday evening from 5 PM to 8 PM from late May through September. Owners of beautiful automobiles both antique and more modern classics gather around Milan’s Square to relax and discuss their machines and enjoy a beautiful summer evening. The Chamber has sponsored this event for several years now. While the event is free to participants and residents, the Chamber has sponsored 50/50 raffles and auctions as money raising activities. Funds garnered by the Chamber through this and other activities are used for various projects to improve the community. Many organizations such as the Lions, Rotary, Masonic Lodge and others all add their individual efforts to make Milan a great place to live. The Public Square is also home to a number of other events throughout the year. Some of the events include a plant sale in May by the Firelands Herb Club, the Annual Midsummer Antiques Festival to be held this year on Sunday, July 12th and of course, the well known and attended Melon from what has been in place around the Village for a number of years. If the residents would like to see additional street signs replaced throughout the Village with this style, please contact any Council person with your request. The Village in 2007 made the local news in response to the Ohio Department of Transportation’s requirement the Village pay for structural repairs to U.S. 250 within the Village corporate limits at a cost estimated by ODOT of approximately $85,000. Efforts by the Village to clarify ODOT’s responsibility in structural repairs to state and federal highways failed to modify ODOT’s position. The Village, with help from the adjacent property owners, was able to detach (Ohio Revised Code for de-annex) the US 250 right of way in the area in question. This action on Council’s part will save the Village residents the cost for all future repairs. Superintendent Kevin Ackerman continues to lead Water and Waste Water Department as he has since 1987. Kevin believes it is important that systems such as those he oversees be well maintained and upgraded on a regular basis and to perform routine preventative maintenance. Kevin has arranged for the inside of the water tower to be inspected during 2009. The inspection and any minor maintenance can be done while the tower is still in service. Kevin has this inspection performed every 4 years. In addition to the tower, Kevin has Continued on page 5... 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 Willard is a great place to live and work! Ideally located in the heart of North America’s manufacturing region, Willard’s success is built on character. Its citizens take pride in friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, responsible corporate leaders, and a service driven local government. Poised for growth, Willard welcomes businesses looking for an excellent location and families that appreciate the best of what a small town has to offer. Sponsored by the Willard Area Economic Development Corporation PLUM BROOK COUNTRY CLUB 3712 Galloway Rd., Sandusky • www.plumbrookcc.com www.waedc.com 419 933 2591 4 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net New Sandusky County Business & Industrial Guide The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County is producing a new Business & Industrial Directory as a guide for local, state, national, and international business in the purchasing of services and/or products manufactured in Sandusky County. The Industrial/Commercial Directory is distributed throughout the nation to purchasing agents, Chambers of Commerce, libraries, and government agencies. This directory will be available for purchase through the Chamber’s website once the data has been collected. To be part of the directory all a business has to do is log onto the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County’s Web site at www.scchamber.org and click on the Business & Industrial Directory link to sign up for a user name and password to enter your company’s information. While any business in Sandusky County can be part of the directory, Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County members will receive a special bold heading and their company logo as part of their listings. Each business will have their own login information, which will allow them to update their information whenever they need too. The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County is very excited to be using this updated technology that was designed for them by one of their members, BitRadius located in Fremont. The directory will include information such as former names of the business and a listing of products and services represented by those who submit their information. The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County encourages all businesses in the county to log in to their site and get their information added. Another Reason to Believe in Mercy Hospital of Tiffin. Gastroenterology Specialty Clinic to the community. Dr. Wagner manages chronic diseases such as colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, GERD and irritable bowel syndrome. He also performs therapeutic and diagnostic procedures including colonoscopy, EGD and PEG. He brings over 25 years of clinical expertise to providing the best most personal care to patients. Dr. Wagner received his medical degree from The Ohio State University and completed an Internship and Residency at University Hospital in Columbus. He also fulfilled a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at The Ohio State University and is board certified. He will see patients every Monday in Mercy Tiffin’s Specialty Clinics, located on the second floor of the Medical Office Building at 27 St. Lawrence Drive. Mercy welcomes Steven Wagner, MD Gastroenterologist To schedule an appointment, mercyweb.org call the Mercy Tiffin Specialty Clinics at (419) 455-8500. © 2009 Mercy Health Partners www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal Mercy Hospital of Willard continues their planning for a new hospital working through the design and engineering detail. The current economic environment will certainly drive the timeline for ground breaking. The 44 acres on the south-east edge of the city at on the corners of Neal Zick and US 224 will serve as an ideal location and allow for future expansions. July 2009 5 "Willard" Continued from Cover... Council has appointed a Design Review Board to review all of the building improvement projects. Additionally, the Ohio Historic Preservation Office will also review plans involving buildings over 50 years of age. However, the Ohio Main Street program that is being modeled does not stop here. Marketing, event planning, and community participation are key components to the success of any downtown. Special activities such as the Flea Market held in June, a Farmer’s Market this fall, and the Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on September 13th will also help bring fresh life to the area and encourage local shopping. A three-lane expansion of U. S. Route 224 further east will help to improve traffic congestion around R.R. Donnelley & Sons and several other local businesses. The City of Willard received federal stimulus dollars to help move this “shovel-ready” project forward. However, due to several federal and state regulations road construction is not slated until this upcoming spring. A new Soccer Complex consisting of three to five fields with a restroom facility will soon be excavated along the north-east edge of the city. Plans are to have the fields ready for play by the spring of 2010. Private donations, fundraising events, and several grants are providing all of the funding for this initiative. The hard work of the Willard Soccer Facility Task Force, all volunteers, deserves recognition for this major accomplishment. Soccer continues to grow in popularity each year and this new facility will surely serve as a community attraction. town, on State Route 162 this course is open to the public and features 9-holes with two distinctively different sets of tees. The well stocked proshop, driving range, practice green, and clubhouse all add to enjoyable atmosphere for all ages. The Willard Golf Club has also been hosting LEJGA (Lake Erie Junior Golf Associations) events since 1993, has five summer leagues, and is one of the few courses around that still allows privately owned golf carts. It will also be hosting the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce golf outing on Wednesday, July 22nd. Ricky Branham has taken over the role of Executive Director of the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce. If you are interested in participating in the golf outing, please contact him at 419-935-1888. He will be working hard to improve communications and strengthen bonds with the local businesses. The Chamber is sure to miss the experience of Todd Shinninger, who served as this group’s executive director for 18 years. However, Todd at age 82 has not totally retired as he continues to serve as Willard’s appointed mayor. Finally, adding to Willard’s progressive approach is the Willard Area Economic Development Corporation (WAEDC). Since 2001, this volunteer group of business leaders and local government officials has been working to support continued success in the business community while also promoting Willard as a great place for new businesses to locate. For more information on the plentiful opportunities in the Willard area please go to waedc.com or call 419-933-2591. The Industrial Park east of town is ripe for business. The utility rates are quite competitive and the city currently has a surplus water supply of 200 million gallons per day. The existing modern facilities serve well for light manufacturing and warehousing. Additionally, the 6 open lots could be combined and built to suit a variety of needs. Also worth noting is the Willard Golf Club celebrating its 50th Anniversary of providing quality recreation to the area. Located north of "Milan" Continued from page 3... one of the four wells providing water to the residents cleaned on an annual basis thus ensuring the source of the drinking water to all residents. The Electric Department in Milan has been providing power to the residents of Milan since 1901. Superintendent Dennis Benesh, like Kevin in the water department, knows the importance of preventative maintenance. During 2009, Dennis has scheduled inspection and repair of six voltage regulators in the south substation. This requires the use of a crane to lift each regulator out of the substation and into the testing unit. This preventative maintenance will go towards maintaining the reliable power Village residents have come to expect. Council and the Mayor must have long term vision in their guidance of the Village. Milan is a municipal electric power supplier where the cost of power for residents typically runs 10% or lower than comparable power from adjacent areas supplied by First Energy. In 2007, Council approved Milan Electric Department’s participation in several new power generating plants to be built in Ohio and Illinois. The new power stations will be going on line beginning in 2011 through 2014 and will provide power to Milan’s residents at competitive prices for decades to come. Governor Strickland signed legislation that requires investor owned utilities in Ohio to generate 25% of their power from renewable and clean coal sources by 2025. As a municipally owned utility, Milan is not required to meet the Governor’s mandate. However, Milan has since 1992 been part owner of a hydro electric generating station on the Ohio river receiving approximately 14% of its power from this renewable source and has contracted for another 8% from hydroelectric dams on the Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers. With the completion of the various new projects, Milan will achieve the distinction of receiving over 40% of its power from sources identified in the Governor’s renewable portfolio standards and more than 12 years ahead of the Governor’s timetable. Milan will also be considering adding additional hydroelectric power to its portfolio of generating assets hopefully later in 2009. The employees, Mayor and members of Council are proud to be part of what makes Milan a great place to live and hope our visitors feel the same after spending some time with us in this classic example of small town America. MAY PAINTING INC. Family Owned and Operated Since 1933 Serving Commercial & Industrial Accounts In NW Ohio Specializing in: STANDARD ARCHITECTURAL & MULTICOLOR COATINGS WOOD FINISHING VINYL WALLCOVERING WATER REPELLENT COATINGS TWO COMPONENT EPOXY & URETHANE SYSTEMS WATER AND SAND BLASTING “Professional Painting Pays” 419-332-1363 446 N. Wood St., Fremont, OH 43420 Toll Free 800-797-6252 www.maypainting.com 6 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Mercy Hospital of Willard Offers New Services help both physicians and patients maximize anticoagulation therapy and avoid unwanted side effects from these medications. Patients enrolled in the Anticoagulation Clinic will receive care by specially trained pharmacists. During the visit the pharmacists discuss the patients’ medications, diet, recent health, recent illness, side effects, medication schedule and answer any questions or concerns. Patients also have a small drop of blood obtained with a fingerstick that is used to check their INR (international normalized ratio). They are immediately informed of their INR and any changes to their warfarin dosage is made at that time. The clinic Mercy Hospital of Willard states that it is dedicated to also provides their physician with all information from offering the best, most personal care to the Willard and each visit and consults with him/her as needed. This surrounding communities. To ensure that the clinic averaged approximately 1,000 visits in 2008. This community has access to excellent healthcare and has clinic is open to any patient who is taking warfarin ® ® resources to receive the best, most personal care, Mercy (Coumadin or Jantoven ) and has a referral from Willard began a Coumadin clinic, opened a new sleep their physician. The Sleep Disorders Center disorders center and partnered with a new radiology Mercy Hospital of Willard has added The Sleep group. Disorders Center to the many services offered by the Coumadin Clinic The Mercy Willard pharmacy department began hospital. The Sleep Disorders Center offers spacious offering an Anticoagulation Clinic in January of 2008. bedrooms with a recliner and television, along with a The Anticoagulation Clinic, managed by Shelli Loy, common area with comforts similar to the patient’s PharmD, assists patients with the regulation of their own home. Mercy Willard has strived to create an “blood thinner” medication. Most patients who need environment that is as home-like as possible to provide anticoagulation use a medication called warfarin, also a satisfying patient experience. According to a recent National Sleep Foundation poll, known as Coumadin® or Jantoven®. Warfarin is more than 70 percent of American adults say they considered a high risk medication by the Institute for Safe Medicine Practices (ISMP). The clinic is designed to experience frequent sleep problems. While such problems and the resulting sleep loss are often due to poor sleep habits and stress, they can also be caused by undiagnosed sleep disorders including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy that can be treated by a physician or sleep specialist. Every year, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), conducts a study of the FREE Checking nation’s sleep habits and FREE Online Banking attitudes. In an analysis of Personal Checking the 2005 results, a team of Commercial Checking researchers have concluded that one in Overdraft Privilege four of Americans are at Passbook Savings high risk for Obstructive Statement Savings Sleep Apnea (OSA), a IRA Retirement Plans Member FDIC serious but easily treated 24-Hour ATM Access condition that is linked to 1840 E. Perry St., Port Clinton diabetes, depression, VISA Credit/Debit Cards (419) 734-5568 hypertension, stroke and Home Loans heart disease. 207 W. Washington Row, Sandusky Construction Loans With OSA, pauses in (419) 626-5576 Home Equity Lines of Credit breathing occur repeatedly while a person is sleeping, 427 Main St., Huron Investment Property Loans waking them up just (419) 433-2437 Personal Loans enough to inhale and TouchTel 24-hour Telephone resume breathing. Many Also Serving: Lorain, Avon and Amherst Banking people with sleep apnea are unaware of the www.firstfedlorain.com problem and only realize they have it when someone else hears them gasp or choke during sleep. Other people are diagnosed when they seek treatment for the daytime symptoms of OSA, which may include sleepiness, morning headache, difficulty concentrating, depression and irritability. To get a good night’s sleep remember to avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages in the evening; drink less fluids before going to sleep; exercise regularly, but preferably not right before bedtime; avoid heavy meals close to bedtime; try a relaxing routine, like soaking in hot water (a hot tub or bath) before bedtime; and establish a regular bedtime and wake-time schedule. To learn more about the benefits of adequate sleep, the serious health and safety consequences of sleep disturbances and sleep disorders, and ways to ensure a good night’s sleep, make an appointment with your physician to discuss your concerns. New Radiology Group Beginning July 1, 2009, Mercy Hospital of Willard will partner with Riverside Radiology Associates, Inc. (RRA) for provision of radiologist services for our patients. RRA is contracted with every major insurance plan in Ohio including Medical Mutual of Ohio, UHC, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna. RRA participation covers over 95% of Ohio’s covered lives. This group, based in Columbus, Ohio, is comprised of over 70 sub-specialized, board certified, and fellowship trained radiologists. RRA will provide an on-site radiologist at Mercy Hospital as well as 24/7 teleradiology coverage for diagnostic interpretation of x-ray, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, mammography, and ultrasound procedures. RRA has experienced and respected radiologists that provide reliable and timely radiology reports to aid the patient’s physician in proper diagnosis and treatment. A recent PRC survey (a national research firm) results indicated that RRA placed in the top 4% of radiology services in the US in terms of quality and reliability of interpretations. YOUR COMMUNITY BANK Providing Financial Solutions for Everyday Life www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 7 Retirement & Estate Planning Doing it Well! Gifts for a Step-Up in Cost Basis Douglas Gildenmeister, Senior Vice President, Investments Retirement Plan Consultant The Gildenmeister Wealth Management Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Can investors with a large capital gain maintain their investment and receive a full step-up in cost basis? There is one technique that may be applied. However, it unfortunately requires a dire occurrence. When an individual gifts an appreciated investment to another person, the recipient can bequeath the investment back upon their death. The result of playing “hot potato” with the appreciated investment is a full step-up in the cost basis. Many issues surround this technique. First, there are gift tax issues if the recipient is not the donor’s spouse. Second, a stepup in cost basis is not allowed if the recipient dies within one year of receiving the gift and bequeathing it back to the original donor. This is called the Rubber Band Rule. An example of the Rubber Band Rule is as follows. Bill gives his terminally ill wife, Beth, his appreciated $1,000 stock purchase that is currently worth $100,000. Beth, who dies two months later, devises the stock back to Bill, who then sells it for $110,000. Because the property was appreciated at the time he gave it to his wife, Bill must now realize a gain of $109,000. Beth’s adjusted cost basis just before her death was a carryover basis of $1,000. The step-up is not allowed because the one-year time frame was not met. Beth did not own the stock for one year. Changing the example slightly will show the optimal effects of this technique. Bill gives Beth the appreciated stock, and Beth dies two years later. She leaves the stock, then worth $110,000, to Jeff in her will. Jeff’s cost basis will be $110,000 because of the resulting step-up in basis and, if sold, would result in no capital gain. The stepup is allowed because the one-year time frame was met; one year had lapsed between the date of the original gift and Beth’s death. In summary, there is an advantage of gifting low-basis property, if the recipient/ decedent lives at least one year after the date of gift. This technique also works if the original donor is not the spouse of the decedent. However, the original gift might use a portion of the donor’s unified credit equivalent for 2009 of $3,500,000 if it is not covered by the annual exclusion amount of $13,000. Taxable gifts in excess of $1,000,000 draw a 45% gift tax if the gift is not made to a spouse or to a charity. This strategy will not work in every situation, as it is based on timing and the recipient not changing his or her mind about bequeathing the gift back. This is just one of many techniques to consider when planning. As always, contact your Financial Advisor or estateplanning attorney before implementing an estate plan. This material was prepared by Raymond James for use by Doug Gildenmeister, Senior Vice President, Investments of Raymond James & Associates, Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Rankin Manufacturing, Inc. In 1962, Rankin Manufacturing, Inc. was known as a small machine shop called Mac Tool run out of Charles McCullough’s garage. Almost 50 years and a few generations later, the organization has become a major steel fabrication choice. “Some of our proudest projects have been the Great Bear Lodge, Maui Sands, Castaway Bay, and Kalahari Resorts all in Sandusky,” said Bob Bennett, Vice President. “In this tough economy, we’ve also been able to sustain our productivity through large school and medical projects.” Rankin Manufacturing considers their reputation and work quality to be their greatest competitive advantage. More than 20 quality full-time workers and their state of the art facility really make the difference in their quality and turn around time. “Croghan Colonial Bank brings value to our company by allowing us to do what we do best – Steel Fabrication. While other banks are cutting back on funding and lines of credit, the Croghan Colonial Bank has been supportive during this downward spiral on our economy,” said Eric Rankine, the company’s President. “It’s also important that we support the local businesses in our community, making Croghan an ideal choice for anyone in this area.” Coming in August: Focus on Norwalk Tell us what your business does well! Linda Zwayer (419) 668-2507 Plan Well. Choose. Well. Live Well. 8 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Preparing Teens, Adults For Careers and Higher Education Industry Certifications, College Credits are Program Features What skills will be required in the workforce 5, 10 or event 15 years from now? Is the workforce prepared to meet the major shifts and challenges of today’s global economy? For the past 40 years, EHOVE Career Center has offered affordable training to help students reach goals in higher education or a variety of professions. EHOVE’s quick response to the call matching trained workers with employers has resulted in the addition of programs when the demand arises. All programs feature industryrecognized certifications or college credits that students add to their portfolio. One example at the High School level is the Law Enforcement program. Started in 1992, the program was changed to Criminal Justice in 1996 to broaden the curriculum and increase student skills. By 2005, the program evolved into a Public Safety Academy to encompass law enforcement, EMS/Firefighter, and eventually Legal Careers. Now students are offered a base knowledge of public safety services during their junior year, with the opportunity to specialize in their chosen discipline as seniors. Students earn articulated college credit, National Registry EMT, State of Ohio EHOVE and the Huron County Dept. of Job and Family Services) sends a 38-foot bus, equipped with three offices and computers to locations around the county each week to connect residents with job services. For those seeking a college degree, State Chancellor Eric Fingerhut’s 2009 state mandate partnering adult technical educational programs with the university system will make a college degree easier and cheaper to obtain. In the past, adult students who completed apprenticeships or workforce programs received little, if any, credit when they continued on to obtain a college degree. Those students would frequently have to start over again from scratch, delaying their entry into the workforce, often at added expense. This integration will allow the Board of Regents to develop an efficient system for students who complete programs at adult workforce centers that are equivalent to technical programs offered at community colleges for college credit and develop clear pathways. For more information on EHOVE, click on www. ehove.net. Firefighter Level II certifications or college credits depending on their specialization choice. At the Adult Education level, numerous programs from Cosmetology to Massage Therapy, Phlebotomy and more have opened within the last decade in response to area need. A Customized Training Sales Team has been charged to work with employers to track trends and customized training opportunities. The Job Store Mobile Unit (a partnership between Working toward the ideal workforce; 2015 Steering Team Are there gaps in the workforce picture for Erie, Huron and Ottawa counties? How can training better meet the needs for employers and employees alike? Those questions and more were addressed by educators, business leaders and economic development officials who met last spring at EHOVE Career Center to continue the process of connecting the employment-educational process through an effort called Workforce 2015. EHOVE, along with BGSU Firelands, Terra Community College in Fremont and Sandusky Schools, is hosting a series of meetings with local companies and economic development representatives to hammer out a plan to ensure workers have the skills employers want. The group discussed using Web-based technology and developing common on-line databases to raise awareness of what is available at each entity. Rick Carson, of Erie County Dept. of Job and Family Services, mentioned the new site created by the Ohio Dept. of Development - ohiomeansjobs. com – that vastly increases the employer/employee link. “There are 1,700 people coming through the doors each month looking for jobs,” said Carson. “We need a better way to draw everything that’s out there together.” Building on a comment from Dean Jim Smith, BGSU Firelands, that “we need to bring the classroom into the world and the world into the classroom,” local businessman and economic development expert Lance Warner urged companies to start talking with junior high school aged students. “If we want those students to work for us after high school, we need to start talking with them in the 8th grade about our company and what a good place it is to work,” said Warner. Warner said the meeting reinforced the need for collaboration among the education/business/economic development partners. “This is an on-going process,” said Warner. “Everyone has an equal place at the table, along with the responsibility to make growth happen.” www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 9 JHI Picked For National Award of JHI at the Houston meeting. “It’s very rewarding to have our construction and design team recognized on the national level. A lot of hard work went into this Bettcher project and we are very proud of this honor.” Miller stated. Janotta & Herner employs 150 people and is employee owned. Bettcher Industries East Addition Janotta & Herner Inc., a Monroeville, Ohio based design/build general contractor, has been selected as one of the top design/build firms nationally by the Metallic Metal Building Company of Houston, Texas. Metallic holds a national competition of metal building designs and at their annual meeting held in April, Janotta & Herner was ranked in the top five design firms based on their submission of the Bettcher Industries East Addition located in Birmingham, Ohio. Bettcher Industries is a worldwide manufacturer of meat processing cutting machines. Located just yards from the Ohio Turnpike, this building which resembles a large red barn, is seen daily by over 50,000 travelers. The east addition project nearly doubled the size of the original 50,000 SF plant. The new addition houses the engineering, marketing and administrative offices for the second-generation company. Janotta & Herner Board Chairman Mel Miller and Bettcher Project Manager Dan Matson are shown holding the award Miller received on behalf Left to right, Mel Miller, Dan Matson E X E C U T I V E C O U R T M E D I C A L A S S O C I A T E S A Tradition of Serving Families in Milan, Berlin Heights and Norwalk Gregory S. Grant, D.O. Suzanne M. Johnson, M.D. Scott A. Kaple, D.O. Stephanie F. Gibson, M.D. Full Service Document Management Bureau Records Information Management Services Scan Microfilm Shred Mailing Media Vault Storage Microfilm To Digital Disk Medical & X-Ray Scanning & More Founded in 1956, Executive Court Medical Associates has a long tradition of serving families in Milan, Berlin Heights and Norwalk. As community members ourselves, we bring a unique understanding of our patients’ needs. As experienced physicians, we are committed to providing the very best family medical care from newborns to geriatrics. And our patient-oriented technology offers you the convenience of managing your family’s health care needs 24/7. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Industrial Services At Your Service! Executive Court Medical Associates Milan 2114 State Route 113 East 419-499-7600 Norwalk 54 Executive Drive 419-668-5607 FISHER-TITUS Medical Center www.ftmc.com These physicians are independent practitioners with privileges to practice at Fisher-Titus Medical Center Sorting 419-448-4655 Labeling Packaging Call for your Warehousing free quote! Light Assembly Tool Bit Sharpening Inventory Management Third Party Inspection Order Processing (Fullfillment) www.ExecutiveCourtMedical.com WO RK CONNECTIONS INTERNATIONAL, LLC Since 1968 525 Wall St. Tiffin, OH 10 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Magruder Hospital Holds Annual Board of Trustees Meeting Magruder Hospital’s Board of Trustees recently held its Annual Meeting, at which officers and trustees were elected. This year, two members of the board were both named as members of the honorary board. After 20 years of active service on Magruder’s Board of Trustees, Rev. Gene Hegemier of Oak Harbor became a member of the hospital’s honorary board. And, after 14 years of active service on Magruder’s Board of Trustees, Rick Comings of Marblehead also became a member of the hospital’s honorary board. Paul Druckenmiller, Chairman of Magruder’s Board of Trustees, commented on the years of service of both Hegemier and Comings. Both Rev. Gene and Rick have been very valuable members of Magruder’s Board of Trustees and their input and presence will be greatly missed. I thank Cliff Harmon (left), President & CEO of Magruder Hospital, Rev. Gene Hegethem both for all they have given to mier (center), Magruder’s Board of Trustees, and Paul Druckenmiller, ChairMagruder Hospital over the years. man of Magruder’s Board of Trustees. Volunteering their time and talents to make sure healthcare in our community, through the service of Magruder Hospital, continues to be the best it can be for our families, friends and neighbors, is truly something this entire community has benefited from,” said Druckenmiller. Re-elected as Magruder trustees for three-year terms were Dan Almendinger, Doug Focht and Dr. Kevin Sneider. The following officers of the board were also re-elected: Chairman Paul Druckenmiller, Vice-Chairman Bruce Smith, Secretary Nancy Osborn, Assistant Secretary Dan Almendinger, and Treasurer David Soderberg. In addition, Doug Focht remains as Member-at-Large to the Executive Committee and the Alternate is Lock Zeis. Other members of Magruder’s Board of Trustees include Dr. John Bodie, Emil Cellier, Judge Frederick Hany II, Dr. Mark Hablitzel and Ron Miller. 419.341.1117 w www.aha4creative.com e This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it t www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal Pennsylvania. It turns out that Cabelas’s sporting goods stores draw the biggest numbers in Michigan and Lancaster County is Pennsylvania’s top tourist attraction – drawing three times more people annually than Cedar Point. “This is graphic proof that people are July 2009 11 Government Summit Held at Huron By Sheila Ehrhardt Director Huron Chamber of Commerce For the first time ever, the six Chambers of Commerce of Erie and Huron counties joined forces to present a Government Summit on Tuesday, June 22 at BGSU Firelands Cedar Point Center. Shortly after the first of the year, as talk of stimulus packages were being bantered about in Washington D.C., Huron Chamber president Doug Studer came up with the idea of bringing state and national legislators to our area to answer questions about this and other topics of importance to our members. He recruited Chamber execs from Milan, Bellevue, Norwalk, Vermilion and the Erie County Chamber to pitch in. With our combined total of nearly 2,000 members, this seemed to add more clout to the invitations that went out to Washington and Columbus. Nearly 150 people turned out to hear U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo; state Rep. Dennis Murray, D-Sandusky, and state Rep. Terry Boose, R-Norwalk. State Sen. Mark Wagoner, R-Ottawa Hills, planned to attend, but was called away to attend a funeral for the late Sen. Robert Schuler of Cincinnati. looking for simple destinations relating to nature and our environment,” said Kaptur. She admonished the Chambers sponsoring the event to do their part in finding and marketing way to provide a nature experience for visitors. Choose Primary Care Physicians who Believe in Mercy Hospital of Willard. Bill Back, MD* Mercy Family Practice Greenwich 419-752-1811 Mercy Family Practice New Washington 419-492-1300 Evillo M. Domingo, MD* Mercy Family Practice Shiloh 419-896-3844 David A. Jump, DO* Willard Area Medical Associates 419-935-6761 James E. Rosso, MD* Willard Medical Center 419-933-2811 Fielding questions at the Government Summit sponsored by six area Chambers of Commerce were, (l. to r.) U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur and State Reps. Dennis Murray and Terry Boose. Photo by Sheila Ehrhardt Moderator for the panel discussion was Bob Eirons, of the Dawson Companies insurance group of Sandusky. A veteran speaker, he kept the politicos engaged from his introduction, when he informed them that the evening’s discussion would not be about politics but about possible solutions for the realities of the myriad difficulties plaguing small business owners in these tough economic times. During the evening, the trio gave their viewpoints on the changing landscape of large employers, the issues facing large and small businesses today, Workers Compensation, healthcare, tourism and potential jetport plans for NASA Plum Brook Station. Speaking about the importance of maintaining the eco-balance and quality of life on both sides of Lake Erie, Kaptur revealed an innovative plan for a tunnel under the lake that could join the powerhouses of the Midwest and Canada. “We must learn to come up with breakthrough ideas for the future and think more regionally if we’re to get ahead,” she said. Looking into multi-county regional economic development programs for northern Ohio was also backed by Boose and Murray. “Throughout our state, the areas that are growing have large economic development groups that span several counties,” explained Murray. When asked their top priorities, Boose emphatically stressed, “jobs, jobs, jobs.” Murray feels that the best answer for improving the economy in the long term is to improve Ohio’s public education system, while Kaptur explained that developing new ways of creating jobs in the area is one of her main goals. “Lake Erie is the Saudi Arabia of wind power and we need to cultivate that and you have such a treasure in this are with Toft Dairy. We need to develop more strong businesses like this,” she contends. When the topic turned to tourism, she challenged the audience to come up with what were the two most visited sites in Michigan and Robert W. Secor, MD* Willard Medical Center 419-933-2811 Jeffrey E. Sizemore, DO* Willard Area Medical Associates 419-935-6761 David L. Stanbery, MD* 419-935-8120 Nancy L. Verhoff, MD* Willard Medical Center 419-933-2811 110 East Howard Street | Willard, Ohio 44890 419-964-5000 | mercyweb.org * denotes Board Certification 12 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal August 20 Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m.; Hosted by Marina Del Isle Lions Perch Festival July 16 Norwalk-Huron County Chamber of Commerce July 4 Norwalk Lion’s Club 4th of July Parade Starts at 10:00 am Membership Committee, 8:00 am, Chamber office SBDC/Chamber Free Seminar: Internet Marketing, 8-9:00 am, Chamber Conference Room, RSVP 419-668-4155 Huron Co. Safety Council 11:30 am, picnic at Norwalk Custom Order Furniture, Topic is Heat Stress, RSVP req’d: 419-668-4155 Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce July 3 July 16 Fireworks & Auction July 15 www.ncbj.net Main Street Economic Restructuring Committee Chamber Conference Room, 9 am Main Street Board of Directors Meeting Chamber Conference Room 8 am Chamber Workshop “Would Your Business Pass the Stress Test?” by Mary Caracci Port Clinton Public Library, 8:30 am Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce July 9 Business After Hours 5 to 7 p.m., River Cliff Golf Course ‘Chip “fore” A Cause’ Proceeds to Chamber Foundation Chamber Ambassadors Meeting, 8 a.m., Chamber office Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30 a.m., Chamber office CHAMBER CALENDAR Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce July 2 US Army Field Band Concert @ Junior High July 23 July 11 Farmer’s Market 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Chamber Annual Golf Outing Fremont Country Club Scramble format @ 12 noon 419-483-2182 for more information Farmer’s Market 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. July 16 Chamber Board Meeting Noon @ Fostoria Community Hospital Community Conversations & Coffee Fostoria Country Club, 7:30 a.m. Vision 2020 Meeting, 5 p.m. Chamber Conference Room August 22 July 29 July 17 July 29 July 8 Huron Area Chamber of Commerce July 14 July 10-12 River Fest July 25 Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce July 13 Shooting Match Reception, Camp Perry Business After Hours 5-7 p.m. Hosted by African Safari Directors Meeting 7:00 pm at Otterbein North Shore Erie County Chamber of Commerce August 24 “Open for Business” Golf Scramble Plum Brook Country Club July 16 July 16 July 28 Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce July 10 7th Annual Fostoria Car Show, 4-9 p.m., Downtown August 6 August 5 Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting 7:30 am; OCIC Business After Hours Robinson Walker Funeral Homes 5:00 p.m. Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce July 1 Executive Committe Meeting Chamber Conference Room, Noon Business After Hours Otterbein North Shore Retirement Community, 5 - 7 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting Chamber Conference Room, 8 – 9 am Membership/Marketing Committee Meeting Chamber Conference Room, 9 - 10 am First Shot Ceremony National Rifle Matches Camp Perry 6:30 p.m. July 16 Business After Hours Rodgers Flowers, RSVP: 419-447-4141 Business Workshops North Central Ohio ESC “Quick Books – General Overview.” Session I: 7:45 - 9:45 am Session II: 10:00 am to Noon Safety Council, Mohawk Golf & Country Club, 11:30 am July 23 July 23 ASSURE THAT THOSE RARE DAYS OUT OF THE OFFICE ARE OUT OF THE ORDINARY. July 28 July 9 Willard Area Chamber of Commerce July 22 Annual Golf Outing Willard Country Club Chamber Breakfast Country Kitchen Speaker: Dennis Doughty Willard City Schools July 13 Escape to the water for whatever adventure strikes you, whether that’s fishing, playing or cruising. Visit FreedomBoatClub.com or call 419-797-3000 and see what’s possible when you have a fleet of boats at your disposal and don’t have to maintain a single one. July 23 Catawba Island | Port Clinton Membership is just $199.00 per month with a one-time entry fee. www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 13 THE PARTNERSHIP of Firelands Regional Medical Center and University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center brings you and your loved ones the highest quality distinction in cancer care – now available close to home, where we can work together to cure cancer. N FAMILY FRIENDLY-KID SAFE EW MAKE THE SWITCH 14 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net BGSU Firelands to Provide Scholarships to Aid Future Math and Science Teachers An ambitious plan by Bowling Green State University to recruit and educate science and math teachers has been chosen for state funding. The $3 million Science and Math Education in Action grant will encourage and enable promising students to “Choose Ohio First” when selecting a college and, later, to find in-state teaching jobs. Students in the program will receive from $2,000 to $4,250 per year in Choose Ohio First scholarships, along with intensive academic assistance, career counseling and the opportunity to conduct research and gain related work experience as undergraduates. Combined with other scholarships from BGSU, the future teachers could receive up to $9,250 as seniors. “We want to give them the support, the community and the encouragement to meet high standards and be successful,” said Dr. Bob Midden, leader of the grant-writing team. “In essence, the primary goal of Science and Math Education in Action is to assist in the development and preparation of STEM teachers who have the experiences, tools and skills necessary to have a positive impact on the learning of Pre--K-12 students in Ohio schools,” said Dr. Julia Matuga, associate dean of the College of Education and experiences early in their college education, said Dr. Rosalind Hammond, interim education dean. The new program begins with a five-week summer bridge experience on the Bowling Green campus from July 5th to August 8th. The program, required of all scholarship recipients, will introduce students to the rigors of college study and give them a chance to get to know one another and their faculty mentors. Students will receive three hours of BGSU credit upon completion of the bridge program. The grant team anticipates enrolling about 50 students on main campus and 10 at BGSU Firelands. The scholarships will enable BGSU Firelands students to complete their first two years of coursework on the Firelands campus before transferring to main campus for the remaining two years. The scholarships are renewable for four years as long as students maintain the required grade point average and take the approved schedule of courses. An application for BGSU Firelands can be found at http://www.firelands.bgsu.edu/offices/sfa/ page66171.html. For information about the program, contact Dr. Andrew Kurtz at 419-4335560. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Human Development. To be eligible for the scholarships, students must have a 3.25 high school grade point average and a 22 composite ACT score. Students accepted into the program do not have to initially declare teacher education as a major, but they must participate in their first and second years in experiences with Pre–K-12 students, exposing them to teaching as a profession. This is a strategy to recruit those STEM students who may not have considered becoming teachers by providing them with teaching Announcing... Fees Waived on SBA Loans! Up to 90% Financing Available Providing Solutions For Small Business Small business owners now have an even better incentive to tap into long-term, SBA guaranteed financing from U.S. Bank. The new Recovery Reinvestment Act enables U.S. Bank to provide SBA guaranteed loans without the usual SBA fees for the remainder of 2009* Call a Northwest Ohio based U.S. Bank small business expert today for a no obligation consultation. David Needs, Vice President SBA Division David A. Shelton, Vice President Commercial Banking Division Joann King, Vice President Commercial Banking Division usbank.com/sba Association * The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that it will be able to eliminate up front Guaranty Fees on loans approved through approximately 12/31/09. www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 15 The Well-Booked Business By Cathy Allen I don’t want to know anything about my car. That’s why I drive a Saturn. When GM launched the Saturn brand a number of years ago, the hallmark characteristic was no haggle purchasing. They must have had some firstclass market research telling them that many people, especially women, are terrified of entering into a classic negotiation, such as for a car purchase. Something about the way that kind of bargaining is traditionally conducted flies in the face of a natural desire for an everybody-wins outcome. The people at the Harvard Negotiation Project have been thinking about and writing about this issue for decades, churning out some really excellent resources for those of us who seek a more comfortable way of making sure we aren’t the loser in someone else’s power game. It all began with the 1981 publication of Getting to Yes. I just may send a copy to the Penske Auto Group… the folks who just bought Saturn. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton of the Harvard Negotiation Project; Penguin Books, 1981 SUMMARY: This is a how-to manual for a technique called “principled negotiation” which allows parties to decide questions on their merits rather than on the haggling skill – or willpower – of the people involved. Whether we want to or not and whether we know it or not, we all negotiate something nearly every day. What to have for supper tonight, which co-worker will stay late, and which location to have the next committee meeting in are all examples of questions that are decided among people with competing interests. But maybe the interests aren’t competing – maybe they overlap, or they complement one another and only the positions of the parties are actually at odds. By focusing on the interests, rather than the positions, and by remaining committed to the relationship, parties can almost always invent options for mutual gain and resolve issues to everyone’s satisfaction. Positional bargaining – the process where each side takes a position, defends it, and makes concessions until some middle ground is reached – is inefficient, produces poor outcomes, and endangers relationships. Those who prefer “soft” bargaining can be over run by “hard” bargainers. The actual interests of the negotiators are buried as positions are locked in and movement without loss of “face” becomes difficult. In the vast majority of cases, people involved in negotiations have two interests – in the substance of the agreement, and also in maintaining the relationship. Truly looking at the problem from the other side’s perspective is an important aspect of principled negotiation. Understanding is not the same as agreeing. Two people are in a dispute about an orange. Each holds the position that it belongs to them and not to the other. Deadlocked, they may decide to split the orange and each take half. Examination reveals, however, that one has an interest in the juice, while the other has an interest in the zest. If they talk about why they hold their positions, they will invent a solution that makes them both happy and preserves their relationship. It is the responsibility of each party in a principled negotiation to be specific about their interests. With the interests of all parties clearly understood, it is time to begin coming up with mutuallysatisfactory solutions. One effective technique for idea creation is brainstorming – where participants are invited to pitch ideas without critique from others. Look for shared interests (common goals) and compatible interests (that complement or dovetail one another as in the orange example.) When interests truly are in conflict, and no win-win can be developed, criteria for deciding must be agreed upon between the parties. This leads to a solution based on merits rather than on who has the strongest will. A negotiated agreement should leave both parties better off than they are in the absence of an agreement. If your Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) is better than the proposal on the table, you can reject the offer. Knowing in advance what your BATNA is will help you know when you should settle and when you should not. In jujitsu, one moves out of the way of an attack and uses the force of the attacker against them. In negotiation jujitsu, one steps out of the way of an attack and uses the force of the attacker to address the problem. Ask them to critique your case. Seek their opinion on how your interests can be met. Avoid becoming defensive. Say “Please correct me if I am wrong,” or “Let me see if I understand what you are saying.” The authors provide a laundry list of common dirty tricks hard bargainers sometimes use and give guidance on how to avoid being defeated by them. In general, the thing to do is 1) recognize the tactic, 2) raise the issue explicitly and 3) question its legitimacy. In essence, you will be negotiating over negotiation tactics. In the end, principled negotiation accomplishes the twin goals of superior outcomes and relationship protection. Parties who use principled negotiation are able to achieve their goals and treat others fairly without risk of feeling taken. When “winning” is redefined to mean a happy outcome for both parties, success is more readily achieved. 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 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 419-732-1770 or check out www.CreativeOptionC.com. Also posted there are additional book synopses and original articles. Old Fort Bank is Pleased to Offer a New With the challenging economy, receiving a good return on every dollar is even more important. Preferred Money Market Preferred Money Market 2.00% * APY on balances of $10,000.00 or more Requires an Old Fort Bank Checking Account** Contact your local Old Fort Bank 419-447-6150 www.oldfortbank.com Old Fort Bank...making every dollar count! *Minimum opening balance of $5,000.00. Interest compounded and credited monthly. Check writing privileges - 3 checks per month. Transfers to another account or to third parties by pre-authorized, automatic or telephone transfers are limited to 6 per month with maximum of 3 checks or drafts. Variable tiered rates. A $10.00 fee will be assessed - if balance falls below $5,000.00 any day of the month Rates and the resulting annual percentage yields may change at any time at our discretion. Must maintain minimum daily balance of $0.01 to obtain disclosed APY. APY accurate as of June 23, 2009. Rates and tiers are available by visiting Old Fort Bank, by phone or www.oldfortbank.com **If ten checking account transactions are not met during the month your Preferred Money Market account will revert to the current Marquee Money Market rate. Fees could reduce earnings. 16 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 17 WEATHERING THE TEST OF TIME SINCE 1970 Northwestern Ohio’s Premier Full Service Commercial and Industrial Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor ANY ROOF - ANY SERVICE - ANY TIME J.B. & Company Inc. 100% Employee Owned service@jbroofing.org PO Box 520, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 Phone 800.472.0969 Take control of your print fleet, and watch your profits and productivity soar! Introducing optimize. manage. improve. anotta erner nc. Maintenance Services 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. 18 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net amending a previously filed 2008 return or claiming the credit on a 2009 return where higher income in 2008 would reduce the credit under so-called phase-out rules. In separate guidance, the IRS explained how unmarried co-owners can get the maximum credit amount. New guidance for victims of Madoff-type investment schemes. Just days after Bernard Madoff’s guilty plea, the IRS issued comprehensive guidance for the many investors caught in his (and similar) notorious Ponzi-style fraud. The guidance takes an extremely generous, pro-taxpayer position, allowing the losses to be claimed as theft losses against ordinary income and even allowing a net operating loss generated by Madoff-style losses to be treated as sole proprietorship losses potentially eligible to be carried back 3, 4, or 5 years under a business-style tax break enacted by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The guidance consists of a revenue ruling dealing with specific tax issues that victims of Madoff-type schemes must confront and a revenue procedure providing safe harbors for determining the proper time and amount of loss. Trademarks and the like may qualify for tax-free swaps. A like-kind exchange is a popular way for a taxpayer to dispose of qualifying appreciated property without paying a current tax. In a complete reversal of the position it had previously taken, the IRS now says that intangibles such as trademarks, trade names, mastheads, etc., that can be valued separately and, apart from goodwill, qualify as likekind property that can be exchanged without incurring a current tax. Furthermore, the IRS says that except in rare and unusual situations, intangibles such as trademarks, trade names, mastheads, and customer-based intangibles can be separately described and valued apart from goodwill. Of course, to qualify for a like-kind exchange, various statutory and regulatory rules have to be satisfied. Settlement offer for disclosing unreported offshore income. The IRS announced a settlement offer for those that voluntarily and timely disclose unreported offshore income. Those meeting the terms of the offer will have to pay back-taxes and interest for six years, and pay either an accuracy or delinquency penalty on all six years. They will also pay a penalty of 20% of the amount in the foreign bank accounts in the year with the highest aggregate account or asset value. In other words, the penalty will equal 20% of the highest asset value of an account anytime in the past six years. However, those who come forward on a timely basis will not face criminal prosecution. Vehicles qualifying for the hybrid credit. On its website, the IRS has listed 2009 and 2010 model year hybrid vehicles that qualify for the hybrid credit. Due to a production-based limitation, not all hybrids qualify for a full credit. For example, the credit for qualified Toyota and Lexus vehicles was eliminated for purchases on or after Oct. 1, 2007. The phase-out of the credit for qualified Honda vehicles began for purchases on or after Jan. 1, 2008 and the credit was completely eliminated for purchases on or after Jan. 1, 2009. The phase-out of the credit for qualified Ford and Mercury vehicles Taxes Key IRS Developments During the First Quarter By Jeffrey J. Rosengarten, CPA Payne, Nickles and Company While the new law tax changes in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 were the most significant developments in the first quarter of 2009, many other tax developments may affect you, your family, and your livelihood. These other key developments in the first quarter of 2009 are summarized below. I recommend that you consult your tax advisor for more information about any of these developments and what steps you should implement to take advantage of favorable developments and to minimize the impact of those that are unfavorable. Clarifying guidance on waivers of RMDs for 2009. Retirement plan account participants, IRA owners, and their beneficiaries do not have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2009. The IRS has issued guidance clarifying that: If you would have been required to make RMDs for 2009 and you do make withdrawals in 2009 (that are not RMDs for 2008): (a) you might be able to roll over the withdrawn amounts into other eligible retirement plans; but (b) you must still include any previously untaxed portion of the withdrawal that you do not roll over in your gross income. No 2008 RMDs are waived, even for eligible individuals who chose to delay taking their 2008 RMD until Apr. 1, 2009 (e.g., retired employees and IRA owners who turned 70 1/2 in 2008). The 2009 RMD waiver applies to individuals who may be eligible to postpone taking their 2009 RMD until Apr. 1, 2010 (generally, retired employees and IRA owners who attain age 70 1/2 in 2009). However, the law does not waive any RMDs for 2010. If a beneficiary is receiving distributions over a 5-year period, he or she can waive the distribution for 2009, effectively permitting the beneficiary to take distributions over a 6-year period. Getting maximum advantage from the homebuyer credit. In two separate pieces of guidance, the IRS has explained how to take maximum advantage of the credit for first-time homebuyers. The credit is the lesser of 10% of the purchase price or $8,000 for a qualifying 2009 purchase ($7,500 for a qualifying 2008 purchase). The credit is refundable, meaning you get it even if you don’t owe taxes. The credit has to be paid back for a home purchased in 2008 but generally not for one purchased in 2009. A credit for a 2009 purchase can be claimed on the 2008 return. In a news release, the IRS has explained the several different ways that individuals who recently purchased a home or are considering buying one in the next few months can claim the up-to$8,000 credit for 2009 home purchases including getting an extension, filing now and amending later, Continued on page 24... www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 19 Legal Are You Going Back to Florida? By Jeff Roth This is the time of year that I revisit and encourage those individuals who spend their winters in Florida to consider the tax advantages of declaring their change of Domicile from Ohio to Florida. There are many visitors to our area that return to their Florida condo after the frost returns. They say to me, I can’t be a Florida resident because I don’t live in Florida six months. You may still save thousands of dollars for your family at death and save Florida real estate taxes while alive without living in Florida six months. A person’s domicile is that location where the individual considers being his main place of residence. Today, families maintain homes in several states. They must elect to call one state their principal homestead. This is the state where they will vote; pay taxes and have a driver’s license. When a person moves, it is important to create proof that their domicile has been changed. They also need to relinquish the ties of the former state of domicile. The difference in taxation in each state is considerable. As you are aware, I practice in the State of Ohio and the State of Florida. A large part of my practice is assisting clients in making the complete transition of residency from Ohio to Florida. Florida has no income tax and no death estate tax. I recently completed a plan for a couple who would have paid over $600,000 in Ohio estate tax. They will now owe zero upon their deaths in the state of Florida. Over the next twenty years their annual income tax savings will be considerable. As of April 4, 2007, the state of Ohio made becoming a Florida resident much easier. Prior to that date, you were considered an Ohio resident if you lived in Ohio more than 120 days. Now you may live in Ohio 182 days and still be considered a Florida resident. No longer do snowbirds have to play games to claim Florida status. The 182 days do not need to be consecutive. The new law states that the person is presumed to be a resident of the other state even if he has lived in the State of Ohio 182 days. This is a major departure by the State of Ohio in taxing individuals. The issue is not becoming a Florida resident but how to effectively sever all economic ties to Ohio. If a person does not take the proper steps, his estate will be taxed at his death. Ohio requires that any one owning property subject to Ohio jurisdiction must file an Ohio estate tax even as a nonresident. The return further requires that the estate disclose all assets owned by the deceased in any state and then pay Ohio tax on the percentage of the Ohio property. This allows the state to review and investigate all of the deceased property and determine if any other property should be subject to Ohio tax due to incomplete transfers to the new state’s jurisdiction. Under the new Ohio law, an individual has until April 15th of the year following the transition to file an affidavit with the state of Ohio verifying Continued on page 21... Another Reason to Believe in Mercy Hospital of Tiffin. Mercy expands Ophthalmology services in the community. Jack G.G. Hendershot, Jr., MD Ophthalmology Dr. Hendershot brings 30 years of experience in Ophthalmology care to Mercy Tiffin. He received his medical degree and completed an Ophthalmology Residency at The Ohio State University. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the Academy of Ophthalmology, the Ohio State Medical Association, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive surgeons. Dr. Orr received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and also completed an Ophthalmology Residency at The Ohio State University. During his Residency, Dr. Orr also trained at Wirral Hospital in Arrowe Park, located in England. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Medical Association. Stephen H. Orr, MD Ophthalmology Both Dr. Hendershot and Dr. Orr provide various cataract surgical services at Mercy Tiffin and look forward to serving the community. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hendershot or Dr. Orr, please call Spectrum Eye Care in Findlay, at (419) 422-6190 or 1-888-803-9583. mercyweb.org © 2009 Mercy Health Partners 20 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Dr. Suzanne Johnson (pictured in front) and licensed practical nurses Rebecca Brewer and Joan Ullman quickly access patient records at a work station in Executive Court Medical Associate’s Milan office. Technology Reaches Out to Local Communities Small towns like Willard and Milan are known for their charm and appeal. But, did you know that physician offices in both towns are on the cutting edge of technology? Both Executive Court Medical Associates in Milan and Family Health Partners in Willard are “wired’ for technology and are using what is referred to as an “electronic medical record” (EMR). “EMRs are the next step in the continued progress of healthcare that strengthens the relationship between patients, physicians and hospitals,” said John Britton, FTMC’s assistant vice president of information services. An EMR, maintained by your physician, may include all of the key clinical data relevant to your care under a particular provider including demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data and radiology reports. FTMC began assisting its medical staff offices with this technology in 1999 with a pilot project called Physician Connect that involved Siemens Medical and Family Health Partners in Willard. “FTMC’s physician community is electronically sophisticated,” Britton said. “The national average for THE SUMMER W WINDOW FASHIONS SALE IS physician office EMR adoption is only an estimated 15 percent. We are nearly five times the national average with 70 percent of our physicians’ offices utilizing an EMR system in the community.” FABULOUS SAVINGS ARE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER! on select Hunter Douglas window fashions with MFR mail-in rebate $20-$100 PER WINDOW PLUS MATCHING INSTANT SAVINGS! on select styles SAVE Silhouette® Window Shadings Luminette® Privacy Sheers Sandusky Home Interiors 2124 Cleveland Rd Sandusky OH 2124 Cleveland Rd M-F: 8:00-5:00 9:00-12:00 Closed 419-626-4495 Sandusky OH 44870 sanduskyhomeint.hdspd.com 419-626-4495 No Offer No Offer No Offer SandHBlinds.com SandHFloors.com 8073 Offer valid 5/5/09 – 8/31/09. Limitations and restrictions apply. Ask for details. ©2009 Hunter Douglas Inc. ® and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas Inc. www.family-health-partners.com Family Health Partners, Inc. was founded in 1984 by Drs. Eric and Amy Prack as one of the first new practices to be established in the area in years. Drs. Chris and Vicki Brown joined the group in 1995, and have since helped provide care to an evergrowing patient base. Since its inception, Family Health Partners has worked closely with Fisher-Titus Medical Center to provide the best available quality healthcare. “All of our physicians enjoy living in a rural area, and the close relationships that we are able to develop with our patients,” said Dr. Eric Prack. “We believe this to be one of the most critical elements in establishing an effective and enjoyable bond between patient and doctor. “Our small town attitude has not prevented us from being a progressive practice. Several years ago, we were one of the first practices in the country that began using an Electronic Medical Records system, which allows for computerization of all patient data for instant, accurate Family Health Partners in Willard and Greenwich Continued on page 22... www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 21 Sales By Roger Bostdorff I have been attempting to come up with the right topic for this column for about two weeks. As I was sitting in my office this morning doing email, as well as research for one of my clients, my cell phone rang. As I answered the phone and realized that someone was attempting to sell me something, and they were calling me on my cell phone, I became irritated with the caller. It was not her fault. I was busy and she was interrupting my plan for the day and doing it on an unlisted number. The issue was my time. She was only following the script. In fact, she did not read the script, when that happens I simply tell the caller that I am not interested and hang up. No, she conversationalized the script. The caller wanted to know if I wanted to save money on my health insurance. Who wouldn’t want to save money on health insurance? This is one of the fastest rising costs in America today. For crying out loud, this problem is so huge that even Hillary attempted to fix it years ago when Big Bill was in office. Even she couldn’t get it done. All I had to do was answer a few questions and this company would provide me with a comparative price for health care insurance. They typically saves their customers between 20-30%. Am I interested?? Let me at those questions! Can You Finish? Name? Address? Age? Children? Diabetes, Cancer? On any medication? Smoke? Wife’s name? all of the above same questions for her. Who provides me health insurance now? All reasonable questions, right? I mean they are going to provide me with a price for Health care insurance that might save me 20-30%!! “How should an Agent contact you and what time would be most convenient?” Nice job, well done on her part. I then asked two questions, “When the Agent calls me he will have a price for the Health care insurance, right?” “I mean, you have gathered the data necessary for him so that he can provide me my comparative pricing?” ….. Her response-“I don’t know.” I responded with, “What do you mean you don’t know? You were the one that told me that if I answered a few questions your company could provide me with a price that could potentially save me 20-30%?” “Well,” she said, “I have never really met the Agents that work for this company, I just make phone calls.” At that moment how much credibility did she have with me? What am I anticipating is going to happen when this Agent calls me? Am I looking forward to that call? The responses to all three of these questions have negative connotations for this insurance company. So how could have the company increased the odds of success for this poor lady that was on a roll, and probably others that were on the phone that day as well? It is like basketball. The guard can steal the ball with his lightning quick reflexes but if he does not put the ball in the hole you say he did not finish. If you are going to finish, you need to practice putting the ball in the hole. This company had a good game plan and a good caller but they did not finish! All it would have taken was for the caller to understand the process that was going to take place after she hung up. She then could describe that process with confidence and enthusiasm on the call. She could have told me that the company would be looking at the answers to my questions and either provide me with my comparative shopping quote or determine that a few more questions would need to be asked. In either event, the amount of time invested on my part would be minimal. Had she said that I would not have known that she had no clue who the Agent was, nor what they did, and I would not have a negative feeling anticipating this call. As you put together sales game plans for your company have you and your team practiced your finish? Have you asked yourself what happens if the customer says this or that? How will you respond? If someone else is representing your company to potential customers have you insured that they know enough about your company and your processes that they can answer these simple questions so that the odds increase not decrease of making the sale? This insurance company only had one chance to make a good impression. How do you think they did? How are you/your company doing relative to finishing? 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 419-351-4347. If you would like to receive the B2B Sales Boost Newsletter please send an email to sales@ b2bsalesboost.com. "Legal" Continued from page 19... that the person was domiciled outside the state of Ohio. This form is due April 15th of each year. Of course, if you own real estate in Ohio or are carrying on any business in Ohio, you will be taxed on the income derived from that property or business and on the value of the real or intangible personal property at your death. Converting real estate to personal property by way of a corporation, LLC or limited partnership can insulate that property from taxation once you have retired and are not actively engaged in the business. Many steps need taken to protect and preserve the non tax status of living in Florida. Here is a short list: 1. Register to vote, and vote, in Florida. 2. File an application for homestead exemption in Florida. 3. File a Florida Declaration of Domicile, Section 222.17 of the Florida Statutes. 4. Obtain a Florida Driver’s license and relinquish the Ohio Driver’s license. 5. File Federal income taxes showing the Florida address and filed in Atlanta. File the New Ohio affidavit by April 15th. There are many other actions that need to be taken. Not doing so will open your estate to Ohio estate tax upon your death. It does become a challenge but for many who live in the south anyway in the winter, the economic savings is well worth the change of domicile. Jeff Roth is a partner with Forrest Bacon and David Bacon of the firm ROTH and BACON with offices in Port Clinton, Upper Sandusky and Marion, Ohio. Mr. Roth is also licensed and practices in Florida. His practice is limited to wealth strategy planning and elder law in both states. Nothing in this article is intended for, nor should be relied upon as individual legal advice. The purpose of this article is to help educate the public on concepts of law as they pertain to estate and business planning. Jeff Roth can be reached at ohiofl This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (telephone: 419-732-9994) copyright@Jeffrey P. Roth 2009. 22 July 2009 for and with the patient than chasing paper. Doctors and staff are able to access labs, office notes and prescription histories with the click of a mouse. Our latest system even warns doctors of potential drug interactions.” Family Health Partners also is directly linked to FTMC so that services such as laboratory and radiology can be ordered through the EMR system. Then, once the test has been performed, test results can be posted to the EMR and reported back to the physician quicker to make the whole process seamless. “We have actually ordered some lab tests and received the results back on the same day,” said Dr. Prack. “Patients really like the quick response time.” Most recently, Family Health Partners has integrated a patient portal, powered by Medfusion, into its Web site. This allows patients to interactively log on, view and pay bills, request prescription refills and even appointments. “When we founded our small practice in 1984, we based it on two firmly held beliefs: personal care of the patient and family and the idea that the practice of medicine exists to care for the patient, not profit the physician,” Dr. Prack. “As our practice has grown, we continue to make every effort to advance those beliefs. As North Coast Business Journal always, we are striving to combine our passion for personal healthcare with our interest in capitalizing on the incredible advances that technology has brought to the medical field in recent years.” Family Health Partners has two locations: 315 Crestwood Drive, Willard and 13 Tilton St., Greenwich. For more information, contact 419935-0196. www.ncbj.net Dr. Eric Prack of Family Health Partners talks to patient John Gullett in the Willard office about the benefits of electronic medical records. "Medical" Continued from page 20... Executive Court Medical Associates in Milan and Norwalk w w w. e x e c u t i v e c o u r t medical.com Drs. Stephanie F Gibson, Gregory S. Grant, Suzanne M. Johnson and Scott A. Kaple have been using Electronic Medical Records in their practice for more than four years. “The direct linking of the physician offices with FTMC services such as laboratory, radiology and emergency services allows results to be quickly presented to the physicians and then securely downloaded into the patient chart”, said Graham Johnson, business manager of Executive Court Medical Associates in Milan and Norwalk. “The community-based EMR initiated by FTMC enables our physicians and staff to create very sophisticated patient health records.” Physicians have access to this information at anytime and anywhere. In addition, the physicians are using smartphones (a mobile phone offering advanced capabilities often with personal-computer-like functionality) to increase their connectivity to medical information both in and out of the office. “The capture of data in the EMR allows us to be more proactive in the health care of our patients,” Johnson said. “As we increase the programs to monitor different medical conditions, we can move towards more preventative care. For example, we will be able to automatically determine if a patient is being compliant with their blood pressure monitoring and be able to contact the patient and arrange for a follow-up appointment if necessary.” “We also have an automatic calling system that is linked to our EMR that will remind patients of appointments and call with announcements like flu vaccine availability.” Executive Court Medical Associates also has established its own Web site that connects to the EMR. “This is a key tool that we are continuing to develop to increase the access between the practice and the patient,” said Dr. Suzanne Johnson. “Currently the patients can request appointments, request prescription refills, pre-register insurance information, pay online and ask questions. The site also links with a medical education site where patients can research their issues at a reliable source. There is also a basic patient generated health record where patients can enter and track blood pressures, blood sugar data as well as many other factors. We expect to have more interaction with our patients online as we enhance this area of our practice.” Patients can register online at a kiosk at in the Milan office waiting room. They can also watch a flat screen television unit in the waiting room that plays health news, tips and even recipes. Executive Court Medical Associates has two locations: 2114 Ohio 113 East, Milan and 54 Executive Drive, Norwalk. For information, call 419-499-7600. www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 23 As a member of an Ohio electric cooperative, you not only have access to energy, but to valuable information, resources and energy expertise – all to help keep your business running efficiently. As your partner in energy, your local cooperative offers assistance with energy audit funding, benchmarking data, and engineering expertise through its Ask an Expert hotline and online services, all to help improve your company’s energy efficiency. Contact your local cooperative or visit www.buckeyepower.com for more information. OHIOʼS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES 24 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Potential Acquisition of St. Francis Health Care Centre Elmwood Centers is very excited about their possible acquisition of St. Francis Health Care Centre in Green Springs, Ohio. Kathy Hunt, owner and CEO of Elmwood Centers, Inc., is looking forward to the potential expansion of the Green Springs campus. Hunt explained, “We’ve been neighbors since 1972, when my family first purchased Elmwood Nursing Home in Green Springs. Since that time, we have come to know the value of having St. Francis Health Care Centre nearby. Their high level of skilled rehabilitation and outpatient services has been a valuable resource to our Elmwood operation. Each of our organization’s services has always complimented one another, so imagine how thrilled we were when we discovered we had the opportunity to acquire St. Francis and make it a part of our Elmwood family.” Elmwood’s 12-acre Continuum of Care Senior Healthcare campus is conveniently located across the street from the St. Francis facility. Once integrating the 30-acre St. Francis Health Care facility into Elmwood’s campus, it would create one of the largest senior and rehabilitation care campuses in Northwest Ohio. The combined, 42-acre campus would be comprised of: independent retirement living, assisted living, a skilled nursing facility, a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) providing care for patients with physical rehabilitative and medically complex needs, shortterm convalescence care, inpatient and outpatient therapy, an aquatic therapy pool, and other healthcare services. The campus would also encompass Elmwood’s corporate offices and group homes for MR/DD adults, a medical building, and of course, one of the largest known sulphur springs in the world. St. Francis Health Care Centre in Green Springs is currently owned by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help based in St. Louis, Missouri, and managed by Vibra Healthcare. The sale of St. Francis Health Care Centre is due primarily to the struggle any stand-alone, non-profit nursing facility has in surviving today’s healthcare environment. The Sisters have fewer members trained in healthcare and they realized St. Francis can reach its potential being part of a larger system. Sutton Bank of Attica has committed to assisting Elmwood in this acquisition. Dana Bennett, Sutton Bank’s Vice President commented, “Sutton Bank has been serving Seneca County for over 130 years, and we are excited to be part of Elmwood’s new project.” With the success of the acquisition, the closing would take place at the end of July, as Elmwood is currently two-thirds of the way through the process. “As with any type of company expansion, nothing is final until closing day,” explained Hunt. “We are confident in this venture and are thrilled that Sutton Bank has chosen to take on this project. In this challenging financial market, we feel truly blessed at this opportunity to expand our operations. It is so wonderful that we could stay with a local lender on such a sizeable acquisition. We are so very grateful for Dana and his team for taking the time to really understand our organization, as it is fairly complex.” Hunt concludes, “The retention of employees is also very important to our small village of Green Springs. We are a small company making a big difference and for this, we are truly thankful!” Elmwood Centers, Inc., a familyowned and operated residential and healthcare organization operates senior residential communities in Tiffin, Fremont, and Green Springs, Ohio. Plans are currently underway for another Elmwood Senior Continuum of Care campus in New Bremen, located just south of Lima, OH. Chamber Participates in “Re-Create Interiors’” Ribbon Cutting The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County and its Ambassadors participated in Re-Create Interiors’ Ribbon Cutting late last month at its new store location, 104 S. Main Street, Clyde. At Re-Create Interiors, their goal is to create an environment expressive of customer’s personal style and changing needs ~ one that reflects the uniqueness of each personality and image. The Chamber congratulates Re-Create Interiors for their continued success in Clyde and with their new store location. "Taxes" Continued from page 18... began for purchases after Mar. 31, 2009. Courts reject blanket denial of FICA exception for medical residents. Two Circuit Courts of Appeal have held that stipends paid by hospitals to medical residents may qualify for exemption from FICA taxes (i.e., social security taxes) under the FICA student exception. In so holding, they rejected the IRS’s view that medical residents per se are ineligible for the student exception. These cases have important ramifications for the many teaching hospitals and their residents. The decisions however, don’t affect the income tax aspects of medical residents’ stipends. It is well settled that they are not excludible. More investment flexibility for 529 plans. Section 529 Education Plans are tax-advantaged savings plans that can be used to pay qualified education expenses. In recent guidance, the IRS has determined, that for calendar year 2009 only, 529 plans may permit accounts to change their investment strategy twice (as opposed to once under prior rules) during the year, as well as upon a change in the designated beneficiary of an account. This new flexibility was prompted by concerns from 529 plan sponsors that in today’s market environment the lack of flexibility in switching investments could imperil many 529 accounts. These developments offer a great deal of opportunity to reduce taxes, but require some advance planning to take the best advantage of them. If you believe that any of these developments apply to you, I suggest you consult your tax advisor to take full advantage of them. (Author’s note: This article is not intended to offer professional tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor.) www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 25 IT By Don Knaur Since it’s now summer and this is the driving season, I’d like to a PC driving lesson. Drivers are one of the most neglected and misunderstood types of software on your PC. The name Driver comes from the fact that it drives a device in or attached to your PC. For example, the Video Driver drives the video output to your monitor and the Printer Driver drives the output to your printer. Driving in these cases is defined as “translating or transferring data stored on or created by your PC to the format needed by your monitor or printer.” I get several calls every month from PC users stating that their printer or speakers just quit working. My first instruction to them is to restart AKA (also known as) “reboot” their PC and call me back if this doesn’t solve their problems. At least half of them do not call back, so I am pretty sure that solved their problems. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite Radio Talk Show Hosts and his sidekick often discuss PC problems they’ve had. They have even nicknamed their Company Tech Support Guy “Reboot,” because that’s what he always tells them to do. They seem to like the guy, so I assume the advice works for them, too. If the reboot technique does not solve your problem, then it is time to reinstall the driver for the device that quit working. The simplest way to do this is to use the CD that came with your errant device. If the device in question is part of your PC, this CD came with your PC. For example, most PC’s come with a Video Card, Sound Card and/or Modem. Whenever you buy a new PC, you should store the CD’s that come with it in a safe place that you can find any time you need them. You should also store the CD’s that come with any external devices, such as Printers, PA’s or Digital Cameras in the same place. It will make your life much simpler in the future. Once you have put the CD in your Optical Drive, which is your CD/DVD ROM or Burner, the install program will usually run by itself. If it does not, simply right click on and left click on “Explore”. Then Driving Your PC you choose the proper found the driver for your product, most of the sites Drive from the list on your function in the same way. At this time you will need to choose the driver to left and double left click on “AutoRun” or download. Sometimes multiple files are offered and you “AutoRun.exe” from the have to proceed on a trial and error basis. I usually try right hand list. Then all the last driver that was issued before the purchase date you have to do is follow first. In other words, if you bought a printer in October the instructions on the of 2007 and there was a driver listed with a file date in screen. These instructions March of 2007, that would be my first choice. When you may offer you choices, but I recommend accepting the have chosen the driver, you will be offered the choice of “default” values by just clicking “O.K.” or “Next” at that saving or installing the file. I strongly recommend saving the file. Then you may install it when you are off time. If you have misplaced the CD’s that contain your line, which is a much less risky process. Once you have driver files, all is not lost. The vast majority of the time, started to install the driver, I suggest that you follow the the drivers may be downloaded from the Internet. In instructions above for installing from a CD. I hope this article will keep you and your PC moving order to do this, you will need to know the device manufacturer’s name and the model of the device unless down the road to productivity and profitability. Enjoy the device was shipped as a part of your PC. Then you this wonderful Summer Weather! just need to know the name of the PC manufacturer and Don is the CWO (Chief Working Officer) of Help-Desk, the PC’s model number. At this point, you need to open your browser, usually Internet Explorer and surf to your Ohio, a complete computer service center, located in Suite A manufacturer’s web site, for example www.hp.com or of the Courtlee Interiors’ Building, 2499 W. Market in Tiffin. www.dell.com. You will then choose the “Support” Don has a degree in Computer Programming from Tiffin option from their home page. Once you are on the University and has been an Information Technology “Support” home page, you will choose the “Drivers and Professional for over 20 years. He started Help-Desk, Ohio in Downloads” section of the site. At this point, if you are the spring of 1996 and opened his shop in March 2001. Don on the HP web site, you will need to enter your model welcomes calls for advice or information at 419-448-8020. information, such as “Pavilion o0110n” or “Officejet R40xi” and ask for a search. Once it has performed the F I S H E R - T I T U S M E D I C A L C E N T E R search, you will then choose the proper version of Windows, probably XP, and it will give you access to the download files. If Serving the health-care needs you are on the Dell site, of families across Huron County you will need to enter your “Service tag” number that you will find on your PC or Printer. If you have trouble finding the “Service tag,” Norwalk the web site has a help section that will instruct Huron County you on how to do this. If 3 5 4 you had to go to the 2 N. Fairfield New London Your family’s health is very important to us at Fisher-Titus Medical Willard Gateway site, you will Center. That’s why we constantly strive to provide exceptional health care 1 need to input your serial that is close to home. Members of FTMC’s physician team are there Greenwich where you need them – providing care in your community. number from the unit. However once you have Serving southern Huron County are... We’re There Where You Need Us No matter where you live, health care is close to home Nemecek Insurance Acquires Bellevue Agency Nemecek Insurance and Financial Services has announced the acquisition of the Dan Clark Nationwide Agency in Bellevue, Ohio. Clark has served as the Nationwide representative in Bellevue for the past ten years. He retired June 1st due to health concerns. The Nemecek Agency currently maintains offices in Clyde, Port Clinton, Fremont and Huron. The Bellevue clients will be serviced from the Clyde office. The office is just five miles west of the former Clark location and is managed by licensed associate agent, Amy PearceCarper. Castalia resident, Randy Troike, handles group health, commercial, and farm insurance products for the Clyde office. Jessica Girón is the agency’s bilingual sales associate agent, and Janie Reichert is the office customer service representative. The Nemecek Agency was founded in 1977, with its original office located at the Island House in downtown Port Clinton. Representing Nationwide Insurance Companies, the agency has developed a strong base of clients in Ottawa, Sandusky, and Erie counties, writing auto, home, and commercial insurance. Family Health Partners 1 Greenwich 13 Tilton Street Greenwich, OH 44837 (419) 752-4331 Christopher R. Brown, M.D., FAAFP Vicki J. Brown, M.D., FAAFP Amy S. Prack, M.D., FAAFP Eric G. Prack, M.D., FAAFP 2 Willard 315 Crestwood Drive Willard, OH 44890 (419) 935-0196 Wakeman Area Family Care Center 3 North Fairfield 115 North Main Street North Fairfield, OH 44855 (419) 744-2249 Christina A. Canfield, M.D. Jaime M. Salcedo, M.D. Mary Ames, APRN, BC Deb Sommers, PA-C New London Specialty Services 4 New London 111 East Main Street New London, OH 44851 (419) 929-1027 Laboratory Services Include: (Physician Order Required) New London Family Practice 5 New London 187 West Main Street New London, OH 44851 (419) 929-4357 Jeffrey A. Harwood, M.D., FAAFP Members of FTMC’s Medical Staff are independent practitioners with privileges to practice at Fisher-Titus Medical Center. www.ftmc.com 26 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Fisher-Titus Medical Center Willard Area Chamber Hires New Director Receives Outstanding Patient Experience AwardTM from HealthGrades Patients Rate Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Top 10% in the Nation for Satisfaction, Including Staff Responsiveness, Quiet Rooms, WellControlled Pain Fisher-Titus Medical Center recently received the 2009/2010 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ from HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization. Fisher-Titus Medical Center has ranked among the top 10% in the nation for Outstanding Patient Experience two years in a row (20092010). Hospitals receiving this award are in the top 15 percent in terms of patient satisfaction, as measured by survey results of patients gathered under an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services covering the year ending June 2008. The results were analyzed by HealthGrades. For hospitals receiving the HealthGrades award, 57% more patients gave that hospital a 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale for overall patient satisfaction, compared with the worst-performing hospitals. The national, standardized survey, called the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems or HCAHPS, assesses patients’ perspectives of the hospital care they received, including physician and nurse communication, cleanliness, noise levels, medication information and post-discharge care instructions. “We are incredibly proud that our patients and HealthGrades have rated us among the best in the country for patient experience,” said Patrick J. Martin, president of Fisher-Titus Medical Center. “Our nurses, doctors and administration work hard every day to ensure our patients have outstanding care during their stay, from clear communication to vigilant pain management to a quiet environment in which to rest. It’s a core part of what we do, and we’re grateful for this acknowledgement." Comparing the top 15 percent of eligible hospitals to those in the bottom 15 percent, the surveys showed: • 57% more patients at the highest performing hospitals gave their hospital a 9 or 10 on a 10 point scale for overall patient satisfaction • 57% more patients at the highest performing hospitals would definitely recommend the hospital to their family and friends. • 44% more patients at the highest performing hospitals reported receiving help as soon as they asked for it. • 34% more patients at the highest performing hospitals reported that it was always quiet at night. • 32% more patients at the highest performing hospitals reported that staff always explained medications prior to giving them. • 28% more patients at the highest performing hospitals reported that their room and bathroom were always clean. • 26% more patients at the highest performing hospitals reported that their pain was always well controlled. Methodology To identify the top-performing hospitals, HealthGrades analyzed survey results for the 3,711 hospitals nationwide that participated in the HCAHPS program during the study time period to determine which hospitals scored highest on the surveys. Hospitals had to meet bed size, survey response size, and clinical-quality thresholds in order to be eligible for the award. The methodology is available at www. HealthGrades.com. Ricky L. Branham was recently hired as the new executive director for the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce. He was born in Willard and graduated from Willard High School in 2001. He was elected president of North Central State College’s honor society and graduated in 2004 from NCSC with an Associate’s Degree in Registered Nursing. Recently, he went on to complete his Bachelor’s Degree from Malone University in Organizational Management. Married almost two years, he and his wife are the proud parents of a two month old son. He is an evangelist/ pastor and has been involved in the Willard community on many different fronts. He states he is looking forward to becoming more involved in helping Willard local businesses through promotion, which in turn will benefit our community. The message that he wants to share with the Willard community on behalf of the Chamber is to shop locally. “Willard has businesses to cover almost every need and want a person could have. The prices in Willard are competitive with out of town stores, especially when you consider the gas prices.” “There is something special about dealing locally. Businesses go above and beyond when you do so because of the way word of mouth travels. Also, they know you will come back. This needs to be the message to everyone who is looking to buy something or have something done, SHOP LOCALLY! Businesses continue to support the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce because we will continue to support you.” Heidelberg Welcomes New President Dr. Robert H. Huntington was selected as president in N o v e m b e r following a nationwide search. “Paramount to everything is that we make academic e x c e l l e n c e everyone’s priority,” Huntington said. “It’s important to me that as a group, we always listen to each other, collaborate with each other, cut through the conflicts together to find the heartbeat of Heidelberg and align behind that.” Heidelberg’s goal for each of its students is to prepare them for a life of purpose with distinction. The challenge, then, becomes finding compelling ways to fulfill this mission in the long term, the new president said. “We have to figure out how to reach out and grow - far beyond Ohio, attracting, recruiting and retaining students in states far and wide, so that ultimately, we will become a great national institution,” he said. Huntington also shared with the campus community that he ascribes to a leadership style based on shared values. “It really is the only way to succeed.” Since his appointment, Huntington has been engaged with the university, visiting campus several times, and attending campus and alumni events. A team of faculty and staff members have been working with him to plan for his transition, which, during the first week, has involved visits to various offices to meet faculty and staff. Huntington brings to Heidelberg 15 years of experience in higher education and 25 years in the corporate world, having served in a variety of executive management roles at Dunkin’ Brands Inc. for more than 22 years. For the past 11 years, he has been a member of the board of trustees at Lasell College in Newton, Mass., serving on several of its major committees. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Middlebury College, Huntington earned his undergraduate degree in political science and German, his master’s degree in German literature from Middlebury’s University of Mainz (Germany) program, his MBA degree from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and his Ed.D. degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education in higher education administration, planning and social policy. www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 27 On The Move School of Nursing Director Named Certified Nurse Educator and Inducted into Academy of Nursing Education Holly Price, MSN, RN, CNS, CNE, Director, F i r e l a n d s R e g i o n a l Medical Center School of Nursing, has earned the designation Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) after successfully completing a rigorous certification examination developed and administered by the National League for Nursing. The NLNs Academic Nurse Educator Certification (ANEC) Program has conferred new visibility and stature upon the academic nursing community, long overdue, said Dr. Beverly Malone, CEO of the NLN. Through the certification program, we have made clear to the ranks of higher education that the role of nurse educator is an advanced professional practice discipline with a defined practice setting and demonstrable standards of excellence, she commented. Price will also be inducted in the National League for Nursing’s third class of 21 fellows, representing 20 schools of nursing throughout the United States into the Academy of Nursing Education. Price will join the 65 fellows, who, since the academy’s establishment in 2007, have proudly borne the credential ANEF. Selection is competitive, with applications reviewed by a panel of fellows that makes its recommendation to the NLN Board of Governors, the oversight body for the academy. Evaluations take into account applicants’ contributions to innovative teaching and/or learning strategies; nursing education research; faculty development; academic leadership; promotion of public policy that advances nursing education; and/or collaborative educational, practice or community partnerships. Price has been a nurse for 30 years and employed at Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing for 24 years. She received her diploma in nursing from Massillon Community Hospital School of Nursing, her BSN from Kent State University and her MSN from Medical College of Ohio. TBH Employee now Tobacco Treatment Specialist The Bellevue Hospital has announced that Cardiopulmonary Department employee Terry Webb, R.R.T., C.T.T.S. has become a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. The program was administered through The University of Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine. Webb is an active volunteer with the American Lung Association and is a member of the Tobacco Education Awareness Management program. She works with several anti-smoking programs for all age groups. She is also a Freedom from Smoking facilitator and a schools facilitator for the Word of Mouth Tobacco Education program. She is a Certified Tobacco Cessation Education Councilor and is a facilitator for the Not-On-Tobacco program. Through The Bellevue Hospital, Webb offers free education and support to help people stop using tobacco products. A resident of Collins, Webb has been employed with TBH for the past 18 years. Chio Opens Edward Jones Office in Oak Harbor The financial services firm Edward Jones has hired Jeff Chio as the financial advisor to open Edward Jones’ first branch office in Oak Harbor. “We’re very proud to have Jeff Chio on board as we become part of the Oak Harbor community,” said James D. Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones. “Jeff brings a level of commitment and enthusiasm that is certain to benefit his clients.” “Edward Jones is the largest financial services firm in the nation in terms of offices, but it maintains its commitment to individuals,” Chio said. “I have been impressed with the interest the firm’s headquarters in St. Louis has shown in this new office. Oak Harbor, and the investors who live here, are very important to the firm, and I really like that.” “Building the North Coast” De sig na nd Bu ild se ea dL an ild Bu General Contractors Chamber Discount on Commerical and Health Insurance John K. Flickinger, CIC 30 E. Main St. Norwalk www.flickinger-ins.com 419-668-4406/800-947-3700 FOCHT CONSTRUCTION 1-888-797-7724 28 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net On The Move Communications Company Adds Staff John Schaffner, President of Schaffner Publications, Inc. based in Portage Township, has announced the appointment of 4 new individuals at the company. Angela Adair, who for the last six years has served in a variety of editorial positions at The (Fremont) News-Messenger and (Port Clinton) News Herald, has been named Editor of The Beacon and Huron Adair Hometown News. Angela, who lives in Port Clinton, was promoted to the position of Presentation Editor of the two newspapers owned by Gannett three years ago. She also served as Managing Editor of The Collegian, the independent college newspaper of the University of Toledo, where she graduated with a degree in fine arts. “We are excited to welcome Angie to our family,” stated Schaffner when making the announcement. “We believe that Angie will truly upgrade our editorial presentation strategies and keep us positioned to remain the preferred community newspaper.” Schaffner noted that one of Angela Adair’s first jobs would be to edit and update daily The Beacon’s Web site (www.thebeacon.net). “Our goal is to transition our Web sites into an ongoing “community portal” featuring dozens more community features,” said Schaffner, adding “we want it to be a place where people can get nearly instant information, and can also chat and gain information that can truly improve their lives and livelihoods right here.” Schaffner also announced the hiring of Lori Hicks to work as a Hicks customer service and marketing specialist for Minuteman Press, the company’s community print shop. “Lori is very familiar to print business customers in Port Clinton, having worked in the print shop business locally for 25 years,” stated Schaffner. “We believe Lori will improve our ability to provide better service to our print customers in several capacities.” Lori Hicks will also serve the newspaper side of the business as a graphic designer. Riedmaier Finally, Schaffner announced that a pair of local men have joined the sales force with the company. Rich Riedmaier, who most recently served as purchasing manager for Gordon Lumber Company, will begin working immediately. “We look forward to having Rich as part of our sales team.” Rich Riedmaier is a native of Port Clinton and a 1977 graduate of Port Clinton High School. Bert Fall, a local independent distributor for Mona-Vie Products, will begin work as a marketing representative for Schaffner Publication’s newspaper Web sites as well as for WPCR online radio. There, he will be working directly with Greg Peiffer, President of Ottawa BroadcastFall ing, Inc. in development of interactive advertising for four different Web sites. “We feel fortunate to get a person of Bert’s caliber to help us establish our Web sites as independent media services for our communities,” said Schaffner. Bert Fall is an Iraq War veteran and lives with his wife and 2 children in Port Clinton. As an overall part of the re-structuring at Schaffner Publications, Inc., Connie Roberts, who had previously served as Marketing Director for Bassett’s Markets and General Manager of Mon Ami Restaurant and Winery, has been named Director of Advertising. Her role is being expanded from serving as the General Manager of Huron Hometown News. She and her husband Tom live in Huron. Roberts New Eye Doctor Comes to Oak Harbor, Genoa The village of Oak Harbor will soon have a new eye doctor with a name familiar to many of those residing in and around Oak Harbor and Genoa. Dr. Nick Peiffer, will begin his practice July 6th in association with the optometric offices of Dr. Dennis Laub and Dr. William Kegerize with offices in Oak Harbor, Genoa and Woodville. Dr. Peiffer is the son of Greg & Linda Peiffer, Catawba Island and the nephew of former Oak Harbor St. Boniface and Genoa’s Our Lady of Lourdes pastor, Rev. James Peiffer. After attending the University of Toledo and completing his Pre-Med studies there in 2005, Dr. Peiffer was accepted into the The Ohio State University College of Optometry and received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 2009. In the course of his new practice, Dr. Peiffer will work in the areas of ocular disease diagnosis and treatment, contact lens applications, and the prescribing and fitting of eyeglasses. Mark Malone Joins Old Fort Bank Michael C. Spragg, President and CEO of The Old Fort Banking Company, announced that Mark C. Malone has joined Old Fort Bank as Senior Vice President – Senior Lending Officer. “Mark brings with him the expertise and commitment achieved through his many years of service in the financial industry. His leadership and extensive background in commercial lending as well as his diversity in sales and service was a determining factor in this position. I had the opportunity of working with Mark in the past and feel his professionalism and proficiency will be a tremendous asset to Old Fort Bank.” stated Michael Spragg. As an executive officer, Mark will be responsible for building the loan portfolio with quality assets. He will supervise commercial lending, mortgage and consumer lending, along with Treasury Management. Mark will work out of both the Tiffin Westgate and Findlay Financial Centers. With nearly 30 years in the financial industry, serving 24 years as an officer and executive in various roles. Mark is a graduate of Wright State University with a MBA in Finance and Miami University with a BS in Economics. Mark and his wife Diana, have 3 children. Gillmor Financial Services, Inc. Welcomes New Board Member Dianne G. Krumsee, Chairman along with Michael C. Spragg, President/ CEO of Old Fort Bank are pleased to announce the appointment of Jon C. Ballinger to serve on the Gillmor Financial Services, Inc. Board of Directors, the holding company for the Old Fort Banking Company. A graduate from Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Ballinger began his career as a teenager in the family business, WerkBrau Co., Inc. “I am honored to serve as a board member of the Old Fort Banking Company and Gillmor Financial Services, Inc. The Gillmor name is well respected in the Findlay community. It will be a pleasure to serve on a board with a similar heritage and business values.” Ballinger stated. Jon and his wife Amy reside in Findlay. Jon has three children; Brianne, Trevor and Travis. www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 29 Flickinger Certified Insurance Counselor Flickinger Insurance, of Norwalk Ohio, congratulates Amy Flickinger for attaining the designation of CICCertified Insurance Counselor. By earning and maintaining the CIC designation, she has demonstrated professional competence through a series of rigorous written examinations focusing on all major fields of insurance, agency operations, and insurance management. This achievement signifies a commitment to continuing education, required of all those who have earned the CIC designation. JHI Adds to LEED Team Janotta & Herner Inc. is proud to announce the certification of both Randy Schafer and Tom Kluding as their newest LEED Certified Professionals. This brings to three the number of design professionals with the Schafer LEED qualification. LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the acronym for the certification program initiated by the USGBC, United States Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to foster environmentally friendly building construction throughout the United States. The certification process involves months of training and testing on various aspects of energy conserving construction methods, use of recycled and locally obtained building materials as well as stewardship to resources. Schafer and Kluding join JHI’s Aaron Hauler on the expanding team of LEED Certified Professionals. Kluding Dr. Bill Back joins Mercy Family Practices Mercy Hospital of Willard is pleased to announce that, effective in June, Bill Back, M.D. joined the Mercy Family Practices. Dr. Back will be seeing patients at Mercy Family Practices of Greenwich and New Washington. Mercy Hospital of Willard is committed to these rural communities as it continues to provide dedicated physician access and availability to their patients. Dr. Back studied at the Medical College of Ohio (University of Toledo Medical Center) completing his Medical Degree, Internship and Residency. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has served as Secretary/Treasurer, Chief of Staff Elect and currently serves as the hospitals Chief of Staff. Dr. Back is also Medical Staff Coordinator/Health Information Services, Medical Staff Library and Medical Staff Coordinator/Cardiopulmonary Services. Rene Schlabach, M.D., the temporary physician that has been serving these areas since November 1, 2008 will continue seeing patients in both Greenwich and New Washington through July 31, 2009. Additionally, Alison Winans, C-PA (Certified Physician Assistant) will also be available on Wednesday in New Washington. This additional physician coverage will allow Mercy Willard to increase patient access in these vital communities providing personal care to their patients. Dr. Schlabach will be seeing patients at the Mercy Family Practice in Greenwich on Monday and Wednesday and Dr. Back will see patients on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. In the Mercy Family Practice of New Washington, Dr. Back will receive patients on Monday, Alison Winans on Wednesday, and Dr. Schlabach on Tuesday and Friday. This schedule provides additional coverage for the patients in Mercy’s rural communities. Dr. Back and his wife Lisa live in the Shiloh/Plymouth area. They have a daughter Makenzie 4½ and a son Cole 3 ½. Dr. Back was born and raised in the Greenwich community and is a graduate of South Central High School. 30 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Gastroenterologist Joins Mercy Tiffin Mercy Hospital of Tiffin welcomes Steven Wagner, M.D., a specialist in gastroenterology, to the Mercy Hospital of Tiffin Medical Staff. Dr. Wagner manages chronic diseases such as colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, GERD and irritable bowel syndrome. He also performs therapeutic and diagnostic procedures including colonoscopy, EGD and PEG. Dr. Wagner has over 25 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University and completed an internship and residency at University Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Wagner also fulfilled a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at The Ohio State University and is board certified. Deitemeyer to Lead Outpatient Operations at Memorial HCS Memorial Health Care System has promoted Tina Deitemeyer to Vice President of Outpatient Operations. In her new role, Deitemeyer will focus on the continued success, growth, development and implementation of innovative programs, strategies and partnerships at MHCS. She will lead non-hospital based patient functions at MHCS and manage a comprehensive patient/ provider outreach, retention and growth strategy. “I am excited about my new role at Memorial because I have a passion not only for the health care system but also the community,” said Deitemeyer. “It is truly an honor to have this opportunity to help lead MHCS as it continues to be one of the premier health care providers in the region.” As Vice President of Outpatient Operations, Deitemeyer will be integral to MHCS’ providing of cooperative and courteous service to all internal and external customers, including patients, families, visitors, physicians, co-workers and businesses. She will continually implement initiatives that promote service excellence at Memorial. Deitemeyer will also lead in developing more patient satisfaction programs for outpatient services. Previous to her promotion, Deitemeyer performed in the role of Operations Administrator for MHCS’ Occupational Medicine program for more than 2 years. She has been serving in the interim role of Director of Operations and Service Line Development and most recently was named MHCS Corporate Compliance Officer. Deitemeyer has more than 15 years of experience in health care. Firelands Nursing School Faculty Member Completes Doctor Of Education Leadership Firelands Regional Medical Center is pleased to recognize Pamela Rutar, Ed.D, MSN, RN, CNE, who recently completed her Doctor of Education Leadership at Ashland University. Rutar is a Faculty member at the FRMC School of Nursing where she teaches Maternal-Child Nursing Pediatrics and the management portion of Nursing Care of the Adult III as well as Nursing Care of the Adult II. Rutar completed her dissertation Mentoring and the Superintendency using a mixed-methods study that looked at the formal mentoring program offered by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. The research measured perceived mentoring behaviors of participants in the BASA program. Comparison of mentor and mentee responses were then done using statistical methods. Rutar has been employed at Firelands Regional Medical Center for over 5 years and has over 25 years of nursing experience. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Akron, a Masters of Science in Nursing from Kent State University, and is a Certified Nurse Educator. She lives in Amherst with her husband Dale and has one adult daughter. 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 Community Hospice Care 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. With Community Hospice Care, it’s not the destination, but the journey that matters Proudly Serving Seneca & Huron counties since 1983 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 960 S. Plasterbed Rd. • Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 419-734-5533 • Fax: 419-734-5534 Community Hospice Care 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 www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2009 31 Bank of Oak Harbor Hires Nelson Shaffer as VP, Commercial Lender Gary P. Macko, President and Chief Executive Officer of The National Bank of Oak Harbor, a subsidiary of Indebancorp, announced the hiring of Nelson E. Shaffer as its newest member of the commercial lending division. Shaffer will be serving the commercial needs of clients in the Greater Toledo area and will be responsible for all aspects of commercial lending, a division that represents a considerable growth opportunity for the company. “He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from The University of Toledo. With over 19 years banking experience, Shaffer most recently served as Vice President, Commercial Lender for another financial institution. With a history dating back to 1934 and celebrating 75 years of community banking, The National Bank of Oak Harbor is an independently-owned provider of financial services to business and consumers. The National Bank of Oak Harbor currently operates four full service offices located in Oak Harbor, Curtice, Port Clinton and Oregon and one mortgage loan office in Fremont, Ohio. Certified Diabetes Educator Completes National Audit Jean Feick, MSN, CNP, CDE, Certified Nurse Practitioner and Diabetes Educator with North Coast Professional Company has recently completed a national audit for the American Diabetes Association, Education Recognition Program. Feick is one of only 42 auditors in the country. The American Diabetes Association, the largest and most widely known organization in the field of diabetes, identifies quality diabetes self-management education services that meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and meet the criteria for Medicare reimbursement. Programs must continue to meet National Standards during the three year Recognition period. Feick is employed by the North Coast Professional Corporation and has over 35 years of nursing experience. She resides in Sandusky with her husband John and has two grown children. 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 Chamber Members save $500 with this ad. 32 July 2009 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net Work doesn’t wait when you’re sick or injured and you don’t have to wait for the right care. For over 90 years, Memorial Hospital has been caring for the community. With 150 physicians and 500 associates you are certain to receive the best health care. Whether you enter our hospital through our newly renovated lobby or soon to be renovated Emergency Department, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including the latest in surgical and diagnostic procedures. We continue to change; keeping pace with technology to ensure our community has the finest in medical care, along with maintaining our devotion to our patients. At Memorial, we know that life won’t wait. We are committed to providing you and your loved ones with the right care, right now. 715 South Taft Avenue ■ Fremont, Ohio 43420 Phone 419.332.7321 ■ memorialhcs.org