February Action Newsletter 2010 by Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

February 2010 issue

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vol. XLII no. 2

Thomas E. Cecconi to lead Chamber board as chairman in 2010 We have closed another decade, the latter part of which was fraught with uncertainty and unease. As we begin the New Year, some of the fear has abated. Because of the perseverance of our Chamber members, our region is better positioned to come out of this economic storm Tom Cecconi with newfound efficiencies. As a result of these recessionary times, your Chamber has gained many of the same traits that you have – we have become lean and resourceful. We are poised to advance business and develop community as we open a new chapter of economic possibility in 2010. This year we are growing and evolving our programs and events. While quality programs

STIR After Hours

HOFEF Queen Pageant

Downtown Canton Blues Festival CVB Board of Directors

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AultCare Fast Break Breakfast

Leadership Stark County

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Succession Planning Young Entre p reneur Snapshot

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Twenty Under 40! ystark! Fund Drive

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Stark County Entrepreneur Week Absence Management

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New Members BizBitz February Calendar

USPS Statement of Ownership AC-3 Form

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FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF STARK COUNTY, EDUCATION IS THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT TO ECONOMIC, BUSINESS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

Online Business Survey

Safety Council Luncheon

In addition to our educational programs, we are working to help you increase the size and scope of your business network with our networking events. Just this month we are unveiling a new networking event that’s sure to stir you with excitement. We are also continuing all of the same

ANNUAL DINNER reservations due Feb. 5

i n s i d e : Business Excellence Awards

and events have always been a focus of the Chamber, we are especially cognizant of the need to provide ones that assist our members with gaining knowledge and expertise in the rapidly changing global economy. The Chamber is strategically partnering with other organizations to provide seminars and sessions for business, such as the upcoming Succession Planning Program, provided through Kent State University, and the Entrepreneur Week programs that are coming up through the Small Business Development Center, as well as opportunities for our manufacturing members with MAGNET programs.

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The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce will welcome renowned education reformer Dr. Willard Daggett to the 96th annual dinner, held Turn to Page Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Five & Find Out Canton Memorial Civic Center. Daggett inspires What's Got Your audiences to both Chamber All embrace what is best Dr. Willard Daggett about our education STIRRED UP! system and make the changes necessary to meet the needs of all students in the 21st Century. Few topics are as important as the link between education and economic strength, and Dr. Daggett will offer our business community a prescription for preparing U.S. students to compete globally. (continued on page three)

Chairman Thank you ...

Feb. 2010 • Vol. XLII • No. 2

Thomas E. Cecconi Chairman Dennis P. Saunier President & CEO David Zingery Director, Marketing Jessica Bennett Editor Denise Burton Director of Membership & Sales Advertising Sales/Action (330) 458-2067

great events you’ve enjoyed for years such as our bi-annual NETWORK events and large-scale business events like this month’s Annual Dinner, where hundreds of business leaders will convene to learn about one of the most vital pieces of the economic development puzzle: education. We know that jobs are of great concern to the region, which is why we are focused on attracting and retaining the companies who make jobs possible in Stark County. To that end, 2010 will see a continued emphasis on growing our ystark! program, designed to engage the young professionals that are attractive to businesses that currently reside in or are considering making Stark County their home. We are also working to bring more companies into our community through business development at Mills Business Park and attracting more businesses to our center city in downtown Canton. In other words – we’re making every effort to bring value and strong business advocacy to our membership in 2010. I congratulate Ron Becker for his outstanding leadership and dedication

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as board chairman in perhaps one of if not the most perilous years in our 96-year history. Together with the staff and the board of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ron rose to the task of serving the business community of Stark County at a time when they needed their Chamber most. I look forward to this year and to working with the talented staff and board of the Chamber to continue to strengthen the wellbeing of businesses large and small in Canton/Stark County and to help the region to invite economic growth. I know working with the Chamber President and CEO Denny Saunier and his staff will be a rewarding experience and I look forward to serving the membership as Chairman this year. Sincerely,

Thomas E. Cecconi President & Chief Executive Officer Mercy Medical Center

Sarah Bhatia Graphic Designer

Action

is published monthly for the

members of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. The subscription cost is $25 per year and is included in the price of membership. Reader questions and comments are welcome and encouraged. Contents may be reprinted with credit. Address all inquiries to: Editor,

Action, Canton

Regional Chamber of Commerce, 222 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702, or call (330) 456-7253, or fax (330) 489-6005. Advertising rates are available for Chamber members. Advertisement does not constitute endorsement by Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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Annual Dinner ... Date: Thursday, Feb. 11 Time: 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception, 7 p.m. dinner Location: Canton Memorial Civic Center Cost: $85

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RSVP by Feb. 5 at CantonChamber.org or (330) 458-2085 Reservations and payment are required in advance. No tickets will be issued for this event.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board - Thomas E. Cecconi Mercy Medical Center Sr. Vice Chairman - George W. Lemon Vice Chairman - Rick L. Haines AultCare Vice Chairman - Kevin Kampman The Repository Vice Chairman - Dean L. Olivieri Fred Olivieri Construction Co. Treasurer - D. William Allen Pro Football Hall of Fame Immediate Past Chairman Ronald D. Becker Hilscher-Clarke Electric Co. President & CEO - Dennis P. Saunier Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Corporate Secretary - Steven J. Katz Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

B O A R D O F D I R E C TO R S

Business Excellence Award nominee information due this month Ceremony set for April 27 Nominations for the Business Excellence Awards of Greater Canton are in, and the OUTSTANDING Stark County companies that have been nominated are urged to return their information forms to Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce by Feb. 26, in order to be considered for the distinguished Stark County business honor. Business Excellence winners will be notified in March. Honorees of this year’s Business Excellence Awards will be recognized during the awards dinner held on Tues., April 27, at The University Center at Kent State University Stark.

Awards begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person. Register online at CantonChamber.org.

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Geoff Karcher The Karcher Group

James T. Batchelder The M.K. Morse Co.

Tim Maloney Canton Chair Rental

Timothy M. Burke, Jr. FirstMerit

Rick McQueen Akron-Canton Airport

William R. Cook Chase N.A.

John A. Murphy, Jr. Day Ketterer Ltd.

Darryl J. Dillenback

John O’Donnell Ph.D. Stark State College of Technology

Ken English Charter One Philip D. Fracassa The Timken Company

Mark J. Samolczyk Stark Community Foundation Thomas W. Schmidt

NOMINEES: If you have questions regarding the submission of nominee information, please contact Nancy Leffler, event manager, at (330) 458-2073 or nancyl@cantonchamber.org. OUR SPONSORS Bruner-Cox LLP, Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., LPA, The Repository and Stark State College of Technology.

Jerry Gilin Diebold Inc. Derek Gordon Canton Jaycees Jason F. Haupt Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A.

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William C. Shivers Huntington Bank Paul E. Siegfried Siegfried Enterprises Inc. Randolph L. Snow Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh LPA

Rick L. Hull Terrance L. Jones Multi-Development Services of Stark County Richard L. Jusseaume Walsh University

RSVP by April 21! Don’t miss Stark County’s premier business event! The Business Excellence

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Michael S. Armbrester Marathon Petroleum Co. LLC

Vicky L. Sterling Pinnacle Press Inc. Dr. Gary W. Streit Malone University David M. Wheeler AEP Ohio

You’ll be aSTIR with anticipation of our NEW AFTER HOURS networking series The Canton Regional Chamber is stirring up fun in February with the brand new STIR AFTER HOURS SMALL BUSINESS NETWORKING series! What better place to celebrate our all new, don’t-miss networking shindig than Canton’s newest hotspot – Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro – on Feb. 18. Relaxed dining and great times will never be the same with Gervasi Vineyard coming into the fold this year. Gervasi is Canton's new spot for gathering and relaxing with a no rush atmosphere. You can hang in the loft, at the Tasting Bar, on the patio or make your adventure along the walking trails. Gervasi offers nine varieties of red and white wines. Grapes are grown primarily in the Ohio region. The Italian Bistro will seat over 160 guests (with room for 120 more outdoors) and include an extensive rustic Italian menu served in small and large plate portions for sharing. The menu will include fresh, seasonal ingredients hand-selected from local farmers including antipasti, salads, wood-fired pizzas, entrees, and desserts.

The property vineyards, lagoon, and landscaping are picturesque from every view and include a wedding pavilion, walking trails, outdoor dining, and yard game activities for relaxation and fun after your delicious meal. For more details on Gervasi Vineyard and Italian Bistro and the grand opening in March, visit GervasiVineyard.com. The first STIR AFTER HOURS will be the first event to be held at the buzzworthy bistro, which doesn’t officially open to the public until March. Be the first to try delicious Italian cuisine and what are anticipated to be some of the finest wines from Ohio vines before they make their grand debut! Best of all Stir After Hours is just $5! RSVP for the new Stir After Hours online at CantonChamber.org. Reservations are required and space is limited! Thursday, Feb. 18 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro 1700 55th Street NE •Canton, OH Cost: New price - just $5! RSVP by Feb. 16

STIR UP ROMANCE with a Get-A-Way for 2 - $275 Value! Stir After Hours in February will feature a romantic get-a-way for two to McKinley Grand Hotel in downtown Canton. The package includes accommodations, dinner at Thorpe's Market Avenue Grill, a couple's relaxation massage and room service breakfast! Keep the romance of Valentine's Day going after the holiday with this wonderful door prize package.

Why are we STIRring things up with Stir After Hours? Stir is about mixing with business liaisons old and new, blending socializing with sales calls and swirling a little bit of dalliance into your dealings! The Stir After Hours Small Business Networking series adds a little swizzle and a lot of sizzle to our successful Business After Hours event. You can expect special monthly promotions and discounts, more lavish door prizes, bolder locations and elaborate event themes. You can also expect great complimentary food, beer and wine. There will be plenty of faces old and new for you to make contact with this

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year – and at a mere $5 per person, you can’t afford not to make this event a part of your sales and marketing budget. Come to Stir After Hours, and use the most “social” media of all! It’s perfect for small business owners, sales and marketing professionals and anyone who wants to develop a network of contacts while celebrating the end of another long workday. Get in on the Action! You won’t want to miss a single STIR – each month we’ll be doing a grand prize drawing for a feature article in ACTION Newsletter

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for your business. There’s no better way to reach our 2,800 member contacts than with a feature that puts your company, product or service in the spotlight. The who’s who of Stark County business could be stirring about you as new issues arrive the first week of each month, beginning with the first Stir Fry Hot Business on the Burner article in our April issue. With only twelve issues available per year – you can’t afford to miss a single stir around our new after hours networking concept.

HOF Enshrinement Festival QUEEN PAGEANT seeking applications beginning Feb. 15 The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Queen Pageant applications and tickets will be available beginning Monday, Feb. 15, at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Enshrinement Festival department, 222 Market Ave. N., in downtown Canton. Applications can be picked up at the Enshrinement Festival office weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline to submit the application and a $65 fee is Monday, March 16, by 5 p.m. Candidates cannot be younger than a high school senior and 18 years old by May 1 or more than 23 years of age before Sept. 1. Candidates must reside and, if employed, work within a 30-mile radius of Stark County. All potential candidates are invited to attend the second annual “Screen the Queen Pageant” session which will take place Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce from 9 to 11:30 a.m. This session will help young ladies decide if they would like to enter the Pageant, and give them a better idea of what to expect if they do. Participants will have the opportunity to review the 2009 Queen Pageant DVD, learn about the judging experience from past years’ judges, hear from a past queen who will share her memories, and ask questions about the process. This informative, informal session is FREE, but reservations must be made in advance by calling Tonya Stuck, event manager, at (330) 458-2052.

The Queen Pageant will take place Thursday, May 13, at The Canton Palace Theatre. All seats are reserved at $17 each, and tickets can be purchased at the Canton Regional Chamber, Canton AAA, Massillon AAA and all area Freda’s Hallmark stores. At the conclusion of the Pageant, the Enshrinement Festival Queen and court members will be selected on the basis of personality, poise, beauty, communication skills, academic achievement and service to community. The number of court members selected will coincide with the number of members of the 2010 Class of Enshrinees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Queen and her court will serve as role models and goodwill ambassadors throughout the community, and one of their most memorable experiences will be their ride on a float in the Enshrinement Festival Timken Grand Parade. Schott returns as Queen Pageant chair for the second year

Patti Schott

Patti Schott has been named chair of the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival (HOFEF) Queen Committee. This is her second year in this capacity, having served on the committee

since 2003. Assisting her with leadership responsibilities will be Kara Abbott, committee vice-chair. Schott retired in 1999 after 32 years as a registered nurse at Mercy Medical Center. She currently operates Taggarts Ice Cream and Kennedy’s Barbecue with her husband, Ernie. She received her bachelor’s degree from Mercy School of Nursing. Schott has served as secretary for West Park Neighborhood Association and president of Marketeers Investment Club of Ohio. She was on the Mercy Alumni board, St. Benedict Catholic Church Parish Council and the St. Benedict Catholic Church Parish Faith Community Nursing program. She was the 1995 Mercy Medical Center Manager of the Year and was recognized as the 1995 Outstanding Alumnus by the Mercy School of Nursing. The Queen Committee is responsible for working with Enshrinement Festival staff in coordinating all activities relating to the HOFEF Queen and court. Committee members serve as official chaperones for the Queen and court during their community service activities and Enshrinement Festival event appearances. For more information regarding applications, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Tonya Stuck at (330) 458-2052, or visit the Enshrinement Festival Web site at www.profootballhofef.com.

Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews attorneys at law Telephone: (330) 499-6000 Telecopier: (330) 499-6423 400 SOUTH MAIN STREET NORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720 www.bakerfirm.com

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Back to back blues bursts into

downtown Canton this summer

ELVIN BISHOP AND HOT TUNA ELECTRIC HEADLINE 2010 CANTON BLUES FEST The 2010 Canton Blues Festival, presented by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, will be held June 18 and 19 in downtown Canton. Scheduled to perform at the annual festival are blues legends Elvin Bishop and Hot Tuna Electric. Elvin Bishop was just plain born to be a blues musician, even if it did take him a few years to know such a thing as blues music even existed. Late one night when Elvin was 14 or 15, the atmospheric conditions a little rough, Jimmy Reed’s harmonica came cutting through the static from WLAC in Nashville, and Elvin Bishop’s life was changed – he found the good part of rock and roll he had been looking for. Today, Bishop is a slide guitar great with more than 45-years of blues under his belt. Rolling Stone has praised his “careening slide and razor-edged bursts, all delivered with unflagging enthusiasm and wit”. For more information, visit ElvinBishopMusic.com. From their days playing together as teenagers to their current acoustic and electric blues, no one has more consistently led American music for the last 50 years than Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, the founders and continuing core members of Hot Tuna Electric. It’s been a long and fascinating road to numerous exciting destinations. Two things have never changed: They still love to play as much as they did as kids, and there are still many, many exciting miles yet to travel on their musical odyssey. Album has followed album – more than two dozen in all, not counting solo efforts, side projects, and appearances on the albums of other bands and performers – and they continue to develop their interests and styles, both together and in individual pursuits. In an era in which old bands reunite for one last tour, Hot Tuna can’t because they never broke up. For more information, visit HotTuna.com.

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The Canton Blues Festival is FREE to all attendees, but V.I.P. membership passes are available. The two-day festival will kick-off Friday, Jun. 18, from noon to 10:30 p.m., with Elvin Bishop performing at 8:30 p.m. The music picks back up on Saturday, Jun. 19, from noon to 10:30 p.m., with Hot Tuna Electric performing at 8:30 p.m. Full details and performance information for the 2010 Canton Blues Festival will be coming soon to www.cantonbluesfest.com.

Elvin Bishop

2010 CANTON BLUES FESTIVAL LINEUP

Friday, June 18 12 PM … North East Ohio Blues Jam 2 PM … Mr. Stress Blues Band 4 PM … Shady Drive 6 PM … Special Guest Star John Lee Hooker, Jr. 8:30 PM … Headliner Elvin Bishop

Hot Tuna Electric

Saturday, June 19 12 PM … Blues in School 2 PM … Blue Lunch 4 PM … Armstrong Bearcats 6 PM … Special Guest Star Ana Popovic 8:30 PM Headliner Hot Tuna Electric As of this printing, the 2010 Canton Blues Festival is brought to you by Cormony Development and Standard Plumbing & Heating Co., and supported by Buxton Roofing, Phil and Nancy Sonner and Schauer Group, Inc. GET THE VIP TREATMENT! VIP Blues Festival Membership packages available One Year Blues Festival VIP Membership available for $75 per person. With your one-year VIP membership, you’ll receive: • 2-Day 2010 Canton Blues VIP Pass, complete with appetizers, beer and soda and private front of stage seating • Email newsletters with the latest Blues Festival information and special event notices • Advance notice of the year’s full entertainment line-up Get your Blues Festival VIP Memberships quickly before they sell out – contact Marci Saling, Blues Festival event manager at (330) 458-2072 or visit CantonBluesFest.com. C h a m b e r

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Chamber seeking high school musicians for third annual BLUES IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM The 14-week Blues in Schools program, to be held in the Lower Level Lounge at Kent State University Stark, will begin on Saturday, March 13, at 10 a.m. The weekly sessions are three hours in length and include rehearsals and hands-on instruction. Applications are due by Feb. 12. Contact Nancy Leffler at nancyl@cantonchamber.org or (330) 458.2073 for more details and to apply.

CVB elects 2010 board of directors The Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau has announced its 2010 board of directors. This year's board will be lead by Board Chairman Ron Byrd. The board consists of 15 members, including: Katrina Barton, Westfield Belden Village, Ron Byrd, Russell & Byrd LLC, Nichole Cardinale, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Frank Cilona, Courtyard by Marriott, Sarah Coblentz, Hartville Marketplace, Joe Daleiden, 415 Group, Joe Folk, The University Center at Kent State University Stark, Steve Karapasha, Canton AAA, Doug Lane, North Canton Chamber of Commerce, Ed Murray, Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty, Harry Paidas, Mount Union College, Ron Ponder, WHBC, Bob Sanderson, Massillon Area Chamber of Commerce, Dennis Saunier, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Geoff Tompkins, Canton Memorial Civic Center.

Your opinion matters! Take Ohio’s online business survey Whether you have used One-Stop services or not, your opinion is very important to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Please take a few minutes to fill out Ohio’s online business survey. Ohio’s One-Stop System consists of numerous partner agencies that deliver employment and training services to businesses, job seekers and youth. In Ohio, there are 31 full-service One-Stop sites and 59 satellite sites. Business customers can expect services such as job posting, pre-screening, employee assessment, job fairs, training, layoff aversion and mass recruitment. Canton’s local One Stop facility is the Employment Source. Visit www.OhioMeansJobs.com and select “Employer for more information.

Stark County Board of Commissioners has an ex-officio board position. Take the survey online: http://bit.ly/4N6bLt “Our new board brings a great variety of experience and expectations to the CVB,” noted Bureau Executive Director John Kiste.“Having such a diverse and experienced board will help us to further develop a strong economic engine for tourism in Stark County.”

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Get Marvinized - a perennial favorite at February AultCare Fast Break Breakfast A Fast Break Favorite! Motivational speaker and sales training guru Marvin Montgomery’s energetic and practical sales training program Marvin Montgomery will assist you and your business in making sales and taking customer relationships to the next level. Garner productivity tips for your staff with Marvin’s Prepare & Practice philosophy. Marvin’s message emphasizes the tried and true techniques that have assisted hundreds of organizations to meet or exceed their sales goals. You will walk away from this program energized and Marvinized! As an experienced motivational speaker and professional sales training specialist

for over 30 years, Montgomery has assisted hundreds of organizations improve their productivity. He has earned widespread national recognition and praise. It stems from his informative, practical and stimulating programs that reflect his basic philosophy: preparation and practice are the keys to sales success. It is not the same old sales training message. Montgomery’s message will prevent those who experience it from ever using outdated training methods of trial and error or learning by doing. Beyond this important segment of the program, Fast Break attendees have the opportunity to obtain business leads through enjoyable networking activities at an event that has built a reputation as one of the most energetic lead-producing sessions around. Bring a door prize valued at $15 or more and receive 30 seconds at the microphone to promote your business.

Friday, Feb. 12 7 a.m. registration 7:30 a.m. program Courtyard by Marriott 4375 Metro Cir. North Canton, OH Cost: $18 members; $21 members less than 48 hours in advance; $25 non-members RSVP by Feb. 10 SEASON PASSES STILL ON SALE! VISIT CANTONCHAMBER.ORG TO PURCHASE AT AN EXCELLENT VALUE!

Save your seat; register in advance at www.cantonchamber.org or call (330) 458-2085. In order to better accommodate guests at Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce events, we ask that you be sure to register in advance for each event. This will ensure that we have accurate counts for food service and seating. Please register online at www.cantonchamber.org. Please call (330) 458-2085 to register with Rosie Kurtz. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the beginning of an event are not eligible for refund. No-shows will be billed. In order to reduce operation costs, registration for all major Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce events – such as Annual Dinner or awards dinners – must be paid in advance of the event. Guests may pay for monthly programs in advance or at the door by check, credit card or cash.

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How does participation in Leadership Stark County BENEFIT MY BUSINESS? Participation in Leadership Stark County provides a myriad of benefits to the individual and the community; however, you may not know the direct benefits to businesses when they sponsor employees for participation in the Signature program. Why and how should individuals apply for the Signature Program? The LEADERSHIP STARK COUNTY Signature Program: • Facilitates networking opportunities that provide business solutions • Increases workforce leadership capacities resulting in greater organizational effectiveness

• Garners community recognition of your company’s community commitment

In short, the Signature Program is a powerful tool for your business!

• Provides knowledge, exposure and contacts that will enable participants to work more effectively in the community and in their careers

Leadership Stark County is now taking applications for the 24th Signature Class. The Signature Class will meet from September 2010 through June 2011. Tuition assistance is available for candidates from non-profit organizations, education and government sectors.

• Prepares, positions, and challenges participants to become involved in Stark County • Exposes the best and brightest of Stark County’s emerging and existing leaders to current issues covering every range of the spectrum of community life, as well as facilitating valuable contacts with people who get things done

For more information or to apply, go to LeadershipStarkCounty.org or call Fran Wells at (330) 458-2094. Applications must be received by Friday, April 30.

Confrontations in the workplace at February’s SAFETY COUNCIL LUNCHEON The February Stark County Safety Council Luncheon will examine crucial confrontations in the workplace. By the end of the presentation, participants will have a better idea of Tim Bauserman how to improve results and relationships by confronting unsafe actions, violated expectations and bad behavior. During the presentation, Tim Bauserman of Southam Consulting will help attendees examine crucial elements that occur before and during the confrontation, based upon Crucial Confrontations Training by VitalSmarts, named one of the top training products by Human Resource Executive magazine.

Before the Confrontation Identify “Activators” that encourage/ discourage safe behavior.

You will learn about the skills of holding others accountable for safe behavior in a manner that focuses on getting good results while strengthening relationships.

Deal with interruptions and side issues without getting sidetracked from the right problem

Identify the right problem and decide how to deal with it Take charge of our emotions by viewing unsafe acts through six sources of influence During the Confrontation Describe the problem in a way that sets the right tone for everything that follows Diagnose whether the unsafe behavior is due to motivation, ability or both Make safe behavior motivating without having to go to power Make it easier to work safely by identifying and removing barriers

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Bauserman has spoken to numerous safety councils and other organizations in Ohio and West Virginia. He is a Certified Trainer for Crucial Conversations and Crucial Confrontations. Bauserman has extensive experience in manufacturing. Clients enjoy his blend of engineering background and his ability to connect best practices, skills and concepts to important organizational concerns. He helps clients get “unstuck” with a keen sense of what needs to be done and how to do it. Thursday, Feb. 11 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meyer’s Lake Ballroom 3218 Parkway St. Canton 44708 Cost: $16 Reservations are required RSVP by Feb. 9 Spotlight Company:

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Succession planning is key to ensuring business in the future Learn more at two-part seminar in February Closely held businesses are the backbone of the American economy. Despite the attention paid to the stock market, the 8,500 public companies traded there provide only 24 percent of private sector employment; by contrast, 4.6 million closely held companies provide 76 percent of employment in the private sector. Practically all the job generation in the country is in the closely held sector. What is the most cost effective means of retaining these businesses and the jobs they provide in our communities? Timely and effective succession planning. Attend this important two-part session on Feb. 17 & 24 at Glenmoor Country Club to learn the ins and outs of succession planning for your small business.

The program is co-sponsored by Buckingham, Doolittle, and Burroughs LLP and Bruner Cox LLP. For questions about the event, please contact Nancy Leffler at nancyl@cantonchamber.org or (330) 458-2073. Wed., Feb. 17 and Wed., Feb. 24 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 a.m. Glenmoor Country Club 4191 Glenmoor Rd. â&#x20AC;˘ Canton 44718 Member Cost: $45 single session, $75 both sessions Non-Member Cost: $60 single session, $100 both sessions RSVP by Feb. 15 online at CantonChamber.org

This important two-part session is presented through a collaboration by The Succession Planning Program at Kent State University and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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NEW in 2010! Young Entrepreneur Snapshot Which attributes best define you as an entrepreneur? Detail-oriented, technical/scientific, passionate about quality and innovation. Why have you chosen Canton as your home base? Canton is my hometown. I love the people here, but seven years ago there wasn’t much going on downtown and I wanted to help it blossom.

Editor’s note: In keeping with ystark!’s mission – to attract, retain and ENGAGE talented young people in Stark County – ACTION will feature monthly snapshots of outstanding young entrepreneurs throughout 2010. Name: Alexander J. Haas Age: 29 Company Name: Muggswigz Coffee & Tea co. How did you come up with the idea for your business/product/service? I wish I could say that coffee and tea was my idea. I have a passion for interesting and pleasurable culinary experiences and especially for coffee and tea. I think it is just my style and the style of my coworkers to craft something the best we can. We buy the best unroasted coffee and loose tea for our needs, and obsess over perfecting them so that whether it is consumed in our store, at home or office, or with one of our wholesale clients, it can be enjoyed to its maximum potential. What also keeps it exciting is that our product is never a stagnant thing. Not only do we adapt to guests’ changing tastes, we are also continuously trying to push the limits of quality. Also, because our raw materials are green coffee and tea, we need to adapt to the inherent variability in agricultural goods. When starting the company, I saw a large business opportunity for me if people in the area appreciated high quality coffee and tea because there was no one else doing it. So we tried it out and thankfully people in the area do appreciate it!

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How have the amenities of Stark County contributed to your success? Some of the amenities of Stark County contribute to the influx of cash into the local economy, which aids Muggswigz in a general way. Other Stark County amenities create more opportunities for our employees to enjoy life, which holds inestimable value. More directly, the events downtown create business and help residents unfamiliar with downtown feel more comfortable enjoying all the character and pleasantness strolling downtown has to offer. Why is having a strong YP community important for your business? Because espresso culture is relatively young in the U.S. Many of the people who have adopted it into their life are younger. So the YP community is important to Muggswigz on both sides of the bar.

What advice would you give to YPs who share your entrepreneurial streak, but are just getting started? It’s probably not as difficult as you think, but it will probably be more work than you think. So don’t be afraid to jump in so long as you are ready to endure working many hours. Secondly, stay r ealistic or have someone who can help to extract your head from your unrealistic entrepreneurial dream cloud. Stay innovative and passionate, but attempt to see situations objectively and budget with realistic financing. What’s next for you? I have recently returned from visiting tea gardens and coffee farms in India, and we are working on making more connections with tea and coffee farmers to improve quality, consistency, value and transparency. Having relationships with the farmers also enables us to have specific lots of coffee or tea grown, cared for, and processed for us by our guidelines. We have won industry awards for our baristas, our coffee brewing and our coffee roasting, but we are improving all of those things continuously. Actually collaborating with the farmers growing our coffee and tea is an exciting and unique next step to really bring value and exceptional quality to our retail and wholesale customers.

What are your thoughts on ystark!? They have a mission that is particularly useful to the area and are implementing it with ingenuity and energy. Keep up the good work!

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Three’s a crowd! And that’s a good thing for Stark County NOMINATE the sharpest, most driven YOUNG LEADERS for the THIRD ANNUAL Twenty under 40! awards. Who are we looking for? Eligible “young professionals” are Stark Countians between 20 and 40 years old in ALL career industries. We’re looking for all nominees – not just ystark! members. Full eligibility information is available at ystark.org.

Who’s making this possible? Twenty under 40! is presented by ystark! and The Repository and sponsored by Aultman Health Foundation, Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh, Huntington Bank and The Timken Company.

What’s the easiest way to nominate? Online! Visit ystark.org and complete the nomination form or download a hard copy. What’s the deadline? We need all nominations by Sunday, Feb. 7. No exceptions! Anything else I should know? Winners of the 2010 award will be toasted at an eclectic, gala award event on June 14 at Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro (opening in March).

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Fund Drive Kick Off We’re working to make Stark County the place to be for young professionals to live, work and play ... and we need your help! In order to continue to deliver the great events, programs and professional development opportunities that area YPs need to thrive, we’re asking for a small donation to ystark!, Stark County’s young professional initiative. We’re asking for donations to our fund drive from individuals and companies at all levels. Please invest with us. Together we can continue to grow Stark County’s ability to attract, retain and engage young professionals! Individual Giving Levels $500 Addict: I never miss an event! $250 Fanatic: I love ystark! $150 Groupie: I’m telling my friends about you $100 Enthusiast: You are making this community cool $50 Believer: Yep, you’ll usually find me hanging out $25 Follower: You are on to something here Corporate Giving Levels $500 Addict ... YP Patron Extraordinaire $250 Fanatic ... YP Devotee DONOR BENEFITS As a donor to our Fund Drive, you’ll be recognized online for your donation plus you’ll have our undying gratitude! DONATE NOW! Visit ystark.org to donate online by Feb. 28, or to download a pledge card.

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Stark County Entrepreneur Week to feature Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Kent State University Stark is proud to announce the first annual Stark County Entrepreneur Week. This event-filled week, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs at all levels, is a collaboration between the Stark County Chambers of Commerce, the Stark Development Board (SDB) and the SDBC, and will be held February 22 26, at The University Center, 6000 Frank Avenue NW in Jackson Township. Headlining the week of events will be a keynote address by Dan Gilbert, chairman and founder of Quicken Loans Inc., majority owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, the American Hockey League’s Lake Erie Monsters and operator of Quicken Loans Arena. In 2007, Gilbert launched Bizdom U in Detroit, Mich., with a mission to create successful businesses, jobs, growth and wealth in large, urban cities. The nonprofit organization operates a fourmonth business development program, providing comprehensive, real-world training and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. Those who complete the program and develop an approved business plan receive funding for their business and continuous guidance in launching and leading it.

In November 2009, Gilbert successfully backed a proposal to authorize first-class casinos in Ohio’s four largest cities, which will create 34,000 Ohio jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenues for public services, safety and schools. For his contributions to business mentoring, Gilbert has received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Young and has been inducted into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame. Stark County Entrepreneur Week will also feature an address by Ray Leach, CEO and creator of JumpStart, one of the most active and innovative venture development organizations in the United States. Leach’s energy and leadership experiences from founding five high-growth entrepreneurial endeavors in the last 20 years will contribute to his inspiring address. Stark County Entrepreneur Week will also include: A Panel of Entrepreneurs, featuring several of Stark County’s leading entrepreneurs divulging the secrets to their successful businesses;

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The seminar “Ten Steps to Business Success for Creative Entrepreneurs,” presented by Jackie Peterson, author and 30-year veteran counselor; The Stark County Student Entrepreneurs, representing the county’s five colleges and universities, in a competition to promote “The Business of Arts in Stark County;” and Representatives of local support resources, including SBDC and SCORE, will be available to discuss how their services can benefit local entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.cantonsbdc.org or call the SBDC at (330) 244-3290.

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Absence Management - Is it a challenge for you? Part One of Three-Part Series Employers of all sizes are facing the same struggles – rising health care costs and lost productivity due to absences and recent downturns in the economy. Small to mid-size employers are further burdened due to fewer available resources and less time available to help them effectively manage workplace absences and promote a healthy workforce. This article is one in a three-part series where absence management challenges and solutions will be closely examined.

ed to FMLA. Workers’ compensation and short-term disability programs have been historically viewed as a “claims administration” process. Claims would be filed and the paperwork processed. There was little intervention from clinical professionals, and the claim focus was on stopping the benefit to reduce costs for the employer. There was rarely discussion held with physicians, nurses and employers to help facilitate a safe and timely return to work for the employee.

To gain a better understanding of how the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) affects employers, CareWorks USA’s Disability Management Services recently conducted a survey of clients. Survey results reveal that the administration of FMLA remains to be a significant concern among employers.

The unstable state of our economy and increasing regulatory requirements are driving employers of all sizes to look closely at how all types of absences are being managed.

In fact, one third of small to mid-size private and public employers who responded to the survey were concerned with compliance and the amount of time it takes to manage their current FMLA program. More than 49% of employers reported having difficulties administering their FMLA program and 64% reported manual tracking as their record keeping means. In addition to the manual record keeping and lack of education of managers and supervisors, many employers indicated the burden on human resources staff; and consistency issues posed significant challenges to effective and efficient administration of leaves. Others were concerned about compliance due to new federal regulations announced in January, 2009. Keeping up to date with regulation changes can pose both administrative and human capital strains on an organization. The most recent r egulation changes that employers need to be concerned about are specifically related to the Military Provision Expansion signed by President Obama on October 27, 2009. While the DOL has not yet issued specific language relating to the new provision, the changes expand the definition of who qualifies for leave under the military provisions. Employers expressed concern about absences in general, not just those relatC a n t o n

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There can be a tremendous amount of overlap with federally mandated leave regulations, disability insurance programs and workers compensation; so integrating is a logical step for public entities these days. Outsourcing the administration of federal and state mandated Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) claims, sick leave and disability benefit programs; or the integration of all absence programs was once thought to be an effective strategy for primarily large private employers. Small and midsize public and private employers are now realizing the benefits of outsourcing and benefit integration. In fact, the survey revealed that 82 percent of all respondents were unsatisfied with their current FMLA program and had considered outsourcing as an option. There are many types and levels of outsourcing options available to employers. The options range from stand-alone administration of FMLA claims and statespecific programs, to integrated benefits delivery of FMLA, short-term and long term disability, workers’ compensation, group health, employee assistance program, case management and rehabilitation. Integrated Disability Management programs should consist of a centralized intake, a strong claims management process, medical case management, a strong return to work policy and solid data reporting components. Some employers are finding ways through C h a m b e r

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software applications or third party administration to achieve integrated disability management. When considering if benefit integration and/or outsourcing are viable options, employers should ask themselves the following: • What are your current absence rates? • Are you in compliance with Federal and state leave laws? • What processes are currently in place for leave reporting? • How do you track your leaves? • Are any of your benefits integrated already? • Is the morale of your employees affected when other employees have excessive absences? • Are you experiencing any difficulty with benefit abuse or misuse? • Are you running FMLA concurrent with workers compensation, sick leave, STD and other leave benefits? • What resources can be dedicated to absence management – both financial and human capital resources? • Does your current process involve medical management of any sort? • And finally, what goals would you hope to achieve with benefit integration and/or outsourcing? While there are many other questions employers would want to ask, these questions provide a good basis to get employers thinking about options on how to improve their absence rates. The reasons to outsource can be many – cost savings, increased productivity, improved employee morale, better compliance and the list goes on. The key to knowing if outsourcing and benefit integration is right for your company starts with examining the current state of your absence rates and benefit programs. Benefit integration and outsourcing can be the catalysts to help employers achieve reduced absence rates, increased productivity, improved workforce stability and overall reduced costs associated with absences. The second article in our three part series,“What you don’t know can hurt you,” will examine common FMLA compliance mistakes that can land your company in court and how you can avoid them.

USPS Statement of Ownership

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Chamber’s Workers’ Compensation Group Rating saves significant premium dollars – submit your AC-3 today It’s time for you to begin planning for your workers’ compensation future. You are likely receiving information from many companies about their group rating programs and how much money they can save your business. While they may be able to save you money in the short term, these companies often lack the quality, comprehensive customer service and program stability that helps to ensure continued long-term group rating discounts. If your company is interested in group rating, you should be considering the program that supports your local economy. As a member of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, it’s important to note that the Chamber has a partnership with CareWorks Consultants Incorporated (CCI) and the Buckeye Workers’ Compensation Alliance. Our Chamber program is one of the most competitive available. In addition to offering significant premium discounts up to the BWC maximum discount, CCI provides comprehensive cost control services designed to help maintain your group rating status. Your Chamber membership may already qualify you for this group rating program. Long term discounts, high savings, program stability and comprehensive quality services could save you significantly by switching your program to CCI. Any company interested in applying, whether a Chamber member or not, should complete the AC-3 group rating application form below or online here: www.careworksconsultants.com/groupratingapplication/canton. CCI will provide a free, no-obligation analysis of eligibility. For more information about the Group Rating Program from CCI, please contact Robert Nicoll at (330) 452-1050, ext. 14. You may also contact Denise Burton at deniseb@cantonchamber.org or Terri Fullmer at terrif@cantonchamber.org in our membership department with questions.

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WELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in December. We encourage you to patronize their businesses. If you know of other businesses that would benefit from Chamber membership, please contact the Membership Department at (330) 458-2067.

AA Sound & Lighting, Inc. (SOUND REINFORCEMENTSTAGING-LIGHTING) Jodi L. Workman 36 N. VanBuren Ave. Barberton, OH 44203 (330) 644-3884 www.aasound.com APG Office Furnishings (OFFICE FURNITURE & INTERIOR DESIGN) Nick Square 40 E. Buchtel Ave. Akron, OH 44308 (330) 966-4947 www.APGof.com Big Dog Lacrosse.com (LACROSSE) Jim Davis 7709 Fox Run Ave. NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 685-7199 www.bigdoglacrosse.com Canton Montessori School (SCHOOLS - KINDERGARTEN THRU 12TH GRADE) Pam Butler 125 15th St. NW Canton, OH 44703 (330) 452-0148 www.cantonmontessori.org Canton Towing Inc. (TOWING) Joe Coram 2115 30th St. NE Canton, OH 44705 (330) 493-6900 www.cantontowing.com Community Harvest of Stark County (SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES) Faith R. Barbato 4915 Fulton Dr. #7 Canton, OH 44718 (330) 493-0800 www.communityharveststark.org Drummond Chocolates (CANDY - MANUFACTURERS) Kathy Drummond 1314 Erie St. S, Ste B Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 437-1188 www.drummondchocolates.com

Everhard Products, Inc. (MANUFACTURERS) James L. Anderson 1016 9th St. SW Canton, OH 44707 (330) 453-7786 www.everhard.com

Paragon Accounting and Business Service (ACCOUNTANTS - ACCOUNTING CONSULTANTS) Monica Rankin 157 Wilbur Drive North Canton, OH 44721 (330) 575-2291 www.paragonabs.com

Generation X Landscape Group (LANDSCAPING - LAWN CARE SNOW REMOVAL) Matthew Blood PO Box 35815 Canton, OH 44735 (330) 806-7887 Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro (WINERY) Jeff Hicks 1700 55th St. NE Canton, OH 44721 (330) 497-1000 www.GervasiVineyard.com The Hartville Group (INSURANCE - PET) Ashley Lesko 3840 Greentree Ave. SW Canton, OH 44706-4017 (330) 484-8080 www.hartvillegroup.com

Lighthouse Financial Coaching Services (FINANCIAL COACHING) Dave Williams 6854 Promway Ave. NW, Ste. 102 North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 808-3905 www.lighthousefinancialcounseling.com

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Quarrymasters, Inc. (GRANITE & NATURAL STONE - SALES, REPAIR & INSTALLATION) Jacalyn Tutthill 7761 Hill Church St. SE East Canton, OH 44730 (330) 612-0474 www.quarrymasters.net Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home (FUNERAL HOMES) Dena B. James 710 Tuscarawas St. W Canton, OH 44702 (330) 455-0349 www.shriverfuneralhomes.com

Ladies Super Fitness (FITNESS CLUBS) Andrea Tyson 811 30th St. NE Canton, OH 44714 (330) 454-4200

NAMI Stark County Inc. (MENTAL HEALTH AND/OR DISABILITY SERVICES) Jane James 800 Market Ave. N, Ste. 1200 Canton, OH 44702 (330) 455-6264 www.nami.org/sites/stark

Proper-Pet (DOG KENNEL - BOARDING & TRAINING) Sandy Williams PO Box 456 Louisville, OH 44641 (330) 324-3165 www.proper-pet.com

Spilios Candy Company (CANDY - MANUFACTURERS) Manuel Chavarria 1216 Belden NE Canton, OH 44705 (330) 455-4769 Thompson Entertainment (DISC JOCKEY) Larry Thompson 3606 Cleveland Ave. SW Canton, OH 44707 (330) 484-4382 www.thompsonentertainment.com Wilson Pointe Senior Apartment Homes (APARTMENT RENTALS - SENIOR) Mike Arvay 515 5th St. NW Canton, OH 44702 (330) 458-0836 www.wilsonpointeseniorapts.com

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joint venture of both systems will continue at St. John West Shore Hospital in Westlake, with both health systems equally represented at the governance level. The Huntington National Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Derek Williams to Senior Business Banker. In this role, Williams will be responsible for developing and managing business-banking relationships in the organization’s Greater Akron/Canton Region with a primary focus on Stark County. A seasoned banker with more than 32-years of experience in the financial services industry, Williams previously was the chief deposit officer at Ohio Legacy Bank. Prior to joining Ohio Legacy in 2005, he held various roles with United Bank/Unizan Bank. Williams is a graduate of the Ohio School of Banking and the BAI Graduate School of Retail Bank Management. Additionally, he is a graduate of the 16th Class of Leadership Stark County. Dr. Jeff Danner of Danner Dental is offering two $500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in 2010. The awards are open to any deserving 2010 graduating high school seniors pursuing the dental, medical or science-related field. Applications for the scholarships may be downloaded directly from the website at www.DannerDental.com or in person at the Danner Dental office, located at 901 Schneider Street SE, North Canton. Deadline for completed applications and required attachments is March 18, 2010. Selection for the scholarships will be based on merit, community service and academic performance. Abbott Electric is pleased to announce the addition of Mark Sigler as a project manager/estimator and Justin Wise as an arc-flash analyst. Sigler brings with him over 30 years of experience in the electrical contracting industry. He is well respected in the community and was formerly the president of Frease Electric. Wise will add his previous experience to the growing electrical safety consulting services that Abbott provides. He holds an electrical engineering technology degree from Stark State College of Technology. Both will be working out of the Canton office. The Sisters of Charity Health System (SCHS) and University Hospitals (UH) announced the finalization of an agreement to restructure the two joint ventures that originated in 1999. This transaction was completed on December 31, 2009. In March 2009, both health systems acknowledged the need to change the joint ventures to better serve the needs of the community and that greater effectiveness in operations would be critical to the success of the Catholic hospitals’ ministries in today’s economic environment. Completion of the restructuring returns Mercy Medical Center in Canton and St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland to sole ownership by SCHS. SCHS solely owns four hospitals - St. Vincent Charity Hospital, Mercy Medical Center and two hospitals in South Carolina - all united in one mission to continue the healing ministry of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. In addition, the 50-50

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Debi J. Zeren, ABR, GRI, PMN, SRES of Hayes Realty was installed as the 2010 State President of the Ohio Chapter of Women’s Council of REALTORS® in a ceremony held at Hilton at Easton in Columbus, OH on Saturday January 9, 2010. The Ohio Chapter is a 500+ member professional real estate group affiliated with the Women’s Council of REALTORSÒ, a national professional development organization with 17,000 members. In-House Hospice’s Ohio office, located in Akron, is seeking caring volunteers in and around Stark County. Volunteers provide a variety of support services to both patients and In-House Hospice staff, including patient companionship and household assistance, and office work to aid In-House Hospice’s administrators. To volunteer or for more information, call 1-800-311-5365 or visit In-HouseHospice.com. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is accepting nominations in the Buckeye Council located in Canton and across the country for the BSA 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership. The 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership is an opportunity for anyone to recognize outstanding leadership by a Scout, registered Scout leader, or Scouting volunteer who made a significant difference in the life of another by the extraordinary service they have given. Nominations will be posted through the Hall of Leadership section of www.Scouting.org/100years. Each online nomination is submitted in the form of a story and must be 450 words or less. The nomination period closes Feb. 8, 2010, which marks the 100th anniversary of the country’s largest youth-serving organization. Judging will then begin for the final inductees to the 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership. Keeping connected to the community is important, especially when an individual is dealing with unemployment. As a result, The Repository announced a special reduced rate for its seven-day subscription of the newspaper. For only $1 per month for three months, residents can receive home delivery of The Repository. This dramatically discounted rate is available to out-of-work residents living in the Stark County. Individuals can take advantage of this special rate by bringing a copy of their most recent unemployment check to The Repository offices, located at 500 Market Ave. S. in downtown Canton during regular business hours. The offer is valid to non-subscribers of The Repository only and can be extended after three months with proof of continued unemployment. The Employment Source in Canton and New Philadelphia announced the appointment of seven new members to the Workforce Investment Board (WIB). Tim Beauch, director, human resources for Aultman Health Foundation; Leslie Callahan, manager/sales -

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human resources for Seifert Technologies; Nancy Gessner, director, community development for Massillon Cable TV, Inc.; Lisa Peek, One-Stop Program director for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services; Michael Norman, vice president, finance for Twin City Hospital; Darwin Smith, vice president human resources for Union Hospital and Mike Welsh, executive vice president for Strasburg Savings Bank all will serve two-year terms. The WIB is comprised of individuals who represent business, economic development, educational, labor and community organizations. They work in close partnership with the Stark and Tuscarawas County Commissioners and the Mayor of Canton in planning, administering and overseeing workforce development programs funded under the federal Workforce Investment Act. The purpose of the board is to assist area businesses by serving as a community workforce development catalyst, promoting not only a strong economic development effort, but also to support our community’s capacity to meet the challenges of a high productivity workplace. Bruner-Cox LLP is pleased to announce the following promotions: Melissa A. Bentley, CPA, was promoted to general services supervisor. Bentley joined Bruner-Cox LLP in 2007. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University of Akron, where she received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Jennifer Grossman, CPA, was promoted to general services senior associate. Grossman joined Bruner-Cox LLP in 2008. She is a graduate of Walsh University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting. Lisa M. Hilling, CPA, was promoted to general services senior manager. Hilling joined Bruner-Cox LLP in 2005. She is a graduate of The University of Akron, where she received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Navneet K. Kaur, CPA, MBA, was promoted to tax supervisor. Kaur joined Bruner-Cox LLP in 2007. She earned her master’s degree from Wayne State University and her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ursuline College. Michelle L. Thompson was promoted to general services senior associate. Thompson joined BrunerCox LLP in 2007. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Muskingum College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business. Bruner-Cox LLP is pleased to announce the following new team members: Crystal Brincat, CA, joins the general services department as a senior associate. Brincat holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from The University of Toronto. Brintcat joins the team with more than three years accounting experience. Nicole M. Hemmert joins the tax department as a tax associate. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Business Administration degree in accounting from Baldwin Wallace. Hemmert joins the team with three years tax experience. Submit Biz Bitz articles to jessb@cantonchamber.org. Deadline is five weeks prior to publication.

February

PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.CANTONCHAMBER.ORG OR CALL (330) 458-2085

IN ORDER TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE GUESTS AT CHAMBER EVENTS, WE ASK THAT THEY BE SURE TO REGISTER FOR EACH EVENT IN ADVANCE. THIS WILL ENSURE THAT WE HAVE ACCURATE COUNTS FOR FOOD SERVICE AND SEATING. FIRST FRIDAY – Chocolate Dreams First Friday on Feb. 5 is sure to make all of your Chocolate Dreams come true! Area chocolatiers will be selling their decadent creations, while downtown restaurants and bars will create special chocolate-inspired desserts and drinks. Come downtown for a slice of chocolate heaven!

Confrontations in the workplace at February’s Safety Council Luncheon The February Stark County Safety Council Luncheon will examine crucial confrontations in the workplace. By the end of the presentation participants will have a better idea of how to improve results and relationships by confronting unsafe actions, violated expectations and bad behavior. During the presentation, Tim Bauserman of Southam Consulting will help attendees examine crucial elements that occur before and during the confrontation, based upon Crucial Confrontations Training by VitalSmarts, named one of the top training products by Human Resource Executive magazine.

Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce will welcome renowned education reformer Dr. Willard Daggett to the 96th annual dinner, held Thursday, Feb. 11 at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Daggett inspires audiences to both embrace what is best about our education system and make the changes necessary to meet the needs of all students in the 21st Century. Few topics are as important as the link between education and economic strength, and Dr. Daggett will offer our business community a prescription for preparing U.S. students to compete globally.

Get Marvinized – a perennial favorite at February AultCare Fast Break Breakfast A Fast Break Favorite! Motivational speaker and sales training guru Marvin Montgomery’s energetic and practical sales training program will assist you and your business in making sales and taking customer relationships to the next level. Garner productivity tips for your staff with Marvin’s Prepare & Practice philosophy. Marvin’s message emphasizes the tried and true techniques that have assisted hundreds of organizations to meet or exceed their sales goals. You will walk away from this program energized and Marvinized!

First Friday, Feb. 5 6 – 10 p.m. Downtown Canton FREE!

Thursday, Feb. 11 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meyer’s Lake Ballroom 3218 Parkway St. Canton 44708 Cost: $16 Reservations are required RSVP by Feb. 9

Thursday, Feb. 11 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception, 7 p.m. dinner and program Canton Memorial Civic Center 1101 Market Avenue N Canton, Ohio Cost: $85 RSVP by Feb.5 at CantonChamber.org or (330) 458-2085 Friday, Feb. 12 7 a.m. registration? 7:30 a.m. program? Courtyard by Marriott 4375 Metro Cir. North Canton, OH Cost: $18 members; $21 members less than 48 hours in advance; $25 non-members RSVP by Jan. 10

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Succession planning is key to ensuring business in the future Practically all the job generation in the country is in the closely held sector. What is the most cost effective means of retaining these businesses and the jobs they provide in our communities? Timely and effective succession planning. Attend this important two-part session on Feb. 17 & 24 at Glenmoor Country Club to learn the ins and outs of succession planning for your small business.

Wed., Feb. 17 and Wed., Feb. 24 8 – 11:30 a.m. Glenmoor Country Club 4191 Glenmoor Rd. Canton 44718 Member Cost; $45 single session, $75 both sessions Non-Member Cost: $60 single session, $100 both sessions RSVP by Feb. 15 online at CantonChamber.org

Thursday, Feb. 18 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro 1700 55th St. NE •Canton, OH Cost: New price - just $5! RSVP by Feb. 16

Congregate & Skate II – ystark! Monthly Meet-Up Bring your family out for the second annual Congregate & Skate Monthly Meet-Up at Center Ice Sports Complex. Admission is FREE - just rent your skates, bring your family and have a blast on the ice!

Friday, Feb. 19 6 – 7:50 p.m. Center Ice Sports Complex 8319 Port Jackson Ave. NW North Canton, Ohio Cost: FREE! RSVP Online at ystark.org by Feb. 17

Stark County Entrepreneur Week The Small Business Development Center, Kent State University Stark (SBDC) is proud to announce the first annual Stark County Entrepreneur Week. This event-filled week, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs at all levels, is a collaboration between the Stark County Chambers of Commerce, the Stark Development Board (SDB) and the SDBC. Headlining the week of events will be a keynote address by Dan Gilbert, chairman and founder of Quicken Loans Inc., majority owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, the American Hockey League’s Lake Erie Monsters and operator of Quicken Loans Arena.

Monday, Feb. 22 – Friday, Feb. 26 The University Center at Kent State University Stark 6000 Frank Avenue NW North Canton, Ohio Visit CantonSBDC.org for more information

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