Boone Recorder 06/17/21

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BOONE RECORDER Your Community Recorder newspaper serving all of Boone County

THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 | BECAUSE PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK

COMMUNITY

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YOU’LL BE Delighted

REALTORS

Huff Realty remains leader in large business division Randy Tucker Cincinnati Enquirer USA TODAY NETWORK

Mike Thelen, 56, of Edgewood, sits in front of Edgewood City Council on June 7, 2021. Thelen wants city leaders to ban abortions. City officials tabled the discussion. JULIA FAIR/ THE ENQUIRER

‘This is against all of our oaths of offi ce’ Northern Kentucky city opts against ban on abortion clinics Julia Fair Cincinnati Enquirer USA TODAY NETWORK

Editor’s note: Information included refl ects this article’s original publication date – June 7 (updated June 8). Visit Cincinnati.com for possible updates. The city of Edgewood quickly discussed and tabled a last-minute addition to its June 7 meeting agenda: a discussion about an ordinance to ban abortion clinics. Offi cials from the Kenton County city of 8,500 sent the new agenda 21⁄ 2 hours before council members were to gather for a scheduled 6:30 p.m. meet-

ing June 7. The original agenda, posted at noon June 4, did not contain any such agenda item. “I asked for this to be put on the agenda,” Councilman Jeff Schreiver said at the meeting. Council did not introduce an ordinance June 7. Instead, they talked about it. The move came after a constituent asked the council last month to ban abortions. In May, Lebanon became fi rst city in Ohio to ban abortions. Like Lebanon, Edgewood does not have any abortion clinics. “I think it’s safe to say that everyone on council is against abortion,” Schreiver said. “But I do not believe this is an issue City Council should be considering at this time.” Schriever said he believed they must represent all people in Edgewood, and he feared they would get sued and face expensive attorney fees. He added See CLINICS, Page 2A

Abortion-rights supporters gather outside Lebanon town hall as city council considers voting on a proposed ordinance which would declare the city of 20,000 in Warren County, north of Cincinnati, a "sanctuary city for the unborn," Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in Lebanon, Ohio. KAREEM ELGAZZAR/THE ENQUIRER

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated morale and disrupted workplaces across the country, including the offi ces of Fort Mitchell-based Huff Realty. But supportive management, trusted leadership, collaboration and communication helped maintain a positive work environment and boost spirits and productivity during one of the most challenging periods in the company's history, according to CEO Brad DeVries. "I think what came before COVID had a greater impact on how they (employees) got through it, how they felt inspired, how they felt encouraged,'' DeVries said. "They already knew they were loved; they already knew they were respected, they already knew that their job was not in jeopardy.’’ As a result, Huff once again topped The Enquirer's list of Top Workplaces Cincinnati in the large business category for the sixth consecutive year this year, based on feedback from an employee survey. Still, the pandemic created new challenges for the company and its 500 local offi ce workers and agents - mostly Realtors working out of 14 sales offi ces in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southern Indiana. In most states, real estate services were categorized as essential at the height of the pandemic, allowing agents to continue to list and show properties. But pandemic-related restrictions prevented in-person showings, forcing agents to change the way they worked and embrace new technologies, such as using virtual tours to showcase properties to potential buyers. Huff provided hours of training to make sure its employees got the most out of the new technology, according to DeVries. At the same time, video conferencing and other technologies helped him and his employees stay connected so they wouldn't feel isolated working by remote. "Technology helped make us more effi cient, and it also helped keep us connected,’’ DeVries said. "That's important because the real estate business is relational business. "We think that’s what makes our culture special,'' he said. "Our employees enjoy working together, they enjoy being part of one another’s lives. Then See TWP, Page 13A

HEALTH KNOW HOW

Trip advisor: Learn how to travel safely this summer www.interactforhealth.org

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To submit news and photos to the Community Press/Recorder, visit the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Share website: http://bit.ly/2FjtKoF

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