Ohio Business Magazine – Fall 2020

Goodyear Blimp ready for BIG TEN football

91

OFIC Connects Businesses with Today’s Students

companies that show the Best Ohio has to offer Gervasi Vineyard Winner of Best Distillery

Safelite: one of the nation’s most recognized brands Display Until 2021

fall 2020 Volume 5

Issue 3

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CONTENTS

FALL 2 0 2 0

24 Best in Ohio Business Honoring the many businesses and services that make Ohio such a great place to do business.

BY THE EDITORS InTrust IT

3 Letter from the Publisher

BY ERIC HARMON

4 Ohio Brands Safelite takes its position as one of the nation’s most recognized brands. BY TERRY TROY

DATELINE

6 Columbus

North Community Counseling Centers adds new facility.

BY TERRY TROY

8 Cleveland Family-owned dealership outsells northern neighbors.

BY JILL SELL

9 Akron Goodyear Blimp ready for Big Ten Football. BY TERRY TROY 2

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Ohio’s Guide to Colleges & Universities

10 A New Normal?

Ohio Superintendent DeMaria answers our questions on the state of education in Ohio today.

BY TERRY TORY

12 A Campus-to-Career Connection OFIC connects businesses with today’s students.

BY CORINNE MINARD

17 College & University Listings 40 My Take Economics, politics and the responsibility business owners have to their employees.

BY TERRY TROY

A Letter from the Publisher

When Ohio is at its Best N

o doubt ears will be ringing throughout this fall as COVID-19 mixes with the contentious reality that is the presidential election. Will a vaccine roll out, or how about a stimulus?

The list can, and will, go on and on when it comes to challenges. However, in Ohio, we have such a unique blend of communities and values. It’s my hope that this provides us the confidence and patience to be our best selves when seeing other viewpoints on display.

In Ohio, we believe that there is more at stake in how we move forward together than who is elected. That’s what Ohio’s businesses are all about.

It is with this in mind that we are proud to share with you our new cover story, the Best in Ohio Business Awards. A nomination campaign was launched across the state to have you, our readers, vote on the various service providers that make things not only easier, but more effective and profitable. Thousands voted and those winners and finalists are profiled here. Some of these business you may know as treasures of your local community, while others you might be seeing for the first time—we welcome your feedback nonetheless.

The likelihood that, based on previous years’ data, half our residents won’t vote for the president, or president elect, is not to be taken lightly. Take heart that your local businesses will be ready to receive you after all the dust settles, as they also have already risen above many challenges to continue operations. How good do we have to be, to be the best? Let’s read on, and make the next chapter together.

Family and Veteran Owned

President: Eric Harmon Editor: Terry Troy Managing Editor: Corinne Minard Contributing Writer: Jill Sell

Creative Director: Guy Kelly

Digital Content

Coordinator: Danielle Cain Advertising, Circulation

& Office Manager: Laura Federle Publisher Ohio Operations: Amy Scalia Director of Sales & Print Operations: Rick Seeney Director of Digital & Event Operations: Stephanie Simon Advertising

Coordinator: Katelynn Webb Sales: Jon Castonguay Brad Hoicowitz

Inside Sales: Tom Marschall

Custom Business Development: Kelly Dorsey Burdick

Ohio Business Magazine Cincinnati Club Building 30 Garfield Place, Suite 440 Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-2533 Sign up for a complimentary subscription at OhioBusinessMag.com or purchase a copy at a local bookstore. w w w.ohiobusinessmag.com . fa l l 2 0 2 0

3

Ohio Brands

Repair, Replace Safelite takes its position as one of the nation’s most recognized brands

By Terry Troy

A

s jingles go, it’s not the greatest of tunes. But it is catchy and it does describe exactly what the company does. It’s also made Columbus-based Safelite AutoGlass one of the most recognized brands in the country.

Indeed, its “Safelite repair, Safelite replace” jingle recently received the ninth highest score overall, and tied nationwide for the top score in the trustworthy category, according to Veritronic, an audio creative testing specialist, which recently released its 2020 Audio Logo Scores.

“Safelite ranks among some of the best and most recognizable brands in the country. But we are doing it our way with extreme, best-in-class proficiency,” says Matt Johnson, Safelite’s advertising director.

“Our catchy jingle was first introduced in 2007, and we’re delighted to have it acknowledged as ranking among some of the best and most recognizable brands in the country,” adds Renee Cacchilo, executive vice president and chief experience officer for the company. “We know our jingle continues to help build awareness with customers across the United States and we couldn’t be happier.”

What started in a junkyard in Wichita, Kansas, as one of the pioneers of the automotive glass repair and replacement industry is today a $2.5 billion retailer with over 16,000 associates across the country.

There are more than 7,800 MobileGlassShops across the country with locations in all 50 states. Considered the largest provider of vehicle glass repair, replacement and calibration services, close to 7 million 4

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ABOVE: A Safelite associate replaces a windshield.

RIGHT: Renee Cacchilo

customers chose the company for its 24/7 contact centers, advanced online scheduling, repair and replacement services and what it bills as “the industry’s only nationwide lifetime guarantee.”

And it’s all based right here in Ohio.

“We’re so proud to be headquartered in Columbus,” says Cacchilo. “Years ago, the decision was made to relocate from Wichita to Columbus given the growth, vibrancy and welcoming community that this city provides.

“The location is also centralized, providing easy travel to cities across the country.

There’s also an added bonus: Top talent that we can recruit locally to help us further build our brand.”

Cacchilo describes Safelite as a, “people powered, customer driven,” organization.

“Our objective is to drive business performance by having talented and engaged associates who consistently look at the business through the eyes of their customers,” she says. “That drives them to deliver extraordinary results while delivering on our purpose to make a difference and deliver unexpected happiness to people’s everyday lives.”

While it’s clearly a leader in the industry, Safelite is not about to rest on its laurels.

The brand still invests in both digital and television advertising, with an annual spend of approximately $40 million, says Cacchilo. “Every service provider is a competitor! We’re more than an auto glass company, we’re a service company.

“Our vision is to be the greatest, most trusted and admired service brand and we’re committed to doing just that. We

believe that happy people create happy customers and that’s why we’ve remained dedicated to our people-first philosophy since it was introduced in 2008, and to providing memorable customer service.

Doing both extremely well helps us remain competitive and, most importantly, we’re a brand people can trust.”

Today’s customers are empowered by technology, with multiple touch points providing them with many choices and many expectations, Cacchilo adds.

“That’s why we work hard to offer innovative solutions for our customers, while making it easy for them to do business with us,” she adds. “In fact, we’re tuned in to what makes our customers most comfortable with their service experience from the moment they connect with us to schedule an appointment, through the entire process.”

And while no one likes to get a chip, crack or discover they need a windshield replacement, Safelite’s customers know that they can count on the company to provide exceptional service that keeps them coming back when needed while also referring the company to friends and family. n

Dateline: COLUMBUS

Expanding Horizons of Care North Community Counseling Centers adds new facility

By Terry Troy

W

hile most social and communitybased health organizations are struggling to survive in the “new normal,” others are continuing to grow.

North Community Counseling Centers is an excellent case in point.

With its acquisition of a 6,400 squarefoot Victorian-style home in Old Town East, the oldest community mental health agency in Franklin County continues to grow. Purchased last year, the house, which was built in 1910, will provide housing and treatment for 16 women who are struggling with mental health issues, addiction and homelessness.

“They will be able to live there for approximately nine to 12 months,” says Katrina Kerns, president and CEO of North Community Counseling Centers, who joined the organization five years ago.

“They will receive wrap-around services from a team of nurses, psychiatrists and case managers, all in a historic home setting. We are really hoping it will become a place of healing and a place where they can rebuild their lives.”

The acquisition is a prime example of how community and nonprofit organizations are able to partner in Franklin County. North Community Counseling Centers (NCCC) was able to fund the purchase of its newest facility through the ADAMH Board of Franklin County, while the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation gave NCCC a grant for all the furnishings in the home.

“We have a really strong relationship with the ADAMH Board and [we] are one of their lead providers,” says Kerns of the 6

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NCCC’s newest 6,400-square-foot residential care facility is located in Old Town East.

special relationship the two organizations enjoy. “Over the years, they have really turned out to be a great partner, opening a lot of funding doors for us so we can really take care of the community.

“We belief we have a moral and social responsibility to take care of the community, and to be a voice for those who are more vulnerable or without a voice.”

NCCC is a nonprofit mental health agency with multiple locations across Franklin County that helps individuals, couples and families with challenges related to mental health and addiction through nine different programs. And while NCCC is currently enjoying growth, it still faces challenges, especially during the pandemic.

“We’ve had to be nimble and adaptive and maintain open communication with our staff and clients,” says Kerns.

“We moved primarily to remote services through telehealth. That has been the principal change.”

Acquiring PPE and the increased cost of cleaning and supplies have also been challenges, Kerns notes.

“The pandemic disproportionately impacted those most vulnerable and at risk and we have seen an increased need for our services,” Kerns adds.

From its various locations in Central Ohio, NCCC offers multiple services, which include individual and group counseling, psychiatry, case management, substance use disorder treatment, housing coordination, residential, school-based therapy, child and adolescent therapy, ACT team services, and programming specific to vulnerable populations such as refugees, immigrants, women and people experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses.

“And our services can be received from the safety and comfort of the client’s home or at any of our locations,” Kerns adds.

NCCC’s Bridge site is located on the north side of Columbus and is its oldest location. The Bridge was originally a 19th century farmhouse that now serves folks with mental health and substance use issues.

“We provide substance groups and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT),” says Kerns. “We also have services available in Somali, Swahili and more. We provide case management, nursing and psychiatry at this site, and it also is the home of our community garden.”

NCCC’s North office is just a few blocks away from the Bridge site and is the home

of its administrative and corporate offices as well as a youth and adolescent outpatient program.

“We serve children ages 5 and up from this site and provide in-person and telehealth mental health services as well,” says Kerns.

The North office is also home to NCCC’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. The ACT team is a “hospital without walls” and serves NCCC’s clients with the most severe and persistent mental

illnesses. The intake department is also located in the North office.

The West site is located across from a major hospital on the west side of Columbus, and, as with all of NCCC sites, is on the bus line. The West office houses mental health and substance use treatment for adults in addition to case management, nursing and psychiatry.

“We provide substance treatment and prevention groups, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and have just launched

a COVID-19 Support Group as well,” says Kerns. “The West site is also home to our Spanish-speaking clinicians and case managers and upcoming Latinx programming.”

NCCC’s West office is home of the Women’s Empowerment Program, which serves to prevent substance abuse and risk factors that specifically affect women.

The office is set in the heart of one of the largest Spanish-speaking neighborhoods in Columbus, providing a prime opportunity for community engagement with our Latinx program.

The Center for New Americans (CNA) is located in Reynoldsburg/East Columbus.

“This site serves the Bhutanese-Nepali community as well as any other folks that are new to the U.S.,” says Kerns. “The site provides education, advocacy, case management and community outreach and is staffed by multi-lingual and Nepalispeaking staff.”

CNA reaches the Bhutanese-Nepali community in a “culturally humble way,” Kerns says, and works to eliminate many barriers that community members face.

“This program has received grant funding to engage with the public in innovative ways, including dance, karate and language classes, free produce markets, census education and collection, support groups, and more,” Kerns adds.

Kerns was recruited by NCCC five years ago, when NCCC’s former CEO of 30 years retired. Her mission was to help build the organization and to create a greater awareness.

“I was recruited to build the program and ensure sustainability or to help our board with a merger,” Kerns explains.

When she took over, NCCC had 28 employees, two programs and an operating budget of $1.28 million. Five years later, NCCC has 138 employees, nine major programs, a $10.4 million operating budget and serves over 5,000 clients.

“So now the merger is basically off the table,” Kerns says.

In addition, NCCC has seen a 30% growth in gross revenue and 60% growth in net income under Kerns’ tenure. That growth has contributed to NCCC’s new programs and the commitment from NCCC’s staff to take care of the community well into the future. n

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7

Dateline: CLEVELAND

Crushing Canada Family-owned dealership outsells northern neighbors

By Jill Sell

Built in Avon Lake the Ford F-650/F-750 trucks are designed for medium duty and commercial use.

O

, Canada, you tried. Even when all of your country’s truck dealers were included, you couldn’t outsell Valley Ford Truck in the village of Valley View in Northeast Ohio. For the past two years, the flagship dealership of Valley Truck Centers, Inc., sold more F-650 and F-750 Ford medium-duty trucks than did all of our northern neighbor dealers combined.

Not bad, considering that the CEO of Valley Truck Centers, Brian O’Donnell, first walked into the dealership as a 20 year old in 1978. O’Donnell had been told elsewhere that he would never be a good salesman and his dream of working for himself seemed dim. But O’Donnell worked his way up and in 2006 eventually bought out his former business partner, whom he considers a mentor and father figure.

Valley Ford Truck originally opened in 1964 as a factory store, serving as a heavy-duty truck distribution point for Ford Motor Co. “Our sales record is a testament to the people in northeast Ohio who build those trucks at the Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake as well as our sales team,” says O’Donnell. “Avon is quickly becoming one of the premier commercial truck assembly plants in North America.”

But O’Donnell is also quick to point to his family as being a vital part of the company’s success. O’Donnell’s seven children 8

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share responsibilities in the business’ 10 Valley Truck Centers locations and include Brian O’Donnell, Jr., Bobby O’Donnell, Chris O’Donnell, Andy O’Donnell, Amy Walick, Laura O’Donnell-Dearth and Rachel O’Donnell. The offspring have all the business aspects pretty much covered and oversee everything from fleet sales to general management to human relations.

The family-owned business that employees 408 people isn’t getting any smaller.

O’Donnell has seven grandchildren and two more on the way.

Currently the O’Donnell dynasty owns six Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) franchises doing business as Valley Freightliner and Western Star, as well as two Ford truck, three Ford/Isuzi and two Toyota/Hino Motors franchises. In addition, the company partners with Cenweld Corp. in Stow to offer custom truck body systems, and Fleet One Rental and Leasing that supplies vehicles ranging from small vans to semi-trucks.

COVID-19 took a chunk out of this year’s business, and O’Donnell adds “we’re down about 40%.” But he’s not worried. In 2012, he weathered a horrendous dealership fire started by an arsonist and says he has faith and “good people” around him.

“The industry is consolidating,” says O’Donnell. “What we are doing is not a trend. But you are either growing and

acquiring, or you are being acquired.”

Ser v ing his communit y is also on O’Donnell’s list of activities. Valley Ford Centers has been heavily involved in events and fundraisers that benefit cancer research, food banks, scholarships and drug prevention and law enforcement programs, as well as other causes. The company even maintains a “prayer list” that O’Donnell says has contributed to more than one miracle.

Andy O’Donnell, the owner’s son and company general manager, hints that facility and brand expansions are on the horizon. But he’s not quite ready to share the news. His dad may favor Ford Explorers and Expeditions, but Andy counts a Ford F-150 Raptor and a Ford Transit Cargo Van—used to haul his dirt bikes—as his favorite wheels.

And if those changes are not enough excitement, O’Donnell says the 2021 Ford Bronco SUV, which can be reserved now at Valley Ford Trucks, has generated “more reach-out” than any vehicle than he can remember. Born and popular in the 1960s but relegated to the netherworld for decades afterwards, the iconic Bronco has returned thanks to the carmaker and loyal fans. “ T he re ac t ion i s a m a z i ng ,” s a y s O’Donnell. “There a real passion out there for the Bronco.” n

Dateline: Akron

Soaring Again The Goodyear Blimp flies high over its base in Suffield, near Akron.

Goodyear Blimp ready for Big Ten Football

By Terry Troy

W

hat’s almost as long as a football field, eight and a half times as high as a basketball hoop and sails through the air? Any denizen of the Greater Akron area can tell you it’s the Goodyear Blimp.

Like so many aspects of the current pandemic, the Goodyear Blimp’s flight schedule was negatively impacted as sporting events were cancelled due to social distancing concerns. But as our national sports scene opened back up with Major League Baseball, then the National Football League and other major sporting events, the Goodyear Blimp once again took to the skies. Now, with Big Ten Football up and running, the blimp is once again soaring high.

While the fans in the stands may be sparse or even non-existent, Big Ten Football still commands a huge television audience, which translates to tens of millions of advertising dollars for each event.

“We actually have four blimps, three in the United States in Ohio, Florida and California and one in Europe,” says Emily

Cropper, senior manager of global communications for Goodyear. “As major sporting events continue to come online this fall, we are still waiting to see what our ultimate schedule will look like.”

But it’s bound to be busy. Well before the beginning of Big Ten Football in October, the blimp had been providing coverage for college football’s ACC and SEC conferences.

“We covered the first Monday Night Football game between the Steelers and the Giants so we have the NFL on our schedule through the remainder of the fall, too,” Cropper adds.

The Goodyear Blimp that’s based in California was assigned to cover the MLB playoffs in San Diego and Los Angeles, while the blimp stationed in Florida near Pompano Beach was designated to provide aerial coverage during the NBA Eastern and Western Finals as well as the NBA Finals.

But it’s the aerial coverage of college football, especially the Big Ten, that is nearest and dearest to the Ohio fans of the lighter-than-air brand ambassador.

And the blimp that’s based just outside of Akron is usually assigned to Big Ten games due to its hours-away proximity to Michigan, Pittsburgh and Columbus, as well as Chicago, Illinois and Indiana

being only a day’s journey away. But in addition to being a brand ambassador, the Goodyear Blimp is also a very effective marketing tool, says Cropper.

“Our marketing team is always aware of where we are providing coverage of events so they can balance marketing dollars with our aerial coverage program,” she says.

The airship also instills a great sense of civic pride to everyone in the Greater Akron community.

“Everyone in the Greater Akron community can tell you the first time they saw the blimp, the last time they saw the blimp and how most recently they saw it,” Cropper says. “I tell a lot of people that I have one of the best jobs in the world because I get to make people smile by letting them see the blimp.”

The Goodyear Blimp’s association with college football began in 1955, providing aerial coverage for the Rose Bowl. Since then, the blimp has covered more than 2,000 major sporting events, from the Rose Bowl to the Goodyear Cotton Bowl and everything in between. In special recognition of its legacy with college football, the Goodyear Blimp was inducted as an honorary member of College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

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9

A New Normal?

Ohio Superintendent DeMaria answers our questions on the state of education in Ohio today

By Terry Troy

T

o his colleagues, Paulo DeMaria is passionate, tireless and respectful.

As superintendent of Public Instruction for Ohio, DeMaria supports our state’s 3,600 schools, 1.7 million students and more than 600 school districts across the state—each facing unique challenges in what is being called our “new normal.”

While public education certainly impacts our state’s future, it also plays a large role in our state’s economy, not just for the companies who do businesses with schools, but also for the families who send children to public schools.

OB: What is the difference between virtual learning versus face-to-face learning in terms of efficacy? Is it just an issue of socialization?

PD: In some respects socialization is the most essential difference. We as human beings are social creatures. Interacting with people face to face brings a lot of benefit. The same is true in business interactions. That face-to-face interaction on the educational experience is important, but I think we shouldn’t discount the fact that people learn in different ways. There are plenty of people who can have successful educational experiences learning in a virtual setting. So you can’t jump to the conclusion that there is no value to virtual learning.

OB: Isn’t there a more valuable structure in a face-to-face environment?

10

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PD : W h at I h a v e learned is to never paint with a broad br u sh. T here a re plenty of people who have two kids where one has really taken to virtual learning while the other one just can’t get used to it. I think what is really more important is how we understand the learning needs of students and make sure that what we deliver makes sense. Watch a child play a video game. They are engaging, they are learning and they are willing to spend a lot of time to master complex behaviors. So there is no inherent wrongness to virtual learning.

OB: Doesn’t face-to-face learning allow both parents to get back to work rather than babysit?

PD: Absolutely. I don’t think we have to be shy in admitting that. While a school’s primary purpose is to serve as a nurturing environment and a place for the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding, it does create conditions where both members of a family or household can work—if it is the parents’ desire that they want to work. The minute you change that, it creates a significant challenge and has a disruptive influence from an economic standpoint. But once again, it’s hard to generalize, because there are plenty of

Paolo DeMaria

families where one parent stays home— and in those cases virtual learning may be more appropriate. I have heard some people say that they have always wanted to be more involved in their child’s education, helping them navigate and function in a virtual setting.

OB: How many districts are completely open now versus how many are using distance learning?

PD: First of all, you have to understand the configuration of the school districts of Ohio. We have what we call the Ohio 8, which are in large urban areas, like Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton. Then you have the next tier, which are called the urban 21, and these include large districts like Lima, Mansfield, Marion and other smaller cities as well as a handful of large suburban districts. The rest of our districts are medium-sized to smaller rural districts. Because of the nature of COVID, a lot of those smaller districts are open full time—so maybe as much as 80% of our dis-

tricts or more are back either full time, five days a week or some other hybrid model that has students primarily in schools. It’s in urban areas, where districts are in the red zone on the health alert map, where learning is done remotely. So, if you look at the map, there may be a higher percentage of students learning remotely, while there might be a higher percentage of districts that are open.

OB: What kind of stress has the pandemic placed on our school districts?

PD: Once again, that depends on modality. If all of your learning is being done remotely, the amount of money needed for maintenance, cleaning and janitorial services will be a lot less. School districts have been contemplating different scenarios so they are ready. When urban areas decide to bring people back into their buildings, they have plans on managing daily and evening cleanings, making sure teachers have PPE and so forth. We have seen that across the entire state.

Our districts have to think about how they will use their maintenance staff, or how to manage class sizes to ensure social distancing. What does that mean? It means deciding if we put classes in rooms we never used before or reconfiguring schedules where we run busses more often to bring students in differently.

Some districts are using their buildings differently: spreading out elementary students more and using some middle school space, while letting high school students learn remotely, so that space can be used differently. The bus issue is interesting because it is hard to maintain social distancing on busses. I think most people are managing with masks and making sure students are masked, but you really can’t buy a bunch of new busses and transport half as many children.

OB: Sounds like you’re making a case for distance learning.

PD: On the remote side, you have to make substantial investments on software, hardware and making sure you help students with connectivity. You have to consider all of those things as well.

OB: Do you feel like you’re getting enough help from the federal and state governments?

PD: Absolutely. The federal government, through the original COVID assistance act, provided a significant amount of money nationally for education. The amount Ohio received was about $440 million.

The federal government also gives Ohio about $2 billion a year as a part of Title I and Title II and all the different elementary

education formats the federal government supports. We have mechanisms in place that allocates those funds and our schools understand the process for drawing those funds down. The state also stepped in with a different pot of federal funds, which also provided around $50 million in connectivity grants. There was also another $100 million to supplement the $400 million— so there has been a good amount of federal funds. However, we, along with other states, agree that we need more money to go to schools. It’s not about the money coming in, it’s about the less amount of money that is coming in from people not being able to pay property taxes, or where some districts are supported by income taxes, which are also taking a hit. People in education are hopeful that Congress finds its way through the barriers of passing the next round of COVID assistance.

OB: Are teachers unions being helpful or hurtful to the process?

PD: I am a big believer that teachers have to be a part of our conversations. There are some districts that run into problems because they make decisions while not talking to teachers. The next thing you know, they find out they haven’t contemplated the practical realities that teachers understand. So the best transitions are happening when teachers are at the table. n

VIRTUAL VERSUS FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING Model

% of Traditional Districts

% of Students in Traditional Districts

5-Day Return

56.3%

39.3%

Hybrid

30.0%

30.7%

Fully Remote

13.6%

29.9%

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11

Ohio’s Guide to Colleges & Universities

A Campus-to-Career Connection The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges provides businesses with a variety of ways to connect with today’s students

By Corinne Minard

D

uring the pandemic, connection— to our families, our communities and our companies—has become more important than ever. For the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC), COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of its mission to connect students who attend independent or private universities and colleges in Ohio with corporations and organizations in the state.

“Our work is that of connecting corporate Ohio to students at our 33-member campuses,” says Bill Spiker, OFIC president. “At a point in time where we are now, where college grads coming out looking for positions and companies are looking to find good talent, that career connection is a real important one and we feel that we can play an important role in that.”

OFIC was founded in 1950 with the goal of supporting the state’s independent colleges and universities. Over its 70 years of existence, OFIC has evolved to better support its students as well as the corporate donors that support the organization. It does this by creating multiple ways for Ohio companies to connect with the nearly 80,000 students that attend its 33 member institutions.

One of those ways is by helping donor organizations create scholarships for OFIC students.

“We will sit with a donor and we will customize a scholarship,” says Liz Johnson, 12

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regional vice president for development at OFIC. For example, a donor in the banking industry could come to OFIC with the goal of reaching students interested in IT and fraud.

“As long as it’s not too narrow of a scope we where wouldn’t have any students to even select from in our pool of nominations, we really will work with a donor to fine-tune the type of scholarship students they want to support,” she says.

In addition to supporting students considering careers in Ohio-based industries, these scholarships also give companies the opportunity to connect directly with these students.

“We’re looking for ways to steward that scholarship—build a relationship between a donor and a student,” adds Johnson.

This can range from helping a company set up a lunch with a scholarship student to other professional development opportunities.

“We are flexible, we can customize selection criteria to help the donor achieve their objectives,” says Johnson.

Another way OFIC connects students to companies is t hrough its annua l CareerFest events. Typically held twice a year—once in early fall and once in the winter—CareerFest brings together students from its 33 member schools to meet with recruiters from corporations, governmental entities and nonprofits for an exclusive career fair.

“It is a solid event for students,” says Johnson. “Maybe they’ve had a career fair on their own campus and they’ve met people from the same companies, they’ve started building relationships with those folks, and then they can come to one of the OFIC events and continue building relationships.”

Last year, 600 OFIC students attended a CareerFest. With COVID-19, OFIC is planning to offer a virtual career fair event next

Bill Spiker

year in early February. More details will be announced soon.

For companies looking for more face time with students, OFIC has found yet another way to connect them with its campus-to-career events. During these events, students are invited to spend a day at a company’s headquarters or offices.

There, they can learn more about what the company does, talk to current employees and gain insight into a possible career.

Sherwin-Williams, Eaton Corporation, Huntington Bank, Avery Dennison and FirstEnergy have all hosted these special events.

Another business that has taken advantage of all three of these connection opportunities is National Interstate Insurance, which is headquartered in Richfield, south of Cleveland. A wholly owned subsidiary of Great American Insurance Group since November 2016, the company offers specialty insurance for transportation.

“If it’s on wheels, that’s what National Interstate does,” says Tony Mercurio, president and CEO of National Interstate Insurance and executive vice president at Great American Insurance.

The company employs about 800 people across more than 35 states, but the majority of employees are based in Ohio.

National Interstate Insurance’s campus-to-career event with OFIC gave students the opportunity to meet with company leadership.

“In 2016, we began attending the annual career fairs hosted by OFIC. As time went on, our relationship developed into scholarship opportunities for students primarily in the insurance/risk management field, as well as inviting students onsite to visit our corporate campus, meet our senior level leaders and learn more about the insurance industry,” he says.

Mercurio says that the partnership with OFIC has assisted the company

in introducing more students to the possibilities of the insurance industry.

According to National Interstate Insurance, there will be roughly 30,000 insurance job openings in the state through 2025. As OFIC students are statistically more likely to remain in the state after graduating when compared to those who attend a public university, and several OFIC schools offer programs dedicated to insurance and risk management,

Doing Business & Doing Good While Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) scholarships can be tailored to suit a company’s interests, they are also a great form of philanthropy. About 40% of students who attend OFIC schools are first-generation college students, and the scholarships are geared toward low-and-moderate income students.

“Our scholarships are designed to allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree. The pandemic’s economic impact has hit both our students and their parents, creating a lot of uncertainties. How are they going to meet the unmet need between financial aid packages and the out-of-pocket expenses?” says Liz Johnson, regional vice president for development at OFIC. “We need to make sure that our students are not dropping out of our campuses because funds are not available. We also need to do our part to keep Ohio’s talent pipeline full. Philanthropy can help fill financial gaps and allow a donor to help students secure their dreams of a college education and a bright future as members of Ohio’s workforce.”

Those interested in finding ways to support students and OFIC can learn more at www.ofic.org.

reaching those students while they’re still attending school is key.

“Our continued investment in OFIC has allowed us to increase our talent pipeline for young professionals,” says Mercurio.

“Our ability to attract and retain talent, while building a recognized employer brand, has been positively impacted through our association with OFIC.” That’s music to the ears of Spiker, who, as president of OFIC, spends much of this time connecting with corporate and foundations donors to share the benefits of an independent education and how they can become partners with OFIC. “The studies have shown that graduates from independent, private colleges and universities have a quicker onboarding to their role in the company,” he says. “They come with skills of communication, both listening as well as presentation skills.

They’re problem solvers and work in teams well. They are sort of that person that a company would want to hire because of the experiences they’ve had on small, liberal arts campuses where the attention is on the students—their learning and growth.”

Connecting with these types of graduates is a connection all Ohio businesses can get behind. n w w w.ohiobusinessmag.com . fa l l 2 0 2 0

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Ohio’s Guide to Colleges & Universities

OFIC Members SERVING THE STATE

15

29

16

KEY

13

Main Campus

22

2

6

12

23

Satellite Campus

8

28 11

3

1

25

32

33

17

20 14

26

27 10 24 4

30

7

19

9

21

5 31 18

(#) Indicates number of Ohio satellite campuses 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Ashland University (7) Baldwin Wallace University (2) Bluffton University (2) Capital University Cedarville University Defiance College Denison University University of Findlay Franciscan University of Steubenville

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

Franklin University (20) Heidelberg University Hiram College John Carroll University Kenyon College Lake Erie College Lourdes University Malone University Marietta College

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

University of Mount Union Mount Vernon Nazarene University (4) Muskingum University Notre Dame College Oberlin College Ohio Dominican University (1) Ohio Northern University Ohio Wesleyan University Otterbein University

OFIC solicits corporate donations and distributes funds to member colleges and universities to help students in need — impacting local 14 fa l l 2 0 2 0 . w w w.ohiobusinessmag.com economies and providing opportunities for corporations to boost their

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

Tiffin University (6) Ursuline College Walsh University (2) Wilmington College (3) Wittenberg University The College of Wooster

info@ofic.org 614.469.1950

CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS

at Ohio Independent Colleges and Universities OFIC STUDENTS TRANSITION FROM CAMPUS TO CAREER FASTER ON-TIME GRADUATION Students at OFIC independent colleges and universities graduate with a bachelor’s degree faster than students at Ohio’s public universities.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS, 2016-17 (2011 Cohort)

RETURN ON INVESTMENT Students receiving an OFIC scholarship hold a 89% graduation rate!

Source: OFIC historical data through 2016-17 academic year, seniors

FIRST GENERATION AND LOW INCOME STUDENTS FARE BETTER ON AN INDEPENDENT CAMPUS Nationally, independent colleges and universities do a better job at graduating these students.

First Generation

OFIC Colleges and Universities Public Universities

GRADUATION RATES: STUDENTS OF COLOR OFIC colleges and universities out-pace public universities for graduation rates of students of color.

Low Income

4 year

5 year

4 year

5 year

42%

54%

36%

47%

18%

35%

13%

31%

Independent Colleges and Universities Public Universities Source: Council of Independent Colleges: Expanding Access and Opportunity, 2015

OFIC Colleges and Universities Public Universities Source: 2017 National Center for Education Statistics 6-year graduation rates

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15

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Ohio’s Guide to Colleges & Universities

Ohio is full to the brim with educational opportunities. From public colleges and universities to private religious schools, there is no shortage of options. With assistance from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, we compiled a list of public and private colleges and universities in the state to help you find the best one for you and your family. Visit ohiobusinessmag.com for a digital directory.

Allegheny Wesleyan College 2161 Woodsdale Road, Salem, OH 44460 • 330-337-6403 • awc.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree Antioch College 1 Morgan Place, Yellow Springs, OH 45387 • 937-7671286 • antiochcollege.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree Antioch University Midwest 900 Dayton St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387 • 937-769-1800 • antioch.edu/midwest • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Postmaster’s Degree Art Academy of Cincinnati 1212 Jackson St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 • 513-562-6262 • artacademy.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree Ashland University 401 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805 • 419-289-4142 • ashland.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Aultman College 2600 Sixth St. SW, Canton, OH 44710 • 330-363-6347 • aultmancollege.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree Baldwin Wallace University 275 Eastland Road, Berea, OH 44017 • 440-826-2900 • bw.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree Belmont College 68094 Hammond Road, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 • 800423-1188 • belmontcollege.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate Bluffton University 1 University Drive, Bluffton, OH 45817 • 419-358-3000 • bluffton.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree Bowling Green State University 220 McFall Center, Bowling Green, OH 43403 • 419-3722531 • bgsu.edu • Public Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree - research/scholarship, Master’s Degree, Post-master’s Degree

Capital University 1 College and Main, Columbus, OH 43209 • 614-236-6011 • capital.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Case Western Reserve University 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 • 216-368-2000 • case.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Cedarville University 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314 • 800-233-2784 • cedarville.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Central Ohio Technical College 1179 University Drive, Newark, OH 43055 • 740-366-1351 • cotc.edu • Public Associates Degree, One but less than two years certificate Central State University 1400 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce, OH 45384 • 937-3766011 • centralstate.edu • Public Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree Chatfield College 20918 State Route 251, St. Martin, OH 45118 • 513-8753344 • chatfield.edu • Private Associates Degree Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences 2139 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45219 • 513-585-2401 • thechristcollege.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science 645 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224 • 513-7612020 • ccms.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Cincinnati State Technical & Community College 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45223 • 513-5691500 • cincinnatistate.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate Clark State Community College 570 E. Leffel Lane, Springfield, OH 45501 • 937-325-0691 • clarkstate.edu • Public Associates Degree, One but less than two years certificate

Did we miss one? Please let us know by emailing us at eharmon@ohiobusinessmag.com so we can add the school to our list next year.

Cleveland Institute of Art 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 • 800-223-4700 • cia.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree Cleveland Institute of Music 11021 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106 • 216-795-3107 • cim.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Cleveland State University 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115 • 216-687-2000 • csuohio.edu • Public Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree - professional practice, Doctoral Degree - research/scholarship, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s Degree College of Wooster 1189 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH 44691 • 330-263-2000 • wooster.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree Columbus College of Art & Design 60 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 • 614-224-9101 • ccad.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree Columbus State Community College 550 E. Spring St., Columbus, OH 43215 • 614-287-5353 • cscc.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Two but less than 4 year certificate Cuyahoga Community College 700 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115 • 800-954-8742 • tri-c.edu • Public Associates Degree, One but less than two years certificate Defiance College “701 N. Clinton St., Defiance, OH 43512 •419-784-4010 • defiance.edu • Private” Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree Denison University 100 W. College St., Granville, OH 43023 • 740-587-0810 • denison.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate Eastern Gateway Community College 4000 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville, OH 43952 • 740-2645591 • egcc.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate

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Ohio’s Guide to Colleges & Universities Edison State Community College 1973 Edison Drive, Piqua, OH 45356 • 937-778-8600 • edisonohio.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Post Baccalaureate Degree Franciscan University of Steubenville 1235 University Blvd., Steubenville, OH 43952 • 740-2833771 • franciscan.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree Franklin University 201 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 • 614-797-4700 • franklin.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degrees, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree God’s Bible School & College 1810 Young St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 • 513-721-7944 • gbs.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science 375 Dixmyth Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220 • 513-862-2631 • gscollege.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree

Heidelberg University 310 E. Market St., Tiffin, OH 44883 • 800-434-3352 • heidelberg.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree

Kenyon College 1 Kenyon College, Gambier, OH 43022 • 740-427-5000 • kenyon.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree

Hiram College 11715 Garfield Road, Hiram, OH 44234 • 330-569-3211 • hiram.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree

Kettering College 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429 • 937-395-8601 • kc.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree

Hocking College 3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville, OH 45764 • 740-7533591 • hocking.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Two but less than 4 year certificate John Carroll University 1 John Carroll Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118 • 888335-6800 • jcu.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-master’s Degree Kent State University Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242 • 330-672-3000 • kent.edu • Public Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree - research/scholarship, Less than one year certificate, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s Degree

Lake Erie College 391 W. Washington St., Painesville, OH 44077 • 855-4678676 • lec.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree Lakeland Community College 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, OH 44094 • 440-5257000 • lakelandcc.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate Lakewood University 2231 N. Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44112 • 800517-0857 • lakewood.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree

CollegeAdvantage Grants the Gift of Education

By Dr. Chrisanne Gordon, Executive Director of Resurrecting Lives Foundation, Marysville, OH I am a firm believer in the importance in education, and CollegeAdvantage grants the gift of education to so very many. I learned about CollegeAdvantage in a Columbus Dispatch article and visited the agency’s website. After learning more about the college savings program, I realized that 529 accounts offered a stable plan for college education for our younger generations.

I committed to assisting with my younger sister’s three daughters’ college education after a change in family circumstances guaranteed that there would not be funding available for college. These bright young ladies deserved that chance at higher ed, so I opened three 529 accounts when they were in grade school.

Their college savings accounts were an investment in them and their future, and, consequently, investments in our society as well. My nieces were familiar with the adage “knowledge is power,” but what they learned was the fact that the more you know, the more options you have. I wanted them to have options. Gifts of clothing, technology gadgets or entertainment are so fleeting, whereas granting a gift of knowledge is both positive and permanent—their futures change with small gifts added to their college savings accounts on festive occasions.

Through their 529 accounts, my nieces’ tuition and room and board were covered.

The CollegeAdvantage accounts were all used in Texas as my sister had relocated her family to Houston. I was pleased to discover that Ohio’s 529 Savings Program can be applied to colleges outside the state. The university was pleased with the ease of receiving the funds from CollegeAdvantage for tuition and other payments.

Each of my nieces worked part-time during their college years to learn the importance of money and help towards their out-of-pocket expenses at school. Two of them also received scholarships to stretch the 529 accounts out further. It was with the scholarship development that I learned that you never lose the money in the account;

you can always transfer it to another member of the family. So, the funds in one of my niece’s account were transferred to her sister’s as the former had received better scholarships. These bright young ladies shared the gift of college—the gift of their future.

My nie c e s r e ali z e d From left: Paige, Nikki and Allison their 529 accounts were a gift and they took appropriate care of this advantage. One graduated summa cum laude from the University of Houston in education and another niece graduated from the University of Houston summa cum laude from the department of arts and social sciences. The youngest niece graduated from the University of Houston magna cum laude in biomedical engineering. Three industrious young ladies choosing very different paths to success and fulfillment, yet they were all supported by their college savings fund, which was started before they were walking.

My advice: Don’t put off starting a 529. Make realistic goals and learn about the joy of delayed gains. Your plan was so very easy and works very efficiently. CollegeAdvantage puts the beneficiary’s destinies in their own hands and it gives them a positive experience with responsibility. Planning greatly increases education possibilities and future orientation. Saving in a 529 plan is much simpler that you think and much more rewarding than you expect.

EDUCATION PROFILE 18

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Lorain County Community College 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035 • 440-366-5222 • lorainccc.edu • Public Associates Degree, One but less than two years certificate Lourdes University 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania, OH 43560 • 800-878-3210 • lourdes.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post-master’s degree Malone University 2600 Cleveland Ave., NW, Canton, OH 44709 • 800-5211146 • malone.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree

Mercy College of Ohio 2221 Madison Ave., Toledo, OH 43604 • 419-251-1313 • mercycollege.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree Methodist Theological School in Ohio 3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015 • 740-3631146 • mtso.edu • Private Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Miami University 501 High St., Oxford, OH 45056 • 513-529-1809 • miami. miamioh.edu • Public Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree research/scholarship, Master’s Degree, One but less than two years certificate, Post-master’s Degree

Marietta College 215 Fifth St., Marietta, OH 45750 • 800-331-7896 • marietta.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree

Mount Carmel College of Nursing 127 S. Davis Ave., Columbus, OH 43222 • 614-234-4266 • mccn.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree

Marion Technical College 1467 Mt. Vernon Ave., Marion, OH 43302 • 740-389-4636 • mtc.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate

Mount St. Joseph University 5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233 • 800-654-9314 • msj.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree

Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology 6616 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230 • 513-2312223 • athenaeum.edu • Private Master’s Degree Mount Vernon Nazarene University 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 • 740392-6868 • mvnu.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree Muskingum University 10 College Drive, New Concord, OH 43762 • 740-8268211 • muskingum.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s degree North Central State College 2441 Kenwood Circle, Mansfield, OH 44901 • 419-7554800 • ncstatecollege.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate Northeast Ohio Medical University 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH 44272 • 300-3252511 • neomed.edu • Public Doctoral Degree - professional practice Northwest State Community College 22600 State Route 34, Archbold, OH 43502 • 419-2675511 • northweststate.edu • Public Associates Degree, One but less than two years certificate

QUALITY ASSURANCE The quality of your education directly impacts the quality of your life. Xavier University has been providing the highest quality business education since 1831.

We offer several pathways to a MBA that will fit with your lifestyle. The value of the curriculum, faculty, students, and alumni provides a return on your educational investment that is unmatched in the region. We are positive the experience will enhance your life and career for the better.

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Ohio’s Guide to Colleges & Universities Notre Dame College 4545 College Road, South Euclid, OH 44121 • 877-6326446 • notredamecollege.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s degree Nyskc University 24 E. Main St., Seville, OH 44273 • 330-975-4302 • nyskcedu.org • Private Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Oberlin College & Conservatory 38 E. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074 • 800-622-6243 • oberlin.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree Ohio Christian University 1476 Lancaster Pike, Circleville, OH 43113 • 877-7628669 • ohiochristian.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree Ohio Dominican University 1216 Sunbury Road, Columbus, OH 43219 • 614-2514500 • ohiodominican.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree Ohio Northern University 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810 • 419-772-2000 • onu. edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Ohio University Undergraduate Admissons, 120 Cubb Hall, Athens, OH 45701 • 740-593-1000 • ohio.edu • Public Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree - professional practice, Doctoral Degree - research/scholarship,, Less than one year certificate, Master’s Degree, Online, Post Baccalaureate Degree Ohio Wesleyan University 61 S. Sandusky St,. Delaware, OH 43015 • 800-922-8953 • owu.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree Otterbein University 1 S. Grove St., Westerville, OH 43081 • 614-890-3000 • otterbein.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree Owens Community College 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 • 567-6617000 • owens.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate Payne Theological Seminary 1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road, Wilberforce, OH 45384 • 937-376-2946 • payneseminary.edu • Private Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Pontifical College Josephinum 7625 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43235 • 614-885-5585 • pcj.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree

Rabbinical College of Telshe 28400 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 • 440-943-5300 • telsheyeshiva.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Rhodes State College 4240 Campus Drive, Lima, OH 45804 • 419-221-1112 • rhodesstate.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate Rio Grande Community College 218 N. College Ave., Rio Grande, OH 45674 • 740-2457206 • rio.edu • Public Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, One but less than two years certificate Rosedale Bible College 2270 Rosedale Road, Irwin, OH 43029 • 740-857-1311 • rosedale.edu • Private Associates Degree, Certificate Saint Mary Seminary & Graduate School of Theology 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 • 440-943-7600 • stmarysem.edu • Private Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Shawnee State University 940 Second St., Portsmouth, OH 45662 • 740-354-3205 • shawnee.edu • Public Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, One but less than two years certificate Sinclair Community College 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402 • 937-512-3000 • sinclair.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate Southern State Community College 100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro, OH 45133 • 937-393-3431 • sscc.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate

The University of Akron 302 Buchtel Common, Akron, OH 44325 • 330-972-7111 • uakron.edu • Public Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree - professional practice, Doctoral Degree - research/scholarship, Less than one year certificate, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s Degree The University of Toledo 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43606 • 419-530-4636 • utoledo.edu • Public Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree other, Doctoral Degree - professional practice, Doctoral Degree - research/scholarship, Less than one year certificate, Master’s Degree, One but less than two years certificate, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s Degree Tiffin University 155 Miami St., Tiffin, OH 44883 • 800-968-6446 • tiffin. edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree Tri-State Bible College 506 Margaret St., South Point, OH 45680 • 740-377-2520 • tsbc.edu • Private Assocaites Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree Union Institute & University 440 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45206 • 800-861-6400 • myunion.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree United Theological Seminary 4501 Denlinger Road, Dayton, OH 45426 • 937-529-2201 • united.edu • Private Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree

Stark State College 6200 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720 • 330-4946170 • starkstate.edu • Public Associates Degree, One but less than two years certificate

University of Cincinnati 2624 Clifton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45221 • 513-556-0000 • uc.edu • Public Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree - professional practice, Doctoral Degree - research/scholarship, Less than one year certificate, Master’s Degree, One but less than two years certificate, Online, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s Degree, Two but less than 4 year certificate

Terra State Community College 2830 Napoleon Road, Fremont, OH 43420 • 419-334-8400 • terra.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate

University of Dayton 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469 • 937-229-1000 • udayton.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s degree

The Modern College of Design 1725 E. David Road, Kettering, OH 45440 • 937-294-0592 • themodern.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree

University of Findlay 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840 • 800-472-9502 • findlay.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree

The Ohio State University 190 N. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210 • 614-292-6446 • osu.edu • Public Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree - professional practice, Doctoral Degree - research/ scholarship, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s Degree

University of Mount Union 1972 Clark Ave., Alliance, OH 44601 • 800-992-6682 • mountunion.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree

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Ohio’s Guide to Colleges & Universities University of Northwestern Ohio 1441 N. Cable Road, Lima, OH 45805 • 419-998-3120 • unoh.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree University of Rio Grande 218 N. College Ave., Rio Grande, OH 45674 • 800-2827201 • rio.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Master’s Degree Ursuline College 2550 Lander Road, Pepper Pike, OH 44124 • 440-4494200 • ursuline.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Valor Christian College P.O.Box 800, Columbus, OH 43216 • 800-940-9422 • valorcollege.edu • Private Associates Degree Walsh University 2020 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720 • 800-3629846 • walsh.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree

Washington State Community College 710 Colegate Drive, Marietta, OH 45750 • 740-374-8716 • wscc.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate Wilberforce University 1055 N. Bickett Road, P.O. Box 1001, Wilberforce, OH 45384 • 937-376-2911 • wilberforce.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree Wilmington College 1870 Quaker Way, Wilmington, OH 45177 • 937-382-6661 • wilmington.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree Winebrenner Theological Seminary 950 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840 • 419-434-4200 • winebrenner.edu • Private Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Wittenberg University 200 W. Ward St., Springfield, OH 45504 • 800-677-7558 • wittenberg.edu • Private Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Degree, Post-master’s degree

Wright State University 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435 • 937775-3333 • wright.edu • Public Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree - professional practice, Doctoral Degree - research/scholarship, Master’s Degree, Post-master’s Degree Xavier University 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207 • 513-7453000 • xavier.edu • Private Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Certificate, Doctoral Degree, Master’s Degree Youngstown State University 1 University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555 • 877-4686978 • ysu.edu • Public Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Doctoral Degree professional practice, Master’s Degree, One but less than two years certificate, Post Baccalaureate Degree Zane State College 1555 Newark Road, Zanesville, OH 43701 • 740-454-2501 • zanestate.edu • Public Associates Degree, Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Online

America’s First, Private HBCU Wilberforce University, located near Dayton, Ohio, is the United States’ first private, historically Black University owned and operated by African Americans.

Its roots trace back to its founding in 1856, a period of American history marred by the physical bondage of people of African descent.

Wilberforce University is a four-year accredited liberal arts institution.

We offer 19 undergraduate academic majors, the CLIMB program for adult learners, and (1) graduate program in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Our highest enrolled majors include the following: • • • • • •

Business Communications Computing and engineering sciences Humanities Natural sciences Social sciences

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Mission Statement: To engage, support, and assist students in identifying and preparing for their respective purposes in life as social change agents, social justice activists, entrepreneurs, thought-leaders and global citizens by imparting knowledge through rigorous intellectual inquiry and critical thinking. The mission is most effectively accomplished by instilling pride, discipline and inspiring life-long learning, personal and spiritual development and the practical application of the knowledge obtained, and the skills developed.

Value Proposition: Wilberforce University is a premier liberal arts institution with a career development and entrepreneurial intention focused on students with high potential.

Convenient Access to Quality Health Care Premier Physician Network offers you and your family one of the largest selections of primary care and medical specialists in Southwest Ohio. That’s more than 700 physicians and advanced practice providers in more than 125 locations. To fit care into your busy life, we offer convenient options such as MyChart for secure online access to your medical records, telehealth options such as video and e-visits with your provider, and online appointment scheduling.

You’ll find convenient access to quality health care, wherever you live in Southwest Ohio, at each stage of life.

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, visit premierhealth.com/schedule.

Top Hospital in the Region

Miami Valley Hospital

Award-Winning Care Right Here, For You Miami Valley Hospital once again ranked as the top hospital in the region by U.S. News and World Report. This distinction includes Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Miami Valley Hospital North in Englewood, and Miami Valley Hospital South in Centerville. This includes “high performing” designations in 11 types of care – the most in the region. Our care lives here for you in our commitment to deliver high-quality care close to home. Because our mission to build healthier communities starts right here at home with you. To learn more, visit premierhealth.com/mvh.

By the Editors

In this, our inaugural Best in Ohio Business Awards, we wanted to honor the many businesses and services that make Ohio such a great place to do business. From architectural firms and chambers of commerce to meeting and event centers and dinner locations, we cover it all in this feature. Thousands of people voted in this online competition for their favorites in 91 categories. We asked this year’s winners why they won in their respective categories and included a selection of their responses. We at Ohio Business Magazine are excited to celebrate these winners with these brand-new awards.

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Accounting Services Accounting Firm - 25 Employees or Larger HW&Co. CPAs & Advisors Multiple locations including Beachwood (23240 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 700) hwco.com “A commitment by all of our partners has created a culture of growth, exceptional client service and professional development. It is that culture that makes everyone at HW&Co. excited to work everyday!” - Brandon Miller, president & CEO

Accounting Firm - Bookkeeping Flagel Huber Flagel Multiple locations including Cincinnati (9135 Governors Way) fhf-cpa.com

Accounting Firm - Tax Service GBQ Partners Multiple locations including Columbus (230 West St., Suite 700) gbq.com “At GBQ, our purpose is clear: we empower growth: growth of our people, our communities and our clients’ businesses. People are the heart of our business, whether it be clients, prospects, or, first and foremost, our very own associates. They are what make our firm tick. We’re driven by the outcomes that we know can change the lives of those we work with and for.” - Darci Congrove, managing director

cess of the company. We also value the ability of our subcontractor teams we assemble for each project. None of our success or continued business growth is possible without our customers.” - Kevin Scott, president

Electrical Contractor Mayers Electric Company 4004 Erie Court, Cincinnati mayerselectriccompany.com

Construction Services Architectural Firm CHAATRIK Architecture & Urban Design Accounting Firm - Small Business Red Fern Advisors & CPA’s 2724 Madison Road, Cincinnati redfernadvisors.com “Most firms promote their expertise, but few can claim expert service with a personal touch while utilizing the latest technology.

Red Fern Advisors & CPA’s is known for all three.” - Denise Brenner, CPA

Liberty Township chaatrik.com

Commerical Construction Company The Schueler Group 300 Henkle Drive, Lebanon schuelergroup.com “Our success begins with our people. We have a great team of dedicated individuals who care about their projects, and the overall suc-

General Contractor Zengel Group Building & Remodeling 85 Compark Road, Dayton zengelgroup.com “I built Zengel Group with the goal of creating a positive partnership with each of our clients.

We maintain communication the duration of the project, do our best to maintain livable remodeling, and pride ourselves on being true craftsman with over 100 years combined experience.” - Jim Zengel, founder & president w w w.ohiobusinessmag.com . fa l l 2 0 2 0

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HVAC Tri-State Heating & Cooling 4372 Muhlhauser Road, Fairfield tristateheating.com “I think we won this category because we have been serving our community since 1983. We are family owned and operated and as our owner Keith Adams always says, ‘We believe in D.I.R.T.F.T.—Doing it right the first time.’” Amanda Poling, marketing

Mechanical Contractor Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Dining

Restaurant - Dinner Agave & Rye

Bar - Cocktail/Social The Back Porch Saloon 9626 Princeton-Glendale Road, West Chester back-porch-saloon.net

Restaurant - Breakfast Ghostlight Coffee Multiple locations including Dayton (1201 Wayne Ave.) ghostlightcoffee.com

7967 W. Third St., Dayton korrectplumbing.com

Multiple locations including Liberty Center (7125 Fountain View Drive) agaveandrye.com “Agave & Rye is focused on excellence in everything we do. Namely, epic tacos and an unconventional dining experience. The restaurant’s concept walks an intriguing line between fine art and street art. The menu itself sets Agave & Rye apart from the traditional taqueria, with traditional Mexican street favorites and unique tacos that guests can’t get anywhere else.” - Yavonne Sarber, founder & CEO

Restaurant - Lunch Trails End Restaurant & Bar

Roofing Company The Garland Company

3052 state Route 3, Loudonville trailsendpizza.com

3800 E. 91st St., Cleveland garlandco.com

www.gbq.com To be recognized as an award recipient in Ohio Business Magazine’s inaugural poll is indeed an honor for all of us at GBQ. Our sincere thanks to the publication’s readers, our clients a nd friends for naming GBQ a Best in Ohio Business, and believing we are the very best at what we do.

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TAX

ACCOUNTING

CONSULTING

College and University Miami University 501 E. High St., Oxford miami.miamioh.edu

Graduate School Program Bluffton University

Education Charter School Ashland University 401 College Ave., Ashland ashland.edu

Child Care Center YMCA of Central Ohio Multiple locations including Hilltop YMCA (2879 Valleyview Drive) ymcacolumbus.org

1 University Drive, Bluffton bluffton.edu “We are pleased to be recognized for our purposeful approach to graduate education.

A key feature of our programs is the focus on leadership development not only within our students’ professional worlds but in their personal lives and within their communities.

Our graduate programs have excellent success and completion rates, and we are excited to make them more accessible.” - Robin Bowlus, vice president of advancement & enrollment management

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Financial Services Business Banking KeyBank

MBA Program Union Institute & University Multiple locations including Cincinnati (440 E. McMillan St.) myunion.edu “Our new MBA program, which allows you to design your own specialization, is truly unique.

Students in this program will have the ability to select courses from multiple graduate-level programs and create their own specialization.

This will allow them to take the classes that interest or benefit them the most in their careers and educational journeys.”- Jamie Shugarman, communications consultant, marketing

Incubator HCDC 1776 Mentor Ave., Cincinnati hcdc.com

Multiple locations including Cincinnati (2652 Erie Ave.) key.com

Relocation Specialist Relocation Strategies

Consumer Banking PNC Bank

Multiple locations including Columbus (1519 Alum Industrial Drive) relocationstrategies.net

Multiple locations including Columbus (155 E. Broad St.) pnc.com

Sales Training Company The Sales Coaching Institute

Financial Planning Firm Summit Financial Advisors, Inc. 41 N. Broadway St., Lebanon sfadvisorsinc.com

Multiple locations including Cleveland salescoach.us

Health Care

Private School St. Rita School for the Deaf 1720 Glendale Milford Road, Cincinnati srsdeaf.org

Workforce Development Program Festo Didactic 7777 Columbia Road, Mason festo-didactic.com “We encourage students in our training and consulting classes, along with our dual educations classes, to always stay up to date on new technology and to think of how it can benefit them in the advancement of their careers. We offer both theoretical and hands-on education that students can take back to their employer and use right away.” - Karen Oberer, office and project manager 28

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Money Management Firm Truepoint Wealth Counsel 9999 Carver Road, Cincinnati truepointwealth.com

General Interest/Services Community to Do Business West Chester Township westchesteroh.org

Dry Cleaning Tide Dry Cleaners - Blue Ash 9610 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash tidecleaners.com

Cardiac Practice Kettering Health Network Multiple locations including Kettering (540 Lincoln Park Blvd.) ketteringhealth.org

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Dental Practice Jane R. Mays, DMD

Physical Therapy Practice Drayer Physical Therapy Institute

2631 Erie Ave., Cincinnati janemaysdmd.com

Multiple locations including Grove City (4090 Gantz Road) drayer.urpt.com

Eye Care Cincinnati Eye Institute

Legal Services Law Firm - Family Tibbs Law Office 1329 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati tibbslawoffice.com

Law Firm - Labor and Employment Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Multiple locations including Cincinnati (1945 CEI Drive) cincinnatieye.com

Multiple locations including Cleveland (200 Public Square, Suite 3500) taftlaw.com

Law Firm - Personal Injury The Donahey Law Firm 495 S. High St., Columbus donaheylaw.com

Law Firm - Small Business Lovett & House Multiple locations including Tipp City (304 N. Hyatt St.) lovettlawoffice.com

Hospital Miami Valley Hospital 1 Wyoming St., Dayton premierhealth.com “Miami Valley Hospital is a full-service, acute care hospital in Dayton, Ohio, and has consistently been ranked as the top hospital in the Dayton region by U.S. News & World Report.

As the largest health care provider in the region with 970 licensed beds, Miami Valley is committed to improving the health of the communities it serves. The hospital operates the area’s most experienced Level I Trauma Center with air medical services, high-risk obstetrics, perinatal center and Level III NICU, all in the same facility.” - Mike Uhl, president of Miami Valley Hospital

Orthopedic Practice and Sports Medicine Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Multiple locations including Sharonville (500 E. Business Way) beaconortho.com 30

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Marketing Physician Group Premier Physician Network Multiple locations including Miami Valley Hospital (1 Wyoming St., Dayton) premierhealth.com “Premier Physician Network is one of the largest groups of primary and specialty care practices in Southwest Ohio, with more than 700 physicians and advanced practice providers located throughout greater Dayton and northern Cincinnati. The innovative and collaborative culture within Premier Physician Network enables our providers to continually evolve and advance patient care. We have been a leader in expanding local residents’ access to primary and specialty care through telehealth, providing a valuable way to receive care during the current COVID-19 pandemic.” Diane Pleiman, president

Human Resources Staffing Company Hunter International 38100 Colorado Ave., Avon hirecruiting.com

Advertising Agency CoMarket Digital 331 Walnut Lane, Mason comarketdigital.com

Graphic Design/ Branding Agency Zeal40: the creative agency 838 Reedy St., Cincinnati zeal40.com “We are committed to creating the perfect collaborative experience to bring brands to the world. Zeal40 has a boutique style agency approach while delivering big outcomes like a large agency. Our partnerships in our city, community and nationally made this happen! We make an effort to connect and support businesses and organizations.” - Nicole Fariello, partner

Mailing Services Peerless Printing 2250 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati peerlessprinting.com

Photographer Cindy Dover Photography Serves Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Indiana cindydoverphotography.com

PR/Communications Agency Noir Marketing and Public Relations

Printing Company KN8Designs

14 W. First St., Dayton noirmarketingandpr.com “’I like to think we won because we put our clients’ needs, not only for marketing deliverables but also to simplify their lives, first. Our clients can fulfill all of their marketing deliverables with one emai.” - Jessica East, president

4016 Allston St., Cincinnati kn8designs.com

THANK YOU OHIO for this great honor!

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Promotional Products Company Outreach Promotional Solutions 111 Liberty St., Columbus outreachpromos.com

Meeting and Events

Casino Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway

Audio/Visual Provider Mills James

777 Hollywood Blvd., Dayton hollywooddaytonraceway.com “We attribute our win in this category all to our team members. Winning this category as Best Casino in Ohio is just not possible without all of the hard work, communication and continued growth from every one of our team members especially during the challenges that we have faced in 2020.” - Zachary Meeks, human resources director

3545 Fishinger Blvd., Columbus millsjames.com “In our business, reputation is everything, so we’re incredibly honored to receive this distinction. Our employee-owners craft and deliver experiences that deepen human connections and inspire people to care and act. Clients tell us they choose Mills James because of our ability to engage audiences of any size.” - Arthur James, president

Sign Company Sign Connection

Catering Company Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events

Band/Performing Artist The Rusty Griswolds

90 Compark Road, Centerville signconnectioninc.com

Social Media Consulting McCabe Media Multiple locations including Fairfield (6597 Fayetta Drive) mccabemedia.com

therustygriswolds.com

Serves Dayton region brockmastersons.com

Brewery West Side Brewing

Country Club The Golf Club at Yankee Trace

3044 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati westsidebrewing.com

10000 Yankee St., Centerville yankeetrace.org

You Need a Benefits Manager That Understands Ohio Businesses As the area’s expert in self-funded plans, we know a thing or two about creating actionable plans that help control health benefit costs. Turn insights into actions with Custom Design Benefits, voted Ohio’s Best Employee Benefits Company by readers of Ohio Business Magazine.

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* Source: SHRM report, August 20, 2019. PEPY: Per Employee Per Year

800.598.2929 | www.CustomDesignBenefits.com | 513.598.2929

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Distillery Gervasi Vineyard 1700 55th St. NE, Canton gervasivineyard.com “We actively seek the highest quality ingredients and work locally with farmers to find the exact formula to fit our brand standards.

I believe it’s this dedication and team effort that has led us to earn this award.” - Shae Pridemore, head distiller

Entertainment Venue Rolling Meadows Ranch

Meeting and Banquet Center Reverie

421 N. Waynesville Road, Lebanon rollingmeadowsranch.com

9095 Washington Church Road, Miamisburg reveriedayton.com

Gallery Springfield Museum of Art

Meeting and Event Planner Angela’s Premier Event Designs

107 Cliff Park Road, Springfield springfieldart.net “We are so honored to receive this award! At The Springfield Museum of Art, we strive to highlight local artists from our region and provide quality exhibitions that engage our community.” - Jessimi Jones, executive director

4 W. Main St., Fairborn angelaspremiereventdesigns.com

Museum Cincinnati Museum Center 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati cincymuseum.org

Performing Arts Organization Dayton Live Multiple locations including the Schuster Performing Arts Center (1 W. Second St., Dayton) daytonlive.org “Dayton Live is proud to be the region’s home for arts, culture and entertainment. We take the stewardship of these fabulous venues

THANK YOU to Our Teachers and Staff!

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very seriously—and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Victoria Theatre, Loft Theatre and PNC Arts Annex.”

- Sue Stevens, vice president of marketing & communications

Private Golf Course Kenwood Country Club

Security Service Shiver Security Multiple locations including Miamisburg (15 Pinnacle Point Drive) shiversecurity.com

Professional Services

Employee Benefits Company Custom Design Benefits

6501 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati kenwoodcc.com

5589 Cheviot Road, Cincinnati customdesignbenefits.com

Public Golf Course Shaker Run Golf Club 1320 Golf Club Drive, Lebanon shakerrungolfclub.com

Office Office Supply Distillata 1608 E. 24th St., Cleveland distillata.com

tive of this special recognition. We are being recognized for the diverse economic climate of West Chester and Liberty Townships, the growing epicenter for business between Cincinnati and Dayton along I-75, and for being a respected, go-to business organization for our area.” - Joseph A. Hinson, president & CEO

Chamber of Commerce West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance 8922 Beckett Road, West Chester thechamberalliance.com “We were honored just to be nominated, and we are humbled and very apprecia-

Health and Life Insurance Company Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield anthem.com

Property and Casualty Insurance Agency USI Midwest usi.com

STAY A PART OF MEMORIES Whatever you’re apart of.

Stay that way.

THEOMNIHOMES TE AD.COM w w w.ohiobusinessmag.com . fa l l 2 0 2 0

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Real Estate Apartment Community Fieldstone 4451 Love Lane, Beavercreek fieldstoneapts.com

Commerical Real Estate Developer Steiner + Associates 4016 Townsfair Way, Columbus steiner.com

Technology

Commerical Real Estate Firm InFocus Commercial Real Estate

Computer Networking Company London Computer Systems

Multiple locations including West Chester (8050 Becket Center Drive) infocusrealestategroup.com

9140 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati lcs.com “We know the key to providing great technologies is employing great people. That is why we strive to foster a work hard, play hard environment where employees can engage in meaningful work. We are proud of our team and their eagerness to spread the word about the excellent culture we have at LCS!” - Kari Miller, business intelligence analyst Data and Security Firm Intrust IT 9850 Redhill Drive, Cincinnati intrust-it.com “I believe Intrust IT is being recognized because of the fact that Intrust IT makes cyber security simple and affordable for companies of all sizes, and that our cyber security services include a Million Dollar Ransomware guarantee, which is unique in our industry.” Tim Rettig, president & CEO

Residential Real Estate Firm Brickhaus 26401 Emery Road, Cleveland brickhauspartners.com

Title Company American Homeland Title Agency 9656 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, Cincinnati americanhomelandtitle.com

Retirement Assisted Living Community Artis Senior Living of Bridgetown 5799 Bridgetown Road, Cincinnati artisseniorliving.com “At Artis Senior Living of Bridgetown, we strive to build personal relationships with each of our residents and their families so they truly become an integral part of our community.”John Tepe, executive director

Home Health Care Agency Queen City Homecare 8041 Hosbrook Road, Cincinnati queencityhc.com

Skilled Care Community Bethany Village 6443 Bethany Village Drive, Dayton bethanylutheranvillage.org

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Web Development Firm Ingage Partners 2943 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati ingagepartners.com

Transportation Airport Wilmington Air Park 1113 Airport Road, Wilmington wilmingtonairpark.com “We think that we won in this category for a number of reasons: Our superior central location, the great people of Clinton County who voted for us

and market validation of the efforts and progress we have made over the past decade to make Wilmington Air Park a cargo, logistics, manufacturing and aviation center of excellence.” - Jennifer Klus Ekey, economic development director at the Clinton County Port Authority

Vehicle Dealership Custom Cabs & Trailers 7230 Old US Route 35 E., Jamestown cctrailers.com

Travel Industry Attraction Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati cincinnatizoo.org

Convention and Visitors Bureau Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau 544 N. Union St., Loudonville discovermohican.com

Excursion/Tour Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery & Fun Center 3045-3058 state Route 3 S., Loudonville mohicanadventures.com

Hotel/Resort 21C Museum Hotels 609 Walnut St., Cincinnati 21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati/

Winery Vinoklet Winery 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati vinokletwines.com

SDC offers the

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FINALISTS The 2020 Best in Ohio Business Awards recognizes those businesses that serve companies, business professionals and our communities in the state of Ohio. Finalists were determined by nominations cast by the general public and the readers of Ohio Business Magazine. People voted online at ohiobusinessmag.com for their favorites. There were 91 categories, including accounting services, marketing and other professional services. Below you will find the finalists as well as the winners in each category.

Accounting Firm - 25 Employees or Larger n Barnes Dennig n GBQ Partners n HW&Co. CPAs & Advisors Accounting Firm - Bookkeeping n Flagel Huber Flagel n Meaden & Moore n Red Fern Advisors & CPA’s Accounting Firm - Small Business n D. L. Lyons & Co. n Red Fern Advisors & CPA’s n William E. Hesch Law Firm Accounting Firm - Tax Service n Barnes Dennig n GBQ Partners n KPMG LLP

Roofing Company n Able Roofing n Amazon Roofing n The Garland Company Bar - Cocktail/Social n Jilly’s Music Room n Revel OTR Urban Winery n The Back Porch Saloon Restaurant - Breakfast n George’s Family Restaurant n Ghostlight Coffee n Half Day Cafe Restaurant - Dinner n Agave & Rye n Sorrento Ristorante & Pizzeria n The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard

Architectural Firm n CHAATRIK Architecture & Urban Design n MSA Designs

Restaurant - Lunch n George’s Family Restaurant n Kohler’s 818 Club n Trails End Restaurant & Bar

Commerical Construction Company n Schueler Group n Shook Construction n Thumbs Up Construction

Charter School n Ashland University n St. Rita School for the Deaf n TES Academy

Electrical Contractor n A-Abel Electric n HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Drains n Mayers Electric Company

Child Care Center n KinderCare Learning Centers n The Gardner School of Blue Ash n YMCA of Central Ohio

General Contractor n Joe Stewart Builders n Thumbs Up Construction Services, LLC n Zengel Group Building & Remodeling

College and University n Ashland University n Miami University n Union Institute & University

HVAC n EW Heating & Cooling n Logan AC & Heat Services n Tri-State Heating & Cooling

Graduate School Program n Ashland University Dauch College of Business and Economics n Bluffton University n Union Institute & University

Mechanical Contractor n Gil Ruehl Plumbing n Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning n Synergy Mechanical Contractors

MBA Program n Ashland University Dauch College of Business and Economics n Bluffton University n Union Institute & University

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Private School n Legacy Christian Academy n Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School n St. Rita School for the Deaf Workforce Development Program n Cincinnati State Technical and Community College n Cuyahoga Community College n Festo Didactic Business Banking n CFBank n Commerce Bank n KeyBank Consumer Banking n CenterBank n PNC Bank n Telhio Credit Union Financial Planning Firm n Artifex Financial Group n Deeter Advisory Group n Summit Financial Advisors, Inc. Money Management Firm n Artifex Financial Group n Johnson Investment Counsel n Truepoint Wealth Counsel Community to Do Business n City of Blue Ash n City of Dublin n West Chester Township Dry Cleaning n Reiber Cleaners n Tide Dry Cleaners - Blue Ash n White Swan Quality Cleaners Incubator n HCDC n The Entrepreneurs Center n Youngstown Business Incubator Relocation Specialist n Relocation Strategies n reSettled Life n Sibcy Cline Relocation Services Sales Training Company n MP Solutions n Sandler Training - Cincinnati n The Sales Coaching Institute Cardiac Practice n Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute n Cleveland Clinic n Kettering Health Network Dental Practice n Dr. Scott A. Iliff, DDS n Jane R. Mays, DMD n Tepe Family Dentistry

Eye Care n Cincinnati Eye Institute n CVP n Milford Eye Care Hospital n Atrium Medical Center - Premier Health n Miami Valley Hospital - Premier Health n West Chester Hospital - UC Health Orthopedic Practice and Sports Medicine n Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine n Premier Orthopedics n University Hospitals Orthopedics Department Physical Therapy Practice n Absolute Kinetics Physical Therapy n Drayer Physical Therapy Institute n Total Education Solutions TES Therapy Physician Group n Dayton Physicians Network n Premier Physician Network n Wright State Physicians Staffing Company n A Plus Staffing Solutions n Hunter International n Onshore Momentum Law Firm - Family n Lovett & House n Lyons & Lyons, Attorneys at Law n Tibbs Law Office Law Firm - Labor and Employment n Frost Brown Todd n Taft Stettinius & Hollister n The Law Offices of James D. Ingalls Law Firm - Personal Injury n Elk & Elk n GBM Law n The Donahey Law Firm Law Firm - Small Business n Law Office of Paul H. Spitz n Lovett & House n Zamary Law Firm Advertising Agency n CoMarket Digital n Marketing Accelerator n Noir Marketing and Public Relations Graphic Design/Branding Agency n Empower n Noir Marketing and Public Relations n Zeal40: the creative agency

Mailing Services n Peerless Printing & Mailing n United Mail n Yeck Brothers Company

Distillery n Gervasi Vineyard n Watershed Distillery n Western Reserve Distillers

Health and Life Insurance Company n Advanced Insurance Designs Inc. n Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield n Custom Design Benefits

Web Development Firm n Aztek n Ingage Partners n Noir Marketing and Public Relations

Photographer n Childers Photography n Cindy Dover Photography n Red Photographic

Entertainment Venue n Jilly’s Music Room n Reverie n Rolling Meadows Ranch

PR/Communications Agency n Fahlgren Mortine n Noir Marketing and Public Relations n O’Keeffe PR

Gallery n k12 Gallery & TEJAS n SPACES n Springfield Museum of Art

Property and Casualty Insurance Agency n Advanced Insurance Designs Inc. n Progressive Commercial n USI Midwest

Airport n Cleveland Hopkins International Airport n Dayton International Airport n Wilmington Air Park

Printing Company n Creative Impressions n Deerfield Digital Printing n KN8Designs

Meeting and Banquet Center n Gervasi Vineyard n Reverie n The Steam Plant

Apartment Community n Biltmore Towers n Fieldstone at Glenwood Crossing n Village Green

Vehicle Dealership n Byers Auto n Custom Cabs & Trailers n Evans Motorworks

Promotional Products Company n Express Graphics n Four Corner Promotions n Outreach Promotional Solutions

Meeting and Event Planner n Angela’s Premier Event Designs n Noir Marketing and Public Relations n Rosalind Smith Counseling

Commerical Real Estate Developer n Cocca Development, Ltd. n Steiner + Associates n Tucker’s Landing RV Park & Boat Ramp

Attraction n Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden n Oberlin Heritage Center n Ohio History Center & Ohio Village

Sign Company n Frontier Signs & Displays n Klusty Sign Associates n Sign Connection

Museum n Cincinnati Art Museum n Cincinnati Museum Center n Ohio History Center & Ohio Village

Commerical Real Estate Firm n Coldwell Banker Heritage n InFocus Commercial Real Estate n Miller Diversified

Convention and Visitors Bureau n Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau n Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau n Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau

Social Media Consulting n McCabe Media n Noir Marketing and Public Relations n One 10 Media

Performing Arts Organization n Akron Symphony Orchestra n Dayton Live n Fairfield Community Arts Center

Audio/Visual Provider n Hughie’s Event Production Services n ITA Audio Visual Solutions n Mills James

Private Golf Course n Kenwood Country Club n Scioto Country Club

Band/Performing Artist n The Hi-Fi’s n The Naked Karate Girls n The Rusty Griswolds Brewery n Lock 15 Brewing Co. n Lock 27 Brewing n West Side Brewing Casino n Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati n Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway n Miami Valley Gaming

Public Golf Course n Black Diamond Golf Course n J. E. Good Park Golf Course n Shaker Run Golf Club Office Supply n Bulldog Office Products n Distillata n SOS Speedy Office Supply Security Service n Shiver Security Systems n Tenable Protective Services n U.S. Protection Service

Catering Company n Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events n Creative Cuisine Catering n eat well celebrations and feasts

Chamber of Commerce n Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce n Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce n West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance

Country Club n Country Club of the North n The Country Club in Pepper Pike n The Golf Club at Yankee Trace

Employee Benefits Company n Custom Design Benefits n McGohan Brabender n Oswald Companies

Residential Real Estate Firm n Brickhaus n InFocus Real Estate Group n Tom Sturm Group at Coldwell Banker West Shell

Excursion/Tour n Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery & Fun Center n Queen City Underground Tour n The Nautica Queen

Title Company n American Homeland Title Agency n Partners Land Title Agency n Terry Monnie Title Company

Hotel/Resort n 21C Museum Hotels n Kalahari Resorts Sandusky

Assisted Living Community n Artis Senior Living of Bridgetown n Sycamore Glen Retirement Community n The Glen

Winery n Blend of Seven Winery n Revel OTR Urban Winery n Vinoklet Winery

Home Health Care Agency n Care Connection of Cincinnati n Family Bridges Home Care n Queen City Homecare Skilled Care Community n Bethany Village n The Christian Village at Mason n The Glen Computer Networking Company n CMIT Solutions n London Computer Systems n Ohio.net Data and Security Firm n Barnes Dennig n Intrust IT n Wood Herron & Evans

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39

My Take

Economics and Politics And the responsibility business owners have to their employees

By Terry Troy

W

hile economics and politics are usually inextricably linked, this year COVID-19 has all but destroyed that association. There are some who blame the current administration for a lack of response to the pandemic, yet there are just as many on the other side who blame interests outside the country for causing it, especially the Chinese. As a country, we have only been more divided once in our history.

Whatever the case, there is no denying the impact the coronavirus has had on our people, employment and businesses.

Without it, this election would have been a cakewalk.

As a business publication, we seek journalistic integrity, not offering support to one side or the other. However, we must also recognize that our first duty is to our readership, which, of course, is probusiness.

40

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As we head to the polls this month, we very well could determine the future direction of our country for decades to come. So the decisions we make, as executives and business owners, must be made prudently, judiciously and with malice aforethought.

We must weigh whether we should control the virus first to get a handle on the economy. Or let the virus play itself out, and keep the economy moving forward.

Which will benefit our country in the long term? Which will benefit our constituents in the short term? But in the end, which will benefit our businesses and our customer base?

There are no easy answers, especially this year.

What is often lost in all of this, especially on the national stage and in the national media, should be our most immediate concern as business owners and executives: those folks who have put in the long hours to help make our businesses a success.

Where do our employees fit in our decisions? We do have a social responsibility to our employees and to their families.

So when you hit the voting booth in November, make sure your decisions are based, at least in part, on the needs and wants of your employees. Where does the person you are voting for stand on their interests, whether it’s health or employment?

But also keep in mind that unemployment can have just as devastating an impact on a family as the death of a loved one.

You have it in your best interests and theirs to make sure your business stays up and running. Don’t think of it as being selfish. Don’t think of it as being capitalistic.

Instead, think of it as being responsible.

So who should you vote for? That decision is up to you and you alone.

Good luck, and let’s all pray for a safe and more profitable new year starting in the months ahead.

Terry Troy

ONLINE

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