BUSINESS • FINANCE • AGRICULTURE
A Look
Ahead A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF THE PIQUA DAILY CALL & TROY DAILY NEWS
February 20, 2013 Section 1
2 February 2013
Progress 2013
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
TABLE OF CONTENTS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PAGES 3-4 GROW PIQUA NOW PAGE 5 MIAMI COUNTY AG SOCIETY PAGE 6 TROY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL PAGES 7-8 COVINGTON GROWTH PLANS PAGE 9 AREA FARMERS MARKETS PAGE 10-11
PHOTOS BY MIKE ULLERY
THE INCREDIBLE EGG PAGES 12-13 IDLE PLANTS PAGES 14-15 TROY UNITED WAY PAGES 16-17 OHIO STATE EXTENSION PAGE 18 PIQUA UNITED WAY PAGE 19 FARM LAND PAGE 20 2363624
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Progress 2013
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An exciting year for Troy Chamber BY SABRA JOHNSON Troy Chamber of Commerce
PROVIDED PHOTO
A crowd gathers for the Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Expo at Hobart Arena. ers needed to fill immediate and long term vacancies. The area Career Day will be Friday, May 10 at Hobart Arena. More than 500 local high school students will have the opportunity to meet with area employers. This will be an opportunity to provide information to area students about career opportunities in different employment sectors and the education and training needed to be successful in the jobs of the future. The Troy Area Job Fair will be an opportunity for Troy employers to recruit skilled and entry-level workers. The Job Fair will help employers reach a much larger labor pool through a diversified and wide reaching advertising program and for job seekers to meet with many perspective employers. The Job Expo will be an opportunity to provide information to area residents and students about career opportunities in different employment sectors and the education and
training needed to be successful in the jobs of the future. The Troy Area Job Fair will be Saturday, May 11 at Hobart Arena. Please go to TroyOhioJobFair.com for more information. The Chamber offers many different programs and benefits to their members. Some of the Chamber committees are: Business Advisory to Education Committee The Business Advisory to Education Committee has over 30 active companies participating in the “Business Partners” throughout the community. Leadership Troy program Leadership Troy has graduated over 520 people from this unique program. Leadership Troy was started over 25 years ago to offer more insight into our community. The Leadership Troy alumni group sponsors the “Meet the Candidates” night. Women’s Leadership Connection meets on the first Thursday of every
1977 as a means for area Not For Profits to raise funds for their endeavors, this remains the mission of the festival today. In 2012, more than $480,000 was raised by area Not For Profits for their organizations. Jon Dankworth will serve as the 2013 Festival Chairman,with Kathy Roetter as the 2014 Festival Chair. Other major chamber events at the Chamber include the Annual Dinner in February, Golf Outing; Recognition Banquet and the Annual Steak Fry & Auction. Learn more about us on our website: www.troyohiochamber.com The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward in 2013 to partnering with area business to help them grow and prosper here in the city of Troy.
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TROY — The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in the quality of life that Troy provides to all who live and work here. Troy boasts a strong economic environment, and an exceptionally high quality of life, with a highly rated educational system, an abundance of parks and recreational facilities, strong sense of public safety, cultural amenities and a community that truly cares. The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce offers many programs and activities to support our business community, not for profit organizations and keep our membership informed on important issues. 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Troy Chamber. On Saturday, April 27 the Not For Profit Expo will return to Hobart Arena. This popular biennial event is free and open to the public. More than 90 area nonprofit agencies will participate in sharing their mission and what they offer to the community. The Expo will be an educational and fun day with the two story inflatable slide, clowns, robot car, free popcorn, animals from Brukner, free medical screenings and much more. The Miami Dental Clinic will return with free dental screenings for the public. The NFP Expo drew over 2,000 attendees in 2011. New this year is the Troy Area Job and Career Fair. The Troy Development Council and the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce have heard from the businesses in our community that there is a shortage of skilled work-
month. The WLC brings woman together to network and gain information about important topics. Human Resource Council meets quarterly during the year to provide a networking forum on personnel issues for our professional human resource members. Chamber Ambassadors are a group of 25 men and women that welcome new business to the Troy area.This group participated in 38 ribbon cuttings in 2012.The Troy Strawberry Festival is one of the top festivals in Southwest Ohio, drawing visitors from throughout the country to Troy. The mission of the festival, that started as a special program of the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce in
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4 February 2013
Progress 2013
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
More chamber happenings for the new year
PIQUA — The mission of the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce is to unite the Piqua business community, to enhance the quality of life of residents and to promote economic vitality and development. The Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce is busy fulfilling its mission with events and programs scheduled in 2013. The Chamber’s Small Business Council has prepared an exciting and informative business educational series for 2013. With four events that will offer the members advanced educational opportunities not typically available at smaller chambers. The goal of the Small Business Council is to reach out with pertinent information that can assist members with day-to-day operations, issues and solutions. These events will feature a guest presenter specializing in topics that include Succession Planning, Social Media, Worker’s Compensation and the new tax laws. The Chamber’s Manufacturing Council is dedicated to advancing the
priorities of Piqua’s manufacturers by offering an opportunity for management teams to come together, communicate and build mutually-beneficial partnerships. With direct input from manufacturing members, the Manufacturing Council was formed to support, educate and assist manufacturing and industrial companies while promoting and enhancing a positive business climate in the Piqua area. Members interact with peer collaboration to share expertise in solving mutual manufacturing related issues. The Council meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each month, a Piqua manufacturer hosts a plant tour sharing their best practices for others and building relationships that will promote buying locally. All large and small manufacturers are invited to participate. Women in Networking (WIN) provides women from Piqua and the surrounding area the opportunity to network with one another on a monthly basis.
mission is to provide Safety Education & Standards for all of our members. The Chamber is committed to developing and continually improving a supportive net-
work for their business partners. Meetings are held at “A Learning Place’ on the 2nd Thursday of each month. For information on these
and other events or programs provided by the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce, call 773-2765 or email info@piquaareachamber.com” info@piquaareachamber.com.
Tipp City chamber kicks off on a high note BY LIZ SONNANSTINE Chamber Executive Director TIPP CITY — The Tipp City Chamber of Commerce is kicking off 2013 with new events, member benefits, opportunities to network and great ways for your business to standout in our region. Our events are designed for networking, education and making business connections. Our first event of the year will be with Ohio State Senator Bill Beagle. Beagle was recently selected as Chair of the Workforce and Economic Development Committee for Ohio. What does that committee do? We will find out in a CEO Roundtable luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 7. This is an opportunity for Chamber member business owners and CEOs to meet with Senator Beagle to discuss issues concerning your business. SpringMeade Residence will be hosting our first Business After Hours of the year from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 21. Business leaders (members and non-members) from all over the region are given the opportunity to connect. It is free for all to attend. There will be plenty of food to enjoy, and don’t forget your business cards. A collaborative event between the Tipp, Troy and Piqua Chambers will be held 7:30-9:30 a.m. on March 13 at The Concord Room (Club 55). The Miami County Small Business Council will present an educational opportunity on Succession Planning. This
event is not to be missed for those business owners that are looking ahead to the different options for the future of their business. Other educational topics to be addressed by the Tipp Chamber this year include Health Care Reform requirements, web and data privacy concerns in your business, and tax law changes. We are pleased to announce our biennial Taste of Tipp and Business Expo on Thursday, April 18. This will be the third time for this event in Tipp City and we expect it to be even better than the years before. We will be highlighting our local area restaurants, while giving the business community the opportunity to show off their goods and services. It will be a great way to increase your business’s community visibility! Mark your calendar and look for additional information soon. Other projects and initiatives for the Tipp Chamber in 2013 will include an update in our efforts to communicate clearly and effectively to our members. Through a new
database system and better web presence, we will increase member exposure and maximize potential for you to make business connections in our community. The Tipp City Chamber is also seeking to update the Tipp City community guide – a long overdue project that will now include a Chamber member directory. This publication will provide additional exposure and outreach for our member businesses throughout our region and all year long. The directory let will serve as an informative overview of all the wonderful amenities of the Tipp City community. All of our event and project information is located on our w e b s i t e www.TippCityChamber.org. For any additional information on the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce or to become a member, contact Liz Sonnanstine, Executive Director, at (937) 667-8300 or liz@TippCityChamber.org. We are your principal resource for business development in our community. Join us.
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PROVIDED PHOTO
Ohio Secretary of State John Husted speaks to a group of area business professionals in Piqua on May 11, 2012. The event, held at the Piqua Country Club, was sponsored by "Helping Young Professionals Emerge," in conjunction with the Chambers of Commerce in Piqua, Troy and Tipp City.
Women from various careers and businesses meet to discuss issues pertaining to working women. Entertaining and educational programs are presented at each monthly meeting. At the conclusion of the presentation, time is provided for those wanting to promote or educate others about their business to do so in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Business referrals are a staple and the members reap the benefits. The bi-annual Regional Business Showcase is planned for Oct. 17 at the Piqua High School. This year’s event will be the third showcase of its kind hosted by the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce. Members and non-members are welcome to participate by reserving booth space. Through the Regional Business Showcase, you have the opportunity to promote your company in a cost-effective manner, make a media splash by advertising in the Showcase marketing piece, which will be distributed to some 40,000 business and residential subscribers, brand your company, meet prospects face-to-face, and so much more. A guest speaker will be featured prior to the doors opening to the public and a great turnout is expected with some interesting changes being made for this year’s event. The Miami County Safety Council is a joint program of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Division of Safety & Hygiene and the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce. It is supported by the Covington Chamber, Tipp City Chamber and the Troy Chamber. The Miami County Safety Council’s
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Progress 2013
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A winning year behind, a winning year ahead MIKE ULLERY/STAFF PHOTO
Rose’s Stores was just one of several new retailers that contributed to Piqua’s growth over 2012.
Communities Partnership, and the Mid-America Economic Development Council and International Economic Development Council for the benefit of
development locally, regionally and nationally. At the meeting, Murphy was also pleased to announce a preliminary approval from the Dayton
Development Coalition awarding a subcontract for $100,000 to undertake some of the GPN activities. An amount that will also help to offset some of the travel
costs that the city has accrued. “It’s a real win not only for our region but for our own community,� said Murphy.
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BY BETHANY J. ROYER to hire 26 people, which Staff Writer should generate $850,000 in broyer@civitasmedia.com payroll. Construction wasn’t the PIQUA — It was only a only big news from Murphy, few short months ago that as the city also welcomed Grow Piqua Now (GPN) was new retailers Rose’s Store the recipient of the Silver and Rue 21 last year, and Excellence Award from the Buffalo Wings & Rings and International Economic Mulligan’s Pub at the start Development Council of 2013. (IEDC). The award was If these expansions and given for their 2012 additions are any indication, Economic State of Economic things should continue to be Development report on the move and that was also pregrowing for the city sented to city offias 2013 progresses. cials and many othWith GPN at the ers Spring 2012 that helm the plan for highlighted a favorthe new year outable outlook for the lined by Murphy year ahead. begins with marketWhile this outing and attraction. look consisted of This will entail a both national and a MURPHY focus on advanced world-wide view, it m a n u f a c t u r i n g, hit a little closer to home healthcare, alternative enerwhen taking into considera- gy and logistics/distribution, tion the amount of growth along with the continuation and expansion experienced of key forums and renewing by the city over the course of efforts in the Foreign Direct the year. Investment (FDI) program. If the early handful of The second item shared months into 2013 is any indi- on the agenda will be to cation, there may be another retain and expand by continaward forthcoming. As out- uing a partnership with the lined last spring, the area Dayton Region in the was due to see an invest- BusinessFirst! program and ment of some $100 million in to work with major project construction over the next owners and city departthree years. Year-to-date ments on developing projectconstruction activity shared ready sites. by Economic Development A third emphasis will be Director Bill Murphy at a on growing and nurturing, recent city commission meet- the latter with the Small ing showed construction Business Development totals for 2012 at $11.3 mil- Center (SBDC) at Edison lion, with three expansion Community College, and to projects at Hartzell Air partner with the City of Movement, Industry Piqua, Chamber of Products Co., and Crayex. Commerce, Mainstreet Murphy also shared news Piqua and the SBDC for a from local Industrial Door second annual Business Company, a recent recipient Connect Program. from the Tax Credit Last will be to advocate Authority for approval of a and promote which will Job Creation Tax Credit include the fourth annual (JCTC) at a value of approx- State of Economic imately $45,000. The compa- Development event, particiny plans to use the funding pate in the Automotive
6 February 2013
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Progress 2013
County fair activites and fun all year long BY MELANIE YINGST Civitas Media myingst@tdnpublishing.com MIAMI COUNTY — Just because the Miami County Fair is held in mid-August, doesn’t mean the venue is dormant 51 weeks out of the year. Miami County Fair manager and secretary Shelley Keller said the multipurpose Duke Lundgard building is booked every weekend through late spring and events are being added to the calendar throughout the year. “We are booked solid every weekend through Memorial Day,” Keller said.”It’s great and we are happy to host any event that brings people out to the fairgrounds to enjoy.” Events range from truck and tractor pulls, an annual swap meet, dog shows, Relay for Life and auctions which the community is open to patronize through the year. Keller said several auctions have already been scheduled and the fairgrounds will be one of the many sites near Troy who will be allowing camping for the Troy’s Stopover tour headlined by Mumford & Sons on Aug. 30 and 31 for $50 a night. Keller said future changes to the fairgrounds may possibly include a potential landscaping contest by local landscape companies and artists.Keller said she hopes to draw interest from local landscaping companies and artists will contribute their skills as well as take place in a friendly competition during fair week. “We’d like to have landscaping companies come out and make the fair grounds all pretty and then have people to vote during the fair for their favorite landscape,” Keller said.
Miniatures, Caricatures, Wildlife and much more. Upper Valley Fiber Fest 2013 – May 18 & 19, 2013 – Live Animals ~ Fibers ~ Handspun Yarns ~ Hand-woven Items ~ Fiber Tools ~ Knitting Items ~ Weave-in on Saturday ~ Spin-in on Sunday. June Echo Hills Kennel Club Dog Show – June 14, 15 & 16 – For more information call (937) 947-2059 Fantazia Circus – June 21 & 22 2013; Shows on Friday, June 21st at 7:00 pm with
two shows on Saturday, June 22nd at 4:30 and 7:00 pm. The shows consists of acrobats, jugglers, clowns, aerialists, motorcycle thrill riders and audience involvement and they give FREE Children Tickets to schools and most retailers in town. July July 5 & 6, 2013 – MCAPA and the Miami County Fairboard Presents The Miami County Shootout Truck & Tractor Pulls contact fair office for additional information.
BY ANTHONY WEBER/CIVITAS MEDIA
The Miami County Fair is the biggest — but not the only — event put on by the Miami County Agricultural Society. Keller said more arts and crafts vendors also are needed for the annual fair. “We are always looking for more arts and crafts vendors to fill the tents,” Keller said. “We had a nice mix last year and had a great turnout for them.” Keller also said the website will be receiving a new look in the coming weeks. “We are getting ready to redo our website in the next couple weeks to make it more user friendly,” Keller said. For more information about any of the events or questions, check the Miami County Fair’s website calendar at www.miamicountyohiofair.com for dates: For a complete list of year round events, select the calendar option. April Friends of the Library – April 18 – 21 Troy Animal Swap Meet & Flea Market – Spring event April 27 & 28; Fall event Sept. 21 & 22. Come see the Big Troy, Ohio Flea Market & Animal Swap meet event. This event features every kind of flea market treasure you can
imagine plus exotic animals, dogs, goats, pot belly pigs, poultry and other farm animals. Brukner Gem & Mineral Show – April 27 & 28 If you are interested in learning all about rocks, minerals, gems & general sciences come out and visit the Brukner Gem & Mineral Show. May Friday, May 3, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.- Relay for Life No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at a Relay for Life event. Each dollar you raise will help save lives. How far will you go to make a difference in the fight against cancer? By supporting a Relay For Life event, you help make the American Cancer Society’s mission possible, and that helps us all move closer to our ultimate goal: a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Thursday, Friday and Saturday May 90 11 — Miami County Community Garage Sale. In order to raise money to install a commercial kitchen in the Duke Lundgard Building on the fairgrounds,
the Miami County Community Garage Sale.The sale will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday May 911. The sale will begin at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Miami County Agricultural Society will begin accepting gently used items of any kind (no clothes) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. at the Secretary’s Office beginning April 10. All proceeds go to the renovation and installation of a commercial kitchen in the Duke Lundgard Building. 37th Annual Brukner Woodcarving Show – May 18 & 19, 2013 – This show has been going on without missing a beat since its inception in 1976. It has changed a bit but has never ceased to bring forth great woodcarvings and wood art all the while benefiting Brukner Nature Center. Features some of the top carvers in Ohio! You are invited to enjoy and or purchase their works including Fine Art, Collectibles, Chip Carvings, Decoys,
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Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Progress 2013
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Area businesses rebounding
ANTHONY WEBER/STAFF PHOTO
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Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Progress 2013
Resurgence due to growth in manufacturing sector TROY — At the beginning of 2013, Troy area businesses are rebounding after the worst recession in recent history. The Miami County unemployment rate for December 2012 was 6.1 percent, the lowest rate since June 2008, more than four years ago. And we are anticipating strong growth in the Troy area
economy for 2013. Much of the resurgence is due to the growth in our manufacturing sector. Earlier this month, manufacturers in the Dayton region were asked, “What percent of growth or decline do you see for your company in 2013?” The results were that 80 percent of the respondents said they expect to see an increase in growth, with 60 percent of them expecting the increase to be at least
10 percent. And 55 percent of the companies were planning on buying new equipment. A significant portion of the growth in manufacturing is related to the recent success of Honda’s Accord and Civic, among other new car sales. After the earthquake and the flood that cut Honda sales by 50 percent in 2011, the company has announced more than $700 million in new investments in their west-
ern Ohio assembly and engine plants. The company also recently announced that they were exporting their 1,000,000th auto from the U.S. While the American Honda Motor distribution center has remained busy throughout the recession, other Honda suppliers, such as F & P, have now returned to full production and now employ over 900 people. In 2012, the Troy operations of Asian-owned
companies contributed approximately $64 million to our local economy. But growth in the automotive sector is only part of the story. In 2012, Remedi SeniorCare opened its new $18 million pharmaceutical distribution operation in Troy, which employs 160 people. This world-class operation provides services to nursing homes, which will continue to grow as the Ohio population continues to age. And the Abbott Labs facility in Tipp City will continue to add jobs to produce nutritional products for seniors and infants. In 2012, Hobart Brothers moved some operations to a new facility on Corporate Drive, and a number of our outstanding manufacturers expanded
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BY J.C. WALLACE President of Troy Development Council
operations including 3 ConAgra, Sigma, Spinnaker, Freudenberg NOK and Raymath. Also in 2012, Crown Equipment, the global leader in the production of lift trucks, announced it will invest in new operations in Troy, and Tagnetics and SpectraCam have both recently opened operations in Troy. “The goals of the Troy Development Council in 2013 will be to help our companies compete for technical and professional employees,” said Ron Musilli, chairman of the TDC, “and to keep our companies and Troy citizens informed about the progress and opportunities that our world-class companies are making.”
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Village officials working to fill vacancies While helping established businesses expand BY TOM MILLHOUSE attracting new businesses. Staff Writer “We’re only six miles tmillhouse@civitasmedia.com from the interstate and we have three highways (U.S. COVINGTON — With 36, State Route 41 and State an eye toward bolstering the Route 48) running through local economy, Covington the village,” he said, noting village officials are working the Ohio Department of to find businesses to locate Transportation reports in vacant industrial sites as there are an average of well as assisting existing 10,000 vehicles passing businesses seeking to through Covington each day. expand. In addition to working on “We are working with the economic development, the Miami County Department village also is pursuing a of Development to market project to improve the local vacant buildings, such as quality of life. Busse said the old Remedi building and the village has acquired the Starbrook building,” land for a future bike path. said Covington Village “The master plan is to Administrator Mike Busse. He said he meets at least once a month with Justin Summer, who is director of the Miami County Economic Development Department. Busse noted there has been some movement to renovate one of the Remedi buildings for use as offices for local doctors. “We also work with existing businesses to obtain grants and funding for expansion,” Busse said, adding that there are several local businesses that are doing very well, including Force Design and Concept Machine. In addition to the buildings in the local industrial park, a private owner has nine acres of land for sale. Busse said utility services are available if a buyer is found for the property. “Our goal is to fill all of our buildings,” said. Mayor Ed McCord. “We are continuing to look to attract new businesses to Covington.” Busse said Covington’s location is an asset in
connect with Piqua and Wilderness Outfitters, 102. Bradford to complete the N. High St., opened its doors East-West Loop, Busse said. in October. Esther Alspaugh, president of the Covington Chamber of Commerce, said the village has seen some new businesses open in recent months, including Guarnieri’s Pizzeria, Vogel’s Bake Shop and Batter ‘n Grounds. The first two businesses, which had ribbon-cutting ceremonies in early February, are located in the same building at 110 E. Broadway. Batter’ Grounds is locatAlspaugh, who is office ed at 109 N. High. American
manager of Office Automation in Covington, said the chamber is working with the village to bring growth to Covington and also is participating in joint activities with other chambers in the area, including Piqua, Troy, Tipp City and Sidney. “The village and the chamber are working together more,” she said. Chamber plans for this year include the Christmas Candlelight Open House in November. The weekend event includes an annual holiday tour of homes. Alspaugh said the chamber
also will participate community dinners during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Another project on the drawing board is placing new signs to welcome visitors into the village. The signs will be erected at the entrances to the village. Alspaugh said school children will be planting flowers around the signs. The chamber also played a role in the successful Summer Bash celebration last summer in the village, as well as the holiday meals and the Christmas Candlelight Open House.
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10 February 2013
Progress 2013
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Farmers markets a county success story From Piqua to Tipp City, area growers have much to offer
ning market in Miami County. Located at the intersection of West Main Street and Experiment Farm Road in the Friendly’s restaurant parking lot, the market will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October. Roger Wulber, president of the Miami County Farmers Market, said the market features many vendors who offer fruits, vegetables, bedding plants and other goods.
BY TOM MILLHOUSE Staff Writer tmillhouse@civitasmedia.com
• Miami County Farmers Market: Located at the corner of State Route 41 (West Main Street) and Experiment Farm Road in Troy (Friendly Ice Cream restaurant parking lot), the market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from the first Saturday in May through the first Saturday in October. The market offers fruit, vegetables, crafts and other items. • Piqua Community Farmers Market: Open each Thursday from 2-6 p.m. from May 23
MIKE ULLERY/STAFF PHOTO
The Bella Bella Designs booth is just one of the vendors on hand at the 2012 Piqua Farmer’s Market. The market is held each Thursday afternoon along Canal Place and behind the former Piqua Daily Call offices at the intersection of Spring and Ash streets. small farmers and other vendors. “It’s a good opportunity for them to get their products out there,” Swisher said. While the drought and heat had an adverse effect on area markets, organizers are hoping for better conditions this year. In the case of Piqua, the market — located at the usually busy intersection of Spring and Ash streets — also had to overcome the problem of Ash Street being closed last summer for construction. The project was completed last fall, so the market will benefit from the much heavier traffic flow through the area. The market is open from 2-6 p.m. each Thursday from May 23 through Sept.
19. Karin Manovich, executive director of Troy Mainstreet, said the downtown market enjoyed a very strong following last year. “It was a great year, we had double the number of vendors and double the attendance,” she said. The market, located on South Cherry Street, between Main and Franklin streets, is in its third year. The hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each Saturday from June 22 through Sept. 14. There will be extended hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the Taste of Troy event in September. Manovich said the market will feature live music and art at various times during the season. There will be several
changes for the farmers market in Tipp City, starting with the name. Formerly the Tippecanoe Farmers Market, it will now be known as the Tipp City Marketplace. It also will have a new location, the corner of Third and Broadway. The market, which will run from the middle of June to September, will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The market will have a different focus this year. “We’re focusing on healthy living,” said Ben Deacon of the market organizing committee. Deacon said there will be cooking classes and educational materials on healthy living. Entering its 24th year, the Miami County Farmers Market is the longest-run-
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MIAMI COUNTY — When local residents want fresh produce or baked goods, there are plenty of vendors waiting to meet their requests at the farmers markets located throughout Miami County. With their roots in the open-air markets that were found throughout the nation in the 1800s and early 1900s, local farmers market have made a resurgence in recent years as consumers seek to eat healthier and support local entrepreneurs. For example the Piqua Farmers Market has developed a steady clientele since its founding five years ago. “We’ve been very pleased with the acceptance of the community,” said Lorna Swisher, executive director of Mainstreet Piqua. “There’s such a good relationship between the vendors and customers.” While meeting the desire of consumers to purchase locally grown produce and other products, farmers markets also provides a good source of income for
through Sept. 19, the market is tentatively scheduled to be located in downtown Piqua at the intersection of Spring and Ash streets in the Canal Place in the former Piqua Daily Call parking lot. The market features a variety of produce and other products sold by local vendors. • Troy Farmers Market: The market hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from June 22 through Sept. 14. Located in downtown Troy on South Cherry Street between Main and Franklin streets, the market offers a variety of fruit, and vegetables, soaps and arts and crafts. • Tipp City Marketplace: Open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each Saturday from the middle of June through September, the market is at a new location, the corner of Third and Broadway, Tipp City. Local vendors offer a variety of vegetables, fruit, crafts, baked goods and other items. Special programs on health eating and blood pressure checks will be among the events this year at the market.
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Progress 2013
February 2013
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Virtual market yields real results URBANA – Like any other consumer market, farmers’ markets require some degree of guesswork. Vendors assess which crops and how many will sell, hoping to avoid carrying extras or under supplying the market. Customers have a similar dilemma. A new medium is removing the guesswork for users of an Internet-based market in Champaign County. For any one person, the selling or buying experience takes five minutes, enough time to drop off a batch of baked breads or pick up a pre-ordered supply of bulk hamburger. The products are fresh and homemade. Most are competitively priced, while a few are pricier than products residents may find in stores. Milk, for example, may go for $6 a gallon. “But you can meet the man who milks the cow,” manager and volunteer Heather Tiefenthaler said of the program she helped launched in May 2012. “This food has a very short shelf life, only a three-day shelf life for the bread … but they’re just so good.” Urbana’s digital market is among hundreds across the country residing at LocallyGrown.Net, but was the first to appear in Ohio, say organizers. The Urbana page is at champaignoh.locallygrown.net. It now boasts 216 active customers and 30 vendors, who in the program’s first seven months racked up a combined $12,400 in sales. “Some of our vendors have grossed $2,000,” Tiefenthaler said in early January. “Our dairy guy receives a $100 check every week.” Three percent of the total sales are paid to the creator of LocallyGrown.Net, Eric Wagoner of Georgia. With more than 20 product categories displayed on an interactive webpage, Urbana’s site allows users to buy directly from producers in their area. “I think this is the future of how to reach more customers,” said Tiefenthaler, also a member of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) and the Champaign Family YMCA board. “It’s a different niche. It’s not just a farmer’s market.” Offered year-round, market goers can choose from baked goods including basil bread, angel food cake and brownies; spices such as Cajun seasoning and pepper powder; dairy products such as Greek yogurt and whole milk; and meats served in a variety of ways including beef sirloin steak and pork patties. The list is ongoing. Apple butter, blackberry jam and candy apple jelly top the list of jams and jellies. Garlic products are a category unto themselves, offering gourmet garlic flakes and Susanville softneck garlic. Look inside the “Farm Crafts” tab to find handmade wallets and cell phone sleeves delivered from Mechanicsburg. There are processed foods, prepared foods, flower bouquets, fruits, gourds, pies, eggs, honey, syrup, popcorn, grains and milled products, and the list continues. The summer months bring a variety of tomatoes, peppers, squash, radishes, onions, blackberries, raspberries and spinach, to name a few.
“Right before Christmas, we were still having $700 weeks,” Tiefenthaler said, adding local residents still are learning about the yearround options. The average order is about $20. Strip away the catchy medium and the products stand by themselves, says Tiefenthaler. Buyers can trace their produce to farmers, bakers and A screen shot of “The craftsmen from Urbana, Market” part of the Springfield, New Champaign County Virtual Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Farmers' Market website. Rosewood, Cable, Bellefontaine, Zanesfield and other areas in the tri-county area. The food is fresh, lacks preservatives and is inspected thoroughly by volunteers upon arrival. Volunteers include Pam Bowshier, an artisan bread baker who sells Cosmic Charlie Bread, frozen pizza dough and rolls at the market. Mark Runyan, owner of Oakview Farm Fresh Meats, south of Urbana, raises breeding animals to sell across the country and sells a variety of frozen meats at the market with the help of his son, Myer. Both Bowsher and Runyan, as well as volunteer Charlene Stapleton of Urbana, have helped Tiefenthaler set up tables at the Champaign Family Y and handle the operations. Tiefenthaler hopes to turn over the market to them in the near future. “Pam does a great job,” Tiefenthaler said. “She does all the sales reports and invoice operations.” “This is going to be something that’s invaluable,” Stapleton said of the market. “I think it’s a great asset for people.” Site users must create a login account, but are not required to pay a registration fee. That may change, however, after the program’s $20,000 grant awarded by the YMCA of the USA runs its course. Even then, said Tiefenthaler, any fee would be minimal due to the program’s low costs. Sought competitively by local YMCAs nationwide, the grant was one of 23 awarded in the United States. It is • RESTORATIONS
expected to last another six months before the Urbana market will need to find another revenue source. Tiefenthaler is conducting a study to determine the best and cheapest way of assessing membership fees. The goal is to build a self-sufficient market. The big attractions, she said, are reduced work for vendors, convenience for customers and no more guesswork for either side. Vendors regularly update the quantities of each item available on the webpage, and buyers can leave requests or concerns in a comments section. “The customers enjoy it this way and I think they would be OK with a membership fee,” she said. Organizers say the challenge will be growing the vendor and customer bases hand-in-hand. A Facebook page and weblog can be accessed on the website, as social media has played a key role in its publicity. “Someone will like us on Facebook,” said Tiefenthaler, “and they’ll have five friends that say, ‘Yes, I believe in buying locally.’” “We just network all over the place,” added Bowshier. The idea started with Tiefenthaler. With her pressing the issue and electing to lead the program, former YMCA director Kathy Finney worked toward obtaining the grant. Today, Tiefenthaler oversees the webpage, deliveries, collections and transactions, but has yet to take any of the grant money directed toward work compensations. On Thursdays, the consumer pick-up point is located in the lobby of the Champaign Y, 191 Community Drive. Before arriving, members can select from a drop-down menu of available items on the website accompanied by pictures, prices and vendor information. When an order is placed, transactions aren’t finalized until buyers collect their orders and make payments between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays on site. Vendors are expected to drop off their items within an hour of the market’s opening. If either a vendor or customer fails to appear on any given Thursday, deductions are made from the weekly order placements and earnings. Tiefenthaler is hopeful the future holds more products and capabilities. She also hopes the virtual market will complement traditional markets in St. Paris, Mechanicsburg, North Lewisburg and Urbana. The new program is a community service, not a competitor, and easily can be implemented at any market, she said.
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12 February 2013
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Progress 2013
The incredible egg Poultry farmers enrich county BY BETHANY J. ROYER Civitas Media broyer@civitasmedia.com
hether it’s served sunny side up, hard boiled, or scrambled, the egg is far more than a simple debate of which came first, be it or the hen. For both consumer and for producer, eggs are a nutritional, affordable powerhouse and a true heavy weight in the farming industry. Especially, in the state of Ohio, the second largest egg producer in the nation, with Darke and Mercer counties leading the pack.
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ty of the egg to ensure it is free of salmonella and other bacteria to keep consumers safe. “That’s something we are very proud of as well.” However, the egg in its entirety is not the only method by which it reaches a consumer’s plate, as some eggs are broken in eggbreaking facilities before being transported, in much the same process as whole eggs in terms of refrigeration and with the same applicable health and safety food standards, but as egg yolks or egg whites. Which is then used in the restaurant industry or for food manufacturing for such products as cake and cookie mixes. The big question for many consumers, of course, is the nutrition factor, as ongoing research has created much debate on whether or not eggs are a healthy lifestyle option, particularly when it comes to cholesterol. “It originally came out that eggs had cholesterol in them and what we have found out, in research since then, is that the cholesterol in the egg is much less than we thought it was,” said Chakeres as eggs went
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In 2011 alone, Ohio chickens, some 28 million hens and nearly 9 million pullets, produced more than 7.6 billion eggs at a value of $490 million a year, according to information provided by Jim Chakeres, Executive Vice President of the American Poultry Association, who had much to share on how the egg is doing these days and how it makes it from hen to the plate. “Some of the numbers and demographics can change at any given time, but it’s pretty dense in terms of egg production,” said Chakeres in regards to the enormous output by area counties from Cooper Farms in St. Henry, to Weaver Brothers in Versailles, Cal-Maine Foods in Rossburg, Ross Medford Farms in New Weston, Hemmelgarn & Sons Inc. in Coldwater, and several independent producers. “Our farmers take
CHAKERES
egg production very seriously, we are producing a safe, wholesome nutritious product.” A product that begins with the welfare of the hen whose care falls under a set of standards, guidelines, and inspections. Whether it is proper nutrition or a safe, clean environment, commercial egg farmers participate in the United Egg Producers Certified Animal Care program that consists of standards from cage space to molting, even trimming of beaks. “The big thing, we go through so many different inspections, and audits, on food safety, the care of the hens, the environmental responsibility of the farmers and taking care of the land and water, there is so much about quality control
that goes on,” said Chakeres of third-party auditing inspections that many consumers may not be aware of, along with the amount of dedication, time, and energy that goes into making sure high standards and thresholds are met. From the inspection process that moves from the hen to the washing, grading and eventually packaging of an egg. In fact, just a few short hours after being laid and processed, an egg can be found in refrigeration. The utmost care and safety of an egg means it is kept refrigerated throughout the transportation process and into your local grocery store before finding its way to your home after purchasing. “That’s an important process, food safety is very important, all my folks have training in terms of food safety and have to go through several different inspections and protocols every day to ensure egg safety is foremost in their mind,” said Chakeres as he explained an Egg Assurance Quality program, one of the first five programs created nationally, that focuses on the safe-
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Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Southwest Breakfast Burritos Ingredients: 8 oz. turkey breakfast sausages, casings removed 1/2 red or green bell pepper, diced 4 eggs, beaten 4 whole wheat tortillas (8 to 10-inch), warmed 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese (4 oz.) Preparation: Coat large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Cook sausage over medium heat, breaking into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Pour off all but 1 Tab. drippings. Add bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Pour eggs over mixture in skillet. As eggs begin to set, gently pull the eggs across the pan with an inverted turner, forming large soft curds. Continue cooking – pulling, lifting and folding eggs – until thickened and no visible liquid egg remains. Do not stir constantly. Spoon egg mixture into center of tortillas, dividing evenly; sprinkle with cheese. Fold in sides of tortillas, then roll up burritostyle. Servings: 4 people an egg a day, or a couple, is okay,” said Chakeres who emphasized how continuing research shows that eating eggs for breakfast, the high-quality protein that they offer, equates to fewer calories being consumed the rest of
the day. “For people wanting to lose weight, including eggs and that protein as part of your diet, especially first thing in the morning, is a great weight loss tool.” Another benefit when looking at the nutrition
eggs have to offer is the price. “It’s the affordable, wholesome, nutritionpacked little package,” said Chakeres. “Where else can you get that for 75 calories
February 2013
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Just the egg facts: • Ohio’s egg, chicken and turkey farms create more than 16,850 jobs generating $385 million in earnings to the state’s economy. • Most Ohio egg, chicken and turkey farmers live near their farms, so it is in their best interest to protect the environment within their own communities. • All large egg and poultry operations in Ohio are regulated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which sets strict guidelines for management of manure and other environmental impacts and requires regular inspections. • Ohio’s egg, chicken and turkey farmers purchase more than $5.4 million in utilities and more than $93.8 million in agricultural- and business-related services. • In 2008, Ohio’s egg, chicken and turkey farmers used 33 million bushels of the state’s corn crop and 16.2 million bushels of Ohio’s soybean crop. At an average price of $4.21/bushel of corn and $10.30/bushel for soybeans, this amounts to expenditures totaling $305.8 million. • More than 600 egg farmers and farmers belong to the Ohio Poultry Association, which takes an active role in educating the public and sharing industry information among its members.
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than we thought it was,” said Chakeres as eggs went from 215 mg of cholesterol down to 184 after further study. “At the same time that research was done we found an egg has so much more vitamin D in it than we thought.” An analysis shows the egg provides a host of vitamins, from foliate, to iron and zinc, to a whopping 41 IU of vitamin D. It is also an excellent source of choline, a nutrient imperative to fetal brain development, and may even help to prevent age-related memory decline. Besides packing a vitamin punch, eggs are low in sodium and protein-rich, the latter at a value of 94 percent, which is used as a comparison to grade other foods such as milk with 85 percent protein, fish 76 percent, and beef 74 percent. “For normal, healthy
Progress 2013
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Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Progress 2013
Drought takes toll on corn yields across U.S. Shortage idles 20 ethanol plants BY JIM SALTER Associated Press ST. LOUIS (AP) — The persistent drought is taking a toll on producers of ethanol, with corn becoming so scarce that nearly two dozen ethanol plants have been forced to halt production. The Renewable Fuels Association, an ethanol industry trade group, provided data to The Associated Press showing that 20 of the nation’s 211 ethanol plants have ceased production over the past year, including five in January. Most remain open, with workers spending time performing maintenance-type tasks. But ethanol production won’t likely resume until after 2013 corn is harvested in late August or September. Industry experts don’t expect a shortage — millions of barrels are stockpiled and the remaining 191 plants are still producing. Still, there is growing concern about what happens if the drought lingers through another corn-growing season. “There’s a lot of anxiety in the industry right now about the drought and a lot 2363740
NATI HARNIK, FILE/AP PHOTO
This Oct. 4, 2012 file photo shows un-harvested corn in a field near Council Bluffs, Iowa. Corn growers had high hopes going into the 2012 planting season but the drought that began last spring hit the corn crop hard. As a result, corn prices skyrocketed and corn has become scarce in some regions, forcing 20 ethanol plants around the country to halt production. Most are not expected to resume production until after 2013 corn is harvested in late August or September.
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of folks watching the weather and hoping and praying this drought is going to break,” said Geoff Cooper, vice president for research and analysis for the Renewable Fuels Association. “If we get back to a normal pattern and normal corn crop, then I think the industry is in good shape,” Cooper said. “But if this drought persists and it has the same effect on this coming corn crop, then we’ve got a problem.” America’s ethanol industry has taken off in the past decade. Plants in 28 states produce more than 13 billion gallons of ethanol each year, Cooper said. By comparison, in 2002, the industry produced 2.1 billion gallons. Today, roughly 10 percent of the U.S. gasoline supply is made up of the biofuel. Roughly 95 percent of U.S. ethanol is made from corn. The National Corn Growers Association estimates that 39 percent of the U.S. corn crop is used in ethanol production. Corn producers had high hopes going into 2012. Record harvests were predicted. Then the weather dried up. The drought began before planting and never stopped. Even though more acres were planted in 2012 compared to 2011, 13 percent less corn was harvested. Availability of locally produced corn is vital for ethanol plants since having it shipped in is too expensive. To make matters worse, the drought hit hardest in many of the top corn-growing states. Six of the 20 ethanol plants that stopped production are in Nebraska, two in Indiana, and two in
Minnesota. Ten states have seen one plant affected. Cooper said the 20 plants employ roughly 1,000 workers combined, but it wasn’t known how many have been laid off. Valero Energy Corp., idled three plants last year — in North Linden, Ind., and Albion, Neb., in June; and in Bloomingburg, Ohio, in December. Five plants ceased production in January alone — Abengoa plants in the Nebraska towns of York and Ravenna; a White Energy plant in Plainview, Texas; an Aemetis facility in Keyes, Calif.; and POET Biorefining’s midMissouri plant in Macon. The production stoppages are cutting into ethanol production. The 770,000 gallons per day produced in the last full week of January were the fewest since the U.S. Energy Information Administration began tracking weekly data in June 2010. That’s not much of an issue for consumers, at least for now, because there are plenty of stockpiles of ethanol. Purdue University agriculture economist Chris Hurt said the nation has more than 20 million barrels of ethanol in stock, slightly more than a year ago, largely because Americans are driving less and driving more fuel-efficient cars. Cooper said, though, that stockpiles are expected to dwindle in the spring and summer as demand picks up and plants remain idled. Hurt said the ethanol industry needs an end to the drought, a strong corn
Progress 2013 crop and a drop in corn prices. Corn futures were $5.51 a bushel in May, before the drought’s impact took hold. Prices rose to a peak of $8.34 per bushel in August and were $7.46 per bushel last week. “I cannot see any profitability in this industry until we get lower corn prices, and it’s going to take a reasonable-sized U.S. crop,” Hurt said. Officials at the nation’s leading ethanol makers — Archer Daniels Midland and POET — declined to speculate about whether additional plants will close. POET spokesman Matt Merritt said producing ethanol at Macon became cost-prohibitive because of the lack of available Missouri corn, and shipping it in was simply too expensive. Cooper said most of the idled plants expect to restart production — just not anytime soon. Corn is expected to remain scarce and expensive at least until the 2013 crop is harvested, starting in late August and into September. Cooper believes ethanol production won’t resume at most plants until then. For now, many of the plants remain open with workers doing maintenance or helping to modernize the facilities while they wait for production to resume, Cooper said. Only one of the closed production facilities, an ADM plant in Wallhalla, N.D., may be closed for good, Cooper said. “Generally the industry is optimistic,” Cooper said. “We’re just going through a rough patch here.” Not everyone associat-
February 2013
ed with the industry is that optimistic. Brian Baalman farms near Menlo, Kan., typically growing 8,000 acres of corn each year. Last year’s crop was about one-third of that. This year, he may plant only the one-third of his acreage where irrigation is available this summer. Like many growers, Baalman has a direct interest in ethanol. He is on the board of Western Plans Energy in Oakley, Kan., and has stock in seven ethanol plants. He said near-record prices for corn, driven up by the drought-fueled shortage, are making ethanol production costs too high. “We are burning up all our excess cash just to stay running at a reduced rate to keep people working and keep the people there, keep the lights on, so to speak,” Baalman said. “It’s very tough right now.” “A lot of these ethanol plants aren’t going to make it,” Baalman said.
Below is a list of idled plants and the month they ceased operation: NEBRASKA Midwest Renewable Energy LLC in Sutherland, February 2012. NEDAK Ethanol, in Atkinson, June. Valero-Albion in Albion, June. Aventine in Aurora-East, September. Abengoa in York, January. Abengoa in Ravenna, January. INDIANA Valero in North Linden, June. New Energy Corp. in South Bend, November. MINNESOTA Central Minnesota Ethanol Co-op in Little Falls, August. Biofuel Energy in Fairmont, September. NORTH DAKOTA ADM in Wallhalla, March. ARIZONA Pinal Energy in Maricopa, July.
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KANSAS East Kansas Agri-Energy in Garnett, August. ILLINOIS Aventine-dry mill in Pekin, September. GEORGIA Southwest Georgia Ethanol in Camilla, October. MISSISSIPPI Bunge-Ergon in Vicksburg, November. OHIO Valero in Bloomingburg, December. MISSOURI POET in Macon, January. TEXAS White Energy in Plainview, January. CALIFORNIA Aemetis in Keyes, January.
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Progress 2013
A successful year for Troy United Way
ANTHONY WEBER/STAFF PHOTO
United Way Campaign co-chairman Greg Taylor, left, along with Troy United Way’s executive director Richard Bender, center, and Chairman Bill Barney discuss the community support given to the United Way last fall at Prouty Plaza.
TROY — The past year has been one of success for the United Way of Troy. Our mission to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another through participation in the annual campaign has been achieved. Contributions to our 2012 campaign came from individuals, corporations, businesses, employee groups and professionals throughout our community. The United Way of Troy continues to focus on the impact of funded agency programs and services in our community. In order to provide partner agencies the funding necessary to continue their programs and services, we concentrated our campaign efforts to increase giving at companies who have consistently supported
United Way. In addition, we pursued businesses that are new to our community. These efforts contributed to the 2012 fund drive which has raised, at the time of this writing, $799,400 that will benefit our partner agencies during 2013. Reaching our campaign goal will allow us to further assist these organizations whose programs and services will touch thousands of people in the Troy community during the year to come. The success of the 2012 campaign will also ensure that the United Way of Troy will continue to provide vital information and referral services to people in need throughout our community. In addition to providing financial assistance to our partner health and human service agencies, the success of last year’s campaign will also allow us to provide Community Impact Grants
to other community organizations. These special grants allow us to increase the impact of donor contributions by targeting emerging community needs that are not currently addressed by our partner agencies. We are proud that our administration and fund raising costs, at 12.17 percent, have remained low in comparison to other nonprofit organizations. We have been fortunate that our fundraising costs were recov-
ered, in part, by a grant from the General Fund of the Troy Foundation. We will continue to pursue sponsorship by area firms to reduce our annual campaign costs. We look forward to continued success for our organization during 2013. With ongoing support from our volunteers and donors we are optimistic that our efforts will make Troy a better place for all who live and work in our community.
(937) 339-6761 The Family Abuse Shelter assists victims of physical and emotional violence with the following confidential services at no cost: temporary emergency housing, counseling, crisis intervention, transportation and a multitude of other advocacy services. • Family Service Association. Services for the Deaf: (937) 222-9481 Provides programs and services for citizens who are deaf or have diminished hearing ability. Advocacy services include representatives who accompany the person with hearing loss to meetings, appointments with physicians and other professionals, to serve as an interpreter. • Partners In Hope: (937) 335-0448 www.partnersinhopeinc.org Provides financial assistance with medical costs, prescriptions, rent, food, shelter, utilities, transportation, budget planning, resume writing and employment search counseling. • St. Patrick Soup Kitchen: (937) 335-7939 www.soupkitchen.org Provides food and fellowship activities for the less fortunate in the Troy community. Nourishing dinnertime meals are served daily. • The New Path: (937) 669-1213 www.newpathoutreach.org CONTINUED ON PG. 17
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BY RICHARD BENDER Executive Director Troy United Way
United Way of Troy Agencies and Partner Programs Community and Family Stability Services • American Red Cross, Miami County, Ohio Chapter: (937) 332-1414 www.nmvredcross.org The Miami County Chapter of the American Red Cross provides emergency services for fire and disaster victims. Instruction is available for CPR training, first aid and water safety. The Red Cross serves military personnel and their families in time of need as a source of communication and financial assistance. • CASA/GAL: (937) 335-0209 www.miamicountycasa.org Provides volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children to speak up for their interests while the Juvenile Court of Miami County is determining their placement. Often times, CASA is the only stable relationship the child has during their time within the court system. • Child Care Choices: (937) 667-1799 w w w. c h i l d - c a r e choices.org Child Care Choices identifies child care providers for Miami County families and provides current child care information, training and support for both care givers and families needing their services. • Family Abuse Shelter of Miami County:
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Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News Provides food and financial assistance for rent, utilities and urgent care to the needy living in the Troy/Miami County area. • Troy Senior Citizen Center: (937) 335-2810 The Troy Senior Citizen Center offers a place where senior citizens can gather for companionship, recreation, arts and crafts, counseling and/or referral services to other human service agencies. Additional programs include health and wellness screenings, tax preparation assistance and a variety of other workshops. Health Services and Programs • Altrusa Mobile Meals: (937) 332-0036 The mobile meal program allows the sick and elderly to remain in their homes as long as possible by providing one hot meal a day at lunchtime. Individuals unable to prepare their own meals receive a well-balanced meal prescribed by their physician. 8 Health Partners of Miami County: (937) 332-0894 www.healthpartnersclinic.org Health Partners of Miami County provides diagnostic and treatment services to individuals who are either uninsured or have only minimal health care coverage. The free clinic offers professional services provided by volunteer physicians and nurses. Services include treatment, medications and referral to other area agencies to serve the needs of the individual. • Hospice of Miami County: (937) 335-5191 www.hospiceofmiamicounty.org Hospice of Miami County is a home health agency designed to coordinate a program for terminally ill patients and their families. Hospice emphasizes total care provided by a multi-disciplinary team, to include the physician, the Hospice personnel, and the patient’s family. Hospice provides physical care, emotional support, advocacy, symptom and pain management, and bereavement support services. • Miami County Dental Clinic: (937) 339-8656 www.miamicountydentalclinic.com Provides affordable dental care to uninsured and underinsured people living in the Troy/Miami County area. • Miami County Recovery Council: (937) 335-4543 www.mcrcinc.org Miami County Alcoholism Council provides assistance to area residents, employees and/or their families in this community who suffer a problem related to alcohol. The program provides information, educational programs, diagnostic treatment and counseling, as well as referral services. • New Creation Counseling Center: (937) 667-4678 www.newcreationcounselingcenter.org Provides affordable counseling services to people throughout the community. Professional counselors and a variety of support groups are available to the community. • Miami County Well Child Clinic: (937) 440-5432 www.miamicountyhealth.net The Well Child Clinic is dedicated to keeping children healthy. The Clinic provides medical screenings, immunizations, developmental testing, laboratory tests, referrals,
Progress 2013 hearing and vision screenings to children in the Troy area. • Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development: (937) 773-7630 www.rcnd.org The Rehabilitation Center works with people of all ages who have suffered severe neurological injuries such as strokes or paralysis due to head injuries or lack of oxygen, as well as other neurological disorders. • Troy Milk Fund: (937) 623-1952 The Troy Milk Fund was established in 1951 and is dedicated to supplying milk to needy Troy families. A milk based Supplemental Food/Crisis Intervention Program provides food to the hungry, with special emphasis given to prenatal clients and their families. Also conducts an in-school dental hygiene program for area elementary schools • Troy Nursing Association: (937) 623-1952 The Troy Nursing Association was founded in 1923 and was the first member agency to receive support from the United Way of Troy. Troy Nursing provides assistance with medications, health-related equipment and referral services to other health and human service agencies. Youth and Educational Services & Programs • Boy Scouts — Miami Valley Council: (937) 278-4825 www.mvcbsa.org The Miami Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America offers scouting programs to build character, citizenship and personal fitness to boys in the Troy area. • Girl Scouts — Buckeye Trails: (937) 275-7601 www.girlscoutsofwesternohio.org Buckeye Trails Girl Scouts provides girls ages 5-17 scouting activities to develop strong planning and leadership skills, as well as participation in camping programs. • DreamBuilders Group Inc: (937) 667-1069 Ext. 274 www.dreambuildersgroup.org The DreamBuilders /Clubhouse is an after school latch key program designed and led by teens who offer children positive role models and activities such as tutoring, valuesetting, community involvement and recreation. • Lincoln Community Center: (937) 335-2715 www.lcctroy.com Promotes recreational, cultural, social, and educational programs for all citizens of Troy. Develops character building programs and community involvement through a multitude of civic activities. The center offers recreational and instructional swimming programs, youth basketball, aerobics and a pre-school program. • The Future Begins Today-Homework Helper Program: (937) 332-0467 www.thefuturebeginstoday.org Provides after school tutoring services and assistance with homework to at-risk children in the Troy school system. • Troy Playground Association: (937) 339-5145 Troy Playground provides children structured playground programs throughout the summer months. Activities include organized games, crafts, and social activities. A unique theme is set for each weekly playground program. • Troy Recreation Association:
February 2013
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(937) 339-1923 www.troyrec.com The Troy REC provides activities for Troy citizens of all ages with emphasis on youth activities. Programs include social and recreational activities such as junior and senior high youth dances, exercise programs, indoor soccer, floor hockey and basketball, as well as a child day care program. Please note my email address has changed. It is now dfong@civitasmedia.com
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Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Progress 2013
Something for everyone in 4-H Club BY LAURA WILLIS For Civitas Media MIAMI COUNTY — There’s just a little more than a month left to join a club this year and jump in on the dozens of new projects Ohio’s 4-H has to offer. The 2013 club enrollment deadline is March 29. “We want everyone to realize there is something for everyone in 4-H,” said Demetria Woods, Miami County’s Extension Educator of 4-H Youth
Development. The 4-H program is an informal education opportunity for youth ages eight through 18. Additionally, children in grades kindergarten through second can enroll as Cloverbuds. Woods said that the county’s extension office will be working on new ways to market 4H in the community this year. “A goal we have is to discuss more ways to help people learn the variety of projects that 4-H has,”
Woods said. Each year, youth can enroll in one to six projects, which teach valuable skills or invite youth to complete a meaningful task. Woods said that many people are familiar with the livestock projects that 4-H provides for youth, but are unaware of the vast amount of other projects available. “There are over 200 projects,” Wood saids. “There’s finance, cooking projects, cake decorating, fashion leadership and others. The projects teach
life skills. We want to get the word out about all of these.” After a 4-H member chooses a project, they have until mid-July to complete the requirements. The member then attends Project Pride Day and has his or her project judged. Project Pride Day 2013 will be held July 10 at the Miami County Fairgrounds. Community members who miss the club enrollment deadline may want to try out a week at 4-H Camp. Dates
for camp are set for 2013. 4-H Junior Camp is June 18-22 for all youth ages 913. Cloverbud Camp is July 18-19 for children ages 5-8. Both camps are held at Indian Hills 4-H Camp in Pleasant Hill. “Camps have workshops, teach values and are fun,” Woods said. Another way to get involved is to attend Miami County’s traditional 4-H BBQ fundraiser. The 2013 date is set for July 22. “One thing that
we want others to know is that we love service,” Woods said. “Our clubs often do service projects. We even have a club that does a service project every month.” Woods said that all the clubs together do a number of different things that can be enjoyable for any young person looking to get involved. “So, come on and join 4H” Woods said. A list of clubs in Miami County can be found at Miami.osu.edu or by calling 440-3945.
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Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Progress 2013
February 2013
19
Piqua United Way offers unique opportunities
STAFF REPORT PIQUA — The Piqua United Way offers a unique opportunity for high school students who want to learn more about how the community works. The Teens Taking Charge program includes 24 Piqua High School students who also are enrolled in the Piqua Teen Leadership program, which is part of the Piqua Chamber of Commerce. The teens meet every Tuesday, and in February of each school year, take part in an allocation program, which helps to fund a variety of programs and activities for Piqua youth. “This gives them a handson activity as they allocate dollars to area agencies,” said Sean Ford, executive director for the Piqua United Way. “It’s kind of neat to listen to students discuss why they are giving money to certain programs.” Local agencies — including Piqua City Schools, John Johnston Farm, Piqua Arts Council and Mainstreet Piqua, to name a few — take the opportunity to fill out grants for the $7,500 allocat-
ed by the Teens Taking Charge group each year. Individual requests can total up to $750 each, Ford said. All monies go toward programs, events and activities for youth age 18 and under. United Way of Troy Partner Agencies and Programs Community and Family Stability Services • American Red Cross, Miami County, Ohio Chapter — 332-1414, www.nmvredcross.org. The Miami County Chapter of the American Red Cross provides emergency services for fire and disaster victims. Instruction is available for CPR training, first aid and water safety.The Red Cross serves military personnel and their families in time of need as a source of communication and financial assistance. • Family Abuse Shelter of Miami County — 339-6761. The Family Abuse Shelter assists victims of physical and emotional violence with the following confidential services at no cost: temporary emergency housing, counseling, crisis intervention, transportation and a multitude of other advocacy
services. • Family Service Association. Services for the Deaf — 937-222-9481. Provides programs and services for citizens who are deaf or have diminished hearing ability. Advocacy services include representatives who accompany the person with hearing loss to meetings, appointments with physicians and other professionals, to serve as an interpreter. Health Services and Programs • Health Partners of Miami County — 332-0894, www.healthpartnersclinic.or g. Health Partners of Miami County provides diagnostic and treatment services to individuals who are either uninsured or have only minimal health care coverage. The free clinic offers professional services provided by volunteer physicians and nurses. Services include treatment, medications and referral to other area agencies to serve the needs of the individual. • Hospice of Miami County — 335-5191, www.hospiceofmiamicounty.org. Hospice of Miami
logical disorders. Youth and Educational Services & Programs • Boy Scouts — Miami Valley Council, 937-2784825, www.mvcbsa.org. The Miami Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America offers scouting programs to build character, citizenship and personal fitness to boys in
the Troy area. • Girl Scouts — Buckeye Trails, 937-275-7601, www.girlscoutsofwesternohio.org.Buckeye Trails Girl Scouts provides girls ages 5-17 scouting activities to develop strong planning and leadership skills, as well as participation in camping programs.
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The Piqua United Way offers unique opportunities for area youth.
County is a home health agency designed to coordinate a program for terminally ill patients and their families. Hospice emphasizes total care provided by a multi-disciplinary team, to include the physician, the Hospice personnel, and the patient’s family. Hospice provides physical care, emotional support, advocacy, symptom and pain management, and bereavement support services. • Miami County Dental Clinic — 339-8656, www.miamicountydentalclinic.com. Provides affordable dental care to uninsured and under-insured people living in the Troy/Miami County area. • Miami County Recovery Council — 335-4543, www.mcrcinc.org. Miami County Alcoholism Council provides assistance to area residents, employees and/or their families in this community who suffer a problem related to alcohol. The program provides information, educational programs, diagnostic treatment and counseling, as well as referral services. • Miami County Well Child Clinic — 440-5432, www.miamicountyhealth.net . The Well Child Clinic is dedicated to keeping children healthy. The Clinic provides medical screenings, immunizations, developmental testing, laboratory tests, referrals, hearing and vision screenings to children in the Troy area. • Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development — 773-7630, www.rcnd.org. The Rehabilitation Center works with people of all ages who have suffered severe neurological injuries such as strokes or paralysis due to head injuries or lack of oxygen, as well as other neuro-
20 February 2013
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Ohio farm land values at an all time high Expected to rise more this year BY GARY BROCK Editor-in-Chief, ACRES Midwest, Washington Court House Record Herald
he dollar value of an acre of Ohio farm land is higher today than at any time in history, in either unadjusted or adjusted dollars, says an Ohio State University Extension agriculture business expert.
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And he believes that 2013 should be an even better year than 2012. Barry Ward, OSU production business management leader told Acres of Southwest Ohio that his prediction for 2013 is based on the potential for crop profits, the low interest rates, the strong balance sheets for farmers in 2012 and the recent history for strong profits. “Price (of crops) has been the driving force in farm land value,” he says. In addition to Ward’s conclusions about 2013, he also points out that 2012 was a growth year for farm land value, as well. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Land Values: 2012 Summary” reports that Ohio’s cropland value jumped 13.6 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. According to the report, the average price per acre of Ohio farmland was $5,000 in 2012. Nationwide, cropland value has increased every year since 2003 - except 2009, when it dipped just slightly, according to the USDA report. In addition, each year land reappraisals are conducted in Ohio counties by the county auditor’s office. These reappraisals are done for counties every six years and are staggered, dividing out Ohio’s 88 counties. In 2012, 19 Ohio counties had land reappraisals, and all 19 reported to Acres that farm land value jumped this year from 2011. In Highland County, Auditor Bill Fawley says the value of the farm land is based on what kind of land it is.
It is all about the soil. Highland County has 275 different soil types, second highest only to Ross County, but the dominant soil type is called “Clermont” soil. And that soil is among the best soil for growing crops. As a result, Highland County CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value) land values rose 44.2 percent compared to 2011. “That really isn’t a surprise,” said Foley. “They (the state CAUV board) warned us that it would be going up.” The “it” in this case is the complicated formula used by counties to determine this farm land value. Foley said that the other measure of land value, agriculture market value, showed a jump of 19 percent compared to 2011. CAUV is a real estate tax assessment program which gives owners of farmland the chance to have their parcels taxed according to their value in agriculture, rather than full market value. It is the result of a referendum passed by Ohio voters in November, 1973. The Ohio General Assembly subsequently passed Senate Bill 423 in April, 1974, establishing CAUV Program by law. A state board regularly meets and sets the formula that county auditors must use when they determine the value of farm land. Foley said that in 2008, land with this Clermont soil was CAUV valued at $120 an acre. In 2012, that jumped to more than $1,000 an acre. In Highland County, the CAUV formula is used for 270,000 out of its 351,000 acres of appraised land. In neighboring Fayette County, Auditor Mike Smith also reported an increase in farm land value during the 2012 reappraisal. he said market value of farm land jumped 17 percent over 2011. Gary Brock is editor-in-chief of ACRES.
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Progress 2013