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Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Changing of the guard at Piqua Chamber topped 2011
BY BETHANY J. ROYER Ratermann stated at the Ohio Community Media annual meeting as paving broyer@dailycall.com the way for, “Individuals to become involved on many PIQUA — Not only were different levels including a number of awards pre- to help form our leaders of sented to extraordinary tomorrow.” individuals at the 66th Other 2011 Chamber Annual Meeting of the events included welcomPiqua Area Chamber of ing 100 businesses to the Commerce held in January second Regional Business at the Piqua Country Club Showcase at Piqua High but updates on the group’s School and hosting a success in 2011 and plans “Home for the Holidays for 2012. With the Bogarts” concert A changing of the guard at the Fort Piqua Plaza. at the Chamber topped To date the Chamber 2011 as outgoing president has been able to award Lisa Whitaker welcomed $50,500 in scholarship newcomer Kathy Sherman funds thanks to such to the helm in May. fundraisers as the “I couldn’t be more excit- Bogarts concert. ed to pass the torch to this The Chamber gift cerperson here,” Whitaker had tificate program for 2011 said of Sherman at the was also successful with Chamber’s annual open $11,500 being sold which house held back in June. was in turn spent at area The Chamber also wel- businesses. comed 23 new members last Three new incorporatyear with continued success ed initiatives to the in their staple programs Chamber for 2011 and such as women in network- into the new year was the ing and their teen/adult establishment of a manuleadership programs. The facturing council that latter of which Chairperson meets monthly to interof the Board Matt act, exchange ideas and
tour local facilities to help improve their own operations. The second initiative saw improvements to the Chamber’s website that includes a community calendar for events sponsored by Mainstreet Piqua, YWCA, Piqua Arts Council, commission meetings, special school events and neighborhood association meetings. The final initiative will come to fruition this year as an interactive map will soon be implemented on the website. “I’m pleased to say we embraced the changes, we met the challenges, to produce another successful year with our members.” said Ratermann of 2011 at the Chamber’s event that also presented their most coveted award, the Order of George, to Duane Bachman for his remarkable service to the community. Bachman was not the only individual recognized with Mike Yannucci, Kazy Hinds and Marilyn
Twenty-four members of the 2011 Piqua Teen Leadership class listen as reporter Will E Sanders explains the functions of the Piqua Daily Call newsroom last year.
MIKE ULLERY/STAFF PHOTOS
Retiring chamber president Lisa Whitaker, center, and new chamber president Kathy Sherman, right, are recognized during Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at the chamber office in 2011. Haldeman, along with Bachman, thanked for their work on the Day of Honor memorial. Lynn Sever, third generation
family owned business of PSC Crane and Rigging, was awarded Business Person of the Year, and a Commercial Beautification
award went to Christy Construction, First Choice Paint and Body, Knights Service Center and Smitty’s Bicycle & Locksmith.
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
PROGRESS 2012
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Troy has exciting 2012 planned BY SABRA JOHNSON Executive Director Troy Chamber of Commerce
TROY — The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce has an exciting schedule for 2012. On April 26, the always popular Business Expo returns to Troy. The 2012 Business Expo is much anticipated by the Chamber membership and the community at large. This fifth biennial event will be held from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at Hobart Arena. The event is free of charge and open to the public. The Business Expo will feature more than 100 business exhibitors from the Troy/Miami County area. These exhibitors will offer exciting displays/demonstrations showcasing their products and services and have promotional/giveaway items. The Chamber reports a wide range of businesses want to participate in the Business Expo this year. Organizers have built on and enhanced the successful formula used in the previous five Business Expos. The Expo committee members are working hard to create an exposition that will showcase Troy/Miami County business and industry. In addition, to the many categories of businesses participating, the Expo will be showcasing local restaurants from the Troy community will be providing tasty samples the local restaurants will be challenged by the other restaurants to a friendly competition. The Troy Daily News is the Diamond Media sponsor and will be providing a number of promotions for the Expo during March and April to attract attendees
to serve as a forum for contemporary issues affecting the region.” Through the work of the Not For Profit Council, quarterly events are offered to area Nonprofit Organizations to connect, learn and benefit from guest speakers and special programs. The highly successful Not For Profit Council sponsored the “Impact Your Community” Expo in April 2011, that focused on our area nonprofits. The event was held at Hobart Arena with over 85 NFP participating. The Expo was attend by over 100 residents who learned more about what services the Nonprofits offered, PROVIDED PHOTO enjoyed free dental screenThe Troy Chamber of Commerce sponsors a number of events, including its annual ing, free visions screening Troy Chamber Business Expo and Teen Leadership Troy. and tasty treats from from the region. The always anticipated grand prize drawing will be held at the end of the event, and the lucky winner will receive a $1,000 check, courtesy of the Platinum sponsor, Bruns Realty. In February, the Troy Chamber will unveil their newest program, The DPL Energy Discount Program. Chamber members will be able to take advantage of a greatly reduced electric rate on their businesses electric bill. Current Chamber Members will be mailed information on the guidelines and how they make take advantage of this great money saving opportunity. The Troy Chamber will be unveiling its theme for the 2012 Membership Drive in March. The campaign will help introduce potential new members and refresh current members to the many benefits that the Chamber offers. Among those benefits that mem-
bers may take advantage of are: health and dental insurance, workman’s compensation coverage, free or reduce advertising opportunities, Chamber Bucks, free Notary Service, free certificate of origin verification and the always popular Member to Member program. Call the Chamber for more information on these great programs. The first week of June will find some big changes for the Troy Strawberry Festival, a special program of the Troy Chamber, as the festival moves to downtown Troy due to the closing of the Adams Street Bridge while it is being replaced. The Strawberry Festival and the City of Troy are working diligently to make the 2012 Strawberry Festival as safe and pleasant experience for festival goers. The 2012 chair of the Festival is Corie Schweser, who has selected the theme “Mardi Gras Berries.” We hope you will be there for
the Troy Strawberry Festival and help support the many Not For Profit organizations that have booths at the festival. For many of the organizations this is their only project to raise funds for their endeavors. The Chamber’s Annual Auction will take place the third week of August at the Miami County Fairgrounds. The Annual Auction is a fun evening to enjoy and one of the Chamber’s most popular events of the year and much anticipated by Chamber members. The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce offers many opportunities that touch a broad range of interest and helps individuals and businesses. The Chamber follows its mission “to enhance the quality of life in our area through the promotion of economic vitality and growth; the stimulation of a favorable business environment; the advancement of free enterprise system; and
Panera’s. The NFP Expo was also of interest for people looking for an organization to volunteer their time and help. The Not For Profit Expo will return in the spring of 2013 at Hobart Arena. Another special program of the Troy Chamber of Commerce is Leadership Troy. This popular and successful program was started in 1984 by the Troy Chamber in cooperation with Edison Community College is designed to increase the quality and quantity of men and women capable of accepting leadership roles in community organizations. The program, which consists of nine full-day ses-
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February 2012
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
TMS to focus on marketing BY KARIN MANOVICH Executive Director Troy Main Street
TROY — Troy Main Street President Patty Rose is known to say : “Downtown Troy is the soul of the community.” Mayor Michael Beamish refers to it as Troy’s “living room.” The town center is what makes Troy unique and distinguishes it from other communities across Ohio and beyond. Snapshots of suburban strip malls, big box development, chain restaurants, housing plats and interstates could be Troy, but they could also be anywhere, USA. Troy Main Street Inc. is the recognized advocate for downtown. A public-private non-profit, the organization works using the Main Street approach designed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. TMS volunteers, partners and staff work diligently attract people to downtown Troy though many initiatives — public events, destination marketing, public art, regional and local publicity, social media promotion of downtown businesses and economic development. In addition, TMS coordinates beautification efforts
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In 2011, Troy Main Street introduced a Saturday morning farmers market that ran for 16 weeks on South Cherry Street. The market attracted thousands of shoppers over the course of the season. Each week, 16-22 vendors provided produce, cheeses, breads, baked goods, local meat, organic milk, jams/jellies and artisan crafts. Weekly entertainment included Irish dances, jazz, folk and demonstrations. such as the downtown flower planter program and preservation of the unique historic architecture found in the district. In 2011, TMS organized, funded, promoted and managed 23 days of public events and a four-month public sculpture exhibit. Most significantly, TMS
introduced a Saturday morning farmers market that ran for 16 weeks on South Cherry Street. The market attracted thousands of shoppers over the course of the season. Each week, 16-22 vendors provided produce, cheeses, breads, baked goods, local meat, organic milk,
jams/jellies and artisan crafts. Weekly entertainment included Irish dances, jazz, folk and demonstrations. Downtown businesses were provided an opportunity to market themselves at the market on a rotating basis as “business of the week.” Final Friday, another
panels, lectures, on-site visit, group discussions, simulations and internship participation on a local community board. Many other special programs make up the diverse committees and offerings of the Troy Chamber, HYPE (Helping Young People Emerge), The Miami County Legislative
Committee that sponsors several update luncheons on a City, County and State level. Another popular meeting is the Women’s Leadership Connection that meets on the first Thursday of the month. The Business Advisory to Education committee connects our local schools with business leaders. The
Chamber could not do everything without the help of its dedicated Ambassadors who attend ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours and other Chamber events. We hope that you will contact the Troy Chamber and join us and find out more on what the Troy Chamber can do for you.
Troy Continued from page 3
The program, which consists of nine full-day sessions to be held once a month from February through October, exposes the participants to a variety of social and economic issues and opportunities facing the Troy community. The program will consist of
new event, generated record foot traffic over an 8block area of downtown that included more than 40 artists, 11 bands and 45 businesses stayed open late. The event will be renamed this year as “Troy Streets Alive” and will take place twice — late spring and late summer. The ongoing efforts of putting “feet on the street” in the district serve to remind Troy residents of their beautiful downtown by keeping it front of mind through events. Additionally, destination marketing of events and downtown to the entire region serve to introduce new visitors to Troy. Attracting people to the streets creates vibrancy and commerce for our retailers and restaurants. TMS acts as an available space clearinghouse for downtown Troy, matching up new businesses with the individual landlords. In addition, the organization actively recruits new retailers and restaurants to the district. In 2011, economic development efforts led to four-
teen new businesses opening on first floor spaces in downtown Troy. Plans for 2012 include continuation of popular events — Picnics on the Plaza Noon Concerts, Friday Night Summer Concert Series, Taste of Troy, Hometown Halloween, Hometown Holiday, Downtown Troy Farmers Market and Troy Streets Alive. New initiatives will focus on marketing assistance for existing businesses via social media training and short video production; developing and funding a façade improvement grant program; and establishing a preservation fund to assist in maintaining non-profitowned historic buildings. TMS relies on the generosity of sponsors, donors, and partners to fund its public events and other initiatives. A 13-member board of trustees directs the annual work plan of TMS, which includes a full time executive director and two part-time employees. For information, visit www.troymainstreet.org or call 339-5455.
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
PROGRESS 2012
A busy 2012 is in the works for Mainstreet Piqua BY BETHANY J. ROYER Ohio Community Media broyer@dailycall.com
PIQUA — A busy 2012 is in the works for Mainstreet Piqua, the nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization, promotion and economic development of downtown. Coming off a successful 2011 with such events as the spring Taste of the Arts and a nostalgic Christmas on the Green in December, the organization also welcomed the creation of a new “separate arm” that now allows for tax-deductible donations. “That was new for us,” said executive director Lorna Swisher. “It’s been a huge learning curve but ultimately it will help the financial stability of the organization in the long run.” Swisher noted the amazing response to their 2011 fund drive as Mainstreet continues to educate on the importance of spending locally while preparing a host of events for 2012, such as the much-anticipated ‘Soup’er Thursdays in March. “This is our third year,” said Swisher of the event that will be held every Thursday through the month in collaboration with the Piqua Library as a way to chase away the winter blues. It’s also, “another reason to bring people to that magnificent space and enjoy live music and good food, visit with fellow citizens.” The popular Taste of the
MIKE ULLERY/STAFF PHOTO
Above is view of Piqua’s downtown in 2011. Arts will follow on Friday, May 18, with an evening of fun, food and great music, along with the opening of the community farmer’s market that will run for 18 weeks in the parking lot of the Piqua Daily Call. This will be the fourth season for the market that offers locally grown fresh fruit, vegetables and baked goods for sale, along with homemade items. Other events will include the Downtown Brown Bag series held at the government complex plaza, sidewalk sales, the Moonlight Stride and Ride, a chocolate walk in October, a holiday open house and more in the downtown area come December. A new and one of the largest projects ever undertaken by Mainstreet, and due to begin once the weather is favorable, will be the installation of raingardens similar to those on Water Street. Working in conjunction with property owners and the Stormwater Utility Department, Mainstreet
will build the gardens that will create, “A really beautiful public space that we’ll be able to use for events,” said Swisher, with the project to also serve as a demonstration area for businesses curious about the value of rain-gardens. “It’s a match made in heaven for us,” said Swisher, noting Mainstreet will again take care of the downtown planters thanks to gracious donations from the community. “It makes such a beautiful impact to visitors and citizens alike.” The non-profit is also looking forward to their sixth Made in Piqua ornament that will celebrate the Piqua Paper Box Company. The yearly holiday ornament is just one of a number of ways residents can support Mainstreet Piqua, the purchasing of Piquathemed items for sale at their North Main Street office include the Cat’s Meow, throw blankets, puzzles and much more. For more information visit www.mainstreetpiqua.com.
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February 2012
TDC looks toward retention, growth Council helping businesses since 1984 BY MELODY VALLIEU Ohio Community Media vallieu@tdnpublishing.com
TROY — The Troy Development Council has been helping bring business and employment opportunities to the Troy area since 1984. The Troy Development Council, a public/private economic development organization that works with the city of Troy, and represents the area within and surrounding Troy, has many successes under its wings. Since its first new business commitment with American Honda in 1985, the TDC has located a total of 19 international companies into Troy. In addition, its domestic efforts have resulted in more than 27 new and expanded industrial projects. The TDC has helped to bring 11 new manufacturing businesses to the city since 2004 and worked towards the successful expansion of 18 more during the same time frame. In the last five years, the Troy community has averaged more than $140 million annually in new industrial capital investment with 2006 experi-
FOR PHOTO REPRINTS, GO TO WWW.DAILYCALL.COM
ANTHONY WEBER/STAFF PHOTO
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland samples a monster-sized Slim Jim beef stick from Troy ConAgra Foods plant manager Scott Adkins. Stickland was among a host of state and local officials who gathered at the Dye Mill Road facility for a ceremonial groundbreaking, marking the official beginning of a $64 million plant expansion to accommodate worldwide production of Slim Jims. encing more than $250 million. “The Troy Development Council includes the city of Troy and private sector, which allows it to be more effective,” said Ron Musilli, chairman of the TDC Board of Directors. New initiatives Musilli said the TDC recently completed its new website at www.troyeconomicdevelopment.com, which offers prospective businesses a plethora of information concerning the TDC, resources and a look into the educational and other opportunities in the area. Musilli said the Troy
Development Council recently began working with Ohio Governor John Kasich’s Jobs Ohio program. He said the program is broken down into six regions, of which Troy is in the Dayton region. “The program is geared toward identifying how we can bring new business to Ohio, expanding existing business and developing a strategy for the next three to five years as we move toward a more global economy,” Musilli said. Musilli said the TDC also is in the final phases of program called Partners in Progress, a program that identifies larger businesses in Troy
and what can be done to help them beyond just jobs. “This program augments the retention and expansion programs already in place,” he said.
See TDC/Page 7
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Tipp Commerce plans to jump into 2012 BY JOYELL NEVINS Ohio Community Media jnevins@tcnewsnet.com TIPP CITY — The Tipp City Chamber of Commerce jumped into 2012 in mid-February, with their new executive director. The position was previously combined with the Downtown Tipp City Partnership (DTCP) executive director position, and shared funding with the city. Since Matt Owen’s resignation in October 2011, both parties saw the need for a separate position. The chamber actually filled the opening with a member of the partnership. Liz Sonnanstine of Bethel Township previously served as DTCP Membership and V o l u n t e e r s h i p Coordinator, so she is already familiar with many of the business members of Tipp City. Before marriage brought her to this side of the state, Sonnanstine worked for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. It’s that experience that Tipp’s chamber most wants to tap into. “She’ll be bringing her expertise and ideas, and
we’re very excited about that,” Chamber Chairperson Robin Shafer said. One of the projects Shafer and the rest of the board of directors want Sonnanstine to tackle is increasing business awareness of the benefits offered to members. They want to offer more educational opportunities for their members with events such as Breakfast and Lunch Briefings. Another goal is to provide a monthly or quarterly newsletter, as a way to encourage member interaction and keep them informed. Another source for member to member interaction is the website, which Shafer said needs to be updated. “We want to enable members to communicate with each other via the website,” said Shafer. The first Business After Hours is planned for Feb. 23 at Alvetro Orthodontics, 1491 W. Main St. Other upcoming chamber events include the Business Showcase in May and the Golf Outing in the summer. For more information, visit www.tippcitychamber.org or call 667-8300.
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
PROGRESS 2012
TDC Continued from page 6
“We are working to put together programs that will help secure individuals with the education and on-the-job training that will lead them into the future,” he said. Support for existing businesses Working with local businesses to retain jobs, support expansion efforts and build long-term business success within the area is the primary focus of the council’s economic development strategy. Musilli said the council in the last year has been focused on continuing to retain the jobs already in Troy and identify the business’ needs moving into the future, looking toward expansion. To accomplish this goal the Troy Development Council has partnered with nearly 30 other cities throughout the Miami Valley to create Business First For a Greater Dayton Region. The Business First initiative is an outreach program that utilizes advanced business retention technologies to identify challenges facing local business managers. Working through a volunteer group of peer business leaders, the Business First program not only builds long-term informational relationships with local businesses, but more importantly, creates a rapid response team of area support organizations to address existing business issues or to assist in avoiding future operational challenges. Local businesses that have not previously participated in the Business First program are encouraged to contact the Troy Development Council. Support for new businesses
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Wet crew The TDC provides site location assistance to domestic and international industrial businesses planning new or expanded operations in the Troy area. With the initial contact in the site selection process, the TDC will provide a customized package of business and real estate information for the client company. For site visits by the client and their representatives, the TDC will arrange a thorough itinerary that is created specifically designed to maximize the client’s time investment. In addition, the TDC will arrange meetings with service providers such as legal and financial institutions. Finally, meetings with local business executives can be arranged to gain insight into doing business in the Troy area. The board of directors of the Troy Development Council includes: • John Ankerman, Senior Vice President, PNC Bank • Steve Bruns, President, Bruns General Contracting • James Dando, Development Director, City of Troy • Linda A. Daniel, Daniel Consulting LLC Joe Dickerson, Vice President and Owner, Koverman Dickerson Insurance • Ed Westmeyer, SVP, Director of Commercial Banking, MainSource Bank • Mark Douglas, Market President — Troy; Commercial Team Lead — Western Ohio US Bank; Executive Committee Member — Troy Development Council; Trustee - The Troy Foundation
• Eric Herman, Troy Board of Education • Arthur Haddad, Retired Public Official • Nancy Luce, Superintendent, Upper Valley Career Center • Chuck McCosh, Executive V.P. of Sales, Miller-Valentine Group • William McGraw III, Attorney at Law, Dugan & LeFevre Company LPA • Ron Musilli, Principal, World Class Health Enterprises • Jim Hurak, Vice President, Upper Valley Medical Center • Earl Reives, Retired, DPL Inc. • Joyce Reives, Director, DPL Energy at DPL Inc., Vice President at DPL Energy Resources Inc., Director at Dayton Power and Light (DPL) • Ron Scott • Jim Stubbs, Treasurer, Miami County • Tom Szafranski, President, ITW Food Equipment Group (Hobart Corp) • Greg Taylor, Vice President, Troy Ford Inc., TACC Chairman • Patrick E. Titterington, City Director, City of Troy • Cristobal Valdez, President, Edison Community College • J.C. Wallace, President, Troy Development Council President, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce Musilli said the TDC also is working with employers, Edison and Upper Valley Career Center on identifying the types of training needed for advanced manufacturing in the area. He said as those with the knowledge of advanced manufacturing begin to retire, programs teaching their replacements the correct way to do such jobs is more important than ever.
MIKE ULLERY/STAFF FILE PHOTO
In spite of freezing rain falling over the area, a roofing crew is on the job on Shady Tree Lane, near Troy, during the winter of 2011. The roofers are from KZ Roofing and they were working to get a new Denlinger & Sons home under roof before the next round of snow hit.
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February 2012
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Covington makes strides laying the groundwork for future projects BY TOM MILLHOUSE Ohio Community Media tmillhouse@dailycall.com
COVINGTON — Although a slow economy has limited efforts to attract new businesses, the Covington Development Council has made strides laying t h e groundw o r k f o r future projects a n d a l s o p l a y e d HAINES a role in planning events for local residents. The Covington Chamber of Commerce also has been active in promoting local retail business growth. Chris Haines, president of the Covington Development Council (formerly the Covington Area I m p r o v e m e n t Corporation), said the continued sluggish economy has put a damper on efforts to boost local economic development. He said while some jobs were lost in Covington last year, some companies, including Concept Machine, have prospered. Haines said the CDC worked on reorganization during 2011. “For years the CIC was borderline dormant,” Haines remarked, noting the CDC worked on making sure the taxexempt status was in place and doing other work to be in position to promote growth when the economy
turns around. “We’re laying the groundwork,” Haines said, remarking that the village is once again a member of the Miami Valley Regional Commission, which assists communities in getting projects off the ground. Another step in the right direction, Haines said, is the level of cooperation among local groups, including the CDC, village government and Covington schools. “Everyone is working to get on the same page,” he said. The group also submitted a grant application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for funds to help finance the proposed bike path project to connect Covington to existing bike paths. However, the state shifted the emphasis from funding recreation projects to economic development. “Our grant is kind of in limbo,” Haines said, adding he doubtful the state will resume funding projects like Covington’s bike path in the near future. Haines said the CDC has been very active in organizing events for local residents. He said the CDC helped plan a one-day concert last summer and this year is organizing the Covington Summer Bash, a local festival set for July 6-7. The Covington Summer Bash will feature a variety of entertainment, rides, food, games and fireworks. There also will be a parade on Saturday, July 7. In addition to a carnival rides and games, Haines said local organizations
also will have booths at the festival. The Beatles tribute band, The Return, will be back by popular demand. Haines said the band was very well received at the Covington 175th Anniversary Celebration in 2010. This year’s performance will be in two parts, the early music of the Beatles will be highlighted in the opening act, followed by the later songs in the closing portion of the performance, which will be on July 7. Haines said the format will offer fresh material for people who saw the group perform two years ago. The Motown Sounds of Touch, a Motown tribute band from Dayton, will perform on Friday, July 5. The focus of the Covington Summer Bash will be to provide a fun weekend for current village residents, as well as those who are returning to the community. The festival also will have plenty of things for youngsters. “We’re really looking forward to it,” Haines said. “It’s all about making memories for the kids,” he said, recalling his own pleasant memories of local
festivals when he was growing up in Covington. Glenn Hollopeter, Covington Chamber of Commerce president, said the organization has assisted in filling some vacancies in downtown Covington. “We have seen some new businesses open downtown,” Hollopeter said of 2011 successes. “We still have some vacancies and we hope to fill two or three spots this year.” Hollopeter said the Chamber’s decision to make the Covington Christmas Candlelight Open House a two-day event proved to be a success. “It really brought a lot of people downtown,” he said. The Covington Chamber of Commerce has a new project planned this year as a steak fry and auction will be held in late April. He said proceeds from the event will be used for chamber events and for the Fort Rowdy Gathering’s 20th anniversary this fall, according to Hollopeter. The chamber also plans to assist with the Covington Summer Bash.
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The Beatles tribute band, The Return, will be performing Saturday, July 7, during the Covington Summer Bash. The Motown Sounds of Touch, a Motown tribute band from Dayton, will perform on Friday, July 5.
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
PROGRESS 2012
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Whitaker honored
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Miami County Farm Bureau members cook more than 275 pounds of sausage for the organization’s annual Farmer’s Share Breakfast. This year’s event will be held from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Miami County Fairgrounds.
Farm Bureau takes a look at past year
MIAMI COUNTY — The Miami County Farm Bureau had a successful year in moving forward policies that both strengthen and encourage growth within agriculture. The bureau also had a large focus on continuing the dialog between the farmer and the consumer, sharing agriculture’s story on how we are raising the food that is feeding the world. The bureau hosted its fifth annual Farmers Share Breakfast in March 2011. The Miami County Farm Bureau served breakfast to more than 1,000 people last year. The bureau is looking forward to its sixth annual Farmers Share Breakfast on March 24 from 7:30– 10:30 a.m. at the Duke Lungard Building at the Miami County Fairgrounds. This event is open to the public. “It is a way for us to reach out and educate the consumer that out of each dollar spent on food, the
farmer only sees about 19 cents of that dollar,” said Mandi Havenar, organization director. ”The rest is spent on processing, marketing, packaging and transportation. We hope to break last year’s attendance and serve more than 1,000 people pancakes, sausage, eggs and milk for just 50 cents, which is the amount that the farmer would receive from that meal.” This year the Farm Bureau partnered with Troy Elevator, a Division of Mennel Milling Company, for its fourth year of Bushels for Hunger. This program is greatly received by the farming community and numerous donations were made during wheat, corn and soybean harvest. This year local farmers gave more than $4,000 to three local food pantries. “We are looking forward to be able to help area food pantries again this year,” Havenar said.
In 2012, the Miami County Farm Bureau will be hosting a Livestock Cares Standards meeting on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the K of C Hall in Versailles as part of Farm Bureau’s continuing effort to educate producers and help them understand the new standards. The bureau also will be partnering with The Miami County Park District on several projects at Lost Creek Reserve. This summer, stop by the Miami County Fair and visit with bureau representatives at the Conservation area or pick up a famous milkshake at the Dairy Bar. For more information on Miami County Farm Bureau or how you can become a member, contact the office at 937-335-1471 or Miami@ofbf.org. To keep up to date on what is going on in agriculture locally and state-wide follow on Facebook at facebook.com/MiamiFarmBureau.
MIKE ULLERY/STAFF FILE PHOTO
During a June 2011 open house, State Rep. Richard Adams presented LisaWhitaker, retiring Piqua Area Chamber president, with a proclamation honoring her service.
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Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Scenes from Piqua Community Farmers Market The Piqua Community Farmers Market, organized by Mainstreet Piqua, enjoyed another successful season during 2011. The market, in its third year, was held in downtown Piqua. In June, the Piqua Community Farmers Market hosted a cooking demonstration by Chef Gwen Rose (in the photo at left) from The Backyard Bistro. Chef Gwen demonstrated how to make a delicious summer grilled pizza salad. At right, an employee of Pioneer Electric Cooperative, the exclusive farmers market sponsor for the 2011 season, gives a safety demonstration. The fourth season of the Piqua Community Farmers Market will under way Thursday, May 24. The market season will run for 18 weeks and end Thursday, Sept. 20.
MIKE ULLERY/STAFF FILE PHOTOS
PROGRESS 2012
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Students see robotic welder at Edison Area high school students watch a robotic welder in action at Edison Community College in November during the annual "We Are IT" event for girls. A record 219 students from 14 area high schools in Miami, Shelby and Darke counties participated in the event.
MIKE ULLERY/STAFF FILE PHOTO
GE plans to hire 5,000 veterans
WASHINGTON (AP) General Electric Co. plans to hire 5,000 veterans over the next five years and invest $580 million to expand its aviation business. The announcements earlier this month were part of a four-day event that the global conglomerate is hosting with partners in Washington, D.C., that focuses on issues such as manufacturing and job creation in America. GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt heads up President Obama’s 27-member jobs council, which also includes AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, AOL co-
founder Steve Case and Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. GE said earlier this month that its “Hiring Our Heroes” partnership will help match veterans with jobs. The company, whose products range from jet engines to lightbulbs, will also team with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to sponsor 400 veterans’ job fairs this year. GE (NYSE:GE) currently employs more than 10,000 veterans and has about 100 U.S. employee reservists serving overseas. In addition, its aviation unit will add more than 400 new manufacturing
jobs and open plants in Ellisville, Miss., Auburn, Ala., and Dayton, Ohio, next year. GE said that the new plants are part of its efforts to create or rebuild 16 facilities and more than 12,000 new jobs. The company started production on its first new appliance line in more than 50 years last week at Appliance Park in Louisville, Ky. The company expects to double its number of engineering interns to more than 5,000. The move is part of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness initiative to graduate 10,000 more engineers a year in the
U.S. GE says this often leads to jobs, as 80 percent of its full-time engineers have been hired from the internship program. It has more than 19,000 engineers on staff. It also plans pilot programs to reduce health care costs in Louisville, Ky., and Erie, Pa. Those programs are an expansion of efforts that began in 2009 in the greater Cincinnati area that led to more than 100 new primary care centers, fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions and decreased health care costs per GE employee after two years.
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Coca-Cola reports strong earnings NEW YORK (AP) — Coca-Cola reported an effervescent fourth quarter Tuesday, Feb. 14, as the company sold more of its drinks globally and its earnings beat analyst expectations. Coca-Cola is benefiting from raising prices in North America, where consumer sentiment is slowly improving, and expanding in
emerging markets including Africa and Latin America. “Compared to 12 months ago, there are very early indications that the consumer (in North America) is feeling a little better, with more mobility, travel and eating out,” said CEO Muhtar Kent in a telephone interview with the AP. “That all translates into better business for us.”
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February 2012
Kellogg to buy Pringles; P&G, Diamond end deal
NEW YORK (AP) — Kellogg has popped up to buy the Pringles chip brand from Procter & Gamble for $2.7 billion after a similar deal with Diamond Foods was derailed by accounting problems and an executive shakeup at Diamond. The addition will help Kellogg with its goal of becoming as big globally in snacks as it is in cereal. The Pringles business will add to Kellogg’s stable of snack brands that include Keebler, Cheez-It and Special K Cracker Chips. Troubled snack food company Diamond Foods and P&G on Wednesday said they called off their $1.5 billion deal for the brand. “Pringles has an extensive global footprint that catapults Kellogg to the number two position in the worldwide savory snacks category, helping us achieve our objective of becoming a truly global cereal and snacks company,” Kellogg President and CEO John Bryant said in a statement. Kellogg’s stock added $1.70, or 3.4 percent, to $52 in premarket trading. Diamond’s shares gained 88cents, or 3.9 percent, to $23.18, while Procter & Gamble Co.’s stock climbed 8 cents to $64.56. Kellogg was able to swoop in and make the Pringles deal happen because Diamond Foods Inc., which makes Emerald Nuts and Pop Secret popcorn, and Procter & Gamble have mutually agreed to end their proposed deal. Kellogg said that its debt
is likely to increase by about $2 billion and that it will limit stock buybacks for about two years to allow the company to reduce its debt. Procter & Gamble expects an after-tax gain of $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion, or about 47 cents to 50 cents per share, from the deal with Kellogg. Speculation had been growing over the past few days that Diamond’s proposed acquisition of Pringles was in trouble, particularly after the San Francisco company announced a week ago that it was replacing its CEO and CFO following an internal investigation that found that the Diamond improperly accounted for payments to walnut growers. The company now needs to restate two years of financial results. After those announcements, Diamond’s stock slid, which hurt its ability to finance the Pringles’ deal. Diamond Foods’ proposed buyout of Pringles was worth $1.5 billion when it was announced in April. It would have been the company’s biggest acquisition ever and made it the second-largest snack maker in the nation behind
PepsiCo Inc. Last week, Cincinnatibased Procter & Gamble said it was evaluating the deal and keeping all options open, even stating that Pringles had “attracted considerable interest from other outside parties.” No breakup or other fees will be paid tied to the Diamond deal. Industry experts had believed that Diamond would possibly have to pay a $60 million breakup fee to Procter & Gamble and potentially up to $6 million in related costs. Kellogg expects to complete the Pringles acquisition during the summer, possibly on June 30. If the deal closes around that time, Kellogg anticipates that the acquisition will add about 8 to 10 cents per share to its 2012 earnings before accounting for the acquisition and onetime costs and changes to its buyback program. Onetime costs are expected to be between $160 million and $180 million, with approximately $70 million to $90 million of those costs likely to be recognized in 2012. Procter & Gamble said that it now expects fiscal 2012 earnings of $3.30 to
$3.43 per share, which excludes the gain from the Pringles sale. If the sale closes in the current fiscal year, the company foresees earnings between $3.77 and $3.93 per share. This includes the one-time gain of 47 cents to 50 cents per share. Procter & Gamble said that its previous earnings outlook of $3.85 to $4.08 per share included an estimated 55 cents to 65 cents per share one-time gain from the Diamond Foods deal. Analysts surveyed by FactSet predict earnings of $4.06 per share for the year.
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
PROGRESS 2012
February 2012
13
Fort Piqua Plaza remains a showcase BY SHARON SEMANIE Ohio Community Media
PIQUA — Ever since the grand opening ceremony took place in October 2008, the Fort Piqua Plaza remains a major showcase for community residents and out-of-town visitors alike. A $22 million restoration project has enabled Winan’s Chocolate and Coffee shop to open its doors to the Romanesquestyle Plaza as well as the Piqua Public Library which occupies several floors along with a fourth floor conference center/banquet facility. William Murphy, assistant city manager and director of economic development for the city of Piqua, proudly admits “The Plaza, and the Grand Ballroom specifically, are always a hit with visitors. It is also a major talking point in our conversations with new businesses and residents as well as at meetings with site consultants,” he noted. When queried about challenges which face the Plaza in 2012, Murphy replied “Clearly, finding a tenant for the first floor restaurant space will be a priority.” “The city continues to seek a tenant for the firstlevel space formerly occupied by Toone P’s at the Plaza,” continued the city administrator. “We believe a restaurant that captures the unique history of the former hotel and one that is competitively priced will ultimately be the best fit for the location and community.” Murphy said specific financial arrangements of any future tenant will depend on a variety of factors “including whether or not the operation of the Fourth floor (banquet facili-
ty) is included in the lease.” He suggested that the Plaza currently has seven caterers approved to provide food to potential renters. “We believe this gives our customers several options for all types of events,” he added. Regarding the success of the Fourth floor, Murphy noted “The city has been extremely pleased with the success of the Fort Piqua Plaza Banquet & Conference Center. This year we had 129 rentals representing a 1.5 percent increase over 2010. More impressively, large room rentals were up 39 percent over 2010. Most of these large room rentals were for weddings/receptions and represent a large percentage of our rental revenues.
We attribute the growth of the wedding /reception business to an aggressive marketing campaign and ‘word of mouth.’” Murphy added “For 2012, nearly every Saturday through the end of the year is booked. To increase the usage during the week, our Plaza marketing committee has identified a business direct mail campaign and a special corporate event later this year to highlight the facility for a variety of corporate venues, including seminars, meetings and special events.” The former Fort Piqua Hotel was built at the intersection of High and MIKE ULLERY/STAFF PHOTO Main Streets in downtown Piqua in 1891. Throughout notables guests included Presidents Teddy Roosevelt the years, a number of Harry Houdini and former and William Taft. By the
Miami East prom queen Hannah House and King Cory Rindler, center, share their royalty dance during the 2011 prom at the Fort Piqua Plaza. 1970s, though, the 85,000square-foot structure, once used as a hotel by transients and also the location of a bus depot, became ultimately vacant. It wasn’t until January 2007, when a multi-million restoration took place culminating with the 2008 grand reopening of the Fort Piqua Plaza, which has subsequently been recognized with several awards including a 2009 Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
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February 2012
PROGRESS 2012
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
2011 a big year for Grow Piqua Now
BY BETHANY J. ROYER development director Bill Murphy providing updates, Ohio Community Media 2012 looks to be strong as broyer@dailycall.com GPN will continue to focus PIQUA — Last year on domestic recruitment proved to be a big one for with tradeshow representathe city according to Grow tion, innovative financing Piqua Now with $27.9 mil- opportunities and new lion in construction activity, partnerships. Such partnerships will new retailer Roses Store due to open this month, and include working with the Business three expansion projects Small either completed or having Development Center at Edison Community been announced. Atlas Precision, Palmer College, hosting a forum in Bolt and Berwick Steel are conjunction with the city the three area businesses and Chamber of Commerce that welcomed expansions. on building and occupancy More development regulations, and developing updates include a $2 mil- a formal plan with the Materials lion grant awarded by the Edison Center Clean Ohio Revitalization Technology Fund or CORF for demoli- (EMTEC) on a business tion and clean-up at the for- technology incubation promer Piqua Hospital. Along gram. A continued partnership with $1.4 million awarded by the Clean Ohio with Dayton Region in the Revitalization Sustainable BusinessFirst! Program Redevelopment Track and collaborating with Grant for the Piqua Power property owners and city Plant. While the Ohio departments on developing Department of shovel-ready sites are other Development’s Brownfield continued endeavors into Action Plan Pilot Program the new year. While also awarded $50,000 to the city hosting the third annual of Economic for technical assistance in State the redevelopment of the Development event on April 19, participating in Riverfront Mill District. Other good news the International Economic Council includes GPN acquiring Development eight business leads from (IEDC) Federal Forum in ROI, two from the Dayton D.C., and the annual State Development Coalition and of Ohio Legislative Day. For more information on one from Miami County. Looking ahead and GPN visit http: www.growthanks to Piqua’s economic piquanow.org.
Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News
PROGRESS 2012
February 2012
15
Unusual season for farmers
The corn crop at the John Johnston Farm & Indian Agency was among the tallest spotted in the area when this photo was taken in July 2011. Most of the stalks were nearing four-feet tall at that time. Planting was delayed by wet weather, followed by hot weather during mid summer. The growing season concluded with a harvest that was extended by a very wet fall, with the year ending as one of the wettest on record, according to weather officials. MIKE ULLERY/STAFF FILE PHOTO
Goodyear returns to profitability
AKRON (AP) — Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. returned to profitability in its fourth quarter partly as it sold more higherpriced tires after reporting a loss a year ago that included hefty costs tied to a plant closing. But its results fell short of Wall Street expectations, and its shares fell more than 5 percent Tuesday, Feb. 14. The biggest U.S. tire maker also cautioned that global tire industry growth will be at a slower pace near term than previously predicted due to economic difficulties in several mar-
kets. For the period ended Dec. 31, Goodyear reported net income of $18 million, or 7 cents per share. That compares with a net loss of $177 million, or 73 cents per share, a year ago. Excluding one-time items in the latest period, Goodyear said that its earnings were 3 cents per share. Analysts expected earnings of 20 cents per share, according to a FactSet survey. The prior-year period included a $160 million charge tied to its plans to close a plant in Union City, Tenn.
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PROGRESS 2012
February 2012
Tipp City hopes to leap forward BY JOYELL NEVINS Ohio Community Media jnevins@tcnewsnet.com
TIPP CITY — Between a new director/fundraiser and a new strategic plan, the Downtown Tipp City Partnership (DTCP) hopes to leap forward by the summer of 2012. The DTCP director position was formerly combined with the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce’s executive director position. With the resignation of former director Matt Owen in October 2011, both organizations felt the need to separate the responsibilities. “Over the years, it’s become pretty evident that our missions are very different,” said DTCP Organization Chairman Reed Spencer. While the Chamber is focused solely on businesses, Spencer terms DTCP as a “preservation” organization. Although advocating for business is a part of their mission statement, they also claim to serve property owners and downtown residents. “Our job as a partnership is not to promote individuals, but to promote, preserve and enhance the downtown as a whole,” Spencer said. Embellishing on their mission statement and setting a vision is the goal for their strategic plan. The plan is being written by Tara Dixon Engel with input from the organization committee: Spencer, Sue Rambeau, Jim Valekis, Greg Enslen, Kathy Taylor, and previously assisted by Owen and Liz Sonnanstine.
Once fully developed, DTCP wants to present their plan not only to the whole board, but the city as well, so as to be incorporated into Tipp City’s master plan. “The focus on clear and steady communication of the vision will work to not only clarify the goals ahead, but will also help uncover the work that is already being accomplished by the partnership,” DTCP Board president Jim Valekis said. Fundraising is another area DTCP wants focus in, which is also why it was complicated having one person be a director for two different organizations. Spencer points to the facade improvement program, run by DTCP’s design committee. The program currently offers $500 matching grants to downtown businesses doing outside remodel projects. Recently, Midwest Memories, Newsome RE/MAX and Sweets by Kristy have all received grants for work done to the front of their downtown buildings. “We give out $500 grants, why not $5,000,” Spencer said. Another project DTCP wants to put money into is a new interpretative signage program called “Key Into Tipp.” Just like how
many parks trails have signs that talk about various plants off the path, DTCP wants to place signs that tell the history behind many of the older downtown buildings. The difference is, the signs would be on the buildings themselves. DTCP is looking at embedding the signs with QR codes as well to engage the growing number of smart phone users. “The design committee has really been phenomenal, top notch,” Spencer said, referring to DTCP’s mission, “They get it.” Valekis is quick to add there is a whole core group of partnership members that are getting on board. Volunteer hours since Owen’s resignation have jumped from about 150 hours a month to 2-300 hours a month. “I’ve got a very good felling about the ‘new birth’ the partnership is going to be undergoing,” Valekis said. “This would be a great year for folks with a passion for the community to come on board. DTCP hopes to have their new director in place by April 1, and their strategic plan done soon after. For more information, visit www.downtowntippcity.org or call (937) 667-0883.