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INDEX

PAGE 3..... ‘Start-Up Kids’ shows spirit of mobile app development. PAGE 4..... Emphasis on service, Internet help local auto dealers. PAGE 7..... Learn how your business can reach out in new digital world. PAGE 8..... Remodeling a growing part of local construction. PAGE 10..... Local realtors see progress in housing market. PAGE 12..... Leasing increases in commercial real estate. PAGE 14..... Job orders making

noticeable upswing. PAGE 16..... Moderate local economic growth predicted this year. PAGE 19..... Many loan programs simplified to help small businesses, lenders. PAGE 20..... Find out how Chamber’s benefits can help your business. PAGE 21..... Don’t overlook U.S. strengths in manufacturing. PAGE 22..... Calendar of local business opportunities. PAGE 23..... Check out local ribbon-cuttings.

Lee Agnew mixes butter cream icing at Joy Ann Bakery, one of the area’s locally owned businesses. ON THE COVER: Bob Frazier grinds a pipe in preparation for welding at Elevator Equipment Corporation in Richmond. JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM

LOCAL INNOVATION

‘Start-Up Kids’ shows spirit of mobile app development I bet there is an app for that. Have you ever thought that about a problem in your life? Chances are there probably is something that you can download that will track your daily calories, count the miles that you run, change your thermostat or view the security camera at your business. But do you ever wonder who created that application? And why they worked so JASON diligently on getting it WHITNEY onto your phone? In the past, odds are that this innovative solution was designed and built by a team of engineers sitting in California hacking away at their computers writing lines and lines of code that are unintelligible by the common man. Today though, there is a high probability that this was brought to market by someone just like you. Someone who had a problem, an idea, and access to a computer. They might have brought some friends on board or just downloaded a simple coding software to help them create the end product that has been bouncing around in their head.

In Wayne County alone there are upwards of 30 people who head to work every day in offices, coffee shops and tap rooms who focus solely on the development of mobile apps to make your life easier. In fact, in Center City along Main Street there are four companies that operate in this world and they continue to grow their international companies every month. They are always looking for talented individuals to join their team who can add value right away to their services. This type of job is the modern-day version of manufacturing. It has a much lower cost of goods sold, but the concept is still the same. A worker uses their hands to create a product that they intend to sell in the marketplace, and someone is willing to spend money to have it. Many of the people doing this today are not even old enough to vote and that is why the Innovation Center is partnering with Richmond Social Media, West End Bank and the Richmond Art Museum to bring to Richmond a viewing of the innovative documentary “The Start-Up Kids,” which chronicles the lives of young web entrepreneurs throughout the United States and Europe. If you are someone who has an

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In Wayne County, there are about 30 people whose jobs focus solely on making your life easier

“The Start-Up Kids,” a documentary about young web entrepreneurs in the United States and Europe, will be shown at 6 p.m. March 14 at RHS’ McGuire Hall. SUPPLIED

idea that you want to bring to the marketplace, come join the conversation, network, and view this exciting project at 6 p.m. March 14 at McGuire Hall, 300 Hub Etchison Parkway. For more information call the

Innovation Center (765) 962-8151 or www.mycentercity.com. Jason Whitney is executive director of Center City Development Corporation in Richmond.

AUTO INDUSTRY

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Emphasis on service, Internet helps local auto dealers

Cars on display in front of Studebaker Buick GMC on East Main Street get attention from local residents and tourists driving along U.S. 40. JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM By Ron Greeson For Maximum Business

Scott Studebaker sees no consistency in new car sales as the local automobile industry begins the calendar year of 2013. And that’s not a new situation, according to Studebaker. The vice president of Studebaker Buick GMC has seen just such an up-and-down market in his business for the past 36 months.

“I don’t foresee any significant change (during this year),” he said recently. According to Studebaker, there are many outside factors that affect new car sales, and often when new car sales go down, pre-owned car sales go up. “Thus,” he says, his company’s “deep roots in the community, experience among his staff of 35 people, and well-rounded auto services that are available, have supported Stude-

baker” since the dealership’s inception in September 1979. He explains that he believes his company “is not really a sales company, but a service company.” The dealership offers full auto service and a full body shop, along with the sale of new and pre-owned vehicles. “We offer our customers a diversified inventory online, and now about 10 percent of our car sales come from the online service,” he

explains. As for the outside factors affecting sales, Studebaker cites taxes, the price of gas, median reports and even politics can have an impact. “We count on the good people that work for us, experienced and knowledgeable, to provide the service to our customers that we expect,” he concluded. It is a like message from another See AUTO, Page 5

AUTO INDUSTRY

Auto Continued from Page 4

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area car business, the Rodney Cobb dealership in nearby Eaton, Ohio. Cobb has operated a Chevrolet dealership since 1985, but recently, the business expanded its lines with the acquisition of the local Buick and GMC makes, and the physical location at 500 E. Main St. in the Ohio village is undergoing significant changes as well. “A major renovation is under way,” said Cobb. “It is a big facelift, the standardization of the look of a GMC dealership with a blue arch, and GMC is helping with the costs of the makeover.” Cobb reported 2012 was the best year ever for his business, and hopes for a 2013 “even better than last year.” He spoke of his perception of the reasons behind the dealership’s most recent success. “I think the keys are staying optimistic, being positive about the economy and the prospects for ourselves and our customer base,” Cobb commented when asked about the 2012 performance of the business. “Additionally, we have tried to treat people well over a period of years, and built long-term customers.” He acknowledges that adding two more lines has helped, and will continue to do so. “It is important to work at overcoming the doom-and-gloom that seems to be around so much today,” Cobb added. The dealership owner also cited the firm’s website at www.rodneycobb.com, as generating business, even from as far away as California

Trent Howell in the showroom of Studebaker Buick GMC. JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM

in one rare instance. A growing part of the auto sales market, here and elsewhere, is the pre-owned, or used, car market. One longtime player in pre-owned cars locally is the family owned and operated Northgate Cars, which has been run by the Marcum family since the early 1960s. Son Tim Marcum now operates the business begun by his father Bob. “I have worked in the business all

my life,” Tim said of the Northgate operation. ‘We continue to work primarily with late model used cars, and our business has been pretty stable, what with the high level of repeat business that we enjoy,” Tim said. His inventory is much like the past, but is on a slightly smaller scale than before the recent economic times. “In our business, with our low

dealer overhead, and much smaller staff, we can save people money with a next-to-new car, one that looks like a new car, selling a vehicle for considerably less money,” Marcum explained. One of Northgate’s longtime clients, and a recent buyer once again, was Eldon Harzman, a retired Richmond pastor. See AUTO, Page 6

AUTO INDUSTRY

Auto

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“I have bought many vehicles, new and used, over the years, from both car dealers and Northgate,” Harzman said. “I normally look for certain makes and models, and obviously, price is always an issue,” Harzman explained. He also considers extended warranties, since he wishes to avoid very expensive repairs. Now, Harzman seeks very latemodel vehicles, like the recent purchase from Northgate of a 2011 vehicle with only 15,000 miles driven. While Northgate still operated its car business in the more traditional manner, many dealerships market vehicles in a much different manner today, as the Internet has become a key marketing tool. A newer, but still large impact on the local auto industry picture has come over the past quarter-century from the Wetzel family. Coming to Richmond from Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1988 was Lynn Wetzel, who bought the dealership with the Honda and Dodge brands. Now, Lynn and daughter Jera Schwer, plus son Nick, and the total family remain here with the Wetzel Auto Cruise, a business with five different stores offering eight total brands. Along with original two brands are Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram, with the last of those now a separate brand. And it continues to be a family affair, as all of the Wetzel family members moved to Richmond all those years ago, and worked in the

are more of a regional dealership,” Schwer reported, noting that U.S. 40 and U.S. 27 go directly by the Richmond Wetzel stores. “Over 30 percent of our sales are to Ohio residents, and many come here for restaurants and shopping, not vehicles, and are from outside Richmond within the state of Indiana.” She reports that about half of Wetzel’s vehicle sales are for used vehicles, a fact that she says hasn’t changed much over the years. Schwer said that Wetzel invests a lot of time and money in preparing trade-ins to be called “Wetzel Better Buy Used Cars.” The pre-owned vehicles on the store lots typically have a warranty of 12 months or 12,000 miles, a three-day or 300-mile Trent Howell, left, talks with a potential customer in the showroom of Studebaker satisfaction guarantee for used purBuick GMC. JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM chases, plus a free CARFAX report on every vehicle available. A new feature promoted on the we’re glad to be here,” she went on. business, and still do so today. company’s cable television advertisAs for the flow of business at Jera is the vice president of Weting is the company website. Wetzel, Schwer had this to say. zel, and spoke recently of her per“In the past year, we have really “We tend to see surges, then perispective on the local automobile focused on the Internet, expanded ods where there isn’t that kind of market as the early part of 2013 unincrease,” she commented. “With last our website, and worked on marketfolds. year being an (presidential) election ing online,” Schwer commented. “We are very hopeful for this Among the services she described year, buyers tend to be a little more year,” Jera Schwer said, “and the conservative, waiting to see how the as available online are: scheduling business has seen steady growth service appointments, talking to the election results turn out, and how over the past couple of years.” customer service center, receiving a She is optimistic about the overall that might affect things.” quote of value on a trade-in, filling Then again, not only politics, but economy here as well. out a credit application, and searchsimply the calendar seemed to have “In general, I think things are ing the entire new and used invenan impact, according to Schwer. looking up, and people should be “Sales slowed a bit when the fiscal tory. upbeat,” she commented. “The website is very important in cliff situation was up in the air, then Schwer said her father chose this used car sales,” she concluded. “We surged a bit with the settlement of area when the decision was made to estimate that around 80 percent of that situation,” she explained. leave the Pittsburgh area years ago. our sales involve some facet of In“Now, after the holidays, we’re “Dad really liked this area (Richternet use, either on a manufacturseeing another small surge.” mond), and the Dodge and Honda The vice president of the business er’s website or on our our (Wetzel) dealerships here were in good website.” cites Richmond’s location near I-70 shape,” Jera said of the factors that That’s a big impact for the local as conducive to regional vehicle resulted in the move of the entire auto business with the largest numbuyers, not just Richmond itself. family to the Midwest. “It is very easy to get there, so we ber of stores in our area. “Now, it’s (Richmond) home, and

MANAGING TECHNOLOGIES

How can local businesses reach out in new digital world? Digital marketing is arguably the most progressive, fluid, and fastest growing form of advertising. Ever. More and more of our life experience is moving to the Web. From entertainment, to news, to shopping, to research, to socializing, the web has become an intrinsic part of modern life. The question is: how can local businesses reach out in this new digital world? The answer is as BENJAMIN simple or as complicatMILLER ed as one wants to make it. But basically it’s a matter of first deciding what it is you want to do with your marketing in general and then aligning those goals with whatever digital marketing products fit. And don’t shy away from specifics. The digital domain is extremely pliable, and whatever you think you might want to do, someone out there

has likely already built the means to do it. Of course the fuel of the Web is data. In fact, the core function of the whole Internet is the exchange and storage of it. But there’s a happy side effect to all this data exchange, and that is the creation of even more data. Who clicked where, when, to find what is what drives the economies of the Web. “Trackability” is advertising’s holy grail, and is one of the strongest arguments for marketing in the digital. Various advertising products and companies representing these products offer different levels and modes of tracking. The trick is to understand what this tracking offers, and to make sure you have managed your own expectations. Think more about what to expect and what it does for you, than “how it works” specifically. I put gas in my car and it takes me from A to B, but I might be hardpressed to, say, adjust a timing belt. And as long as I keep getting to B with some level of comfort and reliability (and a decent sound system), I’m good with that. Your website is your face to the

world. And in a glance, users will decide with 100 percent certainty the quality of your business. Whether on a laptop, a phone, or a desktop, they’ll instinctively judge how organized and customer-focused you are. The challenge for any business or organization is to have a site that reflects its values, while respecting the time, the intelligence, and even the style-sense of its visitors. The question to start with when thinking of a site design is: what do our visitors want? Of course what you want to do as an organization is important too, but the goal of your website should be determined in your overall marketing strategy. User experience should drive design; make it about the visitor’s

needs and desires, not your marketing goals. They already know what you want, to make them a customer or member or something, so don’t worry about that because it’s really not a secret. They come to your site for thisand-that, so give them this-and-that (and maybe the other), make it easy to find, and make it seem important to you. It is to them.

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In a glance, your website’s users will decide your company’s quality

Miller is a Richmond native who has recently joined the Palladium-Item Media Group as our Digital Specialist. His background includes marketing, management and promotion, and he is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree in informatics at Indiana University East. He can be reached at bmiller@pal-item.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Remodeling a growing part of local construction By Ron Greeson For Maximum Business

Jim Harvey says he sees a “slightly improving” construction market in the Whitewater Valley as 2013 begins. The president of Harvey Brothers Construction since 2007, he thinks this local segment of the economy “could be right at the bottom,” and perhaps a rebound, albeit gradual, could be happening soon. And he is joined by a like perspective from Steve Shute, general manager of Richmondbased Smarrelli Construction. “I think our business is a little better than two years ago. The past two years were very much alike,” Shute said recently. Both firms report that an increase in remodeling existing buildings, a renovation project or expansion, is an ever-increasing option for local commercial clients. “Also, I have seen a focus on the better use of space in an existing structure rather than building on,” Shute adds. Smarrelli does mostly commercial construction, a lot of schools and government buildings, plus some private structures. Jim Harvey explains that there are challenges for many current and prospective homeowners these days. “A lot of home buyers, particularly firsttime buyers, have difficulty in getting financing,” Harvey explains. “The federal government has tightened the rules for financing.” In fact, much of Harvey’s private home construction these days is paid for by all-cash deals, either from existing funds or available equity. Still, Harvey says remodeling is “about 80 percent” of his business’s work now, including work costing as little as $4,000 to $5,000, up to $35,000-$50,000 projects. His company does work in both Richmond and Connersville, as well as in smaller communities, like Centerville, in an approximate radius of 40-60 miles. Brother Fred serves as secretary of the business, and serves as the on-site supervisor for construction projects. The current company began as Fred Harvey Builders when the father of current business See CONSTRUCTION, Page 9

Oran Baumeister, left, and Fred Harvey of Harvey Brothers Construction make measurements for a new home on Clear Creek Lane. JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM

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Oran Baumeister, left, and Fred Harvey of Harvey Brothers Construction make measurements for a new home on Clear Creek Lane. JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM

Construction Continued from Page 8

leaders Jim and Fred formed the business some 35 years ago in 1978. Harvey Brothers Construction has worked on the Archway Village development on the west side of Centerville. Another longtime firmon the local scene is enjoying much success in these challenging economic times. Dan Stamper is the owner of Thor Construction, and he says 2013 “looks good for us,” and as to the year’s business prospects, “we expect to do just as much as last year, if not more.” Stamper says much of the firm’s recent success has been with bid work, coming out as the low bidder, and catastrophes another key as the fact of receiving many invitations to bid major projects. Thor has also done a number of school jobs, and is now involved with a major job at Earlham College. “We do work on a regional basis, work within an hour’s drive, so we go to Cincinnati, Dayton or Indianapolis for jobs, but no further,” Stamper explained. He says he works with “as many local subcontractors as possible,” adding that the concept of “buy local is what I’m all about.” Stamper said that Earlham College and Wernle are two local organiza-

PROJECT IDEAS Some projects local construction companies tackle regularly include: Design consulting Custom homes Room additions Ceramic tile Kitchen and bath remodeling New replacement windows Light commercial Siding Concrete Roofing Wood floors

tions that put a lot of emphasis on trying to work with local firms on construction jobs, at least in his experience. Carroll Electric is a division of Thor Construction, with Carroll a firm founded years ago by the late Pat Carroll. “We (Thor) are very fortunate in that we have a lot of bonding power (funding source) and some very good banking relationships in putting project bids together,” Stamper said. Thor has been involved with projects as diverse as building new hotels to a recent job of constructing an ice skating rink in Springfield, Ohio. Stamper added that he hopes local firms in the construction industry can continue to survive and thrive through the years and into the future, given the challenging general economic conditions today, and in recent times.

REAL ESTATE

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Local Realtors see progress in housing market

Realtor Kyle Tom of Richmond looks through a house he had listed in Richmond’s Meadow Park subdivision. PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

Banker says a number of loans are being made By Pam Tharp For Maximum Business

A sick housing industry helped lead the United States into its worst recession since the Great Depression. Housing is now in recovery, area experts say, which could also provide a boost for the rest of the economy. The housing crisis created a glut of homes for sale, produced neighborhoods with abandoned houses, and idled construction workers who were no longer needed to build additional

housing. It’s taken more than four years to work through those problems. “It was a bubble. We had it happen in Richmond, but our values weren’t up crazy Max amounts like they were Worland in some places,” said Max Worland, sales manager at Lingle Real Estate. “We’re pretty upbeat now. It’s been 2007 or 2008 since we could say that.” The overabundance of housing

in new listings in recent shows in the small numbers of buildmonths. ing permits issued in Wayne County Houses are selling and Richmond. relatively quickly, most Wayne County Building Departin 90 to 120 days, she ment data shows it issued building said. permits for only 11 new homes in The improvement is 2010, 10 homes in 2011 and 12 in 2012. coming because many Residential building permits in Debbie Rudd foreclosed dwellings Richmond totaled 42 in 2010, a year have moved through the when a subdivision was developed, 14 in 2011 and 10 in 2012, according to the pipeline, Worland said. “We’re seeing a lot of pent-up decity’s development office. mand now. Buyers are ready to buy,” Debbie Rudd, a partner in First Richmond Group LLC, said their agency has definitely seen an uptick See HOUSING, Page 11

REAL ESTATE

Housing

drag on home prices and sales, bankers say. “There’s a certain amount of uncertainty on whether we’ve hit the bottom,” said Joe Chamness, executive vice president of First Bank Richmond. “It possibly could go down again, but we’re seeing what we think is a leveling off now.” The real estate business has learned lessons from the disaster of the last decade, Worland said. “There’s a lot more oversight on appraisals to be sure of the property’s value, especially with federallybacked loans,” Worland said. “Lenders are required to give ‘good faith’ estimates of the true cost of the loan. Mortgage brokers are pretty much all gone.” Land contracts, which almost disappeared during the “easy money” era, are returning, Worland said. Lenders now have higher standards than some borrowers can meet, so a seller-financed contract can be a good alternative for some sales, Worland said. The return of the real estate market is a key component of the coun-

try’s economic recovery. A healthy housing sector could boost gross domestic product of more than $400 billion, based on housing’s historical portion of the overall economy, economists say. What Richmond and Wayne County need the most are more good-paying jobs, McBride said. More demand for new housing would boost jobs in the construction industry and create additional demand throughout the local economy, he said. The Sugar Creek Packing Co., which will locate in the Gateway Industrial Park near Cambridge City, is an example of the kind of employers the community needs to attract to boost the local economy, McBride said. “I’ve never experienced a recession like this one,” said McBride, 66. “Globally, it’s such a different environment now. Until the city and the county can focus on jobs, (the economy) here is not going to improve,” McBride said. “All kinds of good things happen when we have goodpaying jobs.”

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loan officer David Frost. A house that was worth $90,000 five years ago Continued from Page 10 might now be worth only $75,000, he said. Owners in that situaWorland said. “There’s a little scarcition can’t even refinance ty of sellers. We need more properties their homes to take adto sell.” John vantage of lower inThe supply of existing homes for McBride terest rates, he said. sale nationwide fell to 4.4 months in “They’re unpleasDecember, based on the current antly surprised when they find out. monthly sales pace, the National AsThey cry,” Frost said. sociation of Realtors said. Some potential homebuyers are Supply is the lowest its been in more than seven years and residential also leary of taking a 30-year loan because they’re unsure of their longmortgage rates are still attractive. term employment, Frost said. Locally, interest rates of 2.65 perWest End Savings Bank president cent on a 20-year loan and 3.5 percent and CEO John McBride said the bank on a 30-year loan are available, Worhas money to lend and has been makland said. ing a number of housing loans. Even though interest rates are “There’s a little bit of hope in the exceptionally low, getting a home loan economy,” McBride said. “Governcan still be a long, difficult process, ment programs are helping too.” Rudd said. Rudd said some potential buyers “Banks are still holding tight on have qualified for a grant program funds,” Rudd said. “Banks learned a that pays the downpayment. lesson and I tell clients not to take it Some rural housing programs personally. They just have to have all require low or no downpayments, she their documents in place.” The housing crisis hasn’t been easy said. Homes in foreclosure are still a for banks either, said Wayne Bank

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REAL ESTATE

Austin Baumgartner, home for summer break, found work painting the side of his dad’s business, Baumgartner Commercial Real Estate, 42 S. Ninth St. PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

Commercial real estate begins rebounding Leasing a more popular option now than buying By Pam Tharp For Maximum Business

Commercial real estate is showing signs of life in Richmond and Wayne County, but business property sales still haven’t returned to pre-recession levels, area real estate agents say. Commercial property sales were hard hit during the recession, losing even more value than residential .

housing, said Joe Chamness, executive vice president of First Bank Richmond. There is activity now in the commercial market, but it’s not returned to normal, said Rhett Baumgartner, owner of Baumgartner Commercial. “There is some movement in retail property because some businesses do well when people are struggling,” Baumgartner said. “Auto parts, as opposed to buying new

cars, do well in this economy. Dollar General stores are another example.” Last month, lowprice retailer Dollar General announced expansion plans to build Rhett 600 new stores nationBaumgartner wide, which includes expansion in Richmond. New commercial buildings have been scarce in Richmond and Wayne County in the last three years. The county issued permits for six projects in 2010, none in 2011 and only

two in 2012. The city issued nine commercial building permits in 2010, eight in 2011 and only six in 2012. Debbie Rudd, a partner in First Richmond Group LLC, said some commercial property is moving, but leasing is a more popular option now. “Commercial real estate is definitly slower than residential housing,” Rudd said. “We’re in a whole different landscape now and it’s sometimes hard for people to understand that. We’ve gone from one extreme to another.” See COMMERCIAL, Page 13

REAL ESTATE Dollar General built a new store on U.S. 40 in Centerville a few years ago and now plans to add another Richmond location. The store will be near the corner of North 10th and H streets. PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

Continued from Page 12

Commercial real estate’s problems aren’t unique to Richmond, Baumgartner said. Like the formerly overpriced housing market, some commercial properties also were overpriced and overleveraged, Baumgartner said. The commercial market is still working its way through those problems, Baumgartner said. Commercial properties might have suffered more from being devalued than residential properties, said Joe Chamness, executive vice president of First Bank Richmond. Property values are down and are still declining, Baumgartner said.

“We were overvalued years ago and some owners still owe more than their properties are worth now,” Baumgartner said. “If you owe more than it’s worth, it’s hard to sell a property unless the banks get involved. We’re seeing some short sales. There is activity and we’re working through this one property at a time.” Like the housing market, there’s also a scarcity of sellers among commercial Joe properties, said Lingle Chamness and Associates sales manager Max Worland. Depressed real estate prices prices aren’t helping that situation, he said. Some sellers are on the sidelines, waiting for values to come up, Wor-

land said. Selling commercial property now often takes six months to a year, Worland said. “We are seeing commercial property moving,” Worland said. “There’s a perception among borrowers that bankers don’t want to loan money. You do need more down payment than in the past.” The Federal Reserve says loan demand is increasing and many banks expect credit quality to improve this year across all loan categories. Nearly a quarter of the banks indicated they’re seeing an increased number of commercial loan applications, according to Bank Credit News. A recent quarterly survey by the Federal Reserve showed most banks have not made it easier to obtain

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Commercial

business loans or commercial real estate loans over the last three months. More than 50 percent of banks indicated they are accepting interest rates that are more similar to rates paid by banks for deposits. Credit-worthiness is still an issue and is examined more closely now by many lenders. Money is available, but getting a loan is more difficult than it was five years ago, Chamness said. A quick fix for the commercial real estate market isn’t in anyone’s best interest, Baumgartner said. “There are a lot of loans that were too high or shouldn’t have been made in the first place,” Baumgartner said. “It’s not prudent to repeat those problems again. It may take another two to three years to work through the problems.”

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Bob Hays teaches a training session on customer service at Work One, 3771 S. A St. in Richmond. Call (765) 962-8591 for more information. JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM

Job orders making noticeable upswing By Ron Greeson For Maximum Business

Acacia St. John is attempting to spread the good news. Amid much gloom-and-doom about the local economy, in some quarters, the manager of the local Work One office reports that job orders are on a noticeable upswing as the calendar year 2013 begins. “We are receiving strong job or14 ders at the start of the year, job open-

ings in many different industries,” St. John said. “Another nice thing about the orders we are getting is that they are for all job levels in companies, at both the executive and entry-level positions,” she said. “Plus, we are aware of companies rehiring people that have been laid off, and also hiring new employees.” While St. John said that the beginning of the calendar year normally sees an increase in job orders at her

office, this year’s response has been “more than in past years.” She has been with Work One for seven years, and has managed both the Wayne and Fayette county branches for a year-and-a-half. An additional opportunity for area employers to use Work One services is the organization’s advanced training classes. Instructors can come on-site for classes to help train employees potentially for up to six weeks.

A federal grant for 2013 provides money for qualifying companies to cover 50 percent of the cost of the training, money that can be provided by Work One to train the company personnel. There is interest in aiding the formation of what are called “green” jobs, jobs that involve recycling or environmentally-friendly processes. Applicants for training with the See JOB, Page 15

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Job Continued from Page 14

Work One is a single point of contact between businesses and people looking for the right job or career. » For Businesses: Provides cost-effective, convenient access to thousands of job seekers, plus candidate screening, job fairs and other recruiting services. » For Job Seekers: Source of information, referrals, placement assistance and other services. Work One is the local contact for unemployment insurance, as well as special services available to veterans, job seekers older than 55, and those in special circumstances or with specific barriers to employment. Source: www.work-one.org

aspect is a critical aspect of the assessment and evaluation part of Work One’s mission. For more information and details about the “green” training program, or any Work One program or service, go to the organization website at www.work-one.org.

ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMS AFFILIATED WITH WORK ONE RICHMOND 21st Century Scholars Blackford Co. School Corp. Community & Family Services, Inc. Community Action of East Central Indiana Delaware Co. College Success Coalition Experience Works Fayette Co. School Corp. Hillcroft Indiana Department of Workforce Development Interlocal Association Interlocal CAP Ivy Tech Community College Jay School Corp. John Jay Center for Learning

Muncie Community Schools National ABLE Network, Inc. New Castle Area Career Programs Pro Resources Richmond Community Schools U.S. Dept. of Labor Wages & Hour Veteran County Service Officers Veterans Upward Bound Program Vocation Rehabilitation Services Wayne Co. College Success Coalition Whitewater Technical Career Center Youth Opportunity Center Source: www.work-one.org

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“green” job program must be approved for involvement in the program, a process available through business service representatives at the Work One office. All employees to be trained in the program must be new hires, and for the funds to be used, either the job must be directly related to a “green” product or the company must be involved with some kind of “green” service, or aspect, in its operation. Very often, St. John reports, the job comes along with development efforts in the Work One office, or the new employee has been placed on the job-ready list at Work One. “We maintain a list of potential employees that have been evaluated and trained by our staff and/or trainers, people who Work One has deemed a qualified applicant for some specific job opportunity,” St. John said. She said further that the training

WORK ONE SERVICES

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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Moderate local economic growth predicted this year

IU East professor: Area needs to reshape economic structure, revitalize economy and community By Louise Ronald Staff Writer

Litao Zhong, assistant professor of economics and finance and director of the Business and Economic Research Center at Indiana University East, forecast overall moderate economic growth in 2013 for Wayne County and the surrounding region. Zhong made the prediction as part of the Business Outlook Panel from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, which made a presentation in Richmond in November. In February, Zhong said he thinks the Litao Zhong trends he noted in his report will continue. “You won’t see a big change in just a couple of months,” he said. Zhong described the economy as fragile. “The regional economy has strong ties to the big picture. If the big picture gets bad, we will get worse,” he said. “We’re on the right track, but some issues are causing concern.” One issue is the cost of health care. “People have become a huge burden for companies,” Zhong said, accelerating the move toward mechanization and technology. “It may be good for business and bad for workers. … In the future, only the skilled people will get jobs. For unskilled people, it will get harder and harder.” Another issue is the deficit and policies related to it. “We just deferred the spending cut,” Zhong said. “If you defer further, businesses will wait longer” to invest in the future. “That could be another setback for the economy,” he said. Below are excerpts from Zhong’s 16 report for the IU Business Outlook

Panel, with charts updated where data is available. Charts and figures are numbered as in the original report.

Forecast 2013 Wayne County is at an intersection to redefine itself after a largescale loss of its historically dominant manufacturing jobs in recent years. The overall economy in Wayne County continues to recover after the Great Recession, but at a much slower pace than the state and other counties. There are several big problems hanging over our region: high unemployment, a declining and aging population, a tepid housing market, and the shortage of skilled workers. The main question Wayne County faces today is not just how to recover from the recession, but how to reshape its economic structure and revitalize its economy and community.

Total personal income Since the public regional gross domestic product (GDP) data are unavailable for Wayne County and surrounding counties, we used total personal income (TPI) as an approximation for GDP to measure the overall economic activity in our region. (TPI includes net earnings by place of residence; dividends, interest, and rent; and personal current transfer receipts received by residents in the area.) The regional total TPI bounced back in 2010 after the 2009 slump (see Figure 1). Our region had a TPI of $6.5 billion in 2010 and accounted for 2.9 percent of the state total. Comparatively, the TPI of our See GROWTH, Page 17

Figure 1: Richmond Region’s Total Personal Income, 2000 to 2011 In Figure 1, the Richmond region includes Fayette, Franklin, Henry, Randolph, Rush, Union and Wayne counties. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Fact Sheets.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Growth

regional TPI shown in Figure 2.

Continued from Page 16

The overall unemployment rate has slowly trended down since 2010 in this area (see Figure 6). The regional unemployment rate for September 2012 was 8.6 percent. Although the regional unemployment rate is on a downward trend, it is still higher than the national rate of 7.6 percent and the state’s 7.5 percent rate (not seasonally adjusted). Among all seven counties, the unemployment rates of Fayette, Henry, Randolph and Wayne are above the state and national levels, while Franklin, Rush and Union have unemployment rates lower than the state and national rates. The downward trend in the unemployment rate does not tell the whole story about the regional labor market. The data on the labor force and employment for all seven counties

Figure 2: The Breakdown of Regional Total Personal Income, 2000 and 2011. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Fact Sheets 0.1 percent from 2009. The 2009-2010 state change was 2.0 percent and the national change was 2.8 percent. In 2000, the PCPI of Wayne County was $24,442 and ranked 46th in the state. Wayne County’s 2000-2010 annual growth rate for PCPI was 1.7 percent, compared to 2.2 percent for the state and 2.8 percent for the nation. Interestingly, the surrounding

counties’ PCPIs fall into two distinct groups (see Figure 4). Fayette County and Henry County have the same downward trend on their PCPIs as a percent of the national average as Wayne County does. In contrast, Franklin, Randolph, Rush and Union have a notable uptick on their PCPIs in terms of percent of the national average since 2007. This outcome echoes the percentage changes of

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region was $5.4 billion in 2000 and accounted for 3.3 percent of the state total. At the county level, Wayne still has the largest share of TPI in our regional economy, but its share fell from 32 percent in 2000 to 31 percent in 2010 (see Figure 2). Fayette and Henry counties also declined in their economic weights, while Franklin, Randolph and Union counties gained more shares in the regional economy. Rush County remained the same. Per capita personal income (PCPI) has gradually improved in the past decade (see Figure 3). In 2010, the regional PCPI was $29,928, about 88 percent of the state average ($34,028) and 75 percent of the national average ($39,791). Wayne County had a PCPI of $28,916 in 2010, ranking 74th in the state and reflecting an increase of

Labor market

See GROWTH, Page 18

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Growth

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Continued from Page 17

(Above) Figure 3: Per Capita Personal Income for Wayne County and Region, 2000 to 2011 Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Fact Sheets (Below) Figure 4: Per Capita Income as a Percent of the United States, 2000 to 2011 Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Fact Sheets

actually may raise some eyebrows. The labor force and employment numbers have both seen a substantial decrease, particularly since May 2012. Before May 2012, the labor force stayed around 99,000 with employment around 89,000, but in August 2012, the labor force slumped to 96,281 with employment of 87,344. This suggests that the local labor market is weakening with fewer available jobs, causing job seekers to drop out of the labor market or move out of the area. The employment pattern has also been shifting in our region. Total nonfarm jobs totaled 64,114 in 2011, about an 11 percent slide since 2007. The top five local employment sectors are: government, manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food service. Manufacturing used to be the largest employment source in this

area, but its weight in overall employment has gradually declined from 21.5 percent in 2007 to 18.5 percent in 2011. Most sectors experienced job cuts during this time frame with the exception of health care and social assistance. There has been a steady increase in employment in health care and social assistance over the years in our region. We anticipate this economic sector will keep growing in the future and will become the largest source of employment in the region.

Earnings In contrast to the weakening labor market, our region sees a positive change in the average annual income for most industries. In 2011, the average annual earnings for all industries was $30,703, a 1.8 percent increase from 2007; however, that is about 23 percent lower than the state average. Although the manufacturing sector still has the highest wage in this See GROWTH, Page 19

SMALL BUSINESS

Many loan programs simplified to help small businesses, lenders In Indiana real estate, auto sales and manufacturing all play a major role in contributing to the growth and stability of local small business. Since 2008, we have seen these industries fluctuate in sales and revenues, employment and expansion to closures. The U.S. Small Business Administration has been putting new programs in place and modifying existing programs to help small business get back on their feet. SHARON Over the past year, MURFF SBA began streamlining and simplifying many of the loan programs to provide more access and opportunity for both lenders and small businesses.

Loan programs available to assist small business owners » 504 Loans: These provide ac-

Growth Continued from Page 18

region, comparatively its average annual earnings dropped by about 2 percent in the past five years. We anticipate the average income will grow steadily under the current economic circumstances, but the earning disparity between our region and the state average will persist for a long time.

Outlook The global economy has much more impact on the regional economy today than 20 years ago. The World Bank’s new chief economist, Kaushik Basu, said “The ongoing European debt crisis could weigh on the world economy for years, forc-

cess to capital for the purchase real estate or major equipment. The 504 Loan program provides small businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing used to acquire fixed assets for expansion or modernization. 504 loans are made available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA’s community based partners for providing 504 Loans. Include: the purchase of existing buildings or land and land improvements, including grading, street improvements, utilities, parking lots and landscaping; the construction of new facilities or modernizing, renovating or converting existing facilities; the purchase of long-term machinery; or the refinancing of debt in connection with an expansion of the business through new or renovated

ing policy makers to rethink their approaches to restoring growth and boosting job creation.” (“World Bank Sees Long Crisis Effect,” Wall Street Journal, October 2, 2012.) The sluggish global economic growth will impact the U.S. economy, which in turn will impact Richmond’s regional economy given their interdependence. Furthermore, many businesses have been waiting for clearer economic policies to be defined by the outcome of the general election. In summary, due to policy uncertainty in the global and national economies, the outlook for the regional economy in 2013 is mixed. Overall, we expect moderate economic growth; however, in some sectors, such as health care and social assistance, we might see faster growth.

facilities or equipment. » CAPLines Loan Program: The CAPLines program is designed to help small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working capital needs. The programs can be used to finance seasonal working capital needs; finance the direct costs of performing certain construction, service and supply contracts; finance the direct cost associated with commercial and residential construction; finance operating capital; and consolidate short-term debt. There are four distinct loan programs under the CAPLine umbrella: The Contract Loan Program is used to finance material, labor, and overhead needs for a specific contract or contracts. The Seasonal Line of Credit Program is used to support buildup of inventory, accounts receivable or labor and materials above normal usage for seasonal inventory. The Builders Line Program provides financing for small contractors or developers to construct or rehabilitate residential or commercial property.

The Working Capital Line is a revolving line of credit that provides short-term working capital. » Dealer Floor Plan: Floor plan financing is a revolving line of credit that allows a dealership to obtain financing through SBA’s 7(a) program for inventory that can be titled, such as autos, RVs, manufactured homes, boats and trailers. As each piece of collateral is sold by the dealer, the loan advance against that piece of collateral is repaid. As the loan is repaid, the dealer can borrow against the line of credit to add new inventory. The program is available to qualifying small businesses, including new and used automobile, motorcycle, RV, manufactured homes and boat dealers. SBA stands ready to help you start, grow or expand your business. For more information contact the SBA Indiana District Office at (317) 226-7272 or visit www.sba.gov/in.

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Assistance available for needs such as real estate, equipment, labor, inventory

Sharon Murff is a public information officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration office in Indianapolis.

Figure 6: Unemployment Rates: January 2005 to September 2012. Source: STATS Indiana, using Bureau of Labor Statistics 19 data .

CHAMBER VOICES

Take advantage of Chamber benefits Committees are open to any member to join

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With our celebration of successes from 2012 at our annual dinner behind us, we are really focused on what we can do in 2013 as a chamber to help all of our members succeed. A few of the ways we are doing that is through networking opportunities, member benefits and marketing. Communication is the key. The chamber is working hard to communicate what we do and what we can do AMY to help businesses of HOLTHOUSE all sizes. For us to be successful it’s imperative that the line of communication go both ways. We sent a sample survey out to members a few weeks ago and many of our members completed that survey and we received a lot of valuable information in return. If you are a member and have an opportunity to share with us your experiences, please do not hesitate. We can only grow to be our best for our membership and therefore our community with your input and support. Networking opportunities are often categorized only as our events. Yes, those are great! However, don’t overlook our committees. Our working committees are open to anyone who works for any company or group that is a member of the chamber. We welcome any member to the table. Committees provide an opportunity for people to develop meaningful relationships with individuals they may otherwise not know and also to work on productive projects together to benefit themselves and their passion as well as the community and the chamber. If you might have an interest in a committee, please call us and/or just drop in on a meeting to visit. Everyone is welcome and our goal is to grow these groups to be a diverse representation of our business community. Also, we recognize that not everyone is able to be at these meetings. If you would like to join a committee 20 and cannot attend but would like to

MONTHLY MEETINGS » First Wednesday of the month Business and Education Committee, 8-9 a.m. Awards, Celebrations & Events Committee, noon-1 p.m. » Second Friday of the month Membership Outreach Committee, 9-10:30 a.m. » Second Tuesday of the month Grow Local/ Buy Local Committee, noon-1:30 p.m. » Second Wednesday of the month Issues and Advocacy Committee, noon-1:30 p.m.

receive emails about what is happening, we can arrange that as well. We have learned that many of our members are not completely aware of all of the benefits of their membership. There is a long list of opportunities as a member and if you are unaware of what is available, you can access this information on our website or contact our office anytime with any questions. We would be happy to sit down with you to go over the information and make sure you are taking advantage of everything that can benefit you. Member-to-member discounts are also offered by many members, and if you are interested in learning about those possibilities — either to take advantage of an offer or possibly to create an offer for others — we can help. Marketing opportunities fall under member benefits but often receive the most attention. This is a place where we can really help and try to put the spotlight on you. Again, if you are interested in learning more, please let us know. We want to help make 2013 the best year possible for all of our members! Amy Holthouse is president and CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.

June Salzarulo of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate receives the Chamber’s Lifetime Volunteer Award. Members can get involved in many ways. SUPPLIED

U.S. MANUFACTURING

Don’t overlook U.S. strengths in manufacturing tive side since 2009 manufacturing output in the United States has been increasing at a 5.9 percent annualized rate and has recovered 47.4 percent of its losses in output since the 20092010 recessions. It is also important to recognize that U.S. manufacturing has exhibited significant gains in output as a result of substantial gains in productivity. While manufacturing employment has steadily declined, U.S. manufacturing output as a result of gains in productivity have increased 300 percent.” » “Although U.S. manufacturing may never be as large as it once was, companies that have survived the previous 2002 and 2009 economic recessions are leaner, have invested in modern machine tools, have clean productive plants, and are far more receptive to new manufacturing technology.” » “… there is a reversal from ‘outsourcing’ to ‘re-shoring’ in the manufacturing sector. Out-sourcing has

become less attractive, particularly with China, when adding in shipping costs, reliability woes, technology piracy, quality problems, and other hidden costs.” » “It is probably safe to say the core sector, ‘low-level’ manufacturing of the 20th century may never come back. Manufacturing technology, automation, and the need to produce more complex parts has challenged today’s suppliers of parts to the automotive, aircraft, energy , and other key industries.” » “We have seen some signs of change in the mindset of Washington in recognizing that manufacturing creates wealth, creates jobs, and is the engine currently behind the recovery of our economy. ...” » “The U.S. strength in manufacturing is its speed of innovation, creativity, willingness to accept risk, and independence — productivity is what has kept U.S. manufacturing competitive.”

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not convey the importance of manufacturing to the U.S. economy. Manufacturing creates wealth and has a direct Maximum Business effect on a nation’s standard of living.” Al Albrecht of Richmond is a re» “Although manutired engineer and former co-owner Al Albrecht facturing in the U.S. has of NATCO Inc. in Richmond. shown positive signs of He worked for 57 years in the machine tool industry, including “the recovery since the 2009-2010 economic recessions, not all sectors or levels golden years” of the 1950s and ’60s. Albrecht writes and consults about of manufacturing have recovered equally. There appears to be more manufacturing. opportunities at the “high-end” where Below are quotes from Albrecht’s 2012 report on “Manufacturing Sector America has an advantage in technology.” of the U.S. Economy — Technology » “Looking back manufacturing in and Market Opportunities.” » “Manufacturing (durable goods) the U.S. as a percent of the GDP has declined from 21 percent in 1980, 18 within the United States generates percent in 1990, 16 percent in 2000 about $1.8-$2.3 trillion dollars, or 12 and 12 percent in 2010. At the same percent of its Gross Domestic Prodtime United States share of the uct. It accounts for nearly threeworld’s manufacturing output also quarters of all U.S. industrial research and two-thirds of all goods and declined from 31 percent in 1980 to 21 services. These numbers however do percent in 2010. However, on the posi-

Local consultant Al Albrecht says opportunities available

BUSINESS CALENDAR

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Calendar

» Interactive Workshops, 8 a.m. third Friday of each month at the Innovation Center, 814 E. Main St., Richmond. Center City Development Corp. and the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce are hosts of these workshops on technologybased topics relevant to small business owners and professionals. Reservations at www.mycentercity.com. » Reservation deadline for Junior Achievement’s 2013 Eastern Indiana Business Hall of Fame Laureate Induction Ceremony, Feb. 28. Dinner event begins at 6 p.m. March 21 at Forest Hills Country Club, Richmond. Individual and table reservations: Marcy Crull, (765) 962-0503 or marcy.crull@ja.org. » Beginning Supervisory Skills Series, 9-10 a.m. beginning March 12, Preble County District Library office, 450 Barron St., Eaton, Ohio. David Siefert, associate professor of management and marketing at Sinclair Community College will conduct sessions on conflict management, motivation, rewarding for results, professional versus personal and delegating. Other sessions meet April 9, May 14, June 11 and July 9. Reservations: Abby Noland, nolandab@oplin.org. » Championing Change, 1-4 p.m. March 14, Indiana University East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Part of the management series of the Center for Leadership Development at the School of Business & Economics. Class focuses on the role of the manager/leader as a change agent. Cost: $75/person. Register at www.iue.edu/business/leadership/ programs/management-series.php

» Movie: “The Start-Up Kids,” 6 p.m. March 14, McGuire Hall, Richmond High School, 350 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond. About Web entrepreneurs in the United States and Europe. Information: Center City, (765) 962-8151. » Connecting Our Regional Entrepreneurs (CORE), 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 15, Ball State Alumni Center, Muncie. The first-ever small business entrepreneurial conference sponsored by the East Central Small Business Development Center and regional partners. Keynote speaker is Lorraine Ball, creative director and owner of Roundpeg Marketing. $35 for keynote and lunch, $79 for all day. Information and reservations: (765) 282-9950 or http://isbdc.org/CORE-ECI. » Discover Your Strength, 8 a.m.noon March 19, McDaniel Hall, Ivy Tech Community College, 2357 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Register with Becky Murrah, (765) 966-2656. » Linked In, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 21, McDaniel Hall, Ivy Tech Community College, 2357 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Register with Becky Murrah, (765) 966-2656. » Preble County Expo and Job Fair, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 23, Expo Building, Preble County Fairgrounds, 422 S. Franklin St., Eaton, Ohio. Deadline for booth and sponsorship applications is March 8. Information: Preble County Chamber of Commerce, (937) 456-4949 or chamberoffices@preblecountyohio. com. » Presentations for Professional Communication, 8 a.m.-noon March 26, McDaniel Hall, Ivy Tech Commu-

Kristina King talks to representatives from Dot Foods during a job fair at Ivy Tech. JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

nity College, Richmond. Register with Becky Murrah, (765) 966-2656. » Join the Global Marketplace, 11 a.m. March 28, First Bank Richmond, 31 N. Ninth St., Richmond. Small Business Administration seminar for small business owners looking to expand sales through international trade. Registration required. Call Peggy Cenova at (765) 282-9950. The same seminar will be offered March 27 in Muncie. » Social Work Career Fair, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 29, Whitewater Hall lobby, Indiana University East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Contact: Doreen Hayes, dorhayes@umail.iu.edu » Health Care Career Fair, 12:30-3 p.m. April 1, Whitewater Hall lobby, Indiana University East, Indiana University East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Register: http://iuehealthcare2013-es2002. eventbrite.com/?rank=1# » Career and Graduate School Fair, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 2, Whitewater Hall Lobby, Indiana University

East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Register: http://iuehealthcare2013 -es2002.eventbrite.com?rank=1# » Read to Learn, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 10, Community Room, Whitewater Hall, Indiana University East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Anita Morgan will lead discussion of “Painting with Numbers: Presenting Financials and Other Numbers So People Will Understand You” by Randall Bolten. Box lunch provided. Free. Reservations: www.iue/leadership. » Business Brown Bag Series, noon-1:30 p.m. April 10, Preble County District Library office, 450 S. Barron St., Eaton, Ohio. Jennifer Eschbach, executive director of the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations, will speak on board orientation and issues. Reservations: Abby Noland, nolandab@oplin.org. » Managing Conflict, 9 a.m.-noon April 18, Indiana University East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Part of the management series of the Center for Leadership Development at the School of Business & Economics. Class introduces methods to manage disagreements encountered in manager/leadership positions. Cost: $75/person. Register at www.iue.edu/business/leadership/ programs/management-series.php » Midwest Cultural Tourism Conference, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 22, Bloomington Monroe County Convention Center, Bloomington. Conversations about collaborations, destinations and experiences. Registration: http://petm.iupui.edu/ affiliates/culturaltourism conference/

Wayne County celebrates ribbon-cuttings

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New owner Tyler Hamm welcomes Amy Holthouse, Sally Hutton and others to the Feb. 8 ribbon-cutting at Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders. SUPPLIED

Grand opening of Elstro Auto’s new location at 1119 N.W. Fifth St. on Friday, Feb. 1. From left: Amy Holthouse, Denise Lanman, Ashley Elstro, Matt Elstro, Dave Vanover, Rachel Hughes, Patrice Bolin, Dave Stidham. SUPPLIED

Ribbon-cutting on Saturday, Jan. 12, for the grand opening of BLRS Group LLC d/b/a Papa Murphy’s Richmond. Included in the picture: Denise Lanman from the chamber and owners Frank Schwartzel and Terry Robinson. SUPPLIED

The Wayne County Federal Credit Union had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its name change on Jan. 4. Pictured are Anna Lohmoeller, Norene Groth, Patrice Bolin, Amy Holthouse, Nelson Bingham, Pat Cooper and Sue Auman. SUPPLIED

The ribbon-cutting for Columbia Title in Richmond on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012. Pictured are Elizabeth Henley, Lonny Lawson, Jill Marshall, Kristen Johnson and Gail Fultz. SUPPLIED .

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