North Coast Business Journal - December 2010

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Celebrating 16 Years of Service Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc.

DECEMBER 2010 Vol. 16 No. 12

Focus on Western Ottawa County

INSIDE THIS MONTH LEGAL: The Gift of Knowledge .........9

IT: Keep your PC Safe in 2011...... 11

SALES: The Closed Loop Process.... 12

Elmore - Schedel Arboretum & Gardens a True Hidden Treasure in Western Ottawa County The Schedel Arboretum & Gardens is located in Elmore, on a 17 acre paradise of intensively managed gardens and is filled with hundreds of rare and unusual species of trees, shrubs and plants. Formerly the estate of Joseph & Marie Schedel, Schedel Gardens opened to the public in 1991 and has been expanding and improving on the Schedels’ vision ever since.

The Brown Welcome Center, named in honor of Charles & Beth Brown of Toledo, was added in 2008. All activities at the Gardens begin with a stop at the lovely welcome Center. Guests will be delighted

with various art exhibits on display there. Exhibits change several times throughout the season. In April (April 1st being opening day for the gardens) SA&G welcomes Kerry Porter of Ohio Kimono, and will feature authentic Japanese Kimono collection. A “Meet the Artist Reception” will be held. Please watch the website www.schedel-gardens. org for details.

In addition to the art exhibits, the breathtaking views of the gardens make See ELMORE, Page 3

Oak Harbor – Holding the Line in Challenging Times

Genoa - Bucking the Trend TAXES: Is a Cost Segregation Study Right for You?... 21

WELL-BOOKED BUSINESS: The Secrets of SelfEmployment..... 26

www.ncbj.net

“The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties”

Today’s economic environment presents challenges to every business large or small, commercial or retail. Jan Pugh’s Packer Creek Pottery in Genoa, Ohio is no exception. None the less, Packer Creek Pottery continues to thrive.

This business has been manufacturing and selling functional and decorative ceramic pottery for over thirty years. Even with that many years experience in business, an economic downturn of the magnitude this country is now experiencing presents new and different challenges than in the past. To succeed and grow in the face of these challenges, today’s business people must reexamine and reevaluate all of their business practices.

From Mayor Fred Conley

See GENOA, Page 3

2010 proved to be a year of challenge and celebration for Oak Harbor. As with most small communities in Northwest Ohio, we are seeing more effects from the struggling economy.

While most small business struggled to stay afloat, the local businesses participated in the Shop Local – Buy Local project by this year’s leader’s class in Leadership Ottawa County.

Combining this with an increase in community volunteerism, Oak Harbor was blessed to celebrate with a record crowd it’s 175th birthday at the Apple Festival. The village recognized

See OAK HARBOR, Page 5

We’re a proud member of the following: Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce

Elmore Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce Erie County Chamber of Sandusky County of Commerce

Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce

Huron Chamber of Commerce

Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Genoa Chamber of Commerce

Huron County Chamber of Commerce

Milan Chamber of Commerce

Oak Harbor Area Put-in-Bay Chamber Chamber of Commerce of Commerce

Vermilion Chamber of Commerce

Port Clinton Area Tiffin Area Chamber Willard Area Chamber Chamber of Commerce of Commerce of Commerce

2 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

The City of Tiffin

By Mayor James W. Boroff The most exciting news in Tiffin is that the community will be the home of the American Civil War Museum of Ohio. About two years ago, Mr. Mark Young, president of the Civil War Museum Board, expressed an interest in purchasing the Cornerstone Building located in the downtown area to house the museum’s exhibits.

This building was originally the Tiffin Post Office and later was purchased and used by the Tiffin City School Board as an annex to our high school building. About four years ago, the school board was considering selling the facility for the purpose of being converted to a minimum security detention center.

At literally the eleventh hour, two investors stepped in and purchased the structure to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood. When Mr. Young expressed interest in the building, the investors and the community jumped at the chance to bring the museum to Tiffin from its

“The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties”

205 S.E. Catawba Road, Suite G, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 419-734-4838 • Fax 419-734-5382

Publisher

JOHN SCHAFFNER

Editor

JEFFREY H. BRYDEN jbryden@ncbj.net

Director of Sales

DAVE KAHLER dkahler@ncbj.net

Accounting Manager

CINDY CONSTIEN cindy@thebeacon.net

Layout & Graphic Design

JENNIFER DAUBEL jdaubel@thebeacon.net ANGIE ADAIR angie@thebeacon.net

BRUCE DINSE

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North Coast Business Journal is owned and published monthly by Schaffner Publications, Inc., and is mailed free to chamber of commerce members in a five-county area: Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties.

The editorial deadline is the 25th of each month, with the advertising deadline the end of each month. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed, written consent of the Publishers.

We welcome submissions from readers in the form of letters, articles or photographs, although we reserve the right to edit and condense any articles submitted. Submissions should be sent to the editor at the above address. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you would like an item returned. We prefer material (copy & photos) to be submitted electronically.

cramped quarters in Bowling Green.

To make the museum a reality, the city, in partnership with the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation and the museum board, was able to secure approximately $281,000 in grants and another $125,000 in various foundation donations to proceed with the renovation of the building which sits near the southern end of the downtown commercial district.

The Civil War Museum will have a large number of exhibits that will appeal to children and adults alike. The displays will be devoted to the various aspects of the conflict with an emphasis on Ohio’s participation in the war and the impact it had on our state. Many of the displays will be “hands on” to encourage people to touch the artifacts.

The project is currently under construction and the museum is scheduled to open in early 2011.

We are excited about the possibilities that will be manifested by this destination location. Already bus tours have been scheduled from as far away as California by people who want to tour the facility.

This project has generated a lot of enthusiasm and should generate a real boost in business for the many restaurants and shops in the neighborhood.

There has also been a lot of excitement in the city this past year about our prospects for other development in the central business district. Early this spring, a plan was presented to the city by the urban planning firm of KKG, Ltd. This year-and-ahalf long study outlined the strategy for the short, mid and long-term development of our city – including the corridors from Tiffin University and Heidelberg University to the downtown area.

Subsequent to City Council’s endorsement of the study, a development group, Tiffin Tomorrow, was formed to recruit investment in the central business district. Already they are making progress in generating interest in the restoration and use of some of our vacant buildings.

Both of our universities have record or nearrecord enrollments and are improving their physical plants. Tiffin University is expanding their campus on a site that was a former landfill.

This endeavor has greatly improved the neighborhood. Through grants and a $12 million capital campaign, the university has remediated the site and has built – or is the process of building – new student residence facilities and a large scale recreation complex.

Heidelberg University, likewise, is making great strides. In September, they dedicated Adams Hall which will house their Department of Business and Marketing. This state-of-the-art facility was made possible largely through a $2 million donation from an alumnus of the university.

Earlier this month, they broke ground for a new student residence and commons building which will be completed in time for the fall 2011 school year.

Tiffin was host to a number of very successful events during the summer and early fall months.

The Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce organized

www.ncbj.net I have relinquished my editorial space this month to make room for this article from Tiffin Mayor James W. Boroff. (Astute readers have noted that last month’s “Focus on Tiffin” cover article was his 2008, not the 2010, city overview!) Electronic file storage is a wonderful editorial asset – but only when you access the proper file!

Mayor Boroff was a good sport about our gaffe and we apologize again to him and the citizens of Tiffin for our error.

One of our resolutions for the new year is to be more like Santa — when “making our list, we’ll be checking it twice!”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us here at the North Coast Business Journal!

Jeffrey H. Bryden Editor monthly Farmers’ Markets from July through September which were very well attended.

On the second Saturday in September, Jazzin’ Tiffin hosted their second annual event. Two bigname Jazz musicians, Alexander and Rick Braun, entertained a large crowd along the riverfront at Frost Parkway. On the same day, thousands of people attended the Cross Country Carnival at Hedges-Boyer Park. This event draws hundreds of cross country runners from schools throughout the region and is the second largest such event in the Country. Rounding out the weekend was the Tiffin Art Guild’s Art Show and Sale where dozens of artisans displayed their paintings, photographs, jewelry, ceramics and other wares.

The following weekend, Tiffin celebrated the 32nd Annual Heritage Festival. Hundreds of people from the surrounding area attended the parade on Saturday morning and hundreds more visited Heritage Village to view the craftwork and demonstrations.

Many of our industries are starting to experience a rebound in sales and employment. Although the local economy is still very fragile – especially in the retail sector – many business owners have expressed the opinion that they believe the recession has “bottomed out” and that conditions will improve, albeit slowly.

As we approach the beginning of the new year, the city’s finances will continue to remain a concern. We have cut hours for some employees and have been forced to lay off a few others. But, by and large, we have been able to maintain consistent service levels for our citizens and will continue to do so as best as possible.

Fortunately, all of our employees – represented and non-represented alike – have been very co-operative in making the best of a bad situation.

It is my belief that city finances will continue to improve in 2011.

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net ELMORE, from Cover the Brown Welcome Center the perfect venue for upscale seminars, social events, dinners, workshops a n d training sessions.

Open year r o u n d , what better way to follow up y o u r wedding rehearsal than by hosting y o u r rehearsal dinner here at the gardens; a unique personal setting, state of the art audio-visual technology, and customized catering services.

SA&G has always tried to incorporate art with nature. In 2011, the Trellis Gallery will feature local talent from Woodmore High School, The Athena Art Society, The Monday Morning Painters, followed by the Top 25 winners from the annual SA&G photo Contest.

Outdoor Sculpture exhibits will also adorn the grounds, as well.

Several local

sculptors’ works are on display along with national and international artists.

Along with weddings and receptions throughout the season the SA&G will also feature m a n y educational seminars.

G a r d e n r e l a t e d workshops are held monthly, as well as evening g u i d e d t o u r s .

Many of these details are being finalized so please, keep an eye on the website for updates as well as other events such as; Community Family Festival, Wine & Food Fest, and the annual Hidden Garden Party Fund Raiser.

The gardens will re-open April 1st, 2011, a perfect time to view the thousands of daffodil bulbs strewn under the grove of dawn redwoods.

We look forward to having you visit, where peace and enchantment unfold.

GENOA, from Cover From a manufacturing standpoint, all the usual factors apply, such as controlling material and overhead costs while taking nothing for granted. In Jan’s business, labor is one of the greatest costs.

Unlike many businesses that view their labor cost as just another controllable expense, Jan sees her labor force as one of her best assets.

Through her own unique management style, Jan is able to inspire her artistic assistants to be continually more creative, inventive and productive.

Controlling and/or cutting costs is well and good as far as it goes, but by definition has finite limits.

December 2010

3

Maintaining or increasing sales is the key to success. Jan’s father, Kells Pugh, had a favorite maxim that Jan lives by every day, which is “Nothing happens until somebody sells something.” With that in mind, constant attention to sales is Jan’s focus.

There are many methods that any business can and must employ to improve s a l e s .

Advertising a n d promotion through the traditional media of print, radio and television are cost effective and as important as ever.

Involvement in community events and support of local charities creates a positive image and public awareness.

See GENOA, Page 4

4 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal GENOA, from page 3 Constant attention to customer satisfaction and service builds repeat business and good word-of-mouth advertising at little cost. Use of social networking sites, if carefully monitored and utilized, is the electronic equivalent traditional of word-of-mouth.

This type of advertising is very economical, easily refreshable, and can be targeted to a specific audience.

Cooperating with other local businesses by involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and shared advertisements and promotions can be very beneficial for all.

Keeping up with changing customer tastes and satisfying their desire for new products or designs is imperative in any business. An

example of this would be the Limited Edition Christmas platter that Packer Creek Pottery has produced annually for seventeen years. This annual creation evokes anticipation from repeat and new customers alike every year. Jan’s business also benefits from the recent trend in customers’ desire to buy locally made products that have an enduring appeal, rather than cheap imports designed for planned obsolescence.

Although every business is different and the challenges are continually changing, there is one rule of business that never changes Promote, Promote, Promote.

By the way, Packer Creek Pottery is located at 103 E. 8th Street, Genoa, OH and on the web at www. packercreekpottery.com.

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A New Look for Genoa Schools – Coming Together Soon From Dennis Mock, Superintendent The Genoa Area Local School District is located at 2810 N. GenoaClay Center Road, Genoa, Ohio.

Located in Ottawa County the District covers 48 square miles and is comprised of the Allen and Clay Townships. For the ninth consecutive year, the high school has achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating on the Ohio Report Card. Enrollment in the

District is approx. 1520 students in grades K-12. Students attend the Penta County Career Center in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Currently, the school operates two elementary buildings (K-2, 3-5), a middle school (6-8) and the high school (9-12). Opening for the 201112 School Year will be the new K-5 elementary building on the High School/Middle School site. This addition will bring all of the District’s to a one site campus. Go Comets!

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December 2010

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Ottawa County in 2010 Jamie N. Beier Grant Director Ottawa County Improvement Corporation OCIC Mission Statement: The Community Improvement Corporation of Ottawa County serves as the lead economic development agency by advancing, encouraging and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial and civic development of Ottawa County.

The last two years have proven to be challenging times on the economic development front for many areas throughout the region and the state.

The world does not operate as it did five years ago, and many businesses and organizations have been forced to look at activities in a much different light. We are no longer our own islands operating independent of each other; we are a part of regional economies competing in a worldwide race to the top.

For Ottawa County, 2010 has been a very busy year that has been focused on how we continue to adapt to a

changing economic landscape, providing assistance to our clients in new, innovative ways, and preparing our community for the future.

In 2010, the OCIC and our partners supported several local and regional companies in meeting their hiring needs.

We have conducted preemployment testing for more than 1,000 applicants to these businesses, which has resulted in more than 200 hirings in 2010 alone. Additionally, Ottawa County businesses received thousands of dollars in training funds to help advance the skills of our existing workforce, meaning businesses are investing significantly in their people and their future.

When looking at innovative services to provide to clients, OCIC has engaged in several initiatives that will move us into the future.

Development of a Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) at the Elmore Turnpike interchange continues moving forward with our partners in Ottawa and Sandusky Counties. Once established, it is our hope that Ottawa and Sandusky

OAK HARBOR, from Cover its 2 eldest residents, at 102 and 99 years of age, they are living proof that the community is proudly moving forward. Local Eagle Scout candidate Zack Seaman built and donated a community message board at Adolphus Kraemer Park, while Eagle Scout Candidate Brice Buderer constructed community garden plots in conjunction with the outreach program of St. John Evangelical Lutheran church.

The volunteers of the Log Cabin committee provided another 12-concert summer entertainment season at Kraemer Park free to all area residents. In spite of Mother Nature’s severe wind storms this summer, the volunteers of the Village Tree Commission were able to trim/prune/plant the village’s urban forest and street trees for 21 consecutive year recognition as a Tree City USA community The Village, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and volunteer service and community leaders has undertaken a Business and Resident survey to identify and prioritize efforts to maintain and revitalize the downtown area. The Village is hopeful that a CDBG Planning Grant application will yield an updated economic development master plan. The Village, with grateful assistance from US Representative Marcy Kaptur’s office, was successful in obtaining a $247,500 matching grant from the Department of Energy for clean energy and energy efficiency improvement in the Village’s Public Power distribution system, as

County will have an 88 acre parcel of property that is “site ready” for future development opportunities.

The County continues to work with the State on County-wide fiber infrastructure project, which will give businesses the infrastructure necessary to fully-engage in technological advancements within their operations.

We continue to participate in Northwest Ohio’s Solar HUBS of Innovation project, which focuses on new business attraction to support the region’s growing solar industry, while also integrating our supply chain to leverage our regional assets.

In October, the OCIC and the Ottawa County Department of Job & Family Services rolled out new software aimed at helping job seekers improve their interviewing skills.

InterviewStream is an online interactive software system that simulates live video interviewing, mock interviewing and role-play training. The software has not only assisted job seekers, it will also be used by employers, college career

well as energy efficient LED / HID street lighting retrofit program.

The Department of Public Power was able to complete a holiday lighting LED retrofit program for all 40 street-tree decorations, the community Christmas tree at Kraemer Park and the Holiday & Greeting banners that resulted in a 95% energy reduction in the 40-day holiday display period.

Beginning in January 2011, the village and American Municipal Power (AMP, Inc.) will roll out Energy Efficiency Programs and Energy Smart audit programs for all residential, commercial and industrial customers that will help to lower energy usage.

As part of an inter-governmental cooperative effort with 5 municipalities, 3 county park districts and the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG), the Village submitted an ODNR Coastal Management Assistance Grant application for the Portage River Canoe/Kayak Water Trail Access project. This grant would enhance public recreational access along the 35 river-miles of the Portage River along Port Clinton, Oak Harbor, Elmore, Woodville and Pemberville.

The Portage River is a vital economic and recreational resource for all the riverfront communities.

The Village has been able to hold the line with strong financial stability while maintaining an exceptional level of essential municipal services to its residents.

centers, and even our local school systems.

And finally, one of the biggest initiatives we have been developing is our “economic gardening” program that is aimed at helping our secondstage companies move beyond startup and early growth. The economic gardening philosophy blends right into our “growing what we have” mentality of business retention.

Second-stage companies are those that have an appetite for growth but are not yet to full maturity, and are typically found in the 10-99 employees and $1-$50 million in revenue. The EG efforts will assist our companies with targeted market research, strategy and management, and new market opportunities — pulling business owners who focus “in their business” to helping them focus “on their business.”

While we know these are not the answers to all of the questions and challenges that exist, we are confident that the innovative thinking will be of value to our business community and lead us to a solid 2011.

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6 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce

By Valerie Winterfield Executive Director As we look forward to 2011, it is important to look back at all of the accomplishments we have seen in 2010. First and foremost we would like to extend a huge thank to our 2010 Major Partners; The National Bank of Oak Harbor, Community Markets, The Village of Oak Harbor, Carroll Township, Magruder Hospital, and Toft’s Dairy for their generous contribution to the chamber and our community. In 2010 we were fortunate DESERVES THE SAME enough to have 26 new members join our ranks. In YOU GIVE YOUR CUSTOMERS. addition to all of the wonderful At Edward Jones, you’ll get cost savings more than respect. We’ll benefits already available, we help you gain a financial added long term advantage. Together, we can care discounts, design a program for your Fed-Ex shipping discounts, business, with tools and opadvertising tions you’ll really use. discounts, and free seminars Business Credit Card and workshops to our list of with Rewards b e n e f i t s 401(k)s and Other Retireavailable to all c h a m b e r ment Plans m e m b e r Insurance Programs businesses.

YOUR BUSINESS

RESPECT

2010 has brought some additional positive changes to the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce. In May 2010 we completely redesigned our website to be easily navigable and more user-friendly. We are pleased with the results and the new website has allowed us to archive our newsletters, have an on-line community calendar, add pictures, and much more. Please check it out at www. oakharborohio.net. In early June 2010 we also sponsored the first annual Village Wide Garage Sale Days. This event was a huge success for those who had sales as well as businesses, restaurants and gas stations in town. We had over 65 sales on the list and the town was buzzing with activity. We plan to continue this event in the future and add more sales to our list.

In late June 2010 our most significant change took place; we purchased a downtown building and re-located the Chamber of Commerce. After years of renting, and looking over the numbers we discovered it would be more cost effective to own, and we also wanted to show our commitment and faith in the Village of Oak Harbor by making an investment in the community. We now have an attractive downtown storefront with a conference room available for use by members, as well as two additional suites, that are currently rented by local

businesses.

Business After Hours events continue to offer a great way to network with peers and friends. They are held on the 4th Thursday of every other month starting in January with the Chamber Annual Dinner, and all members and their employees are invited. Please contact the chamber office at 419898-0479 if you are interested in hosting a Business After Hours in 2011. Don’t miss out on the monthly gift certificate drawing, and our 50/50 raffle!

The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing to bring you quality family events throughout the year and promoting this great village in which we live. Below is our schedule of events for the remainder of the year and for 2011: December 4, 2010- Olde Fashioned Christmas Celebration December 10, 2010- Santa Claus visits at Adolphus Kraemer Park December 17, 2010- Santa Claus visits at Adolphus Kraemer Park January 28, 2011- Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner 6pm April 16, 2011- Annual Easter Egg Hunt 2pm May 27, 2011- Annual Golf Outing June 3-4, 2011- Annual Village Wide Garage Sale Days July 3, 2011- Independence Day Celebration October 8-9, 2011- Annual Chamber of Commerce Apple Festival December 3, 2011- Olde’ Fashioned Christmas Celebration We look forward to promoting our businesses and our community in 2011 and wish to thank all of our members and businesses for their continuing support. Happy Holidays and best wishes for a prosperous New Year from the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce!

Business Continuation

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Call or stop by today.

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Member SIPC

Veterans Services Team Donates Huge Award to Honor Flight Northwest Ohio Students, staff and faculty who are U.S. armed forces veterans were honored last recently at Terra Community College, but the real winners were those on the waiting list for Honor Flight Northwest Ohio.

As part of the festivities commemorating Veterans Day, the Veterans Services Team of the Northcoast Jobs Connection presented a $71,610 check to Honor Flight Northwest Ohio. The Job Stores, Your Job Store and the Seneca One Stop comprise The Northcoast Jobs Connection which encompasses Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca counties.

Bonnie Nusser, Director, formed a

volunteer Veterans Services Team from its partner members just over a year

From left, Gene Taylor, Jose Zamora and Bonnie Nusser, all of Northcoast Jobs Connection; Lee Armstrong, Beth Emery and Jim Tichy, all of Honor Flight Northwest Ohio; and Joyce Spencer and Amy Below, both of Terra

ago. Earlier this year, she nominated the team for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services 2010 Veterans Ohio Network for Employment (Vets O.N.E.) Incentive Award. They won $71,610.

“We were ecstatic,” Nusser declared.

“We won the award because of our unique and innovative efforts over the year to reach out, coordinate initiatives and collaborate in our promotion of the services that a One Stop system has to offer our area. “The award requires the winning team to select a charity to receive the cash donation. We are honored and humbled to be able to give the award money to Honor Flight Northwest Ohio.”

North Coast Business Journal

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Bench’s Greenhouse – An Elmore Growth Story From Jill Bench Bench’s Greenhouse began operations in the winter of 1978, in a 32 x 144 poly greenhouse, as a means to supply our farm operation with a reliable source of tomato a n d pepper plants for commercial production in the canning industry. That first year, utilizing the overhead areas of the greenhouse, 500 flowering hanging baskets and 1000 potted plants were grown, along with the purchase in the spring of 1000 flats of annual flowers, which were sold out the front door of the greenhouse to our neighbors and friends.

Completely exhausting the inventory for the season the third

week in May, we took the profits and invested in an identical greenhouse to expand the operation. Today, in over 3 acres of

retail production and selling space, we offer 15,000 flowering hanging baskets, 100,000+ potted annual flowers, 25,000 potted perennial plants, nursery trees, roses, shrubs, bushes and plants to a diverse area of NW Ohio.

Don and J a n i c e Bench, a l o n g with their son and daughterin-law Don, Jr and Jill, operate the greenhouse and farm operation on a daily basis. The farm covers 650 acres, specializing in processing tomatoes and pickling cucumbers.

During the summertime, the Bench’s operate a Roadside Market growing their own sweet corn, melons, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, squash, pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn along with field corn and soybeans for crop rotation.

Beginning in 1994, during the months of November and December, the garden center at the greenhouse is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland with over 200 fully decorated trees on display along with over 8000 ornaments and giftware items. Growing our own poinsettias and offering boughs, roping, wreaths, swags and bows round out our complete Christmas decorating and gift shoppe with extended hours daily during the season.

Bench’s Greenhouse & Nursery is a division of Benchmore Farms, Inc., and is a member of the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association, Toledo Vegetable Growers Association, Maumee Valley Growers, Professional Plant Growers Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Florist’s Association and National Federation of Independent Businesses.

December 2010

7

Another Reason to Believe in Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

Mercy Tiffin Welcomes

Pediatrician

to the community.

Dr. Meade received his medical degree from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. He completed a pediatric internship and residency through the University of Toledo Pediatric Residency Program.

Dr. Meade will be specializing in general pediatric and adolescent care for children from newborn to 18 years of age.

As a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, he is committed to the highest level of compassionate, quality care for the Christian A. Meade, MD children of our community. He has Pediatrics developed a strong network with the pediatric subspecialists at Mercy Children’s Hospital to ensure appropriate referrals when a higher level of specialization is required.

Dr. Meade is thrilled to be fulfilling his life long dream of practicing medicine in a rural community. He welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with both Dr. Kakarala and Dr. Moorjani as the newest member of the medical staff at Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

His office is located at 433 West Market Street in Tiffin and appointments may be made by calling 419.455.8150.

St. Anne | St. Charles | St. Vincent | Children’s | Defiance | Tiffin | Willard

mercyweb.org

8 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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CHAMBER CALENDARS for December Bellevue Chamber of Commerce 2

Luncheon Noon, The Willows Erie County Chamber of Commerce

8

Holiday Business After Hours 5:00 pm Great Wolf Lodge RSVP to 419.625.6421

Huron Chamber of Commerce 9

Holiday Business After Hours 5 pm - 7 pm Barnes Nursery Holiday decorations with Garden Railway display Huron County Chamber of Commerce

2

Safety Council, Construction, 7:30 am

Program Committee, 8 am, Chamber office

9

Safety Council, General Risk, 7:30 am

Holiday After Hours, Eagle Creek Golf Course, 5:00-7:00 pm Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, Silent Basket Auction Clothing bank closes

10

Membership Committee 8 am, Chamber office

16

Safety Council, Manufacturing, 7:30 am

23

Safety Council, Service, chamber office Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

2

Directors Meeting and Christmas Dinner Cleats at 6:00 pm

16

Business After Hours Newport Dry Goods 5 - 7:00 pm

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce

15

Holiday Reception, 5-7 pm Hayes Presidential Center

Olde Fashioned Christmas Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce Celebration Santa Claus visits at Adolphus 9 Holiday Festivities - After Five Kraemer Park

5-8 pm Santa Claus visits at Adolphus Biggest After Five Yet! Kraemer Park

Wolf Creek Plaza!

Four business showcase Port Clinton Area 15 Business Breakfast Break Chamber of Commerce

Series, 7:45 am

Change: (How to) DEAL 4 Business After Hours

WITH IT!

Hosted by Zink Calls, 5-7 pm

Tiffin University

Room 112, Hertzer 5 Main Street Port Clinton

$5 for Chamber members

Community Christmas

$10 for non members.

Noon – 5:30 pm

Register: 419-447-4141

e-mail info@tiffinchamber.com 6 Main Street Port Clinton

Downtown Promotion 28 Safety Council,

Committee, 8:30 am

Carmie’s Grill & Bar

11:30 am 7 Chamber Admin. Committee

Noon Vermilion Chamber of Commerce

Holiday Party 4 The Christmas Tree Ship

Catawba Island Club, 5-7 pm

Vermilion Riverbank

Boat arrives @ McGarvey’s 8 Main Street Port Clinton

Landing, at 11 am

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Organization/Executive

Committee Meeting, 8:30 am 1-15 12 Shops of Christmas

Treasure Walk

Ottawa County Chambers

Get card from local

10:00 am

merchants, visit 12 shops

win fabulous prizes 13 Chamber Board Meeting

8:30 am 18 Caroling Downtown 4

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17

Marketing/Membership Committee Meeting 9:30 am

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Main Street Port Clinton Board Meeting, 8:30 am

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Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival Committee Ida Rupp Library, 5 pm Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Foundation Board 1:30 p.m., Chamber office

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Legal The Gift of Knowledge

By Jeff Roth It is approaching Christmas and it is time to place under the tree tangible physical stuff called presents. That is great for a day but why not give them a gift of knowledge that will really show your family that you care. Many people who come to my office pride themselves with their privacy. Others will quickly tell me that their spouse knows very little about their financial affairs and that he is responsible for the business and bill paying of the family.

I HAVE ALL OF MY FINANCIAL AFFAIRS IN ORDER. That is fine but does anyone else know these facts other than you?

Does your spouse know of every bank you utilize and what type of accounts are in these banks? Does she know if there is a lockbox, and if so, does she know where the key is stored? When are the certificates of Deposit due and what has to be done to renew them? Are Income tax estimates due? This may sound trivial but upon a serious illness or death it can be crucial that your spouse or child be in position to continue to keep the day to day business operating. The family may find that the Certificate of Deposit for a large sum of money will be automatically renewed for a five-year period because no one other than the eighty-five year old spouse in the hospital knew that there was an automatic renewal provision.

MY WIFE AND I DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER. That is great but that is also the problem. If you and your spouse are both totally knowledgeable about the family business affairs you are a step ahead of most couples. But does

anyone else know? A tragedy could happen to both of you and the family would be clueless about your business affairs.

Many times if something happens to one spouse, the other is just emotionally incapable of continuing everyday business. It is imperative that at least one child is informed as to where you keep your important documents what needs to be done. Here is a partial list of oblivious items of importance that may now be overlooked: 1. Income tax estimate forms and a list of what has been paid and what amount and where to make payments.

2. Lock box keys.

3. Keys to the shed, summer home, the old car out back, the boat, your jewelry box and the old trunk in the basement.

4. Files storing information about supplemental medical insurance, company pension, life insurance, IRA’S, 401K’s and any other bank accounts.

5. A full list of fixed monthly payments. This may include health insurance premiums, utilities, mortgage payments, magazine subscriptions, Christmas Club or any other payment that is important to you and is made monthly, quarterly or annually.

6. Car titles, deeds and other important papers showing ownership of your assets.

7. Will, trust and all medical powers of attorney and living will. (That is assuming you have those documents completed, which is a subject that I bring up every several months.)

Consider this example. I recently assisted a wife whose husband had a stroke and had been in the nursing home for four months with no returning home in sight. Dad took care of everything and was quite proud of that fact. The children lived in other states and again dad was proud that he did not have to depend on his kids. One of the many

problems was mom’s total lack of knowledge of what had to be done to maintain themselves and the household. She was just informed that their supplemental medical insurance had been canceled due to nonpayment. Mom thought that is was permanently paid and the concept of a direct bill payment was totally foreign to dad. Children just ASSUMED that everything was in order and did what they thought was correct, stay out of the parent’s business. No communication and a lack of information will cost this family a lot of money.

For Christmas, give your spouse and children the gift of knowledge of your affairs. They do not need to know each dollar but they do need to know where those dollars are and how to access them in time of an emergency. For your children, you should give at least one of them the written power to secure these records and utilize the funds for your care.

If you are single, the problem is even greater. You MUST find someone in which to confide and make aware of your business. If you do not, the court will become involved and

December 2010

9

attorneys will love you. Today, a person may think that he or she needs no one. The day will come when the help of a person you know would be far better than the cold hand of the probate court or the loss of insurance or other benefits. You owe it to yourself and your family to have your house in order.

Happy Holidays.

Jeff Roth is a partner with David Bacon of the firm ROTH and BACON with offices in Port Clinton, Upper Sandusky and Marion, Ohio. Mr. Roth is also licensed and practices in Florida. His practice is limited to wealth strategy planning and elder law in both states. Nothing in this article is intended for, nor should be relied upon as individual legal advice. The purpose of this article is to help educate the public on concepts of law as they pertain to estate and business planning. Jeff Roth can be reached at ohiofloridatrust@aol.com (telephone: 419-732-9994) copyright@Jeffrey P. Roth 2010.

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10 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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Genoa Bank – Going on its Next Hundred Years GenoaBank, a locally-owned, community bank, is now in its second century of providing a broad range of banking services to business and private customers in Wood, Lucas, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties. Since the time GenoaBank first opened its doors in Genoa in 1902, it has continued to expand

and is now operating branches offices in Elmore, Maumee, Millbury, Oregon and Rossford.

GenoaBank has always been driven to serve each community’s financial needs and continues to provide area residents with the same friendly, personal services it has had since day one. GenoaBank has stated

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that it is committed to outstanding service, community involvement and strategic growth – striving to be the premier community bank in Northwest Ohio.

GenoaBank actively supports its local community through participation in civic organizations and donations to various clubs, organizations and schools. Being actively involved in the community is vital to GenoaBank’s mission.

From Directors to Officers to Employees, all members of the GenoaBank team are encouraged and supported in their efforts to make the community a better place to live. Involvement ranges from local Exchange clubs, Kiwanis organizations, Boards of local businesses, to local school coaches, reading mentors for elementary schools, and so much more.

In 2010, GenoaBank was proud to be involved with programs geared specifically toward improving the vitality of the communities that it serves. Some examples include the following:

• Hope Builds Program • 2010 Renew/Rebuild Ohio Linked Deposit Programs - 2010 Renew Ohio Linked Deposit Program - 2010 Rebuild Ohio

Linked Deposit Program • Commercial Lending Programs - USDA/Farm Service

Agency First-Time

Farm Buyers - Ohio Grow Now - Ohio Ag Link - SBA • Increased Mortgage Business GenoaBank will always continue to keep its communities at the forefront of their mission. Plans for 2011 and the future at GenoaBank will always involve staying active in the community, giving back to the community and preserving the community.

Foundation Invites Grant Applications The Ottawa County Community Foundation invites nonprofit organizations in or serving Ottawa County, to submit requests for grant funding to the Foundation. The Foundation makes grants to programs in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, safe and positive living environments, natural resources and the arts. The Foundation serves to provide for the enrichment of the quality of life in the Ottawa County community. Since its inception in 1999, the Foundation has awarded numerous grants through designated funds, scholarship funds and organizational funds.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the Grant

Seekers Workshop, sponsored by the Foundation and the United Way. The workshop will be held on January 27, 2011, at The Ida Rupp Library at 8:30 AM. Reservations for the workshop must be made by calling the United Way at 419-7346645.

Applications and Guidelines for Grant Seekers will be available after December 15 at the following public libraries: Ida Rupp in Port Clinton, Oak Harbor, Harris-Elmore, Put-inBay School, Marblehead and Genoa.

Applications are also available at the Grant Seekers Workshop, and online at www.OttawaCCF.org.

Applicants have until March 15, 2011 to submit their proposals.

North Coast Business Journal

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December 2010

11

IT

Keep Your PC Safe in 2011

By Don Knaur This is the time of year I usually do a Santa’s Helper article. Due to recent changes in anti-virus software and the fact it seems that Cell Phone equipment has replaced PC equipment in Santa’s bag, I decided that Safe Computing was a more important topic this month.

For years I have recommended two products above all others to protect your PC, AVG Free Anti-Virus and Spybot Search and Destroy AntiSpyware. As of Halloween 2010, I not only do not recommend these products, I have Black Listed them!

Spybot is not needed if you are using

Vista or Windows 7 and it slows XP down to the point that it is unusable.

In late October AVG released a new product called AVG 2011 which is also known as AVG 10. It has been reviewed as a vastly improved product and it probably is if you are using Vista or Windows 7 with at least 2 GB RAM. However, if you have XP with less than 1 GB RAM, it makes the PC almost as slow as the old 386 PCs. If you don’t remember them, they crawled at about 1.1 percent of the speed of the 3 GHz PC’s that were all the rage five years ago. So unless your PC is loaded with RAM, you don’t want to upgrade to the new AVG. If on the other hand you are loaded with RAM (at least 1 GB with XP or 2 GB with Vista or Windows 7), then go ahead and upgrade to AVG 2011, because it is a good product.

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Fortunately for those of you with less RAM, there is another product available to use in place of AVG. Avast is an Anti-virus and Antimalware product that has been around for many years and has a good reputation. Like AVG it offers a free version to home users. You can find the free version of Avast on www.filehippo.com which is the same site I’ve recommended to use for AVG, Spybot and CCleaner downloads. By the way, I still recommend using Ccleaner once a week to tweak your PC. The free version of Avast is different from AVG in that it does require you to register your copy of Avast. This is not a big deal; they just require a name and E-mail address. They do ask if they can send you information on their products, but do not require ncbj1110AHAC.pdf you to accept the offer.11/24/10 If you 11:55:55 want

to learn more about Avast, you can Google it or simply go to www.avast. com.

The North Coast Business Journal and I wish you a Merry Christmas!

We also wish you a Happy and malware free New Year! Hopefully this article will help you attain that.

Don is the CWO (Chief Working Officer) of Help-Desk, Ohio, a complete computer service center, located in Suite A of the Courtlee Interiors’ Building, 2499 W. Market in Tiffin. Don has a degree in Computer Programming from Tiffin University and has been an Information Technology Professional for over 25 years. He started HelpDesk, Ohio in the spring of 1996 and opened his shop in March 2001. Don welcomes calls for advice or AMinformation at 419-448-8020.

12 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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Sales The Closed Loop Process for Business Success

By Roger Bostdorff B2B Sales Boost, LLC has developed and delivered executive briefings for many different audiences of Presidents and Owners of companies.

“The Closed Loop Process for Business Success” is one of these presentations.

This interactive Executive Briefing focuses on the 5 step Closed Loop Process approach to business that will produce positive results in top line revenues and bottom line profits. The Closed Loop Process for Business Success is an internal planning and management process.

Many companies are actually doing some of the 5 steps. However, since this is an integrated process unless successfully

fulfilling each step your success diminishes.

The five steps are as follows: 1. Define the Big Picture 2. Break it down 3. Organize the three P’s 4. Execute the Plan 5. Annual Evaluation 1. Define the Big Picture — this section communicates the important of defining your objectives out at least three years. These objectives might include revenue, market share, employee morale, customer satisfaction, etc., whatever criteria that is important to the company.

Without goals and objectives how do we measure success? These goals and objectives need to be created by the management team and communicated to the entire team. The entire team needs to understand why attaining these goals and objectives are

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important to the company and thus important to each individual on the team. By explaining and getting “buy in” of the entire team you change your workers from employees to teammates. What a difference in attitude, approach and results!!

2. Break it down — Since we have, at a minimum, goals set out at least three years we need to breakdown the goals. What do we need to do this year to take the first step to attaining our three or five year goals? These goals should be broken down by unit and even individual if possible. The annual goals need to then be broken down by quarter and then by month.

You may need to take into account some seasonality as an example. This allows the organization to build accountability into the system.

3. Organize the Three P’s — People, Processes, and Procedures…Do we have the right people in the right roles? Or do we have a shortstop attempting to be a pitcher? Do we have processes set in place to help us attain our goals or are they obstacles that are going to get in the way? Are the procedures in place helping or hurting our attainment?

execute the plan we are also measuring it along the way. We will need to make appropriate adjustments as the year progresses.

5. Annual Evaluation — At the end of the year the company needs to evaluate how they did against the annual objective that we set in place.

There should be no surprises here since our accountability system has told us all along our progress. We need to see what we did right, wrong or could do better and then adjust our plan accordingly for the following year.

Creating this process defines a roadmap that increases the odds of success for any organization.

Think about if The Closed Loop Process for Business Success has a place in your business. I like your odds with it, not so much without it.

4. Execute the Plan — Once we get the plan set and communicated, as well as reviewing the three P’s, evaluated and modified appropriately it is time to execute the plan. As we

Roger Bostdorff is the President of B2B Sales Boost. He spent over 30 years with IBM in sales and sales management. B2B Sales Boost is a consulting company helping organizations improve their sales and overall business processes. You can find more about B2B Sales Boost on the web at www.b2bsalesboost.com or calling 419-351-4347. If you would like to receive the B2B Sales Boost Newsletter please send an email to sales@ b2bsalesboost.com

The Northcoast Jobs Connection Job Stores seminars are free and open to anyone in the community.

Seminars are at the Ottawa County Community Resource Centre, 8043 W. SR. 163, Oak Harbor.

• Dec. 16 – 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – “Get a Job or a Better Job.” Discuss applications, resumes, interviewing, networking, the Internet and more.

The following is a free computer class, but registration is required. Call 419-898-3688, ext. 270.

• Dec. 13 – 9 a.m. to noon – “Introduction to Computers”; 1 to 4 p.m. – “Internet and Email” Job Store officials are asking that

people who are interested in these workshops should register by emailing Carol Guice at carol.guice@yahoo. com or by calling her at 419-3071189.

For information on the Job Stores, log onto www.northcoastjobs.org. Or in Ottawa County, call the Job Store at 800-665-1677 or 419-898-3688, ext. 270.

The Job Store is a collaboration of 23 partners in Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca counties and is funded by those organizations through the Workforce Investment Act under contract with Terra Community College.

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December 2010

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Tiffin University: Growth in Many Areas Tiffin University has seen an enrollment increase of 45 percent from a year ago.

Its overall enrollment for the fall semester is 4,942. Compared to 3,422 students last year at this time, this marks a seven-year increase of 230 percent when compared with total enrollment of 1,500 in 2003.

President Paul Marion is pleased with the enrollment, “This is great news for everyone.”

Tiffin University continues to grow and develop in the following areas: • New Student Housing Facilities — Four student apartment buildings have been constructed on the south side of Miami Street on property that was formerly a scrap yard. Approximately 240 juniors, seniors and graduate students reside in this Living Learning Community, and each building includes a room that is used for classes, social events, and other programs and activities.

Also, a new residence hall, which will house 100 sophomores, is scheduled to be ready for occupancy

by August.

• New Recreation Center — One section of the recreation center that is under construction on the former scrap yard property on the north side of Miami Street will include an indoor track and courts for volleyball, basketball and tennis.

The other section will have an artificial turf field for practices of the

football, softball, baseball, women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s soccer teams. All of the facilities will also be available for intramural and club sports, as well as for general recreation by TU students and employees and by individuals and organizations in the local community. The recreation center will also have offices for coaches, locker rooms, and a lobby/food court area.

• Enrollment — Total enrollment for this fall is 4,942 students, which is a one-year increase of 45% over the 3,422 students enrolled in the fall of 2009 and a seven-year increase of 230% compared with the total of 1,500 students enrolled in the fall of 2003.

• New Academic Programs — New concentrations have been implemented in Healthcare Administration within the ABA degree and in Elder Care Management within the BBA degree completion program and the MBA program.

Other new academic programs include a concentration in Green Technologies within the undergraduate major in General Science and MBA concentrations in Finance, International Business, Human Resource Management and Marketing.

• Accreditation — The University was approved for continuing accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central

Association of Colleges and Schools for ten years, which is the maximum period allowed. Also, the European Council for Business Education re-accredited TU, which is one of only three American universities accredited by that organization.

• International Focus — A total of 124 students from 26 foreign countries are enrolled on the Tiffin campus this fall. Also, TU delivers academic degree programs in Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic and Taiwan.

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No. 1 Hibachi Grill & Buffet Now Open The CEO/President of the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County, Holly Stacy and the Chamber Ambassadors participated in a Ribbon Cutting for No. 1 Hibachi Grill & Buffet in celebration of their Grand Opening last month.

The No. 1 Hibachi Grill & Buffet is located at 2170 North State Route 53, Fremont.

The Buffet features twelve buffet tables that rotate more than 300 items including, soups, appetizers, salads, sushi, entrees, desserts and much more.

The restaurant also features a hibachistyle grill station.

New and Improved “Ag Packs” for Sale The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County has new and improved Ag Packs for sale.

The cost per pack is $20 and contains products that are locally grown and/or packaged from companies like Green Bay Packaging, Heinz, The Fremont Company, Hasselbach Meats, Welly’s, and the Hirzel Canning Company.

These Ag Packs make great gifts for out-of-town guests and businesses that may not be familiar with Sandusky County! Stop by the Chamber office, 101 S. Front Street, Fremont, to pick yours up today! Quantities are limited.

For all your Business Needs

• Awards Banquets • Golf Outings • Business Meetings • Sales Seminars • Lunch and Dinner Meetings • Weddings For information, contact Tom Smerillo at 419-625-5394 Membership not Required

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North Coast Business Journal

Birds vs. Wind Turbines

By John Schaffner

What happens when one environmental interest interferes with another environmental interest? That is the question being looked at by Audubon interests, especially in the areas close to the Lake Erie shoreline, and wind power interests looking to promote green energy sources in the same area.

Monday, Kim Kaufman of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory brought together a number of birding experts and interested parties to the Lake Erie Shores Visitor Center to discuss the impact of wind turbines on migrating birds.

“Our primary concern is, of course, bird mortality from direct collisions with the turbines as well as indirect loss related to displacement and avoidance,” she said.

However, their concerns do not end there.

“Over the last five years, BSBO has also taken a leadership role in promoting this area as a prime ecotourism destination to bird watchers around the world and the economic impact on this region,” she said. She estimated the impact during the months of April and May upwards of $20 million.

To support their concerns, three experts were asked for input. First was Ted Eubanks, who founded an ecotourism consulting firm in Galveston, Texas. He worked with former Visitor’s Bureau Director Brenda Huntley in developing the concept of tourism opportunities here because of the intense migratory bird arrivals and departures in the spring and fall of the year.

“We don’t have to build anything here, just protect it,” Eubanks said.

Also speaking was Bill Evans of Ithaca, N.Y., a leading authority on bird strike issues who has specialized in studying nocturnal bird migration.

“There has been exaggeration on both sides of this issue, but people first started noticing the impact of wind turbines out in California when they started losing 1 percent of the golden eagle population annually,” he said. “Wind turbines came east in the late 1990s, and that industry has kind of adopted a ‘build and see’ mentality. What they found was there was an impact here

affecting song birds like warblers and threshers and the like.” He noted that there was also a negative impact on bats. Evans proposes keeping wind turbines away from the lake shore.

Keith Lott of the ODNR Division of Wildlife noted that there are roughly 60 “major” proposed wind turbine projects looking to begin in Ohio right now. And more than 80 “single turbine” projects that are not commercial grade. The vetting process for those two are vastly different. The major wind farm projects need to go through an extensive licensing and environmental impact process from the state. In the case of individual turbines placed on private property, local zoning laws and ordinances apply and not necessarily in all cases.

Dan Boone, a wildlife biologist from Maryland told the gathering that Ohio would need more than 100,000 750-kilowatt wind turbines to satisfy 10 percent of the state’s demand for electricity. He concluded that wind turbines in Ohio cost twice as much to install and yield half of the electricity compared to national averages.

Local entrepreneur John Fellhauer representing Sandusky-based SUREnergy, talked about setting up a wind turbine at Clay High School in Oregon, 2 miles from the Lake and 9 miles from the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. He noted that when they are finished, their $1 million project would generate 95 percent of the school system’s needs. This year, Fellhauer’s company also installed turbines at Huron High School and in the Margaretta School District.

In focus is the area identified by ODNR as possessing the most intense migratory bird activity. Kaufman’s major concern was that wind turbines were just “popping up” all over the lakeshore landscape without any process for judging the environmental impact on local bird populations. She has offered a series of seven steps to rein in the proliferation of wind turbines close to Lake Erie. First and foremost, she would like to see a three-year moratorium on additional wind

15

Mercy Willard Hospital Is Now Offering

Urogynecology and Reconstructive Gynecology Surgical Services Mercy Gynecology Specialists is now offering advanced treatment options for incontinence and prolapse. Approximately 13 million women in the US cope with urinary incontinence, and more than 30 million women suffer from prolapse. For many women their quality of life has been affected by these conditions.

Urinary Incontinence • Urinary Incontinence is sudden, unexplained urine leakage.

• Between the ages of 18 and 44, 1 in 4 women experience incontinence.

• If you leak urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh hard, wear pads or liners to protect against unplanned leakage, or plan activities based on where a restroom is located, you may have urinary incontinence.

Prolapse • Prolapse is a condition where the pelvic floor muscles weaken, causing the vagina to bulge, protrude or feel like something has “fallen”.

• 1 out of 2 women over the age of 45 suffer from some form of prolapse.

• Women suffering from prolapse may have vaginal pain or difficulty, and pain with intercourse.

If you think you may have urinary incontinence or prolapse, contact Mercy Gynecology Specialists to learn about the new, minimally invasive procedures available.

Mercy Gynecology Specialists Woo H. Paik, MD, FACOG 1506 S. Conwell Ave. Willard, Ohio 44890 419.935.0187 mercyweb.org

See BIRDS 24

December 2010

St. Anne | St. Charles | St. Vincent | Children’s | Defiance | Tiffin | Willard

16 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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December 2010

On 1,500 ly tick to be ets sold!

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Estate Insuring Your Estate Plan by Reviewing Douglas Gildenmeister Senior Vice President, Investments Retirement Plan Consultant The Gildenmeister Wealth Management Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. The Tax Relief Act of 2001 brought forth diverse and complex tax law changes that may impact a number of areas within a person’s financial plan.

One such area is estate planning.

Although estate planning is fundamentally about controlling personal assets while passing them to heirs in the most efficient manner possible, most individuals would associate this with not paying or minimizing the estate tax.

For this very reason, it may be beneficial for an individual to review their estate plan currently in place to insure they are able to fully take advantage of the tax law changes.

One of the most significant changes within the

tax law was the increase in the amount of assets each person can transfer free of estate and gift tax and the ultimate repeal of the estate tax for one year in 2010.

This exemption is currently $3,500,000 and may be indexed for inflation thereafter depending upon how Congress legislates in 2009. This will effectively increase the amount of assets an individual can pass on to his/her family or others without exposing assets to an estate.

Given these changes, there are several areas within your current estate plan that may be reviewed in order to take full advantage. One such area involves the area of gifting. By utilizing both the gift and estate tax lifetime “applicable exclusion amount” and the $13,000 per recipient annual gift tax exclusion, an individual may sharply reduce any potential estate tax liability. Also, for those individuals that have authorized a trusted individual to carry out their gifting program, the documents in place should be reviewed in light of the new law. An example would be a power of attorney. If you have a power of attorney in place

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For nearly 30 years, Firelands Corporate Health Center has offered area businesses a comprehensive package of occupational and safety services tailored to each company’s needs. Our dedicated Occupational Health Clinic can also provide many services at your worksite.

To find out how Firelands Corporate Health can help keep your business healthy, call 419-557-5052.

Hours of Operation: 7 am – 4:30 pm 24/7 coverage for drug & alcohol testing

To Help You Reduce Injuries and Control Costs: Work Related Injury Treatment and Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Case Management Drug-Free Workplace Programs Employee Assistance Programs

www.firelands.com

To Help You Meet State and Federal Regulations: OSHA Medical Compliance Exams Educational Programs DOT Consortium Medical Review Officer Services What Makes Us Different?

Over 64 combined years of experience in Occupational Health and 68 combined years of experience in Workers’ Compensation Dedicated full-service occupational health clinic to serve our business client’s health needs promptly ER back-up 24/7 Customized service to each business client’s specific needs

that authorizes a trusted agent to continue your gifting program, make sure it allows the agent to take full advantage of the changes within the new tax law.

Gifting allows an individual to transfer assets from their estate to their heirs while they are still alive. For most individuals, however, the transfer of assets to their heirs will take place at their death.

The document that facilitates this transfer is a will and, thus, another area that should be reviewed.

Wills are commonly used to direct an estate plan.

The will is the document that determines what amount of assets are exposed to an estate tax to fully take advantage of the applicable exclusion amount.

For example, Mr. Jones’ will may read that, upon his death sufficient assets will be exposed to estate taxes covered by the exclusion without incurring an estate tax due while the extra assets will be left to his wife. This is possible by exposing $3,500,000 worth of assets to the estate tax and, therefore, fully utilizing the exemption afforded each individual upon their death. A problem may arise if the will specifically quantifies the amount of assets as $3,500,000. This amount may be wrong in future years because the exemption is subject to change by Congress and will likely be indexed for inflation after 2009. Instead of quantifying a specific dollar amount in your will, it could be changed to incorporate formula language. Formula language will allow an individual, upon their death, to fully take advantage of the applicable exclusion amount no matter when they die.

A common substitute for a will that many people opt for is the living trust. The living trust not only serves the same function as the will but may provide additional benefits such as professional management of assets along with circumvention of the probate process upon death. But keep in mind that assets held in a revocable living trust remain subject to estate tax just like assets that pass by will. Therefore, a living trust should be reviewed in the same manner as a will.

Of course, this brief article is no substitute for a careful examination of all of the advantages and disadvantages of this matter in light of your unique personal financial circumstances. Before implementing any estate planning strategy, contact and consult with your Financial Advisor, estate planning attorney or tax professional.

This material was prepared by Raymond James for use by Douglas Gildenmeister, Sr. VP, Investments of Raymond James & Associates, Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

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North Coast Business Journal

December 2010

19

Positive Changes Results in Zero-Deficiencies for Elmwood Healthcare Center at The Springs!

In October 2010, Elmwood’s Commitment to Excellence proved itself as their Green Spring’s Skilled

Nursing and Long-Term Care facility located at Elmwood Healthcare Center at The Springs, west campus earned a Perfect Survey, noting zerodeficiencies in the annual Ohio Department of Health survey. (On average, less than 1% of all nursing homes inspected receive a perfect survey.)

This year’s four-day survey at Elmwood’s west campus involved several surveyors who inspected and rated Elmwood on the following: Quality of Care, Quality of Life, Regulations and Compliances.

Jean Smith, Elmwood’s west campus nursing home administrator commented on the survey results.

“We are so proud of our leadership team who oversee the daily operation and exceptional care of our residents and patients. There is a lot of hard work that goes into this and to be recognized with ‘zero-deficiencies’ is just awesome for us. We are very excited and so proud of our entire Elmwood Team!”

Kathy Hunt, CEO and owner, was extremely pleased to hear the news.

“We just celebrated Elmwood at The Spring’s first anniversary in October, so this was so timely for us!”

Hunt continued, “When Elmwood acquired the former St. Francis campus last year, we became responsible for an additional 186-bed facility and 280 employees. This was a very sizeable acquisition for Elmwood.

Two important goals were established: 1). To immediately implement Elmwood’s quality standards of care

which ensures each resident will receive individualized and personalized care.

2). To transform areas on each floor within the multi-floor facility into smaller, h o m e - l i k e neighborhoods, similar to those found in other E l m w o o d communities.

To improve upon quality standards of care, Hunt started with her nursing staff. Hunt explained, “When we first reviewed the former nursing management structure, we realized there was an issue. There were two Directors of Nursing and two Assistant Directors of Nursing that were overseeing up to 186 residents residing on several floors throughout the facility. A good portion of their day was spent going floor-to-floor to manage their areas.

This resulted in many issues including a lack of quality time with the residents. That is a vital factor when it comes to quality care! From my experience in senior care, you must provide good bedside care. Residents are happier, healthier individuals when their needs are met. That also means families and their physicians are pleased...everyone benefits!”

Hunt continued, “Therefore, we created four units in four different wings, each having its own specialty.

We then reorganized the staff so there would be four Unit Director’s of Nursing, instead of just two. They will all report to the administrator.

This will allow additional leadership focus to meet the needs of each individual unit. More importantly, the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm of this new nursing team will benefit our residents as they receive a more specialized personal care and services on a regular basis.”

“It has made a big difference on each of our floors, commented Smith.

I am so glad we did it. It has worked out great for everyone.”

The quality of care will continue to be improved upon as Elmwood continues to “think out of the box”

to enhance existing services. Major renovations continue in the nursing area as walls, now reconstructed, have created semi-private and private rooms in place of multi-bed units.

Warm colors, beautiful furnishings and colorful decor now provide a welcoming feeling to each area. Both residents and staff are excited as construction and renovations continue throughout the building, while new ideas, programs and services are consistently reviewed to keep the focus on enhanced patient and resident care.

“Everyone is excited about the transformations that are taking place.

It is taking awhile to complete each floor, but we are getting there. We have basically 6 sections for inpatient care to renovate. One is complete, the second will be completed by month end and the third section just

began. Therefore, we are almost 1/3 renovated.

In conclusion, Hunt stated, “On October 22, we had our first Elmwood Employee Appreciation Party in our woods near the springs. It was so much fun to have so many of our staff all together from all of our communities to celebrate, not just The Spring’s first anniversary, but to celebrate a successful year of working together as a team to touch the lives of those we serve in each of our communities. With the addition of our newest community, Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen, which opened in July of this year, Elmwood now employs over 600 employees! What a year 2010 turned out to be!”

Elmwood Communities are located in Tiffin, Fremont, Green Springs and New Bremen, Ohio.

Not only do we know insurance... but we know that warm hands and toes help to build better snowmen.

Diversified Insurance Service is accepting new and gently used hats, mittens, gloves and socks for children in grades K-12. Other cold weather items such as coats and boots will also be accepted.

All donations received will benefit children in Fremont, Port Clinton and Woodmore schools.

PORT CLINTON DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

ELMORE & WOODVILLE DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

Diversified Insurance Service 124 E. Second Street, Port Clinton

Diversified Insurance Service 349 Rice Street, Elmore

Tropicana Tan 307 Harrison Street, Port Clinton

Harris-Elmore Public Library 328 Toledo Street, Elmore

South Shore Salons 332 Buckeye Blvd., Port Clinton

Woodmore Schools High School and Elementary

Tots Spot Day Care 2353 E. Harbor Road, Port Clinton

Fremont Federal Credit Union 801 W. Main Street, Woodville and all Fremont Locations

www.divinsurance.com • 800-848-2788 • Offices in Elmore, Fremont, Port Clinton and Whitehouse

20 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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New Interactive Map Viewer Showcases Favorability Data for Offshore Wind Turbine Placement in Lake Erie A new interactive map viewer showcasing the resources that may play a role in where offshore wind turbines might be placed in Lake Erie has been launched by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Office of Coastal Management.

The Wind Turbine Placement Favorability Map Viewer is the latest step by the office to provide information that allows communities and businesses to balance the use and preservation of Ohio’s coastal resources while benefiting Ohio’s economy.

“Unique in the Great Lakes region, this map is an integral part of Ohio’s drive to be the home of the first fresh water wind farms in the world,” said ODNR Director Sean Logan.

lmwoo Elmwood Village at The Springs East Campus Independent Living

The Wind Turbine Placement Favorability Map Viewer is the

Proudly Serving Sandusky & Area Counties!

Elmwood Assisted Living of Fremont

Elmwood Nursing Home & Assisted Lving

1545 Fangboner Road 419-332-6533

Just off Academy Street Green Springs 419-639-2581

East Campus 430 N. Broadway St. Green Springs 419-639-2581

Elmwood Healthcare Center at The Springs

Elmwood Assisted Living at The Shawhan Tiffin

at The Springs

West Campus

LTAC Hospital- Skilled Nursing-Outpatient Therapy

54 South Washington St. 419-447-6885

Family-Owned & Operated

401 N. Broadway St. Green Springs 419-639-2626

elmwoodcommunities.com

first application of the Ohio Coastal Atlas Use Case Toolbox.

attribute information including lake depth, lakebed sediment,

This toolbox allows users to select and view all or some of the thematic map layers that were used to develop the Wind Turbine Placement Favorability Analysis Map. Map layers include bird habitat, fish habitat, commercial and sport fishery efforts, lakebed sediments, distance from shore, land transportation, harbor navigation, shipping and ferry routes, shipwrecks, restricted areas, industries and utilities.

“We recognize there are many competing uses for the same natural resources,” said Office of Coastal Management Chief John Watkins. “It is important to provide all lake users, from private citizen to businesses, with the most up-to-date and easy-to-use tools for coastal and marine spatial analysis in order to preserve ecosystem services that meet economic, environmental, security and social objectives.”

In addition to viewing resource layers on an index grid system, Ohio’s Wind Turbine Placement Favorability Map Viewer provides a variety of custom tools allowing users to gather comprehensive

fish habitat and limiting factor weight values. The Wind Turbine Placement Favorability Map Viewer can be accessed by visiting the Office of Coastal Management Web site: www. ohidnr.com/coastal and selecting the “Coastal Wind” logo.

The map viewer is part of the Office of Coastal Management’s on-going efforts to provide free resource-based information to those interested in Lake Erie.

The office’s first major publication was the national award-winning Ohio Coastal Atlas (print, online and DVD) followed by this year’s release of Ohio’s Lake Erie Public Access Guidebook (print and online). These are complimented by the Lake Erie Shore Erosion Management Plan project and the Ohio Coastal Design Manual, the first edition of which is on-target to be published in early 2011.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.

Visit the ODNR Web site at www. ohiodnr.com.

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North Coast Business Journal

December 2010

21

Taxes Is a Cost Segregation Study Right for You?

By Phil J. Seguin, CPA Business has been good and your old space is getting cramped.

You have a good product and the time has come to expand. Perhaps you need more capacity or plan on are adding a new product line. When the time comes for a business to make an investment in new or expanded facilities, it is worthwhile to consider the benefits of a cost segregation study.

What is a cost segregation study?

Since 1986 business property has been depreciated using the modified accelerated cost recovery system or “MACRS.” Under MACRS nonresidential real property is depreciated over 39 years. This relatively long recovery period can be a disincentive to invest in expansion.

A cost segregation study examines an entire construction project and identifies personal property that can be depreciated over much shorter lives. The result is accelerated deductions on your investment that can help offset the tax burden from expanded sales and profits. A cost segregation study can also increase total deductions on your investment by identifying depreciable components of land cost that would normally not be deducted.

Construction projects generally include elements of tangible personal property (e.g. telecommunication and computer systems, process piping, storage tanks). Some of these items are easy to identify and can be allocated shorter lives. A cost segregation study takes the process a step further by segregating tangible property in project costs that are embedded in the building. Items such as carpeting, wall coverings, partitions, millwork, lighting

fixtures, suspended ceilings and doors are often segregated from the project and can be depreciated over shorter lives. A study might further conclude that a certain percentage of a building’s electrical or mechanical systems directly support personal.

Accelerated deductions sound great, but how do you know if a cost segregation study is right for your expansion? A proper and defensible cost segregation study involves substantial work. A qualified engineer usually is required to carefully examine the construction plans and documents.

He or she determines which costs are legitimately associated with supporting non-building components of the project.

The value of the tax benefits have to be weighed against the cost of the study. Generally, buildings costing under $500,000 will not produce enough accelerated deductions to justify the expense and effort of a study. For these expansions any tangible personal property that are clearly identifiable should be separated from the overall project cost and depreciated over the shorter life.

Another important factor to consider is the ownership of the project. It is a common business practice to separate the ownership of business real estate from the entity that conducts the operations.

If ownership is similar or the same, a cost segregation study may make more sense than if the project is owned by investors other than the owner. A cost segregation study may result in the front loading of substantial tax losses to the project owner.

Generally, rental real estate activities are considered passive activities under IRS rules. Passive losses can only be used to offset passive income. If you are able to show that the operating and rental activity are a substantial economic unit, there’s a tax rule that may provide relief to this quandary. The determination of whether two

activities comprise a substantial economic unit is based entirely on facts and circumstances. However, they rely heavily on the following factors: similarities in types of business, extent of common control, extent of common ownership, common geographical location and interdependence between or among the activities.

The capitalization and financing of the project should also be considered when contemplating a cost segregation study. In addition to the passive activity loss rules, the IRS can limit deductions from an activity to the amount you are “at-risk.” When projects are heavily financed, owners should determine that the debt will be considered “qualifying non-recourse financing.”

You may run into restrictions on

One Day

rent charges if you receive special financing, such as a loan from the Small Business Administration.

A cost segregation study can be a powerful tool to help accelerate deductions for substantial capital investments. The tax savings that results from these accelerated deductions can greatly increase cash flow from the project. There are pitfalls that you should be aware of before investing in the expense of a study. Careful analysis and discussion should be done with your tax advisor prior to breaking ground.

Phil J. Seguin, CPA, is a senior manager with Barnes Wendling CPAs. Reach him by phone at 419.626.3627 or 440-934-3850 or by e-mail at pjs@barneswendling. com.

does make a difference

A comforting, soothing massage.

A friendly visit from a volunteer to hold your hand.

A nurse who stays by your bedside until all your questions have been answered.

These are just a few of the gifts Stein Hospice delivers to patients and families every day. For some patients, one day is all they have with Stein Hospice. But look at what can be accomplished in 24 hours. Or less.

At 52, Deb Smith fought for four years to rid her body of cancer. But when the fight was over, Deb and her family did not want her life to end in a hospital room. On a spring afternoon Deb arrived at the Stein Hospice Care Center. By sunrise she had died. But in those 16 hours Deb and her family received many gifts...

A chaplain stopped by to pray.

Volunteers helped the family with meals.

Nurses watched over Deb to make sure she was not in pain.

“Everybody was so nice and considerate and would stop to talk, not small talk.

It was personal to them. They felt like family,” said Deb’s daughter, Stephanie.

Whether a patient is staying at the Care Center, in a nursing home or private home, services such as the ones Deb and her family received can begin within two hours of admission and are provided around the clock.

The Smith family will tell you: One day does make a difference.

419-625-5269

22 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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EHOVE’s Engineering Tech Program Nationally Certified EHOVE's Engineering Technology program received a nationally-recognized program re-certification award. This award from the Ohio Department of Education and Project Lead the Way acknowledges that EHOVE's program teaches the students to the national standard. Re-certification is required every 5 years to maintain high standards and ensure that the Engineering Technology program is staying current.

Students in EHOVE's Engineering Technology program invent, design and produce solutions for complex engineering challenges from concept to completion.

They explore mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering using math and science, and also experience advanced robotics, electronics, Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Machining technologies.

While still in high school, these EHOVE students get a head start by earning many college credits toward an Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering & Technology or Technical Study. These courses are offered through a partnership with BGSU/ Firelands, and are all free of charge to students. For more information, go to www.EHOVE.net or call 419-499-4663.

EHOVE Engineering Technology Instructor Steve Spriggs (center) receives a re-certification award from Terrie Schultz, Project Lead The Way Regional Representative (left) and Steve Stokey, Executive VP, Allied Machine and Engineering Corp. and Ohio Project Lead The Way Executive Council.

Donations for Art Programs Local accounting and consulting firm Barnes Wendling CPAs LLC presented checks to the art teacher of Sandusky Central Catholic, Mrs. Bickley and to the art teacher at Norwalk Catholic Schools, Mrs. Schnellinger late last month. This is part of the annual Thanksgiving art contest the firm holds with four schools, one near each of its offices.

The winning designs, one from each school, are featured on the front of the Thanksgiving card that is sent to the firm’s clients and friends. As a thank you for participating, Barnes Wendling makes a donation to each school. In addition, all four winners and 8 runners-up are presented with prizes in the form of custom art kits and their artwork framed.

Tim Mayles and Don Hanck from Barnes Wendling awarded the winners and runners-up from Sandusky Central Catholic to Norwalk Catholic Schools. The donations are to be used for their school’s art program.

Barnes Wendling CPAs LLC also provided ice cream for the students.

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, Barnes Wendling decided to take our annual Thanksgiving Art Contest to the web and share the works of the students with the world! The pictures will be featured on the company website at www.barneswendling.com. It will also be sending an email greeting card with the pictures displayed.

Don Allen of Allen Graphics, the printer of the card, donated the paper for the students to draw their designs.

Director, Tim Mayles, says, “It is very important to us to give back to the community and provide the next generation with positive role models.

It has been such a rewarding experience working with the children and we hope to do more in the future with all the schools.” When the program started in 2001, Barnes Wendling wanted to include schools that needed extra financial support.

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

December 2010

Magruder Hospital Opens Pain Management Clinic Magruder Hospital has recently added a new service to benefit the health needs of the community. The Magruder Hospital Pain Management Clinic is now accepting patients under the care of Dr. Adam Hedaya, a pain management specialist trained in interventional pain medicine from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Dr. Hedaya is a member of Midwest Pain Physicians, an alliance of board certified pain management physicians providing service in hospital-based pain management HEDAYA clinics.

“We offer some of the most advanced treatments available today for pain management. These treatments are more tolerable and less invasive than in the past,” says Dr. Hedaya. “Millions of people suffer from chronic pain that affects their daily activities, pain management is proven and effective at getting people back to a normal life,” he added.

Among the conditions to be treated at the clinic are: neck pain, back pain, sciatica, post-surgical pain, headaches, arthritis pain in the neck and lower back, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RDS), nerve damage or muscle spasm pain, chronic pelvic and shingles pain.

In treating these conditions, Dr. Hedaya works with referring physicians and many other specialty groups.

“The relationships we develop with patients, their physicians and other specialists will make this clinic a center of expertise people can trust,” said Dr. Hedaya. “Having a resource like this in Ottawa County will be a great convenience for many of our patients.”

Get off your

ASTEROID

and place your ad in this

SPACE.

Call Dave at 419-341-3310 or email at dkahler@ncbj.net for ad rates that are

OUT OF THIS WORLD

23

24 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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Memorial Hospital Enhances Patient Care with New System The Memorial Hospital Emergency Department has recently installed AcuDose-RxÂŽ automated medication cabinets from McKesson Automated Solutions.

According to McKesson, The AcuDose-RxŽ system puts the provider in complete control of all critical aspects when accessing patient medications-safety, security, accountability, and availability. “This system was installed in order to optimize medication dispensing efficiency and enhance patient safety in the Emergency Department,� said Randal Koch, director of Memorial Hospital Pharmacy.

In automated medication dispensing systems, medications are stored in a cabinet that can only be opened electronically with proper ID and physician order.

When the cabinet is opened, the

nurse or physician who is using the system will only have access to that particular medication, ensuring that the correct medication is used and preventing other medications from being out in the open, even for that short period of time.

According to Koch, “Select Emergency Department and Pharmacy staff members were trained on the new system in Pennsylvania in early July. Since then, these associates have been training additional Memorial Hospital staff on site in Fremont, ensuring that the hospital will take full advantages of the many benefits of the AcuDose-RxŽ system.�

The system will also monitor which medications and what quantities are being dispensed to each patient and by what staff member. Along with simplifying the re-stocking of medications and

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Randy Koch, director of Memorial Hospital Pharmacy, Kean Spellman, QHR Vice President (MHCS is a QHR Hospital) and MHCS operating board members Kenneth Myers and Tom Hoffman.

keeping accurate inventory levels, AcuDose-RxÂŽ will add additional clinical safety measures which will aid compliance with JCAHO and state regulations.

According to Koch, â&#x20AC;&#x153;With AcuDose-RxÂŽ, our Emergency Department care-providers will always have a reference as to what

medications patients have been administered, and who administered the medication. The system will also report this directly to the Memorial Hospital Pharmacy, creating a more efficient communication path for this crucial information.â&#x20AC;?

BIRDS from 15

could have on the local avian population,â&#x20AC;? Kaufman said.

Part of that process could include radar studies emanating from Bowling Green State University that could be done during the three-year moratorium timeframe. Fellhauer and Bryan Rathbun representing SUREnergy categorically opposed the moratorium.

Wind Energy vs.

Wildlife conservation. The door to dialogue has been opened. At stake could be industrial development of wind turbines in Ottawa County and the near $20 million economic impact of eco-tourism dollars generated by bird watchers who come from all over the world. Can the two environmentally positive forces live and work together? The issue is in doubt.

turbines within 3 miles of the Lake Erie Shoreline, including Sandusky Bay. She would like to buy some time until research on nocturnal migrating bird populations can be studied. She noted that she wanted to work cooperatively with business interests, such as SUREnergy, to facilitate the time to study the issue.

She also proposes a permanent ban on any wind turbines 300 feet or higher within the zones of highest concern as identified by the ODNR, a zone that includes virtually all of Ottawa County except for the far western edge. When asked â&#x20AC;&#x153;who would enforce these moratoriums,â&#x20AC;? nobody knew the answer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to begin a process to study the impacts these structures

North Coast Business Journal

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Two Area Men Honored as NOACC Bright Stars The Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) is observing its 15th anniversary this year. The group is made up of 120 Chambers located in towns all across northern Ohio, representing some 30,000 members. Almost 50 Chambers of commerce across northern Ohio nominated a person from their chamber as their “Bright Star,” to recognize a chamber member who has “made a significant impact on the chamber through membership, retention, sponsorship, economic development, operations and/or education.” Each Bright Star is an active chamber member for no less than two years and is likely to be an unsung hero or a dedicated behindthe-scenes volunteer.

These volunteers represent a wide range of involvement with their respective chambers, some having been a member and or officer or committee chairman for 20+ years and some being newly involved but each of whom has given freely of his/ her time, working hard for their chambers without any expectations.

This is the third year for the Bright Star Awards, and again has given an opportunity to recognize these volunteers among their peer groups, as chamber representatives, board members and spouses were also in attendance.

CUMMINGS Selected to receive one of this year’s NOACC Bright Star awards was Matt Cummings, Huron Chamber vice president and two-term board member. A young man who worked his way through high school and several years of college while working part-time for Barb Leber at Pizza House West, he liked the business so

much that in 1991 he became proprietor of the Huron Pizza House.

Matt has become a vital member of the Huron business community, making generous donations for school activities throughout the year, hosting dinners at his Main Street pizzeria, with proceeds going to local families facing medical crises as well as numerous Huron Tiger fundraisers.

He recently assumed the vice presidency on the Chamber board of directors. He lends his strong arms and spirit of cooperation to just about every Chamber project throughout the year.

KEITH Doug Keith Jr. is Vermilion Chamber’s 2010 Bright Star recipient.

The Chamber writes “Doug is our go to guy. Regardless if it is a festival or event fundraiser, Doug is usually first to volunteer and last to leave. Doug is our jack-of-all-trades. He knows a little bit about everything and he is one of our community’s biggest assets. He has been a volunteer Vermilion firefighter for 20 years. He has a wonderful understanding wife (Cindy) that allows him to volunteer many of his long hours to the Chamber.

Fortunately for the Chamber, Doug knows too much about the operations of our two Festivals. The Woollybear Festival is the largest one-day festival in the State of Ohio drawing in over 100,000 people to our town in one day and the Festival of the Fish is one of the oldest Festivals celebrating 44 years this pass June. Doug has volunteered for over 30 years for the festivals. During the festivals Doug is there from sun-up to sundown making sure the operations of the festival are running smoothly. That is about 14 hours a day of volunteering with a smile.”

December 2010

25

26 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

The Well-Booked

By Cathy Allen It seems like more and more often these days we hear people speaking about going into business for themselves. While conventional wisdom might suggest that it would be more prudent to wait for better economic times, many who are successfully selfemployed say that there is no time like the present, and preparation is more important than timing. Having made the transition from j-o-b to selfemployment myself, I can tell report that it was definitely touch and go on occasion and that there is much I would have done differently. I read several books on the subject along the way, and am sharing one of my favorites with you. Though it is nearly 15 years old now, this month’s book contains timeless principles and advice from those who have gone before. If you’re thinking about striking out on your own, I recommend it as a resource for the valuable information that can make the difference between success and failure.

The Secrets of Self-Employment: Surviving and Thriving on the Ups and Downs of Being our Own Boss by Sarah and Paul Edwards, Putnam Books, 1996 SUMMARY Being successfully selfemployed takes a different mindset than being successfully employed by

someone else. Those who transition to a new way of thinking and organizing themselves can take advantage of the benefits of selfemployment, but failure to do so can prove disastrous. “You’ll find that your results increase in direct proportion to your cumulative effort,” say the authors. Fortunately, it is possible to work hard and productively without becoming a slave to your business. We have to proactively develop ourselves into entrepreneurs and put time and energy into the business end of the business in order to have the time and energy to do what we love.

KEY LEARNINGS • More and more of us are becoming “propreneurs” - engaged in a business enterprise not just for the purpose of generating income, but also to create or advance some social good.

Propreneurs tend to enjoy hard work, finish what they start, work independently and value a job well done.

• After years of studying those who are successfully self-employed, the authors have identified 12 “mental shifts” they recommend to those who are preparing to strike out on their own. Success or failure on one’s own depends on an individual’s ability to cross over to this new way of thinking.

These are outlined in the box below.

• Here are the secrets to using your time for maximum effect: work on purpose, clear out your backlog and schedule for results. Being on purpose means having clarity about one’s goals. The Edwards’ cite research indicating that top performers are

Chamber Discount on Commercial and Health Insurance Amy Flickinger

30 E. Main St. Norwalk www.flickinger-ins.com 419-668-4406/800-947-3700

www.ncbj.net

12 Mental Shifts for Successful Self-Employment 1 — From pipe dreams to practicalities: Adopting a concept of what’s possible.

a new attitude for how to get what you deserve.

2 — From certainties to possibilities: Establishing a new definition for security.

8 — From job title to charisma: Developing a new source of power.

3 — From outer support to inner trust: Finding a new sense of direction.

9 — From covering to capitalizing: Assigning a new role to mistakes.

4 — From conforming and waiting to creating and initiating: Reaching a new understanding about how things happen.

10 — From playing it safe to keeping options open: Setting a new standard for when to say yes.

5 — From rules to results: Discovering a new way to know how well you are doing.

11 — From earning to spend to spending to earn: Making a new relationship with money.

6 — From mastery to marketing: Using a new approach to making an impression.

7 — From rights to responsibility: Taking disciplined about writing down their goals, reviewing them regularly, and sticking to the priorities. Clearing out the backlog of papers, files and minor tasks creates room for what we want to focus on.

• Most “administrivia” can be cost effectively handled by others. Use technology and/or routines to efficiently handle the rest of it. Taking the time to learn how a new piece of equipment works can yield major time savings later on.

• People are all motivated differently.

The trick is to know what gets you going and then to make use of it. No one else can identify what this is or advise you. What are your strengths?

Weaknesses? Learn to be the one who delivers the pitch perfect pep talk that you need to hear. Terrific selfcare matters. It is not possible to get it all done when you are run down from stress or lack of sleep. Cultivate optimism.

• Quoting the pioneers in the field of emotional intelligence, the Edwards’ make the case that successful self-employment requires that we harness the power of our emotions.

Resist the temptation to focus on the difference between what is and what ought to be. Recognize that different tasks require different emotional states and try to lump like tasks together to reduce stress.

• An endless array of decisions loom before an entrepreneur: when to raise fees, how to collect what is owed, how to prioritize spending. Our earning potential is governed by 1) our self-esteem, 2) our reputation and

12 — From “Help Me” to “How can I help you?” Creating a new basis for building alliances.

3) the market. Those who comport themselves as though they have value will increase their income.

• There will be hurdles. Planning to overcome them is a more costeffective strategy than hoping to avoid them. Business survivors are characterized by curiosity, flexibility, empathy, resourcefulness and resilience.

TOOLS: The book is chock-full of charts, tables and lists of everything from “35 ways to get business to come to you” to “How to let your clients know about price increases.”

Also included is a 28-page section called “The Emotional Road Map” offering tips for moving out of anger or depression, handling rejection (and fear of rejection) and much more.

Cathy Allen is the owner of Creative Option C, LLC, a facilitation and organizational development consulting firm in Marblehead. An avid reader and writer, Cathy has posted a series of two-page synopses of classic books in the field of business, leadership and personal development to www.

CreativeOptionC.com. Also posted there are original articles about fundraising, diagnostic assessments, earned media, campaign planning, and more. Visitors can sign up to receive a monthly email newsletter full of information about all the latest happenings at Creative Option C.

North Coast Business Journal

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December 2010

27

FTMC Wound Healing Institute Adds New Therapies Most people can relate to the pain and discomfort of a broken leg or burn. But, imagine if that leg or burned area didn’t heal and you lived with that wound and the chronic pain on a daily basis.

“Almost six million Americans suffer from chronic, non-healing wounds. Many are associated with complications from diabetes, vascular disorders, or poor nutrition,” said Dr. Marc Dolce, a board certified podiatric surgeon and member of Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s Wound Healing Institute. “Chronic wounds not only cause pain and discomfort, they are often signs of larger and more complicated problems.”

For the past 10 years, Dr. Dolce has been providing his limb salvage expertise at Fisher-Titus Medical Center.

“We have saved a lot of limbs through this approach,” Dolce said.

Since the opening of the FTMC Wound Healing Institute in 2009,

even more options and treatments to treat patients with non-healing wounds have become available.

Dr. Dolce recently began performing “partial thickness” skin grafts at FisherTitus Medical Center. Skin grafting is a surgical procedure in which skin or a skin substitute is placed over a burn or nonhealing wound. DOLCE Non-healing wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, or pressure sores, can be treated with skin grafts to prevent infection and further progression of the wounded area.

“A partial thickness skin graft contains a variable thickness of skin harvested from a site area on the patient, such as a thigh or buttock and transplanted it to the wound

Elmwood Lab Accredited Elmwood Healthcare Center at The Springs- West Campus in Green Springs has received a 2-year, CLIA Certificate for full Lab Accreditation from The Joint Commission. The hospital CLIA certificate allows for Waive and Moderate Complexity lab testing to be completed in-house on the Hospital Unit. The next lab survey is scheduled for spring of 2012.

Elmwood at The Spring’s Healthcare Center services include a Specialty Hospital (LTACH) for Long-Term Acute Care with inpatient dialysis services available, Skilled Nursing, Chronic Vent Care, and Long-Term Nursing.

Elmwood Communities are located in Tiffin, Fremont, Green Springs and New Bremen, Ohio.

area,” Dr. Dolce said. “We have seen a high success rate in this procedure and have saved limbs that normally would have been amputated.”

Dr. Dolce completed his residency in foot and ankle surgery at University Hospitals in Cleveland. He received special training in residency on plastic surgery and also has advanced training on wound healing treatments. Dr. Dolce graduated from The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland in 1999 with a doctor of podiatric medicine and from Bowling Green State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has served as chairman of the department of podiatric surgery at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and is currently a Fellow with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Another recent addition to the

FTMC’s wound therapies is The Qoustic Wound Therapy System® which optimizes healing and minimizes patient discomfort by using a low-frequency portable ultrasound. It lightly contacts the wound, gently separating and removing unwanted tissue while preserving healthy tissue. It also is used to prepare the wound for other therapies, such as grafts and flaps.

“It is nice to have the tools in place and a highly qualified team that can handle complex wounds,” Dr. Dolce said. “Podiatrists, general surgeons and a highly qualified clinical staff work together to help patients with chronic wounds heal faster by treating the cause of the non-healing wound and applying evidence-based medical and surgical techniques that are outcome focused and costeffective.”

28 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

On the Move New Execs at Webster Industries, Inc. At their October board meeting, the Board of Directors of Webster Industries, Inc. announced the election of Mr. Andrew J. Felter as President and Chief Operating Officer of Webster Industries, Inc. Mr. Felter replaces Mr. Fred Spurck as President.

Mr. Spurck served as President and CEO for the past 27 years. The Board also elected Mr. Spurck as Chairman of the Board and CEO. Mr. Felter will assume all operational duties of Webster Industries, Inc. effective November 1, 2010. Mr. Felter has been employed by Webster for seventeen years in the positions of Controller and most recently as V.P. of Manufacturing for the last six years.

Mr. Spurck’s role will be one of strategic development and counsel to the President. The Board acknowledged Mr. Spurck’s long tenure and excellent stewardship of the company while expressing confidence in the leadership of Mr. Felter to continue the incredible success Webster Industries has had

under Spurck’s tenure.

The Board and Mr. Spurck also noted the other officers: Mr. Dean Bogner, V.P. of Sales, Mr. Chris English, V.P. of Finance and Treasurer, and Mr. Steve Rhoad, V.P. of Engineering, are vital contributors to the company’s success and have been most helpful in the transition of the presidency of Webster Industries, Inc. Webster Industries, Inc., an ESOP company, is a manufacturer of engineered class conveying chains, vibrating conveyors and malleable iron castings used primarily in the material handling industry.

The company is headquartered in Tiffin, Ohio with additional facilities in Meridian, Mississippi and Tualatin, Oregon. The company has been in business since 1876 and has been in Tiffin for the last 103 years. Webster currently employs over 225 people and is a leading manufacturer in the engineered class conveying chain industry.

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Fremont Funeral Home Receives National Recognition Recently, Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home & Crematory was honored with the 2010 Pursuit of Excellence® Award by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) during its International Convention & Expo in New Orleans, La. Only 166 firms from around the world received this prestigious recognition, placing Wonderly Horvath Hanes among an elite group of funeral service professionals. Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients raise the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards and providing unsurpassed service to families and communities.

To achieve the Pursuit of Excellence Award, NFDA-member funeral homes must evaluate components of their business against standards set forth by the Pursuit of Excellence program and demonstrate proficiency in key areas of the funeral service profession.

Participants are required to fulfill criteria in six categories of achievement that demonstrate commitment to: complying with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement within the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs.

“We are pleased to receive this award for the fifth year and we thank our staff for their dedication and hard work to serve our families during their most difficult time” says Helene Horvath Zielinski, Vice President of the funeral home.

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Cambridge Home Health Care Recipient of “Golden 30” Award for Second Year For the second consecutive year, Cambridge Home Health Care has received The Golden 30 Award. The award recognizes 30 growing companies in Lorain, Erie and Huron

Julie Harris, Sandusky Branch Manager and Todd Morgan, Chief Operating Officer (COO).

counties that, based on growth in sales and employment during the past five years (2005-2009), are honored for their business excellence and contribution to the success of the region’s economic climate. Akronbased Cambridge Home Health Care has offices located in both Elyria and Sandusky. The thirteenth annual award ceremony was held November 16, 2010, at the Spitzer Conference Center at the Lorain County Community College campus. Julie Harris, Sandusky Branch Manager of Cambridge Home Health Care, accepted the award.

The award sponsors were The Morning Journal and Lorain County Community College in conjunction with First Place Bank, Community Foundation of Lorain County, Lorain County Joint Vocational School, Lorain County Growth Partnership, Team Lorain County and GLIDE.

Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra Community College

Small Business Basics is a free, two-hour seminar that will answer your questions about starting, buying or expanding a small business. This seminar will take the confusion out of your efforts and help you to avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary steps.

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Dates and Times

2011 Locations

January Schedule

Wednesday, January 5 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, Conference Room 8043 W. SR. 163, Oak Harbor

Wednesday, January 12 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce, Conference Room 19 W. Market Street, Tiffin

Wednesday, January 19 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Erie County Chamber of Commerce, Conference Room 225 W. Washington Row, Sandusky

Wednesday, January 26 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Terra Community College, Building B, Room 101 2830 Napoleon Road, Fremont

To register, contact: Bill Auxter, Director Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra Community College Toll-Free 800-826-2431 or 419-559-2210 or email bauxter@terra.edu

The Small Business Development Center Program of Ohio (SBDC) is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC program is also funded in part by the Ohio Department of Development. All opinions, conclusions recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the SBDC at Terra Community College, 419.559.2210.

North Coast Business Journal

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Erie County Economic Development Corporation Announces New Executive Director Erie County Economic Development Corporation (ECEDC) has announced the appointment of Peter H. Zaehringer as its new Executive Director.

Mr. Zaehringer was most recently an Administrator for the Summit County Executive’s Department of Community and Economic Development in Akron, Ohio. He was responsible for the creation of programs to enhance the lives of county citizens and businesses. He has over 15 years experience in business development, marketing and sales in for-profit and non-profit sectors. He is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Zynergy Global LLC. Zaehringer established Zynergy Global in 2009 to help increase economic and business development activities between Europe and North America, with a focus on Ohio.

“Peter has the leadership qualities and experience our Board was seeking. We conducted an extensive search that involved area community and business leaders in the interview process. Peter’s presentation rose to the top,” explained Ted Kastor, Erie County Economic Development Board President. Kastor continued, “Peter is a true professional and brings a wealth of skills and has an international background that can only enhance his ability to attract and retain businesses to our county.”

“I see tremendous opportunities in Erie County and look forward to working with community leaders, businesses and residents to propel economic development and chart the course for a prosperous future. I am excited to lead an organization whose board members are enthusiastic about economic development and see the possibilities ahead” says Zaehringer.

Zaehringer began his duties on November 15 and can be contacted at (419) 627-7791 or director@ eriecountyedc.org.

December 2010

29

Fostoria Community Hospital Employee of the Quarter Named Kim Willford, RN, ONC, team leader, oncology/ infusion department, was named the employee of the third quarter at Fostoria Community Hospital. She was nominated for putting her patients first, being an excellent leader and donating her time and talent to community programs, services and projects.

Willford has more than 33 years of nursing experience. Prior to becoming a registered nurse in 1987, she worked as a licensed practical nurse or LPN for 10 years. She also achieved advanced oncology nursing certification in 2006.

A Bradner, Ohio native, Willford is married to her husband of 22 years, Harley, and has two children, Craig and Krista. Her favorite hobbies are riding her motorcycle, working in the yard and on the house, crossword puzzles and being entertained by the family’s pets – three cats and one dog.

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30 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal

Stein’s Bucholz wins “Heart of Ohio” Jan Bucholz is the recipient of the 2010 Heart of Ohio Award, honored for her courage, creativity and commitment to hospice and palliative care. The Ohio Hospice & Palliative Care Organization presented the award to Bucholz, Stein Hospice President and CEO, during its recent annual conference in Columbus.

The Heart of Ohio Award is given to an individual OHPCO member who has “made significant and repeated achievements in hospice and palliative care, particularly on a state level. “ Bucholz was nominated for the award by Stein Hospice Medical Director Dr. William Inglis and Dr. James Preston, Associate Medical Director. She and her husband Gil live in Marblehead.

Community Hospice Care

Rebecca S. Shank, R.N. Executive Director

With Community Hospice Care, it’s not the destination, but the journey that matters

Proudly Serving Seneca & Huron counties since 1983

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Browne joins FisherTitus Medical Center FTMC Dr. Amy Browne recently joined Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s medical staff and will practice f a m i l y medicine with Drs. James A. Gottfried and Rolland R. Rogers III. D r .

Browne has s p e c i a l interests in family practice issues such as managing hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol; caring for

Buderers Attend Compounding Pharmacy Conference Registered Pharmacists Jim Buderer, President and Matt Buderer, Vice President of Buderer Drug Company attended the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) conference in Houston earlier this year.

Compounding

Not for Profit - No Patient ever receives a bill for our care

Community Hospice Care

181 E. Perry Street; Tiffin, OH 44883 (419) 447-4040 1-800-834-8100 Visit our website: www.communityhospicecare.com or contact us via email at: info@communityhospicecare.com

newborns and well child development; providing well woman care and offering osteopathic manipulation.

Dr. Browne earned her doctorate of osteopathic medicine at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, Iowa in 2007 and recently finished her family practice residency at Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky. She received her bachelor of science degree in biology from Louisiana College in Pineville, La. She is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice and the American Osteopathic Association.

Pictured from left to right are Jim and Matt Buderer.

Pharmacists

mix

customized

medications for patients who have difficulty using over-the-counter drugs.

The educational sessions provided advice for making pharmacies more successful and clinical information for pharmacists, including certification credits.

Programs included “Specialty Compounding for Pediatrics: Autism and Mitochondrial Disorders,” “Innovative Therapies for Treating Infertility,” and “Compounding for Diabetes,” in addition to keynote addresses and many other sessions.

Matt Buderer co-presented two lectures on “Lyophilization: What is it?” and “Best Compounding Practices.” He also serves on the selection committee for the George Roentsch Compounding Scholarship.

Buderer Drug Company owns pharmacies in Sandusky and Perrysburg.

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December 2010

31

Business

Marketplace

Christopher D. palmer

Branch Manager/Sales Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation

To advertise, call Dave at 419-732-2154

402 Columbus Avenue | Sandusky, Ohio 44870 phone: 419-626-4475 fax: 419-626-8333 toll free: 800-442-7767 mobile: 419-656-1209 email: cpalmer@ltic.com website: www.palmerltic.com

“Committed to Excellence”

Abby Slemmer West Branch Office Manager Mortgage Loan Originator 2374 W. State St. • Fremont, OH 43420 Phone: (419) 333-2936 Fax: (419) 355-2678 aslemmer@fremontfcu.com www.fremontfcu.com

www.hmehouse.com

Coming

Focus

in

on the

January Five Counties

32 December 2010 North Coast Business Journal Now seeing patients in Fremont and Clyde

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