North Coast Business Journal - July 2011

POSTMASTER: TIMELY MATERIAL. PLEASE EXPEDITE.

Celebrating 17 Years of Service Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc.

JULY 2011 Vol. 17 No. 8

INSIDE THIS MONTH What do YOU Think...................2 Need to Review Your Trust?..........7 Well-Booked Business..............8 Chamber Calendars............9 Do Your Proposals Sell?... 12 Home Office Expense Deductions........ 15 Do You Need a Financial Planner?............ 18

Focus

Standard Mail U.S. Postage Paid Tiffin, OH 44883 Permit #88

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

on milan and willard

The More Things Change……

From Robert C. Bickley, Mayor Village of Milan The Village of Milan was incorporated February 23, 1833 and has seen many changes over the past 177 years. I have been very fortunate to have served as Mayor for 32 years and on Council for an additional 12 1/2 years. The end of 2011 will be the conclusion of my current term as Mayor. I have decided to retire from public service and hand over the reins to a new generation of leaders. I am hopeful the new mayor will display his or her love of our community as I have tried over my many years of service. Milan is a great community to live in and to operate a business. This is the solid framework I will pass to the next Mayor and the team of Council persons that provide the guidance the Mayor and employees use to

serve the community.

One of the benefits of being mayor is working with a great team of employees.

Milan has been lucky to have employees with the technical skills to perform their jobs, but who also share a love of the community. Chief James Ward retired effective July 1st after serving as a Milan police officer for 35 years. For the last 30 of those years, Jim has lead the department in the position of Chief. A police chief in a small community is not an easy job. It requires a combination of skills that are not easily found in a single person. The chief must have the technical knowledge of every position. The chief serves as the hiring manager, training officer, scheduler, etc. In addition, the Chief performs patrol duties in the field. The beginning and end of every school day would find Chief Ward in front of Milan Elementary

assuring the safety of our youngest citizens. Chief Ward has earned his retirement, but will be sorely missed.

Another major milestone in 2011 will be the retirement of another Milan “institution.”

Larry Smith, Street Superintendent is retiring effective August 1st.

See MORE THINGS CHANGE, Page 3

Willard: Growing in Beauty and Strength Submitted by Ricky Branham, Executive Director Willard Area Economic Development Corporation

IT: Misinformation Highways.......... 24

www.ncbj.net

Willard has always been a community of hard working people and successful industries.

However, like most communities in Ohio, Willard has had their share of struggles during this economic downtime and the waters were stagnant for awhile. However, the good news is that Willard is rebounding and prepared to come out even stronger than before the recession began. How you might ask…

In 2010, Mercy Willard Hospital started the waves of good things happening in Willard. President and CEO of Mercy Willard Hospital, Lynn Detterman, announced at the Willard Area Chamber

of Commerce’s 20th Annual Banquet that a new $44 million dollar hospital would be built without a penny of taxed monies.

The groundbreaking of the hospital took place last July and construction started immediately. Willard Healthcare Center will also be building an attached assisted living and nursing home on the hospital campus. Neal Zick Road in Willard will be the home of the new campus with the opening date on schedule for May 2012.

If that were not enough for 2010, many projects were completed to improve the aesthetics of Willard.

Willard City

See WILLARD, 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 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

What do YOU Think?

By Jeffrey H. Bryden Editor If you’re reading this column, it’s probably because you or your company are a member of one or more of the sixteen Chambers of Commerce in Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky or Seneca county. (We are too, and that’s where our monthly mailing list comes from.)

Late last month, I sent an e-mail message to Executive Directors of our sixteen Chambers of Commerce seeking their opinions on multichamber activities and collaboration. The major content of that text follows: “To: Chamber of Commerce Executive Directors in Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties Subject: “United we Stand, Divided we Fall” Quite the headline, huh? While it was a good and accurate rallying cry for our founders in the 13 original colonies, I’ll have to admit it may be a bit too strong when I use it address

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

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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

LORI HICKS lori@thebeacon.net ANGIE ADAIR angie@thebeacon.net

BRUCE DINSE

Circulation Manager

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.

the fate of the 16 Chambers in our five-county area.

However, I think all of you would admit that Chambers of Commerce, their elected leaders and paid professionals today face increasing pressure to provide value, while attracting and retaining members. No one can continue to do things the “same old way” and none of us is insulated from the pressures of commerce both inside and outside the city limits. What are you doing to meet these changes and challenges? What are your peers doing? Is it enough?

Over the last year or so I’ve had conversations with Melissa James who heads up the Huron County Chamber. We’re thinking that there’s a lot to be gained and little to be lost from a collaboration of Executive Directors and their Chambers.

It might start with a sharing of problems and solutions, objectives and proven strategies, successes and failures – an opportunity to learn from each other. In addition, I’d like to know if you’re interested in teaming up with other area chambers: conducting multichamber events like seminars, business-afterhours, commercial fairs or golf outings.

The North Coast Business Journal belongs to and serves members in all 16 Chambers in our five counties and I would like to offer our resources to you as a coordinator/facilitator to bring all the Directors together for these discussions.

Many of you are “old-timers” in the Chamber world, and lots of you are business-wise but new to the role of Chamber executive. In any and all cases, I’m interested in your feedback on these ideas.

Are they good ones? What would you like to discuss? What type of multi-chamber activities might make sense? When is a good time of year, time of week, time of day? What location(s) would be best/most central?”

So, what do you think? If you’re an active member, a committee member, a board trustee and/or an elected officer of your local Chamber, I’m sure that you too have opinions on how a “meeting of the minds” might enhance the value your Chamber offers its members. And what activities might assist you in running your business, increasing employee productivity, or just provide a better opportunity for expanded “networking” in the five counties.

Your Chamber is only as valuable as you make it.

Or as you allow it to be. Please share your thoughts/ideas/concerns with your local Chamber Director. I’m sure they will welcome the feedback and it will give them more of a group consensus that they can share with their peers. Or contact me directly at jbryden@ncbj.net and I’ll add your ideas to the mix.

Thanks.

www.ncbj.net

Laws You Can Use

Who Regulates Ohio Amusement Centers?

Q: I’ve heard there’s something called an amusement center in my neighborhood that allows customers to play sweepstakes games.

How does this work?

A: An amusement center (also known as an amusement arcade or Internet café) is a business that provides machines for customers to play sweepstakes-type games. These machines vary in appearance and method of operation. Some look like computers; others may look like slot machines. They may be mechanically, electrically or electronically operated by inserting a coin, plate, disc, plug, key, card or token and may be used to play a game or engage in a contest. Most amusement center businesses operate by allowing customers to buy phone cards that provide them with computer time to play sweepstakes games.

According to these business operators, winning is determined by chance and not skill.

Q: How do amusement center games differ from lottery ticket sales, horse racing, and other types of gambling in Ohio?

A: Amusement center games are different from other legal gambling operations in Ohio because there is no state-sponsored agency exclusively responsible for regulating them and allotting licenses. In order to become a lottery sales agent, a person must be issued a license from the Ohio Lottery Commission. The Ohio Racing Commission issues licenses to persons who are engaged in gambling associated with racing. Bingo licenses are regulated by the Ohio Attorney General and are granted only to charitable organizations. Currently, amusement centers are regulated by the local municipality in which they are located. It is likely that the Ohio Casino Commission will soon have jurisdiction over amusement centers. Once the Ohio Casino Commission receives this authority, it will issue licenses to those who wish to operate amusement centers.

Q: Are these amusement center games legal and regulated?

A: Currently in Ohio, there is no law against businesses that allow patrons to play amusement center games. However, municipalities in which these businesses operate have the right to regulate them. Permits and licenses vary in cost and requirements according to the municipality.

Most municipalities require the business owner

See AMUSEMENT, Page 26

July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

3

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, from Page 1 Smitty, as every resident of Milan knows him, has worked in the Street Department for 44 years and as Superintendent since Pat Rice’s retirement some years ago. Smitty has cleared the snow from blizzards and downed trees from down blasts.

Our parks owe much of their beauty to Smitty’s care and we wish him the best as he moves forward in the next phase of his life.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. This oft quoted phrase applies to our Village as we move ahead. The business climate in Milan has provided a strong platform for our commercial and industrial “residents.”

Unlike many communities, Milan’s commercial district remains strong and vibrant.

Only one commercial store front on our Square has been vacant in the past two years. The building’s owner took that time to renovate the space.

Earlier this year, The Fitness Room, owned and operated by Dianna M. Smith, moved from its prior Milan location to the more visible space on the Square. Dianna is a certified personal trainer who uses her skills and her shop’s equipment to help individuals improve their physical

wellness with a one on one focus.

Another major change that started this year and will be in full operation by this time next year was the purchase of the former Tenneco Automotive factory by Johns Manville. Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building insulation, commercial roofing, roof insulation, and specialty products for commercial, industrial and residential applications.

Johns Manville will use the Milan site to manufacture flat rubber roofing material primarily used on commercial and industrial flat roofs. The Village leadership worked hard to help facilitate the eventual purchase of this former manufacturing facility and looks forward to the job opportunities it will bring to the area’s residents.

I wish to thank the community for allowing me to serve. I am confident the new leadership will continue the traditions I and the other long serving employees have brought to our community as well as bring new ideas to further improve our wonderful community for residents and visitors alike.

Your Hometown Team.

From left to right: Carole Babcanec-Mortgage Lending, Jeff Huber-Commercial Lending, Bobbie Nelson-Branch Leader, Wilma Allen-Branch Leader, Lee Jordan-Business Development

At Citizens, our team understands the needs of families and businesses and has the financial products and services to help you meet them. Whether your goals include business or personal borrowing or saving for your future, contact Citizens Bank today and experience the community banking difference.

Call or visit us in Norwalk at: 207 Milan Avenue (419) 744-3162

A “Flash Mob” broke out at the Huron Chamber of Commerce’s 6th annual “A Taste of Wine & Roses,” on Friday, June 24.The “mob” was made up of thespians from the Huron Playhouse who mixed with the capacity crowd for a time and then broke into song and dance routines that were the hit of the evening. On June 28, it was opening night for the Playhouse’s 63rd season. The Chamber continued a longstanding tradition of hosting an opening night reception.

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4 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

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Willard Area Chamber of Commerce Submitted by Ricky Branham Executive Director The Willard Area Chamber of Commerce continues to support many aspects in the Willard area.

The primary undertaking of the Chamber is to let the community know that the Willard Area has almost every type of product and service available. We want people to look at home first for what they need and desire before looking elsewhere.

The mission of the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote business, economic growth, and development along with improving the quality of life in the Willard Area.

The Chamber sponsors a lot of area events including two banquets. The Annual Banquet is held every January and features information and forecasts concerning locally industries. This year the program included Willard City Schools Superintendent Dave Danhoff, Willard Mercy Hospital’s President and CEO Lynn Detterman, CSX retired employee Jim Heffley, MTD

Plant Manager Roy King, RR Donnelley VP of Manufacturing Dirk Hiler, and Pepperidge Farm Plant Manager Don Tomaszewski. The State of the City Address is held every April and the main speaker is the Willard City Manager, Brian Humphress. The Extension Library District of Huron County’s Director Cinda BretzWallace and Willard City Schools Superintendent David Danhoff were also invited to speak at the event.

Both events had the largest attendance in many years.

The Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in improving the quality of life in the Willard area by hosting and sponsoring events including: Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Snowflake Contest, Arbor Day, Scholarship Awards, Soccer Complex, Festival in the Park, Annual Golf Outing for Scholarships, Back Pack for Kids, Hispanic Heritage Festival, Downtown Revitalization, Kiddie King and Queen, and the Annual

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Christmas Parade. The Chamber in conjunction with its sub-committee the Downtown Business Association held the 2nd Annual Cruisin’ Willard Car Show sponsored by Sharpnack II. The event was nearly double the size of last year’s event. The Chamber works with the City of Willard so that downtown Willard streets can be utilized the day of the event to give the car show a unique feel.

The Willard Area Chamber of Commerce is essential to the success of Willard economically. We strive to take the Chamber to the next level by allowing our members opportunities to get their name out there. We offer our members: a complete business

information listing on our up-to-date website; direct referrals from calls made to the Chamber office and cell phone, which averages 5 calls per day; a monthly newsletter with up-todate area information; the opportunity for your business to put your flier with our monthly newsletter; the director attends area meetings on your behalf to make sure the businesses’ voices are heard; opportunities to attend Chamber meetings, Business After Hours, the Annual Banquet, and the State of the City Address; new business ribbon cuttings or anniversary ribbon cuttings; free North Coast Business Journals for your business.

If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please visit our website at www. willardareachamber.com or email: willardareachamber@yahoo.com or by telephone: 419-935-1888 or by mail: PO Box 73 Willard, OH 44890.

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WILLARD, from Page 1 Manager, Brian Humphress, and Downtown Revitalization Director, Janet Cok, oversaw the completion of the $400,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant.

The grant allowed businesses to apply for up to $25,000 with a 50-50 matching fund.

Over twenty-five businesses participated in the program, and Willard’s downtown buildings benefited through new roofs and windows, façade improvements, fresh coats of paint, and colorful new awnings.

Additionally, Myrtle Avenue downtown was repaved, new curbs with handicap accessible ramps were put in, and new signage installed. New businesses have since made downtown Willard home.

The third phase of a five phase project to widen 224 to three lanes was completed in 2010 with the $1.9 million Federal Stimulus Grant. In addition to the center lane being installed the entire length of the project, a new curb and gutters were installed. Two intersections were modified to better handle traffic patterns with a new traffic signal being added at the State Route 99 intersection. Many comments from the public have already been made on how much easier it is to enter and leave the establishments the new

July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net widening affected.

Willard City Parks experienced some growth in 2010. The Willard Soccer Complex officially opened in the Fall of 2010. Over 12 acres of field was tiled with grass having been planted. The complex consists of one regulation-size field and four youth fields. A parking lot with restroom facilities was also constructed.

Willard City Parks Recreation Director, Dennis Hammond, over- saw the project from start to finish ensuring that Willard residents would be proud. If you have any questions concerning the Willard Soccer Complex, please call Dennis at 419-935-1654.

The big news of 2011 happened on May 3rd.

Willard City Schools Superintendent, David Danhoff, and Extension Library District of Huron County (includes Willard Memorial Library) Director, Cinda BretzWallace, were proud and thankful to announce that their respective levies passed. What does this mean to Willard and the surrounding residents? One beautiful, $52 million, Pre-school through 12th grade building will be built with plans of opening in Fall of 2014. Thirty-one million dollars will be from grant funding. The new school will be located on the current campus, which will allow for the majority of kids to

still be able to walk to school. The new school will be able to serve our kids with the best of education and technology for many-many years to come. Also, the newly remodeled and recently dedicated Robert L. Hass gymnasium will be able to be kept, as this gymnasium holds a special place in the heart of Willard residents.

The Extension Library District of Huron County (services Greenwich, North Fairfield, Wakeman, and Willard) was also delighted to see their library levy pass. The Extension Library will receive $392,124 annually for five years, which will enable the library to have longer hours and purchase additional materials. The Extension Library will divvy the funds to each library accordingly.

The Willard Memorial Library has always played a vital part of the Willard community and circulation levels have remained consistent. The passing of this levy ensures the major role of the library in Willard and the surrounding area.

Think about that: Over $98 million dollars will have been invested in Willard during one of the hardest economic times in America’s history.

I do not know of any other city the size of Willard in Ohio that has had this kind of influx of money. This will not only be good for Willard, but also for Huron County, because

Hoty Builders Completes City of Sandusky Marina Project Hoty Builders recently completed a design-build project for the City of Sandusky, Ohio. Construction of the Paper District Marina, Park and Amphitheater began in June 2010. Phase I was complete in October 2010, and included excavation of the marina basin, break wall construction and the creation of an amphitheater mound.

Also completed in the first phase was infrastructure installation, including sewers, water, electric, parking lot, and site lights. In addition, over 10,000 sq. ft. of concrete was installed as a continuation of the Chesapeake Walkway.

The second phase included construction of a 1,500 sq. ft. bathhouse, installation of a 62-slip docking system, complete with power, water and state-of-the-art concrete decking, and completion of the amphitheater.

5

businesses will be more apt to look at Willard and our surrounding area to call home.

If you are a new business or looking to expand, I personally invite you on behalf of the City of Willard to check out Willard’s Industrial Campus.

Pepperidge Farm utilizes one building as their Flexible Packaging Center. A 56,000 square-foot building has been built and is available for occupancy.

In addition, there are four lots available to build your light manufacturing operation and/or warehouse. The City of Willard has a strong infrastructure and can provide you with all the utilities necessary to make your business a success. Willard also has ample water available at low cost. For more information on how Willard can serve and meet your business needs, please contact Ricky Branham the Willard Area Economic Development Corporation (WAEDC) at 419-933-2581 or by email at willardareachamber@yahoo.com.

Ricky Branham is the new executive director of the Willard Area Economic Development Corporation and has served as the executive director of the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce for over two years. He is a graduate of Willard High School, North Central State College and Malone University. He and his wife, Victoria, reside in Willard with their two young sons.

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6 July, 2011

North Coast Business Journal

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EHOVE Offers Hands-on, Innovative Education EHOVE Career Center is a leading career tech school that serves over 780 high school students in 16 local school districts throughout Erie, Huron and Ottawa Counties.

Students are given the opportunity to take challenging academic classes in a customized and relevant curriculum, and gain hands-on training and real world experience to prepare them for college, an in-demand career, or the military. The facility also provides high quality adult education opportunities for those looking to dive into a training program to start a new career, and for others wanting to take refresher courses to improve their job skills or advance in their current careers.

Established in 1968, the school has consistently changed with the times and now offers a choice of over two dozen training programs in the areas of healthcare, technology, public service, education, industry,

hospitality and skilled trades. EHOVE Career Center will continue to explore ways to expand or enhance career and technical programs for high school and adult students, in order to meet the current and future demands of our local economy.

Closely monitoring the employment needs of local businesses and building training programs that will produce highly skilled employees, EHOVE blends classroom learning with hands-on training and on-the-job experiences, in order to give high school and adult students an outstanding training experience that will prepare them for in-demand and high-tech jobs.

An EHOVE career tech education is a choice to move more quickly toward a career goal. EHOVE’s hands-on, project-based and innovative teaching methods give students an edge in today’s economy. The school provides students with relevant

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training and resources using the latest technology, including virtual learning courses, access to 900+ computers and a wireless network on campus, and an online portal to a résumébuilder, job listings, student files and software programs.

Instructors participate in year round training to utilize technology in their classrooms daily. Students are encouraged to bring their personal technology tools to campus to complete projects and assignments.

EHOVE students get a head start in their future career and are equipped with choices.

Through training experiences with instructors who are highly-trained professionals from the working world, and interactions with industry experts, students learn the 21st century skills they need. EHOVE also matches students with local employers through internships and work-based learning programs.

Earning industry-recognized certifications, gaining real world work experiences and making business connections can open many doors for students after graduation.

Students’ interests and skills are an integral component in guiding them to the right career path. One half of an EHOVE high school student’s day is spent learning the skills in the training program of his/her choice.

The other half is in academic classes to meet graduation requirements or to prepare for college. Many students spend their entire day at EHOVE, but some take academic courses at their high school or BGSU Firelands.

High school students at EHOVE get a jumpstart on higher education through the opportunity to earn college credit for the skills they’re learning while still in high school.

This early exposure often makes the transition to college easier. Several of the programs offering college courses lead directly to a two or four year college degree or apprenticeship. The best part . . . the college credits are earned free of charge.

Some high school students who have chosen EHOVE think it’s going to be hard to leave friends at their high school. Many find that once they’re at EHOVE, they have plenty in common with other students who are interested in the same field, and make many new friends fast. Playing sports, being in band, attending pep rallies and participating in most

EHOVE Mavericks Robotics Team members Andy Lasnoski, Engineering Technology student (St. Mary Central Catholic High School) and Jared Bickley, Manufacturing Technology student (Norwalk High School) show Superintendent Sharon Mastroianni the robot their team has built for robotics competitions. activities back at a student’s high school are still possible when attending EHOVE. Flexibility is a keyword that EHOVE embraces when it comes to student schedules and involvement back at their high schools.

Being an active community member is a key component of being prepared for today’s workforce and the changing economy, and of being an EHOVE student. Students, instructors and staff from both the high school and adult education participate in donation drives, community projects, and even fundraisers for causes to help charities, local animal shelters and our neighbors experiencing tough times.

See for yourself what EHOVE is, and what EHOVE does for the community, through your choice of several online resources. Start at the school website located at www.EHOVE.net, where you’ll find direct links to connect with EHOVE via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and EHOVE Connection (student video blogging website).

For information about EHOVE Career Center, go to www.EHOVE.net or call 419-499-4663.

Legal

Do I need to review my trust?

This article is for people who already have a revocable trust. Now that the federal estate tax exemption is five million dollars, people may say, “Why do I still need a trust?” Others have not looked at their trust for ten years and have no idea what it states.

The new exemption amount may eliminate federal estate tax but your old unrevised trust could cause you serious new problems.

Most trusts created within the last fifteen years are structured to take advantage of the federal estate tax exemption. The problem is that the document states that the exemption amount SHALL be distributed to the family trust, many times known as the “B” trust. This creates a new trust at the death of the first spouse to die and creates new limitations that the surviving spouse must honor. The language could require the house, the car and the bank accounts to automatically go into this trust. This adds limitations to the surviving spouse and can cause income tax problems on the sale of assets. Today, we would use a disclaimer trust and allow all of the assets to remain in the original trust for the direct and unencumbered benefit of the surviving spouse. In the event the exemption amount would return to a small number, our provisions allow the surviving spouse to elect which trust shall hold the assets.

A very important point to remember is that if you have a revocable trust executed within the last twenty years and it has not been reviewed, your surviving spouse may have an expensive surprise at your death. This surprise was created by your inaction.

Other areas of necessary review: 1. You are probably your own trustee but who is next in line? Many trusts only have the grantor as the trustee.

In a normal setting, I feel it is best to have both spouses as trustees of each other’s trust.

Each may act independently. This allows your wife

to handle the day-to-day business affairs of your trust account.

2. If the trust was created a long time ago, you may have your brother or father as the successor trustee. This was done when your children were small. Now that they are in their twenties, maybe they should be the successor trustees since they will inherit the assets anyway.

3. You may have strict rules on disposition of assets to your small children. Again, as the children have aged, these provisions are no longer necessary. The next problem is now that they have aged you may need restrictions on disposition due to your children’s marriage, financial problems, alcohol and other serious problems of your children. If you die suddenly, outright and immediate distribution to a troubled child could be the worst thing you could allow. A trust can provide a holding tank for the assets of the child to assist in his care and to allow control with another until it is safe to distribute to the child.

You may also have assets that should pass to just one of the children such as a business and you need to specifically state that fact in your trust document. You would also provide other assets to the other children to provide equality. Making one child buy from another can cause undue friction between siblings.

4. There are many non-tax reasons to have a trust. Owning real estate in more than one county or state is a major reason for a trust. If the trust is the titleholder, then you will not need a probate administration in every state. People initially place the real estate into their trust but then buy more real estate in another state.

Once you have a trust you must continue to title the real estate and all other assets in the trust. Some individuals never do fund (place the title in the trust) their trust and any asset not properly titled will guarantee an expensive and time-consuming probate administration.

5. Normally, each spouse has a trust.

It is important to review what assets are in each trust. What was correct ten years ago might not be correct now. With age and health problems,

it may be time to alter the trust ownership and place different assets into each trust. It may be time to remove an asset from the trust and re-title the asset to protect from nursing home liability. This was not considered when the trust was created years ago.

6. You executed your trust in one state and now you are a resident of another. Each state has its own rules and language. Your trust may be subject to the laws of your initial state of residency. This could cause a tax problem if you have changed residency to another state. More importantly, special language required by a state to be in a trust could be missing in your trust. This is true with trusts created in Ohio and now subject to the laws of Florida.

A simple review can easily solve the problems listed above. Many individuals just simply leave their

7

documents on the shelf and anticipate that all will be well. When you created the trust, you created a document that will totally control your assets and their distribution at your death. With the execution comes the responsibility to keep the document current and compliant with tax laws and your family’s station in life. A periodic review will make the final administration correct and easy for the surviving spouse and your children.

Jeff Roth is a partner with Forrest Bacon and 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 2011.

Exporting Opportunities

EXPORT

By Jeff Roth

July, 2011

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

for Small Business

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 • 8 am - 12:30 pm FREE Sandusky County Office Complex

2511 Countryside Drive • Fremont, Ohio 43420

The Ohio Department of Development’s Global Markets Division, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County and the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation will conduct a half-day workshop on export opportunities for small businesses in Ohio. Officials from the ODOD, the SBA, The US Commercial Service and Tiffin University will give presentations about export programs and services.

This workshop is for business owners and their financial personnel whose companies are already in business producing a high quality product or service; looking at exporting for the first time or already exporting and want to access the new export initiative programs and services available to them.

To register, contact Amy Matt, Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County (419) 332-1591 or communications@scchamber.org. Registration deadline is July 27th.

8 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

The Well-Booked Business

By Cathy Allen When I first launched my consulting firm, I met with a friend and fellow facilitator about the possibility of going in to business together. My friend must have just read this month’s book, because he kept insisting that we map out the results we wanted to achieve, plot out our action steps, and define the various roles that would be needed so we could write position descriptions. I, on the other hand, knew we had a couple of hot prospects for first clients and I just wanted to get about the business of doing what I do. My friend ended up taking a job (where he is still thriving) while I struggled through the early years, making all the classic mistakes, working more hours than ever, and not always making ends meet. Now eight years old and increasingly stable, Creative Option C is beating the odds for business survival, but it’s a relief to know that I am not the only less-than-entrepreneurial business owner out here. I sure wish I’d read this book long before now!

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What To Do About It, by Michael E. Gerber, Harper Collins, 1995.

SUMMARY: The idea that all small business owners are entrepreneurs is a myth. Most are what Gerber calls “Technicians” — people who are good enough at some trade or profession to want to be independent.

But unless the business owner focuses on the business itself, its processes for

selling, managing people and so forth, it will fail — or at very least, make a slave of the owner. Until the owner makes a determined effort to devote time, energy and effort to developing the business, it can’t grow enough to free its owner. This book is a step-by-step guide for becoming more entrepreneurial and therefore building a business that serves the owner rather than dominating him or her.

KEY LEARNINGS: • The majority of businesses are started by people having an “entrepreneurial seizure” — a momentary determination to not be working for someone else. Most have made the “fatal assumption” that being a great attorney, for example, automatically qualifies one to run a law firm. But these are different things, requiring different skills and areas of focus.

• An Entrepreneur is a visionary, an innovator, an ideas person. A Manager, on the other hand, is a pragmatist, able to create reality from vision, often by motivating others.

And the Technician is the one who gets things done. To be successful, a business owner must embody all three at once, in balance.

• Whenever customers find a new business, the owner will work around the clock to keep up the pace and get all of the orders filled. When the workload gets too much, many new business owners will hire someone to take on the tasks they dislike, often the accounting or dealing with customers. This may leave the owner free to do the work he or she loves, but the ability of that business to grow has just come to a screeching halt.

• Once the business owner becomes willing to learn to think and act like

an Entrepreneur at least part of the time, the vision becomes grander but also clearer and more integrated into its context.

• The nature of American business was changed forever by Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds, who understood that businesses sell the experience of the business more than the product itself. Customers like consistency and predictability, so business owners who focus on making sure to create and deliver on expectations will be rewarded.

• The vast majority of business start ups fail in the first few years, whereas most franchises succeed.

Why? Because franchises are built on triedand-true methods of delivering what the customer wants. They grew because they had a vision and then put systems in place to ensure that that could be delivered on by any manager or employee.

• Step one for a budding entrepreneur is to imagine that one is developing a business prototype that can be franchised over and over by others.

With consistency for the customer as the goal, the model she or he is developing will create the highest level of order and will be documented in an operations manual.

• To establish an enterprise that can sustain itself without unending effort, the business owner must develop innovative and unique ways to meet customer needs. Innovations must then be tested to see how they work, and replicated so that they will work time after time. Results must be quantified and the processes that produce those results strictly adhered to.

• Gerber uses the term “Primary Aim” to describe what others call mission or life purpose.

Being dedicated to one’s primary aim in life is the first step to achieving greatness.

It makes it possible to move outside

one’s comfort zone, and to continuously grow and improve.

• The Strategic Objective is a benchmark for what the business has to be in order to support its owner.

How much money does it have to produce? What kind of value will it create? How many people will it touch? These are the standards by which the entrepreneur defines his business purpose.

• Most of us tend to build our organizations around the personalities of the people who are first involved.

But this is the path to stagnation or even perhaps to chaos.

Gerber recommends that business owners take the time to envision their business the way it will be when it is achieving its strategic objective, (i.e. when it is the size it will need to be to achieve the purpose for which it was created) and then think through the people needs from that perspective.

• Success with managing others is predicated on communicating expectations early in the relationship and never confusing the message by inconsistently e n f o rc i n g requirements. Of course, the requirements have to be logical, and produce demonstrated results because of the integrity and excellence embedded in the business model.

The systems must liberate creativity by ensuring consistency rather than stifle it with seemingly capricious or dehumanizing work rules.

Cathy Allen is the owner of Creative Option C, LLC, a consulting firm in Marblehead dedicated to helping groups and organizations invent solutions together. To learn more about how Creative Option C can help you and your organization, call us at 419-732-1770 or check out our website at www.CreativeOptionC. com. Also posted there are additional book synopses and original articles.

205 S.E. Catawba Road • Suite G Port Clinton, Ohio 43452

419-732-6673 Fax 419-734-5382

minuteman@thebeacon.net

July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

9

CHAMBER CALENDARS for July Bellevue Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Outing

11

First Shot Ceremony Camp Perry 6:30 p.m.

Shooters Reception Clubhouse 7:30 p.m.

Erie County Chamber of Commerce

21

Board Meeting 7:30 a.m.

Chamber Building

28

Business After Hours Habitat for Humanity 5:00 p.m.; Chamber Building

8

21

Picnic Business After Hours Hanson Aggregates Portland Road 5:15 p.m.

Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce

Genoa Chamber of Commerce 14

Board meeting - 5:30 p.m.

Genoa Retirement Center, Chapel Room

26

Genoa Super Cruise In Car Show - 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Downtown Genoa

Huron County Chamber of Commerce

5

Administration Meeting Noon, Chamber Office

6

Main Street Downtown Promotion Committee 8:30 a.m., MSPC Office

Main Street Heritage Ohio Webinar; 1:00 p.m., MSPC Office

7

Visitors Bureau Committee 9 a.m., Chamber office

7

Business After Hours Crow’s Nest; 5 - 7:00 p.m.

13

Membership Committee, 8 a.m., Chamber office

14

Multi-chamber After Hours Rib-Off, Mansfield, 5-7 p.m.

8,15, 22,29

River Front Live!

Free Music on Jefferson St. Pier 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 5

2011 Parade of Homes Wine & Cheese Kick–Off Party 5 –7 p.m. at Nor’ Easter Club

7

NO Directors Meeting

11

Shooters Reception Camp Perry 7:00 pm

21

Business After Hours 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by Ex Libris Bookstore

Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce 3

Independence Day Celebration Portage Riverfront - 5 p.m.

9,16, Farmer’s Market 23,30 Jefferson Street

9:00 a.m. –Noon

Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce 26

Chamber Ambassador Meeting, 8 a.m. Chamber Office ** Board of Trustees’ July meeting combined with early August meeting **

Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce

Vermilion Chamber of Commerce 1-3

Citywide Merchant Sidewalk Sale

2

Local Market in Victory Park

9

Vettemilion Corvette Show (Downtown on Main Street) 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

10

Concerts in the Park Barbershop Quartet 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Victory Park Gazebo (Free relaxing event) Jelly Belly on Tour Brummer's Chocolates 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Jelly Belly Tour bus to give out samples)

4

Fourth of July Celebration Sponsored by Tiffin Park & Recreation Fireworks Included!

6

Ribbon Cutting Tiffin Dental Associates 4:00 p.m.

13

7

Ribbon Cutting Field of Dreams Drive In, 4:15 p.m.

15

Movies in the Park (Exchange Park) Free event Starts at Dusk.

9

Downtown Tiffin Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1 pm.

Sponsored by the Chamber South Washington St. between E. Perry St. and E. Market St.

17

Concerts in the Park Solid Brass Sextet with Joe Price 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Victory Park Gazebo (Free relaxing event)

12

Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

New office at 19 W. Market St., Suite C. Lunch is $10.

RSVP: 419-447-4141 or info@tiffinchamber.com.

21

Third Thursday, Music, Flowers and a Sunset 6:30 p.m. - Sunset

22

Christmas in July & Movies in the Park (Exchange Park) Free event Starts at Dusk.

14

Ribbon Cutting/Open House Lange, DeVine & Claus Law Offices, LLC Open House is 4 – 7 pm.

24

Concerts in the Park Classic Rock with Mike Moore 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Victory Park at the Gazebo (Free relaxing event)

15

Ambassador Meeting 11:30 a.m. Chamber Offices Please RSVP

29

Movies in the Park Exchange Park Free event Starts at Dusk.

After Five & Ribbon Cutting Seneca Hills 5-7 p.m. RSVP 419-447-4141 info@tiffinchamber.com

31

Concerts in the Park Community Concert Band 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Victory Park at the Gazebo (Free relaxing event)

11

Board Meeting 8:30 a.m., Chamber Office

13

Main Street Port Clinton Economic Restructuring Committee 8:30 a.m. at MSPC Office

14

Main Street Port Clinton Organization Executive Committee 8:30 a.m. at MSPC Office

14

Chamber “Sunset Cruise” Jet Express, 7:00 p.m.

15

Chamber Foundation Board 9:00 a.m. at Chamber Office

21

21

Main Street Port Clinton Board Meeting 8:30 a.m. at MSPC Office

25–31 Seneca County Fair

Seneca County Fairgrounds,

8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

10 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

Firelands Regional Medical Center Recognized for Advertising Excellence Local Product Makes Retail Debut

Key Ideas, LLC, and owners, Jack and Lorraine Zimmerman, have introduced their unique new product, the Zimmerman Thermo Buddy Vacuum Bottle Thermos Holder (ZTB).

Manufactured locally, this one-of-a-kind thermos holder has answered the call, “Finally, the safe way to keep your thermos in place.”

Jack, a graduate of Fremont Ross and OSU, and his wife Lorraine of Port Clinton, own Zimmerman Paint Contractors, paint striping for over 52 years. They added a sign-making shop, and also a temporary fence business, Right There Rental. It’s important to the Zimmermans to support a local economy that has supported them, which is why the ZTB got its start in Sandusky County. Along with manufacturer, Techniform Industries Inc., local companies Fastenal and Engler Printing have also benefited.

The inspiration for the ZTB came from necessity. Zimmerman is an avid coffee drinker and has used a Stanley Classic stainless steel thermos for decades.

These thermoses are great for long hours on the job. However, the thermos was always rolling away, sometimes posing a safety hazard. Zimmerman wanted to create a quality, affordable product to solve these problems. The ultimate goals for the ZTB were safety and convenience, and these were met by keeping the thermos contained and close-at-hand.

The Zimmerman Thermo Buddy thermos holder is the classic American dream. Conceived, built and selling in the USA, it is creating American jobs. While outsourcing to other countries is a trend for many companies, Key Ideas LLC keeps the work at home.

Honored for its advertising excellence, Firelands Regional Medical Center recently received a Silver Award from Healthcare Marketing Report’s Healthcare Advertising Awards for its Vascular Campaign.

“We are honored to be nationally recognized for our vascular radio advertisement.

The purpose of advertising is to inform the community, in a creative way, of the quality services and programs available at Firelands Regional Medical Center.” says Connie Lamb, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations for Firelands Regional Medical Center. “To receive national recognition validates our ability to present these messages in an effective and appealing manner.”

Healthcare Marketing Report compares advertisement materials from facilities and agencies from across the nation. Nearly 4,000 entries were received in this years’ competition, and only 240 silver awards were bestowed.

The Healthcare Advertising Awards is the oldest, largest and most widely respected healthcare advertising awards competition. The awards are sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Report, the leading publication covering all aspects of healthcare marketing, advertising, and strategic business development.

Imagine

Imagine

erasing

hitting a

years of

line drive

varicose

straight

veins with

through an

surgery

aneurysm

this quick.

this big.

The vascular surgeons at Firelands Regional Medical Center use radio

The vascular surgeons at Firelands Regional Medical Center perform

frequency energy or lasers to instantly collapse and seal varicose veins

up-to-the-minute procedures using the latest minimally invasive technologies

with minimal pain and recovery time. It’s expertise you can trust. Dedicated

available. In fact, one of the vascular surgeons at Firelands repaired an

solely to the practice of vascular surgery, the vascular surgeons at Firelands

“inoperable” aneurysm by building a telescoping graft to fix an abdominal

perform nearly 1,400 vascular procedures a year, ranging from minimally

aneurysm that could not be repaired using standard technologies

invasive to major surgeries.

available–making this surgery a first in the nation!

Outstanding vascular surgery this close to home.

First in the nation to perform new procedures.

Imagine that.

Imagine that.

Sandusky

Sandusky

North Ohio Vascular Surgery Associates 419-621-7620 or 1-888-231-7620 Vascular Surgeons of Sandusky 419-625-0599 | www.firelands.com

North Ohio Vascular Surgery Associates 419-621-7620 or 1-888-231-7620 Vascular Surgeons of Sandusky 419-625-0599 | www.firelands.com

10FMC0005 Vascular (Sandusky 6.611x10).indd 1

12/8/10 3:56 PM

Imagine opening

10FMC0005 Vascular (Sandusky 6.611x10).indd 3

12/8/10 3:57 PM

Imagine

a clogged artery

opening

with an incision

a blocked artery

this short.

with a tube this thin.

Three of the nation’s best vascular surgeons, on staff at Firelands Regional Medical Center, are doing amazing things every day. In fact, Firelands provides one of the area’s best vascular programs, based on

The vascular surgeons at Firelands Regional Medical Center skillfully open

quality measures and surgical results. Dedicated solely to the practice

blocked arteries using up-to-the-minute endovascular equipment and the

of vascular surgery, the vascular surgeons at Firelands deliver

nation’s latest in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dedicated solely

outstanding results for carotid surgery procedures using the latest

to the practice of vascular surgery, the Firelands surgeons have over

in minimally invasive surgical techniques.

45 years of combined experience.

Outstanding vascular surgery this close to home.

Over 45 years of experience performing vascular surgery procedures.

Imagine that.

Imagine that.

Sandusky

Sandusky

North Ohio Vascular Surgery Associates 419-621-7620 or 1-888-231-7620 Vascular Surgeons of Sandusky 419-625-0599 | www.firelands.com

10FMC0005 Vascular (Sandusky 6.611x10).indd 2

North Ohio Vascular Surgery Associates 419-621-7620 or 1-888-231-7620 Vascular Surgeons of Sandusky 419-625-0599 | www.firelands.com

12/8/10 3:57 PM

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

July 2011

11

Fisher-Titus Medical Center Recognizes 178 Employees for Dedicated Service Fisher-Titus Medical Center recently honored six retirees who served a combined 108 years and 172 employees who have provided a combined 2,330 years of dedicated service to Fisher-Titus and its patients during the Medical Center’s annual recognition banquet.

“It is through the commitment and dedication of our medical staff, employees, volunteers and board that

allow us to continue to bring new services and programs to the communities we serve,” said FisherTitus President Patrick J. Martin. “We could not do it without you and I want to thank each and every one of you for what you do every day to provide a safe, care and compassionate environment for our patients and our community.”

Members of Fisher-Titus and the community performed a ceremonial groundbreaking on a $12.5 million expansion of Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s emergency, admitting and outpatient laboratory services Friday, June 17. Ceremoniously “breaking ground” are, from left: Senator Gayle Manning, Ohio’s 13th Senate District; Dr. Ryan S. Prudoff, chief of emergency service at Fisher-Titus Medical Center; Peg Baird, executive vice president of Fisher-Titus; Patrick J. Martin, president and CEO of Fisher-Titus; Lorna Strayer, vice president of business development and rehabilitation at Fisher-Titus; John D. Payne, chairman of the Fisher-Titus Medical Center Board of Directors and the Rev. Fred Wiechers, pastor of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norwalk and a director of the Fisher-Titus Medical Center board of directors.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS THROUGH EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. Those honored for 35 years of service included Margaret M. Baird, Executive Vice President; Karen E. Crawford, Information Services and Janis E. Rang, Human Resources.

Cathleen L. Campbell of Mammography received recognition for 40 years of service.

Kwest Group has the resources necessary to meet the needs of our clients, providing the best solutions for any given project. We have the right people and the right equipment to assist your organization in any of the following areas: • Commercial Site Development • Industrial Site Development • Underground Utility Installation • Demolition • Environmental Remediation • General Excavation

• Shore Protection • Wetland Mitigation and Construction • Marina Construction and Maintenance • Dredging • Sheet Piling • Custom Crushing

Our mission is to provide high-quality construction services that maximize value across the board. To accomplish it, we recruit and retain the best employees available. As a result, we’re setting new standards for our people, our clients and our role within the community.

Discover the difference Kwest Group can make in your next project.

Two dedicated employees, Sherry J. Fishbaugh (left), Nursery and Elizabeth A. Obrenovich (right), Laboratory, set a Fisher-Titus milestone by being recognized for 45 years of service to the Medical Center.

Retirees pictured are Ruby M. Rieger, Dietary, 15 years; Wendy E. Melching, Administration, 12 years and Carol S. Beasore, Dietary, 19 years. Retirees not pictured included Gwen V. Bores, Nursing, 33 years; Beth E. Bryant, Nursing, 19 years; and A. Sue Smith, Nursing, 10 years.

960 S. Plasterbed Rd. • Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 419-734-5533 • Fax: 419-734-5534

12 July, 2011

North Coast Business Journal

Sales Do Your Proposals Sell?

Another Reason to Believe

in Mercy Willard Hospital.

Mercy welcomes

By Roger Bostdorff

Ophthalmologist

to the community.

Dr. Young received his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.

He completed an internship and residency in Ophthalmology at Akron City Hospital in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Young is a skilled physician with 20 years of experience and is board certified in Ophthalmology.

Wade Young, MD Ophthalmologist

www.ncbj.net

Dr. Young welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the local optometrists to offer the highest level of surgical eye care to patients. His services include cataract, glaucoma, eyelid and pediatric procedures.

Surgery will be performed at Mercy Willard Hospital on the 3rd Monday of the month.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Young, please contact the Tiffin Eye Center at 419.448.8811.

Tiffin Eye Center 60 Ashwood Drive Tiffin, Ohio 44883 419.448.8811

Recently I was hired for a Client Engagement to review many things relative to their sales/ marketing materials and programs.

I reviewed my client’s brochure, website, customer follow-up process as well as their proposals.

This engineering firm’s proposals included project deliverables, any assumptions, the price, payment schedule and the standard Terms and Conditions. My evaluation and comments to my client was that if they had already secured the agreement of the customer mentally or verbally, and they were dealing with the decision maker and not just an influencer, this proposal approach might be satisfactory.

I suggested to my client and I submit to you that in most cases this is not reality. First, most customers request a proposal from multiple solution providers. Secondly, many times the person who you or your sales team are interacting with may not be the final decision maker. He may subsequently need to take your proposal (price quote) to the person who has the authority to sign the check. If that final decision maker is evaluating your quote as compared to your competitor’s, don’t you want your prospective customer to understand what makes your company and your solution the BEST answer for their needs? Otherwise, the item that gets the most focus is the price and only the price. Now if you always have the lowest price then maybe that is fine. However, if you have the lowest price but your competitor uses a selling proposal, you too are at a disadvantage.

A selling proposal should have the information that was in the previously described price quote plus the following: 1. What is the customer’s problem

that needs to be solved or addressed?

2. What is the current situation and why does the status quo need to be changed?

In other words, what is the customer’s problem and why does it need to be fixed?

• If the current situation is changed to the process or product the customer has in mind-what $$ benefits will be derived?

• If the current process is NOT changed, what negative ramifications financially will occur to the customer?

3. How does your solution address all of #2?

4. What makes your company unique?

5. Why do business with your company?

6. Customer references Items 4-6 are boiler plate, meaning they should be created and used with every proposal.

If you deliver a selling proposal and your contact needs to take your proposal to the decision maker that you have not been able to connect with, your odds of getting an audience with that decision maker increase immensely.

Thus your odds of getting the business increase dramatically as well.

What are you/your sales team delivering to your customers? Could utilizing a selling proposal increase your sales? Are your competitors reading this article?

Roger Bostdorff is the President of B2B Sales Boost, LLC. 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

Coming in August: St. Anne | St. Charles | St. Vincent | Children’s | Defiance | Tiffin | Willard

mercyweb.org

Focus on Norwalk

www.ncbj.net

Steinmetz Honored T h e M e r c y T i f f i n Foundation recognized the need to h o n o r individuals who have done so much for the hospital over a long period of time, creating the Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year, The Mercy Tiffin Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Bernie Steinmetz. Bernie is the Manager of Development and Donor Relations at Mercy Tiffin Hospital. He started his career at Mercy Tiffin over 30 years ago. Bernie is a member of numerous service clubs, and has served as President of Kiwanis. In 2010, Bernie was the Chairperson of the Seneca County United Way Campaign.

“Often times, Lifetime Achievement Awards are awarded to those who have outstanding past accomplishments; however, in Bernie’s case, he has given enough of himself for a couple of lifetimes,” said Marsha Danhoff. “Fortunately the Tiffin community and Mercy Tiffin Hospital are the benefactors of his work. Thank you, Bernie, for all that you have done and continue to do for Mercy Tiffin Hospital and the community.”

Editor’s note: Our apologies to the Mercy Tiffin Foundation as this news was inadverently omitted from last month’s issue. But good deeds (and good news) are timeless – congratulations Bernie!

North Coast Business Journal

My Partner

OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

July, 2011

{

offers energy information. saves me money. is my electric co-op.

When it was time to look at HVAC options for our new school, we talked to our electric cooperative.

They told us about the energy-saving advantages of a geothermal system and provided us with the information we needed to make the best decision for us.

Your electric cooperative offers solutions, resources and personalized attention–all designed to make your business as energy efficient and cost effective as possible. Register today at www.buckeyepower.com to receive our informative Questline newsletter.

13

14 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

Mercy Willard Hospital Earns Eight “Excellence in Healthcare” Awards Mercy Willard Hospital recently received eight National Excellence in Healthcare Awards at the PRC Excellence in Healthcare Conference.

Mercy Willard was presented with five PRC Five-Star Excellence Awards for scoring in the top 10% nationally by local physicians, who rated Mercy Willard in the areas of surgical services, anesthesia services, radiology services, pathology services and hospital administration. Mercy Willard was also presented with three PRC FourStar Excellence Awards for scoring in the top 25% nationally by local physicians, who rated Mercy Willard as a place to practice medicine, quality of care and patient safety.

o o w m l at he West Campus

“Mercy Willard Hospital is honored to receive the National Excellence in Healthcare Awards from PRC,” said Lynn Detterman, President & CEO of Mercy Willard Hospital.

“Our local physicians’ perception of Mercy Willard’s healthcare services is important to us. We continue to enhance our services to meet the expectations of our physicians and our community.”

R e s e a rc h was conducted through the 2010 Medical Staff Loyalty Study to obtain the opinions of local physicians through a confidential survey to assess their perceptions of Mercy Willard. The healthcare facility uses the research findings to continuously improve and

s pr in g

enhance physician and patient satisfaction.

“We are proud of Mercy Willard Hospital and are thrilled to present them with these National Excellence in Healthcare Awards,” said Joe M. Inguanzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of Professional Research Consultants. “These awards are proof that Mercy Willard is committed to enhancing healthcare. It takes years of dedication, determination and hard work to achieve this level of success. Congratulations to Mercy Willard and its staff for enhancing healthcare services for Willard, Ohio.”

PRC is a nationally-known healthcare marketing research company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

Professional Research Consultants is in its 31st year of providing marketing research for hospitals across the United States. Company information can be found on their corporate website, www.PRConline.com.

47-Acre Health & Wellness Campus

An accident or sudden illness can strike at anytime! If extended hospitalization and rehabilitation services are required, Just Remember To Ask For The Springs!

Specialty/LTAC Hospital: Long-Term Acute Care & rehabilitation

services for those who have suffered severe injuries, strokes, or illnesses that require extended acute care. Spinal Cord, Traumatic Brain Injury & Vent Weaning programs. Inpatient dialysis.

Nursing Care: Skilled Nursing Unit specializing in Orthopedic Surgery

Post-Operative Care. Onsite therapy services. Spacious, private & semiprivate rooms, chef prepared meals, computer lounge, large screen TV’s, activity center, and caring staff ready to assist you in your recovery!

Outpatient Therapy Services: Physical, Occupational, Speech & Aquatic Therapy. Hearing Services. Onsite Certified Hand & Back Specialists. 30’ x 40’ warm-water therapy pool. Therapy services provided 6 days a week.

Just a short drive from everywhere!

On SR 19 in Green Springs, OH

419-639-2626

elmwoodatthesprings.com

Mercy Willard Honored with OHA Safety Award Mercy Willard Hospital is the recipient of a 2011 Ohio Hospital Safety Campaign Award for employee safety. Mercy Willard is one of three hospitals with less than 200 employees recognized for this award. A total of 29 hospitals across the state of Ohio were recognized for employee safety.

“Mercy Willard Hospital is dedicated to ensuring our staff is working in a safe environment,” said Lynn Detterman, President & CEO of Mercy Willard Hospital.

“There are many safety initiatives and programs available for our employees. We encourage our employees to maintain safe workstations.”

Hospitals submit information about workplace safety that they are required to maintain for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The injury rate for each hospital is calculated by dividing the number of injury cases with days away from work per 200,000 hours (the equivalent of one year with 100 full-time employees) by the number of hours worked that year.

For the past 58 years the Ohio Hospital Association Statewide Hospital Safety Campaign has recognized successful hospital safety programs and superior employee safety records. The safety awards program was created in 1953 by the Ohio Hospital Association and the Industrial Commission of Ohio to promote workplace safety.

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

Taxes

Home Office Expense Deductions

By Jeffrey J. Rosengarten, CPA PAYNE, NICKLES & COMPANY If you’re selfemployed and work out of an office in your home, and if you satisfy the strict rules that govern those deductions (discussed later), you will be entitled to favorable “home office” deductions— that is, above-the-line business expense deductions for the following: • the “direct expenses” of the home office—e.g., the costs of painting or repairing the home office, depreciation deductions for furniture and fixtures used in the home office, etc.; and • the “indirect” expenses of maintaining the home office—e.g., the properly allocable share of utility costs, depreciation, insurance, etc., for your home, as well as an allocable share of mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and casualty losses.

In addition, if your home office is your “principal place of business” under the rules discussed below, the costs of travelling between your home office and other work locations in that business are deductible transportation expenses, rather than nondeductible commuting costs.

And you may also deduct the cost of computers and related equipment that you use in the home office, without being subject to the “listed property” restrictions that would otherwise apply.

Tests for home office deductions. You may deduct your home office expenses if you meet any of the three tests described below: the principal place of business test, the place for meeting patients, clients or customers test, or the separate structure test. You may also deduct the expenses of certain storage space if you qualify under the rules described further below.

Principal place of business. You’re entitled to home office deductions if

you use your home office, exclusively and on a regular basis, as your principal place of business. Your home office is your principal place of business if it satisfies either a “management or administrative activities” test, or a “relative importance” test. You satisfy the management or administrative activities test if you use your home office for administrative or management activities of your business, and if you meet certain other requirements. You meet the relative importance test if your home office is the most important place where you conduct your business, in comparison with all the other locations where you conduct that business.

Home office used for meeting patients, clients or customers. You’re entitled to home office deductions if you use your home office, exclusively and on a regular basis, to meet or deal with patients, clients or customers.

The patients, clients or customers must be physically present in the home office.

Separate structures. You’re entitled to home office deductions for a home office, used exclusively and on a regular basis for business, that’s located in a separate unattached structure on the same property as your home—for example, an unattached garage, artist’s studio, workshop, or office building.

Space for storing inventory or product samples. If you’re in the business of selling products at retail or wholesale, and if your home is your sole fixed business location, you can deduct home expenses allocable to space that you use regularly (but not necessarily exclusively) to store inventory or product samples.

Exclusive and regular use requirements. As noted above, when you claim to be using your home office under any of the tests previously outlined, the home office must be used exclusively and on a regular basis in connection with your work.

The exclusive use requirement means that you must use your home

solely for the purpose of carrying on your work. Any other use of the home office will result in loss of all deductions for your home office expenses. For example, if you work in a den that your children use to watch television, the den fails the exclusive use requirement.

The regular use requirement means that you must use the home office in connection with your work on a continuous, ongoing or recurring basis. Generally, this means a few hours a week, every week. Occasional business use won’t do.

Amount limitations on home office deductions. The amount of your home office deductions is subject to limitations based on the income attributable to your use of the home office, your residence-based deductions that aren’t dependent on use of your home for business (e.g., mortgage interest and real estate taxes), and your business deductions that aren’t attributable to your use of

July, 2011

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the home office. But any home office expenses that can’t be deducted because of these limitations may be carried over and deducted in later years.

Sales of homes with home offices. If you sell—at a profit—a home that contains, or contained, a home office, the otherwise available $250,000/$500,000 exclusion for gain on the sale of a principal residence won’t apply to the portion of your profit equal to the amount of depreciation you claimed on the home office. In addition, the exclusion won’t apply to the portion of your profit allocable to a home office that’s separate from the dwelling unit. Otherwise, the home office won’t affect your eligibility for the exclusion.

(Author’s note: This article is not intended to offer professional tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor.)

16 July, 2011

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18 July 2011

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Good things happen when you have a dedicated business banker working hard for you. When your business finances run efficiently and effectively, you have the freedom to focus on the big picture – whether that means differentiating your business in today’s tight market or laying plans to reach the next level of business growth.

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No matter how much money you make, it pays to keep on top of money coming in and going out.

Even if you do a good job of that, there are important times in your life when talking with a professional adviser makes sense.

Almost every major life event finding or losing a job, getting married or divorced, having a baby, buying a home -- is likely to have a major impact on your finances. A new job may mean you are making more money -- no problem there as long as you know the best way to invest it. Getting married may mean you have a second income to count on, but now you have someone counting on yours as well. Buying a house means you have to come up with a hefty sum of cash for a down payment, get used to monthly mortgage payments and meet the expense of house repairs.

Let's look at what happens if a baby comes into your financial picture.

First, medical bills need to be paid, so having good medical insurance is important. Few insurance plans cover everything, so you'll need to have a cash reserve to cover deductibles and extras, not to mention the furniture, clothing and sundries you'll need when the newborn comes home.

With a new addition to the family, you'll want to make sure that the entire family (baby, too) is protected if something should happen to you -- that means reviewing life and

d i s a b i l i t y insurance to be sure it's adequate for your new responsibilities.

There's the future to start thinking about, too. Will your child go to college? If so, the College Board estimates that secondary education costs are rising 7% to 8% annually, a rate much higher than the rate of inflation. To afford the average $7,605 total costs for a state university, you need to start saving $253 a month. Wait until your child is 7 years old and the monthly amount jumps to $308! So, it's smart to put away a little sum each month.

What can you do to accommodate new strains on your paycheck? How can you meet all of your new responsibilities? With an important financial goal (such as educating a child) you'll want to work with a generalist -- a financial planner. A lot of professionals specialize in areas such as taxes or stocks, but a financial planner helps you understand the "big picture." A qualified financial planner can help you sort through your current financial situation, help you set short and long term goals and objectives, then present a "blueprint" designed to show you how you can meet your goals while staying within your means.

There's nothing more certain than change. And just as you learn to adapt to the changes life throws your way, you can count on things changing with your finances as well.

This material was prepared by Raymond James for use by the financial advisor noted above

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Mercy Willard Continues Construction of New Facility, Celebrates Successes Willard, OH — Mercy Willard Hospital has many reasons to celebrate in 2011. The construction of the replacement facility is progressing, the Mercy Willard Foundation launched a Capital Campaign, Mercy Willard has earned Chest Pain Accreditation and Catholic Health Partners, for the third year in a row, has been named a Thompson Reuters Top Ten health system.

Replacement Facility Construction Update The construction of Mercy Willard’s 101,000 square foot replacement facility has been moving forward steadily over the winter months. The construction crews have been busy working on the inside of the building. With the start of summer, the construction site has been a flurry of activity.

The block on the exterior shell and the brick veneer has been completed. The building project is on track, with a completion date of spring 2012.

The replacement facility will incorporate all private patient rooms, a more efficient Emergency Department including a helipad, a greatly expanded and more efficient Surgical Suite and an attractive Outpatient Service area. These changes will allow Mercy Willard to continue to provide the quality, compassionate, community-based care that the people of our area expect.

has raised over $800,000.

“Our employees, board members and physicians have already pledged over a half a million dollars to the capital campaign,” said Lynn Detterman,

President and CEO of Mercy Willard Hospital.

“Now, we are asking the public to assist us in reaching our goal.”

“The Leaders of Mercy Willard Hospital are not

Fall classes begin August 22.

Mercy Willard Foundation Launched Capital Campaign The Mercy Willard Foundation has launched the public phase of the capital campaign to raise funds in support of the construction of the replacement facility. The Mercy Willard Foundation’s goal to support the “bricks and mortar” construction of a new state-of-the-art hospital is the successful completion of a $1 million fund-raising campaign.

After reaching that goal, the campaign’s stretch goal is to raise an additional $2 million. With these additional donations, the Board of Trustees will be able to add new services and additional equipment in the replacement hospital. The capital campaign

See MERCY, Page 28

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20 July 2011

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Our Area’s Growing Concern: The Chef’s Garden When The Chef’s Garden story began — some 40 years ago, not far from the shores of Lake Erie — Bob Jones could be found hovering over an old John Deere tractor, designing modifications that would help to pull wagons of sweet corn from the field to the packing shed.

Every week, Bob and his two sons, Lee and Bobby, harvested and packed produce to take to the Cleveland farmers’ markets. They also sold their produce daily from a stand in the front yard of their farm home.

In the 1980s, after a significant loss of acreage following a severe hailstorm threatened their survival in agriculture, Lee Jones met a chef who was interested in purchasing squash blossoms. As they rebuilt, the family made a decision to do things a little bit differently.

Conventional farming that emphasized high yield over flavor was out, and growing responsibly for quality instead of quantity was the Jones family’s new direction. A world of micro greens, micro herbs, heirloom vegetables, specialty lettuces and edible flowers blossomed at the farm.

In Huron, Ohio, the lake winds bring sweet, moist air, and the soil, which was formerly lake bottom, is sandy and fertile. This combination offers the perfect microclimate for “growing vegetables slowly and gently in full accord with nature.”® This is the commitment that guides the family’s approach to agriculture today.

In order to grow foods with optimum quality, flavor, nutrition and shelf-life, The Chef’s Garden is committed to sustainable agricultural

See CHEF'S GARDEN, Page 21

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CHEF'S GARDEN, from Page 20 practices that replenish nutrients depleted from the soil. Embracing the traditional philosophies of farming and recognizing the importance of growing crops through natural means, The Chef’s Garden rebuilds the soil by letting the land sit fallow, planting specific cover crops for compost, and avoiding pesticides and other chemicals that are commonly used to control weeds and insects.

At one point 50% of the population was either directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. Today, less than 1% has a hand in it…so few that it’s fallen off of the census. The recent popularity of farmers markets and farm to table type cuisine shows hope for sustainable growers and small farms across the country. We believe that education through programs like the Veggie U 4th-grade curriculum will help continue this trend.

Recognizing like-minded methods and philosophies, The Chef’s Garden has been privileged to supply produce to some of the finest restaurants around the world for nearly 30 years.

While farming at The Chef’s Garden has evolved “back in time,” using methods employed by our great grandfathers, innovation and new product development help the farm remain the leading grower of artisanal produce in the nation. In addition, advanced food safety programs, which include regular testing for food borne illnesses and enable them to track each product from seed to shipping, provide their customers with food they can be confident to serve their own guests.

The Chef’s Garden believes that their successes come from a doggedness to survive in agriculture, a commitment to delivering the besttasting and freshest products and a constant quest to improve.Fremont Farmer’s Market may be voted one of America’s Favorites Get ready Fremont; the Ralph’s Joy of Living Farmer’s Market in Downtown is one of the contestants in the 2011 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest hosted each year by American Farmland Trust.

The Ralph’s Joy of Living Farmer’s Market, held in Downtown Fremont is in its sixth year and continues to grow each year thanks to the support of the downtown merchants, the market vendors, sponsors and the community. The market operates on the third Saturday of June through October, with additional markets

held during bulk produce time. The remaining dates of the 2011 market season are: July 16th, July 30th, August 20th, September 17th, October 1st, and October 15th. The markets take place on Front Street in Downtown Fremont from 9:00 a.m.

– 1:00 p.m. and run rain or shine. In addition to the market, a special event is held in conjunction with each market thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. A complete listing of the special events, along with registration information can be found at w w w. r a l p h s j o l . c o m / fremontmarket.

American Farmland Trust (AFT) has opened the voting to select “America’s Favorite Farmers Markets” at www. farmland.org/vote. The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which of America’s farmers markets can rally the most support from their communities. At the end of the contest on August 31st, one large, medium, small, and boutique sized farmers market will win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” for 2011. Winners will be featured on Epicurious.com, the most awardwinning foodsite, and will be honored at local celebrations where they will receive prize packages from American Farmland Trust and its partners.

The contest and voting is underway and continues until the end of August. Everyone in the Sandusky County and surrounding areas are encouraged to vote to help the Ralph’s Joy of Living Farmer’s Market win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmer’s Market.” Winners will be announced on August 31, 2011.

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22 July 2011

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Magruder Hospital Advances Minimally Invasive Procedures Thirty years ago, a patient having their gallbladder removed would have a 6 inch incision, spend several days recovering in the hospital and be limited in their physical activity for months.

But then came the 1990s and surgical techniques improved when surgeons started performing these same procedures laparoscopically for what is known today as minimally invasive surgeries. Magruder’s surgeons have been performing these surgeries for years with three or four small incisions; one for the camera, one for the surgical instruments and one for suction. Performed as an outpatient procedure, patients usually go home the same or next days with only about 10 days of limited activity.

And once again, the surgical technique has improved and Magruder surgeons are now performing single-port, single-incision laparoscopic surgeries, when appropriate. Dr. Isidro Amigo, Magruder’s General Surgeon, was the first one to perform one of these surgeries at Magruder.

“This single-port, single-incision laparoscopic technique is a great option for gallbladder removal and other outpatient surgeries such as hernia or appendectomy and some orthopedic surgeries,” says Dr. Amigo. “It minimizes the amount of scarring, and recovery time. Our first patients have done extremely well and they were very happy with virtually no scarring and a quick recovery.”

Mike Long, President & CEO of Magruder, said the hospital board of trustees approved the approximate $130,000 purchase of the technology in late 2010 from a leading medical technology company Stryker. “This is a great advancement for our community that chooses Magruder for surgical services. A well-researched investment that has paid us back on several levels of satisfaction from our patients.”

Hope McIntyre, a patient at Magruder who recently had her gallbladder removed with the single-port laparoscopy, commented on her experience. “My entire experience with my gallbladder surgery was nothing but excellent. The surgery staff was great and made sure that I was comfortable and prepared for surgery. The surgery itself was quick and Dr. Amigo was great.

The single port incision left me with minimal scaring at my bellybutton. No one would really ever know that I had surgery.”

Submit stories for next month's Norwalk edition of the North Coast Business Journal by e-mailing

jbryden@ncbj.net

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July 2011

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Can’t Live with ’Em (But Can’t Live without ’Em): How to Manage—and Motivate—Challenging Employees You have some reliable and outstanding performers on your team…but dealing with their idiosyncrasies on a daily basis makes you question whether or not they’re worth putting up with. OfficeMax Cofounder and former CEO Michael Feuer gives some welcome advice on how to manage your difficult employees without sacrificing their productivity.

If you’ve ever watched NBC’s The Office, you know that the show makes hilarious use of business-world stereotypes.

Granted, the personalities, quirks, and antics of the employees of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company are taken to extremes, but we find them funny largely because they’re true. We know that guy—the one who cracks terrible joke after terrible joke, unaware that all he’s getting are eye rolls. We’ve also encountered the sanctimonious perfectionist, the attention-seeking prima donna, the unhelpful dutyshirker, and many others.

Sure, it’s funny on TV…but in the real world, dealing with these characters can make leaders want to pull out their hair or throw in the towel entirely. Before you resign yourself to living in your own not-soamusing TV show, OfficeMax Cofounder and former CEO Michael Feuer provides some commonsense management advice.

“First, know that there is no need for you to waste your time with poor performers or high maintenance employees who have an inflated sense of their own importance and ability,” says Feuer (pronounced “Foyer”), author of the new book The Benevolent Dictator: Empower Your Employees, Build Your Business, and Outwit the Competition (Wiley, 2011, ISBN: 978-1-118-00391-6, $24.95, www.benevolentdictator.biz).

“It’s best to let them know straightaway that they aren’t a good fit for your organization. The dilemma, though, occurs when selfappointed superstars or other difficult types really are terrific and get the job done. And it’s even worse when they believe they’re irreplaceable, along with everybody else—including you.”

Feuer knows what he’s talking about: He has launched a number of

successful business ventures, including OfficeMax and his newest business, Max-Wellness, a new and unique health and wellness retail chain.

The lessons he’s learned, as he writes in The Benevolent Dictator, have convinced him that leaders are most likely to succeed when their management style mirrors that of a benevolent dictator: At the end of the day, the “dictator” side of you calls the shots and makes the difficult decisions, but your “benevolent” side does so while putting the interests of the organization, your team, and your customers ahead of your own.

And though it’s not easy, this means reining in your hard-to-handle employees while still developing their talents.

“Once you identify an employee who is good, but whose personality or habits might present a problem, you have two choices,” Feuer shares.

“You can simply get rid of the troublesome employee and risk the consequences of lost productivity. Or you can take the more profitable route and find a way for peaceful coexistence by learning how to deal with the performer’s shortcomings while taking advantage of his or her strengths.”

If option number two sounds better to you, then read on to learn about the three most common types of challenging performers, and how best to manage them: 1. The Prima Donna Modus Operandi (M.O.): He might announce

a brilliant solution to a longstanding problem, or he might unfailingly woo the biggest customers.

But through it all, your prima donna wants to be applauded, coddled, admired, and generally treated like a celebrity.

This b e h a v i o r consumes your time, disturbs day-to-day operations, and alienates other team members.

The Live with ’Em Solution: The easiest solution here is to put your

cards on the table. Tell your prima donna how valuable he is and how grateful you are for his work, but also let him know that he’s a real pain to deal with, and that he’s approaching a crossroads. Ask what you can do to avoid future problems and stress that your door is always open—but make it clear that these behaviors need to change (or else).

“Make him a part of the solution by putting the onus on him to come up with a fix for a peaceful and productive coexistence,” advises Feuer. “Allow him to win, but on your terms, not his. Remember that most prima donnas are typically okay people deep down inside. Usually, their egos have been stroked too much in the past, or they’re hiding a major inferiority complex—or both.

See EMPLOYEES, Page 27

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Proceeds help to fund our employment services for the disabled and disadvantaged. Thank you.

24 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

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IT Misinformation Highways

By Don Knaur Some longtime readers may remember about two years ago I did an article on the Misinformation Highway, which only dealt with the Internet. Since the proliferation of social networks such as, Facebook and Twitter, there is more than one source of Misinformation available today.

A recent news item about McDonald’s restaurants prompted me to write about this topic. It seems someone posted a picture of a McDonalds with a politically incorrect poster in its window on Twitter. Of course, this picture went “viral” (became very widely circulated). This in turn caused very loud and prolific but undeserved criticism of McDonalds. If people had stopped to think, they would have realized that the picture was a product of PhotoShop and that the whole thing was a hoax. But the problem is they didn’t stop to think.

The result was McDonalds’ reputation was damaged Many of the people that railed against McDonalds were embarrassed and appeared stupid when the truth came out.

While media problems like this are

nothing new, they are growing.

Forty-four years ago, while working at the site of a commercial plane crash, I learned that just because you see, hear or read a news story, doesn’t mean it’s true. Thanks to the state of technology today, hoaxes are even easier to create than they were back then. As the radio station disclaimer for a financial advisor show I listen to warns, “You need to check with a professional or do your own due diligence before following the advice heard here.” This is exactly what you need to do when dealing with media information.

Also, you need to be wary of any type of media advisors. For example, I heard a nationally known radio personality on her show giving advice to senior citizens. She recommended that people go to a website www.ehelp.com for guidance.

I checked the site out and it is simply a bulletin board where you post a question that anybody who wants to can attempt to answer. It also allows you to review past asked and answered questions. When I reviewed a few of the computer or Internet questions, I was appalled by some of the answers. The Internet is a haven for people with inflated visions of their own intelligence that think

Mercy Tiffin Honored with OHA Safety Award Mercy Tiffin Hospital is the recipient of a 2011 Ohio Hospital Safety Campaign Award for employee safety.

Mercy Tiffin is one of 14 hospitals earning a Top Twenty Percent Award for ranking in the top 20 percent overall. A total of 29 hospitals across the state of Ohio were recognized for employee safety.

“Mercy Tiffin Hospital is dedicated to ensuring our staff is working in a safe environment,” said Dale Thornton, President and CEO of Mercy Tiffin Hospital. “There are many safety initiatives and programs available for our employees. We encourage our employees to maintain safe workstations.”

Hospitals submit information about

workplace safety that they are required to maintain for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The injury rate for each hospital is calculated by dividing the number of injury cases with days away from work per 200,000 hours (the equivalent of one year with 100 full-time employees) by the number of hours worked that year. For the past 58 years the Ohio Hospital Association Statewide Hospital Safety Campaign has recognized successful hospital safety programs and superior employee safety records. The safety awards program was created in 1953 by the Ohio Hospital Association and the Industrial Commission of Ohio to promote workplace safety.

they know all of the answers, when, in fact, they don’t even know the questions.

Now that I’ve warned you about a bunch of the misinformation sources, let me show you how can to get good information. I will not address Twitter issues as I am not now and never plan to be involved with them.

However, with all forms of media information, you should apply a modicum of skepticism and a liberal dose of common sense.

When you get Facebook postings warning you about policy changes or security issues, don’t blindly accept them or pass them on. If you click on the Account heading at the top of your Facebook page, you will be offered several options. One of which is the “Help Center.” Click on that and type the subject of your concern into the Search window and see what Facebook has to say on the issue. You can trust them to answer honestly.

Also, if you receive an E-mail warning you about anything, don’t react to it before you verify the warning no matter who the message says it came from. Go to www.snopes. com and type the first sentence of the message into the Search window.

Choose Computer/Internet as your topic and let it search for you. Snopes

will tell you if the threat is real or a hoax. Also, they will tell you what if any action should be taken. Once again, you can believe them.

In addition, for help with any software or hardware issues, I recommend you contact the developer or manufacturer’s web site for information. You can also go to several good media sites for information such as www.pcworld. com or www.zdnet.com as they have been around forever and are known to be excellent sources of information.

If all else fails, E-mail me at helpdeskohio@bpsom.com with your question and I will attempt to get you an answer.

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 23 years. He started Help-Desk, Ohio in the spring of 1996 and opened his shop in March 2001. Don welcomes calls for advice or information at 419448-8020.

Siena Arts Gallery Ribbon Cutting in Downtown Port Clinton The Port Clinton Chamber and Main Street Port Clinton celebrated the Grand Opening of Siena Arts Gallery located at 105 Madison Street in downtown historic Port Clinton was held o. Pictured left to right: Tom Brown, Past President of Main Street Port Clinton; Laura Schlachter, President of the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce; Michael Brown, owner; Sue Brown, Mother; Wanda Brown, Grandmother; and Missy Walker, Vice-President of Main Street

July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

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25

Fremont Farmer’s Market may be Voted one of America’s Favorites Get ready Fremont; the Ralph’s Joy of Living Farmer’s Market in Downtown is one of the contestants in the 2011 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest hosted each year by American Farmland Trust.

The Ralph’s Joy of Living Farmer’s Market, held in Downtown Fremont is in its sixth year and continues to grow each year thanks to the support of the downtown merchants, the market vendors, sponsors and the community. The market operates on the third Saturday of June through October, with additional markets held during bulk produce time. The remaining dates of the 2011 market season are: July 16th, July 30th, August 20th, September 17th,

October 1st, and October 15th. The markets take place on Front Street in Downtown Fremont from 9:00 a.m.

– 1:00 p.m. and run rain or shine. In addition to the market, a special event is held in conjunction with each market thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. A complete listing of the special events, along with registration information can be found at www.ralphsjol.com/ fremontmarket.

American Farmland Trust (AFT) has opened the voting to select “America’s Favorite Farmers Markets” at www. farmland.org/vote.

The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which of America’s farmers markets can rally the most support

from their communities. At the end of the contest on August 31st, one large, medium, small, and boutique sized farmers market will win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” for 2011.

Winners will be featured on Epicurious.com, the most award-winning foodsite, and will be honored at local celebrations where they will receive prize packages from American Farmland Trust and its partners.

The contest and voting is underway and continues until the end of

August. Everyone in the Sandusky County and surrounding areas are encouraged to vote to help the Ralph’s Joy of Living Farmer’s Market win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmer’s Market.” Winners will be announced on August 31, 2011.

Enrollment Period Open for Sandusky County Safety Council July 1 – July 31, 2011 is the FY12 enrollment period for new Safety Council members who are interested in qualifying for a rebate of 2% or more on their Workers’ Compensation premiums. It is also time for dues renewal and submission of 1st Half 2011 Semi-annual Reports for present members.

In a special incentive program, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is offering Sandusky County area employers a one-time rebate of 2% on their Workers’ Compensation premiums for active participation in Safety Council during the next 12 months The rebate offer excludes selfinsuring employers, state agencies and employers participating in BWC group-retrospective programs.

New for FY12 is that group-experience-rating members are eligible for a 2% performance rebate.

For many companies, the 2% savings will actually outweigh the cost of membership in Safety Council.

To receive a 2% rebate, local companies must meet four criteria: • Join the Sandusky County Safety Council no later than July 31, 2011 • Send a representative to at least 10 meetings between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 • Submit two safety reports for the 2011 calendar year • Have their CEO (or highest-ranking on-site management person) attend one meeting between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 Dues for Sandusky County Safety Council are $190.00 per year for one representative, or $170.00 for companies that are also members of the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County, and $110.00 for each additional representative from the same company, and includes the cost of meals at the 12 monthly meetings. Meetings always include a 40-45 minute safety-related program.

The date of the next luncheon meeting, to be held at Elmwood Health Care Center at the Springs in Green Springs, is July 27, 2011, from 11:00 a.m.

– 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

To join the Sandusky County Safety Council, or for information, please contact Jim Miranda at the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County, at 419-332-1591, or safety@scchamber.org.

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Firelands Corporate Health Center staff have specialized training & certifications in many areas of occupational health medicine. Our team of physicians holds specialized certifications in the following areas: Certified Medical Review Officers Specialized Certifications in Occupational Health Certified for Ohio BWC Impairment Exams & Independent Medical Exams Medical Examiner for FAA Pilot Exams Certified Physician Supervisor for OSHA Audiology Review

Support Staff Physicians – Over 50 years of combined experience in Occupational Health.

Clinic leadership – Over 35 years of combined experience in Occupational Health Certified Coder Nurse Case Managers for BWC cases Full-time x-ray staff

Additional Services Case management Educational classes Employment physicals & specialized physical exams Fingerprinting And much more.

For timely & accurate reports, call the region’s experienced occupational health provider.

26 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

PC Downtown Map, Brochure Unveiled Main Street Port Clinton has announced that the Downtown Port Clinton Brochure and Map is completed. All of the members of the Port Clinton Area Chamber and Main Street Port Clinton are included in the brochure. Members may stop by the Main Street / Chamber office to pick up a copy of this fullcolor brochure.

This project was made possible from the success of the Duck Pluck Reverse Raffle at the Walleye Festival.

For more information, please contact 419-7345503.

Main Street Port Clinton’s Board receives $500 grant from the Ottawa County Community Foundation. Left to right are Larry Hartlaub, Economic Restructuring Chair; Tom Brown, Past President; John Madison, Treasurer; Missy Walker, Vice-President; Laura Schlachter, Program Manager; Judy Smith, Board Member; and Lauren Schubach, Operations Manager.

Community Foundation Grant to Main Street The Ottawa County Community Foundation awarded Main Street Port Clinton $500 to support the creation of a Business Booklet for the Port Clinton community.

MSPC’s Economic Restructuring Committee is creating a Port Clinton Business Booklet which will be used as a recruitment tool to encourage existing businesses to expand or relocate to Port Clinton and help entrepreneurs open new businesses in our community. The Port Clinton Business Booklet will outline the basic steps that need to be followed in order to open a business in the Port Clinton community. To learn more about this exciting project, please contact 419-734-5503.

www.ncbj.net

On The Move

NBOH Hires Eisenhour Gary P. Macko, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Ohio (NBOH), has announced the hiring of Amy Eisenhour as Vice President and newest member of the banks’ management team. She will serve as Human Resource Officer and Operations Officer. Prior to NBOH, Eisenhour was Vice President at RDSI Banking Systems. She began her fourteen year career with RDSI as a Customer Service Manager, then Client Relations Manager, and most recently, she was Application Specialist for the company.

She brings an extensive IT background to NBOH and will also be acting as the banks IT liaison and

overseeing IT and online banking.

Prior to RDSI, Eisenhour was Vice President/Cashier/ Operations Manager at Citizens Savings Bank in Pemberville for ten years, where she was in charge of Human Resources and EISENHOUR was the corporate secretary for the holding company. Eisenhour holds a B.A. from Capital University and is a graduate of the Ohio School of Banking and the Bank Leadership Institute.

School of Nursing Faculty Member Recognized for Teaching Excellence Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing is pleased to announce that Assistant Director Janet C. Stradtman, BSN, MSN, CCRN, RN, was presented with the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Ohio League for Nursing.

Stradtman has been with Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing for STRADTMAN over 15 years and has over 40 years of nursing experience. She currently teaches the LPN to RN transition course, medical surgical nursing, and critical care nursing. She received a Diploma in Nursing from Lutheran Hospital

School of Nursing, Cleveland, Ohio a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green; a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University; is certified in Critical Care Nursing through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses; is a Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing Certificate of Authority; and a Clinical Nurse Specialist through the Ohio Board of Nursing.

She is certified in Critical Care Nursing through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses; a Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing and she holds a Certificate of Authority as a Clinical Nurse Specialist thought the Ohio Board of Nursing.

AMUSEMENT, from Page 2

amusement center games. Some municipalities will not grant any more amusement center permits until it is clear whether the state will regulate this industry. Other municipalities are continuing to grant permits. If you wish to make your opinion known about whether permits for amusement center games should be granted in your municipality, contact one of the members of your city council.

to pay an annual permit or license fee as well as a municipal tax. The owner may be taxed on a monthly basis or annually for each of the sweepstakes machines.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has stated that he will support legislation to regulate these types of businesses. The pending proposal for new legislation would allow the Ohio Casino Commission to regulate amusement center sweepstakes games by limiting the number of machines per location; requiring certification and licensing for the machines; and requiring the business operator to be licensed.

Many municipalities across Ohio are waiting for the state to decide whether or not it will regulate

This “Law You Can Use” column was provided by the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA). It was prepared by Kira S. Kittoe, staff attorney for the City of Garfield Heights. The column offers general information about the law. Seek an attorney’s advice before applying this information to a legal problem.

www.ncbj.net

North Coast Business Journal

July 2011

FTMC Staffers Attend Seminars

Northcoast Jobs Connection July Schedule for Ottawa County

Diane McMullen, a licensed occupational therapist at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk, recently attended a program entitled “Wheelchair Seating and Position: Improving Functional Mobility and Patient Activities of Daily Living” in Cleveland.

McMullen reviewed seating MCMULLEN assessment and evaluation essentials for all manual wheelchair components. Program highlights included seating recommendations such as posture, balance and functional considerations.

McMullen of Huron has been a member of the Fisher-Titus Rehabilitation Department for seven years.

Patty Roesch, a medical technologist in Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s laboratory, recently represented FisherTitus at an educational seminar offered by the American Red Cross, Blood Services Unit of the Western Lake Erie Region. The program addressed highly technical topics such as ROESCH blood disorders in which platelet transfusion is used, serological techniques for identifying antibodies, standards of care and also examined specific case studies pertinent to blood services.

Roesch, of Norwalk, is the section leader for blood bank and transfusion services in the Fisher-Titus Laboratory. She has been employed at Fisher-Titus for 30 years.

Patricia Lukas, a licensed practical nurse at FisherTitus Medical Center in Norwalk, recently attended the 28th annual Metro Life Flight Critical Care Symposium in Westlake.

Emergency and critical care professionals participate in this symposium to learn additional skills for assessing LUKAS trauma situations, and optimal medical interventions to collaborate with other professionals in planning emergency medical care delivery from the perspective of health-care providers and the community.

Lukas of New London works in the Emergency Department and has been a licensed practical nurse at Fisher-Titus for 28 years.

The Northcoast Jobs Connection Job Stores and the Seneca One Stop offer numerous services and resources for job seekers and employers. Seminars are free and open to anyone in the community. The seminars are also available to be customized for employers and delivered on site.

The area seminar dates in July are: At the Ottawa County Community Resource Centre, 8043 W. SR. 163, Oak Harbor: • “Get a Job or a Better Job” – 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 21. Discuss applications, resumes, interviewing, networking, the Internet and more.

• Computer Workshops — Introduction to Computers – 9 to 10 a.m., July 18 — Internet Basic/Email – 1 to 4 p.m., July 18 At The Job Store, 2511 Countryside Drive, Fremont:

EMPLOYEES, from Page 23 “Sure, prima donnas require more of your time and attention, but the alternative is losing a high performer—potentially forsaking productivity and inciting some major anxiety. If you figure out what makes your prima donna tick, you’ll be a big step closer to neutralizing the annoyance factor while preserving productivity.”

2. The Mr. or Ms. “It’s Not My Job” M.O.: Technically, this person isn’t breaking the rules.

She does everything her job description says she should, and she does it very well. But when she’s asked to go above and beyond, expand her role, or pitch in on another project, she responds with, “It’s not my job.”

The Live with ’Em Solution: “Not everything an employee is asked to do is going to fit comfortably into their predetermined job description,” notes Feuer. “But the fact is, a successful organization is a team effort, and sometimes people need to do more to help out.

“I have come close to firing employees on the spot for refusing to help on the grounds that the task at hand wasn’t their responsibility,” he shares. “Now, I make sure that every member of my team knows that ‘whatever it takes’ isn’t an option—it’s a requirement.

Ultimately, it

27

• “Education Pays” – 1 to 3 p.m., July 7 and 25.

Learn all there is to know about career planning, scheduling, balancing work and school and more.

College admission advisors will facilitate and financial aid is included. Call 419-332-2169 to register.

For information, 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. It is located at 8043 W. State Route 163, Oak Harbor and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All basic services are free of charge.

doesn’t matter if someone is an administrative assistant or a vice president—it’s all for one and one for all.

“If you’re a leader, it’s your job to make it clear in no uncertain terms that contributing to success—in any way necessary— is everybody’s job. Oh—and if you’re interviewing someone from a company that went caput, make sure that the interviewee’s attitude didn’t contribute to the downfall.”

3. The Perfectionist M.O.: Nobody can deny that your resident perfectionist is a hard worker. He makes sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed— every time. He’ll continue to tweak a report or project hours after someone else would have declared it complete.

The Live with ’Em Solution: Normally, an employee who thinks that a half-baked effort is unacceptable would be an asset.

The problem is, when it comes to not accepting anything less than perfection, there can be too much of a good thing. As a leader, you must make sure that your employees don’t sacrifice too much time—or end up failing to achieve anything at all—in a quest for the best.

“Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying that you should encourage lackluster performances or tell your team that they shouldn’t

worry about getting it right the first time,” Feuer clarifies. “After all, it can cost your organization quite a bit if time and energy aren’t used wisely. Remember that if you’re putting out a fire in a garbage can, you need only a few gallons of water—not an entire water tanker!

“Try to help resident perfectionists distinguish between tasks that must be done to the letter, and those that can be done just adequately enough to move on to the next step or support another initiative. This is often a learned skill that can be difficult for people—especially those who are fearful of making a misstep— to embrace at first! Therefore, be very clear and cautious when you’re explaining what must be done…and how much time and energy each task is worth.”

“Remember that most major personnel problems within organizations get that way because leaders have ignored a series of smaller issues along the way,” Feuer concludes. “You should absolutely deal with your most difficult personality types— and watch out for budding prima donnas, perfectionists, and unhelpful types in the making!

And always keep in mind that you aren’t marrying these employees. You just need to be able to occasionally dance with them.”

28 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

MERCY, from Page 19 asking the community to do it alone,” said Marsha Danhoff, Foundation President.

“Past strong financial performance, combined with the generous financial commitment from Catholic Health Partners, allows Mercy Willard Hospital to fund most of the $40.5 million required to pay for the construction.

Mercy Willard Foundation will be seeking donations from the community to support the project.”

For information about the capital campaign and how you can help, please contact Marsha Danhoff, Foundation President at 419-964-5107 or Audrey Ginter, Foundation Manager at 419-964-5105.

heart disease as the number one cause of death worldwide. Mercy Willard is one of 4 critical access hospitals in the nation to receive this accreditation.

Mercy Willard is also the only one of two critical access hospitals in the state of Ohio, and the first hospital in Huron County to receive this accreditation.

Chest Pain Accreditation Hospitals that have received SCPC accreditation Mercy Willard Hospital is pleased to announce to emphasize the importance of standardized that it has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation diagnostic and treatment programs that provide from the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC), an more efficient and effective evaluation as well as international organization dedicated to eliminating more appropriate and rapid treatment of patients with chest pain and other heart attack symptoms.

They also identity • print design • copywriting • advertising • web design serve as a point of entry into the healthcare system to evaluate and treat other medical problems, and they help to promote a healthier lifestyle in an attempt to reduce the risk factors for heart attack.

“To become an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Mercy Willard engaged in rigorous evaluation by SCPC for its ability to assess, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack,” said Lynn.

To Willard and the s u r r o u n d i n g communities, this means that processes are in place that meet strict criteria aimed at: Reducing the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment Treating patients more quickly during the o 103 wall street • huron, ohio 44839 w 419.341.11117 critical window of time when the integrity of w www.aha4creative.com e info@aha4creative.com the heart muscle can be preserved

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www.ncbj.net Monitoring patients when it is not certain that they are having a heart attack to ensure that they are not sent home too quickly “People tend to wait when they think they might be having a heart attack, and that’s a mistake,” said Dr. Gregory Vigesaa, cardiologist at Mercy Willard Hospital. “The average patient arrives in the emergency department more than two hours after the onset of symptoms, but what they don’t realize is that the sooner a heart attack is treated, the less damage to the heart and the better the outcome for the patient.”

Mercy Willard’s state-of-the-art healthcare encompasses the entire continuum of care for the heart patient and includes such focal points as dispatch, Emergency Medical System, emergency department, Mercy Willard’s quality assurance plan, and the community outreach program.

“By becoming an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Mercy Willard has enhanced the quality of care for the cardiac patient and has demonstrated its commitment to higher standards,” said Dr. David Jump, Chief of Staff at Mercy Willard Hospital.

CHP Ranks in Nation’s Top 10 for Third Year in a Row For the third year in a row, Catholic Health Partners (CHP) was named to the Top 10 list of health systems in the United States based on their hospitals’ clinical performance in a Thomson Reuters study released in June. CHP is the parent company of Mercy Willard. Data on the clinical outcomes from Mercy’s seven hospitals in Northwest Ohio, including Mercy Willard Hospital, were all involved in the data collection studied by Thomson Reuters.

Researchers from the Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals analyzed quality and efficiency of over 250 health systems across the country and found statistically significant differences between top and bottom performs in several key areas. The Thomson Reuters study assessed all health systems in the country that had two or more short-term, general, non-federal hospitals.

According to Michael Connelly, president and CEO of Catholic Healthcare Partners, the distinction gives further evidence that the health system is maintaining its goal of excellence in healthcare.

“We are honored to be recognized again as a Thomson Reuters Top 10 Health System. We are not only the largest health system ranked in the top 10, but we are the only Catholic system and one of only three multi-state systems to earn this independently verified recognition. We are delighted at this recognition of our continuing efforts to improve and enhance clinical quality and patient safety.”

“The Top 10 health systems outperformed their peers by a wide margin,” explained Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and 100 Top Hospitals programs at Thomson Reuters. “They provided better care, saved more lives, had few medical complications and made fewer patient safety errors – even though they treat sicker patients, on average. They set the standard for the industry.”

July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

29

Port Clinton’s Edgewood Manor Celebrates Top Honor with Community Edgewood Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center recently opened its doors to celebrate its 2010 Covenant Care Chairman’s Award with the community.

The center, owned and operated by Covenant Care, hosted the CEO and top management from the corporation on June 15.

To qualify for the Chairman’s Award, a facility must meet several standards including: exceeding financial expectations, exceeding clinical standards, positive Federal and State Survey outcomes, low turnover and positive employee relations and must exceed accounts receivable guidelines. The facility must also demonstrate that they have mentored other facilities, been a “model” Covenant Care facility, be a provider of choice in their community for patients and employees, and be actively involved as a member of their local community. Only one facility is recognized in the Covenant Care Midwest Operational area.

Nearly 100 community members and staff attended the event. Cocktails and a variety of hors d’oeuvres were served. Guests mingled and the attended a formal awards presentation. The presentation was highlighted by two community members, Joan Bryden and Ida Hahn, who shared their moving and heart-felt experiences with the facility and the staff.

In addition to the facility receiving this honor, Select Therapy, also owned and operated by Covenant Care also received the Chairman’s Award. Select Therapy provides physical, occupational, speech and respiratory programs at

Edgewood Manor for residents and for out-patients.

SS S

Edgewood’s Management Team: Angela Trimble (left), Jeanette Rodriguez, Jodi Almendinger, Debbie Wagenhals, Lisa Moore, Kaye Lipstraw, Lori Opfer, Carrie McGlothlin, Beverly Norton, Mike Fitzgerald, Carolyn Legg, Ronette Szabo, Amy Wensinger and Andy Ward.

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30 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

BGSU Firelands Dean Receives Erie County Chamber Award Bowling Green State University Firelands College Dean William Balzer has been selected by the Erie County Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of the 2011 Marcellus F. BALZER C o w d e r y Educator of the Year Award.

Balzer was selected in recognition of his outstanding educational leadership and personal contributions that have served to improve the Erie County community.

Balzer has been the Dean of BGSU Firelands since July 1, 2009. He started with Bowling Green State University in 1983 as an assistant professor of industrial-

organizational psychology and was promoted to full professor in 1992. He also served as Interim Dean of BGSU Firelands from 19992001.

A graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Balzer earned a master degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, and a doctorate degree at New York University, both in the area of industrialorganizational psychology.

Balzer is also active in the community. He is a board member for the Erie County Economic Development Corporation, the Firelands Regional Medical Center, the James H. McBride Arboretum Board, and the Mylander Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Notre Dame Academy, Toledo.

Huron Businessman Named BGSU Trustee Daniel Keller, chairman of the venture firm Keller Capital Ltd. and president of Kellco Investment Ltd., a private investment company specializing in venture capital and private equity investments, has been appointed to a nine-year term on the Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees, Gov. John Kasich announced June 6.

A Huron resident, Keller founded Keller Capital in January 2008 after his 2005 retirement from Cedar Fair L.P., where he served as corporate vice president and as vice president and general manager of Cedar Point in Sandusky. He previously served in the same capacity at Cedar Fair’s Kansas City, Mo., amusement park, “Worlds of Fun.” Keller serves on numerous business and non-profit boards.

Keller received a bachelor’s degree

in business administration from BGSU in 1972, followed by a Master of B u s i n e s s Administration degree in 1979.

He has served on the BGSU Foundation Board KELLER since 2009 and is a member of the BGSU Firelands Development Board. He is a member of the Presidents Club, and a past member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

He and his wife, Laura, who also holds two degrees from BGSU, have three sons and are longtime supporters of BGSU Firelands, BGSU Athletics and the College of Business Administration.

www.ncbj.net

Shelli Loy Nominated for OHA Health Care Worker of the Year Award Hospitals across the state gathered to honor 76 health care employees who were nominated for this year’s Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award, presented by the Ohio LOY H o s p i t a l Association (OHA). Mercy Willard Hospital nominated Shelli Loy, PharmD, for this prestigious award.

“Loy embodies Mercy Willard’s core values of compassion, excellence, human dignity, justice, sacredness of life and service,” said Lynn Detterman, President and CEO of Mercy Willard Hospital.

“She is a compassionate and loyal employee of Mercy Willard. As the hospital’s managing pharmacist, she has a strong work ethic, and is a role model for her co-workers. She is a great team player, and is willing to go the extra mile to help others, both at work and in her personal life.”

Loy also participates in community events, such as the Lifeline of Ohio’s Dash for Donation, held in Columbus. Dash for Donation is a 1/2 marathon run, a 5K run/walk, a 1K fun walk and a kids and mascots dash. The purpose of the event is to promote organ and tissue donation and transplantation and to encourage Ohioans to join the Ohio Donor Registry and give the “Gift of Life.”

Karen Gies Nominated for OHA Health Care Worker of the Year Hospitals across the state gathered to honor 76 health care heroes who were nominated for this year’s Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award, presented by the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA).

Mercy Tiffin Hospital nominated Karen Gies, RN, for this prestigious award.

In the past year, Gies has dedicated her time to creating the Mercy Cancer Center at Tiffin, which opened on January of this year.

Tiffin was lacking a central location encompassing the multiple needs of patients with cancer. She knew that the cancer patients experience would be enhanced by access to comprehensive treatment programs

in one clinical facility. With her leadership, Mercy Tiffin consolidated all oncology programs into one community cancer center campus by developing and connecting a new medical/ o n c o l o g y infusion clinic to the existing R a d i a t i o n GIES Therapy Center.

Gies had dedicated her time to making this cancer center a reality.

Submit stories for the North Coast Business Journal by e-mailing

jbryden@ncbj.net

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

Leadership Sandusky County Graduates 20th Class and Presents “Community Trustee of the Year” Award The Community Trustee of the Year Award for 2011 was then presented to Dennis Newman of Fremont for his dedication and tireless service on several boards at Fremont Memorial Hospital. Rotary President Jim Ellis read Mr. Newman’s biography, and Lisa Edris, Community Trustee of 2010, presented him with an engraved clock. This honor is given jointly each year, by Fremont Rotary Club and Leadership Sandusky County.

Applications are now being accepted for the Leadership Class of 2012. The application and more information can be found on the LSC website: www. leadershipsanduskycounty.org or by contacting LSC Director, Candace Seaman, at 419-332-1591 or 419603-8654, or via e-mail: director@ leadershipsanduskycounty.org.

Deadline for application is July 29, 2011.

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July 2011

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32 July 2011

North Coast Business Journal

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