North Coast Business Journal - March 2012

POSTMASTER: Deliver to Label Addressee or Current Resident

Celebrating 18 Years of Service Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc.

MARCH 2012 Vol. 18 No. 3

INSIDE THIS MONTH “Ask the Man Who Owns One”................. 2 CHAMBER CALENDARS .... 6 Reaching Retirement – Now What?......10 Tax Refunds – Good Financial Move?..............12 Legal: Adult Children Issues..............21 Well-Booked Business..........23 Don’t Lower Insurance Coverage.........24 HR: Job Descriptions Impact Your Bottom Line.....26

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

Fostoria

FOSTORIA: Optimism and Strength to Face the Challenges Ahead Submitted by Mayor Erik Keckler As the new Mayor of Fostoria, I have been excited with the number of citizens who have approached me and asked, “What can I do to help,” or, “If there is a project I could be a part of, let me know.” That is something Fostoria does not get a lot of credit for. Fostorians are caring, loving people who take a great deal of pride in their community. We have always been a tough, resilient community and I think that quality is misunderstood by people on the outside. I believe if one were to spend time in Fostoria it would become very clear what a wonderful community lies beneath this tough exterior.

Like most Ohio communities, Fostoria has struggled with the economic downturn. I am an optimistic person by nature, but I am also a realist; 2012 looks like another rough year financially in Fostoria. I feel that if nothing unexpected comes along this year we will be ok, but we must be cautious. A

gloomy forecast is on the horizon for 2013. The expiration of a grant which funds many firefighters and the loss of a factory moving to Mexico do not bode well.

However, my optimist side sees all the people who are at the table in the economic development area. People who have never been to the table before and those who are returning make me feel good about our future. We are working hard to promote Fostoria for the good community that we have known it to be all along. We need someone to take a

chance on us; we know that they will not be sorry. The things we have to offer in our community would be tough for others to match. We have major highways running through our town, with US 23 and State Route 12 delivery, easy access to Interstate 75 and the Ohio Turnpike. We have railroads that run in every direction for a good source of shipping. We have six reservoirs, allowing an abundant source of water for business and industry. We have many sites that are ready for a business or industry to move into tomorrow if they wished, along with relatively economical housing prices. But our best asset is a workforce that is just aching for an opportunity for employment in their own hometown. We just need someone or some company to take a chance on us, they will not be sorry.

The next couple of years look to be a bit trying.

But with everyone working as hard as they are and with everything Fostoria has to offer, I see the opportunity for better times in the future. We will have to weather the storm and keep working hard to catch a break.

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 Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce

Seneca Regional

Chamber of Commerce

Vermilion Chamber of Commerce Willard Area Chamber of Commerce

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North Coast Business Journal

“Ask the Man Who Owns One”

By Jeffrey H. Bryden Editor (One of our readers was telling me about using current customers as referrals for her business – and she reminded me about this article from a previous year. Still timely advice, no? JHB) Some of you may remember the advertising slogan above. It was used by Packard automobiles back in 1929 and is considered by many to be a classic. “Ask the Man Who Owns One” was the proud, but daring, challenge of a company willing to take its chances.

“Don’t take our word for it,” they were saying, “ask one of our customers.”

While today the headline would be considered a bit sexist, this bold challenge worked well over 80 years ago, and the campaign became a legend.

Today, how comfortable would you be in putting your business fate in the hands of your customers, allowing them to become your corporate spokespeople?

Testimonial advertising often does this. Instead of using professional announcers or celebrities to

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

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

Publisher

JOHN SCHAFFNER

Editor

JEFFREY H. BRYDEN jbryden@ncbj.net

Director of Sales

DAVE KAHLER dkahler@ncbj.net

Accounting Manager

CINDY CONSTIEN cindy@thebeacon.net

Layout & Graphic Design

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.

tout their products, many companies use “real” customers in their promotional efforts. This has the advantage of adding third-party credibility – of allowing the ad’s recipient to feel that the claims made are more believable. A great source of testimonial input is often found in your mailbox (or e-mail box) with letters from satisfied consumers.

They, hopefully, have all kinds of nice things to say about you, your people and your products or services.

Care must be taken in this seemingly easy task.

First, make sure the claims your customers are making are true and easily defensible product claims. “Your dry cleaning service is so good, I lost 50 pounds, met a wonderful person, got married and we now have three children and live in a big house in a nicer part of town.” Could be an actual statement from a real customer? But okay to use?

A good test is – would your lawyer allow your company to make the claim? Or, my favorite test: would you feel comfortable defending it to your Mom? Next, make sure the people you plan to use as spokespersons reflect the demographics and image of your target audience. Make sure the audience can relate to them: “Yes, that’s me all right.”

“That’s how I feel.” “Those are the problems I have.” Or, “Yes, that’s how I want to be/feel/ look.” “Those are the kind of people I’d like to have as friends.” Young women might have a hard time relating to older men for example.

(Though I’m not necessarily sure the reverse is true.)

Trying to fit your spokesperson to your audience can be a hit or miss thing if you use only one person at a time in your ad. Many advertisers find that “group” or multi-person testimonial ads are best – with a diverse group of people to cover all the customer bases.

A third bit of advice is to make sure the testimonials you select, which may be important to the consumer who offers the praise, flattering to you and legally defensible, are important

www.ncbj.net benefits to the rest of the target audience. Make sure you and your advertising staff try out these wonderful statements on your prospects before you go too far. Test not only the statement’s importance, but also its believability. People might believe that someone said it, but they don’t believe the claim, or they might believe the claim but doubt that person’s ability to make such a statement or judgment.

Finally, try to use REAL, real people. Too often it seems, advertisers have uncovered great comments and testimonials, then decided that the person who made the claim wasn’t good-looking or polished enough to represent their product. So they’ve picked actors and then superimposed legalese like “actor recreation of actual statement” or other wishy-washy disclaimers. While legally correct, this can dilute the message and be distracting too. I always wonder “How bad did Mrs. Alice J. of Spokane, Washington look -- to have to be replaced by this actor who is representing her and mouthing her words? And while wondering this, I’ve missed the message. Am I alone in this?

BONUS: While searching for quotes, your customers’ input can also be a source of new product or new service ideas. Reports indicate that Arm and Hammer, burdened with declining sales of its Baking Soda core product, finally paid attention to hundreds of consumer letters received over the years extolling the odor-absorbing qualities of the product. Voila! Is there a refrigerator in America that doesn’t have a box tucked away in the back corner? And how large are the crowds that still bake with it?

The story is told of how Avon researched its consumer correspondence files to find people praising its Skin So Soft lotion – not just for its softening ability, but for the way it seemed to protect from insect bites on family vacations.

Voila! New Avon “Skin So Soft Insect Repellent” was born.

In summary, let your prospects hear from your good customers. Your best advertising copy will probably come from them.

Small Business Basics Seminars The Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra State Community College is offering free, two-hour seminars, “Small Business Basics,” that will answer questions about starting, buying or expanding a small business.

This seminar will take the confusion out of your efforts and help you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary steps. Learn the basics of: name registration, licensing, taxes, zoning, business entities, employees, insurance, financing and business planning.

The March schedule is: • Wednesday, March 7 – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Ottawa County Improvement Corporation (conference room), 8043 W. S.R. 163, Oak Harbor

• Wednesday, March 14 – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce (conference room), 19 W. Market St., Tiffin • Wednesday, March 21 – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Erie County Chamber of Commerce (conference room), 225 W. Washington Row, Sandusky • Wednesday, March 28 – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Terra State Community College (Building B, Room 101), 2830 Napoleon Road, Fremont These events are free and open to the public.

To register or for more information, call Bill Auxter, Director of the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra Community College, toll-free 800-826-2431 or 419-559-2210. Or contact him by email at bauxter@terra.edu.

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March 2012

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Fostoria’s Glass Museum Submitted by Bill King leadership took oversight and offered This year the Fostoria Ohio Glass glass examples for display at the J. Association will celebrate the Fostoria Miller Co. (now Custom Corner).

Glass Heritage Gallery’s 20th Eventually the museum moved across anniversary.

The Glass Heritage the street to the current location at Gallery is a museum in downtown 109 North Main Street. Ed Reed Fostoria dedicated to maintaining a developed one of the proposals and display representative of glass and Chamber members and community lamps made in Fostoria beginning in activists quickly got on board. Mike 1887 until 1920. Abundant supplies Corcoran, then Chamber director of natural gas drew many companies and many business people in town to begin operations here and many worked long and hard to make the grew to be world known. Fostoria Gallery a reality. Mel Murray, the was home to thirteen glass companies leading authority on the locallyduring this era. The Gallery display made glass, just finished his second consists of glass and lamps from ten book Fostoria, Ohio Glass II. He of those companies. The other three quickly became an important part of companies made plate glass so there the group. Mel’s second book was a are no displays. great boost to the interest in our The Glass Gallery started with a locally-made glass and Gallery plan to revitalize the downtown of opening. He soon became the curator Fostoria by a Chamber of Commerce of the museum. committee which nurtured the early Local industries were very supportive efforts of the group and sustained its with materials and labor, many at no 8247 whitta The ad:Layout 1 2/19/09 10:46cost AM to Page formation.

Fostoria Historical the1 fledgling group. Ed Smith, Society under George Gray’s owner of TriCo Glass was very hands-

on with planning, creating the building front and cabinets for glass display. Whitta Construction helped ready the building and Bodie Electric performed updated electrical work.

Roppe Rubber provided flooring materials. Fran Flipse headed the

work crew.

In addition to the business support, local and area volunteers contributed so much to the formation and continuation of the museum. All

See GLASS, Page 6

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P.O. Box 1086 Fostoria, Ohio 44830

419-435-7033 local | 800-359-7033 toll-free | 419-435-5346 fax Structural engineering | Building services/MEP engineering | Specialist consulting | Planning & design | Transport | Infrastructure development | Planning & policy advice | Master planning & design | Environmental impact assessment | Site specialties: Asphalt paving | Sewer construction | “Tar & Chip” surfaces | Industrial parking lots | Township state roads/highways | Housing development roads | Commercial site development | Underground utility construction

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Fostoria Rail Preservation Society Submitted by: Ellen Gatrell, FRPS In this issue of the The North Coast Business Journal , the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society’s (FRPS) would like to advise you what we accomplished in the past year and what is planned for 2012.

We are constantly promoting Fostoria’s railroad/train history. Our priority is to preserve, promote and educate of Fostoria’s importance in the United States railroad history.

Our annual activities have continued.

The 3rd Railroad Employees Reunion will be held on Thursday, April 26, at the St. Wendelin Parish Life Center. Famed railroad photographer and artist Bob Lorenz, Fremont, will be our featured speaker.

If you are presently employed, retired or just interested in railroads, please attend our reunion, we would love to

have you join us. The 11th Fostoria Rail Festival will be Saturday, September 22 at the Fostoria Intermediate Elem. School.

Our historic bus tour of Fostoria’s railroad buildings will be expanded this year to include locations of past depots.

The 6th Santa at the Depot will be held at our own 1880’s LE&W Depot from Nov. 25-Dec. 22. Over 600 people visited our 30+ Christmas tree and model train displays. Does your family enjoy driving around to view outdoor Christmas lights and decorations?

The Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau (FAVB) has sponsored a Light Up bus Fostoria tour.

An update on our LE&W/NKP #107 Caboose. FRPS received a $5,000.00 grant from the Henry H. Geary Jr. Memorial Foundation in 2011. This generous gift will provide the funding to move the caboose from its present

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“From Concept to Completion” Good Shepherd Home

Projects in the Fostoria Area:

*Site Work *Concrete Work *Butler Steel Buildings *General Construction *Feasibility Analysis *Value Engineering

419-448-1365

*Good Shepherd *Mennel Mill *Spring Valley Fertilizer *Roppe Rubber *J.K. Company *Wesley Village *Hancock-Wood Elec.

www.clouseconstruction.com

Photo by Joyce Bostwick location, Ghost Town near Findlay, to Fostoria. Charter Steel is donating rail and railroad ties for the caboose to rest on. FRPS will have a large project to restore the historic caboose

at a cost of approximately $10,000.00.

This sister to the Ft. Wayne RR Historical Society’s #141 will be a

See RAIL, Page 5

North Coast Business Journal

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Welcome…. to Fostoria One of the Friendliest Towns You’ll Ever Find!

Submitted by Pamela Smith Executive Director The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce is a business service organization that stays focused and dedicated to serving for-profit companies in Hancock, Wood and Seneca counties. The Chamber has been around since 1915. Currently the Fostoria Chamber has approximately 300 supporting members. The Chamber represents all types of companies, ranging from small family-owned businesses, to multinational companies that have branch operations in our area.

The Chamber organizes and facilitates many different types of business networking meetings such as “What’s Perkin @ the Chamber” and “Meet Me @ 4pm”meetings, business training, member awards banquets as well as large community-wide events and fundraisers, These activities serve as an avenue to further build on existing business relationships as well as an opportunity to relax and enjoy longtime friends and neighbors.

The Chamber can assist small and start up businesses by providing valuable information and the direction to take to further pursue their dream.

The Chamber serves as the voice of the community and lobbies local and state government on behalf of the local businesses to advance the interest of future commerce.

The Chamber maintains a place on the cutting edge to provide the most up to date information, new development and marketing programs such as “The Fostoria Area Market Place.” Chamber members in our service area have continuous access to the other Chamber membership, where they may provide new business opportunities and drive business-tobusinesses within the organization.

The Fostoria Chamber works in partnership with the City of Fostoria and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation to ensure that the support and balance exists making Fostoria a wonderful place to live, play and work.

RAIL, from Page 4

March 2012

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displayed in the lower level with unlimited space for their plans a modelers dream.

FRPS past-President Aaron Gonya and his crew have been busy too. They are building a Fostoria sectional model train display, completed restoration of a railroad baggage wagon; and traveled to Marion County to bring a C&O Watchman’s Shanty to Fostoria.

Do you know what a watchman is?

Prior to our present day railroad crossbucks with lights and gates, railroads hired watchmen to sit at every railroad crossing and keep pedestrians and drivers from crossing the tracks when a train was approaching the crossing.

The shanty was their “office,” this was a 24/7 job, 365 days a year job, no matter what the weather.

Do you ever look at U-Tube videos?

Google Fostoria trains and you will find many, many videos. Railfans love Fostoria and the trains! One video is a train with the wind turbine pieces and parts. It’s an opportunity to see how large the turbines actually are.

Have I given you enough information about Fostoria? Need more info, FRPS is on Facebook, our website is “in construction.”

wonderful addition to our historic past. #107 traveled through Fostoria during its service years.

We are pleased to have this caboose.

The 1880’s LE&W Depot roof was replaced with 50-year slate-style asphalt Photo by Ed Durnwald shingles by FRPS members and volunteers this past “simple pleasures” not available in summer. What a wonderful job the prior generations. Todays’ electric/ members and volunteers did. We diesel locomotives are truly a thank them for their help. “greener,” cleaner and quieter The Fostoria Iron Triangle Rail Park addition to our environment. Steam is “on track.” The rail park paperwork trains are historic and wonderful to is at the ODOT Region 2 office. The see and travel on, but we should rail park bidding process should appreciate the changes railroads begin in August. Hopefully we will have made. have just as mild a 2012-13 winter FRPS has a new President. Tiffin for construction to begin. Fostoria’s resident, Jim Roberts assumed the recently elected Mayor Eric Keckler office in November, 2011 from Aaron is just as excited for this rail park as Gonya, Arcadia. Jim is a well-known the previous mayor, John Davoli. railfan who knows Fostoria very Fostoria has another railroad well. He has spent many hours over overpass to alleviate auto/truck many decades sitting in the Iron highway traffic congestion. The Triangle railfanning.

Jones Road overpass was completed FRPS has received another generous and dedicated in November, 2011. donation. The Davis & Newcomer This is a welcoming addition to the Elevator Co. owned a 16,000 sq. ft.

West Tiffin St. overpass in 2008. If 2-floor building on Columbus you have traveled through Fostoria Avenue, directly across from the rail on a highway, you NEVER waited on park.

The Davis & Newcomer a train since the 1950’s construction Elevator Co. had been in this of Fostoria’s four underpasses. This building since 1968. A fire in March, cannot be said if you get off the 2009 caused interior damage to the beaten path. Fostoria has 22 rail- building.

The grade crossings. With three corridors Company moved from of double-track mainline freight and the facility leaving the 100+ trains a day, you are bound to building unoccupied.

Family Owned and Operated Since 1933 wait on a train sometime. If you Peter Laiho, President cross tracks to get to a destination, of the Davis & Serving Commercial & Industrial Accounts please give yourself an extra five Newcomer Elevator In NW Ohio minutes in case there is a train. Company donated the Don’t get mad at the train, it won’t building to FRPS in Specializing in: solve the problem—Fostoria is a July, 2011. In prior train city, where the three corridors years the Allen Red STANDARD ARCHITECTURAL & MULTIform a half-mile Iron Triangle.

Ta m e Cherry COLOR COATINGS Something to think about— Company occupied imagine living in Fostoria in the the structure and WOOD FINISHING steam train days with 200+ trains manufactured cherry VINYL WALLCOVERING belching black smoke as they syrup.

We are very meander through the city. excited to have this WATER REPELLENT COATINGS Watchmen were at the crossings, building!!!

How there were no underpasses or wonderful to have the TWO COMPONENT EPOXY & URETHANE overpasses, air-conditioning was not perfect location so SYSTEMS available, homes did have washing close to the rail park!!! machines but women regularly hung FRPS will have WATER AND SAND BLASTING their clothes outside, they did not extensive fund-raising have clothes dryers as we do today. for this building’s “Professional Painting Pays” Fostoria had five railroad lines, renovations. FRPS will rather than the three we have today have our donated 419-332-1363 Toll Free 800-797-6252 meaning even more rail grade museum artifacts, 446 N. Wood St., Fremont, OH 43420 crossings. It may be called the Good papers, etc. on display. www.maypainting.com Old Days, but I really do enjoy some Model trains will be

MAY PAINTING INC.

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North Coast Business Journal

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CHAMBER CALENDARS for March Bellevue Chamber of Commerce 10

Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet Bellevue Society for the Arts Social Hour 6:00 p.m.

Dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County 9

Ag Breakfast Ole Zim's Wagon Shed Registration @ at 6:30 a.m.

Erie County Chamber of Commerce 8

Ribbon Cutting / Open House Cellular Central 709 West Perkins 5 p.m./RSVP to the Chamber 419.625.6421

21

SBDC Business Start-up Basics Class Chamber office; 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

RSVP to 800.826.2431

"Sam Walton's Birthday Celebration" Business After Hours, Sponsor: Sam's Club At Firelands Winery; 917 Bardshar Road; RSVP to Chamber 419.625.6421

GLASS, from Page 3 officers and docents are unpaid, many of whom have served for years.

When we were looking for items to fill the shelves, people were willing to allow their treasures to be on longterm loan to the association so that visitors could enjoy the craftsmanship from Fostoria’s early glass industry.

There’s no way to name all those who contributed to the successful endeavor. Without their assistance the opening wouldn’t have been

Huron County Chamber of Commerce 8

Program Committee, 8:00 am, Chamber office

14

Business After Hours Croghan Colonial Bank, 60 Whittlesey Ave., 5-6:30 p.m.

15

Huron County Safety Council Banquet, 11:30 am-1:00 p.m.

Norwalk High School, Art Gallery, RSVP required.

ODOT public meeting Re: Norwalk Bypass, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Norwalk High School, Distance Learning Center.

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Education Committee, 8:00 am, Chamber office

29

Veteran’s Seminar Starting/enhancing Veteran-owned business 7:30 am-Noon, Location TBD www.huroncounty chamber.com, Free to veterans and spouses

Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 15

Business After Hours 5 to 7 pm Hosted by: Bodi N Balance

22

Executive Meeting Chamber Office, 10 am

possible. The continued support from business, organizations, and individuals has allowed us to reach the 20th anniversary.

Since The Gallery’s opening in 1992, over 30,000 visitors have visited from all the states, several provinces and many foreign countries. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit, please take time to stop by at 109 N. Main St. We are glad to offer visits outside of regular hours if arrangements are made ahead and we welcome tour groups. For a quick tour visit www.fostoriaglass.com

29

Directors Meeting Danbury Township Hall 7:00 p.m.

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce 15

Board Meeting Chamber Building 7:30 am

31

Annual Easter Candy Hunt Downtown, 2:00 p.m.

Free/children 12 and under.

5

Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Administration 2:00 p.m. at Chamber Office

8

Main Street Port Clinton Downtown Committee Meeting at 8:30 am MSPC Office

Main Street Port Clinton Executive Committee Meeting at 8:30 am MSPC Office

9

Walleye Festival Committee Meeting 8:30 am at MSPC Office

12

Port Clinton Area Chamber Board Meeting at 8:30 am Chamber Office

Main Street Port Clinton Design Committee Meeting 3:00 p.m. at MSPC Office

13

Main Street Port Clinton Economic Restructuring Committee Meeting 8:30 am at MSPC Office

15

Main Street Port Clinton Board Meeting 8:30 am at MSPC Office

Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Services 12

Ribbon Cutting Croghan Colonial Bank Gather at 10 am.

48 E. Market St. Ribbon Cutting @ 10:15 am

14

Small Business Basics Seminar 9:30 am to 11:30 am Free seminar Community room of Chamber To register contact Bill Auxter 800-826-2431 or e-mail at bauxter@terra.edu

Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting 7:30 am

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Ambassador Meeting Noon, Chamber of Commerce, 19 W. Market St., Ste. C Please RSVP.

27

Tiffin Area Safety Council 11:30 am @ Moose Lodge 946, 1146 N SR 53.

RSVP

North Coast Business Journal

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March 2012

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Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau – Ready for Another Busy Year!

Kaubisch Memorial Library Thanks Fostoria Citizens for Their Support

As warm weather approaches, the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau is busy preparing for the upcoming travel season and special events throughout the year.

There will be a wide variety of special events taking place throughout the year including: the Fostoria Fourth of July celebration, the Latino Festival, the Fostoria Rail Festival and Light Up Fostoria for the Holidays and more.

The dates are as follows: • Fourth of July Celebration • Latino Fest: Saturday, August 25th • Fostoria Rail Festival: September 22nd, 10am to 4 pm • Fostoria Glass Festival: Friday and Saturday, July 20th and 21st • Fostoria Chamber of Commerce Car Show: Sat., July 21st, 9am to 2 pm • Geary Family YMCA 5K Run: Sat., July 21st, 7 am to 9 am • Holiday Open House and Light-Up Fostoria: December, Date To Be Determined In fact, planning for the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau’s Light Up Fostoria for the Holidays, a guided holiday light contest and tour, has already

Submitted by Kelli Foster The first Fostoria library was formed by the Alumni Association of Fostoria High School on Thanksgiving Day in 1892 in a suite of rooms in downtown Fostoria. Members were assessed one dollar per year to obtain use of the book-lending facility. In 1900, The Fostoria Public Library Association was formed and took over the organization which was then financially supported by appropriations from the Fostoria City Council.

In 1914, the library moved in to a newly building on Perry Street which was constructed from funds left by Louisa McClean and a grant from the Carnegie Foundation. The McClean Public Library was used until 1969 when a complete reconstruction of the building was made and was largely funded by Arthur E. Kaubisch. Because of his generosity the Library Board of Trustees renamed the library The Kaubisch Memorial Public Library.

These days the library is funded by both local and state money. In recent years, the state funding dropped dramatically which in turn forced the library to cut many services and materials. However, a tax levy was passed by a huge majority of Fostoria voters in November of 2011 which will allow the library to reinstate many of these services and materials. We will also be looking forward to expanding into new technological areas such as e-books.

Thank you again to the Fostoria community for your strong support.

begun.

“Hundreds of adults and children visited downtown Fostoria to enjoy the holiday spirit and a unique holiday tour of lights last year. This was the first time the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau hosted the event and the response was wonderful,” said Malinda Ruble, chairman for the FAVB. The FAVB will be expanding the holiday tour event this year. “We plan on adding new features and activities for the whole family to enjoy before the holidays,” said Ruble. “It is such a great event and gives everyone an opportunity to tour the city and really see the holiday spirit displayed.”

“And whether you visit Fostoria for the holidays or an event or vacation, be sure to contact the FAVB for a special visitor coupon packet to help you experience everything Fostoria has to offer,” Ruble said.

The packet includes visitor information, as well as discount coupons.

For more information on Fostoria events or attractions, call 419-436-2282 or check out our website at admin_assistant@visitfostoria.com.

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New Cancer Center Project Underway at ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital The new ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital Cancer Center construction project will relocate oncology and infusion services to

vacated space on the hospital’s first floor. The more than $840,000 project is slated to be complete in late summer 2012.

The ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital Cancer Center (currently known as the oncology/infusion department), is currently housed on the hospital’s third floor in space built for pediatric patient rooms in 1957.

Original plans for the Cancer Center were drafted in 2007. Since then, the demand for oncology and infusion services has risen significantly and the department added new cancer specialists; therefore, plans for the project have expanded.

The first phase of construction for the Cancer Center began in 2011 when a parking lot dedicated to cancer patients was completed. In addition, the new Cancer Center will include a private, convenient entrance for patients and their families as well as nine treatment rooms and a separate area for physician consultations and exams.

The private treatment areas will be equipped with personal windows and each patient will have their own television.

“We had several very important goals in mind when making plans for the new cancer center,” said Dan Schwanke, president, ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital.

“Provide better access, enhance privacy, and create a more attractive and comfortable environment for

Cancer Center Facts Over the last five years, more than 100 employee gifts totaling nearly $40,000 have been made to ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Center Fund.

The new Cancer Center will be more than 3,000 square feet. That’s nearly twice the size of the current department.

Patients love the staff and appreciate the quality of care they receive, according to department survey results and regular comment card feedback.

ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital welcomed new cancer specialists in 2011.

ProMedica Physicians – Toledo-based Hematology Oncology Associates – are now caring for patients in the Fostoria community. Additionally, Renu Soni, MD, hematology/oncology, continues to offer services at ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital as well.

To learn more about the ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital Cancer Center, please call 419-436-6626.

healing.”

In addition to the cancer center construction at ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital, renovations to the laboratory and inpatient pharmacy are currently underway as well.

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North Coast Business Journal

March 2012

9

Area Residents Get CERT-ified Area residents are getting ready to help their neighbors when disasters happen by learning together and working toward a common goal. The North Central CERT Consortium is ready and willing to act in many ways to enable a smoother, more effective disaster response when needed.

“CERT” stands for Community Emergency Response Team. It is part of a federally structured but locally developed and managed program, and over 125 volunteers are already trained and ready to go the moment they are needed.

Additional volunteers are scheduled to complete training this spring. CERT is one part of the Citizen Corps program developed by FEMA over a decade ago to help communities develop and train local resources for use in disasters. The CERTs are housed in the county Emergency Management Agency, and are activated through the county EMA Director in collaboration with a team coordinator who supervises and manages the team.

CERT teams are active in Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca counties.

The Erie, Ottawa and Huron county teams are managed by Sandy Waggoner of Resource Solutions Associates, and the Sandusky and Seneca county teams are managed by local staff. Resource Solutions provides training and management services to all three teams, helping them find funding to support the activities, purchase

equipment, and achieve disaster preparedness goals in each of the five counties.

Seneca County CERT trainers Garland and Melissa Fitch are preparing to teach a class in Fostoria in April, and others are preparing to teach classes in Woodville, Bellevue and Vermilion.

A class just finished in Sandusky, graduating over twenty new CERT volunteers.

The Erie County CERT assisted Ottawa County EMA when tornadoes hit the western end of the county in June 2010. “The CERT members relieved us of many tasks that then allowed my firefighters to act as firefighters, not volunteer coordinators and donations managers,” said Allen Clay Joint Fire District Chief Bruce Moritz after the incident was over. For a period of 10 days, the CERT contributed over 850 hours of volunteer work. They did things like organize and direct volunteers who helped with cleanup, helped the Sheriff’s Office with traffic control, and managed and distributed donated goods to victims.

The CERT members talked to each family on a daily basis, keeping track of what work needed to be done on the properties so clean-up could happen quickly and efficiently. “We worked as a go-between for many organizations, referring other responders and agencies to assist when the victims needed it,” said Waggoner of the team. “They kept very busy, but were efficient and effective in what they did.” The

CERT members drove from as far as Greenwich and North Fairfield, and received no compensation or re-imbursement for what they did.

“They were just really helpful,” said EMA Director Fred Petersen.

According to Waggoner, the CERT members complete significant training to be on the team. First, they complete a 20 hour basic course that includes disaster preparedness, first aid and triage, search and rescue, team organization and deployment, disaster psychology and terrorism awareness.

Then they complete hazardous materials awareness, first and CPR certification, volunteer reception center management, donations management and distribution, animal response, and damage assessment.

Team leaders complete leadership training.

All members must complete online courses in ICS 100 and 700. The teams meet monthly to drill and train, and they participate in other special classes, disaster drills and community events.

Huron County EMA Director Jason Roblin says that a wide variety of people join CERT. “They come from all walks of life.

We have skilled tradesmen, professionals and retired people. They all come together to help the community when they need it most.” The teams are in the

process of a recruiting and training campaign right now.

Last fall, all five counties joined efforts to apply for a special grant to bring all counties up to the same level of performance by standardizing the training across the area. According to Waggoner, the goal is to make sure whatever fire or police chief, sheriff, or elected official asks for CERT help is confident the members are well trained, but also gets the same capable volunteers regardless of which team responds. “In small communities, we have to help each other out. When one community is hurting, we want to be able to switch call lists and send the same dependable, competent help from another county. We don’t want anyone to wonder if all CERT members are trained, we’re all completing the same requirements as a service to our communities.”

Waggoner says she will come out to speak to groups about the CERT program. A variety of materials that tell about the CERT are available for distribution, and an e-newsletter is published several times a year.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a CERT volunteer can call Waggoner at 419-602-0758 or email her at sandy@rsassociatesllc.com for more information.

Organizations who want a speaker for a meeting are welcome to contact her too with the organization name, location, date, time and contact person for the meeting.

10 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

Investing Reaching Retirement--Now What?

Douglas Gildenmeister Senior Vice President, Investments The Gildenmeister Wealth Management Group of Raymond James You've worked hard your whole life anticipating the day you could finally retire. Well, that day has arrived!

But with it comes the realization that you'll need to carefully manage your assets so that your retirement savings will last.

Review your portfolio regularly Traditional wisdom holds that retirees should value the safety of their principal above all else. For this reason, some people shift their investment portfolio to fixed-income investments, such as bonds and money market accounts, as they approach retirement. The problem with this approach is that you'll effectively lose purchasing power if the return on your investments doesn't keep up with inflation.

While generally it makes sense for your portfolio to become progressively more conservative as you grow older, it may be wise to consider maintaining at least a portion of your portfolio in growth investments.

Spend wisely Don't assume that you'll be able to live on the earnings generated by your investment portfolio and retirement accounts for the rest of your life. At some point, you'll probably have to start drawing on the principal. But you'll want to be careful not to spend too much too soon. This can be a great temptation, particularly early in retirement.

A good guideline is to make sure your annual withdrawal rate isn't greater than 4% to 6% of your portfolio. (The appropriate percentage for you will depend on a number of factors, including the length of your payout period and your portfolio's asset allocation.) Remember that if you whittle away your principal too quickly, you may not be able to earn enough on the remaining principal to

carry you through the later years.

Understand your retirement plan distribution options Most pension plans pay benefits in the form of an annuity. If you're married you generally must choose between a higher retirement benefit paid over your lifetime, or a smaller benefit that continues to your spouse after your death. A financial professional can help you with this difficult, but important, decision.

Other employer retirement plans like 401(k)s typically don't pay benefits as annuities; the distribution (and investment) options available to you may be limited. This may be important because if you're trying to stretch your savings, you'll want to withdraw money from your retirement accounts as slowly as possible. Doing so will conserve the principal balance, and will also give those funds the chance to continue growing tax deferred during your retirement years. Consider whether it makes sense to roll your employer retirement account into a traditional IRA. IRAs usually offer greater withdrawal flexibility than employer plans. A rollover to an IRA also allows you to consolidate your retirement assets.

Plan for required distributions Keep in mind that you must generally begin taking minimum distributions from employer retirement plans and traditional IRAs when you reach age 701/2, whether you need them or not.

Plan to spend these dollars first in retirement.

If you own a Roth IRA, you aren't required to take any distributions during your lifetime. Your funds can continue to grow tax deferred, and qualified distributions will be tax free.

Because of these unique tax benefits, it generally makes sense to withdraw funds from a Roth IRA last.

Know your Social Security options You'll need to decide when to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits. At normal retirement age (which varies from 65 to 67, depending on the year you were born), you can receive your full Social Security retirement benefit. You can elect to receive your Social Security retirement benefit as early as age 62,

but if you begin receiving your benefit before your normal retirement age, your benefit will be reduced.

Conversely, if you delay retirement, you can increase your Social Security retirement benefit.

Consider phasing For many workers, the sudden change from employee to retiree can be a difficult one. Some employers, especially those in the public sector, have begun offering "phased retirement" plans to address this problem. Phased retirement generally allows you to continue working on a part-time basis--you benefit by having a smoother transition from full-time employment to retirement, and your employer benefits by retaining the services of a talented employee. Some phased retirement plans even allow you to access all or part of your pension benefit while you work part time.

Of course, to the extent you are able to support yourself with a salary, the less you'll need to dip into your retirement savings. Another advantage of delaying full retirement is that you can continue to build tax-deferred funds in your IRA or employersponsored retirement plan. Keep in mind, though, that you may be required to start taking minimum distributions from your qualified retirement plan or traditional IRA once you reach age 70½, if you want to avoid harsh penalties.

If you do continue to work, make sure you understand the consequences.

Some pension plans base your retirement benefit on your final average pay. If you work part time, your pension benefit may be reduced because your pay has gone down.

Remember, too, that income from a job may affect the amount of Social Security retirement benefit you receive if you are under normal retirement age. But once you reach normal retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without affecting your Social Security retirement benefit.

Facing a shortfall What if you're nearing retirement and you determine that your retirement income may not be adequate to meet your retirement expenses? If retirement is just around

the corner, you may need to drastically change your spending and saving habits. Saving even a little money can really add up if you do it consistently and earn a reasonable rate of return.

And by making permanent changes to your spending habits, you'll find that your savings will last even longer.

Start by preparing a budget to see where your money is going. Here are some suggested ways to stretch your retirement dollars: • Refinance your home mortgage if interest rates have dropped since you obtained your loan, or reduce your housing expenses by moving to a less expensive home or apartment.

• Access the equity in your home.

Use the proceeds from a second mortgage or home equity line of credit to pay off higher-interest-rate debts, or consider a reverse mortgage.

• Sell one of your cars if you have two. When your remaining car needs to be replaced, consider buying a used one.

• Transfer credit card balances from higher-interest cards to a low- or no-interest card, and then cancel the old accounts.

• Ask about insurance discounts and review your insurance needs (e.g., your need for life insurance may have lessened).

• Reduce discretionary expenses such as lunches and dinners out. By planning carefully, investing wisely, and spending thoughtfully, you can increase the likelihood that your retirement will be a financially secure one.

This information was developed by Broadridge, an independent third party.

It is general in nature, is not a complete statement of all information necessary for making an investment decision, and is not a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investments and strategies mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC does not provide advice on tax, legal or mortgage issues. These matters should be discussed with an appropriate professional. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

Editor’s note: Last month, in an article about the new office space in Bellevue, we neglected to include the needed verbiage: “Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.” Our apologies.

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North Coast Business Journal

March 2012

11

Tis The Season For a Great New Job!

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12 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

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Taxes Tax Refunds, Good Financial Move?

By Jeff Rosengarten, CPA PAYNE, NICKLES & COMPANY As we go through another individual tax-filing season, I can tell you that taxpayers receiving a refund this year were much happier than those that had to pay. But the question is, should they be?

From a personal financial perspective, taxpayers that received a refund made an interest-free loan to the federal government for a number of months. It’s the taxpayers that

paid taxes that have done a better job of personal financial planning, provided they have avoided underpayment penalties.

Refunds, Refunds, Refunds It is typical for the average working employee to get a tax refund, every year. On average, over 80% of the individual returns filed result in a tax refund. In 2011, the IRS issued more than 109 million refunds and paid out over $318 billion dollars in refunds. If you use a 2% interest rate and assume that the federal government held the money an average of nine months, that is a $4.7 billion gift from the U.S. taxpayers to Uncle Sam. The federal government

refunded 22% of the individual tax it collected with an average refund of over $2,913. Clearly, at a national level, more tax is being withheld from employee paychecks than needs to be withheld.

tax refunds as “forced savings” they should consider having the additional pay deposited directly into a savings account. That way they can earn interest on the money instead of the IRS.

The Refund Business Tax refunds are so pervasive that an entire industry has been built up around them. Look at all the tax return preparation services that have developed. You’ve heard their radio advertisements, driven by their offices and seen their booths in the discount stores. They provide a valuable service in preparing tax returns, but much of their profit doesn’t come from preparing tax returns. It comes from the fees and interest charges people pay to get a loan against the expected tax refund.

What you have here is someone paying money so they don’t have to wait for money that they should have already had months earlier.

Form W-4 Most employees should be able to calculate their additional withholding exemptions by using the worksheets on page two of Form W-4. For more complex tax returns there are additional worksheets in IRS Publication 919, entitled How Do I Adjust My Tax Withholding. And as the employer, you should also be familiar with IRS Publication 505, entitled Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax. These publications and forms are available on the IRS website at www.irs.gov. While some of these worksheets can be confusing, the essence of the calculation is to determine the itemized deductions in excess of the standard deduction and divide by $3,800 to get the number of additional exemptions to claim.

So What?

So what does all this have to do with a small business owner? Well, if you’re like most small business owners, you would love to be able to do something more for your employees - especially those that seem to live paycheck to paycheck.

Reintroduce Form W-4 to your employees. Now is an excellent time for your employees to consider increasing the number of “personal allowances” (i.e. exemptions) to decrease the tax withheld from their paychecks. Employees know if they are receiving a refund for 2011 taxes and they can use their 2011 tax return numbers to estimate their deductions in 2012. If employees use

Conclusion Consider doing something for your employees that won’t cost you a dime. Encourage them to update their Form W-4 to insure their takehome pay contains every dollar to which they are entitled. While they may not be wearing that tax-refund smile next April, they will feel like they got a raise the rest of the year.

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

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

March 2012

13

LESI and Kalahari Host Association for Event and Conference Planning - MPI Special to North Coast Business Journal: Maris Brenner President of LESI and Director of Industry and Community Relations Kalahari Resort and Convention Center “Meeting Professionals International, the premier global association community for meeting and event professionals, believes in the unequalled power of events and human connections to advance organizational objectives” Like the American Bar Association is to Lawyers and Physicians often belong to the American Medical Association, Meeting Planners International (MPI) is the premier professional, member organization for the profession of meeting, event, and conference planners and those companies who serve this industry.

March 18 through March 20, 2012, 200 planners and industry professionals will come to Sandusky for the MPI 2012 MidAmerican Educational Conference for the states of Ohio and Kentucky as well as parts of PA and MI. Each professional planner has the ability to select the location or influence the selection of the site for his or her company’s annual meeting, managers conference, product introduction, or a myriad of training or other meetings that bring their associates together or connect clients with the company at an offsite meeting venue. The value of the meetings business is in fact quite powerful as it is estimated that the average attendee at a meeting will spend an added $120 per day during their stay in the marketplace (gas, food, shopping, etc.) above and beyond what is spent at the host hotel or hotels by the

company on organizes programs and food and beverage functions.

For the 2012 Conference, Lake Erie Shores and Islands and several local hotels partnered to bid on the conference. The RFP (Request For Proposal) first arrived in the Summer of 2010 after a series of smaller events hosted by the area’s meeting industry leaders: Sawmill Creek Resort and Kalahari Resort and Convention Center. Sawmill hosted the Ohio Chapter of MPI Board of Directors within months of Kalahari welcoming the Pittsburgh MPI Board of Directors.

As MPI is an educational organization and known for its excellent communication with its membership, Lake Erie Shores and Islands became a potential site of interest for a future conference.

The March 2011 MAC Conference was already booked for Louisville, KY and the RFP was for 2012. Amanda Smith, Group Sales Manager for LESI, Kelly Brewer, Director of Sales for Sawmill Creek, and Natalie Ennis, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center each submitted portions of the RFP. The RFP, Request For Proposal, in the industry consists of the pricing quotes for the different parts of the conference, matching MPI’s projected agenda listed in the RFP to existing meeting space, and finding an offsite venue for the Monday night program which is sponsored by the community (LESI, in this case). With it being March, the Islands portion of the destination was not a viable offering. The Largest Indoor Waterpark in the US was used as the warm weather (water portion of the proposal). The State Theatre provided a historic as well as professional venue for an offsite event and was added to the mid2010 RFP for the 2012 MPI MAC Conference.

In November and early December

of 2010, the Site Selection Committee visited the final three potential sites in the state of OHIO for the March 2012 MAC Conference.

The competition was narrowed down between Sandusky and two more

recognizable meeting venues, Easton, OH and Columbus. It is at this phase that Sandusky businesses made a substantial difference. The Site

See KALAHARI, Page 14

Customer Service...

Our many repeat customers recognize our ability to satisfactorily complete projects on time and within budget.

Proud to be active in the future growth of Seneca County

14 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

Nobody likes to talk about chest pain.

But you need to have a plan – just in case.

With a dedicated team of professionals, including Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, Medical Director of Mercy Tiffin Hospital’s Emergency Care Center, and Dr. Steven Bruhl, Cardiologist, Mercy Tiffin Hospital has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC), an international organization dedicated to eliminating heart disease as the number one cause of death worldwide.

If you experience chest pain along with any of the following symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately: • Pain and/or squeezing sensation of the chest • Shortness of breath • Sweating • Indigestion

As a Society for Chest Pain Centers accredited facility, Mercy Tiffin is held to higher standards, so your heart gets the care it deserves. You can expect better care and response time when seconds count.

Getting treated for chest pain at an Accredited Chest Pain Center means you are getting the best and most current care available for what could be a heart attack.

It means:

• Arm pain or upper back pain

Faster assessment and treatment Better odds of surviving a heart attack Better odds of recovering with a good quality of life

• General feeling of illness

Mercy knows

by heart. mercyweb.org

St. Anne

St. Charles

St. Vincent

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Defiance

Tiffin

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Mercy Tiffin Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Lab Development Mercy Tiffin Hospital is pleased to announce the development of a Low Risk Cardiac Catheterization Lab. This 1,500 square foot facility will be constructed within the hospital in space that had been reserved for future growth of clinical services at Mercy Tiffin.

“Cardiac catheterization plays an important role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, providing a definitive picture of the patient’s cardiac status, allowing the cardiologist to further define any future plan of care,” said Dale

Thornton, President and CEO of Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

Dr. Steven Bruhl, Cardiologist at Mercy Tiffin Hospital, and Dr. Gregory Vigesaa, Cardiologist at Mercy Willard Hospital, will be the first physicians to utilize this new low risk cardiac catheterization lab. The lab will provide patients with more convenient access to high quality services at a Mercy facility that is closer to home.

Mercy Tiffin’s low risk cardiac catheterization lab is planned to open

by October of 2012.

KALAHARI, from Page 13

and the LESI logo.

Todd Nelson, Owner and President of Kalahari, flew in from its Wisconsin Headquarters to meet the committee as they returned from the tour of potential off site locations including the Culinary Vegetable Institute, State Theatre and Ghostly Manor. MPI is that important of an association in our industry and an opportunity to host this annual conference does not come often.

The announcement that Sandusky has successfully won the bid and would be the March 2012 MPI MidAmerican Conference location happened in Louisville, Kentucky in March 2011 with a full team of hotel and CVB professionals attending the conference to insure face to face invites for all to attend.

March 18-20, 2012 is now here.

State Theatre, the businesses located along #250 Milan Road, all members of Lake Erie Shores and Islands Hospitality Community, Great Wolf Lodge, Sawmill Creek, and Cedar Fair will all be providing special welcomes, be in attendance, or sponsoring various parts of the program.

Local companies which have Meeting Planning Departments and/ or who have designated managers charged with planning meetings locally, in Ohio, or anywhere in the World are invited to sign up for one or all of the many speakers at the program. BGSU will, in fact, have its Event Planning Class in attendance at several sessions.

To view the full 2012 MPI MAC Schedule, Sign Up, or learn more about MPI and the nationally respected list of speakers, visit: www. mpimidamericaconference.com

Selection visit was only a day and one half, in between two snow storms as well.

At Kalahari, Site Visit Alerts were sent around to all departments insuring that regardless of where the committee looked around the resort, the staff would be aware of who they were and provide and educated and warm welcome.

The limousine with Amanda Smith and Natalie Ennis as hosts and their three VIP guests drove down #250 Milan Road as this would replicate the route the planners would travel if they selected Sandusky for 2012.

What no one knew until they hit the corner of Bogart and #250 was that every digital sign on that route was set to provide an added WOW that only a LESI community can deliver.

Best Western and Comfort Suites, Perkins, LESI Welcome Center, Car and Pet Wash, Sandusky Mall, Kasper’s, and Ghostly Manor each had posted welcome messages or invites for the committee to see in co-operation with Lake Erie Shores and Islands.

As someone who rode that route several times that morning, I still smile at how much support was given by our neighboring business community to insure we had the best chance to WIN the bid. By far, the most creative may have been that at the Car Wash which noted that “We wash Meeting Planner Cars too! See you in 2012!) and several other rotating but pointed messages. The vividness of both Kasper’s and Best Western’s digital signage stood out as well as each incorporated the MPI

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March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

15

Elmwood at The Springs ... Still going strong!

Elmwood at The Springs has seen many positive changes since becoming one of the most unique healthcare campuses in Northwestern Ohio. Elmwood Centers of Green Springs acquisition of the neighboring St. Francis Health Care Centre in October 2009, helped to create a 47-acre, continuum of care, health and wellness campus that provides quality healthcare services and programs for adults of all ages.

Renovations began on the west campus in 2010. New directional signs were installed around all parking areas. Additional signage is currently awaiting installation. Areas of the campus received new landscaping, while the natural woodlands surrounding the springs was thoroughly groomed, so that the scenic, emerald green waters of the sulphur springs could be seen by all.

Interior renovations began throughout the four-story healthcare center. As each newly renovated area was completed, it was named after a type of waterfowl, or its habitat, to create a building theme that related to some of the wildlife and the environment found on the campus.

The Long-Term Care unit on the third floor was the first area to see renovations. Opening in January 2010, this floor was named Teals Trails. Renovations to this floor were a major undertaking, but after three months of extensive work, Elmwood finally was able to move their longterm, total-care residents to this beautiful, new area where today, residents and their families all enjoy the stylish parlors and home-like atmosphere.

Due to the increase in demand for Skilled Nursing services, the first floor skilled nursing facility was next in line for renovations that included unit expansion. It took several months to complete, but soon, after extensive renovations, Elmwood proudly opened the doors to their new, state-of-the-art skilled nursing unit, named Pintail Pond. The first patients moved into the 18-bed unit in December 2010. Along with the private and semi-private rooms, patients enjoy flat screen televisions, an activity center with breakfast bar, a computer lounge and all of the comforts of home. This unit

specializes in caring for orthopedic surgery patients needing short-term nursing care.

Feathers Sleep Center, a sleep lab that assists those with sleep disorders or Sleep Apnea, opened in March 2010. Testing is performed around a person’s schedule and in the comfort of a private bedroom. A physician’s prescription is required. Each testing bedroom offers a cozy, queen size bed, pillow-topped mattress and a flat screen TV. The Directory of Pulmonary Services, Dr. Hany Jacob, oversees this service located in Outpatient Services.

In April, 2011, a new respiratory unit named Loons Lodge, opened on the 2nd floor. Here, eighteen spacious, private rooms offer private bathrooms and large, flat-screen televisions. All rooms are also equipped with emergency power for uninterrupted use of medical equipment for each resident. Elmwood’s respiratory staff began caring for those with special respiratory needs, including those on stable chronic ventilators. Nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians, a dietician, social worker and direct caregivers provide around-the-clock care for patients. Dr. Jacob also oversees this unit.

The long-awaited renovations finally made their way to the first floor’s Specialty Hospital, also known as a LTAC, or Long-Term Acute Care Hospital, where physicians, nurses, specialists and other healthcare staff care for critically ill patients with medically complex injuries or illnesses. These patients require extended, acute care once being released from a traditional hospital, but who are ineligible yet to be transferred to a skilled nursing or other sub-acute facility.

The hospital’s corridors and public area’s were soon “Elmwoodized” like other areas of the building. This involved adding warmer colors and accents to all walls, including the addition of decorative furnishings, tasteful wall decor, colorful paintings, soft lighting and other Elmwood touches that are now enjoyed by all.

Other renovations are planned for two separate dining areas, and the ground floor’s atrium, located at the building’s north entrance. A hospital pharmacy is set to open in March

2012. Plans to open the pharmacy to the community are also being considered.

Medical Staff: Along with Dr. Jacob’s services at The Spring’s west campus, other area specialists have also joined Elmwood’s Medical Staff. These include: Dr. Nathaniel Ratnasamy, Infectious Disease Specialist (cares for patients and residents at all Elmwood Communities), Wound Specialist, Dr. Donald Borrillo, Physical Medicine & Rehab Specialist, Dr. Tallat Rizk and

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16 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

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Magruder Hospital Renovating Emergency Room Magruder Hospital has begun making improvements to its emergency room that will improve the hospital’s service to patients and accommodations for emergency personnel. The Board of Trustees recently approved this project and it is estimated to cost the hospital $950,000.

The renovation, which began last week, will feature an additional entrance for ambulances, allowing for more private transportation of patients into the hospital. All of the treatment rooms will now be private, another enclosed registration area will be added and a new report room for emergency personnel is all part of the plan.

“Back in 2009 we added additional exam rooms to our emergency room, and in the process, we had to reclaim space being used by emergency personnel to complete their reports,” said Jack Smith, Magruder’s Director of Facilities Management &

Improvement. He said the hospital allocated another area adjacent to the ER for emergency personnel, but it was not as convenient for them as the previous location.

“We knew we had to get them back in the hospital, so when we began our renovation plans, we included a

Service So FAST, Your Head Will SPIN!

report room for them,” said Smith.

Smith went with Mike Long, Magruder’s President & CEO, to an emergency personnel meeting this past summer where they presented initial plans for the report room.

“They were thrilled to be getting space back within the ER. We wanted

them to have a say in the design of the space, so we asked them for their input. We have kept in touch with them as we have progressed with the project,” said Long.

The entire renovation project is scheduled to be complete this summer.

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ACCessing the Future... Today!

419-668-4080 • acc-corp.net • sales@acc-corp.net • 166 Milan Ave, Norwalk

Norwalk Office 419-668-2552

Sandusky Office 419-625-4942

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

DO YOU KNOW WHAT A SPECIALTY/LTAC HOSPITAL IS? (Pronounced: L-TACH)

Elmwood’s Specialty Hospital focuses on improving the lives of patients requiring extended long-term acute care, who are ineligible to yet, be transferred to a skilled nursing, or other sub-acute facility after being released from a regular hospital. These individuals usually suffer from complex multiple injuries or illnesses.

Known for our aggressive intervention, positive outcomes, and rehabilitation expertise, Elmwood’s team of medical professionals, comprised of the area’s top specialists, along with Elmwood’s quality nursing staff, stand ready to care for you or your loved one should you ever need their services.

Treatment & Care is provided for:

Skilled Nursing Unit & Rehabilitation Therapy Clinic With Spacious, Aquatic Therapy Pool Also On Our 47-Acre Healthcare Campus!

Ÿ Complex Wound Care Ÿ Infectious Disease Ÿ Head Trauma Ÿ Spinal Cord Injuries Ÿ Pulmonary Disease Ÿ Ventilator Weaning Ÿ Cardiovascular &

Neuromuscular Disease

lmatwhoe oprings

LTAC Hospital & Healthcare Center

Just remember to “Ask For The Springs!”

Ÿ Other Complex Medical

Conditions & Illnesses

419-639-2626

West Campus - SR 19 - Green Springs

www.elmwoodatthesprings.com

Just minutes off the Ohio Turnpike at the Fremont Exit.

BUSINESS AS USUAL. NO MATTER WHAT. In the midst of a disaster, it’s nearly impossible to service your customers, run your business and recover it as well. That’s the reason Diversified Insurance Service now offers Agility. They will take care of everything you need to get your business back in business, including power generators, office space, computers, servers, phones and internet connectivity. With Agility, you can keep your promises and stay focused on what matters – your people, your customers and your community.

IF YOU HAVE A DISASTER, AGILITY WILL RESCUE YOUR BUSINESS. THEY WILL DELIVER ANY OF THEIR FOUR KEY ELEMENTS OF RECOVERY:

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Connectivity

When your business needs to stay up and running no matter what— call Diversified Insurance Service today and ask about Agility Recovery.

www.divinsurance.com 1-800-848-2788 • Providing Innovative Insurance Solutions

March 2012

17

18 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

Sales #1 Killer of Small and Medium Business

By Roger Bostdorff Approximately a year ago I received an email from a banker friend of mine. He had a client with a business that had a note due in July. The banker was concerned that based on how the business was going for his client that the note very well could be called. This would put a substantial financial hardship on both the bank and the client.

The client asked the banker for help. In fact, the client wanted the banker to step in and direct the client on what to do to fix the problems of the business so the loan would be extended.

The banker recognized the conflict of interest and that he did not have the time to dedicate to fixing the client’s issues.

Instead, the banker emailed me to determine if I would be willing to help by analyzing the business and making recommendations to get this business back on its feet.

The client and I met and he hired B2B Sales Boost, LLC. The client felt he could sell his way out of the problem. I agreed that this was a possibility but explained that we first needed to investigate his cash flow situation. One of the first things that can take a company under, even a company like GM, is lack of cash. If cash flow is a problem the real issue could be lack of runway (time available) to fix

the problems. You need to first, stop the bleeding.

Therefore, first I asked to see a cash flow analysis. It did not exist. I began to gather the data to determine the breakeven point on sales each month to cover his costs. It was obvious that since his sales were down his expenses needed be reviewed, so that his monthly revenue in, covered his expenses out. Many times people refer to this as their monthly “nut.”

As it turned out, he was spending $20,000 per month more than what he was taking in.

These are hard but necessary conversations. Let’s just say these were enthusiastic conversations. The client made the cuts, reluctantly. By making these painful cuts the client stopped the bleeding and gave himself some time so that the other recommendations made

by B2B Sales Boost, had an opportunity to kick in.

B2B Sales Boost then reviewed the sales process and his staffing.

I made several recommendations in this area. He implemented many of these as well. The economy is in an even more challenging state now than then. I wish I could say that his business has grown and he is doing great. I can’t. However, I can say that he and the bank are on good terms. He is paying his bills and has not needed to make additional cuts nor take

Coming in April:

on additional debt. The bank is happy and the business is surviving.

Many times a company waits too long to evaluate their cash flow status. Or they continue to believe that they can sell there way out of their situation. As the economy stiffens and credit becomes more challenging to obtain, please do not overlook the #1 killer of business, lack of CASH FLOW! This important measurement will tell you plenty regarding the health of the business and your ability to survive. Have you done a cash flow analysis for your company?

Cash is King!

Roger Bostdorff is the President of B2B Sales Boost.

He spent over 30 years with IBM in sales and sales management. He then became President/COO of a small internet security company before founding B2B Sales Boost, LLC. B2B Sales Boost, LLC 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

Focus on Sandusky County/Fremont

www.ncbj.net

‘Celebrate Huron’ Public Invited to Fun Evening of Gaming, Great Food, Awards The Huron Chamber of Commerce is planning the first “Celebrate Huron.” It will be a night of recognition, camaraderie and a Las Vegas-style casino, complete with slots.

Mesenburg’s Plaza Place is the place to be on Saturday, March 10 as the Chamber brings back the city recognition nights that were a longstanding tradition in Huron’s history. Chamber members and local citizens, as well, will be honored for their efforts to keep the community “A GREAT LAKE PLACE.” Everyone in the area is invited to this gala evening. Tickets are only $25, if pre-purchased, and include a dinner featuring Randy Mesenburg’s award-winning carved beef brisket and a huge fruit tree with chocolate fountain. Those attending will also receive complimentary gaming chips that can be used for blackjack, poker and roulette. There will even be a few slot machines. Winnings can be used in a drawing for some great prizes, including a sailboat charter and “A Fine Dining” basket with gift cards from many great area restaurants.

A Members’ Showcase kicks off the event at 6 p.m. Plans are being finalized for many other games and entertainment throughout the evening.

Proceeds from this “Celebrate Huron” will go to the Chamber’s Scholarship Fund, which has donated thousands of dollars to graduating Huron High School students down through the years.

The tradition of honoring outstanding local citizens was a part of the local scene for many years, with residents joining Jaycees, Lions, Rotarians and Chamber members at the renowned Showboat Restaurant for an evening of recognizing a man and woman of the year and a young man and woman. The Chamber is bringing this tradition full circle with the event at Mesenburg’s, the family that co-owned the Showboat with Jake and June Claus.

Last year’s honorees included: Huron teacher Bill Scott cited for his contributions to the track and cross country HHS programs; Erie Community Federal Credit Union, Outstanding Business; a Good Guys Award to Dan Hoppe and the crew of the Huron Street Department for their work in placing Chamber business banners on city light poles each spring; Chamber volunteers Doug Studer and Marge Billman; and an unsung hero award presented to funeral director Wayne Foster.

Tickets are available for $25 at the Chamber office, 509 Huron St., through March 7 and for $30 at the door. Phone 419-433-5700 for information.

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net (L-R) Students currently enrolled in EHOVE s Surgical Tech program: Amy Weisenberger of Norwalk, Ashley Beddow of Sandusky, Joanne Skudrin of Vickery and Ashleigh Hansen of Sandusky.

EHOVE School of Surgical Technology Receives National Recognition The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) has awarded EHOVE’s School of Surgical Technology the annual Merit Award to recognize the program’s 100% graduate pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination for 2011.

Graduates obtaining national certification as a CST demonstrate understanding of the basic competencies for safe patient care in the operating room. CST is widely recognized in the healthcare community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation, and is required for employment within many organizations.

EHOVE s School of Surgical Technology is also proud to announced three new clinical site partners for its students: Tiffin Mercy Hospital in Tiffin, MedCentral Health System, Shelby Branch in Shelby, and Mansfield Surgery Center in Mansfield.

EHOVE Career Center is a leading career tech school in Milan Township.

This high school and adult education facility draws students from a variety of locales, and serves multiple school districts in 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, a specific career or the military. For more information, go to www.EHOVE.net or call 419-499-4663 x232.

Coming in April: Focus on Sandusky County

March 2012

Mercy Willard Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of the replacement facility!

You are invited to a special Community Open House Join us for a tour

Saturday, April 21, 2012 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

At the NEW Mercy Willard Hospital 1100 Neal Zick Road | Willard, Ohio 44890

Mercy Willard Hospital will be moving into the replacement facility April 30 – May 6.

All services will be available to the public at the replacement facility on May 6.

Built on a Legacy

19

20 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center Accredited in Radiation Oncology University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). There are only 295 accredited radiation oncology sites nationwide and only 16 accredited sites in Ohio.

“Patients and family members cared for at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center can be certain that their treatment will be done at a facility that has met the highest level of quality and radiation safety,” commented Grae L. Schuster, MD, Radiation Oncologist at UH Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center.

The ACR-ASTRO seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities

meeting specific Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards developed by ACR and ASTRO after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts

in the field. Patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed.

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center artfully merges the most advanced approaches to the treatment of cancer with a beautiful healing environment.

Looking at cancer and its treatment through the eyes of the patient, the center’s location, being internally connected to the main hospital, is an added benefit to their cancer care.

Our Oncologists treat a broad range of conditions, including, Blood Disorders, Myeloma, Gastrointestinal, Head and Neck, Genitourinary, Sarcomas, Thoracic, Lymphoma, Breast, Central Nervous System, Coagulation Disorders, Leukemia, and Diseases affecting bone marrow including anemia.

Community Hospice Care WEATHERING THE TEST OF TIME SINCE 1970

Northwestern Ohio’s Premier Full Service Commercial and Industrial Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor ANY ROOF - ANY SERVICE - ANY TIME

J.B. & Company Inc. 100% Employee Owned service@jbroofing.org PO Box 520, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 Phone 800.472.0969

Rebecca S. Shank, R.N. Executive Director

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

Proudly Serving Seneca & Huron counties since 1983

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

Community Hospice Care

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

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

March 2012

21

Legal Adult Children Issues In This Economy

By Jeff Roth With all of the economic turmoil, parents are becoming aware of their children’s problems.

Mom and dad need to confront these issues with their own estate planning.

Here are some examples: DIVORCE Your son or daughter calls and states that things are not going well and that they may file for divorce in the near future. If you die and leave anything to your child shortly before the divorce then your assets could be counted in the child’s assets. This happened several years ago.

I rewrote the trust leaving the child out of the final distribution.

Sure enough, the father died and the daughter in law tried to get to the assets. By preplanning, the assets were protected and eventually got to the son’s children.

ILLNESS This is the hardest one to explain. The case is when the adult child has a serious long-term illness. It is anticipated that the child will have large medical bills. If they run out of funds then they may apply for government assistance. In either event, if the parent dies and a large amount of money would pass on the death of the parent, it would immediately go to the payment of medical bills and not be available for the surviving spouse and grandchildren. Preplanning can provide an alternate distribution that would protect your assets and see that the assets get to your loved ones.

JOB LOSS Your child, who has done very well and has a large home, suddenly loses his job.

The credit card is over the limit and the penalties for mortgage nonpayment make home ownership out of the question with no possibility of sale in sight. If the parent dies, the inheritance is immediately available for all of the excessive charges that have accumulated.

Bypassing the child will eliminate the loss of your estate for payment of excessive debts.

REAL ESTATE – several scenarios 1. Your child purchased an expensive home and was able to get a 95% loan. You know the rest of the story. With the job loss, many children just quit paying.

Sometimes the bank will string the children along and let the debt grow with “interest only” payments that only compound the problem.

2. Your child has a fixed rate loan. Then, the bank offered an equity loan with a large amount of available credit and a checkbook.

Along came a new car and the family vacation. What a great piggy bank. With every check came a larger payment. Soon the limit was reached and the payments were equal to the first mortgage payments.

3. The children are daring. They buy a house for no money down and fix it up with the guarantee of doubling their money.

The bank helped with the plan and they are on their way to a fortune. They may even quit their day job it was going to be so lucrative. You know the last chapter of this story. The children still own the house and the mortgage payment has taken all of their other available assets.

BANKRUPCTY Your child may have to declare bankruptcy.

If you die shortly before or after he files, his share of your estate is immediately available for payment of all of the worthless debt.

CONCLUSION The purpose of this article is to make you aware that your adult child’s problem may still be yours. If there are any red flags of concern, you may consider revising your estate plan so that your assets will not be available for his debts.

Jeff Roth is a partner with David Bacon of the firm ROTH and BACON with offices in Port Clinton, Upper Sandusky and Marion, Ohio. Mr. Roth is also licensed and practices in Florida. His practice is limited to wealth strategy planning and elder law in both states. Nothing in this article is intended for, nor should be relied upon as individual legal advice. The purpose of this article is to help educate the public on concepts of law as they pertain to estate and business planning. Jeff Roth can be reached at ohiofloridatrust@aol. com (telephone: 419-732-9994) copyright@ Jeffrey P. Roth 2012.

Is Her Heart Set on a 'Vette?

The Bellevue Hospital Foundation (TBHF) made Valentine’s Day a memorable experience for Rachel Herman of Bellevue, as her name was drawn as the grand prize winner in the “Is Your Heart Set on a Vette?” raffle. As the grand prize winner, Herman will have her choice of a brand new 2012 Corvette Convertible 1LT or $50,000 in cash.

Four runner-up winners each received cash prizes, including Dennis Noss of Clyde, OH, $2,000 cash; Werner Kupprat of Hauppauge, NY, $1,500 cash; Sally Boyd of Bellevue, OH, $1,000 cash; and Ken Bronis, Olathe, KS, $500 cash.

“We wish to congratulate Rachel and the other four winners,” said Michael K. Winthrop, President and CEO of The Bellevue Hospital (TBH). “We kicked-off this raffle in September of 2011 and our goal was to sell all 1,500 tickets at $100 each, a goal that we accomplished!

Continued Winthrop, “For us, that made the raffle highly successful. It was important for us to sell and run this raffle in the right way and it was a great effort from our Foundation, Accounting Department, Marketing Department, and numerous volunteers.”

Tickets were sold to people in 25 different U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii, noted Kate Herring, TBH Foundation Director. “I would like to personally thank Gary Steinle of Steinle Chevrolet-Buick in Clyde. They were the co-sponsor of this event. Also, thanks to Hogue’s IGA in Bellevue, the hospital Gift Shop staff, and the Foundation Board members for all the support. We could not have accomplished this massive project without all their help.”

Herring noted that all proceeds will benefit Foundation women’s and children’s projects, including the Women’s Mammography Fund, which will help supply screening mammograms for underinsured or uninsured women.

“Also, several businesses in Bellevue and Clyde allowed us to display placemats and table tents advertising our raffle,” added Herring. “My special thanks to Our Town’s Brewin’, Gary’s Diner, Legends, and Fontana’s Italian Eatery in Clyde, and Parkertown II, Twin Lakes Golf Course, Track’s End Restaurant, and The Sports Hut in Bellevue.”

22 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

Mercy Tiffin Hospital Achieves New Status as Accredited Chest Pain Center Mercy Tiffin Hospital is pleased to announce that it has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC), an international organization dedicated to eliminating heart disease as the number one cause of death worldwide.

“To become an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Mercy Tiffin engaged in a rigorous evaluation by SCPC for its ability to assess, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack,” said Dale Thornton, President and CEO of Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

“This intense re-evaluation and refinement of heart care processes integrated the industry’s best practices and newest paradigms into Mercy Tiffin’s cardiac care services.”

As an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Mercy Tiffin ensures that patients who come to the Emergency Care Center complaining of chest pain or discomfort are given the immediate treatment necessary to avoid as much heart damage as possible. Protocolbased procedures developed by leading experts in cardiac care reduce time to treatment in the critical early stages.

Hospitals that have received SCPC accreditation to emphasize the importance of standardized diagnostic and treatment programs that provide more efficient and effective evaluation as well as more appropriate and rapid treatment of patients with chest pain and other heart attack symptoms.

They also 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.

“People tend to wait when they think they might be having a heart attack, and that’s a mistake,” said Dr. Fitzpatrick. “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.”

To Tiffin and the surrounding communities, Mercy Tiffin’s Chest Pain Accreditation 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 critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can be preserved Monitoring patients when it is not certain that they are having a heart attack to ensure that they are not sent home too quickly

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

March 2012

23

The Well-Booked Business

By Cathy Allen There are numerous ways to define success, and many of the authors whose works I have summarized in this column counsel business leaders to adopt a broad approach to their goals.

Some, including Jim Collins in Good to Great and Michael Gerber in The E-Myth Revisited have noted that mission achievement and a strong profit margin go hand in hand.

Marshall Goldsmith taught us that successful people often are so in spite of - rather than because of - personal flaws that are upsetting to others (What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.) By reading the biography of Steve Jobs (summarized here last month) together with this month’s book, I have been absorbed by the question of the relationship between personal mastery and business success.

Sure, Apple was massively profitable despite Jobs’ destructive behavior... but how successful might the company have been if he had attacked his team less and his business problems more?

I am now convinced that the highest of standards can only be achieved without personal destruction and other such ugliness. See if you don’t agree.

The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t, by Robert I. Sutton, Ph.D., Business Plus, Hachette Book Group, 2007 (Epilogue 2010.)

SUMMARY: People who behave badly cause havoc in the workplace.

In describing the damage and making the unequivocal case for zero tolerance, Professor Sutton consciously chooses a term which is a real attention-grabber because it is offensive to many. (He says euphemisms like jerk, bully, and tyrant are not adequate.) This is a pull-no-punches approach that is clear in its terms and proposes a very specific remedy: screen them out, address their behavior directly and clearly and get rid of them if they won’t reform. No exceptions, no excuses.

KEY LEARNINGS: • We should all have a civilized workplace, characterized by mutual respect among co-workers and between those who supervise and those who are supervised. Most people

who behave badly have no idea how they are affecting others. But the impact of their behavior cannot be and should not be ignored.

• Sutton defines an asshole as one who exhibits “the sustained display of hostile verbal and non-verbal behavior, excluding physical contact” and explains that their victims, usually those who are less powerful, come away from encounters feeling worse about themselves. To be known as “certified,” one must have a persistent pattern of such behavior. An important distinction is made between those who demean, belittle and otherwise intentionally inflict harm, and those who are merely decisive, demanding or firm in their convictions.

• When tolerated within organizations, mean-spirited people cause damage to their direct victims and also to those who witness the toxic behavior. Increases in employee turnover and absenteeism, diminished productivity, even theft are documented. Managers who bully underlings can scare off customers, though they are often unaware of the real reason for the loss. Sutton provides a tool for calculating the “Total Cost of Assholes” which includes loss of productivity, time spent appeasing victims and bystanders, legal costs, and reduced innovation.

• Proclaiming your workspace an “Asshole Free Zone” is an important step, but less important than enforcement. The rule must be implemented in the hiring process with screening tools and reference checks. When efforts to promote better behavior fail, employers must act quickly to protect the rest of the team and show the offender the door.

We must enforce the rule with customers and other visitors as well as with employees. Everyone in the organization must be empowered to confront destructive behavior at the time it occurs.

• First things first. If you want to have a civilized workplace, look in the mirror. Despite the best of intentions, we all have an “inner jerk” we can be completely obtuse about. There are strategies for remaining collegial personally: stay aware of all that you already have in order to reduce needless striving, pay attention to the signals you get about how others see you, and stay away from people who behave badly.

• It isn’t always possible to leave a job or otherwise extricate oneself from a situation where a bully co-worker or tyrannical boss is unchecked. Coping strategies include

1) change your point of view, 2) hope for the best and expect the worst, 3) cultivate emotional detachment, 4) look for small victories, 5) limit your exposure, 6) focus on helping or supporting others, 7) confront them directly on carefully-chosen matters of substance, and 8) call their bluff.

• In a chapter the author resisted writing, he relates and responds to a persistent belief that asshole behavior can have its proper place. After considering evidence of an up side, Sutton concludes that tolerance is “not worth it.” The destruction to the psyche, collegiality, creativity and productivity of others is too damaging to the overall effort. He also counsels against confusing “in spite of” success with “because of” success.

• The author’s study of efforts to eliminate demeaning behavior in the workplace produces several important lessons, including: 1) one bad apple overwhelms many others, 2) talk is cheap, implementation is what counts, 3) little moments matter, 4) sometimes a negative example is useful, 5) enforcement of the rule is ncbj1111AHAC.pdf 11/2/11 11:18:48 AM everyone’s responsibility, 6) all people, even jerks, are motivated by a keen

desire to avoid embarrassment, and 7) look in the mirror before pointing fingers.

• Three years after the book was first published, and seven years after an article of the same title appeared in Harvard Business Review, Sutton added a final chapter reflecting on lessons learned since publishing his thesis under such an outrageous title.

He cautions readers to be very certain they are innocent before casting aspersions on others, especially if they plan to use the explosive “A-word.”

He reports on successful deployments of the rule and concludes by assuring us he is even more convinced that those who are confronted with workplace assholes must act decisively and quickly.

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

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24 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

Insurance Now is Not the Time to Drop or Lower Your Insurance Coverage Submitted by: Mark T. Reilly The economy is still recovering from the recent recession, and employers continue to experience budget pressures. The first reaction is always to cut back, and in some instances this can be a wise decision. But one area that should never be impacted by the budget is insurance coverage.

In fact, when budgets are tight, having proper insurance coverage is more important than ever.

Insurance Based

on

Budget

Dropping or lowering your coverage may seem like a smart or even necessary move when faced with low funds. However, dropping or lowering coverage exposes your company to the risk of greater financial hardship when you can least afford it. If you don’t think you can afford insurance coverage, then how could you possibly afford a claim or loss? Right now would be the worst time for a significant business interruption or financial hardship – it could be catastrophic for your company.

A smarter option may be to increase your coverage. For many commercial lines, the prices are currently very low, so it could be an optimum time to purchase more coverage. In addition, underwriters do not like to see gaps in coverage. If you drop or lower your coverage now due to monetary concerns, your premiums may well be higher when you resume your normal coverage level.

Risk Management Not only does lowering coverage expose your company to greater risk from a claim, it can also expose your company to possible lawsuits. For instance, if you lower and raise your coverage level year to year based only on price and then have a claim for which you aren’t fully covered, shareholders or claimants could sue you for negligence because the company did not have a strategic risk management program in place.

Employers should develop a risk

management plan based on what their company needs and applicable to all lines of coverage, and it is important to follow it regardless of budget.

Special Considerations Certain types of coverage, such as Employment Practices Liability (EPL) and Director & Officer Insurance (D&O), become even more vital in a tough economy. If your company is laying people off, there is always the risk of someone suing for discrimination or wrongful termination – this makes your EPL coverage essential. Or, if the company takes a big loss or is struggling, shareholders and stockholders are likely to blame the board of directors.

It’s important to retain appropriate D&O coverage in case of a lawsuit.

Employee Benefits It can also be tempting to make cuts on the employee benefits side when the company is tight for funds.

However, employee retention is more important than ever. In order to retain your best employees, your benefits need to remain competitive and valuable. Though employees may not quit now, if they aren’t happy they may leave and go somewhere else once the economy improves.

Keeping your top employees is essential for your company to remain strong or bounce back from a weak period. Rather than cutting benefits, now would be a good time for increased employee education, creative plan design options and considering a consumer-driven alternative.

To discuss smart but viable ways to retain your coverage and protect your company, contact Mark Reilly of Diversified Insurance Service at (800) 848-2788 or visit their website at www.divinsurance.com.

www.ncbj.net

Scientists Formulate Research Program to Assess Impacts of Wind Power Development on Migratory Birds and Bats near Lake Erie Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) hosted a meeting on February 14 and 15 to expand a local and regional partnership of agencies, universities, and organizations investigating bird migration and the ramifications of operating wind power turbines near critical stopovers for migratory birds like the marshes, woods, and fields along western Lake Erie. Scientists, wildlife agencies and organizations like BSBO are concerned about the impact of poorly sited wind turbines on northwest Ohio’s large population of Bald Eagles, the thousands of swans another waterfowl that live and feed in the marshes, and the millions of small songbirds that rely on the Lake Erie Marsh region as a “rest stop” before and after crossing our Great Lake during their international travels.

Therefore, the Observatory’s Research Director, Mark Shieldcastle, organized and facilitated the meeting of scientists to build on recent studies by individual biologists. The group of experts participating at the meeting at Black Swamp Bird Observatory’s office included representatives from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Bowling Green State University, University of Toledo, Ohio State University, The Nature Conservancy, Pelee Island Bird Observatory, Winous Point Marsh Conservancy, and Old Bird Inc., a nonprofit organization specializing in acoustic monitoring of avian flight calls.

Many of the participants updated the group on various projects they have been working on in the Great Lakes region. The group then discussed the most effective ways of incorporating additional radar units into a that also includes less expensive research methods such as banding, point counts, and acoustic monitoring. The concerted efforts will help scientists and policy makers to better understand how and where birds and bats are using the airspace along the shores of Lake Erie during their nocturnal migration.

Because so many migratory birds stop along the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Region, nearly 64,000 birdwatchers were estimated to have visited northwest Ohio last spring alone. Based on post-event data from the 2011 “Biggest Week in American Birding” festival, bird-related tourism may have contributed 30 to 40 million dollars to the local economy last year.

Ultimately the scientific work to be done this year by the diverse group of scientists who met in Oak Harbor last week will begin to answer whether the recommended buffers along Lake Erie are enough to prevent irreparable harm to the recent increase in the area’s eco-tourism - an economic engine that relies on the continued well being of the large numbers of migratory songbirds, waterfowl, and eagles who also love to visit and live by Ohio’s Great Lake.

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

March 2012

25

Memorial Hospital Invests $6.7 Million to Enhance Technology at Facilities Memorial Hospital is currently in the midst of a long-term, $6.7 million project that will enhance technology at the hospital and its associated facilities.

This technology improvement initiative has been nicknamed “Project ASPIRE” (Achieve Safety and Productivity by Improving Quality and Reducing Errors); it will focus on replacing and upgrading the hospital’s entire data network and nearly every application.

Project ASPIRE involves replacing network, server and desktop hardware, as well as upgrading software and moving most application services to a state-of-the art hosted service. These improvements will have a myriad of benefits for patients, physicians and hospital associates.

According to Dustin Hufford, Memorial Hospital

Chief Information Officer (CIO), “Critical information, such as medication history, patient identifiers, drug interactions, allergies and other key protected health information (PHI) will be available electronically at the fingertips of our clinicians.”

Attending physicians and other health care providers will also have easier, mobile access to crucial patient care data. “As a result of Project ASPIRE, health care providers at Memorial Hospital will have instant, unfettered access to important patient data – such as test results, x-ray or CT images, and much more - from anywhere in the world,” said Hufford. “It will be accessible via laptops, smart phones, tablets and any other network capable devices; however, the data will remain completely secure.”

Essentially, Project ASPIRE will benefit patients by allowing clinicians and hospital associates to spend less time searching and verifying records and more time caring for patients.

“The new systems being put into place at

Memorial Hospital are creating an automated, efficient process for maintaining medical records.

The automation will allow for quicker turn around times when tests and medications are ordered electronically for patients; it will also feature an alerting system for patient allergies, drug interactions and other critical findings,” said Hufford.

The project is more than an upgrade, though; it is a complete replacement of the majority of the hospital’s network infrastructure, which will create a higher speed, more efficient system. “The new network at Memorial will transmit data approximately 1,000 times faster than your home Internet connection,” said Hufford. “Also, many fewer network devices will be required to store and transmit information than were previously needed, creating a simpler, more easily supported network.”

Project ASPIRE was initiated in November 2011.

The targeted completion of the $6.7 million project is April 2013.

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26 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

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Human Resources Job Descriptions impact your bottom line!

By Steven J. Krisfalusy Managing Partner Human Resource/Business sions SJK Beringer Group, Inc.

Divi-

For the past decade, many businesses primary focus has been on the bottom line and or simply surviving.

Unfortunately a key element for small business growth & development has been pushed down on the TDL over that time period – the Human Element - People & Organizational Development. (O.D.) Now that business opportunities are popping up to grow the business the need or reliance on those key elements (Human) are more critical than ever. Many businesses are finding it not only difficult to find good people but the inefficiencies of their existing staff have been more visible.

Part of the solution is to consistently

invest in the Human Element segment of the business even if that amount is nominal.

Consistent investment (even low) will reap a better ROI. The interconnections between people and a business’s success cover a wide range of initiatives and are often complex. So where do you start with a small budget?

A great place to start is with a simple-very affordable solution that can make a world of difference to help your bottom line quickly: Creating/writing/updating the right job descriptions.

Here is how it all ties in: • Job Descriptions: A good-clear job description that is updated and that addresses all of the key areas brings clarity to each individual. Two key segments should address what their responsibilities are & what authority they have. A good job description template will make a world of

difference and there are many poor variations being used today.

Benefit/ROI: Enables & empowers people to not only work more productively but also allows them to think more independently within a disciplined framework.

• Proper roll out & connection to the org. chart: Just drafting a job description and handing it off will actually reduce the benefits/ROI. Rolling it out properly to get the person on board will help ensure the desired end result. Combing these efforts will further increase success & the ROI. Benefits/ROI: By updating your org. chart & job descriptions you will increase people’s comfort levels quicker; resulting in them being more productive quicker; ultimately improving the bottom line sooner.

• Moral: When people have a good understanding of the expectations along with their responsibilities and

authority, their attitude automatically improves. People are hardwired with the desire to be productive & succeed.

It is up to theirs leaders to set them up for success not just expect they will on their own. Teamwork versus silo’s!

Benefit/ROI: It is a proven fact that when moral is high and people are motivated that automatically hits the bottom line in a number of ways: they do a better job; increased productivity and time savings.

We hope you take away one nugget of knowledge that you will apply from this article and that is that there is a direct connection between good HR practices and the bottom line.

Submitted by Steven J. Krisfalusy, Managing Partner, Human Resource/ Business Divisions, SJK Beringer Group, Inc. , “Managing Business and Controlling IT”(440) 356-3636, ext.222; www.sjkberinger.com

Old Fort Bank to Open New Financial Center The Old Fort Banking Company announced that is has received approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the State of Ohio for its application to open a new financial center in Sugarcreek Township. The new office has been built at 6430 Wilmington Pike in Sugarcreek Township and marks the opening of the bank’s tenth financial center and first in Greene County.

Old Fort Bank anticipates the new Sugarcreek office will open for business in April of 2012.

“The FDIC and State approval of our branch application for Sugarcreek indicates that the Old Fort Bank is a strong, stable and secure financial institution, with a solid history of community reinvestment,” stated Michael C. Spragg, President and CEO of The Old Fort Banking Company. “We are pleased that Old Fort now has the opportunity to bring community banking to Greene County and Sugarcreek Township,” said Spragg.

The Old Fort Banking Company was established by local business men in Old Fort, Ohio, in 1916.

Since that time, the bank has expanded beyond Seneca, to Sandusky, Wood and Hancock counties, taking its philosophy of community banking and personalized service to these markets. The bank, currently at $400 million in assets and over $330 million in deposits, is the largest community bank in Seneca County and holds a five-star (Superior) Bauer Financial Bank rating.

“Old Fort Bank has grown primarily by investing back in the communities in which we do business,”

said Spragg. “We provide clients with direct access to local decision making and offer state-of-the art technology. Sugarcreek is a growing and vibrant community whose residents share many of the characteristics that our current clients in Seneca, Sandusky, Wood and Hancock counties have, including a strong work ethic and family values, along with pride in their community. We believe that Sugarcreek Township will appreciate the kind of personalized service and product offerings we provide at Old Fort Bank. We have locally-based service and offer the technology that the large regional and mega-banks offer. It is a win-win situation for our retail and business clients,” said Spragg.

In addition to local community banking, the new location will soon employ approximately seven full and part-time jobs to Sugarcreek Township. In addition to a financial center manager, new account representative, and tellers, two commercial bankers and a commercial lending assistant will be employed at the new location.

Old Fort Bank has constructed the 4,000 square foot financial center in conjunction with local developer Mills Morgan. The facility includes a traditional bank lobby, two drive-up teller lanes, and a drive-up ATM, as well as a conference room.

“We look forward to establishing new personal and business banking relationships

in Sugarcreek Township,” said Spragg. “In addition to providing a variety of checking and savings accounts, Old Fort Bank remains as ready as ever to provide loans to creditworthy individuals and businesses, just as we have in the past. There is no credit crunch to be found at The Old Fort Banking Company.”

The Old Fort Banking Company is an independent community bank that provides a comprehensive line of banking services to both individuals and businesses. Old Fort has full service financial centers in Bettsville, Clyde, Findlay, Fostoria, Fremont, Old Fort, and Tiffin as well as a Mortgage Loan Production Office located at 65 South Progress Drive in Xenia. Additional information about The Old Fort Banking Company may be accessed online at www.oldfortbank.com.

North Coast Business Journal

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Erie County Economic Development Corporation Announces New Officers The Erie County Economic Development Corporation held its annual meeting and dinner earlier this year at Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Sandusky, Ohio. At this annual meeting of Directors the nominations were accepted and approved for the following individuals to serve as Officers of ECEDC. The Officers are as follows: President, Ted Kastor, Janotta & Herner, Vice President, William Balzer, BGSU Firelands College, Secretary, Doug Phares, Sandusky Register, and Treasurer, James Miller, Citizens Bank.

It was announced at the meeting that Ron Parthemore of Strategic Planning Solutions would lead ECEDC’s fundraising efforts over the next few months.

Following the meeting, Peter Zaehringer, Executive Director, of Erie County Economic Development Corporation, gave a presentation on “Economic Transformation in Erie County.”

The Keynote Speaker for the evening was Mr. Thomas Waltermire, Chief Executive Officer of Team Northeast Ohio (Team NEO). He shared his presentation, “Erie County EDC & Team NEO - Partners in Growing Jobs Now .”

Magruder’s Nuclear Medicine Service Passes Unannounced Inspection Magruder Hospital’s nuclear medicine service, located in the hospital’s imaging department, recently underwent a routine unannounced inspection by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The purpose of these periodic inspections is to make sure activities authorized by a hospital’s license are being conducted safely and in accordance with ODH rules and regulations. The inspection consists of selective examinations of procedures and representative records, standards compliance, interviews with personnel, a tour of the department, demonstrations and observations of activities in progress.

“Our nuclear medicine service was found to be operating in full compliance with all ODH standards,” said Linda Badamy, Director of Imaging Services for Magruder. “We were commended for our organization of records and passed the inspection with no citations.”

Magruder Hospital Recruits Internal Medicine Physician Magruder Hospital recently recruited Dr. Brenda Perryman to join the hospital’s medical staff as an Internist. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences from Case Western Reserve and her medical degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

She completed both her internship and residency at Mt. Sinai Medical Center of Cleveland. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She has over 25 years of medical experience.

Dr. Perryman’s medical career began with Kaiser Permanente in both ER and Urgent Care. She worked as Internist at the Glenville Health Association and in private practice in Cleveland and Bucyrus. She is a member of the American Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Association and the Cleveland Medical Association.

March 2012

27

GenoaBank Names Swiech New VP, Chief Complaince Officer GenoaBank, a locally owned, independent, community bank, today announced Jennifer Swiech’s appointment as new Vice President – Chief Compliance Officer.

“Her legal experience certainly proves her qualified to fill the role of Vice President – Chief Compliance Officer,” said Martin P. Sutter, GenoaBank President.

“I am pleased to have Ms. Swiech aboard and am confident she will be a great asset to our team!”

Working from the Genoa branch, Swiech will be responsible for overseeing the bank’s compliance, security and audit departments.

Swiech, a Sylvania, Ohio resident, earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University; graduating Cum Laude and her Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law. She is a member of the Ohio, Michigan, Toledo and American Bar Associations. Swiech also enjoys giving back to her community; she is an active member of St. Joe’s Catholic Church in Sylvania, Ohio, a volunteer for the Juvenile Court Pro Bono Clinic, and a participant in the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure.

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28 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

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EHOVE Board Member earns OSBA Award

Old Fort Bank Promotes Mike Daniel

Dr. Paul R. Lockwood II, a Board of Education member of EHOVE Career Center and North Point Educational Service Center, will be presented with the Ohio School Boards Association’s Award of Achievement at the association’s regional spring conference on Thursday, March 15.

The Award of Achievement is given to school board members in recognition of their commitment to training and leadership activities on their boards of education, and region and statewide OSBA activities.

In its 57th year, OSBA leads the way

Michael C. Spragg, President and CEO of The Old Fort Banking Company, is pleased to announce that Mike Daniel has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

“Mike’s leadership, proficiency and strategic responsibilities have proven to be a tremendous asset to the company. We are pleased to recognize his achievement and value his commitment to the Old Fort Banking Company.” stated Michael Spragg.

Daniel began his Old Fort Bank career in 1998 serving as the bank’s auditor. He became the Investment Officer in 2003, in 2005 was promoted to Chief Financial Officer and in 2008

to educational excellence by serving Ohio s public school board members and the diverse districts they represent through superior service and creative solutions.

EHOVE Career Center is a leading career tech school in Milan Township. This high school and adult education facility draws students from a variety of locales, and serves multiple school districts in 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, a specific career, or the military. For more information, go to www.EHOVE.net or call 419-499-4663 x232.

he was promoted to Senior Vice President. “I am pleased to be a part of a true community bank and a member of the Old Fort Bank’s senior management team. I look forward to the bank’s continued success,” stated Daniel. His office is located at the Tiffin Westgate Financial Center at 634 West Market Street.

Daniel holds a Master of Business Administration from Heidelberg College and is a Certified Public Accountant. He received his Bachelors Degree from Tiffin University in 1993.

A lifelong native of Tiffin, he resides with his wife Annie and their four children Christopher, Frazier, Bridget and Robert. He is actively involved in the community serving on the Ritz Theatre Board, the Tiffin Mercy Hospital Finance Committee and serves as Treasurer for the Tornado Athletic Board.

Plastic Surgeon Achieves Second Board Certification Dr. Sabbagh Earns Gregory Surfield, MD, FACS, plastic and reconstructive surgery, was recently awarded board certification in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Surfield is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and American Board of Surgery, he completed his Bachelor of Science in only two years from the University of Akron and completed his medical education from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine (NEOUCOM).

Dr. Surfield completed five years of medical residency in general surgery at Summa Health Systems in Akron and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

A growing body of research suggests that Board Certified physicians deliver higher quality care than

non-certified physicians.

By choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc., you can be assured that the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school and has completed at least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This includes a minimum of five years of residency training in all areas of surgery, including at least two years devoted entirely to plastic surgery. Certification is a voluntary process a surgeon seeks after this training. To become certified, the doctor then must pass comprehensive written and oral exams.

ABPS is one of the 24 specialty boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

It is the only ABMS board which certifies in the full spectrum of the specialty of plastic surgery of the entire body. That is, plastic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, trunk and extremities.

Board Certification Ahmad F. Sabbagh, MD, Endocrinologist, Firelands Physician Group, has successfully earned his Board Certification in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

Dr. Sabbagh completed his medical education at Aleppo University in Aleppo, Syria and his residency at Cleveland Clinic Health System – Huron Hospital. He completed a fellowship of Endocrinology at the University of Cincinnati and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Clinical Lipidology and Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. He sees patients at the Firelands Regional Medical Center Endocrine & Diabetes Center for Advanced Care, located on the campus of Firelands Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Sabbagh provides patients with general endocrine care including, but not limited to Thyroid Disorders, Adrenal Disorders, Pituitary Disorders, Osteoporosis, Lipid Management, Obesity, Metabolic

Syndrome, Diabetes – prevention & management, Vitamin D status, Male & Female reproductive system.

ABIM works to enhance the quality of healthcare by certifying internists and subspecialists who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care.

A growing body of research suggests that Board Certified physicians deliver higher quality care than noncertified physicians.

Board Certification demonstrates to the public that physicians have met the highest standards of internal medicine and its subspecialties. Board Certification is voluntary and includes an exam that tests a physician’s ability to diagnose and treat patients with a broad range of conditions.

Dr. Sabbagh is a member of Firelands Physician Group, a multi-specialty group providing primary care & specialty care services to the surrounding region, and is on the medical staff at Firelands Regional Medical Center

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Magruder Hospital Appoints New Vice President of Nursing

Magruder Hospital recently appointed Kathy Durflinger, RN, as the hospital’s Vice President of Nursing. She has been the Interim Vice President of Nursing since June of 2011 in addition to serving in her role as the hospital’s Director of Performance Improvement and Risk Management.

Durflinger graduated from the St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing where she earned the Lori Grenich Award for clinical excellence.

She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Tiffin University and is on-track to earn her Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Healthcare Administration this May. She is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management by the American Hospital Association and a Certified Nurse in the Operating Room by the Association of Operating Room Nurses.

Durflinger and her husband Richard live in Huron. They have 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren.

North Coast Business Journal

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30 March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

Iracema Arevalo M.D. Wins Mary Miller Hayes Leadership Award The 2012 Memorial Hospital Mary Miller Hayes Leadership Award will be presented to Iracema Arevalo, M.D., which will be formally given to her on March 9 at the Memorial Hospital Celebrating Women & Wellness annual signature event at the Fremont Country Club. This year, the event features humorist Kay Frances’ program “The Funny Thing About Stress.”

According to Marianna Snavely, director of education at Memorial Hospital and nominator of Dr. Arevalo, “Dr. Arevalo is both a heroic physician, and a dynamic leader. She is a passionate care-giver and a highly skilled, extremely knowledgeable professional who has saved many lives due to her relentless focus on the well-being of her patients. She has an unwavering commitment to the holistic care of a patient,

seeing patients through her heart. She lives and breathes to heal the mind, body and soul, while always treating patients with her incredible medical expertise.”

Dr. Arevalo checks out a patient.

Dr. Arevalo is a board certified pediatric infectious disease specialist – only one of approximately 50 such specialist in the State of Ohio. She received her medical education from the Cayetano Heredia University of Lima, Peru.

Dr. Arevalo’s residency training in pediatrics took place at Lincoln Medical Center, Cornell University of New York. She completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology at University School of Medicine in New York.

Dr. Arevalo has lived in Fremont for five years with her husband Otto and their daughter Andrea. She has been on staff at Memorial Hospital since 2007, and has served as the hospital’s medical director of pediatrics since 2009.

www.ncbj.net

Memorial Hospital Physician Earns Pediatric Certification Memorial Hospital physician Iracema Arevalo recently became board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in pediatric infectious disease. Dr. Arevalo is also board certified in general pediatrics.

Pediatric infectious disease specialists (PIDS) care for recurring or persistent diseases caused by an infectious agent such as bacteria, fungus, parasite or other rare infections. Some conditions treated by PIDS specialists include respiratory infections, bone and joint infections, tuberculosis (TB), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis, meningitis, children born with sexually transmitted diseases and more.

According to Wes Oswald, Memorial Hospital Interim CEO, “Having a board certified pediatric infectious disease physician at Memorial Hospital is unique for a community of our size. Dr. Arevalo’s specialty care, in collaboration with the quality care provided by local pediatricians and family physicians, will ensure that more children can remain in Fremont for the duration of their care.”

March 2012

North Coast Business Journal

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31

Kokinda joins Ottawa County Health Department

professionalism.”

The Ottawa County Health Department welcomes Diane M. Kokinda to its staff as the new Director of Nursing.

Kokinda, a Port Clinton resident, began working with the department earlier this year. She oversees a number of the programs including those with emphasis on family planning, home care and community outreach focused on services for teens.

“She’s jumping in with both feet,” said Ottawa County Health Commissioner Nancy Osborn. “She fits into the mix and she has a good sense of humor along with the

A Danbury High School graduate, Kokinda earned her registered nursing degree at the University of Toledo, Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. She graduated Summa Cum Laude. Kokinda has worked for several other area agencies including Home Instead Senior Care, Toledo Hospital and Magruder Hospital. However, she has spent the majority of her nursing career at Firelands Community Hospital in Sandusky, where she was employed as a post anesthesia care unit registered nurse from 1992 to present.

“My first love has always been patient care at the bedside,” said Kokinda.

But family dynamics are changing, Kokinda explained.

She is married to Rich Kokinda. The couple has two sons, Zach and Jake, a freshman and seventh-grader respectively.

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North Coast Business Journal

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Serving the Community COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT 2011

SAVING LIVES

QUALITY CARE Emergency Department Visits.................... 18,212 Inpatient Admissions ................................... 2,476 Inpatient/Outpatient Visits ........................ 82,261 Surgery Procedures ..................................... 4,455

For more than 90 years, Memorial Hospital has been serving the

Lab Tests .............................................. 1,190,715

local community. As we continue to be a non-prof it organization

Physical Therapy Treatments ................... 107,573

that is dedicated to making Sandusky County a better place to live,

Diagnostic Imaging Procedures ................. 39,440

the hospital accounts for a total economic impact to the community

Pain Management Patients ........................ 11,644

of more than $155

Home Health Care Visits .............................. 7,803

million. In addition to the economic benefit

to our community, Memorial Hospital provides essential services

Hospice Visits............................................. 14,264

that educate, save lives, and keep Sandusky County healthy.

HealthLink Visits ........................................ 17,556 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

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Over 150 physicians on staff, with more than 100 specialists

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13 bay Emergency Department, completely renovated in 2010

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Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital Women’s Diagnostic Center, opened in 2010

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Weitzel-Kern Surgery Center, opened in 2001

Charity/Uncompensated Care ............$8.9 Million

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Herbert-Perna Center for Physical Health, opened in 2007

Capital Investments ............................$2.7 Million

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Inpatient obstetric and pediatric care

Utility Payments .................................$1.1 Million

Nationally recognized and accredited home health, diagnostic imaging and cancer services

Dollars Spent Locally ........................$10.4 Million

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Mobile Meals............................................. 14,069 Total Volunteer Hours ................................ 35,453 Total Payroll and Benefits..................$31.1 Million

memorialhcs.org