North Coast Business Journal - November 2010

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

NOVEMBER 2010 Vol. 16 No. 11

FOCUS ON TIFFIN

INSIDE THIS MONTH MARKETING: Public Relations .2

The City of Tiffin From the Mayor, James W. Boroff

LEGAL: Protect Your Pet .......... 12

IT: E-mail Advice ........................ 15

SALES: Whose Shoes Are You Walking In? ..... 21

ESTATE: Dealing with Dividends 23

TAXES: 2010 Health Reform Changes ........... 24

WELL-BOOKED BUSINESS ........ 26

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

a series of expansions through the last thirty years, the hospital simply outgrew its old location. The new facility is situated Despite the recent on a spacious campus at the west end of downturn in the Tiffin. economy, the City of Built with the future in mind, there is Tiffin is definitely taking plenty of room for growth of hospital great strides and making facilities, while at the same time affording progress in a variety of a “woods-like” environment with areas. proposed walking paths and tree stands.

A good example of this Advances are also taking place in the progress is the retail sector. A new Lowe’s store has just unprecedented growth opened at the west end of town, directly in our educational institutions. Tiffin is across from the new hospital on the site blessed with being home to two institutions of higher learning, Heidelberg College and Tiffin University. Both colleges have enrollments that are all time highs with far more than 2,000 students in residence, total. These educational institutions are among our largest employers, and between them, it is estimated that more than $60 million is pumped into the local economy in terms of wages and spending each year.

What is even more encouraging is that both Tiffin University and Heidelberg College are launching extensive development projects including sports facilities and dormitories. The impact of these projects on the community will be a huge positive, since both colleges are dedicated toward hiring local contractors and purchasing local goods and services whenever possible.

We are also proud of new developments on the healthcare front. The Mercy Health Care System just completed a $65 million hospital this last July. The older facility had served the community well, but after

of a previous department store which had essentially been abandoned. Recently, a new Wal-Mart opened just a half-mile away, and the old store has been acquired by an investment group interested in turning that property into retail and commercial space. All in all, we anticipate an explosion of development once the economy turns around.

Things did look somewhat bleak in January, however, for employees of the American Standard company, a long-time employer of generations of workers.

Having gone through about a dozen years of attrition, downsizing the facility from about 850 workers to the then 180, the parent company announced that they

Continued on Page 3

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

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

Vermilion Chamber of Commerce

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

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November 2010

North Coast Business Journal

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Public Relations – You’re Going to Have Them.

Whether You Manage Them or Not

By Jeffrey H. Bryden, Editor

or lawsuits. Being used only in a defensive mode severely limits the Public Relations full potential of this promotional is a mass discipline. communications Smart companies seek to utilize tool with high public relations primarily in a credibility. It can proactive way. They make sure it’s help craft and part of their corporate culture. While maintain your a strong defense is important, it’s a corporate or good offense that usually wins the product image. communications game.

These But you’ll usually companies make sure that the PR staff find it toward the has defined corporate communications bottom of the “Promotion” budget objectives, that strategic plans are in caption. It often tends to be one of place to accomplish them, and that those “when-we-get-around-to-it” realistic budgets are established. chores.

They make sure they staff this Often, when it IS used, public responsibility with someone trained relations is a reactive or defensive in public relations, an educated and tool, to fend off negative rumors of experienced practitioner. They don’t layoffs, mergers, product defects or foist this important area off on their recalls, to defend corporate actions, or spouse’s niece or nephew. explain job-related accidents, mishaps Smart managers know that establishing and maintaining good relations with their firm’s publics is key to current and future business success. And as you look toward your own public relations goals, remember to “The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, consider all of your Sandusky and Seneca Counties” various publics: 205 S.E. Catawba Road, Suite G, prospects and current Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 customers, present and 419-734-4838 • Fax 419-734-5382 future employees, present and future Publisher JOHN SCHAFFNER s h a r e h o l d e r s , Editor JEFFREY H. BRYDEN legislators, agencies, jbryden@ncbj.net officials at local, state and federal levels, the Director of Sales DAVE KAHLER dkahler@ncbj.net media, and the local citizens of the towns in Accounting Manager CINDY CONSTIEN which you manufacture cindy@thebeacon.net or do business.

Layout & Graphic Design JENNIFER DAUBEL There are many tools jdaubel@thebeacon.net practitioners can bring ANGIE ADAIR to bear on these publics. angie@thebeacon.net • Publicity Releases Circulation Manager BRUCE DINSE (news) about the company’s products North Coast Business Journal is owned and published monthly by Schaffner Publicaand people can help tions, Inc., and is mailed free to chamber of commerce members in a five-county area: build an innovative, Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties. growing image of the 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 company. And wellform without the expressed, written consent of the Publishers. crafted releases are We welcome submissions from readers in the form of letters, articles or photographs, welcomed by most 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 news media.

While envelope if you would like an item returned. We prefer material (copy & photos) to be “good news” stories submitted electronically.

sometimes bubble to the surface, the pr staff will often have to dig for news, seeking out promotions, product improvement, application, or human interest stories.

Here at the North Coast Business Journal we receive dozens of releases daily from area businesses and organizations. I think I’m being charitable when I say that only 20-30% are germane to our audience and are usable as submitted.

• Plant Tours can be a good way to “get ink” with newspapers and the trade press, allowing editors and reporters access to new product and new process information and to key people.

• Special Events are similar to Plant Tours. Open houses, groundbreaking, promotions, retirements and even birthday parties are important public relations activities which can impact and influence a variety of publics.

• Corporate Relations efforts can range from meeting with financial analysts, preparation of the Annual Report and shareholder quarterly newsletters, as well as handling all the details of the company’s annual meeting.

• Corporate Communications.

Being the “keeper of the flame” of the company logo, trademark and colors is often included in this department’s duties.

This often includes maintaining a “corporate style book,” monitoring business card, letterhead stationery, signage, and employment documents. And issuing press releases or warning letters to editors and the media about proper and improper use of company brands or copyrighted names. Corporate communications can also include speech writing/ editing for key executives – to assure continuity in statements about the company—and publication of an

employee newsletter.

• Digital and Electronic venues like creation and maintenance of the corporate website, videos, and PowerPoint presentations for corporate and public speeches.

• Charitable/Community Involvement often is handled by the PR staff. It is usually the company’s top management that is at the forefront of a company’s involvement in public service and their efforts must be both coordinated and visible – to maximize attribution to the corporation.

Sadly, with all the strengths that Public Relations can bring to the Marketing dance, it is often the communications “wallflower.” One reason is that its strengths are not recognized and that little effort, budget, or staffing is assigned to it.

Another reason is that the function is often a corporate or financial department duty and not the responsibility of the Marketing department. This makes it difficult to truly integrate it with the other promotional disciplines of advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, and direct marketing.

Once again, Public Relations is a mass communications tool with high credibility which can help craft and maintain your corporate or product image. And you’re going to have an image, whether you manage it or not.

“Give people a taste of Old Crow, and tell them it’s Old Crow. Then give them another taste of Old Crow, but tell them it’s Jack Daniel’s. Ask them which they prefer. They’ll think the two drinks are quite different.

They are tasting images.”

- David Ogilvy, Ogilvy on Advertising, 1985, New York: Vintage Books, p. 15.

Coming in December: Focus on Western Ottawa County

www.ncbj.net Continued from Cover would be closing their last plant in the United States at the end of last year.

Painful as it was for those who were directly affected, many, I am happy to say, have found other employment opportunities. Other industrial concerns in the area have been able to withstand the current economic situation so far, and a few are even gaining ground.

When I took office at the beginning of the year, the first thing that I did was to enumerate the various capital improvement projects that the city was ready to begin or were already in progress. Upon tallying the results, I found that here were almost two dozen major improvements being made to the city’s infrastructure.

Among the more noticeable endeavors will be the Federal Highway Fund projects that were secured for the city by the late Congressman Paul Gillmor. Back in 2005, he announced that Tiffin was the recipient of a little more than $5 million which are to be used to fund four specific projects.

419-595-4224

www.alvadaconstruction.com

North Coast Business Journal The first of these projects which will be completed next summer is the total rebuild of N. Sandusky Street, a main artery of the city which is accessed by thousands of vehicles a day. The second project is the widening of Greenfield Street and the re-engineering of the intersection of State Routes 18 and 101 at the Heidelberg College campus. When finished, this will not only make the area safer for college pedestrian traffic, but it will resolve a major traffic headache for automobiles and large vehicles alike. This project also includes enhanced brickwork and decorative lighting enhancing the beauty of the college area.

Another Heidelberg area project is the creation of a railroad quiet zone.

The CSX railroad line runs adjacent to the campus, and their seventysome trains per day can be annoying at times. Working with the Federal Rail Commission, we are hoping to use the third leg of Federal Highway Funds to build special crossing gates so as to minimize the need for locomotives to use their whistles at the three intersections on or near

Heidelberg’s campus.

The last of the federal projects will be a widening of Miami Street, a major truck route through the Tiffin University campus. The intent is to widen the street and install a tree lined median strip. Also, Jackson Street which previously intersected Miami will be converted to a cul-desac. By eliminating this intersection, pedestrian traffic will be much safer for the students.

Like the situation in most cities our size, Tiffin’s central business area has been in a state of decline for the past twenty years. In an effort to redefine the downtown area and find new purposes for the existing buildings, the city has contracted with the firm, KKG, who are experts in urban development and planning.

Under their guidance we now have a steering committee consisting of a cross section of citizens who are taking a detailed inventory of building stock, utility capacity, pedestrian and street traffic – anything that impacts the downtown area.

Once this process is complete, we will identify stakeholders in the

November 2010

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community who will include anyone who will be impacted by development in the business district. Their purpose will be to help in determining possible uses for existing buildings, placement and design of parks and parkways and suggestions for other long term development.

Our goal is to have a variety of potential projects of varying scale and then to market those projects to local investors, perhaps even forming limited liability corporations in order to jump start the rejuvenation efforts.

We’re confident, given the unique and varied 1800’s style of architecture – most of which is still in place – we can attract interest in these projects.

We know that Tiffin, like every other community across the country, will be facing some challenging situations throughout the next few months, but we are confident that the economy will turn around. It is our goal to be prepared to move forward with our vision of the future, and we will be doing everything possible to achieve those results.

Master of Business Administration Master of Education – Master of Humanities Master of Science in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Business Administration Bachelor of Criminal Justice Associate of Arts – Associate of Business Administration Associate of Criminal Justice 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 – 419.447.6442 – www.tiffin.edu

4 November 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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Tiffin HS Students Make a (Business) Difference As the economic downturn has affected the community of Tiffin, Ohio the students of Tiffin Columbian High School are trying to “Make a Difference,” by helping local businesses and organizations boost their business by offering free advertising designs. A $16,000 grant was awarded from the local Tiffin Charitable Trust foundation, entrusted

by The White Family Charitable Fund, to help the students of Columbian High School pursue this project. The students enrolled in Columbian teacher Elizabeth Humphrey’s commercial art, digital photography, and video technology courses will use their talents and creativity in designing advertising products that companies would find useful in promoting their businesses. These products range from designing or redesigning business cards, posters, flyers, video commercials, montages and/or photographs.

The students were split into small groups. Each group was asked to develop its own company name and logo to present to clients. They were

then given the freedom to research and choose a local business they felt would benefit from their advertising service. They then followed basic design processes by researching, creating thumbnail sketches, rough sketches, and final comprehensives or “comps” that are presented to the client.

One goal for this project was connecting adults with students. It was a great way to help the students build confidence and interpersonal skills. It also helped them in their future career choices; as the students were asked to make personal contact, set up and perform interviews, and present a project proposal to each client.

The final link to this project will be exposing the students to visiting real local advertising agencies.

This behind-the-scenes opportunity will give the students a chance to reflect and compare their own experiences to what is required to actually operate a business.

Throughout the experience the students of Tiffin Columbian High

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November 2010

5

Understanding Our Local Economy

By Rich Focht Director, SEIDC One of the best explanations that I have heard to describe how the economy works was developed by William “Bill” Fruth, who was the mayor of Tiffin in the early 80’s and later became President of POLICOM Corporation, an independent economics research firm located in Palm City, Florida, which specialized in studying the dynamics of local economies.

According to Fruth’s description, you need to imagine all of the wealth of a local economy is contained in a bucket. It swirls around and around, like being churned with a mixer. It goes from person to person, business to business, person to business, and is constantly moving. The money moves on and on and on. But there is a hole in the bucket and all the wealth of the local economy is leaking out. Every time you buy an automobile, a good share of your money is returned to Detroit or Tokyo or whoever made the car. Every time you purchase a shirt, buy a pair of shoes, make a utility payment, go on a vacation, pay your income taxes, money leaves the local economy and goes to the area which the product was made or the service performed. Money is constantly leaving the local economy like water that goes through the hole in the bucket.

So what can be done? The local economy needs to add money to its bucket, replenishing its supply, and filling the local economy with a fresh, rejuvenating supply of wealth, which enables the churning process to continue.

Money is imported to the area principally by the business activity of the primary industries located within the economy. A primary industry is one, which sells its goods or services outside the area, importing money to the local area. Primary businesses can be in several industrial sectors. When a farmer sells grain, money flows into the local economy. When a contractor builds a project in another area, money flows into the local economy.

When a university brings students in from another area, money flows into the local economy. When a manufacturer produces a product or service that it sells in another area, money flows into the local economy.

When a primary business is paid for

its goods or services, its workers are paid and the wealth enters the local economy. It is then mixed and churned; it moves and multiplies, until it is eventually consumed, and drained through the hole in the bucket. This churning process of wealth within the bucket generates most of the jobs for the residents as goods and services are consumed.

When a primary employer sells its products, it pays its workers. Through its payroll, local taxes paid, and local purchases, it has a positive or contributory impact on the local economy. The more dependable the flow of money into the local economy, the more consistent the economy.

A vast majority of all businesses are consumptive in nature. This means they are dependent upon and use the money flowing into the area. They include most retail stores, service companies, restaurants, banks, doctors and lawyers.

In the Midwest, we are trying to adjust to major shifts in our once dominant manufacturing industries.

From the bucket analogy one can see the impact on other businesses. All businesses are important and add to the overall standard of living in any given economy, but it is the businesses that are involved in primary industries that are critical to our economic health. Not many communities have been spared from the changes affecting our ability to adapt to the economic realities of our times. So, what do we do? Someone once asked the famous Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes how he won so often. Coach Hayes said it was talent, planning and hard work. You can out-work your opponent and have a better game plan and be successful. But, it is hard to beat talent coupled with the right plan and hard work. As we look to the region and many of our communities, we can certainly take stock of the great talent we have in all sectors of our economy: manufacturing, education, medicine, retail, finance, legal, agriculture, construction, to name a few. Regionally, cooperation is better than ever as we share ideas and plans for improving investment to stimulate the recovery. When it comes to hard work, our region is a proven winner!

According to Coach Hayes’ winning strategy, we have the ingredients of our own economic recovery.

In Tiffin and Seneca County, we are working to keep new investment

flowing into the local economy. Like • Highways: Seneca County has our region, our local economy has developed and adopted a plan for the been gifted with a number of talented improvement of state highways entrepreneurs and business and throughout the county. This plan also community leaders who are pulling includes new by-passes for Tiffin and together to couple careful planning Fostoria. Work has already begun on with hard work and our various the Jones Road overpass in Fostoria. resources to positively impact new • Environmental Clean-ups: In investment and economic opportunity. addition to the $1.3 million clean-up Here are just some of the examples: that Tiffin University is doing on the • Education: Tiffin University is former junk yard, the City of Tiffin undergoing a $30 million capital has just recently completed another campaign to construct new dormitories $1.3 million clean-up of the former and athletic facilities in addition to glass house property. This property is recent “streetscape” improvements to to be sold to an adjacent distribution the campus. The University is business to allow for anticipated reclaiming a former junk yard with growth and new building construction.

EPA funds to develop land for these There is much more that is being improvements. Heidelberg University accomplished, but this gives a glimpse is undergoing similar campus of the diverse effort that is needed in transformation with the opening of today’s environment to make sure the Adams Hall for Business in that we are successful in creating new conjunction with a new dorm to open wealth in our local economy. It next year. Plans for new athletic requires the cooperation of public and facilities, in addition to those just private entities to insure the ground completed, are expected in the near work is prepared for opportunity future. Both universities continue to when it presents itself. It is important experience positive growth in student to remember the future belongs to enrollment. those who are bold in their actions • Manufacturing: Many local and diligent in the pursuit of their manufacturers report positive gains dreams. for this year and a number are hiring.

Special thanks to Bill Fruth and Another positive development is the POLICOM Corp. for their help in growing number of locally grown preparing parts of this article. entrepreneurs who are successfully growing their business in this sector.

• Tourism and Retail Development: An area of Family Owned and Operated Since 1933 opportunity lies in Tiffin’s downtown with Serving Commercial & Industrial Accounts its great array of historic In NW Ohio architecture.

Local dollars were raised to Specializing in: fund a $150,000 study to develop a cohesive STANDARD ARCHITECTURAL & MULTIstrategy for the COLOR COATINGS downtown and Sandusky WOOD FINISHING River that will include corridors to the VINYL WALLCOVERING university campuses.

“Tiffin Tomorrow,” a WATER REPELLENT COATINGS 501(c)3 not for profit has been formed to lead this TWO COMPONENT EPOXY & URETHANE effort to make Tiffin a SYSTEMS destination and the downtown a jewel.

WATER AND SAND BLASTING • Medicine: Mercy Hospital has recently “Professional Painting Pays” completed its $65 million construction and 419-332-1363 Toll Free 800-797-6252 expansion of its campus 446 N. Wood St., Fremont, OH 43420 with plans to continue www.maypainting.com its growth.

MAY PAINTING INC.

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November 2010

North Coast Business Journal

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An Open Letter from the Tiffin Chamber of Commerce From President John Detwiler Dear Chamber Members & Friends: As we begin our march to our centennial in 2014, it’s appropriate to reflect upon our progress during the past year. I would characterize 2010 as the year that we rebuilt our organization. As a result of your continuing support, as well as a return to business fundamentals we will finish the year in the black, a goal not always realized in the past. Since our last meeting, we added 40 new members to our ranks, implemented credit card processing and improved our value proposition through our alignment with Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC).

We initiated or collaborated in many programs this year. I’d like to take a few moments to share some of those with you.

• Business Visitations Getting to know our customers and their needs has and continues to be job 1. Early on, it was my personal goal to visit every member and nonmember business in the Tiffin a r e a

and I’m proud to say that the goal is essentially complete.

• Buy Local We implemented two important buy-local programs with our memberto-member coupons and most recently, our chamber gift certificate program in collaboration with Old Fort Bank.

• Holiday Lighting Santa’s path was well lit in 2009 as we returned holiday lighting to Downtown, absent for two years.

• Branding We are currently implementing an overall image and branding campaign and have already made dramatic improvements to our communications vehicles including e-mail marketing, newsletter and website. We also implemented social media during the period with our Facebook and Twitter pages. From a facility perspective we improved our display windows, thanks to the creativity of some of our retail members.

• Downtown Strategic Plan In collaboration with the City, County, SIEDC and others, we

completed the Downtown Strategic Plan and are presently working with the Tiffin Tomorrow group on its implementation.

• Downtown Tiffin Farmers’ Market We initiated the Downtown Tiffin Farmers’ Market which drove hundreds to each of our 4 market days. As a matter of fact, our final market of the year is on Saturday and we invite you to come down and see what the buzz is all about.

• Education Initiatives On the education front, we rolled out the Business Breakfast Break Series in collaboration with Tiffin University.

These early morning sessions provide refreshers on such topics as budgeting, marketing, coaching and customer service. A similar collaborative project with North Central Ohio Educational Service Center provided hands-on workshops in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks and Reporting & Budgeting.

We provided important learning opportunities for 8 University students through our intern program.

We are establishing and facilitating a Business/Education forum where

discussions of workforce preparedness take place between educators and business leaders.

• Legislative Initiatives On the legislative front, we are resurrecting the Seneca Highway Improvement Plan and are mounting an aggressive campaign to lobby for the improvement of our highway infrastructure in Seneca County.

Although we made significant strides this year it is but one step in a 4 year plan. We have much more to accomplish.

We’re currently evaluating a proposal to relocate our facility to what is known as the Bradley Building on West Market St. This location has been identified as a Gateway to Downtown in the Downtown Tiffin Strategic Plan. More to come on that project as we finalize the details.

As I’m sure you can see, our mission is multi-faceted. At times, we lead a project, at other times we support a project. But I can assure you that at all times we have the best interests of you, our members, in mind.

Thank you for your continuing support as we march toward our centennial.

Workshop to Highlight Federal Government SubContracting Opportunities SANDUSKY - Small business owners The U.S. Small Business are encouraged to attend a free Administration (SBA) will be workshop that will detail sub- participating in this workshop to explain the various SBA programs available to assist small businesses.

Robin Puppos will also be present to explain the services available to firms through the University of Toledo Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).

The workshop will be held from 1:00 contracting opportunities available pm to 3:00 pm on Friday, November through Test Facilities, Operations, 12, 2010, at the former Erie County Maintenance and Engineering Conservation League Building, (TFOME), a NASA prime contractor located on US Route 250 at Fox Road, responsible for the maintenance and Sandusky, Ohio. Seating for this operation of NASA’s Plum Brook workshop is limited, so please call Station in Sandusky, Ohio. TFOME is (419) 621-3244 as soon as possible to the new contractor in charge of make your reservation. facility management at NASA Plum For more information about all of Brook. TFOME has work available for the SBA’s programs for small qualified small businesses and will businesses, visit the SBA’s extensive have their Purchasing Manager on Web site at www.sba.gov (http://www. site on the day of the seminar. sba.gov/).

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“Radio is alive and well, thanks to the internet” This is according to the October 2010 issue of Better Homes and Gardens (page 26). This kind of mainstream publication plug is just what SenecaCountyRadio.com needs, according to Keith Hodkinson, President and General Manager of the Tiffin based operation.

“When I tell people what we do, they kind of the tilt their heads with a quizzical look” said Hodkinson.

“It’s simple. During the dark days of radio, companies like Clear Channel bought up all the small town radio stations across America. They took away all the local programming, networked everything and left the heartland with nothing but programming like Bob and Tom heard everywhere.” He added, “Cities like Tiffin and many others were proud of their radio stations that were owned and operated by people that lived in their communities. They had news that was written and produced locally. The morning shows were all local. We’re bringing that back via the only alternative left. The internet.”

But how can you listen?

“Today, most people listen to us via desktop or laptop computers. We can also be heard on Smartphones like Blackberry and Android based phones. Wireless (WiFi) desktop radios are available at our office that will allow you to listen to us along with 11,000 free internet stations around the world” He added.” the last frontier for us will be the automobile. Ford Motor Company already has its Microsoft-designed Sync system that allows Smartphones to be instantly heard on a car’s speakers. Subaru, Toyota, GM, Ford and others ALL have In-Car Internet Radio systems on their front burners in the next year or two.”

Persons that log onto www. senecacountyradio.com find themselves at the doorway of many options, all free. WTSC (not call letters, but Hodkinson’s acronym for Wonderful Tiffin and Seneca County) give the listener 24 hours of CD quality music of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today. Because Hodkinson has tabbed the station Your Community Radio Station, most products utilize

the Your emblem. YourMorning! is heard Monday thru Friday 6am-9am.

Hodkinson and longtime newscaster Frank Barber present news, entertainment, interviews that are all in some way connected to Tiffin and Seneca County. YourNews! gives a short daily local newscast.

YourWeather! is a current up-to-theminute forecast exclusive to Tiffin, Fostoria, Attica and the area.

YourSports! presents two live high school football games each Friday night with a very competent crew consisting of Barber and Ken Egbert handling play by play duties and Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame Inductee Steve Gilbert and Wayne Stephens handling the color.

Basketball brings more of the same with former coach Paul Weaver and current Columbian women’s coach Larry Kissabeth helping out.

The audio from the radio goes hand in hand with the Web site. “We archive all our features so people can click on at any time and listen when their schedule permits,” Hodkinson added. Still on the menu are past football games, interviews with notables like John Kasich, Jeff Wagner, Ben Nutter and more.

The entire operation is advertisersupported. “The advantage of our radio operation over traditional terrestrial radio is that we can give our advertising clients definitive, quantitative data on how many people are logging on, when they’re logging on and more.” The station launched in mid-August and is already seeing very aggressive growth according to Hodkinson. In the month of September, over 6,000 logged on to www.senecacountyradio. com. “Advertisers that do business with the people of Seneca County should take a very serious look at us,” says Hodkinson. “The internet is here to stay. The future of local community radio will be part of it. Isn’t it wonderful to think that whether you move to Florida or Arizona in the winter months or you’re serving our country in the Mideast, you can listen to a crystal clear piece of hometown radio whenever you want to? Now -- that’s progress.”

November 2010

Another Reason to Believe in Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

Mercy Tiffin Welcomes

Pediatrician

to the community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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November 2010

North Coast Business Journal

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Promote it and They Will Come!

Submitted by Malinda Ruble, Executive Director Seneca County CVB Despite challenging economic times, the Seneca County Convention & Visitors Bureau has been very busy promoting the region to entice visitors to come to the area. Whether it was a result of our marketing efforts or events, visitors did come.

For example, in June, disc golfers and their families from all over the world came to Seneca County as part of the Professional Disc Golf Association’s World Championship, which took place in Tiffin, Marion, Delaware, Bucyrus and Upper Sandusky. The majority of the competition’s special events took place in Marion, but disc golfers traveled throughout the week to compete on courses in all five areas.

The Seneca County CVB worked hand in hand with the other CVBs to provide welcome bags, event and dining information, and information services to the disc golfers so they were able to explore the region.

Thanks to the hard work of local event planners in Marion and Tiffin, the championship was a huge success brining more than 500 visitors to the region. It was great to see people using the disc golf course at Hedges-Boyer Park and enjoying themselves.

In addition to working with groups, the Seneca County CVB enhanced several portions of the 2010

marketing efforts, which include print, radio and online media, to reach more visitors in 2010.

The marketing plan is implemented in conjunction with a public relations effort that utilizes the use of media press releases, presence at trade shows and direct mail to entice not only leisure travelers, but also groups to Seneca County.

One key component of the Seneca County CVB marketing efforts is the visitor guide, which was expanded this year to include a more comprehensive listing of all there is to see and do in the area.

The new guide also includes color-coded sections, an expanded section on Seneca County outdoor recreation and advertisements were relocated to the display area in each corresponding section.

However, the Seneca County CVB 2010 marketing efforts were not limited to print collateral. The CVB put forth a significant effort on creating a new website for the organization. The new website, which can be found at www.visitsenecacountyohio. com, offers a new look and updated information for visitors on attractions, dining, shopping, lodging and events.

And now Seneca County also has a presence in the social media, too. The social media is a great way to reach out to visitors and to promote upcoming events. For example, followers can find information on the upcoming Holiday Happening event, slated to take place Nov. 6-7 quickly and easily. To follow the Seneca County CVB just click

the Facebook like button at Visit Seneca County, Ohio or find us on Twitter.

And although 2010 is starting to wind down, there are many great changes expected for 2011 in Seneca County.

The new American Civil War Museum of Ohio, which has relocated from Bowling Green, is expected to open its doors in downtown Tiffin in early 2011. The museum, which is temporarily located at 207 S. Washington St., will offer a unique experience to visitors with its increased exhibit space, hands-on activities, research library and much more.

Also, the Enchanted Moment Doll Shoppe, Museum & Gallery also is expected to have an increased exhibit area available in 2011. The attraction, which opened in Tiffin one year ago, will expand from two rooms of exhibit space to seven. The attraction offers an outstanding, educational and fun tour of hundreds of unique dolls.

Both of these newly expanded attractions to the Seneca County area, as well as the variety of diverse events and festivals, make wonderful options for visitors to enjoy in Seneca County.

For more information on all there is to see and do in Seneca County, just call the Seneca County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 888-736-3221 or go to www.visitsenecacountyohio.com or find us on Facebook.

Safety Council Puts Focus on Water and Ice Safety

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Submitted by Jim Miranda, Manager Sandusky County Safety Council At its October meeting held at Ole Zim’s the Sandusky County Safety Council put the emphasis on water and ice safety, as they presented checks to the Sandusky County Water and Ice Safety Committee (SCWISC) and to the Sandusky County YMCA. A $1,000.00 check was given to Don Atkinson, Rice Township Supervisor and Chairman of the SCWISC to be used for the purchase of 36 “Danger” signs to be posted along the Sandusky River. This committee was formed last winter following the tragic drowning of three Fremont boys who fell through the ice on the Sandusky River, and is dedicated to preventing such incidents in the future.

Guest speaker Master Chief Aaron Zimmer, United States Coast Guard, a member of SCWISC, addressed the group with a program entitled “Cold Water Boot Camp” that included a demonstration of the effects of

hypothermia on the human body. Master Chief Zimmer will be making presentations on water and ice safety at elementary schools throughout Sandusky County during the months of November and December. This effort is being coordinated by The North Central Ohio Educational Service Center (NCOESC). NCOESC Superintendent Jim Lahoski and Marketing Director Kelly Hohman were in attendance.

YMCA Executive Director Denise Reiter and Fitness and Aquatic Director Jana Martin accepted a $776.96 check for the purchase of a water rescue training manikin and two water rescue tubes.

The 75-member Sandusky County Safety Council, one of 80 councils throughout the state of Ohio under the auspices of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, promotes safety in the workplace and in the community through safety-related programs presented at monthly meetings, and by offering incentives to its members for reduction in the number and frequency of lost-time injuries. For further information contact Jim Miranda at the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County, 419332-1591.

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

November 2010

9

CHAMBER CALENDARS for November Bellevue Chamber of Commerce 4

22

Monthly Luncheon Noon, Willows clubhouse

Erie County Chamber of Commerce 17

TBA

27

Small Business Start-up Workshop Free, but RSVP 1-800-826-2431 4

Directors Meeting, 7:00 pm Otterbein North Shore

18

Business After Hours, 5-7 pm Host: Ferguson’s Gallery

Business After Hours Corso’s Flower & Garden Center

Annual Dinner, 6:00 pm Genoa Fire Hall

26, 27 Genoa Merchants Holiday Open House Downtown Genoa

26

Business After Hours Verizon Wireless Store Huron Commerce Plaza RSVP, 5-7 pm Firelands Festival of Lights Lighting Ceremony & Ringing Swinging Auction Lodge at Sawmill Creek 5:30 pm Huron County Chamber of Commerce

4

18

Seminar on Internet Marketing/Social Media Noon -1:00 pm Ottawa County Resource Center Presented by WPCR Lunch will be provided Members free Non-members $7.00 Board Meeting 7:30 am, Chamber Building Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce

4

Business After Hours, 5-7pm United Way, Sutton Center

8

Chamber Board Meeting, 8 am

4

Program Committee, 8 am, Chamber office

12

Membership Committee, 8 am, Chamber office

10

Chamber of Commerce Foundation Meeting, 8:30 am

Education Committee, 8 am, Chamber office

15

Main Street Board Retreat Sutton Center, 3:00 -7:00 pm

18

Main Street Port Clinton Board Meeting, 8:30 am

17 18

Safety Council, all divisions, 7:30 am, Norwalk High School Distance Learning Center RSVP req’d Business After Hours LynMarie’s Coffee On Main Monroeville, 4:30-6:30 pm

19

Brown, Crane & Associates Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Noon-7 pm, Norwalk

22 23

Walleye Festival Committee Meeting @ Ida Rupp Library 5:00 pm

Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce 16

Agricultural Committee Meeting 7:30 am, Chamber office

19

Coffee & Contacts, 8:00 am Chamber office, Reservation Required

Chamber Ambassador Meeting 8 am, Chamber office

18

Chamber Board Meeting, 7:30 am, Chamber office

Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce 6, 7

10

Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce

Huron Chamber of Commerce 18

Deck the District, Downtown Norwalk Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Genoa Chamber of Commerce 11

Through December 9 Silent Basket Auction Benefit the Clothing Bank, Chamber office

17

Tiffin Holiday Happenings Refreshments, Door Prizes Lots of Fun! Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Sunday 12 noon - 5 pm Small Business Basics Seminar Chamber Conference Room, 9:30 - 11:30 am Info/reservations call: 800-826-2431 Business Breakfast Break Series, 7:45 am Soft Skills...

A Resume Isn’t Enough Tiffin University, #112 Hertzer $5 members $10 for non members Register 419-447-4141

23

info@tiffinchamber.com Cool Solutions & After Five Tiffin University Troy Vincent, VP Player Development, NFL “Developing to Your Full Potential”, 5 - 7 pm Safety Council, Carmie’s Grill & Bar, 11:30 am

Vermilion Chamber of Commerce 26-28 The Christmas Walk Downtown Vermilion Noon- to 5 pm Tour horse-drawn trolley 27

Santa arrives at Exchange Park by icebreaker -- 11:00 am Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Victory Park, 7:00 pm

27 – Santa Welcomes Children 12/18 Exchange Park, 11am-3pm

10 November 2010 North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

National Study Finds Firelands Regional Medical Center Number One in Ohio for Vascular Surgery Firelands Regional Medical Center in Top 5% in the Nation HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization, published a study today finding that Firelands Regional Medical Center is number one in the State of Ohio and among the top 5% in the nation for vascular surgery.

Ratings included the nation’s nearly 5,000 hospitals and examined mortality rates and complication rates from government quality data reported in 2007, 2008 and 2009. “Firelands Regional Medical Center recognizes that healthcare consumers are becoming more interested in and educated about quality outcomes,� says Patty Martin, Vice President of Quality & Patient Satisfaction at Firelands Regional Medical Center. “We are pleased to share that Firelands Regional Medical Center ranks best in

the state for vascular surgery.�

Specifically, Firelands Regional Medical Center received the following HealthGrades 2011 vascular awards, ratings and rankings: • Ranked #1 in State for Vascular Surgery in 2011 (ranked #3 in 2010) • Ranked in the Top 5% in the Nation for Vascular Surgery (ranked Top 10% in 2010) • Five-Star Rated for Vascular Surgery in 2011 • Five-Star Rated for Carotid Surgery For 7 Years in a Row (2005-2011) • Five-Star Rated for Peripheral Vascular Bypass in 2011 Dowzell M. Swayngim, MD, Jeffrey L. Buehrer, MD, and David H. Kim, DO are dedicated exclusively to the practice of Vascular Surgery at Firelands Regional Medical Center

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with over 45 years of combined experience in vascular surgery. The vascular surgeons offer a full breadth of minimally invasive and surgical treatments for: â&#x20AC;˘ Peripheral Artery Disease â&#x20AC;˘ Leg Pain/Swelling Caused by Bad Circulation â&#x20AC;˘ Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiencies â&#x20AC;˘ Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis â&#x20AC;˘ Carotid Artery Disease â&#x20AC;˘ Aneurysms â&#x20AC;˘ Dialysis Access Procedures â&#x20AC;˘ Chemotherapy Access Procedures â&#x20AC;&#x153;This ranking reflects the experience, outcomes and dedication of Drs. Swayngim, Buehrer and Kim, Vascular Surgeons on our Medical Staff, as well as the excellence of our entire Vascular Surgery team,â&#x20AC;? says Chuck Stark, President & CEO of Firelands Regional Medical Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Previously ranked number three in the state, this number

one ranking speaks volumes for the quality of care that patients receive from our vascular surgeons and the rest of the care team. Patients do not need to leave town to receive their care from the best vascular surgeons in the State of Ohio and one of top 29 facilities in vascular surgery in the nation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vascular surgery is a team effort, and we greatly appreciate all of the nurses, physicians, technicians and other health providers who helped make this outstanding accomplishment possible,â&#x20AC;? noted Dr. Buehrer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about quality care, and making certain our patients receive the very best vascular care possible; this is our ongoing goal. We join all of the members of the vascular surgical team at Firelands Regional Medical Center in taking great pride over this outstanding HealthGrades quality achievement.â&#x20AC;?

Small Business Basics Seminars Set for November The Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra Community College is offering free, two-hour seminars, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small Business Basics,â&#x20AC;? 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 November schedule is: â&#x20AC;˘Wednesday, Nov. 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Ottawa County Improvement Corporation (conference room), 8043 W. S.R. 163, Oak Harbor â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, Nov. 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30 to

11:30 a.m. Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce (conference room), 62 S. Washington St., Tiffin â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, Nov. 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Erie County Chamber of Commerce (conference room), 225 W. Washington Row, Sandusky â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday, Nov. 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Terra 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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North Coast Business Journal

November 2010

11

205 SE Catawba Road • Port Clinton, Ohio 43452

419-732-6673

We invite you to try us!

If you are not currently a customer of ours, take this opportunity to check out our services with a 15% discount on your first order.

15% Off Your First Order Offer Expires Nov. 15, 2010

Board chair Susan Starr, President Marsha S. Bordner, Chancellor Eric Fingerhut and Vice Chair Carl Koebel cut the ribbon on the Skilled Trades Center.

More than 200 Celebrate Grand Opening of Skilled Trades Center at Terra Sunshine and blue skies contributed to the celebratory mood as more than 200 people attended the grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony for the Skilled Trades Center at Terra Community College last month.

The new building, which is about 23,225 square feet, was built at a cost of approximately $3.5 million. Funding for the project was a combination of state and local funds.

The Skilled Trades Center is home to the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), welding and power technologies programs and the Terra Truck Driving Academy. There are also faculty and staff offices, five classrooms — four with Smart Board technology — and a student lounge.

Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut was the main speaker. He spoke about the University System of Ohio and the role of community colleges.

“Terra is a shining star in the University System of Ohio,” Fingerhut said. “You are stepping up with this new building. Terra exemplifies what this state needs in higher education.”

Those in attendance included current and former Terra trustees, local legislators, community members, local employers, alumni, faculty and staff, and students. A public reception was offered after the ribbon cutting and tours were available for visitors.

The Skilled Trades Center is the first new building on campus since 1997. Building D, vacated by the skilled trades programs, will now be renovated into allied health and music/art wings.

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There are plenty of reasons Paramount leads the way in health care plans.

We offer a wide choice of innovative products for big savings for you and your employees. Like health savings accounts, where they decide how best to use their health care dollars. Lots of options for everyone. Lower premiums, too.

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©2010 Paramount Health Care

12 November 2010 North Coast Business Journal

YOU TAKE RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS VERY SERIOUSLY. SO DO WE!

Scott Kromer . Christine Simmons . Tyler Webb

www.oldfortbank.com

1-866-347-3440

Scott Kromer . Commercial Lender . 419-447-1513 x 1536 Christine Simmons . Treasury Management . 419-447-1513 x 1910 Tyler Webb . Commercial Lender . 419-447-1513 x 1527

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Legal

Protect Your Pet

By Jeff Roth There are more than 140 million cats and dogs in the United States. Many people treat their animals better than their kids. It can be a concern of what will happen to their favorite pet when they die. Everyone has heard of the eccentric decisions made by some for the protection of their fury friend.

Leona Helmsley left 12 million dollars to take care of her Maltese dog named Trouble. Trouble had to be moved to an undisclosed location and have an assumed name. The security cost for his protection was $200,000 a year. Not to be outdone, a Chihuahua owned by a wealthy individual now lives in an 8.3 million dollar mansion in Miami Beach, has a $15,000 diamond necklace and a Cadillac Escalade with a full time driver.

Several years ago a trust was created for the care of the cats surviving a wealthy individual. The butler was paid well by the trust to care for the cats and stay in the home. The bank trustee showed up one day to find that the cats seem to have new energy. It was discovered that the butler was replacing the cats as they died to keep the trust alive. The trustee had the remaining original cats tattooed to be able to determine when the trust was to end and the butler would lose his job.

If you can’t provide this kind of care for your pets, you should at least think ahead and provide a plan for your pets when you die. The first and most important consideration is to determine who will take your animals and provide for them as you would.

You need to understand that your time and devotion is not necessarily theirs.

Don’t ask people who will tire of their duty. It may not be a relative. It quite often is a person with whom you may not have close ties but that person does possess the same love for animals.

They may live far away but would be happy to adopt your pet.

You should consider the cost of care particularly if it is a relative being nice or who may not have the means to provide proper care. Provide a fund that will pay the expenses for a reasonable time. The surplus funds are often distributed to the new owner after the animal has died. If you are single and the pet is your only true “beneficiary” then you may consider actually creating a pet trust for the

benefit of your animals. Normally an animal charity or like kind charity will be the beneficiary after the animal’s demise. There are many issues in this area particularly if you set aside a large amount of money.

This requires careful drafting and you should consult a qualified planner. Sometime it is best to leave the animals to a pet care center or nonprofit facilities that are prepared to care for animals.

This may sound strange, but you really should leave a written set of directions as to the routine of your pet and what food is best for his health. If the pet has health issues, you should be sure that your caretaker is made aware. Even animals have unique needs that only you know.

This may seem a little off the wall but it is a major concern for a person without an immediate family and their world is centered on a cat, dog or some other animal. I am currently assisting a single person in her eighties who has a fifteen year old large parrot with a forty five year life expectancy.

This is not the easiest pet to place and her situation gave me the impetus for this article.

The most important step is to know that your intended caregiver is WILLING and has the time and means to fulfill your wishes. If you are on the other end of this problem, please let mom know if you cannot or do not want to care for her animals. Truth is particularly important on this issue.

Do what you say or your mom may be back.

Jeff Roth is a partner with David Bacon of the firm ROTH and BACON with offices in Port Clinton, Upper Sandusky and Marion, Ohio. Mr. Roth is also licensed and practices in Florida. His practice is limited to wealth strategy planning and elder law in both states. Nothing in this article is intended for, nor should be relied upon as individual legal advice.

The purpose of this article is to help educate the public on concepts of law as they pertain to estate and business planning. Jeff Roth can be reached at ohiofloridatrust@aol.com (telephone: 419-732-9994) copyright@ Jeffrey P. Roth 2010.

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

November 2010

13

Mercy Willard Hospital New Facility Construction Update Mercy Willard Hospital held its groundbreaking in mid July and the following Monday the site preparation began! Currently the site is being prepared for construction through the removal of topsoil and excavation for utilities and storm water management, which will be completed by early fall. Work has started on the stairwells. Steel erection has begun and will be completed in late fall.

Throughout the winter months, the exterior walls will be going up. The construction crews will put up plastic barriers to protect the building from the weather as they continue to proceed with construction through the winter. Construction is on target, and Mercy Willard is anticipating that the new facility will open the spring of 2012.

Many community members

have been inquiring about what companies have been hired to build the new healthcare campus. There are many companies that are coming together to help Mercy Willard with this project. Lathrop has been hired as the Construction Manager, and they will oversee the entire project and ensure it is completed on time.

In addition to Lathrop, many other companies have been hired, including StuderObringer, located in New Washington, will provide site concrete services and will do all of the masonry work on the building.

Clouse Construction, located in New Riegel, will provide all building concrete, including the slab foundation.

Lake Erie Electric, located in Mansfield, has been hired as the electrician contractor.

Dunbar, located in Toledo,

will be partnering with VM Systems as the mechanical contractor. Dunbar will pull their labor force from Huron County, including projects that need to be completed in Toledo, such as the prefabrication projects.

There is a great deal of work that goes into planning for the new facility and the new healthcare campus. Mercy Willard has hired Woolpert, Inc. who will lead them through a planning process that will result in a campus master plan that will guide future campus development over the next ten to twenty years.

By analyzing the geography and topography of our property, Woolpert will help us determine what parts of our 40 plus acre property can be developed beyond the new Mercy Willard facility and the proposed Trilogy Health Services skilled nursing care

facilities.

The campus planning process has begun and includes site assessment and design charrettes, in which key stakeholders will engage in visioning discussions to identify future campus

services and potential campus partnerships.

Participating in these design charrettes will be hospital senior leadership, hospital employees, Mercy Willard’s Board of Trustees, and key community leaders.

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14 November 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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Mercy Cancer Center at Tiffin – Project on Target for 2011 Opening Tiffin University Rec. Center

The Region’s #1 Design Build General Contractor Projects in the Tiffin Area:

*Tiffin University Rec. Center *Seneca Medical *Schiefer Insurance *Lowe’s *Institutional Care Pharmacy *Ritz Theatre *Courtesy Auto *Sunrise Co-Op *North Central Ohio Education Service Center One call for all your construction services and needs:

*Steel Erectors *Site Work 419-448-1365 *Concrete Work *Construction Managers *Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings __________________________________________________________

24 Hour Service 877-707-7708 www.stoppros.com

*Fire Restoration *Flood Damage *Mold Remediation *Wind Damage *LEAD-SAFE Certified Firm www.clouseconstruction.com clouse@acctiffin.com

Mercy Tiffin Hospital is in the process of coordinating all cancer-related treatments and services into one location, at Mercy Cancer Center at Tiffin.

“Successfully fighting cancer takes a comprehensive, well-coordinated approach,” said Dale Thornton, President and CEO of Mercy Tiffin Hospital. ”We are committed to providing state-of-the-art cancer services, while easing fears and focusing on the needs of each individual person.”

This $1.35 million investment will consolidate all oncology programs into one community cancer center campus by developing and connecting a new medical/ oncology infusion clinic to the existing Radiation Therapy Center.

Clouse Construction of New Riegel, Ohio is the General Contractor for the construction of the Mercy Cancer Center at Tiffin. SSOE of Toledo, Ohio is the architect for the project.

The creation of the new Mercy Cancer Center at Tiffin has been moving forward in the last few months, and changes to the exterior will be noticeable soon. The connector between the two existing buildings is underway. In July, interior renovation of the former Mercy Business Office building and installation of underground utilities were completed. The interior framing of walls is now nearly complete.

When the project is completed, the new Medical Oncology/Infusion Center will provide multiple accommodations to make receiving cancer treatment more comfortable and convenient for our c o m m u n i t y.

Custom-tailored chemotherapy, biotherapies, side-effect management, 3-D conformal radiation, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), transfusions, special IV’s, clinical trials, biologic response modifiers, prostate seed implant and a CT simulator will be available to patients in a comfortable setting.

Mercy Cancer Center at Tiffin will combine the existing state-of-the-art radiation

therapy services and the new medical oncology/infusion services into one location to offer comprehensive cancer treatment.

The center will feature infusion rooms, an oncologist office and exam space. Point of care laboratory testing and an on-site pharmacy, massage therapy treatment and a unique retail boutique will allow cancer patients to receive all necessary treatment, testing and medications in one location.

The cancer center will offer a Lymphedema clinic that will provide personalized treatment and support groups that will have the opportunity to meet in a comfortable setting to share their experiences. As the cancer center continues to grow, the hope is to include a special healing garden in the future, which will be available to patients and families.

The flow from registration to discharge will make cancer care easier for the patient and their family, so everyone can focus on the patient’s recovery.

“Mercy Tiffin is committed to providing state-of-the-art cancer services, while easing fears and focusing on the needs of each individual person,” said Marsha Danhoff, President and CEO of the Mercy Tiffin Foundation. “The creation of this new cancer center will enable Mercy Tiffin to expand its cancer program while continuing to provide the compassionate and supportive care patients and their families need as they battle this frightening disease.”

Construction of the new Mercy Cancer Center at Tiffin is scheduled to be complete

by December 2010, and will be open for patients in early 2011. To support this effort, The Mercy Tiffin Foundation is launching a campaign, “Enhancing Cancer Care through Faith, Hope and Love,” to raise a minimum of $100,000 to enhance the amenities and services the center can offer.

To make a donation to the Mercy Cancer Center at Tiffin campaign or for information about giving opportunities, call Bernie Steinmetz at 419-455-7049.

North Coast Business Journal

www.ncbj.net

IT

E-mail Advice!

By Don Knaur E-mail has changed very little over the past 15 years compared to the rest of the Internet and PC’s in general.

However, the importance of E-mail to our personal and professional lives has changed dramatically. When I started my business 15 years ago, I made one mistake that has cost me a good deal of time and money. I started publishing and posting the E-mail Address given me by my Internet Service Provider (ISP). When I did that, I, in essence, married my ISP. In 1996, dial-up service was the normal service for everyone other than very large businesses. At that time the ultimate connection speed was 14,400 KBPS and later that year it doubled to 28,800 KBPS. When I signed my ISP’s contract, he had the premier service available in my area.

However, as time went on, other and better services became available. In our area they included, cable (Roadrunner) and several local ISP’s offered a wireless service. While those services were much faster than dial-up, they were also far more expensive.

Then DSL service came to town and the price wars started. At first DSL was only available through AT&T for $30.00 per month. But by that time, I had been promoting my E-mail Address for several years, so I knew it would be very time consuming and costly to change addresses. However, that is what I should have done, because by that time there were several free on-line services available.

Finally, my ISP offered a DSL connection. I upgraded to my ISP’s DSL for about 50% more than I could have had it from AT&T, so that I wouldn’t have to change my E-mail Address. About 18 months ago my ISP joined the vast majority of the local ISP’s that had been the backbone of the early Internet and folded his tent.

Fortunately, one of his employees set up a service through GoDaddy.com to allow us to keep our ancient E-mail Addresses and it only costs us $7.50 per month If I had it to do all over again, I would have switched to a free online

Yahoo mail account a long time ago.

Yahoo is my personal choice, but you can achieve virtually the same free service with HotMail or Gmail online accounts. Because of my lack of affinity for Microsoft, aka Bill Gates, I declined to use HotMail. I tried Gmail once in an emergency, but did not like the way they pushed Google tools at me, so Yahoo is still my personal choice.

There are many advantages to the free online accounts, such as: • All of your mail and addresses are stored online and therefore, do not have to be backed-up.

• Online services are protected by the services anti-virus software.

• The online services can access your ISP provided E-mail Accounts and import their contents to their online storage.

• When you have an online account, you can change ISP’s without suffering from a loss of your e-mail correspondence.

The online accounts have utilities that will allow you to import your address book without having to re-enter everything.

If you make the change, you should still maintain your old account for at least a year. You should simply set your free online account up to access your old account and then send a reply to any messages from people you want to correspond with telling them of your change of address. Figure if you don’t hear from them within a year, you don’t need to hear from them. If you plan to use your E-mail account for more than another year or two, I recommend that you consider switching to a free online service. After all, who knows what the future will offer in term of Internet Service. Being able to divorce an ISP is a good thing for you!

Don is the CWO (Chief Working Officer) of Help-Desk, Ohio, a complete computer service center, located in Suite A of the Courtlee Interiors’ Building, 2499 W. Market in Tiffin. Don has a degree in Computer Programming from Tiffin University and has been an Information Technology Professional for over 20 years. He started HelpDesk, Ohio in the spring of 1996 and opened his shop in March 2001. Don welcomes calls for advice or information at 419-448-8020.

November 2010

15

Mercy Willard Hospital Is Now Offering

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16 November 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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November 2010

All our candy is fresh and hand-crafted in our store. We have great gift ideas for clients and customers, as well as employee gifts.

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17

North Coast Business Journal

18 November 2010

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Doing it Well!

Sound Solutions of Ohio 419-443-1233 Steering clear of the adage of “business as usual,” Sound Solutions of Ohio began with the vision to become a company that is exceptional in all phases.

When Thomas Waldsmith, owner of Sound Solutions of Ohio, was given the opportunity to take his knowledge and experience to start this new endeavor, he knew he would need a strong team to support him. “I’m blessed to have three people who are not only great coworkers, but are good friends,” said Waldsmith.

“When they decided to take the leap, it brought instant stability and credibility to the company.”

Sound Solutions of Ohio is a complete sales, installation and service company for surveillance camera and door security systems, business telephone and public address systems, multi-media systems, network cabling, 2 way radio, and FCC radio licensing and consultation. Any business, especially small businesses, can benefit from their services; to include churches, schools and other public entities as well.

Growing their business through client referrals, Sound Solutions of Ohio believes in the notion that if they take care of their clients they will not only keep coming back, but they’ll also spread the word about their positive experience.

“We would not be able to have a business at all without our partnership with Croghan Colonial Bank,” commented Waldsmith. “We wanted a local financial institution that could provide the personal response we needed, and most importantly would believe in our potential, Croghan has given us this.”

Tell us what your business does well!

Craig Davis (419) 355-2242 Plan Well.

Choose. Well.

Live Well.

Ribbon Cutting at Little Giants Car Wash The Chamber Ambassadors of Sandusky County participated in a Ribbon Cutting for Little Giants Car Wash on October 20 in celebration of their upcoming Grand Opening later in the month. Little Giants Car Wash is owned by Jeff Biggs and Mike Haney. Biggs and Haney own numerous car washes in the Toledo/Perrysburg Area.

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

Researchers from the Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals analyzed quality and efficiency of 255 health systems across the country and found statistically significant differences between top and bottom performs in

several key areas.

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

“We are honored to be recognized again as a Thomson Reuters Top 10 Health System. We are not only the largest health system ranked in the top 10, but we are the only Catholic system and one of only three multistate systems to earn this independently verified recognition.

We are delighted at this recognition of our continuing efforts to improve and enhance clinical quality and patient safety.”

COMING IN NEXT MONTH'S NORTH COAST BUSINESS JOURNAL: WESTERN OTTAWA COUNTY

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November 2010

19

Heidelberg University is on the Move In his first full year as Heidelberg’s president, Dr. Robert H. Huntington has placed emphasis on strengthening the university’s core mission, with an intense focus on two long-term goals: enhancing a c a d e m i c excellence and the student experience.

Huntington has led the creation of a new strategic action plan that will guide the university’s HUNTINGTON work and progress for the next five years and beyond.

Already, Heidelberg has achieved significant progress in the first phase of the campaign with the opening in August of the state-of-the-art Adams Hall, which houses the School of Business, and the opening later this month of the innovative Media Communication Center. In October, the university broke ground on a new residence life and learning hall and university commons.

Adams Hall is named for benefactor John Q. Adams, a trustee and alumnus who provided $2 million toward the project.

“The Heidelberg School of Business will continuously change to keep pace and to forge ahead with a global mindset focused on the fundamental challenges of leadership, ethics, strategy, problem solving and execution,” Huntington said. “This wonderful facility, with its innovative instructional technology and cuttingedge multi-media capabilities, will enable us to meet the demands of each new undergraduate and graduate class.

Adams Hall, he said, “stands as a constant reminder of our higher education quest and our unrelenting commitment to surpass good and achieve greatness.”

Coinciding with the Adams Hall dedication, Heidelberg launched the Patricia Adams Lecture Series, welcoming Enron whistleblower Sherron Watkins as the first speaker in the series. Twice annually, the series brings to campus exceptional women in all fields who discuss important leadership issues with the Heidelberg community and the Tiffin community.

Later this month, Heidelberg will open its breakthrough Media

Cutline for groundbreaking photo: Heidelberg students formed the “footprint” of the new residence hall during the groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 5.

Communication Center. The new teaching and learning facility will include studios, office and gathering space and a classroom, all focused around the business of communication. Student-operated stations WHEI-TV and WHEI-FM will be housed there, and the center will be the eventual home to commercial radio station WTTF, making Heidelberg one of the few college campuses in the country that provides a blend of student and professional operations.

The new residence hall, which will be for primarily sophomores, is slated to open in August 2011. It will be the first completely new residence hall on the campus in 45 years. Current and prospective students have offered input into the amenities that will be built into the University Commons, a space for all students and campus members to gather.

On the horizon, Heidelberg has plans to build a wellness center and complete a football stadium and alumni center on campus. In addition to bricks and mortar projects, a variety of new services and initiatives have been implemented over the past several months. Among them are a new faculty-student mentoring program and an integrated Academic and Career Support Center.

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North Coast Business Journal

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Students Raise Thousands for Habitat Conservation The Ohio Young Birders Club raised over $3,100 during the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent Big Sit fundraiser.

The idea behind a Big Sit is to raise money through pledges and gifts based on the number of bird species identified from 17-foot circle during a limited period of time. The more species spotted, the more money thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raised.

The event took place at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge near Oak Harbor, OH, on Sunday, October 10th, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The young birders spotted an impressive 62 species during those hours, including bald eagles, hawks, tundra swans and five species of woodpeckers. Proceeds of the Big Sit will benefit both the club and the Middle Bass Island Preserve restoration project of the Black Swamp Conservancy and its Lake

Erie Islands Chapter. The Ohio Young Birders Club is a statewide group for young people, ages 12 to 18, who have an interest in birds and in nature. The club is an education program of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, a research and education organization based in Oak Harbor, OH. While similar in name, Black Swamp Conservancy and Black Swamp Bird Observatory are separate organizations. The Black Swamp Conservancy, based in Perrysburg, OH, is a land trust dedicated to protecting agricultural land and natural areas, now and for future generations, through land conservation agreements.

The Conservancy does so to preserve the rural heritage, unique natural habitats, and lakes and streams of northwest Ohio.

Black Swamp Bird

Observatory is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting conservation by advancing knowledge of the needs of migrant and resident birds through scientific research; by using this knowledge to instill appreciation and

understanding of birds and their habitats through education and outreach; and by encouraging community awareness and participation.

For additional information, contact: Kevin Joyce (kjoyce@

blackswamp.org) The Black Swamp Conservancy 419.872.5263 Kim Kaufman (kimkaufman@bsbo.org) Black Swamp Bird Observatory

Fisher-Titus Medical Center

Looking for a Physician?

At Fisher-Titus Medical Center our patients are our neighbors, friends and families and we are proud to provide them with the advanced technology and outstanding personal care they deserve and have come to expect at FTMC.

For a list of physicians who are members of the FTMC Medical Staff, call 419-660-2117 ext. 1429 or toll-free 1-800-668-8711 ext. 1429 for a FTMC Physician Directory or visit www.ftmc.com to Find A Physician.

Members of our medical staff are located throughout Huron and Erie Counties ensuring that your health care is convenient and close to home.

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North Coast Business Journal

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November 2010

21

Sales

Whose Shoes Are You Walking In?

By Roger Bostdorff Selling is not about you, selling is about your prospect.

When you leave a voicemail does it many times sound like this, â&#x20AC;&#x153;let me tell you a little about my companyâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;let me tell you a little about my productâ&#x20AC;?? Your prospect cares about neither your company nor your product but rather they care about solving their business problems. For someone to be successful in sales they need to be able to walk in the shoes of their prospect. They need to be able to visualize the issues, problems and challenges that this company might be experiencing.

For example, if you are calling on a construction company and you have sold your solution to another construction company, what problem did your solution solve or improve?

How about the wholesale distributor that you sold your solution to, what benefits did they derive from your solution?

How about the manufacturer? If you know why these customers bought, then you know some potential hot buttons to grab the attention of your new prospect. You also add credibility to

your story that you can help them because you have already helped other companies in their industry.

Industry expertise and experience goes a long way in opening doors and getting the business.

By the way, you noticed that I referenced your â&#x20AC;&#x153;solutionâ&#x20AC;? not your â&#x20AC;&#x153;product or service.â&#x20AC;? If you are selling a product or service then you are selling a commodity that may be available by multiple product or service companies. However, if you are selling a solution you are selling the capability to solve your customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems, issues or challenges. You are helping that customer improve their quality, cut their cost, improve their customer service, etc. Sometimes this is simply a state of mind or attitude. What you have to sell may not change but how you position it with your customer will change the perception and importance of your product/serviceâ&#x20AC;Śyour SOLUTION!!

Voice mail in sales unfortunately is very prevalent, so let me ask you, which voice mail is going to get your attention if you were the prospect?

Which voice mail has a higher probability of a return call?

1. I called because I wanted to tell you about our company 2. I called because I wanted to tell you about our products 3. I called because I have been

Northcoast Jobs Connection The Northcoast Jobs Connection Job Stores and the Seneca One Stop offer numerous services and resources for job seekers and employers.

Seminars are free and open to anyone in the community. The seminars are also available to be customized for employers and delivered on site.

Area seminar will be at the Ottawa County Community Resource Centre, 8043 W. SR. 163, Oak Harbor: â&#x20AC;˘ 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get a Job or a Better Job POD.â&#x20AC;?

Applications, resumes, interviewing, networking, the Internet and more. â&#x20AC;˘ 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why Work Ethics.â&#x20AC;? Learn what employers expect in work ethics. Get information about confidentiality, tactfulness, communication and manners in the

work setting.

The following are free computer classes, but registration is required.

Call 419-898-3688, ext. 270. â&#x20AC;˘ Nov. 15: 9 a.m. to noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Intro to Wordâ&#x20AC;? and 1 to 4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Internet and Email â&#x20AC;˘ Nov. 29: 9 a.m. to noon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Microsoft Wordâ&#x20AC;? and 1 to 4 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Microsoft Excelâ&#x20AC;?

Job Store officials asking those interested in these workshops to register by emailing Carol Guice at carol.guice@yahoo.com or by calling her at 419-307-1189.

For information, log onto www. northcoastjobs.org.

In Ottawa County, call the Job Store at 800-6651677 or 419-898-3688, ext. 270.

All basic services are free of charge.

working with several contractors/ distributors/manufacturers (pick an industry) in the area to solve their ______ problem. We have been able to solve this challenge with our ______ solution.

Some of you are asking yourself, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What problem or issue did I solve when I sold that copier, service contract, etc. to the XYZ Company?

First, if your answer is they needed a faster copier then I am not communicating effectively. If that is the case the follow-on question is why? What business problem did they need to solve? Secondly, if you have to ask that question then you also need to re-evaluate your sales approach to determine if you are really taking an approach to solve your customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges or if you are simply taking the order?

I heard a neat saying a long time ago and I am going to modify it slightly for sales. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your customer

One Day

cares how much you know when they know how much you care.â&#x20AC;?

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just sell your product or service but rather care enough about your customer to help them solve their problems with your solution.

Why not walk in their shoes for a while?

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

Do you have a business question?

Please email it to sales@ b2bsalesboost.com for a reply.

does make a difference

! COMFORTING SOOTHING MASSAGE ! FRIENDLY VISIT FROM A VOLUNTEER TO HOLD YOUR HAND ! NURSE WHO STAYS BY YOUR BEDSIDE UNTIL ALL YOUR QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED 4HESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE GIFTS 3TEIN (OSPICE DELIVERS TO PATIENTS AND FAMILIES EVERY DAY &OR SOME PATIENTS ONE DAY IS ALL THEY HAVE WITH 3TEIN (OSPICE "UT LOOK AT WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED IN HOURS /R LESS !T $EB 3MITH FOUGHT FOR FOUR YEARS TO RID HER BODY OF CANCER "UT WHEN THE ½ GHT WAS OVER $EB AND HER FAMILY DID NOT WANT HER LIFE TO END IN A HOSPITAL ROOM /N A SPRING AFTERNOON $EB ARRIVED AT THE 3TEIN (OSPICE #ARE #ENTER "Y SUNRISE SHE HAD DIED "UT IN THOSE HOURS $EB AND HER FAMILY RECEIVED MANY GIFTS ! CHAPLAIN STOPPED BY TO PRAY 6OLUNTEERS HELPED THE FAMILY WITH MEALS .URSES WATCHED OVER $EB TO MAKE SURE SHE WAS NOT IN PAIN ¹%VERYBODY WAS SO NICE AND CONSIDERATE AND WOULD STOP TO TALK NOT SMALL TALK )T WAS PERSONAL TO THEM 4HEY FELT LIKE FAMILY ² SAID $EB´S DAUGHTER 3TEPHANIE 7HETHER A PATIENT IS STAYING AT THE #ARE #ENTER IN A NURSING HOME OR PRIVATE HOME SERVICES SUCH AS THE ONES $EB AND HER FAMILY RECEIVED CAN BEGIN WITHIN TWO HOURS OF ADMISSION AND ARE PROVIDED AROUND THE CLOCK 4HE 3MITH FAMILY WILL TELL YOU /NE DAY DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

419-625-5269

North Coast Business Journal

22 November 2010

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Uptown Norwalk Business Owners Back from BootCamp with New Tools Seven Uptown Norwalk business owners and the Main Street Program Manager returned this week from a Colorado-based business improvement “Destination Bootcamp” where they learned hundreds of new methods to bring more customers and tourists to Norwalk. They were among a group of business owners from across the United States, Canada and Australia who attended the two and one half day, 20-hour workshop.

Norwalk business owners; Kim Arter of Amish Heirloom Furniture and Heritage Lace, Garry Balduff of Balduff’s Carpet, Doug Berry of Berry’s Restaurant and The Dinky, Lynn Bolden-Moser of Finance Service of Norwalk, Linda Sheppard of Lindale M Broidery, The Book Express, and Northcoast Sports Apparel, Sheri Thomas of Sheri’s Coffeehouse, and Jennifer Saunders of The Bargain Bin

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represented our community at the bootcamp along with Kristie Wert, P r o g r a m Manager for Main Street Norwalk. These b u s i n e s s owners went as recipients of the Croghan Colonial Bank Small Business Reinvention Scholarship which paid for the tuition for the group.

The two and one-half day “Destination BootCamp” created by marketing consultant Jon Schallert, teaches independent business owners how to reposition their businesses as “consumer destinations” According to Schallert, a business using his strategies can compete effectively with superstores like

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s

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Experienced in Drug-Free Workplace requirements, Firelands Corporate Health can assist your business in developing and implementing a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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Wal-Mart and Home Depot, and significantly impact a local community. He continues by saying that is it common for destination businesses to create change in an entire city, by drawing consumers from miles around, from outside the immediate marketplace of a community.

Business owners interested in attending may contact Kristie Wert, Main Street Norwalk Program Manager, at 419 660 8696 for more information on the bootcamp experience.

Firelands Corporate Health Center provides the following Drug Free Workplace services: 䡲 Assist with Drug-Free Workplace Policy development & training 䡲 Customized drug test panels 䡲 Meet Chain of Custody collection requirements 䡲 24-hour testing for Reasonable Cause and Post-Accident 䡲 Collection Site services Additionally, Firelands Corporate Health can provide: 䡲 Physical Exams for DOT, FAA, and more 䡲 Respirator Clearance 䡲 Return-to-Work Exams Firelands Corporate Health Center Hours of Operation: 䡲 7 am – 4:30 pm 䡲 24/7 coverage for drug & alcohol testing

From left, Terra President Dr. Marsha S. Bordner, Kurt Michael of Snap-on, Terra College Foundation President Joe Wasserman and Foundation Executive Director Dr. Sue Babione pose with the Snapon check in the new Skilled Trades Center.

Snap-on Incorporated Makes Five-Year Pledge to Terra Snap-on Incorporated has made a five-year, $50,000 pledge to Terra Community College and, in turn, the College has named its new auto lab, the Snap-on Automotive Center.

“Snap-on wanted to expand in this geographical direction and we were constructing a new lab for automotive,” said Dr. Marsha S. Bordner, President of Terra. “It really worked well for both sides as a public/ private partnership.”

Company representative, Kurt Michael, attended the recent grand opening of the Skilled Trades Center which houses the Snap-on Automotive Center. He presented the ceremonial check to College representatives.

“The equipment and Snap-on certification will take Terra’s automotive program to a whole new level from a technology stand point,” Bordner said. “Our students will learn computer diagnostics and be prepared for jobs that require a high level of sophistication. We are very excited about providing this service for auto dealerships/auto repair facilities and for students looking for employment.”

Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users.

Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources.

Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.8 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis.

North Coast Business Journal

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Estate

Dealing With Dividends Douglas Gildenmeister Senior Vice President, Investments, Retirement Plan Consultant, The Gildenmeister Wealth Management Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. It would seem that the income taxation of dividends ought to be a pretty simple topic.

Alas, nothing is simple when it comes to taxes. As you get ready to look at your taxes, here’s a summary of some of the basic rules regarding the taxation of dividends.

For our purposes, we’ll restrict our discussion to dividends paid by tax-paying “C” corporations.

Many smaller companies are organized as “S” corporations. An S corporation has all the state law attributes of a regular corporation (limited liability, perpetual life, etc.) but is taxed much like a partnership with earnings and losses flowing through the corporation to the returns of the individual shareholders. We’re also not going to deal with mutual fund dividends.

The “garden variety” dividend that is paid by a corporation is taxable to individuals as a qualified dividend and is taxed at their long-term capital gains rate. An individual pays taxes on the dividends based on the year in which they are received, not in the year on which the dividend is based. A dividend is taxed to the buyer of a stock if the stock is purchased after it is declared but before it is paid if the purchase occurs before the ex-dividend date. Similarly, the dividend is taxed to the seller if the sale occurs after the ex-dividend date but before payment date. This holds true even if the dividend is reflected in the selling price of the stock.

Sometimes a company will make a dividend payment that is in excess of its accumulated earnings and profits. This is probably most common among utility companies. These dividends are deemed to be “return of capital.” Return of capital dividends are not taxable. However, the taxpayer must reduce his/her basis in the stock by the amount of the return of capital dividend. Return of capital dividends in excess of basis are taxed as capital gains.

Some corporations permit dividends to be reinvested in company stock. Generally, these reinvested dividends are taxable to the shareholder.

In addition, depending on how the plan is structured, the shareholders may have to pay taxes on the commissions or other transaction costs paid by the corporation in running the plan. The shareholder receives basis in the reinvested shares equal to the amount of the dividends included in income. Note, that from 1982 to 1985 taxpayers were allowed to exclude up to $750 ($1,500 on

See ESTATE 27

November 2010

23

24 November 2010

North Coast Business Journal

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Accounting Tax Changes Affecting Individuals in the 2010 Health Reform Legislation

By Jeffrey J. Rosengarten, CPA Payne, Nickles and Company This article is to give you a brief overview of the key tax changes a f f e c t i n g individuals in the recently enacted health reform legislation.

I n d i v i d u a l mandate. The new law contains an â&#x20AC;&#x153;individual mandateâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;a requirement that U.S. citizens and legal residents have qualifying health coverage or be subject to a tax penalty. Under the new law, those without qualifying

health coverage will pay a tax penalty of the greater of: (a) $695 per year, up to a maximum of three times that amount ($2,085) per family, or (b) 2.5% of household income over the threshold amount of income required for income tax return filing. The penalty will be phased in according to the following schedule: $95 in 2014, $325 in 2015, and $695 in 2016 for the flat fee or 1.0% of taxable income in 2014, 2.0% of taxable income in 2015, and 2.5% of taxable income in 2016. Beginning after 2016, the penalty will be increased annually by a cost-of-living adjustment. Exemptions will be granted for financial hardship, religious objections, American

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The Victorian Tudor Inn provides the perfect unique and intimate setting for gatherings of all kinds and we are now accepting reservations for your business and family holiday parties and events.

We offer seating and meals for up to 50 people and will specially-tailor a menu for your unique event, guests and needs.

The holidays are a great time to stay with us! All accommodations are spacious and wonderfully appointed with period antiques, private baths-some with jacuzzis, complimentary wireless and refreshments.

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Indians, those without coverage for less than three months, aliens not lawfully present in the U.S., incarcerated individuals, those for whom the lowest cost plan option exceeds 8% of household income, those with incomes below the tax filing threshold (in 2010 the threshold for taxpayers under age 65 is $9,350 for singles and $18,700 for couples), and those residing outside of the U.S. Premium assistance tax credits for purchasing health insurance. The centerpiece of the health care legislation is its provision of tax credits to low and middle income individuals and families for the purchase of health insurance. For tax years ending after 2013, the new law creates a refundable tax credit (the â&#x20AC;&#x153;premium assistance creditâ&#x20AC;?) for eligible individuals and families who purchase health insurance through an Exchange. The premium assistance credit, which is refundable and payable in advance directly to the insurer, subsidizes the purchase of certain health insurance plans through an Exchange. Under the provision, an eligible individual enrolls in a plan offered through an Exchange and reports his or her income to the Exchange. Based on the information provided to the Exchange, the individual receives a premium assistance credit based on income and IRS pays the premium assistance credit amount directly to the insurance plan in which the individual is enrolled. The individual then pays to the plan in which he or she is enrolled the dollar difference between the premium assistance credit amount and the total premium charged for the plan. For employed individuals who purchase health insurance through an Exchange, the premium payments are made through payroll deductions.

The premium assistance credit will be available for individuals and families with incomes up to 400% of

the federal poverty level ($43,320 for an individual or $88,200 for a family of four, using 2009 poverty level figures) that are not eligible for Medicaid, employer sponsored insurance, or other acceptable coverage. The credits will be available on a sliding scale basis. The amount of the credit will be based on the percentage of income the cost of premiums represents, rising from 2% of income for those at 100% of the federal poverty level for the family size involved to 9.5% of income for those at 400% of the federal poverty level for the family size involved.

Higher Medicare taxes on highincome taxpayers. High-income taxpayers will be hit with a double whammy: a tax increase on wages and a new levy on investments.

Higher Medicare payroll tax on wages.

The Medicare payroll tax is the primary source of financing for Medicareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital insurance trust fund, which pays hospital bills for beneficiaries, who are 65 and older or disabled. Under current law, wages are subject to a 2.9% Medicare payroll tax. Workers and employers pay 1.45% each. Self-employed people pay both halves of the tax (but are allowed to deduct half of this amount for income tax purposes). Unlike the payroll tax for Social Security, which applies to earnings up to an annual ceiling ($106,800 for 2010), the Medicare tax is levied on all of a workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wages without limit.

Under the provisions of the new law, which take in 2013, most taxpayers will continue to pay the 1.45% Medicare hospital insurance tax, but single people earning more than $200,0000 and married couples earning more than $250,000 will be taxed at an additional 0.9% (2.35% in total) on the excess over those base amounts. Employers will collect the extra 0.9% on wages exceeding Continued on Page 25

www.ncbj.net Continued from Page 24 $200,000 just as they would withhold Medicare taxes and remit them to the IRS. Companies wouldn’t be responsible for determining whether a worker’s combined income with his or her spouse made them subject to the tax. Instead, some employees will have to remit additional Medicare taxes when they file income tax returns, and some will get a tax credit for amounts overpaid.

Self-employed persons will pay 3.8% on earnings over the threshold.

Married couples with combined incomes approaching $250,000 will have to keep tabs on their spouses’ pay to avoid an unexpected tax bill.

It should also be noted that the $200,000/$250,000 thresholds are not indexed for inflation, so it is likely that more and more people will be subject to the higher taxes in coming years.

Medicare payroll tax extended to investments. Under current law, the Medicare payroll tax only applies to wages. Beginning in 2013, a Medicare tax will, for the first time, be applied to investment income. A new 3.8% tax will be imposed on net investment income of single taxpayers with AGI above $200,000 and joint filers over $250,000 (unindexed).

Net investment income is interest, dividends, royalties, rents, gross income from a trade or business involving passive activities, and net gain from disposition of property (other than property held in a trade or business). Net investment income is reduced by properly allocable deductions to such income. However, the new tax won’t apply to income in tax-deferred retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans. Also, the new tax will apply only to income in excess of the $200,000/$250,000 thresholds. So if a couple earns $200,000 in wages and $100,000 in capital gains, $50,000 will be subject to the new tax. Because the new tax on investment income won’t take effect for three years, that leaves more time for Congress and the IRS to tinker with it. So we can expect lots of refinements and “clarifications” between now and when the tax is actually rolled out in 2013.

Floor on medical expenses deduction rose from 7.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) to 10%. Under current law, taxpayers

North Coast Business Journal can take an itemized deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses for regular income tax purposes only to the extent that those expenses exceed 7.5% of the taxpayer’s AGI. The new law raises the floor beneath itemized medical expense deductions from 7.5% of AGI to 10%, effective for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2012.

The AGI floor for individuals age 65 and older (and their spouses) will remain unchanged at 7.5% through 2016.

Limit reimbursement of over-thecounter medications from HSAs, FSAs and MSAs. The new law excludes the costs for over-the-counter drugs not prescribed by a doctor from being reimbursed through a health reimbursement account (HRA) or health flexible savings accounts (FSAs) and from being reimbursed on a tax-free basis through a health savings account (HSA) or Archer Medical Savings Account (MSA), effective for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2010.

Increased penalties on nonqualified distributions from HSAs and Archer MSAs. The new law increases the tax on distributions from a health savings account or an Archer MSA that are not used for qualified medical expenses to 20% (from 10% for HSAs and from 15% for Archer MSAs) of the disbursed amount, effective for distributions made after Dec. 31, 2010.

Limit health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) to $2,500. An FSA is one of a number of taxadvantaged financial accounts that can be set up through a cafeteria plan of an employer. An FSA allows an employee to set aside a portion of his or her earnings to pay for qualified expenses as established in the cafeteria plan, most commonly for medical expenses but often for dependent care or other expenses.

Under current law, there is no limit on the amount of contributions to an FSA. Under the new law, however, allowable contributions to health FSAs will capped at $2,500 per year, effective for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2012. The dollar amount will be indexed for inflation after 2013.

Dependent coverage in employer health plans. Effective on the enactment date, the new law extends the general exclusion for reimbursements for medical care expenses under an employer-provided

accident or health plan to any child of an employee who has not attained age 27 as of the end of the tax year.

This change is also intended to apply to the exclusion for employerprovided coverage under an accident or health plan for injuries or sickness for such a child. A parallel change is made for VEBAs and 401(h) accounts.

Also, self-employed individuals are permitted to take a deduction for the health insurance costs of any child of the taxpayer who has not attained age 27 as of the end of the tax year.

Excise tax on indoor tanning services. The new law imposes a 10% excise tax on indoor tanning services.

The tax, which will be paid by the individual on whom the tanning services are performed but collected

November 2010

25

and remitted by the person receiving payment for the tanning services, will take effect July 1, 2010.

Liberalized adoption credit and adoption assistance rules. For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2009, the adoption tax credit is increased by $1,000, made refundable, and extended through 2011. The adoption assistance exclusion is also increased by $1,000.

Please consult with your tax advisor to determine specific ways that this provision will affect you.

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

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Regional Business News is just a “click” away www.ncbj.net

26 November 2010

North Coast Business Journal

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The Well-Booked Business

By Cathy Allen Working with client organizations, I keep a careful eye out for teamwork issues.

These come in many f o r m s : executives who take on too much without allowing others to help, people occupying roles they aren’t really prepared for, failure to set clear expectations.

Often teamwork issues are about trust: if I have confidence you will do your job well, I can focus on my own.

I will often use a football metaphor to talk about these. Just this week I told a client group I had been thinking about them during the previous Ohio State game, watching Terrelle Pryor race all over the field trying to do it all. “Do you think he would scramble so much if he trusted his linemen to hold the defense?” I asked. “How would it be different if he knew his receiver would be open in another second?” Turns out football coaches have been doing the same thing for years... using football to prepare young men for more important roles.

This is a good time of year to think about football and business life. Crack open a cold one and let Coach Tressel give you a few pointers.

The Winners Manual for the Game of Life by Jim Tressel with Chris Fabry, Tyndale House Publishers, 2008

SUMMARY: The Coach of the Buckeyes has a question for all of us: if your life’s game ended this second, would you consider yourself a winner? Because his interest is in the well-roundedness and quality of life of his student athletes, each year he provides a handbook to them, comprised of all manner of favorite poems, pithy quotations and advice from those who have demonstrated success in life. Here he provides the public with an expanded version of his handbook in the hope that it will be useful to anyone who may be finding life difficult or aimless.

KEY LEARNINGS: • Tressel defines success as “the inner satisfaction and peace of mind that come from knowing I did the best I was capable of doing for this group.” No one can perform perfectly every time, but everyone can do their best. Goal setting is also key. Personal goals should be measurable and specific, and they should relate directly to our life’s purpose.

• Ohio State fans will appreciate seeing a six-sided Block O used as a tool for depicting the six components of life. Tressel divides these into the “purpose components” focusing on who we are: personal/family, spiritual/ moral, caring/giving; and the “goal components” focusing on what we do: football/family (your work team), strength/fitness (your preparation for your work), and academic/career (your future.) Tressel encourages us to write down our goals and review them often to keep them fresh.

• In addition to Block O of Life, we

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have the Big Ten Fundamentals: – Attitude. Some attitudes are better than others and are well worth cultivating: gratitude, humility, happiness, respect and enthusiasm.

Coach Tressel recommends choosing these attitudes and practicing them until they become a natural part of who we are.

– Discipline. Are people with a high degree of discipline more free than others? Sounds paradoxical, but it could be true. Those who are focused on the opportunity embedded in the current moment, and who act in accordance with their values even when no one else is looking, have better follow through on their commitment and, ultimately, more success in making their dreams come true.

– Excellence. Being ordinary is easy.

To excel – that’s more difficult. It takes courage and commitment and perseverance, but it is worthwhile.

– Faith and Belief. Tressel makes the case for having faith in something larger than yourself while actively believing in your own hard work. He quotes the poet who famously said “But soon or late the man who wins is the one who thinks he can.”

– Work. Advancing in the Block O’s six areas requires effort – aka “work.”

Aspiring authors who dream about writing a book but who never put pen to paper will never be published.

Coaches who talk about hard work to players but don’t back it up with hard work of their own lose credibility.

– Handling Adversity and Success.

How can handling success be a fundamental? Because, according to the coach, when we believe our own good press, we set ourselves up for a fall. It also sets up sometimes impossible-to-achieve expectations.

Learning from adversity might actually be easier, though not less important. In fact, if you are intent on making improvements after facing adversity, you are on the path to success.

– Love. A football coach talking about love? Yep. All the technical skill with X’s and O’s in the world won’t win a game if the players do not love each other enough to be disciplined in their own areas. The commitment to the team – and to

being the best you can be – springs from love.

– Responsibility. Tressel says, “Every time a current player gets into trouble, you know there is an Ohio State graduate who is going to hear it from the Purdue grad he works with.”

Ain’t that the truth! He teaches his young men that their responsibility extends beyond themselves, their families, their teammates and their university. They are responsible to an entire community to do their best, to comport themselves with dignity and class, and to pay attention to their words and deeds, on the field and off.

– Team. The hallmark of excellent teamwork is selflessness. When one’s personal goals are bound up with the goals of the team, then the main concern becomes the common good.

Everything else is secondary.

– Hope. Tressel tells about a game the Buckeyes won - despite being outplayed and outscored for the first three quarters - because they simply didn’t believe the problems they were experiencing were permanent. That’s hope in action – not a wild-eyed fantasy, but confidence in your own abilities and preparation.

TOOLS: The book includes worksheets for goal-setting as well as “questions for reflection” following each chapter to prompt deeper thought and exploration. There are also many wonderful poems and expanded quotations from great thinkers Tressel admires.

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

CreativeOptionC.com. Also posted there are original articles about fundraising, diagnostic assessments, earned media, campaign planning, and more.

Visitors can sign up to receive a monthly email newsletter full of information about all the latest happenings at Creative Option C.

North Coast Business Journal

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November 2010

27

Fisher-Titus Medical Center Receives Top 100 Best Places to Work Honor in Health Care for Third Year For the third consecutive year, Fisher-Titus Medical Center was represented among the nation’s top 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare at an awards ceremony in Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 19. FTMC Vice President of Human Resources Phil Annarino accepted the award for the Medical Center -- the only Ohio

hospital to receive the award three consecutive years. This year FTMC was ranked No. 26 in the nation and one of just four Ohio hospitals named among the top 100.

Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare program identifies and recognizes health-care organizations that have successfully

built workplace excellence and enabled employees to perform at their optimal level.

“This honor reflects what we know: Our employees are our greatest asset,” said Patrick J. Martin, president of Fisher-Titus Medical Center. “I am very proud of all of them and everything they do every day taking

care of our patients in the hospital and our residents at Norwalk Memorial Home and The Carriage House.”

“We thank our employees for this honor as well as our physicians and volunteers for the dedicated and compassionate care they provide to our patients every day.

See ESTATE 27

of stock rights, in most cases, is also not a taxable event. The holding period of shares acquired by virtue of a stock split relates back to the original shares. In other words, the holding period of the old shares is “tacked on” to the holding period of the new shares. Dividends are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Consult your tax professional with additional tax related questions.

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

joint returns) in certain reinvested utility dividends. These reinvested shares have a zero cost basis.

Stock splits and stock dividends are generally not taxable events.

Taxpayers merely adjust their basis to spread it among more shares in proportion to the fair market value of old and new shares on the date the stock dividend is distributed. There are a few cases where a dividend paid in stock may be taxable. The most common occurs when the shareholder is given a choice to receive a dividend paid in cash or in stock. A distribution

Full Service Document Management Bureau The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Port Clinton Goodwill Shoppe located at 205 SE Catawba Road was held on Monday, October 18. Pictured left to right: Jeff Reed, Marketing Director of Goodwill; Mike Basset with Bassett’s Market; Doug Focht with Focht Construction; Laura Schlachter, President of the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce; Lisa Molnar with First National Bank; Rose Snyder, Store Manager of the Port Clinton Goodwill Shoppe; Dave Kahler with the North Coast Business Journal; Kim Voight-Jensen, Retail Services Manager with Goodwill; and Bob Talcott, President and CEO of Goodwill.

PC Goodwill Ribbon Cutting Port Clinton’s Goodwill Shoppe, 205 S.E. Catawba Rd., has packed up and moved, but not far.

It’s right next door, to the former West Marine retail location, opening there Oct. 15. To mark the occasion, Goodwill is held a “grand re-opening” 30-percent-off sale.

The new store will have some 10,900 square feet of floor space, compared with 7,200 at the present site.

Goodwill leases stores rather than owning them. The backroom area of the current facility will be part of the new store, giving Goodwill considerably more space for processing and storing donations.

“We’re really excited about the move. Our new sales floor not only will be bigger, but it also is being designed to make shopping easier,” Rose Snyder, store manager, said.

Goodwill relies heavily on store sales of donated garments, housewares and furniture to fund its employment programs for the disabled and disadvantaged.

The Port Clinton retail operation is one of seven maintained by Sanduskybased Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties Inc. The other stores are in Fremont, Norwalk, Willard, Huron, Sandusky and Bellevue.

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28 November 2010 North Coast Business Journal

On the Move

Christine Simmons Joins Old Fort Bank Michael C. Spragg, President and CEO of The Old Fort Banking Company, is pleased to announce that C h r i s t i n e Simmons has joined Old Fort Bank as a Treasury Management Specialist.

An experienced banker with over 25 years in the financial industry, Ms. Simmons has specialized in Treasury Management for the past 14years in the Tiffin, Findlay and Fremont markets. “Christine’s expertise in growing new and expanding existing business relationships

made her an excellent candidate for this position,” stated Michael Spragg.

In her new role, Simmons’ responsibilities will include developing new business, contacting and consulting with clients, product development along with providing exceptional client service and accessibility A graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School and Tiffin University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Simmons has continued her education by attending industry related programs.

Actively involved in the community over the years, Christine and her husband, Bob reside in Tiffin, with their son, Stone.

Memorial Health Care System Establishes Women's Health Services With a continued focus on women’s health issues, Memorial Health Care System (MHCS) has added two new specialists to its team of employed physicians.

Cynthia Flynn, M.D. and Mohamed El Nemr, M.D., both Obstetricians/ Gynecologists (OB/ GYN) will be the two new physicians which make up MHCS’ newest practice, Memorial Women’s Health Services.

Dr. Flynn received her medical degree from Michigan State University and completed her residency at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan. Some of her professional interests include obstetrics, vaginal surgery, menopause and sexual dysfunction.

Dr. Flynn performs in-office surgeries including hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation.

Dr. El Nemr earned his medical degree from the University of Alexandria in Egypt, where he also finished his residency in clinical oncology. He completed his OB/ GYN residency at Pennsylvania Hospital/ University of Pennsylvania

www.ncbj.net

OCIC’s Jamie Beier Grant Receives Honor in Toledo Jamie Beier Grant, Ottawa County Improvement Corp. director, was recognized for her achievements at the 15th annual “20 Under 40” ceremony held last month in Toledo.

The “20 Under 40” BEIER GRANT program has recognized 300 individuals since 1996 that have made exceptional contributions to their communities and/or have distinguished themselves in their careers.

A graduate of Denison University with bachelor’s degrees in economics and German, she began her career in economic development in 2001 with the Ohio Department of Development’s international trade and economic development divisions.

In 2002 she joined the Regional Growth Partnership and was involved in regional, international and technology developments. In 2005 Beier Grant joined the OCIC as its director.

Beier Grant holds several board positions: president Emeritus of the Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development Association; and president-elect of the Ohio Economic

Development Association.

She has been involved with helping companies with more than $20 million in financing and incentives, which has attracted more than $160 million in new investment in Ottawa County. Additionally, she was instrumental in the financing and construction of a 50,000-square-foot industrial spec building at Lakewinds Industrial Park, which resulted in a $4 million local expansion project.

She has also served on the Ohio HUBS of Innovation Project Team, the Ohio Ambassador program that promotes Ohio business opportunities abroad and serves on the Brush Wellman Community Advisory Panel. Beier Grant serves on the Northwest Ohio Development Agency and the Small Business Administration’s SBA 504 loan committee.

Her community leadership includes: board member and volunteer for Ottawa County United Way; volunteer for Joyfull Connections; member of the Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools Friends in Deed Program; ex-officio member of the Port Clinton Mainstreet Program; and board member of the Ottawa County Visitor’s Bureau.

She resides in Oak Harbor with her husband Brad and their son, Kaleb.

Infectious Disease Specialty Care at Memorial Hospital NEMR

FLYNN

Health System in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He specializes in OB/ GYN services, including high risk pregnancies and minimally invasive surgeries such as hysterectomies.

According to John C. Yanes, MHCS Chief Executive Officer, “Memorial Women’s Health Services further demonstrates our commitment to provide convenient access to quality health care services to the residents of Fremont and Sandusky County.

Dr. Flynn and Dr. El Nemr were recruited to the community in 2009 and we’re very pleased to be able to keep both physicians in our community.”

As Memorial Health Care System (MHCS) continues to expand its specialty services in Fremont, it has established the Child and Adult Specialty Care Clinic, which is led by pediatric and AREVALO adult infectious disease specialist Iracema Arevalo, M.D. Dr. Arevalo is seeing pediatric and adult patients with cases related to infectious disease.

Dr. Arevalo’s expertise is in pediatric and adult infectious disease. Infectious disease specialists treat a wide range

of infections and immunologic diseases such as those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Some of the common infections/ diseases treated by infectious disease specialists include MRSA, BVD, TB, pertusis (whooping cough), hepatitis, meningitis, influenza, tick-born diseases, STD, and many others.

The Child and Adult Specialty Care Clinic is being constructed in existing space on the ground level of the Memorial Hospital with easy access from the main lobby. The space has been designed to ensure patients and guests – including children – have a comfortable, private setting for their appointments. The construction of the clinic is scheduled to be complete

North Coast Business Journal

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November 2010

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Schaechterle to Hall of Fame

Hospice of Memorial Hospital Gets $1K

Norma Schaechterle was honored with the coveted Firelands Association of Realtor’s Hall of Fame Award at its 2010 Annual Election & Awards Dinner held at the Plum Brook Country Club.

The award was a surprise to the recipient and was presented by Mary Boldman of First American Title Company pictured above with Schaechterle. After receiving the award she asked the group to sing “God Bless America” along with her.

The Dow Chemical Company announced that it will provide Hospice of Memorial Hospital with a $1,000 grant to support hospice’s Caregiver Team. The Caregiver Team is made up of volunteers who were once caregivers for hospice patients.

According to Vicki Meade, Director of Hospice of Memorial Hospital, “We are extremely appreciative of the generosity of Dow Chemical. This grant will allow us to provide better support for a patient’s primary caregivers, thus enhancing quality of life and care for that patient during his or her greatest time of need.”

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North Coast Business Journal

Mercy Tiffin Welcomes New Pediatrician

NW Ohio Users Group Named ASCnet Chapter of the Year

Mercy Tiffin Hospital recently w e l c o m e d Christian Meade, MD to the Mercy Family. Dr. Meade is thrilled to be fulfilling his lifelong dream of p r a c t i c i n g medicine in a rural community. He welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with pediatricians Dr. Kakarala and Dr. Moorjani as the newest member of the medical staff at Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

Dr. Meade received his medical degree from the University of

The Northwest Ohio ASCnet Users Group has been honored with the Applied Systems Client Network (ASCnet) 2010 Chapter of the Year Award. The award was presented during the users group’s 25th annual Technology, Education & Networking Conference (TENCon) in Chicago.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Northwest Ohio ASCnet Users Group were Chapter President Sonia Merz, of Bokerman Yackee Koesters Insurance, in Napoleon, OH; Vice President Leah Purmort-Treece, of Purmort Brothers Insurance Agency, in Van Wert; Secretary Stephanie Winegardner, of Block Insurance Agency, in Waynesfield; and Treasurer Lisa Rozek, CISR, of Diversified Insurance Service,

Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. He completed a pediatric internship and residency through the University of Toledo Pediatric Residency Program. Dr. Meade will be specializing in general pediatric and adolescent care for children from newborn to 18 years of age.

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

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

31

in Elmore.

The Chapter of the Year Award honors an ASCnet local affiliate that has shown outstanding leadership and provided their members with exceptional opportunities to increase their profitability and grow the value of their agencies through their education programs and services.

• Computer Graphics • Layout and Artwork • Rubber Stamps • Circulars • Envelopes • Résumés • Letters • Notices • Newsletters • Books • Pamphlets • Journals • Catalog Sheets • Sales Bulletins • Letterheads • Business Stationery • Business Forms • Price Lists • Flyers • Business Cards

“Where Quality and Service Make the Difference!”

To advertise, call Dave at 419-732-2154

November 2010

CHRISTOPHER D. PALMER Branch Manager/Sales Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation 402 Columbus Avenue | Sandusky, Ohio 44870 phone: 419-626-4475 fax: 419-626-8333 toll free: 800-442-7767 mobile: 419-656-1209 email: cpalmer@ltic.com website: www.palmerltic.com

32 November 2010 North Coast Business Journal

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Now seeing patients in Fremont and Clyde

Comprehensive Obstetrical and Gynecological Care With a continued focus on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health issues, Memorial Health Care System (MHCS) has added two new OB/GYN specialists to its team.

Mohamed El Nemr, M.D. Dr. El Nemr earned his medical degree from the University of Alexandria in Egypt, where he also finished his residency in clinical oncology. He completed his OB/GYN residency at Pennsylvania Hospital/University of Pennsylvania Health System. He specializes in OB/GYN services, including high risk pregnancies and minimally invasive GYN surgeries, such as laparoscopic hysterectomies and cancer risk reduction procedures.

Cynthia Flynn, M.D. Dr. Flynn received her medical degree from Michigan State University and completed her residency at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan. Some of her professional interests include obstetrics, vaginal surgery, menopause, and sexual dysfunction. Dr. Flynn performs in-office surgeries including hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation.

For your convenience, our physicians will see patients at three different locations: 715 S. Taft Ave. Fremont, OH Memorial Hospital

455 McPherson Highway Clyde, OH

528 Third Avenue Fremont, OH

(Across from Whirlpool)

To schedule an appointment, call 419.333.2798.

Memorial Health Care System now accepts Paramount Insurance.

memorialhcs.org/womens-health