January
2016 Chamber Chat A PUBLICATION OF THE LOGAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
In this Edition Entrepreneur & Business
of the Month Maze Hearing and Balance LLC
A Logan County Success Story Dr. Heather Smith
Board Member of the Month Terri Schneider
Education & Industry Local Teens Tour Belletech
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Business of the Month
BENEFIT: Chamber members receive EDUCATION through legislative events and free business and entrepreneurial seminars.
Maze Hearing and Balance LLC “We are a full-service audiology practice committed to improving your quality of life through better
hearing.” With that statement Dr. Heather Maze Smith has built her practice in six years to three
locations: Marysville, Bellefontaine and Russells Point. She graduated with her Master’s degree
from Ohio University in 1990. She later obtained a doctorate in Audiology from the University of
Florida and now specializes in the evaluation and treatment of hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness
in adults. After working in hospitals, ENT offices and Speech and Hearing Centers for many years
she was ready to open her private practice. Heather takes pride in the fact that her locations are
locally owned and not part of a chain simply trying to sell hearing aids. “We are trying to help
evaluate and treat your individual problem the best way possible”. Maze Hearing and Balance, LLC
was awarded the “Midwest Momentum Award” by Audigy in recognition of the 36% growth of the
practice in the past year. “Our practice is the only AudigyCertified™ hearing care practice in our
region - a professional designation awarded by elite audiology practices across the country that
have recognized our commitment to the highest standards of patient care”.
Dr. Heather Smith grew up in Logan, Ohio and met her husband Greg at Ohio University. They
have lived in Bellefontaine for 17 years and have 2 children: Emma and Evan. When asked about
becoming a Logan County Chamber member her response was, “I joined the Logan County
Chamber of Commerce to become part of the business community and to be listed in the
Chamber’s Resource Directory. I enjoy the First Thursday coffee hours the most!”
Logan County Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize Dr. Heather Smith
for her dedication and commitment to this community and to the Chamber.
We congratulate Maze Hearing and Balance LLC along with
Heather and her entire staff on being January’s
Business and Entrepreneur of the Month!
www.mazehearing.com
209 S. Main St Bellefontaine
8200 St. Rt. 366 Ste. B
Russells Point
500 London Ave Marysville
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Legislative Meeting Tuesday January 12th 7:30am
Board Member of the Month
Meetings are open to the public and
held at the Chamber Office
Visit Our Website at: www.logancountyohio.com
BENEFIT: the Chamber provides EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES in the areas of human resources and safety.
Terri Schneider, Logan County Chamber of Commerce Board Member of the Month
The Logan County Chamber of Commerce is proud to
recognize Terri Schneider as our January Board member of the
month. Terri is the President/CEO of Rath Information Systems
located at 212 East Columbus Avenue, Bellefontaine.
Originally from Allen County, her family relocated to Logan County
during her high school junior year. She attended Benjamin Logan
High School and The Ohio Hi Point Career Center to pursue her
interest and become licensed in Cosmetology. After working 10 years
at The Empress Beauty Salon in Bellefontaine she and her husband
Terry opened their own salon called Images Unlimited on St. Rt. 47
West. After 11 years of owning and operating this business she
became part owner of Rath/Sign Pro in 1998. In 2004, she became
sole owner of the business and now employs five full time associates.
“Helping businesses and organizations of all size manage, exchange
information and workflow processes with unparalleled speed and efficiency” has been the cornerstone
of Rath Information Systems. Being involved in the United Way, American Cancer Society/ Relay for
Life, Rotary, History Center, Bellefontaine Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association and now the
Logan County Chamber has been very humbling and rewarding. As a business owner, it is even more
important to be involved. When a community gives of its time, talents and treasures we all win!
Terri and her husband Terry, have been married for 36 years and have two children: Gina living in
Wilmington, Ohio and Jim and his wife, Amanda, are in St. Petersburg, Fla.
We want to thank Terri for her service to our community
and the Logan County Chamber of Commerce.
Please join us Tuesday January 12th as the
Legislative Committee discusses
“Updates on the County.”
The Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman will be leading
the discussion and taking questions.
Tuesday, January 12th at 7:30am.
Scott Coleman
Logan County Engineer
PAGE 4
Tourism
BENEFIT: the Chamber champions BUY LOCAL, encouraging residents to support local businesses.
The Logan County Chamber & Visitors Bureau, along with Marmon Valley Farms, Markin Farms Zip
Line Adventures and the Indian Lake Chamber will participate in the AAA Great Vacation Travel
Expo this month. The Expo is Friday Jan 22 thru Sunday the 24 and will be held at the Greater
Columbus Convention Center. Four adjoining booths will fill one full side of the block with Logan
County attractions. A 20’ banner with our county attractions is the central backdrop for all four
booths with additional banners on each end, giving a unified & collaborative appearance. Logan
County will promote family fun, “staycation” ideas and building memories. Ohio - find it here!
From attending last year, we found that many people remember having visited Logan County
when they were young and now just seemed to need the reminder that “It’s time to go again”!
The Expo promotes travel ideas for day trips, weekend get-a-ways, family vacations and interna-
tional travel. To get a quick overview of the event and see the vast number of people attending
the AAA Great Vacation Travel Expo each year click here: aaagreatvacations.com . If you
watch very closely you can see some of our Logan County attractions in this fast paced video!
Of course you can find lists of local foods, attractions, meeting venues and connect with many of
Logan County’s entertainment spots by going to: logancountyohio.com and
click on the Visitors Bureau!
PAGE 5 BENEFIT: Members are REFERRED as the Chamber office receives hundreds of inquiries each month about our community.
Mark Your Calendars!
Attend the Safety Council Meeting Jan 21 at 7:30am Please join us on Thursday January 21 at 7:30am for
the Logan County Safety Council meeting held at Ohio Hi
Point in Room 102-A.
Bill Thomas, Wellness Coordinator for
Honda of America Mfg., Inc. will be presenting
“The Practical Application of Flexibility Exercise to
Injury Prevention in Manufacturing”
Bill is originally from Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He is a 1994
Graduate of the Ohio State University with a B.S. in
Community Health Education.
For 18 years, he has held the personal trainer credential of
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the
National Strength & Conditioning Association and has served
Honda of America Manufacturing for the last 6 years.
Safety Council is a monthly program
hosted by the Logan County
Chamber of Commerce and is always held on
the third Thursday of each month.
Bill Thomas , Wellness Coordinator
for Honda of America Mfg., Inc.
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Education & Industry
BENEFIT: The Chamber promotes WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, to raise the skill level of our industries associates.
Here is a great opportunity to showcase your business/industry to hundreds of Logan County
students that could be your future employees. Midwest Regional Educational Service Center and
the Logan County Chamber of Commerce are inviting you to participate in the first annual
“Logan County Work Force Expo.” Be Watching for details to come in the near future!
Questions please contact Karen Sorreles
937-599-5195 Ext. 5506.
Local Teens Tour Belletech
Bellefontaine High School DECA is an association of students preparing for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality
and management. BHS DECA most recently attended the Ohio DECA Fall Leadership Conference with all 35 of their chapter members on November 18th at the Columbus Convention Center. At this conference Marketing 2 Seniors,
Chase Miller & Jenna Fannin competed for positions as state officers. BHS DECA will be back in action on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Ohio Northern University, as the Chiefs work to qualify for the State Conference in March.
GOOD
LUCK
BHS
DECA!
Belletech opened their doors
for a plant tour in December
for a group of graduating
seniors from Bellefontaine
High School and Benjamin
Logan High School. These
seniors are part of the
Student Credentialing
Program initiative lead by the
Chamber. This program helps
prepare graduating seniors
for workforce readiness.
PAGE 7 BENEFIT: The Chamber promotes WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, to raise the skill level of our industries associates.
PAGE 8 BENEFIT: The Chamber promotes WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, to raise the skill level of our industries associates.
PAGE 9 BENEFIT: The Chamber provides INFORMATION AND SUPPORT for start up businesses
Chamber Events
Visit Our Website at: www.logancountyohio.com
First Thursdays
The Chamber Coffee Hour will
be at Sweet Aromas on
Thursday, January 7 at 8:00am
Come join the Chamber for an
opportunity to network
with other local business
representatives and share
about your company.
Visit Our Website at: www.logancountyohio.com
What: 2016’s First Quarter HR Meeting
Tuesday - January 26, 2016
Time: 11:30 am Registration & Lunch
12:00 - 1 pm Program
Location: American Legion
120 Colton Avenue, Bellefontaine
Topic: The Millennials -
Our Emerging Workforce
RSVP: Erin Henry 937-599-5121 or
by January 15
Visit Our Website at: www.logancountyohio.com
Thursday, February 4th at 6:00PM
Travel Presentation on the
Spain Classic’s Trip!
1790 S Main St Bellefontaine
RSVP: 937-599-5154 Ashley
PAGE 10 BENEFIT: Gain AWARENESS for your business through special advertising in the Chamber Chat, available only for members.
Membership News
ISS America Inc. opened it’s first manufacturing facility in the United States at 301 Carter Avenue in Bellefontaine to produce parts to support the automotive industry. They began converting the 8,000 square foot building, formerly known as The Warehouse Bar, in September of 2012 with three employees. They quickly ran out of space and in 2013 added another 12,000 square feet creating a state of the art facility which now employs 36 associates. “Our company is driven by QDC. Quality, Delivery and Cost performance. We Contribute through 3C: Customer---We try to realize customer satisfaction through QDC Communities-- We try to contribute to our neighborhood, suppliers and the environment. Company---We try to contribute to our associates, their families and our stockholders,” said Brian Evans, Operations Coordinator for ISS America. Go to www.issamerica.com for more information.
A Logan County Success Story . . .
Congratulations ISS America, Inc. on your
success in our community!
PAGE 11 BENEFIT: Gain AWARENESS for your business through special advertising in the Chamber Chat, available only for members.
Membership News
Welcome Our New Chamber Members
1292 E State Route 296
Urbana, OH 43078
937-545-3472
Paul Poppel, Owner
Paul’s Catering
PO Box 234
Middleburg, OH 43336
937-441-8894
Eric Greer, Owner
SBE Council member Jason Duff, Founder & CEO of
Ohio Bellefontaine Properties, Ltd., testified before the
House Small Business Committee on December 3
about the importance of Section 179 and bonus
depreciation – and tax certainty in general – to his
businesses. As noted by Jason in his testimony,
“I cannot tell you how important it is for my businesses,
and for the economic health of my local community, that
entrepreneurs and risk-takers like me to have practical
and stable expensing levels established so that we can
invest with confidence.” (Read the SBE Council me-
dia release on Jason’s testimony here.)
Jason did an excellent job sharing his story and discuss-
ing how tax uncertainty impacts his business, jobs in the community and his local economy. See
the House Small Business Committee media release here. BizJournals.com covered the
hearing, and the news story can be read here. Jason’s local newspaper also reported
on his visit – read “Mr. Duff Goes to Washington” here.
In several visits to the White House over the last two weeks, SBE Council president & CEO Karen
Kerrigan drove home the importance of expensing and investment incentive permanency for small
businesses. Jason Duff also visited the White House with Karen on the day of his testimony to
make this same point. President Obama supports making Section 179 permanent and increasing
the level to $1 million (as long as it’s “paid for.”)
Jason Duff, Founder & CEO
of Ohio Bellefontaine properties, Ltd.
Karen Kerrigan, SBE Council President & CEO
PAGE 12
Membership News
BENEFIT: Members gain CREDIBILITY by being part of an organization that has served the community for over 70 years.
Bellefontaine Examiner
The Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce presented the crew of Bobber’s Drive-Thru with its Beautification award.
Jon Gillespie receives Citizen of the Year honors Saturday during the annual Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s dinner meeting. As a lifelong area resident and owner of Shoreline Construction & Exca-
vating, Mr. Gillespie was lauded for continued commitments to
improving the Indian Lake area and service to the community.
Executive Director Pam Miller presented Sue and Jim
Van Kimmel with the Indian Lake Area Chamber of
Commerce’s Volunteers of the Year award Saturday
during the annual dinner meeting at The Lighthouse
in Russells Point.
Bill Coyer will lead the 2016 Indian Lake
Chamber board of directors as president. Jon Gillespie, Citizens of the Year
Thank You to DBP for
putting it on
and to our
community for supporting
the 2015 Christmas Parade.
Bellefontaine Examiner
What a Parade!
PAGE 13 BENEFIT: The Chamber provides INFORMATION AND SUPPORT for start up businesses
PAGE 14
Download Our App
The Logan County Chamber is part of a national net-
work that connects chambers throughout the coun-
try. Downloading the free My Chamber App is useful
for not only where you live, but also where ever you
travel.
Update your business information, add upcoming
events and share Hot Deals by logging into your
Chamber Master account. Call us with questions!
BENEFIT: Members receive a DIGITAL PRESENCE through the Chamber website and mobile application.
You Please visit the Community Calendar for
upcoming events throughout Logan County by clicking this link:
http://
www.logancountyohio.com/
index.html#section-calendar.
Laura Miller Chairperson
John Bodin Vice Chairperson
John T. Belser Secretary/Treasurer
Your Chamber Management Team
Honda Transmission
Jerry Cline Past Chairperson
Mary Rutan
Hospital
Thompson, Dunlap &
Heydinger Ltd.
John T. Belser, CPA
Paul Benedetti
President/CEO
937-599-5121
Erin Henry
Vice President of Operations
937-599-5121
Jacquey Yoder
Member and Visitor Services
Chamber Chat Editor
937-599-5121
Susan Karg
Member and Visitor Services
937-599-5121
Rick Gildow
Economic Development
937-599-5121
Darrin Haubert Chairperson Elect
Wells Fargo Advisors
FiNet, LLC
