Submitted by Mayor Rob Duncan Like most other cities in Ohio, we have experienced difficult times, but 2014 has been a great year for Norwalk. It seemed to have started with the Norwalk Truckers Boys Basketball team winning the Division II State Basketball title. Although Epic Technologies left Norwalk this year after being purchased by Natal Engineering, it was only a matter of months before a new owner was secured for the property. Dan-Mar Company, an industry leader in contract designing, developing, engineering, prototyping and manufacturing electronic products, was quick to see the advantages to operating in Norwalk. Dan-Mar will soon begin production in their new facilities, creating manufacturing jobs in our community. In June, it was announced that Norwalk would be the new location for Borger’s USA Corporation, a subsidiary of the German group Borgers AG. Borgers develops and produces acoustically efficient components for automobiles based on textiles. Being chosen for the site of Borgers’ second US operation is a major coup for the City of Norwalk. Led by Norwalk Economic Development Director Ellen Heinz, Norwalk fought through stiff competition to secure Borgers trust. We could not be more excited to have Borgers, a 150- year family business, become part of our family of businesses. Another score for the state championship city! Other projects are in the works and the movement towards restoring good jobs to Norwalk is well on its way. Ellen Heinz, our Director of Economic Development, has done an outstanding job in leading us to these victories and as mayor I take great pride in seeing our citizens and local business owners step up to the plate to help facilitate bringing other businesses to town. We are excited about our new businesses but equally excited about the businesses in our community that continue to operate, grow, and provide quality jobs for our residents. Very few communities, large or small, have the diversity we have in manufacturing. Positive movement in the retail sector continues as well. Bar 145, a Legends bar and restaurant, will be opening this fall in the former Bob Evans location. We also have new Italian and Mexican restaurants on the horizon. Several new specialty shops have opened and the district is thriving. Norwalk is experiencing a tremendous boon this summer in the form of IMAGINE NORWALK. Envisioned and spearheaded by Chris Castle, owner of Dirtsandwich Music Company, IMAGINE NORWALK is a grassroots coalition of local businesses who believe in our community and in one another. Every other Friday night this summer, numerous bands and individuals are playing music throughout the district as people eat, shop and simply enjoy walking throughout the uptown district. It is great to see uptown filled with people, the marquee lit up at the theater, and a great sense of community in the air. As we continue to move forward, meeting and surmounting the challenges we face, Norwalk is still, in the words of former mayor Louis Frey, “the best little city in Ohio.” FOCUS ON NORWALK INSIDE THIS MONTH CHAMBER CALENDARS ....... 8 TAXES: Health FSA Carryovers and HSA Contributions.... 15 ESTATE: Leaving a Legacy ........... 18 INSURANCE: Business Continuity Planning ........... 21 HR: “Prioritizing” .... 22 LEGAL: Revocable Trust Protection ......... 24 IT: Security Measures on a Budget ...... 25 SALES: “Hunting” ......... 27 Standard Mail U.S. Postage Paid Tiffin, OH 44883 Permit #88 Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc. AUGUST 2014 Vol. 20 No. 8 “The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties” POSTMASTER: TIMELY MATERIAL. PLEASE EXPEDITE. Celebrating 19 Years of Service We’re a proud member of the following: Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County Elmore Chamber of Commerce Erie County Chamber of Commerce Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce Genoa Chamber of Commerce Huron Chamber of Commerce Huron County Chamber of Commerce Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Milan Chamber of Commerce Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce Vermilion Chamber of Commerce Willard Area Chamber of Commerce Norwalk Seeing Signs of New Life
Transcript
Submitted by Mayor Rob DuncanLike most other cities in Ohio, we have experienced difficult
times, but 2014 has been a great year for Norwalk. It seemed to have started with the Norwalk Truckers Boys Basketball team winning the Division II State Basketball title.
Although Epic Technologies left Norwalk this year after being purchased by Natal Engineering, it was only a matter of months before a new owner was secured for the property. Dan-Mar Company, an industry leader in contract designing, developing, engineering, prototyping and manufacturing electronic products, was quick to see the advantages to operating in Norwalk. Dan-Mar will soon begin production in their new facilities, creating manufacturing jobs in our community.
In June, it was announced that Norwalk would be the new location for Borger’s USA Corporation, a subsidiary of the German group Borgers AG. Borgers develops and produces acoustically efficient components for automobiles based on textiles. Being chosen for the site of Borgers’ second US operation is a major coup for the City of Norwalk. Led by Norwalk Economic Development Director Ellen Heinz, Norwalk fought through stiff competition to secure Borgers trust. We could not be more excited to have Borgers, a 150-year family business, become part of our family of businesses. Another score for the state championship city!
Other projects are in the works and the movement towards restoring good jobs to Norwalk is well on its way. Ellen Heinz, our Director of Economic Development, has done an outstanding job in leading us to these victories and as mayor I take great pride in seeing our citizens and local business owners step up to the plate to help facilitate bringing other businesses to town.
We are excited about our new businesses but equally excited about the businesses in our community that continue to operate, grow, and provide quality jobs for our residents. Very few communities, large or small, have the diversity we have in manufacturing.
Positive movement in the retail sector continues as well. Bar 145, a Legends bar and restaurant, will be opening this fall in the former Bob Evans location. We also have new Italian and
Mexican restaurants on the horizon. Several new specialty shops have opened and the district is thriving.
Norwalk is experiencing a tremendous boon this summer in the form of IMAGINE NORWALK. Envisioned and spearheaded by Chris Castle, owner of Dirtsandwich Music Company, IMAGINE NORWALK is a grassroots coalition of local businesses who believe in our community and in one another. Every other Friday night this summer, numerous bands and individuals are playing music throughout the district as people eat, shop and simply enjoy walking throughout the uptown district. It is great to see uptown filled with people, the marquee lit up at the theater, and a great sense of community in the air.
As we continue to move forward, meeting and surmounting the challenges we face, Norwalk is still, in the words of former mayor Louis Frey, “the best little city in Ohio.”
Focus on norwalkINSIDE
THIS MONTH
CHAMBER CALENDARS ....... 8
TAXES:Health FSA Carryovers and HSA Contributions .... 15
ESTATE: Leavinga Legacy ........... 18
INSURANCE: Business Continuity Planning ........... 21
HR:“Prioritizing” .... 22
LEGAL:Revocable TrustProtection ......... 24
IT: Security Measures on a Budget ...... 25
SALES:“Hunting” ......... 27
Standard Mail U.S. Postage Paid Tiffin, OH 44883
Permit #88
Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc.AUGUST 2014 Vol. 20 No. 8
“The Business Voice of Erie, Huron,Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties”
POSTMASTER: TIMELY MATERIAL. PLEASE EXPEDITE.
Celebrating19 Years of Service
We’re a proud member of the following:Bellevue Area Chamber
of Commerce
Chamber of Commerceof Sandusky County
Elmore Chamberof Commerce
Erie County Chamber of Commerce
Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Genoa Chamberof Commerce
Huron Chamber of Commerce
Huron County Chamber of Commerce
Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Milan Chamberof Commerce
Oak Harbor AreaChamber of Commerce
Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce
Put-in-Bay Chamberof Commerce
Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce
Vermilion Chamberof Commerce
Willard Area Chamberof Commerce
Norwalk Seeing Signs of New Life
2 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
205 S.E. Catawba Road, Suite G, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
NorthCoastBusinessJournal is owned and published monthly by Schaffner Publica-tions, Inc., and is mailed free to chamber of commerce members in a five-county area: Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties. The editorial deadline is the 25th of each month, with the advertising deadline the end of each month. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed, written consent of the Publishers. We welcome submissions from readers in the form of letters, articles or photo-graphs, although we reserve the right to edit and condense any articles submitted. Submissions should be sent to the editor at the above address. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you would like an item returned. We prefer material (copy & photos) to be submitted electronically.
“The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties”
Submitted by Melissa JamesExecutive Director
The Huron County Chamber of Commerce is focused on providing education and training opportunities to area businesses. A recent seminar, provided by Jane Stewart of the Ohio Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) focused on selling to the government. All of Huron County is a HUBZone, that means historically underutilized business zone, and acquiring the knowledge to deal with state and federal governments can open many doors for businesses based here. Being designated as HUB can lead to contract opportunities directly with the government or it can lead to sub-contracting opportunities with larger contractors on government jobs. Either way, while it is a lot of work to become HUB certified and to then to learn how to bid, etc., the government will never stop buying and we should be ready to sell! Future seminars with Ms. Stewart are being planned and any Huron County business with interest should contact our office for future notifications.
August 21st at 8:30am, businesses are invited to join us for an update on the upcoming changes to workers’ compensation, specifically the switch to prospective billing. This seminar will be conducted by Bobbijo Warren from CompManagement and has been met with positive reviews for the in-depth coverage of this issue. Due to the change from retrospective payment to prospective payment, lots of other things change as well. One of the big changes is the deadline for group rating. That is
now just a couple of months away instead of in February as in past years. In addition to this update, if you have questions regarding your workers’ comp, Bobbijo is an excellent resource and you are encouraged to attend this seminar and bring your questions.
For folks considering starting their own business, the Small Business Development Center conducts a seminar on the 3rd Thursday of every month, 2:00pm-4:00pm, here in the chamber office. These seminars help to ensure a solid understanding of the many factors that go into running a successful business. The seminars are free and open to all. In addition to this monthly seminar, the SBDC also offers one-on-one counseling to entrepreneurs. This is a free service designed to get a strong foundation under your budding business. RSVP for the seminar to the chamber office, 419-668-4155.
All of our seminars will take place in our newly remodeled conference room. The conference room is dedicated to Rick Mingus, a recent Chamber President who passed away from cancer this past December. As one of the perks of membership the conference room is free for use by member businesses. There is seating for up to fifty, smart board, ceiling mounted projector, surround sound, new lighting and a catering station. The chamber encourages members to utilize the room for trainings, meetings, etc. Having this space eliminates the need to travel, saving time and money, feel free to stop in and have a look.
Huron County Chamber of Commerce
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counties every month
Almost nine out of 10 (87%) "make or have
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NCBJ readers are decision-makers:
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 3
Purchase Season Subscriptions50% off first-time buyersCall the Sandusky State Theatreto order 419-626-1950
• American Doo-Wop Graffiti Sat. Aug. 16th 8pm
• 73rd Ohio Voluntary Infantry Regimental Band Sat. Aug. 23rd 7:30pm
FREE OUTDOOR FAMILY POPS CONCERT Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 6:30pmMcBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands
FULL ORCHESTRAS with vocalist Kishna Davis
Join the Firelands Symphony and internationally acclaimed vocalist Kishna Davis in a free concert at the McBride Arboretum/Erie Metroparks in Huron. Listeners of all ages will enjoy a relaxed pops program featuring this brilliant performer who has sung with major orchestra around the world.
RAIN PLAN: In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside to the Sandusky State Theatre. 107 Columbus Avenue in downtown Sandusky. Concert time is 7:30pm. Check this website or call the FSO office for details.
EVENTS AUGUST 2014
In the ever-changing world of health care, Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk remains a strong independent, local hospital that delivers safe high-quality health care to families, friends and neighbors in the region. Fisher-Titus has a strong tradition of investing in the latest medical technologies, maintaining an experienced and skilled workforce, bringing the highest quality physicians to the region, and expanding services and facilities to meet the needs of the communities it serves.
Construction “Outside the Walls” of Fisher-Titus
Fisher-Titus Medical Center recently hosted an official ribbon cutting ceremony at North Side Medical Office, 368 Milan Ave., Norwalk. The $2.4 million project, which broke ground on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, includes an 11,762-square-foot medical office building which houses Northern Ohio Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC and Fisher-Titus Industrial Health Services, Convenient Care, Outpatient
Laboratory Services and Physical Therapy Services. Janotta & Herner of Monroeville was the general contractor and architect.
“We are excited to bring new services like Convenient Care to the north side of Norwalk and improve access to our laboratory, rehabilitation services and Industrial Health programs,” said Lorna Strayer, Fisher-Titus President, Interim. “Over the years, residents have expressed a desire for additional Norwalk locations for various hospital-related health-care services. This new facility was designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind.”
This facility was designed to improve access to a variety of outpatient hospital services and offer added conveniences for patients who are on the north side of our service area; provide space for new services; and offer physician practices the opportunity to locate here. This location provides many benefits including: • Ample parking and handicap-
accessible parking. • A multidisciplinary approach with
Fisher-Titus services conveniently located in the same building.
• A collaborative environment where providers work together to ensure patients receive optimal treatment plans in the most convenient manner.
Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Specialists began operations on Monday, July 21, both Industrial
Health and Physical Therapy opened on Aug. 4 and this fall Convenient Care and Outpatient Lab will be available at this location.
Convenient Care is a new service for Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s employed provider group, Fisher-Titus Medical Care, and staffed by a physician and/or nurse practitioner.
Fisher-Titus Medical Center: A “Main-Stay “in the Region
See FISHER-TITUS, Page 16
4 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
Submitted by Kristie Wert, Program ManagerMain Street Norwalk
They require commitment from everyone. From shopping local and volunteering, to supporting community events; the opportunities to make a difference in Norwalk are many. Norwalk is fortunate to have an energetic group of volunteers through the Main Street Norwalk program to lead the charge to create a place people want to visit, invest in and live.
In 2013, Uptown Norwalk added several new businesses that truly enhance the experiences of visitors and residents alike. Demand for space in 2013 was high with several new businesses opening in the District. The mix of the new businesses was varied which lends itself to the destination atmosphere. One new business that has become a fast favorite is Dirtsandwich Music Co.
Local musician Chris Castle’s new venture– Dirtsandwich Music Co, LLC, located at 24 West Main Street, is the newest entertainment venue in the area featuring local and national artists. They are attracting attention throughout the region and bringing in traffic from out of state. Upcoming programs include live recording sessions, concerts and song writer events, as well as spearheading the Imagine Norwalk happenings. For more information on their activities,
check out their website at www.dirtsandwich.com.
Other new businesses include ACE Hardware, Microcharged, Attorney Heather Neidermeir, Mary’s Electrolysis, and Alliance Staffing Solutions are some of the ten new businesses to find a home in the District in 2013. Three new businesses are on tap to open in 2014; Whoopsie Daisy Bowtique, an expansion of a shop out of Ashland, Ohio, Mis Famiglia’s, a family Italian restaurant, and IT&T, a technology company.
Our anchor businesses continue to work on their business models; new branding campaign, furniture line, and accessories line for Arter’s Home Furnishings, new website and online sales at Patina46, and computerized jewelry design at Diamond Collection are just a few of the ways that our anchor businesses are working to stay relevant and successful.
In late 2012, Norwalk Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) and Main Street Norwalk launched a pilot incentive program that was developed to encourage preservation and rehabilitation of commercial structures within the Norwalk area. In 2013, five projects in Uptown Norwalk utilized funds from the new Norwalk Area Mini Façade Grant Pilot Program. The pilot year was funded by the generous support of local
Thriving Communities Don’t Just Happen…
Photo by Patrick Fox
See COMMUNITY, Page 5
Catholic Health Partners (CHP), the parent healthcare system of Mercy Willard and Mercy Tiffin Hospitals, has changed its name to Mercy Health. The system’s name change is part of a Ministry evolution to one unified team, focused on high-quality care, increased efficiencies and lower patient costs. Mercy Health is Ohio’s largest health system and fourth-largest employer. The system already operates under the “Mercy” name in five of its current seven markets, including markets serving Cincinnati, Toledo, Lorain, Springfield and Paducah, Ky.
“Our new name is a symbol of the new way we are working together to improve the health of the communities we serve,” said Michael D. Connelly,
Mercy Health’s president and CEO. “It is a key component of our vision to empower those we serve to achieve their optimal well-being and health, and to maximize our quality and cost efficiency by simplifying our structure. This approach to serving and healing demonstrates our commitment to making healthcare easier as our more than 1,000 physicians and 32,000 employees strive to make lives better - mind, body and spirit - to help our patients be well.”
Over the next several years, the Mercy Health name will be phased into all system facilities, including Mercy Willard and Mercy Tiffin Hospitals. This allows patients to retain the trust, confidence and security they currently have in physician,
hospital and outpatient facilities that have served their communities for more than a century.
In addition, the Ministry’s website will change to mercy.com.
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 5
MAY PAINTING INC.Family Owned and Operated Since 1933
Serving Commercial & Industrial Accounts In NW Ohio
COMMUNITY, from Page 4banking partners: Citizens Bank, Firelands Federal Credit Union, Key Bank and Croghan Colonial Bank. A total of $3923.27 in grant funds was awarded to five projects in the District. The five projects funded represent a total investment of $7,924.24 in the community. Those receiving grants and providing the matching project funds include: Main Street Barber, Shipley’s Office Supply and Furniture, Inc., The Norwalk Theatre, Dirtsandwich Music Co., and Berry’s Restaurant.
In recent years, Norwalk has been fortunate to have many dollars of reinvestment put into the Uptown district. Through building renovations and rehabilitations, building façade improvements, and public improvements, over $700,000 was invested in the District in 2013.
Promotion of the District is a key part of the efforts by the Main Street Norwalk program. Cleveland station, Fox8 brought New Day Cleveland to the District in
early 2013 to film their road trip show highlighting destination spots in Uptown. Local journalist, Jeremy Wiedle, has produced a series of videos on his hometown telling the story of the revitalization that he noticed upon returning home after college. Those videos may be viewed on You Tube/Jeremy Wiedle. These are wonderful examples of the recognition of the District that helps bring people to the community.
Heritage Ohio sponsors an annual competitive awards program and in 2013, Main Street Norwalk was excited to gain recognition with award winners in two categories. Patina46, owned by Amanda Morsher-Hewitt was honored as Heritage Ohio Business of the Year and two program volunteers, Doug Berry and Lynn Bolden took Heritage Ohio Volunteers of the Year honors in the state.
Of course, none of this is possible without a strong core of volunteers. In 2013, volunteers of all ages donated over 2600 hours to the District. From Board members that work tirelessly to ensure the
group is working towards their mission of ‘preserving, improving, and promoting the Uptown Historic District’ to the local youth volunteers that help out at events, every task is important. With only one paid staff member, Main Street Norwalk depends greatly upon the efforts of its volunteers.
Fond memories of parades, trips to see Santa, first dates, downtown shopping trips, and special occasion dinners are not a thing of the past for the
Norwalk community. Main Street Norwalk volunteers realize that it is an ongoing process and there will always be ways to preserve, improve, and promote the District and encourage everyone to be a part of these efforts. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the Main Street Norwalk office at 419 660 8696 or via email at [email protected].
Main Street Norwalk is a program of the Norwalk Economic Development Corporation. Its mission is to preserve, improve and promote the district of Norwalk as a commercial, cultural and social center.
Mercy Willard and Mercy Tiffin Change Names to Mercy Health
Port Clinton, OH – A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Soleil Clothing and Accessories located at 121 Madison Street on July 3. Representatives from the City of Port Clinton, Main Street Port Clinton, and the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce congratulated them and wished them many years of success.
Pictured left to right: Missy Walker, Main Street PC Board Member; Laura Schlachter, Port Clinton Area Chamber and Main Street PC; Lori Madison, Main Street PC Board Member; Margaret Phillips, Port Clinton City Council; Ottawa County Commissioner Jim Sass; Amir Sraibman, owner; Ben Topaz, owner; Mayor Vince Leone; and Jerry Tarolli, Port Clinton City Council.
Ribbon Cutting Held for Soleil Clothing and Accessories
6 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
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Submitted byEllen Heinz, M.Ed.DirectorNorwalk Economic Development Corporation
The Norwalk Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) and Main Street Norwalk (a program supported by NEDC) launched a successful new Mini-Façade Grant Program for Norwalk area businesses in 2013 and is ramping up for another strong year in 2014.
The pilot year was funded by the very generous support of a number of local banking partners: Citizens Bank, Firelands Federal Credit Union, Key Bank and Croghan Colonial Bank. These partners made contributions to support the pilot year and due to the success of the program will continue their support in 2014, with additional partners being identified to expand the program.
In 2013, the five businesses that received grants and provided matching project funds were Main Street Barber, Shipley's Office Supply and Furniture, Inc., The Norwalk Theatre, Dirtsandwich Music Co., and Berry's Restaurant.
"We are excited to offer this opportunity to Norwalk area businesses again in 2014– not just those in the city limits, but any business with a Norwalk zip code of 44857 is welcome to apply for the program. Note that funds are limited," stated Ellen Heinz, Director of the Norwalk Economic Development Corporation.
"The purpose of the Norwalk Area Mini-Façade Grant Program is to encourage the preservation and rehabilitation of commercial structures within the Norwalk area," commented Kristie Wert, Main Street Norwalk Program Manager.
Heinz and Wert stated that in the 2nd year of the program, their top priority projects will again be those that can demonstrate the most positive impact on the area and present the best use of the funds.
The new Mini-Façade Grant program offers up to a $1,500 grant match for approved façade improvements. All grant funds must be applied for and approved before any work can be done. This program only has a three-page application, which includes the program guidelines. The program is available to any business in the area that has a project that meets all of the eligibility requirements.
Applications are available by contacting the NEDC Office at 419-663-2030.
Downtown Mansfield shared the template for their successful façade grant program with the Norwalk team. "Downtown Mansfield has been great to work with over the years. Their leadership's cooperative spirit goes beyond geographical boundaries," said Heinz.
"Connecting businesses to the financial resources they need to help complete or start a new project which will enhance and strengthen their operation is extremely important to our area’s success."
Norwalk Mini-Facade Grant Successfully Launched
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 7
Submitted by Melissa JamesAcross the state there are approximately 80 safety
councils, a program sponsored by BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene and facilitated by local organizations. One new initiative the safety councils will be focusing on in 2014 is the health and wellness of our employees and their families.
Poor healthcare and poor nutrition are huge contributing factors to high absenteeism in both the workplace and school. Obviously, family wellness is also a factor in employee behavior. Sick children, aging parents, require care, transportation to doctor visits, etc. While this is understandable, the resulting absenteeism by those care-giving employees results in lower production at your business. It can also be a distraction to the employee and depending on the risk level of their particular job, lead to increased injury.
Employers can assist in improving the lives of our employees with a few simple steps and relatively small investments. If you have on-site vending
machines work with the vending company to include healthier snacks. Dried fruits and nuts versus cakes and candies, milk, juice, flavored waters versus pop are easy first steps for you and your employees.
If your employees take set lunch breaks consider sponsoring “lunch and learn” seminars on nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, mental health, etc. There are numerous resources for speakers at little to no charge. Start a walking club, a brisk walk before or during a shift, especially outdoors, can help reduce stress. Sponsor a sports club of your employees to play in the rec league, especially during winter months when activity levels fall.
Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer wellness programs. These can range from basic to very comprehensive with live support for participating employees. Incorporate health and wellness topics in your weekly safety meeting, include information sheets with payroll handouts.
Showing concern, compassion, for your employees and their families will also go a long way in building their loyalty to the company, and we all know the difference that can mean to our businesses.
Beyond the health and wellness initiative the Huron County Safety Council offers industry specific topics each month for construction, manufacturing and general risk/service businesses. We offer a quarterly matching grant for in-house safety programs, trainings and equipment. We hold a transitional job bank of light duty jobs for use by any business for injured workers. Safety council is also the perfect opportunity to network with other companies that encounter similar risks. Pooled equipment purchases and other shared trainings, etc., can greatly reduce costs and help make safety a priority.
For more information on the Huron County Safety Council please contact us at 419-668-4155 or [email protected].
Huron County Safety Council
Submitted by Kristie WertProgram Manager
A grassroots coalition of local businesses who believe in the Norwalk community and in one another are making a big impact in Norwalk’s historic district with Imagine Norwalk, a bi weekly venue where businesses and artists are teaming up in every way imaginable. “We’re a historic downtown district, alive and rich in unique retail shopping, distinct dining, the arts and community. Imagine Norwalk isn’t an event, it’s a mindset,” said Chris Castle, owner of Dirtsandwich Music Company who is spearheading the effort to create something uniquely Norwalk.
Castle said Norwalk’s citizens can make this city whatever they dream it to be. After three Imagine Norwalk experiences, the community is buzzing. “I think the approach that Chris has to Imagine Norwalk is incredible- he has pulled in businesses and organizations that individually, have a great impact on the community. By putting them all together and adding in the artists in a coordinated effort, the results are truly amazing,” says Kristie Wert, Main Street Norwalk
(MSN) program manager, “It just makes you smile to see so many people enjoying the District and creating memories in their hometown.” Although Imagine Norwalk is not a MSN program, the program is highly supportive of the efforts of the businesses and artists to see it grow.
Visitors to Imagine Norwalk may
arrive at 4pm to enjoy buscars throughout the District, then starting at 5pm and throughout the evening, entertainment abounds. From strumming guitarists, local bands, poets, performance painters, silent movies, and reading circles, there is a variety of activities for art lovers of all kinds. “We make music and art. As artists we can imagine Norwalk as an oasis for that,” Castle said. “A place
where people can express themselves through music, painting or any other medium.The idea is basically that we’ll all wake up tomorrow and walk out the door into the world-what kind of
world that is depends entirely on us.”For more details on the next Imagine
Norwalk experience, visit the groups Facebook page at Imagine Norwalk, or the website at ImagineNorwalk.com.
“IMAGINE NORWALK”
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For many years “information & referral” to area human and social services has been a big part of our call volume at the Norwalk Area United Fund office; normally 500-700 calls per year and almost 1000 calls in tough years. The same can be said for other agencies and churches in the area who receive many calls as well.
Whether a family asks about rental assistance or a health crisis, people who have never faced those needs before just don’t know who to call. So, in an effort to help families who are looking for a solution (and not experience the frustration of making 14 calls to find an answer) the United Fund Board of Directors is making 2-1-1 available in Huron County.
All of us want to help families make connections, but the added administrative bonus to having a
centralized call location will help us answer questions such as: How many of the calls are the same family? Are they asking and getting help from multiple sources? Are they not being helped because there is no service available - or for other reasons?
Starting October 2014, our 2-1-1 call center in Cleveland - one of several in Ohio to choose from - will handle information and referral calls from Huron County residents. Calls will be answered “Huron County 2-1-1.” Currently, the Cleveland call center handles calls from 9 Ohio counties.
Of course, there is always much to do in preparing for 2-1-1 to become a reality. First, our Board worked with
Ohio United Way to receive a grant from the Ohio Department of Job &
Family Services for the first two years of o p e r a t i o n . Secondly, we became a member of the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems. The last three steps are in
process: to provide information on local services using our United Fund Directory of Services as the foundation of the database for the 2-1-1 operators to use; the switching of our phone lines to allow dialing of the 3-digit number; and planning a big announcement in October after all is set in place.
What do we need to be doing as a community to support this service?
Have people call 2-1-1. It’s that easy and it’s available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. We’ll work with our county organizations to make sure the database is filled with current information - whether it’s a new program or one that’s being dropped or changed.
Since we will need results of the effectiveness of 2-1-1, we’ll receive quarterly reports detailing the types of calls received and how many. This information will help us manage our resources and substantiate need for funding local programs that are truly effective. We will also continue to work with our local agencies and organizations and the Ohio United Way to receive grants in the future to keep Huron County 2-1-1 going.
After all preparations are finalized, we look forward to the big event to roll out 2-1-1 in Huron County. We hope you’ll join us.
United Fund: 2-1-1 Soon tobe Available in Huron County
10 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
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At McIntire Retirement Services, we specialize in retirement planning by helping pre-retirees and retirees achieve their dreams and financial goals through:
To set up a free consultation, contact our Port Clinton, Perrysburg or Fremont offices:Port Clinton:205 SE Catawba Rd. Suite CPhone: (419) 732-0732Perrysburg:900 W. South Boundary St. Bldg. 3APhone: (419) 874-2015Fremont:622 1/2 West State StreetPhone: (419) 332-0532
Investment advice is offered by Horter Investment Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Insurance and annuity products are sold separately through McIntire Retirement Services, LLC. Securities transactions for Horter Investment Management clients are placed through Pershing Advisor Solutions, Trust Company of America, Jefferson National Monument Advisor, Fidelity, Security Benefit Life and Wells Fargo Bank, N. A.
www.mcintireretirementservices.com
Join the Firelands Symphony Orchestra for a season of exciting musical variety, including nationally known guest musicians, familiar classics and popular favorites.
To introduce new listeners to this local treasure, FSO is offering each first-time season subscriber a 50% discount off regular single ticket prices.
The season kicks off Aug. 24 with a free outdoor pops concert with the FSO and renowned soprano Kishna Davis. Davis is acclaimed throughout the United States and Europe for her performances in opera, with orchestras and as a solo concert artist.
Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy beautiful music in the picturesque surroundings of McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands. This concert is made possible by Medical Mutual of Ohio, Lange Trust Foundation and grants from The Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation and The Frost-Parker Foundation.
The FSO’s regular season begins Oct. 11 at the Sandusky State Theatre. Cleveland Piano Competition 2013 gold prize winner Stanislav Khristenko joins the orchestra, under the direction of conductor Carl Topilow. The orchestra’s family-friendly Patriotic Pops concert returns on Nov. 9 with the Terra Choral Society. Free tickets are available for veterans and current military personnel.
Get into the holiday spirit on Dec. 14 with the
FSO, Broadway twins Will and Anthony Nunziata and local high school choruses. On Feb. 21 the highly esteemed duo of Sharon Robinson and Jaime Laredo will perform Brahms’ “Double Concerto for Violin and Cello.”
Award-winning Irish band The Outside Track will set toes tapping with rousing their unique blend of fiddle, accordion, harp, guitar, whistle, step-dance and vocals on March 14. Two additional step-dancers will add energetic vitality.
The season closes with violinist Steven Greenman joining the FSO to perform the Chinese masterpiece, “The Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto,” on April 11.
Season tickets are available at the Sandusky State Theatre box office by calling 419-626-1950 or toll free 1-877-626-1950. New subscriptions go on sale on June 12.
Those who have never been a season subscriber can take advantage of the “Save 50%” offer.
For more information about any of these concerts, please call the Firelands Symphony Orchestra at 419/621-4800 or visit www.FirelandsSymphony.com.
Firelands Symphony Orchestra Unveils 2014-15 Season
Borgers USA Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of the German group Borgers AG, selected Norwalk, Ohio as the location for its newest U.S. manufacturing facility. Norwalk was chosen after a search spanning four states, over several months. The Borgers Group has operations in 20 locations in Europe, China and the USA. The largest business division is the automotive sector. Borgers’ new $60 million facility will be located on 27 acres in Norwalk’s Firelands Industrial Park and the project will create 230 jobs.
“Borgers decision to choose Ohio for its new manufacturing facility not only brings a high number of good jobs to Norwalk, it demonstrates the strength of auto manufacturing in the state,” said John Minor, JobsOhio President and Chief Investment Officer. “This is a fifth-generation company with a worldwide reputation for high-quality manufacturing as well as being an involved partner in the communities where it invests; we are delighted that Borgers now has a presence in Ohio.”
Werner Borgers, CEO and President, said one reason the company chose Norwalk was they believed in the quality of the workforce. “Norwalk is a great location regarding logistics as it relates to our Midwest customers and the labor force is exceptional and highly motivated. In addition to that we feel that there is a great emotional fit between the people in Norwalk and the values and characteristics of our family business. We are very excited about becoming part of the Norwalk community and we look forward to starting the project soon,” said Borgers, a major shareholder in the family-owned business that was founded in 1866.
“This is great news for our community. The Borgers Company is a quality operation and we are ecstatic that they have chosen Norwalk for their new U.S. operation,” said Norwalk Mayor Rob Duncan. “This has been a collaborative effort with our many partners from the State and JobsOhio, Team NEO, our own Norwalk Economic Development Corporation and Executive Director Ellen Heinz, as well as our administration and local community
and business partners.” “We are thrilled to have Borgers
choose Norwalk. Borgers is a multi-generational, family-owned business with an outstanding commitment to community partnership and an exceptional leadership team,” said Ellen Heinz, Executive Director, Norwalk Economic Development Corporation.
Heinz added this was an extremely competitive process that required an enormous amount of work and support.
“The project and bringing Borgers to Norwalk is a great example of how a smaller, rural community can be just as aggressive and competitive when the right e c o n o m i c development tools and partnerships are in place,” Heinz said. “We thank the many community and business partners who worked on various aspects of this project . . . no matter how large or small our request, everyone stepped up to do what they could to support the project.”
“In addition to the City of Norwalk and Norwalk City Council, we also would like to say a special thank you to those that offered creative opportunities including the State of Ohio, JobsOhio, ODSA (Ohio Development Services Agency), Columbia Gas of Ohio, FirstEnergy and Ohio Edison, Ohio Department of Transportation - Jobs and Commerce Division, Team NEO, Fisher-Titus Foundation, Huron County Job and Family Services and the Norwalk Community Development Corporation,” said Heinz. She noted virtually every department within the City of Norwalk helped support this project.
“Winning this project would not have been possible without their assistance and our local partnership that has a unique, innovative approach to economic development. Thank you to Mayor Duncan, the City of Norwalk, Norwalk City
Council and the nearly 70 private sector businesses and individuals that support the Norwalk Economic Development Corporation.”
Borgers and the Norwalk community plan to have a groundbreaking ceremony in early August and the construction is targeted for completion
in early 2015. Local contractor Janotta & Herner, Inc. has been selected as the construction lead for the project. Borgers will begin interviewing prospective employees later this year and more information on the recruitment process will be released at a later date.
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 11
The correct information.In the correct form.At the correct time.
Outsource Printing
Scanning Services
Variable Data
Mail Services
German Company, Borgers, ChoosesNorwalk for New U.S. Manufacturing Facility
12 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
Submitted by Ellen HeinzDirector, Norwalk Economic Development Corporation
The area has seen tremendous activity in reinvestment, new businesses locating in the area and redevelopment over the past two years. Preliminary reports estimate over $32 million dollars were invested in Norwalk and the surrounding area alone in 2013. Over 20 properties have gone off the market and over 25 new businesses located in the area since the end of 2011. This number demonstrates the
increased activity and market opportunities that the Norwalk area provides.
The Norwalk community has also seen increased interest in industrial and commercial properties in the area over the last six months. Norwalk is proud to be welcoming two new manufacturers to our area in 2014: Dan-Mar and Borgers USA.
Borgers USA is a family-owned manufacturing company with over 20 locations world-wide. Borgers’ new site in Norwalk will be their second U.S.
location and the company will invest an estimated $60 million over the next five years in construction and equipment for their new facility.
Fisher-Titus Medical Center led the list was the largest projects in 2013. The community’s largest employer, Fisher-Titus continues to be one of the top visionaries in the area. The innovative advances and overall expansion of technology and facilities have been impressive. The investment in their surgical area, robotic technology, additional partnerships and affiliations, and their new North Side facility, which will open in 2014, highlight some of the activity they’ve been involved with over the past year.
The Norwalk area is also extremely fortunate to have so many innovative and strong manufacturers in the area. From new space to new equipment to new employees, companies like David Price Metal Services, Olympus, Americraft Carton, New Horizons Baking Company, Norwalk Concrete Industries, Extol of Ohio, Norwalk Furniture, Norweco and many others have chosen to reinvest in Norwalk over the past year.
Norwalk is home to a diverse group of manufacturers that produce a wide range of products, including but not limited to the following: Medical devices, buns and muffins for a variety of customers nationally, components for the energy industry, concrete precast molds, furniture, balloons and latex products, fabricated insulation materials, paperboard packaging, steel and metal fabricator, floor mats and loading dock bumpers, guard rails, custom and decorative metal products, acoustical products for the automotive industry, and many more.
Some of the best turnaround manufacturing stories ever were initiated right here in Norwalk. The story of 12 local families stepping up to save Norwalk Furniture in 2008 was one for the record books and tops the list. With an established track record of growth, expanded product development, streamlined manufacturing processes, outstanding marketing efforts and a breathtaking international showroom in-house, Norwalk Furniture continues to excel in their industry and also demonstrate their impressive commitment to doing ‘Whatever It Takes’ to be the best.
Other companies have reinvested in their operations as well, including
Maple City Ice and BackOffice Associates. BackOffice, a new high-tech company that started up in Norwalk with fewer than 5 employees in 2009, now has nearly 80 and would like to bring on many new additional employees in 2014 and is updating their facility.
Redevelopment of existing buildings has also been at the forefront of area progress as well. Thanks in large part to property owners such as Tim, Connie & Amanda Morsher, Brian Lonz, John & Laurie Flickinger, Norb & Sue Smith, Stan Obrenovich, Matt & Lisa Herner, Kim & Joe Cerri, Battles Insurance, Hoyt Lolla and many others, several buildings are not only being maintained but have been transformed. They have invested heavily to create modern-day masterpieces that showcase our community and establish a remarkable legacy for years to come.
The community has seen amazing progress and has tremendous opportunity on the horizon, thanks in large part to the outstanding businesses that call Norwalk home. The Norwalk area has a great track record for innovation, reinvestment and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. The area is looking forward to expanded growth and additional investment in 2014.
Some of the new business arrivals over the last two years include but are not limited to: ‘NOW and Then’ by Ditz Design and The Hen House (2014), Frontier Retail Store (2014), Marjie’s Mutts (2014), Ace Hardware (2013), Pat O’Brien Chevrolet Buick (2013), B & N Automotive (2013), Hohler Furnace & Sheet Metal (2013), Rural King (2013), CDL Testing facilities (2013), Dirtsandwich Music Company (2013), Pink Pixie Boutique (2013), New Haven Supply/Brohl & Appell (2013), Havana Cigar Outlet (2013), Microcharged (2013), Alliance Solutions Group (2013), Mary’s Electrolysis (2013), Second Chance Auto (2013), Attorney Heather Niedermeir (2013), C & R Variety (2013), Willoughby Supply (2012), Stine Family Dentistry (2012), Edward Jones-North Side (2012), Yankee Biotics (2012), Little Caesars (2012), When Pigs Fly (2012), Patina46 (2012), Main Street Barber (2012), The Chapel – South Campus (2012), Upcycled (2012), Main Street Barber (2012), Attorney Doug Clifford (2012), Tammy’s Salon of Style (2012), Anytime Fitness (2012).
Norwalk Area Highlights –Reinvestment, New Businesses, Redevelopment
Submitted by Melissa JamesThe Huron County Visitors Bureau
isn’t very old but we have made a lot of progress. The excitement rose another level this past week with the arrival of our new outdoor touch screen kiosks. Having a small staff and that being the same staff as the chamber and safety council, means we have to find ways to be accessible beyond normal business hours. These kiosks, which will be installed at the Friendship Store on the north end of Norwalk, the West side Sunoco to the west, downtown at the chamber office and at Summit Motorsports Park. The kiosks will provide visitors 24 hour access on where to stay, play, shop, eat and sleep while in Huron County.
The kiosks will be wrapped with eye-catching graphics and have customized software installed before being located for use but this is a big step and one we could not have done with the aid of bed tax. And because
it is from this source, we want all Norwalk businesses to be included. This will be a great opportunity to let folks from far and wide know where you are, what you do and how to get to you. There will be photos of the area and those can be changed so if
you have a great hi-res photo of the community we would like to consider it for future use. Stop by the office or email it to us and thank you in advance.
And while we’re talking visitors, a few weeks ago I took off for another
part of the state for a little R&R. I hadn’t been to the area for many years and do to what I’m about to say, I’ll also leave it unidentified! The scenery was wonderful, a cabin on a lake, hiking, canoeing, etc. But the people at each of these locations were
tired, short, grumpy, uninterested or maybe all of the above. I could not help but think about our area and the tens of thousands of visitors that come through each year. Are we giving off the same lack luster vibes? Oh I hope not! An amazing weekend
had the possibility of being nearly perfect, just a smile, a “welcome, glad to have you here” which translates into the unspoken “spending your money with us” could have brought me back, made me spend more money or suggested the trip to others. So here’s the thing it made me do…remind all of us, myself included, that when someone walks through our door, rings our phone, sends an email, respond with your best. Take the responsibility to make it their best encounter of the day.
Employers, maybe you should call your business, see if you like what you hear. Have someone shop the store or dine in your restaurant, was it what you expected? Make sure to appreciate your employees, they can all be stars and make our businesses shine if we just show them they matter. How you (we) treat our employees will be how they treat our customers. Thank you for stopping in today, enjoy the rest of your visit.
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 13
Huron County Visitors Bureau
14 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
Fisher-Titus Medical Center & The Bellevue Hospital
welcomeKaren La Salle M.D. to the Region!
New Beginnings Pediatrics Proudly Introduces Dr. Karen La SalleDr. La Salle completed her pediatric residency in 2013, followed by a year as chief resident for the pediatrics program and attending physician for ambulatory pediatrics. She has served as laboratory coordinator for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Lerner Research Center, and for the LSU Department of Genetics in New Orleans. She also was a research assistant in The Ohio State University Primate Research Center in Columbus. Dr. La Salle earned her doctor of medicine from the University of Toledo in 2010, her master of science in human genetics from Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, in 2003 and her bachelor of arts in psychology from The Ohio State University in 2001.
Dr. La Salle grew up in Avon Lake and now lives in Milan with her husband, James, and their two daughters.
Physicians at New Beginnings Pediatrics are independent practitioners and members of the Medical Staffs at Fisher-Titus Medical Center and The Bellevue Hospital.
Call today for an appointment!
New Beginnings Pediatrics
Fisher-Titus Medical Park 2 282 Benedict Ave. Suite B Norwalk, Ohio 44857 419-668-9409
The Bellevue Hospital Campus 1400 W. Main St. Building 1, Suite G Bellevue, Ohio 44811 419-483-4122
Now Accepting New Patients
The Firelands Museum newest area to be opened is the Native American Indian artifact room in our Laning-Young building at 9 Case Avenue, Norwalk. As the continuing oldest museum in the state of Ohio, the Firelands Museum has amassed one of the finest collections of local ancient Native American artifacts to be found. This collection was greatly expanded with the generous donations of Richard and Marjorie Black, relatives of the Thomas family of east Norwalk. The Thomas family were avid collectors of some of Ohio’s finest ancient artifacts for more than two generations. The Black family inherited this collection and has donated much of it, along with generous financial backing, to create an archaeological research room at the Firelands Historical Society’s Laning-Young Research Center. Focusing mainly on the prehistoric history of Huron and Erie counties, the room contains artifacts encompassing nearly 14,000 years of human activity, including the remains of the Firelands Ground Sloth. The bones of this Ice Age animal were found in Huron County in the early 1900’s and represent the earliest evidence of prehistoric man in Ohio.
The Firelands Historical Society which is the second oldest historical society in the state of Ohio was formed in 1857 by a group of the early settlers who located in the Firelands area, and which today mainly encompasses Huron and Erie Counties.
The Firelands Museum House is located at 4 Case Avenue in Norwalk, Ohio, behind the Norwalk Public Library. The house in which the museum is located was built by Samuel Preston in 1836, and originally was located on Main Street in Norwalk. In the mid 1950’s, the building was moved to its present location. Mr. Preston operated the first printing business in Huron County from the upstairs part of the house. He bequeathed the bottom portion to his daughter, who raised a large family with her husband, eventually taking over the entire house.
Some of the objects that can be viewed in the museum date back to the early 19th century when the first settlers arrived in the Firelands.
Several rooms in the museum are set up to feature a parlor, dining room, toys, and a bedroom. Other rooms have display cases to show off some of the many artifacts owned by the society. The museum boasts one of the finest firearms collections. The room also features a campaign chest once owned by General James B. McPherson, who although he was born in Clyde attended Norwalk’s Institute School as a youth. McPherson was the highest-ranking officer to be killed in the Civil War.
Norwalk had many early manufacturing companies of which several items from these factories can be found on display, such as sewing machines, and two A.B. Chase organs and a piano. The Lawrence Fisher family also has played a significant part in our community. On display is a horse drawn buggy made in the Norwalk Fisher Buggy factory and Fisher Body memorabilia concerning Lawrence’s seven sons who formed Fisher Body in Detroit, Michigan. Also on display is memorabilia from the Norwalk Truck Line and Mead Truck Line Companies.
The museum is open June through August are 10-3, Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 – 4 on Sunday’s. May, September and October hours are 10- 3 on Saturday’s and 10-4 on Sundays. Group and private tours are welcome anytime with prior arrangements.
Firelands Historical Society
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 15
Submitted by Dennis Gallant, Barnes Wendling CPAs
Health savings accounts (HSAs) and health flexible spending accounts (health FSAs) are two types of tax-advantaged medical savings accounts that individuals can use to pay for qualifying medical expenses. But the two accounts don’t necessarily mix, according to recent IRS Chief Counsel Advice (CCA) 201413005. Specifically, you can’t contribute to both types of accounts in the same tax year -- and carryovers of unused general purpose health FSA balances count as contributions for purposes of this rule.
Here’s the story, starting with some necessary background information.
HSA BasicsQualifying annual contributions to your HSA
may be deductible for federal tax purposes. For the 2014 tax year, the maximum HSA contribution is generally $3,300 for self-only coverage or $6,550 for family coverage. However, you can contribute another $1,000 if you will be age 55 or older as of Dec. 31, 2014.
There is no phase-out rule for high earners who contribute to HSAs. But you are allowed to make HSA contributions only if you are covered by a qualifying high-deductible health plan (HDHP). For the 2014 tax year, a plan must charge a deductible of at least $1,250 for self-only coverage, or at least $2,500 for family coverage to be considered an HDHP. Family coverage means anything other than self-only coverage.
Finally, you are ineligible to make an HSA contribution if you are covered by another health plan that is not an HDHP if that other plan provides coverage for any benefit that is also covered by the HDHP. For purposes of this HSA contribution restriction, however, another plan that provides only benefits for preventive care does not count against you. However, the IRS says a health FSA that reimburses you for qualified medical expenses without restrictions (a general purpose health FSA) counts as another health plan for purposes of this HSA contribution restriction.
Therefore, if you are covered by a general purpose health FSA, you are ineligible to make HSA contributions for the entire health FSA plan year under IRS Notice 2005-86.
Health FSA BasicsUnder a health FSA plan, you make an election to
contribute a designated amount of your salary to your personal health FSA. The maximum amount you can contribute for 2014 is $2,500. Your contribution is withheld in installments from your paychecks. You then use the FSA money to reimburse yourself for out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as amounts paid to satisfy health
insurance deductibles and co-pays and amounts paid for prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care.
The contribution withheld from your paychecks is treated as a salary reduction for federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax purposes (and usually for state income tax purposes too). Reimbursements from the health FSA to cover qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses are tax-free to you.
To put it another way, the health FSA arrangement allows you to pay for all or a portion of your out-of-pocket medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. That is the same as getting an income tax deduction combined with a reduction in your Social Security and Medicare tax withholding. The tax savings are permanent -- not just a timing difference.
The only downside to the health FSA deal is the use-it-or-lose-it rule. If you fail to incur enough qualified medical expenses to drain your health FSA each year, any leftover balance generally goes back to your employer. However, your company plan might allow a grace period of up to 2 1/2 months to ease this concern.
For example, with a calendar year plan, you would have until March 15 of the following year to incur enough expenses to soak up your unused health FSA balance from the previous year. But, if there is still an unused balance at the end of the grace period, that money is gone forever under the use-it-or-lose-it rule.
Health FSA Carryover OptionThankfully, the IRS allows an exception to the
use-it-or-lose-it rule: You can carry over up to $500 of any health FSA balance that remains unused at the end of the applicable plan year if your plan includes the carryover privilege. Any unused balance in excess of the $500 limit is forfeited. Subject to the $500 limit, the carryover privilege can be used to cover qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred any time during a subsequent plan year, and the carryover amount does not count against or reduce the health FSA contribution cap for the subsequent year ($2,500 for 2014).
The only bad news is that the carryover provision cannot also allow a grace period that falls within the plan year for which unused amounts can be carried over. For example, a calendar-year health FSA plan that permits a carryover to 2015 of unused 2014 balances (up to the $500 limit) cannot have a grace period that extends into 2015.
Example: Your employer offers a calendar-year health FSA plan. During the open-enrollment period each November, employees can elect to make health FSA salary-reduction contributions of up to $2,500 for the following plan year. Your company plan also allows a carryover of up to $500 of unused health FSA balances that remain at
the end of each plan year.In November of 2013, you elected to make a
$2,500 salary-reduction contribution for the 2014 health FSA plan year. Because your out-of-pocket medical expenses turned out to be lower than expected, your health FSA has an unused balance of $450 at the end of the 2014 plan year. Thanks to the carryover privilege, the $450 is carried over to the 2015 plan year and is available to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred next year.
Carryover Provision Generally Eliminates HSA Contribution Eligibility -- with an Exception
In CCA 201413005, the IRS states:An individual who is covered by a general
purpose health FSA is generally NOT eligible to make HSA contributions (as we explained earlier). The CCA goes on to clarify that you are considered covered by a health FSA for the entire FSA plan year if you have any carryover of an unused health FSA balance from a prior plan year -- even if you make no health FSA contribution for the current plan year. Therefore, if you have a carryover into the current plan year, you are ineligible to make an HSA contribution for the entire plan year. This is the case even if you use up the FSA carryover amount early in the plan year.
Under the exception, an individual can contribute to an HSA during that following year if he or she:
1. Participates in a general purpose health FSA in the current year,
2. Elects for the following year to participate in an HSA-compatible health FSA, and
3. Elects to have any unused balance from the general purpose health FSA carried over to the new HSA-compatible health FSA in the following year.
Examples of an HSA-compatible health FSA would include a health FSA that has a deductible that is at least equal to the minimum HDHP deductible (for 2014, $1,250 for self-only coverage or $2,500 for family coverage) or a health FSA that only covers qualified preventive care expenses.
Review Eligibility Before You CarryoverThe carryover privilege for unused health FSA
balances is generally a good deal for you, but it might have the negative side effect of eliminating your ability to make tax-saving HSA contributions. Contact your company employee benefits department to learn what kind of HSA carryover provision your company allows (if any). Then contact your tax adviser to see if you are still eligible for HSA contributions.
If you have questions HSAs or anything you’ve read in this article contact Senior Tax Manager, Dennis Gallant, CPA [email protected] or Principal, Don Hanck, CPA, ABV, CFA [email protected] at Barnes Wendling CPAs, LLC at 419.626.3627.
TaxesHow to Get the Best of Health FSA Carryovers and HSA Contributions
Convenient Care will have a shared space with Fisher-Titus Industrial Health which includes a nurse work station designed to allow staff a central hub for department communications and exam rooms designed and equipped in a standardized fashion to allow caregivers/providers to provide care in any room seamlessly. Services at Convenient Care will be similar to a primary care office visit and focus on treatment for minor illnesses/ injuries for adults and children. It will have the same co-pay as primary care office visit and walk-ins are welcome—no appointment necessary.
“The difference with Convenient Care is that you visit this office when you do not have access to your primary care physician—whether an appointment isn’t available or the physician office is closed,” said Beth Dille, executive director of Fisher-Titus Medical Care. “Your primary care provider’s office will follow up with you after your Convenient Care visit for additional care. If you do not
have a primary care provider, the Convenient Care staff will assist you in establishing a primary care provider.”
Construction “Inside the Walls” of the Medical Center…
Over the past decade, Fisher-Titus has invested more than $200 million in facility expansions for the community including the Patient Pavilion, Walcher Rehabilitation Center, Cancer Care Center, Snyder/White Heart & Vascular Center, Letterly Pain Management Center, an expanded Emergency Department, Registration Area, and Outpatient Laboratory, and a state-of-the-art Imaging Services and Pre-Admission Testing area that opened in April 2013.
Currently a $16 million five-phase surgery expansion project, which began in March 2013, is well on schedule for completion Spring 2015. It is an estimated 35,000-square-foot area that will include seven operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms, a
minor treatment room and a procedure room. In addition, the design team has worked to address patient comfort and privacy, as well as family needs as loved ones undergo surgery. A new Surgery Seating Area, one of the first parts of the surgery construction project to be completed, is designed for families and friends to wait while their loved ones are undergoing surgical procedures. Staff provides them with information about the patient’s status and help to answer any questions they might have.
The project partners for this large-scale project include American Health Facilities Development LLC, project management; Robins & Morton, general contractor and Bostwick Design Partnership, architect.
Expanding Services in the Medical Center and Beyond
In June 2013, both Fisher-Titus and The Bellevue Hospital affiliated with Cleveland Clinic’s Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute.
“While each organization remains independent, the affiliation with Cleveland Clinic’s Heart and Vascular Institute strengthens all elements of heart and vascular medicine and thoracic surgery to provide the highest level of cardiovascular and thoracic care to the six-county region served by Fisher-Titus and The Bellevue Hospital,” said Strayer.
“In the past, Fisher-Titus and The Bellevue Hospital have worked together to recruit specialty physicians in pediatrics, urology, neurology, and plastic surgery who serve patients in both our service areas and at both our hospitals. This Cleveland Clinic affiliation provides us the opportunity to bring word-class heart and vascular care and a comprehensive thoracic surgical program to our patients.”
This affiliation brings these communities a permanent team of physicians and Cleveland Clinic’s best practices and reputation in heart and vascular care. Those team members are here 24/7.
Area residents suffering with back and neck discomfort also have a new choice for treatment with convenient, high-quality services from Cleveland Clinic Spine Surgery at Fisher-Titus, at 34 Executive Drive in Norwalk.
“This second clinical affiliation with Cleveland Clinic allows us to meet a long-standing
need in our community for a spine surgery program,” Strayer said. “The addition of the spine specialization to our current surgical team augments the outstanding work of physicians in our Pain Management Center as well as the skilled team of doctors with our hospital’s partners at Advanced Neurologic Associates and our rehabilitation professionals in treating spine, back and neck conditions up to the point of surgery.”
The spine surgery program is led by Dr. Don K Moore, who is medical director and a board-certified surgeon who moved to the area from Florida where he practiced for the past 16 years. Dr. Moore provides a wide range of the latest spine surgery techniques for conditions such as disc herniations, spinal stenosis and a variety of back and neck disorders.
To support the spine surgery program, Fisher-Titus offers a full range of services, including the latest diagnostic imaging technology; pre-admission testing services before surgery; expertise from its surgical support team during surgery; high-quality inpatient rehabilitation; and home-based services and outpatient physical therapy after surgery to help patients in their recovery.
Grade “A” in Hospital Safety Score for Third Consecutive Year
Fisher-Titus received an “A” grade in the Spring 2014 update to the Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections. Fisher-Titus was only one of 39 Ohio hospitals to receive this designation. This is the third consecutive year the Medical Center has received an “A” grade.
The Hospital Safety Score is compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is administered by The Leapfrog Group (Leapfrog), an independent industry watchdog. The first and only hospital safety rating to be analyzed in the peer-reviewed Journal of Patient Safety, the Score is designed to give the public information they can use to protect themselves and their families.
“Our patients’ safety and well-being are top priorities of our Medical Center employees and physician team,” Strayer said. “This designation reflects the continual focus on patient safety expected at Fisher-Titus.”
Fisher-Titus has received a variety of
16 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
FISHER-TITUS, from Page 3
See FISHER-TITUS, Page 22
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 17
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18 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
Leaving a LegacyDouglas GildenmeisterSenior Vice President, InvestmentsRaymond James
You’ve worked hard over the years to accumulate wealth, and you probably find it comforting to know that after your death the assets you leave behind will continue to be a source of support for your family,friends, and the causes that are important to you. But to ensure that your legacy reaches your heirs as you intend, you must make the proper arrangements now. There are four basic ways to leave a legacy: (1) by will, (2) by trust, (3) by beneficiary designation, and (4) by joint ownership arrangements.
WillsA will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. You should
have a will no matter how much your estate is worth, and even if you’ve implemented other estate planning strategies.
You can leave property by will in two ways: making specific bequests and making general bequests. A specific bequest directs a particular piece of property to a particular person (“I leave Aunt Martha’s diamond broach to my niece, Jen”). A general bequest is typically a percentage of property or property that is left over after all specific bequests have been made. Typically, principal heirs receive general bequests (“I leave all the rest of my property to my wife, Jane”).
With a will, you can generally leave any type of property to whomever you wish, with some exceptions, including:
• Property will pass according to a beneficiary designation even if you name a different beneficiary for the same property in your will
• Property owned jointly with rights of survivorship passes directly to the joint owner
• Property in a trust passes according to the terms of the trust
• Your surviving spouse has a right to a statutory share (e.g., 50%) of your property, regardless of what you leave him or her in your will
• Children may have inheritance rights in certain states
Caution: Leaving property outright to minor children is problematic. You should name a custodian or property guardian, or use a trust.
TrustsYou can also leave property to your heirs using a trust.
Trust property passes directly to the trust beneficiaries according to the trust terms. There are two basic types of trusts: (1) living or revocable, and (2) irrevocable.
Living trusts are very flexible because you can change the terms of the trust (e.g., rename beneficiaries) and the
property in the trust at any time. You can even change your mind by taking your property back and ending the trust.
An irrevocable trust, on the other hand, can’t be changed or ended except by its terms, but can be useful if you want to minimize estate taxes or protect your property from potential creditors.
You create a trust by executing a document called a trust agreement (you should have an attorney draft any type of trust to be sure it accomplishes what you want).
A trust can’t distribute property it does not own, so you must also transfer ownership of your property to the name of the trust. Property without ownership documentation (e.g., jewelry, tools, furniture) are transferred to a trust by listing the items on a trust schedule. Property with ownership documents must be re-titled or re-registered.
You must also name a trustee to administer the trust and manage the trust property. With a living trust, you can name yourself trustee, but you’ll need to name a successor trustee who’ll transfer the property to your heirs after your death.
Tip: A living trust is also a good way to protect your property in case you become incapacitated.
Benefits of a will:• Distributes property according to your wishes• Names an executor to settle your estate• Names a guardian for minor children• Can create a trust
Beneficiary designationsProperty that is contractual in nature, such as life
insurance, annuities, and retirement accounts, passes to heirs by beneficiary designation. Typically, all you have to do is fill out a form and sign it. Beneficiaries can be persons or entities, such as a charity or a trust, and you can name multiple beneficiaries to share the proceeds. You should name primary and contingent beneficiaries.
Caution: You shouldn’t name minor children as beneficiaries. You can, however, name a guardian to receive the proceeds for the benefit of the minor child.
You should consider the income and estate tax ramifications for your heirs and your estate when naming a beneficiary. For example, proceeds your beneficiaries receive from life insurance are generally not subject to income tax, while your beneficiaries will have to pay income tax on proceeds received from tax-deferred retirement plans (e.g., traditional IRAs). Check with your financial planning professional to determine whether your beneficiary designations will have the desired results.
Be sure to re-evaluate your beneficiary designations when your circumstances change (e.g., marriage, divorce, death of beneficiary). You can’t change the beneficiary with your will or a trust. You must fill out and sign a new beneficiary designation form.
Caution: Some beneficiaries can’t be changed. For example, a divorce decree may stipulate that an ex-spouse will receive the proceeds.
Tip: Certain bank accounts and investments also allow you to name someone to receive the asset at your death.
Joint ownership arrangementsTwo (or more) persons can own property equally, and at
the death of one, the other becomes the sole owner. This type of ownership is called joint tenancy with rights of survivorship (JTWRS). A JTWRS arrangement between spouses is known as tenancy by the entirety in certain states, and a handful of states have a form of joint ownership known as community property.
Caution: There is another type of joint ownership called tenancy in common where there is no right of survivorship. Property held as tenancy in common will not pass to a joint owner automatically, although you can leave your interest in the property to your heirs in your will.
You may find joint ownership arrangements are useful and convenient with some types of property, but may not be desirable with all of your property. For example, having a joint checking account ensures that, upon your death, an heir will have immediate access to needed cash. And owning an out-of state residence jointly (e.g., a vacation home) can avoid an ancillary probate process in that state. But it may not be practical to own property jointly where frequent transactions are involved (e.g., your investment portfolio or business assets) because you may need the joint owner’s approval and signature for each transaction.
There are some other disadvantages to joint ownership arrangements, including: (1) your co-owner has immediate access to your property, (2) naming someone who is not your spouse as co-owner may trigger gift tax consequences, and (3) if the co-owner has debt problems, creditors may go after the co-owner’s share.
Caution: Unlike with most other types of property, a co-owner of your checking or savings account can withdraw the entire balance without your knowledge or consent.
This information was developed by Broadridge, an independent third party. It is general in nature, is not a complete statement of all information necessary for making an investment decision, and is not a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investments and strategies mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC does not provide advice on tax, legal or mortgage issues. These matters should be discussed with an appropriate professional. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.
Estate
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 19
The ninth annual Cleveland Matchmaker Event is a unique small business contracting event, which presents a great opportunity for small businesses to gain access to buyers that represent millions of dollars in purchasing. The goal of the event is to create future contract opportunities for your small business through one-on-one sessions between buyers and sellers.
Date: August 20 and 21, 2014Time: 8 am – 4 pmLocation: The Terrace Club at Progressive FieldCost: $159 per small business attendeeRegistration: Register online at www.clevelandbtobmatchmaker.comFor additional information, contact Angela Presutti at (216) 592-2385 or [email protected]
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The Edison Birthplace Museum was opened on the inventor’s hundredth birthday on February 11, 1947 by Thomas Edison’s wife, Mina and his daughter Madeleine Edison Sloane. Mrs. Sloane gave her collection of personal Edisonia to the museum because she wanted the public to know her father as a person and, as she said. …”not as a frequently inaccurate legend.” In 1965, the house was made a National Historic Landmark and on that occasion, Madeleine Sloane said that people should remember her father for his unbounded
curiosity about the universe around him, his optimism and perseverance and his enormous capacity for hard work. Although the Birthplace has National Landmark status, it receives no local, state or federal funding; it depends on private donations. The Birthplace, however, is the only Edison site in the country to have Edison family on its Board of Trustees.
The Birthplace entertains many international visitors every year, but there is one special relationship forged from Edison’s work. For the last 30 years, the Birthplace and Milan have had a special relationship with Yawata City, Japan, a suburb of Kyoto. It was from the bamboo forests outside the city, for 10 years, that Edison chose bamboo and carbonized it for his lamp filaments. For many years the children of Milan and Yawata City have exchanged art work though their schools. For the last 4 years, the mayors of Yawata City have invited the Birthplace and the children of Milan to participate in the special festival of light celebrating the reunion for one day of two lovers Orihimi and Hikoboshi, who live in the sky (the stars Vega and Altair), separated by a wide river (the Milky Way). A custom of the festival is to tie written wishes to bamboo branches on trees decorating the walkways. The children of Milan have been invited to write
their “wishes” on beautiful strips of paper (tanzaku) sent from Yawata City and are sent back to put on the bamboo branches. Pictures and gifts are exchanged along with the wishes for a continued strengthening of the bond of friendship between Milan and Yawata City. The Milan Library helps in the writing and collecting
The Birthplace has special rates for families this year, and through the Blue Star Museums program, gives active and retired military personnel and their families free admission. Come to the Thomas A. Edison Birthplace in Milan for a great experience of the story of a unique man’s life and his contribution to the world! Call 419-499-4203 for more information.
Sidebar: Editorial apologies to the Edison Birthplace Museum for inadvertently omitting them in last month’s Milan focus issue.
Photo Credit: MilanArea.com
Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, Milan
20 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
Ribbon Cutting Held for PJ’s Grille and Bar
Fremont: Yogurt Paradise Ribbon Cutting
CAPTION: Pictured, with checks, are United Way Representatives from left to right: Kevin Holloway (Erie County), Amber Wertman (Bucyrus), Jean Hurt (Medina), Bill Harper (Lorain), Barb Crider (Richland Coun-ty), Linda Bersche (Norwalk), Lisa Dubbert (Toledo), Abby Slemmer (Sandusky County), Deb Hawkins (Bel-levue), Pat DeMonte (Tiffin). Also pictured, Janotta & Herner Project Managers and Executive staff
Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Port Clinton held a ribbon cutting for PJ’s Grille & Bar to celebrate their grand opening last month. Representatives from the City of Port Clinton, Main Street Port Clinton, and the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce congratulated them and thanked them for their commitment to Port Clinton.
Pictured left to right: Port Clinton City Councilman Jerry Tarolli; Port Clinton City Councilman Margaret Phillips; Port Clinton City Councilman Lisa Sarty; Don Clemons, Main Street Port Clinton Board Member; Ashley Wuersig; Donald Kleinhans, General Manager; Latoya Kleinhans, owner; Paula Cromley; Jamie Kleinhans, owner; Laura Schlachter, Port Clinton Chamber and Main Street; Missy Walker, Main Street Port Clinton Board Member; and Tracey Elson, Port Clinton Chamber Ambassador.
The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in recognition of Friendship Food Store’s Yogurt Paradise last month. The Friendship Sunoco located at 914 W. State Street has opened a new Yogurt Paradise.
The Chamber of Commerce offers ribbon cuttings as a benefit to Chamber members to help them celebrate business milestones and get noticed. Ribbon Cuttings are held when a new member business opens, an existing member business re-locates or expands, or additional programs or services are introduced by a member business.
It may be hot outside, but last month at Monroeville based Janotta & Herner, it seemed like Christmas. In 2004, the employee owned Design Build Contractor began a program called “JHI Christmas in July”. The purpose of the program is to help United Ways in their operating area with a monetary donation at a time when charitable giving is normally at a low point. “Christmas is the time most companies try to help charities in their area. We just think it makes more sense to give them a shot in the arm at a time when others aren’t thinking of donating”, said Janotta & Herner President Jim Limbird.
The event was attended by the ten United Way Directors from the JHI operating area. In attendance where representatives from, Norwalk
Area United Fund, United Way of Erie County, United Way of Medina County, Bucyrus Area United Way, United Way of Greater Lorain County, Tiffin – Seneca United Way Inc., Bellevue United Selective Fund, United Way of Sandusky County, United Way of Richland County and the United Way of Greater Toledo.
Janotta & Herner Vice President of Business Development Seth Herrnstein stated, “JHI has contributed over $100,000.00 to the Christmas in July program over the past decade. Our hope is that these monies have aided in the economic recovery of many in our operating area. Companies can’t thrive in communities that are economically depressed, and we want to do our part to keep our region financially healthy.”
Janotta & Herner Celebrates Decade of Giving
Submitted By: Mark T. Reilly
From fires to floods, earthquakes to hurricanes, data breaches to terrorist attacks—disaster can strike anytime, anywhere, and often with little to no advance warning. According to the Insurance Information Institute, as many as 40 percent of businesses forced to suspend operations due to a natural or human-caused disaster never reopen their doors.
Try to imagine the challenges and struggles your business would face in the wake of a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina or Superstorm Sandy. It’s scary to even consider. Now here’s something even scarier: A relatively minor fire or flood that forces you to shut down operations carries many of the same challenges as a disaster on the scale of Katrina or Sandy.
Your commercial property insurance policy would help you rebuild your physical infrastructure, but are you equipped to deal with lost revenue and mounting expenses while you work to restore operations?
Planning for the worstThe difference between surviving a business
interruption and going belly-up often hinges on one factor—preparation.
The best way to prevent a disaster from putting the future of your business at risk is to have a proper Business Continuity Plan in place.
Business continuity planning involves:
1. Defining potential risks2. Determining how those risks will affect
operations3. Implementing safeguards and procedures
designed to mitigate those risks4. Testing those procedures to ensure that they
work5. Periodically reviewing the process to make
sure that it is up to date
Start the process by establishing a planning team tasked with developing the continuity plan. Typical goals of your plan should include:
• Protecting the safety of employees, visitors, contractors and others at risk from hazards at the facility
• Maintaining customer service by minimizing interruptions or disruptions of business operations
• Protecting facilities, physical assets and electronic information
• Preventing environmental contamination• Protecting your organization’s brand, image
and reputation
The planning process should take an “all hazards” approach. The probability that a specific hazard will impact your business is hard to determine—that’s why it’s important to consider many different threats and hazards and the likelihood they will occur. A business impact analysis can predict the consequences of an interruption and give you a good idea of how your operations would be affected in case you were forced to temporarily close.
Implementing the plan means more than simply exercising the plan during an emergency. It means acting on recommendations made during the hazard analysis, integrating the plan into company operations, training employees and evaluating the plan on an ongoing basis.
It is important to conduct a formal audit of the entire plan at least once a year to help identify any factors that may necessitate changes, such as updated regulations or new hazards.
Resources availableNo business owner
wants to think about what would happen to the business if disaster strikes, but it’s a reality that all business owners must face. It can be a daunting task to plan for a major business interruption—but it doesn’t have to be.
• Check with your insurance agent to see what tools they have available for Business Continuity
Planning.
• Visit the www.ready.gov/business/implementation/continuity for some great resources and planning tools.
• Become an Agility Recovery member. If disaster strikes they can be to your location within 12 hours to provide power, office space, computers and internet/phone connectivity.
If you have any questions about Business Continuity Planning or Agility Recovery feel free to contact Diversified Insurance Service at 800-848-2788 or visit www.divinsurance.com/disaster-preparedness. They have resources and tools available to help you kick-start your planning efforts, including a sample plan that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your business.
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 21
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22 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
By: Steven J. Krisfalusy Small Business Sr. Management & Human Capi-tal Consultant Beringer Group LLC
Something continuously confuses me and that is how low so many businesses rank or prioritize one of the key aspects of their business – People or Human Capital. I think it is fair to say that well over 80% of all businesses are people centric and reliant on people to some degree. At the same time, many of those business owners don’t put a high value on that business component, until the pain gets bad enough.
For most businesses, you can automate only so much and then you must rely on humans. That is especially true for small businesses who are probably the worse at ranking or prioritizing the importance of people / Human Resources higher even though their business is highly dependent on them.
When you have your human resources ranked low, it affects everything and everyone including your customers. A few examples of this are:
People/employees/staff see and know this and retention is usually low.
Those same people rarely refer a friend to work there – why would they. More so, their negative comments about their workplace and simple things like a lack of respect are usually repeated often.
Good people won’t work there – so what does that leave you as a labor pool.
Does the quality of people you hire affect customer service – you betcha!
So why do so many business owners prioritize or
rank the need for human resource initiatives so low when it directly affects the bottom line? Just to be clear, a higher priority for people does not have to mean more money. I am confused but hopefully I can help with a few simple – no cost tips like:
Create a culture of mutual respectOnce in a while catch people doing something
right and let them knowTry to help them achieve their personal goals and
usually they will help you achieve yours but you must learn what they are first.
Don’t use the excuse that you are too small to have HR efforts in your company. Unless you are 99% e-commerce business – you need to hire & keep good people and by raising the HR priority for your business you just may raise the bottom line at the same time.
If you could use some free advice, contact me directly at [email protected] or call me at 440-552-6599.
Human ResourcesPrioritizing!
awards on the state and local level for successful hospital safety programs and superior employee safety. Most recently, the Medical Center received the 2013 Group Award from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Division for efforts in preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace. This was presented through the Huron County Safety Council. Fisher-Titus also is a member of the Huron County Safety Council.
Wired for Technology…Fisher-Titus was recently recognized as one of the
nation’s MOST WIRED, according to the results of the 2014 Most Wired Survey released recently in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. Fisher-Titus is one of only 15 Ohio hospitals selected for this designation.
“This is the third consecutive year we have achieved this designation and we are extremely proud of our Fisher-Titus team,” said Strayer. “It takes commitment from our entire organization including physicians, employees and board of directors to accomplish this. We have an innovative and unique team that works together to be on the cutting edge of technology.”
As the nation’s health care system transitions to more integrated and patient-centered care, hospitals are utilizing information technology to better connect disparate care providers, according to the 16th annual Health Care’s Most Wired Survey, conducted by Hospitals & Health Networks.
For instance, 67 percent of Most Wired hospitals share critical patient information electronically with specialists and other care providers. Most Wired hospitals, those that meet a set of rigorous criteria
across four operational categories, have made tremendous gains by using IT to reduce the likelihood of medical errors. Among Most Wired hospitals, 81 percent of medications are matched to the patient, nurse and order via bar code technology at the bedside.
“Our focus at Fisher-Titus is the safety of our patients. Through the use of technology, we are able to have extra measures in place to enhance patient care and safety,” said John Britton, vice president of information services. “One way we have accomplished this is by automating electronic and paper-based processes across the patient’s continuum of care to create a comprehensive electronic patient health record. This produces a ‘single source of truth’ for each patient, where hospital caregivers can easily access the EHR, securely, in real time anywhere at any time promoting the utmost patient safety and the highest of clinical outcomes.”
The Fisher-Titus Information Services Department has achieved many milestones throughout the years as it progressed from a three-person data processing department in 1978 with a spotlight on supporting the financial aspects of the hospital to a 25-employee information services department today with a major focus in the clinical areas and patient care. With the support of the Fisher-Titus Information Services Department to help with integration 90 percent of active medical staff has some form of electronic medical record system in their office.
In 2010, Fisher-Titus, as an organization, made a strategic decision to integrate each clinical department onto one system to provide each patient with a comprehensive electronic health record.
FISHER-TITUS, from Page 16
See FISHER-TITUS, Page 26
BRITTON
STRAYER
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 23
Serving Erie, Huron, Sandusky, Ottawa, and Lucas CountiesTo learn more, call 419.385.5721, ext. 6001or visit toledozoo.org/groupsales
GATHERING PLACES in wild spaces! From fun to formal, your Zoo makes group events better. Need a boardroom setting for a small group? Theatre-style seating for many more? A perfect place for a company picnic? No problem.
You can choose wild spaces in our Arctic Encounter®, African Lodge, Indoor Theatre or Nairobi Events Pavilion. And a tasty twist with the Zoo’s award-winning catering and baking staff.
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Submitted by Tim WillfordDestination Designs
Just a few months back Destination Designs was contracted to build a rather large project for a client that required a complete overhaul of their web properties. Like many companies their websites had fallen by the wayside and become outdated and stale. Because it was cumbersome and costly to update, they were hesitant to make drastic changes, and so the content was quickly becoming irrelevant. The message, design, and branding were no longer in line with the company’s current vision. The result was a website that was no longer user friendly, not ready for growing demand for viewing by devices, and products and services were being offered that were either no longer available or out of stock. In addition to the usability of the websites internally and by its visitors, the websites were plagued with security issues that were resulting in email delivery problems and excessive spam in company inboxes. It’s not hard to see that something had to change soon but, like many business owners, the task of actually making a change seemed too overwhelming. Fortunately, with a little research and guidance, they quickly discovered it didn’t have to stay in that condition.
A new and current website with regular updates and fresh content promises a higher sense of trust and sense of security than one that’s outdated and stale. We all know that trust plays a critical role in whether someone becomes a customer or not. The popularity of content management systems, if properly executed, can make updating your website a breeze. A website with a pleasant, user-friendly experience that is viewable on all devices, and is well organized with strategically planned content will ensure that users come back again and your rankings in the search engines will rise.
Also, a modern content management system based website that uses all the best practices will result in a website that is more secure from things like hacking and email spam. Taking advantage of other services such as Google Apps for Business to manage your email and document storage will ensure security at the highest levels. All of these components can be delivered at a budget that won’t break a business owner’s budget, while converting a higher number of visitors to a website into qualified leads or direct sales.
The company discussed above is not an isolated incident. Stories like these are ones we hear routinely when discussing new website projects
with clients. Fortunately, with good planning, this company was able to increase their web traffic to over 13,000 users per month with eighty percent of the traffic engaging with the website beyond the home page. Just over 175 of these visitors converted to direct sales, and 355 more users converted to leads in just the second month.
With results like these you may be asking yourself if it’s time to take the pulse of your current website. Is it working for or against your objectives?
Destination Designs is a Web Development Agency in Port Clinton and a division of the North Coast Business Journal’s parent company, Schaffner Publications, Inc. For a no-obligation website “check-up,” contact us at http://destinationdesigns.us, email us at [email protected] or call us at (419) 732-2154.
Your Website’s Health: Is it time to start the conversation?
24 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
66 Norwood Ave. • Norwalk, OH 44857419-668-8258
By Jeff Roth
I receive calls asking if the assets in one’s revocable trust are protected from the cost of a nursing home. This question tells me that the person does not fully understand a revocable trust. The purpose of this article is to give a quick review of a revocable trust and if it offers asset protection.
A living or revocable trust is an arrangement where a person (the settlor) transfers title of an asset to a person to hold the title (the Trustee). The Trustee is now in control of the asset and at some point by following instructions found in the trust document transfers that asset to another person (the beneficiary). This creates an entity that will allow the Trustee to hold the title and follow the directions in the trust document. Now comes the confusing part, the same person can wear all three hats. This person can create the trust, transfer the property into the trust, retain certain powers within the trust and benefit from the assets or the income from the trust. Normally, after that person has died, another person (successor Trustee), normally a
spouse or a child is given the direction and duty to transfer that asset to someone named in the trust document. At the point of the death of the original grantor or settler, the trust changes from being revocable to being irrevocable. That means that no one can change the terms of the trust unless the original settlor granted the power to change in the document.
The key preventing the trust from offering asset protection is the fact that the settlor retains the power to alter, amend or revoke in part or in whole the trust while he or she is alive. The problem is that if the original owner has the power to get to the asset so can any creditor including a nursing home. To make this clear, a revocable trust offers NO asset protection and your money is no safer in a trust than it is in your own name. A revocable trust offers many benefits such as probate avoidance, out of state transfers without court involvement, privacy and delay in transfer of assets to future generations.
If you have heard that a trust does protect assets, then the person is speaking of an IRREVOCABLE TRUST. Here, the owner has transferred the title to another and has given up total and complete control. He cannot get the
asset back unless the third party Trustee elects to give it to him. If the grantor retains the right to income, the asset can still be protected but the income is available to pay bills. This is known as a money trust or by other names and is the one tool that can offer asset protection after a five year transfer. The defective grantor irrevocable trust is another entirely different trust that will be discussed in future articles.
Jeff Roth is a partner with David Bacon and associate Jessica Moon of the firm ROTH and BACON with offices in Port Clinton, Upper Sandusky, Marion, Ohio and Fort Myers, Florida. All members of the firm are licensed in Ohio and Florida. Mr. Roth’s 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 provide information to the public on concepts of law as they pertain to estate and business planning. Jeff Roth can be reached at [email protected] (telephone: 419-732-9994) copyright Jeffrey P. Roth 2014.
Legal
Does a Revocable Trust Protect Assets?
For all of your Heating, Cooling, and Sheet Metal needs.Richard Hohler
419-625-7474www.hohlersheetmetal.com
HOHLERFURNACE & SHEET METAL, INC.
110 Decatur Street • Sandusky, Ohio 44870202 B Milan Avenue • Norwalk, Ohio 44857
Residential • CommercialIndustrial
The Gift Shoppe @
Bags &Totes Christian Jewry Baby Gifts Throws Gift Baskets Available. Scarf's Ohio State Items & Much More
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www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 25
For more info or to reserve your booth space, visit northcoastseniorexpo.comor call 419.627.1600
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Battles0712.indd 1 7/26/12 4:10:53 PM
IT
Talk to a security vendor and they’ll try to sell you the moon to secure your network, data, email and everything else.
But what are you already doing to strengthen your security posture without breaking your budget? I believe that it’s always best to try the free tools and resources first. Not only will it give you experience and insight into what is out there, but you may also find one of the many great solutions out there. This four part series of articles will go over what you can do with free or budget friendly items to get as far as you can on a mission to a better security posture. First we’ll focus on reasons why and some good places to find information as well as good starting points for finding best practice guides, next network security, then on application security, and finally on windows security.
“Many attacks on Internet and network systems have no particular target. The attacker simply sends a large broadcast that uses any unprotected system as a staging point from which to launch an attack. Using computers without basic protections like firewalls, anti- virus software, and user education not only affects your own business, but many other businesses as the virus is spread around the Internet.
Your system’s lack of protection makes you a target: it can destroy your computer, your network, and can contribute to a virus distribution that slows or halts portions of the Internet. All of us who use the Internet have a responsibility to help create a culture of security that will enhance consumer and business confidence. But most importantly, failing to heed best practice advice could hurt your company significantly” - Internet Security Alliance Guide1
The ISA is a great resource for articles and publications on information
security best practices. Attackers will always be attempting to get in.
Whether it’s a targeted attack or your network just falls in the mix with a larger list around the world, best practices across your infrastructure go a long way in prevention. Here are some daily reads and best practice sites good for any size business:
1. http://isc.sans.edu – “The Internet Storm Center was created in 2001 following the successful detection, analysis, and widespread warning of the Li0n worm. Today, the ISC provides a free analysis and warning service to thousands of Internet users and organizations, and is actively working with Internet Service Providers to fight back against the most malicious attackers.”2 SANS has a multitude of resources for best practice guides. One of my favorite posters is the second page of this pdf http://bit.ly/1pbZ6tL
2. http://dashboard.csoonline.com - This dashboard combines some of the more important feeds from around the internet combined all into one easy to read format. It includes some industry specific feeds as well as
provides a good quick overview on daily security happenings.
3. https://www.owasp.org – And more specifically the OWASP Top Ten Project. “The OWASP Top Ten represents a broad consensus about what the most critical web application security flaws are. Project members include a variety of security experts from around the world who have shared their expertise to produce this list.”3
Amanda Berlin is a Network Analyst in the healthcare industry in Northern Ohio. She has recently changed focus to more information security related topics and manages the internal phishing campaign at her company to promote user education about phishing and hacking through an awards based reporting program.
By Amanda BerlinSecurity Measures on a Budget
26 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
The Lighthouse Center & Waterfront dining
614 E. Main St. Marblehead, Ohiowww.TheLighthouseResort.com
• Youth Groups • Rehersal Dinners • Graduations • Birthdays• Anniversaries • Family Reunions • Class ReunionsWeddings • Business Meetings • Clubs & OrganizationsWe can customize any menu for any Budget
419-798-9600 ext. 0 or 419-621-3992We put the TLC into your event!
Ritski'sFood & Spirits
1001 Park Ave., Fostoria High School Parking Lot
Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors’ Bureau
Fostoria Rail Preservation Society
RAIL FEST Going on inside the Fostoria High School
FEATURING Something for Everyone! Bring your Lawn Chairs and Picnic Blanket
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: DATE RECEIVED_______________CHECK#________________CASH$___________________
Will you be exhibiting with a Car Club? Yes_________ If Yes, Name of Club______________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: Call 419-435-0486 to make a group parking registration. Club reservations will only be held until 10:30 a.m. Please arrive together if you wish to park together, we may not be able to accommodate your request.
Visit www.fostoriaohio.org for regular information updates on the show. For any other questions you may also email: [email protected].
1. Best Truck ______ 2. Best Corvette ______ 3. Best Mustang ______ 4. Best Mopar ______ 5. Best Ford ______ 6. Best GM/Chevy ______
7. Best AMC ______ 8. Best Orphan ______ 9. Mayor’s Choice ______ 10. Exec. Dir. Choice ______ 11. Glass Queen’s Choice ______ 12. Owner’s Choice ______
13. Best of Show _____ 14. Best 30’s & 40’s Car _____ 15. Best 50’s & 60’s Car _____ 16. Best American MC _____ 17. Best Import MC _____ 18. Best Custom Paint Job _____
19. Best 70’s & 80’s Car _____ 20. Best Classic Paint Job _____ 21. Best Import _____ 22. Oldest Vintage Car _____ 23. Best Vintage Car _____
SELECT YOUR JUDGING CLASS HERE FOR YOUR CLASSIC, VINTAGE CARS, TRUCKS & MOTORCYCLES - PLEASE SELECT 2 CLASSES ONLY
PLEASE CIRCLE YOUR T-SHIRT SIZE
S
M
L
X-L
DETACH & RETURN WITH YOUR ENTRY FEE BY AUGUST 30, 2014 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A T-SHIRT. COMPLETE ONE (1) REGISTRATION FORM PER VEHICLE @ $12 EACH. MAIL TO: FACC, 121 N. MAIN ST, FOSTORIA, OH 44830
Sept. 27, 2014 10AM - 3PM THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT NO REFUNDS $12 Pre-Registrations $15 Day of Show Registrations Registration 10am -11:30am *In Conjunction with the Rail Fest
At the conclusion of this 10-month project, Fisher-Titus in partnership with Cerner Corporation became the nation’s first all-digital “smart” community hospital after implementing a fully integrated electronic health record system and interactive technology in patient rooms.
The system advanced Fisher-Titus to among the most automated and safest hospitals in the nation and created the infrastructure to build a connected health network in the region. In 2011, Fisher-Titus achieved Stage 6 (the second highest level achievable) on Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Analytics Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Adoption Model.
“Fisher-Titus, in partnership with our communities’ physicians, not only brought the whole health-care system in this community online, but to date we have one of the most integrated health-care information systems available,” said Britton.
Since going live with Cerner in 2010, Fisher-Titus has had many health-care systems around the globe that have traveled to Norwalk to see components of the system.
Fisher-Titus continues to be ahead of the curve by integrating devices such as the iPhones into patient care. An interactive patient portal where patients can view their
Fisher-Titus health records online also was introduced to the community in August 2013.
About Fisher-Titus…Fisher-Titus Medical Center serves
Norwalk, Huron County and the region with the latest medical advancements providing the area’s 70,000-plus residents a full continuum of care that includes Fisher-Titus Memorial Hospital, a 99-bed acute care hospital; Norwalk Memorial Home, a 69-bed skilled nursing facility; The Carriage House of Fisher-Titus, a 48-unit assisted living facility; and a Home Health Center.
As a non-profit community hospital, Fisher-Titus offers patients the most advanced technology and medical treatments possible while providing the highest level of personal care. With a dedicated and talented staff of employees and an outstanding team of physicians, Fisher-Titus has earned numerous national recognitions, is accredited by Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) and is recognized as a Fully Accredited Chest Pain Center, a Primary Stroke Center and a Level 3 Trauma Center. For more information, visit the Medical Center’s web site at www.fisher-titus.org
FOR THOSE WHO ARE 62 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, HANDICAP/DISABLED, REGARDLESS OF AGE• Individually controlled heat, appliances• Cable equipped• Laundry facilities• Community room• Sprinkler System throughout building & individual apartments
www.rotarycommons.comThis Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 27
By Roger BostdorffThere are two terms used that describe two
different types of selling. You have “farming,” which is developing/extending the relationship with a company where you are already doing business so that you can increase the revenue stream from that existing customer. The second term is “hunting.” “Farming” is typically recognized to be easier and much more appealing. Think about it, would you rather try to talk with someone that already likes and trusts you or would you rather attempt to meet someone new that does not know you from Adam? If a company expects the same salesperson to do both “farming” and “hunting,” typically what happens is that the Sales person ends up doing much more “farming” than hunting because it is easier and more appealing. However, that is a very short term strategy that can have extremely bad consequences. If you expand your relationship as far as it can go with your customer’s, you have no room for market growth. Therefore, it is imperative for a company to make sure that the “hunting” part of the equation is also performed.
So how does one go about “hunting?” Some of the challenge here is that there is no roadmap, there is no structure defined. I would like to create a structure for your sales team to follow. I do not want to suggest that this makes “hunting” easy. However, this structured approach should help.
When calling on an account where you are not
doing business today, you should assume that they are getting a competitive product or service from somebody else. Therefore, when talking to the prospective customer, I am suggesting that you ask them that question. For example, you might start with “Good Morning, I am Roger Bostdorff from the XYZ Company. We recently have had significant success with our product or service in the _________industry (same industry that the person you called is in). I was wondering if I could talk with you about how you are currently obtaining this product or service?” “May I ask you who you are currently doing business with? Are you satisfied with them?” At this juncture the answer is either “YES” or “NO.”
If the answer is “NO,” you ask them, “why not or what is it that is making you dissatisfied?” After their explanation you then can explain how your company does business to avoid these issues. If the company is truly dissatisfied, you now have a foot in the door to gain a new customer with an increase in your revenue stream.
What if the answer to the question is “YES?” Our next question should be “Why?” We want to understand what makes the customer happy or satisfied. After listening very carefully you then ask, “Is there anything they could do to make you even more satisfied?” If they can identify something, you again have the opportunity to explain how your company addresses this issue. However, more times than not they may say that there is nothing they could do to make them more satisfied. This is where your competitor knowledge comes into play. You know who the incumbent is and if you have competed with them in the past
you should know some weaknesses. You don’t want to say that you heard the competitor does a poor job in the following areas. However, you do want to pick those areas and reference them as follows: “We have had several companies in your industry change from other companies to us because of the following reasons…Do you have any issues or challenges in those same areas?” At this juncture you are attempting to set the hook of interest. If others are changing and you happen to hit an issue they have, but did not identify, you once again have opened the door to a possible new account.
I do not want to draw the picture that this approach has a high percentage of success. If this job was easy you would not have to drag someone to do it. However, with a documented process your odds do go up and your frustration should be reduced.
Good luck and good selling. Roger Bostdorff is the President of B2B Sales
Boost. He spent over 30 years with IBM in sales and sales management. B2B Sales Boost is a consulting company helping organizations improve their sales and overall business processes. He is also available for business speaking engagements. You can find more regarding 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 [email protected]
Sales“Hunting”
New Waterfront Fun in Oak Harbor
The Village of Oak Harbor just became more accessible with the addition of a 60-foot public dock located along the downtown waterfront.
The Oak Harbor Downtown Revitalization Implementation Committee (OHDRIC) installed the dock as part of the village’s waterfront development plan. The committee is charged with raising funds for the implementation of dockside amenities including walkways, lighting, landscaping, amphitheater and a dock expansion.
Michael Shadoan, committee chairman, said the dock is only the first step in a series of many the committee plans to take to better utilize the Portage River while generating revenue for downtown businesses. “The idea is to attract large groups of recreational boaters, personal watercraft owners and even snowmobilers to our
downtown district and encourage them to spend their dollars here.”
One such group, the Sea Doo’ers, a personal watercraft membership club comprised mostly of senior citizens out of Catawba Island, recently returned to the Oak Harbor waterfront on some 24 Jet Skis to enjoy a late lunch at the Beekeeper Inn. Richard Novak, organizing head of the group, said the reaction to the Oak Harbor cruises has been, “When are we going back!”
According to Mr. Novak, the Portage River is an ideal destination to run on Jet Skis due to calm waters and beautiful scenery. “The dock at Oak Harbor has made it a destination for Jet Skiers and small craft. The town’s hospitality is outstanding and the Beekeeper Inn and the Happy Hour bar are truly fun and have great food.”
Personal watercraft and shallow draft boats are welcome to utilize the dock, located behind US Bank off of Mill Street, from Memorial Day to Labor Day at no charge. The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge (Route 19) has an air draft of 10 feet while the Portage River channel is approximately 5 feet deep depending on water levels
28 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
Amy L. Flickinger, CIC
30 E. Main St. Norwalk, OH 44857 • www.flickingerins.com • 419-668-4406
FlickingerInsurance
CommercialHealthPersonalInsurance Save with confidence
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18TH Annual Huron Chamber Outing Challenges Area Golfers
A great fall day of golf, the 18th annual Don Billman Memorial Golf Outing, is planned on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Sawmill Creek Golf Club. Sponsored by the Huron Chamber of Commerce, the scramble is a tribute to Billman, who founded the event in the early 1980’s. He served as treasurer of the group for nearly two decades, prior to his death in 1996.
The outing is one of the Chamber’s major fundraisers and a popular event each year for Chamber members, as well as area golfers looking for a fun-filled day with a great dinner and lots of prizes. Proceeds are used to provide scholarships to Huron High School graduates.
A brand new Chevrolet Cruze, compliments of Foster Chevrolet-Cadillac, is the grand prize awaiting the lucky golfer who can sink a hole-in-one on Hole #7.
Sawmill is a premium course, with challenges for novices and veteran golfers, alike. Perks for the players include: longest drive and other proximity hole prizes, door prizes, mulligans and skins, lunch prior to play and a victory steak dinner.
Players will have the opportunity to test their skills with an award-winning young golfer in the “Beat the Kid” contest.
There’s always a lot of action at the outing, but it hit a peak several years ago, when Huron realtor Chris Wechter sunk his ball in the 15th hole during play at Thunderbird Hills with one swing and won a new car.
There will be a shot-gun start at 1 p.m. Greens fees are $85. Teams registering by Friday, Sept. 5, will receive discount of $10 per player or $40 per team. Players from around the area are invited and urged to sign up early as this is always a very popular outing.
To register, or for information, phone the Chamber office, 419-433-5700 or e-mail [email protected]
Magruder Hospital recently held its annual recognition event to honor employees, medical staff and board members for years of dedicated service through the end of 2013.
Highlighting the evening was the announcing of Magruder’s Employee of the Year nominees for 2013. Of those nominated, Gary Ziemke, Utility and Facilities Management, was selected as Employee of the Year. In announcing Ziemke’s award, Todd Almendinger, President & CEO, shared some comments submitted in his nomination.
“Gary treats everyone the way he would want to be treated. He always goes above and beyond in his job and is willing to help anyone out. Never complaining, Gary always has a smile on his face.”
On The Move
L to R: Magruder Hospital Employee of the Year Gary Ziemke with Todd Almendinger, Magruder’s President & CEO.
Mercy’s Dr. Shehadeh to Offer Cancer Care in Region
Mercy welcomed Dr. Nasfat Shehadeh,
hematologist/oncologist. Dr. Shehadeh is the medical director of the Mercy Cancer Centers in Toledo, and has been an attending hematologist and medical oncologist at Mercy St Vincent, Mercy St. Anne and Mercy St Charles Hospitals in Toledo since 2009. He earned his medical degree at Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid-Jordan and completed his internal medicine residency and hematology and oncology fellowship at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
Magruder Hosts Annual Recognition Event
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 29
On The MoveFisher-Titus Director of Materials Management
Sarah Matter of Bellevue was recently promoted to Director, Materials Management at Fisher-Titus Medical Center. Matter will be reporting directly to Lorna S. Strayer, President and CEO, Interim.
Matter has been an instrumental part of the logistical planning process for equipment and furnishings for the Surgery Construction project, the North Side Building Construction project, and several internal office moves and furniture projects.
Matter earned her master in education from the University of Toledo, her master in humanities from Tiffin University and her bachelor degree in early education from Bowling Green State University. She has been employed at Fisher-Titus since November 2008.
Shelton Wins U.S. Bank Award
David Shelton, U.S. Bank Vice President Commercial Banking in Tiffin, Ohio has won U.S. Bank’s Annual Pinnacle Award, the company’s highest employee achievement honor.
This is Shelton’s third pinnacle award. He is a graduate of Heidelberg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and volunteers in the community as a member of the Business Boosters Club of Tiffin, Seneca County Revolving Loan Fund Board, Heidelberg University Alumni Council, Alzheimer’s Association of N.W. Ohio Tiffin Walk Committee and past walk chairman, as well as Past President of the Seneca County Agency Transportation.
EHOVE Welcomes New Team Member
Charlie Warthling of Olena
has joined EHOVE Career Center’s team as Assistant Director. Warthling will supervise the public safety, automotive, culinary and early childhood programs.
A graduate of Western Reserve HS, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from Ohio State University and a Master’s degree in Supervision Administration from Bowling Green State University. At Mapleton Local Schools, Warthling taught ag and was the FFA Advisor, then later became an Administrative Supervisor at Lorain County JVS.
He is also a volunteer firefighter in North Fairfield, works on the family farm and is involved with FFA, Huron County 4-H and Northern Ohio F.O.O.L.S. Married to Kory since 2007, they have two children, Kendall-7 and Chance-3.
30 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
On The Move
Firelands Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce that 100% of the full- and part-time staff oncology nurses with University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center have achieved certification as Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN) by the Oncology
Nursing Certification Corporation. To be eligible for OCN certification registered
nurses must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice, meet a minimum of 10 contact hours of nursing continuing education, and pass a rigorous examination.
Firelands Oncology Nurses Certified
Geary Joins First National Bank – Clyde
Jeff Geary has joined the Bank as Vice President - Commercial Loan Officer. He will be located in First National Bank’s Clyde branch. Geary has over 34 years of banking experience serving clients in Fremont and the surrounding area. He has an Associates Degree from Terra State Community College and various industry training from The Ohio Bankers Association and The American Bankers Association. Community involvement is a priority as he contributes at the Board level of many organizations and non-profit groups in communities that First National Bank serves. Geary and his family reside in Bellevue.
FEDC Board Names Smith New PresidentThe Fostoria Economic Development Corporation
(FEDC) announced today that Renee Smith has been selected as its new President. Ms. Smith will assume her new duties commencing August 1st. Ms. Smith is currently serving as the Fostoria Community Grants Writer, a position currently supported by the City of Fostoria and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation. Ms. Smith, as the community’s grants writer, has
successfully submitted a multitude of grants in the past 2 years bringing into the community approximately $2 million for a variety of community projects. Prior to joining the City, Smith worked in the nonprofit sector in Findlay, OH. She has
co-authored three books and has a BA from the University of Findlay. Having worked in the Fostoria Community for the past two years, she is already actively involved in local organizations and projects.
Pain Management Physician Join Firelands Physician Group
Firelands Physician Group is pleased to welcome Sherif Zaky, MD, MSc, PhD, to their multispecialty group. Dr. Zaky is Board Certified in Anesthesiology. He completed his medical education at the School of Medicine – Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt and his residency at the Anesthesiology
Institute, Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland. He also completed the following fellowships: Pain Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center; Regional Anesthesia, Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic; Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Zaky has 15 years experience in anesthesia and management of pain.
Coming in September:Focus on Port Clinton
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal August 2014 31
Christopher D. palmerBranch Manager/Sales
Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation402 Columbus Avenue | Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Business Advisory Services u Business Valuation ServicesLitigation & Accounting Fraud Support u Tax Return Preparation
Account & Financial Reporting u Bookkeeping and Payroll
Payne Nickles & CompanyPNcertified public accountants & business advisors
Let us know how we can help your business. Visit our website at pncpa.biz or call one of our two convenient locations.
Norwalk: 419-668-2552 Sandusky: 419-625-4942
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Membership Eligibility Required Federally Insured by NCUA
Call Ted Kastor
(419) 465-4611
CONSTRUCTIONQUESTIONS OR NEEDS?
employee owned
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YOUR DONATION HELPSUS FUND LOCAL SERVICES• Information & Communications• Huron Co. InterAgency council• United Fund Community Programs• Sponsoring Huron County 2-1-1
419-668-0269 | www.norwalkunitedfund.org
Dr. Kitty Brandal Leadership Trainer and Confidential Consultant
Corporate Compass Training and DevelopmentP.O. Box 2499 Sandusky, OH 44870Ph: 419-239-5732president@corporatecompass.bizwww.corporatecompass.biz
Offers interactive workshops in leadership development, communication, conflict management, diversity, emotional intelligence, self-esteem coaching, public speaking coaching and a variety of other professional and personal development programs. Keynote speaker.
The Leader in Roofing Serviceswww.JBRoofingCo.com • [email protected]
8185 W Green Meadows Drive N,Lewis Center, OH 43035
32 August2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net
At the Memorial Hospital Pain Management Center, our experienced care team is committed to treating our patients with the empathy and respect that they deserve. Improving the lives of individuals with chronic pain is our #1 priority.
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from whiplash� Persistent pain after surgery
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Syndrome (also known as RSD)� Arthritis pain� Nerve damage pain
� Chronic pelvic pain, including
Interstitial Cystitis� Shingles pain� Fibromyalgia� And much more
Memorial HospitalPain Management Center
LIVEAGAIN!
Choose Memorial Hospital totreat and manage your chronicpain related conditions.
Every patient. Every day. Every encounter.
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419-332-7321 � promedica.org715 S. Taft Avenue � Fremont, Ohio
