North Coast Business Journal - November 2013

8/14/2019 North Coast Business Journal - November 2013

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FOCUSONTIFFINANDSENECACOUNTY:INSIDETHIS MONTH

www.ncbj.net

CHAMBER

CALENDARS ....... 8

TAXES: Additional

Medicare Taxes.... 9

INSURANCE: Fire

Extinguishers and

Safety .................11

ESTATE: 529College Savings

Plans ..................15

HR: Being Held

Hostage? .............21

WELL-BOOKED

BUSINESS ...........24

SALES: Setting

Business Goals ....25

LEGAL: IRAs and

Charities .............26

Standard Mail

U.S. Postage Paid

Tiffin, OH 44883

Permit #88

Published and Owned bySchaffner Publications, Inc.NOVEMBER 2013 Vol. 19 No. 11

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

POSTMASTER: TIMELY MATERIAL. PLEASE EXPEDITE.

Celebrating19 Years of Service

Were a proud member of the following:Bellevue Area Chamber

of Commerce

Chamber of Commerceof Sandusky County

Elmore Chamberof Commerce

Erie County Chamberof Commerce

Fostoria Area Chamberof Commerce

Genoa Chamberof Commerce

Huron Chamberof Commerce

Huron CountyChamber of Commerce

Marblehead PeninsulaChamber of Commerce

Milan Chamberof Commerce

Oak Harbor AreaChamber of Commerce

Port Clinton AreaChamber of Commerce

Put-in-Bay Chamberof Commerce

Seneca RegionalChamber of Commerce

Vermilion Chamberof Commerce

Willard Area Chamberof Commerce

Submitted by Aaron D. Montz,Mayor, City of Tiffin

The city named after Ohios first

Governor has seen the economic situationimprove significantly over the last year inthis historic Ohio city. The downtown hasgradually begun to fill with new businessesand restaurants as a new emphasis hasbeen placed on downtown redevelopment.In fact, the local Chamber of Commercehas held a record number of ribbon-cuttings in the downtown in the last year.Things are happening and happening fastin downtown Tiffin.

My Administration has placed focus on

new tactics to increase developmentthroughout the City of Tiffin. Recently,the city purchased several buildings instrategically important locations alongthe citys riverfront area in the downtown.The plans are to raze the dilapidatedstructures to create shovel ready sites for

business development as well as ariverfront amphitheater for summerconcerts.

Recent downtown additions includeAnyas Antiquities and Oddities, which atany given time includes antique itemsfrom more than fifty different countriesacross the globe. Another uniquedowntown addition has been Phoebeswhich is a gluten-free restaurant coupledwith a gluten free grocery store. Hundredsof different healthy eating and drinkingoptions line the shelves in the store readyfor purchase at reasonable prices. Thedowntown health trend continued

recently with the opening of ConnxtionsNutrition Studio which features full mealreplacement shakes as well as dailyworkout routines for residents. Nutritionclasses can be seen frequently workingout in the center of Courthouse Squareand other places in downtown Tiffin.

Many current downtown businesseshave seen an uptick in sales due toincreased traffic. Phat Cakes Caf is now

Tiffin: A Community on the Move

Submitted by Rich Focht,President and CEO

Seneca Industrial &Economic Development Corporation

Economic Development like politics islocal. Even though there may be national,state and regional trends that are drivingthe economy in some way, growth forlocal economies begins at home.Communities need to have an effectiveeconomic development strategy thatfocuses on several key points:

A solid retention and expansionprogram for existing business

(understanding the 80-20 rule) An understanding of your economicstrengths, weaknesses, trends, and

local attitudes and a plan of action toaddress all of these

A marketing plan that incorporatesthe latest in technology and decision

making in regards to businessexpansions and the new site selectionprocesses

A willingness to invest in yourselffirst, rather than relying on someoutside forces to solve your problems

A responsible group to carry all of thisout

It has been estimated there are over10,000 economic developmentorganizations located throughout theUnited States, all vying for the samebusiness opportunities. So the competitionis stiff and failure to perform at a highlevel can lead to long term economic

disaster for communities.

Thirty years ago, we realized somethingneeded to change in Seneca County and

the City of Tiffin. A group of local leadersfrom the private and public sectors cametogether and organized the SenecaIndustrial & Economic DevelopmentCorp.(SIEDC), a 501 (c) (3) not for profiteconomic development corporation.Since its creation, SIEDC has served as acatalyst for the public and private sectorsto leverage its resources in numerous waysto lay a ground work for growth in thelocal economy:

Investment in infrastructure Incentives for business to expand

and/or locate in our community

Pride and Progress

See TIFFIN, Page 2

See PRIDE, Page 2


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2 November 2013 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net

offering a top notch dinner menu in addition totheir usual deli style paninis, salads, soups, andmassive cheesecakes and cupcakes. Just across thestreet, Bailiwicks Coffee Company has increasedstaffing and expanded hours due to strong demandfrom the community. Bailiwicks features a widevariety of coffee and teas and has become a strong

sponsor of local activities in their short time inTiffin.The commercial sector is quite active in other

areas beyond just the downtown in Tiffin. AdvancedAuto Parts, Rural King, Ag Credit, Label Shopper,Padrones Pizza, Forrest View Bed & Breakfast, RoRo Design, and more have opened their doors inTiffin within the last year. Buffalo Wild Wings,Dunkin Donuts and OReilly Auto Parts have allmade announcements that they intend to locate inTiffin sometime in 2014. The commercial sectorhas been the most active we have seen in years andwe see no reason for that trend to slow anytimesoon.

If the commercial sector is busy, then Tiffinsindustrial base has been going gangbusters. Thereis a new feel to the industrial sector of Tiffinseconomy that was lacking over the last severalyears: expansions and hiring is at an all-time high.

In just the last year, more than 400 jobs have beencreated in the manufacturing industries in Tiffin,spearheaded by Toledo Molding & Dye addingover $8 million worth of new equipment to theirfacility and more than 100 jobs. Webster Industries,which specializes in chains from elevators to rollercoasters, has added 76 jobs in the past year.

Ameriwood has increased in size by 73, NationalMachinery has invested $5 million in newequipment and an additional 55 jobs, Taiho added40,000 square feet to their facility as well as 45additional employees, Jacobson Manufacturingalso added 40,000 square feet and 21 positions andthe list goes on.

Heading into 2014, American Fine Sinter hasplans to add $14 million into their facility in theEagle Rock Business Park which will createsignificant new jobs for the Tiffin community.They have also just recently purchased an additional7+ acres of land for a phase two expansion that willbe soon coming. Tiffinites have many reasons to beproud of the additions American Fine Sinter hasmade, and will make, into Tiffin.

The City of Tiffin has seen a tremendousturnaround in the last two years. The City budgetlooks the healthiest in years, and most importantly,Tiffinites are back to work. Many pro-growthpolicies have helped with private sectordevelopment. In an effort spearheaded by CityHall and The Chamber of Commerce, Tiffinsconfusing and limiting sign code has undergone a

remake to make the code much more comprehensiveand business friendly.

Other significant efforts by City Hall have helpedproduce early results. A Jobs Creation Tax Creditwas established by the City for any newly createdjobs. The hope is that employers will hire additionalemployees knowing they will receive tax breaks for

the newly created positions or potentially movejobs to the City of Tiffin. A second initiative wasthe establishment of the City of Tiffin RevitalizationDistrict. The District now allows for Tiffin toobtain an additional 15 liquor permits to enticenew restaurants to locate in the community whileallowing current restaurants who do not haveliquor permits the ability to purchase a license andincrease their business.

Tiffin is certainly a community on the move. Theeconomic development listed above is only aportion of all the positive news in Tiffin. Both ofthe universities are seeing increases in enrollment,even as the number of graduating high schoolseniors decreases in Ohio. Heidelberg Universityrecently unveiled the new Sauerwine Health andWellness Center as well as a full re-make of theirlower campus. Not to be outdone, Tiffin Universitycompleted the Heminger Center which features anindoor football practice field, classrooms and a fullsized track. Tiffin University has also announcedplans to expand their campus library in 2014. Thisis one city that is certainly on the move upward.

Investments in new buildings Investments in brownfield clean-ups Agreements for shared revenue and annexation Investment in a downtown plan Retention and expansion of our local businesses Marketing and recruitment of new companies

Today we are seeing exceptional results fromthese efforts. From January 2012 to September

2013 we have witnessed the following expansionsin our manufacturing base: Jacobson Manufacturing(40,000 square feet of new building, 30 new jobs);Toledo Molding & Die Company ($8 million innew equipment and100 new jobs); TaihoCorporation of America ($13 million in buildingand equipment-40,000 square of new buildingand 45 new jobs); Laminate Technologies ($1.7million in new building and equipment-25,000square feet of new building and 10 new jobs);Arnold Machine, Inc.($800,000 in new buildingand equipment-15,000 square feet of new buildingand 10 new jobs); American Fine Sinter Company

($14 million in new building and equipment-30,000square feet of building-purchase of 7+ acres forfuture expansion); National Machinery, LLC ($16million in new equipment and 55 new jobs);Webster Manufacturing ($1million in buildingexpansion and 76 new jobs); AmeriwoodIndustries, OEM (73 new jobs); Tiffin MetalProducts (20 new jobs).

In addition there have been a number of retail

additions and expansions: Bunkys Bicycle Service,LLC, Connxtions Nutrition Studios, Elite SportsAcademy, Forrest View Bed and Breakfast, G&HTrading Co, LLC, Padrones Pizza, Phat Cakes,Phoebes RoRo Design, LLC, Technical Fashionz,Upcycle Inc, ServPro, Landing Point FinancialGroup, Rural King, Advance Auto Parts, BailiwicksCoffee Company, Coppus Motors, Inc, Ag Credit,Select Realty Group, LLC, Great Clips, and Nye Gas

Company.We are also blessed to have two growing anddynamic universities in our community. This pastyear Heidelberg University added the SaurweinCenter, a $4.3 million investment, to offer programsfor health and fitness for the students andcommunity alike. Tiffin University opened theHeminger Center, a $13 million state of the artathletic facility that houses indoor track andfootball and is able to host campus and civicactivities.

There are many bright people in our communityand throughout our region who are working hard

to improve our economy and create opportunitiesfor a higher standard of living for our citizens. InTiffin and Seneca County, we remain committed toa cooperative effort between leaders in the publicand private sector that focuses on our goal ofsustained economic growth. As our numbers show,those efforts are bearing fruit.

TIFFIN, from Page 1

PRIDE, from Page 1

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

419-734-4838 Fax 419-734-5382

Publisher JOHN SCHAFFNER

Editor JEFFREY H. BRYDEN [email protected]

Director of Sales DAVE KAHLER [email protected]

Account Executive KRISTA CHEEK [email protected]

Accounting Manager ROBIN [email protected]

Layout & Graphic Design TODD GARDNER [email protected]

MARK SCHAFFNER [email protected]

Circulation Manager BRUCE DINSE

North Coast Business Journalis 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 photographs,

although we reserve the right to edit and condense any articles submitted. Submissions

should be sent to the editor at the above address. Include a stamped, self-addressed

envelope if you would like an item returned. We prefer material (copy & photos) to be

submitted electronically.

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


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www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal November 2013 3

University Health ServicesDisability ServicesWellness and Counseling

ServicesTheatre ProgramWashington Center and Semester ProgramsFreshman Honors ProgramClub and Recreational

Sports ProgramStudent Success Coaching

Program

Student NewspaperStudent Retention

ProgramsCampus Safety ProgramEquestrian TeamWomens Lacrosse TeamWomens Golf TeamMens and Womens Swimming/Diving TeamsMens Wrestling TeamMusic Performance Groups

155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 800.968.6446 www.tiffin.edu

TIFFINCAMPUS

IMPROVE

MENTS

COMPLETIONOFTWO

MAJOR

FU

NDRAISING

CAMPAIGNS

4 NEWDEGREES

Master of EducationMaster of HumanitiesBachelor of Science

Associate of Arts

22 NEWMasters DegreeConcentrations

35 NEWBachelors Degree Majors

and Concentrations

36 NEWUndergraduate Minors

13 NEWGraduate Certificate

Programs

INCREASE OF 427% IN VALUE OF NET ASSETS$7.1 million to $37.9 million

19 NEW STUDENT SERVICES &PROGRAMS

Athletic Program Membership in NCAA Division II andGreat Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

TIFFINCAMPUS

IMPROVE

MENTS

COMPLETIONOFTWO

MAJOR

FU

NDRAISING

CAMPAIGNS

4 NEWDEGREES

Master of EducationMaster of HumanitiesBachelor of Science

Associate of Arts

22 NEWMasters DegreeConcentrations

35 NEWBachelors Degree Majors

and Concentrations

36 NEWUndergraduate Minors

13 NEWGraduate Certificate

Programs

Heminger Center (new)

Hertzer Technology Center (new)

Hayes Center for the Arts (new)

Wrestling practice building (new)

Maintenance operations building (new)

Golf/club & recreational sports building (new)

Hanson Fitness Center (renovated)

Leased classrooms in former St. Marys School

Miami/Jackson streetscape beautification

Acquisition of former Pettibone property

Four student apartment buildings (new)

Residence hall (new)

Murphy Academic Support Center (new)

Outdoor track (new)

Nature preserve (new)

Cole Dining Hall (expanded)

Science laboratory building (renovated)

Additional parking lots

Acquisition and remediation of former scrapyard

Landscaping enhancements

2003-2013

A DECADE OF PROGRESS

h l


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Don K. Moore, M.D.

Board CertifiedOrthopaedic Surgeon

F I S H E R - T I T U S . O R G

World-class spine surgeryservices are now available to

our region.Fisher-Titus and Cleveland Clinic have

affiliated to provide the advanced spine

surgery procedures for conditions such as

disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and a variety

of back and neck disorders. Patients can

now receive the treatment they need from

Cleveland Clinic Physician Don K. Moore,

M.D. without leaving their local community.

Dr. Moore brings years of experience and

advanced training to Fisher-Titus and is

backed by the resources and best practices of

the Cleveland Clinic spine surgery program.

Dr. Moores office is conveniently located

at 34 Executive Drive in Norwalk.

Appointments can be made by calling

419-660-0198.

CLEVELANDCLINIC

SPINE SURGERYat Fisher-Titus

Announcing:

Medical Director,Cleveland Clinic SpineSurgery at Fisher-Titus

Staff, Cleveland ClinicNeurological Institute

Orthopaedic SpineSurgery Fellowship,University ofWisconsin, 1996-97

Orthopaedic TraumaFellowship, Chur,Switzerland, 1996

Doctor of Medicine,

University of MichiganMedical School,Ann Arbor, 1989

AbuD. Mor

By John DetwilerPresident & CEO

Each year at the annual meeting ofthe corporation, the Seneca RegionalChamber of Commerce and VisitorServices presents two significantawards. Nominations are open toany member of the community withthe winners being selected by acommittee consisting of previousaward recipients.

The Womens Career ExcellenceAward honors women who strivetoward the highest levels of

professional accomplishment, whoexcel in their chosen field, havedevoted time and energy to theircommunity in a meaningful way, andwho also open paths so that othersmay follow.

This yearsrecipient is ShirleyL. Smith, Directorof the FamilyCounseling Centerin Tiffin. Shirley has

a long history ofc o m m u n i t yinvolvement sincecoming to Tiffin in1963. Originally she was trained andworked as a Med Tech at the SenecaCounty Health Department. Sheworked in Home Health at MercyTiffin Hospital, managing andscheduling home care nurses. Shecontinues as a case worker for CASAas well as a Direct Care volunteerwith Hospice.

She was the first female member ofthe Tiffin Kiwanis Club and served asboard member, vice-president,president and Lt Governor. She wasrecognized for distinguished servicein 1996, the highest honor possible.A former president, Shirley continuesto serve on the Kiwanis Manor board.

During the years she managed aprofessional career and contributedher time, energy and skills to thecommunity, she also raised a family

for four successful children and hashad over fifty years of marital bliss.She has managed to find a balancebetween home, work and communitythat many women would wish toemulate.

The Outstanding Citizenship Awardhonors an individual who has proventhemselves to be an extraordinary

asset to the Tiffin community. Theaward is presented to an individualwho has experienced great personalsuccess in their chosen profession, isactive throughout the communitythrough volunteerism andcommunity service and also exhibitsoutstanding personal qualities.

This yearsrecipient is soon-to-be retiringRichard A. Focht,President and CEOof SIEDC (Seneca

Industrial andE c o n o m i cD e v e l o p m e n tCorporation). Bornand bred in Tiffin,a graduate of Baldwin-WallaceUniversity and a US Army veteran,Richs career took him through hisfathers construction business, City ofTiffin Administrator and SIEDC CEOfor the past 23 years.

Of the many highlights during that

23-year span included thedevelopment of not one, but twoindustrial parks (NorthStar and EagleRock); renovation of the historicShawhan Hotel into a senior livingfacility; retention and expansion ofseveral companies, among themToledo Molding and Die, now theareas largest employer as well asseveral brownfield projects.

During Richs stewardship, Tiffinwas the first community to receivethe Red Carnation Award presentedby the Ohio Development Associationfor its outstanding economicdevelopment program. Tiffin was alsorecognized as one of the 100 BestSmall Towns in America by SiteSelection Magazine and as one ofOhios growth communities by OhioMagazine. Finally, the City of Tiffinand SIEDC received the GovernorsAward for Excellence in EconomicDevelopment from the State of Ohiofor the redevelopment of the

Shawhan.Over twenty years ago the Chamber

initiated a program of recognizingordinary people in our communitywho have done extraordinary things.Its only fitting that as a capstone to aremarkably positive and productivecareer that we honor Rich for a jobwell done.

Seneca RegionalChamber of CommercePresents Annual Awards

N th C t B i J l N b 2013 5


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Mercy Tiffin Hospital is celebratingnew initiatives and reflecting on thehospitals heritage. Mercy Tiffin hasexperienced significant growth,including the establishment of a LowRisk Catheterization Lab within the

hospital, the development of apartnership to create a new communitynature preserve, welcomed newproviders and a series of events centeredaround Mercy Tiffins 100th year ofservice to Tiffin and the surroundingarea.

Mercy Community Nature PreserveMercy Tiffin Hospital and the Seneca

County Park District partnered to createthe Mercy Community Nature Preserve,which opened to the community andgeneral public in April 2013.

The Mercy Community Nature Preserveis located on a 22-acre wooded lot onthe Mercy Tiffin Hospital healthcarecampus. It features walking trails withinthe nature preserve and hopes to offernature education programming. A MercyCommunity Nature Preserve Fund hasbeen established through the TiffinCharitable Foundation to assist withfuture maintenance and development ofthe nature preserve.

Low Risk Cardiac CatheterizationLab Open One Year!

Mercy Tiffin Hospital is celebrating theone year anniversary of the Low RiskCardiac Catheterization Lab, opened inOctober of 2012. This 1,500 square footfacility was constructed within thehospital.

Dr. Steven Bruhl, Cardiologist at MercyTiffin Hospital, and Dr. Gregory Vigesaa,Cardiologist at Mercy Willard Hospital,

were the first physicians to utilize thisnew low risk cardiac catheterization lab.The lab will provide patients with moreconvenient access to high qualityservices at a Mercy facility that is closerto home.

New CardiologistMercy Cardiology Specialists welcomed

Dr. Stephen Lenehan to the Mercyfamily earlier this year

Dr. Lenehan brings 25 years ofcardiology expertise to Mercy. He earneda medical degree from The Ohio StateUniversity in Columbus, Ohio,completed an Internal MedicineResidency and Internship at RiversideHospital in Columbus, Ohio andcompleted a Cardiology Fellowship atthe Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

New Urology ProvidersMercy Tiffin Hospital recently

welcomed Urocare Associates providersThomas Zaciewski, MD and JenniferPerry, PA-C to Tiffin.

100 Years of Healthcare in SenecaCounty

Mercy Tiffin Hospital has spent the lastyear celebrating its 100th Anniversary.The year-long celebration began onThursday, October 4, 2012, with a Massof Celebration within Mercy TiffinHospitals McMullen Conference Centerand concluded with a Mass ofCelebration at St. Mary Catholic Churchon September 15, 2013. Father GaryWalters, Pastor at St. Mary CatholicChurch, presided over both liturgicalceremonies.

On October 5, 1912, ground wasbroken for the original Mercy communityhospital on seven acres of land on WestMarket Street in Tiffin, purchased fromMiss Emma J. Bowe. Mercy Tiffinremained at this location for the first 95years of its history.

Although many things have changedsince 1912, our mission remains thesame, said Lynn. For the last 100years, the staff of Mercy has dedicateditself to the sick and injured of thiscommunity, caring for all regardless of

their ability to pay.

Mercy Tiffin Hospital has heldspecial events and created uniqueways to celebrate its anniversarythroughout the year-long celebration: A Historical Marker was unveiled and

blessed during the opening Mass inOctober. Following the blessing, theHistorical Marker was placed on thelawn near the front entrance of thehospital.

Mercy Tiffin created a travelingexhibit that consisted of four displaypanels. The exhibit was unveiled in

January 2013 during a Chamber AfterHours and has been displayed athospital events as well as at localbusinesses and universities. Theexhibit was displayed through theend of September.

A special 16-page insert ran in theJanuary issue of the CatholicChronicle featuring the 100thAnniversary of the Sisters of Mercyand Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

An authentic Heritage Tea was heldon December 12, 2012, which isFounders Day. On December 12,1831, Catherine McAuley, Foundressof the Sisters of Mercy and twoassociates professed their religiousvows as the first Sisters of Mercy,thereby beginning the ministry of

the Sisters of Mercy. To acknowledgeand appreciate our heritage, MercyTiffin recognizes Founders Day onDecember 12 each year. Employeesand guests enjoyed a cup of teathroughout the day.

Mercy Tiffin placed the cross fromthe original Mercy Hospital abovethe Emergency Care Center entranceat the new facility in May 2013.Board members, employees andphysicians attendedthe dedicationceremony. Cookies inthe shape of a crosswere distributed to allin attendance at the

ceremony and then toall employees tocelebrate thissignificant event.

In July 2013, thecornerstone from theoriginal Mercy Hospitalwas placed in themiddle of the outdoordining area, laid withinthe patio stones.

Physicians, employeesand volunteerssubmitted prayers to

be included in a specialprayer book celebrating100 years of dedicationto the mission. Theprayer book wasprinted and distributedat the conclusion ofthe 100th Anniversarycelebration.

Through the commitment of ourSponsors, The Sisters of Mercy, and thelaity who today still follow in theirfootsteps, the mission of Mercy thatbegan here 100 years ago has been, andwill continue to be, preserved, said

Lynn. We rededicate ourselves to thecontinuation of this mission for thenext 100 years and beyond.


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Mercy Tiffin Hospital Celebrates New Initiatives, Reflects On History

6 November 2013 North Coast Business Journal bj t


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On Behalf ofSeneca County CommissionersJeff Wagner, President of the Board

The Seneca County Commissionershave had a very exciting year in 2013.

On top of the list is the completion ofa much needed juvenile detentionfacility. For many years we were usinga building that was an orphanage inthe 1950s and had been cobbled intoa makeshift juvenile detention facility.It did not meet many of the statestandards, but was grandfathered in.After many years of planning by the

Juvenile Judge, State Dept of YouthServices, County Commissioners andothers construction on the new nearly2 million dollar facility began last

year and was completed in early 2013.The new facility is state of the art andhas 24 individual units for juveniles.This allows Seneca County tocooperate with neighboring countiesand house some of their youth aswell.

Another great addition to SenecaCounty we are quite proud of is thebrand new Seneca County Agency ofTransportation (SCAT) facility. This

new state of the art building was alsoa collaboration of several agenciesincluding the State of Ohio, SCATBoard and the County Commissioners.SCAT provides low cost publictransportation to the residents of

Seneca County to nearly anywherethey need to go including trips outsideof the State. The new facility allowsfor room to store vans inside andmore efficient use of space foroperations. This building much likethe juvenile facility was stared lastyear and finished in early 2013.

The Commissioners have also begunthe process of investing over 1 milliondollars into energy improvements toour existing buildings. Theseimprovements are meant to pay for

themselves over approx 8 years inenergy savings. We also completedmajor construction on a new sewerproject in the village of Bascom.Bascom had been under orders fromEPA for several years. Completion of anew treatment plant and trunk lineswere finished this summer withapproximately 42% being obtained asgrant funding. Now the individualhomes will be tied in during the

coming year.Looking ahead to 2014 and beyond

some exciting projects are takingshape. We are currently working as acoalition with 3 of our neighboringcounties to encourage the OhioDepartment of Transportation(ODOT) to do significantimprovements to State Route 53 thatgoes through all 4 of our counties.Currently ODOT has agreed to apreliminary study on the SR 53corridor. ODOT will pay for half ofthe study and the 4 counties along

with private business will pay for theother half. We are very hopeful thisstudy is just the beginning of muchneeded safety improvements alongthe SR53 corridor and hopefully somenew economic development from animproved road.

We are also working on a cooperative

venture with the city of Tiffin on apossible new Justice Center. CurrentlySeneca County is in need of someupdated court space. The city of Tiffinis also looking for updated space fortheir municipal court. Together weare exploring the possibility oferecting one building to meet theneeds of both entities. It is still beingstudied, but it makes a lot of sense tocombine efforts to reduce utility,security and other costs verses having2 separate facilities. We are also settingaside some money each year for a

future justice center. I look for thatproject to take shape over the nextcouple of years and a new facilityshortly after that.

We feel that Seneca County is a greatplace to live and that the enhancementsof the past year and plans for thefuture will help that to continue.


Design/Build

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Toll Free: (888) 904-4600

2013: A year of Growth for Seneca County

www ncbj net North Coast Business Journal November 2013 7


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Experienceyou can bank on.

A relationship you can trust.

Personal relationships.

Sutton Bank offers its customers the most innovative,

consumer-friendly checking and savings products in

the area, providing the kind of personal service and

lower fees found only at an independent,

community bank.

Visit us today!

719 West Market St.

Tiffin, OH 44883

Business relationships.

For over 135 years, Sutton Bank has been making it

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We believe you have the right to a banking team

committed to local decision-making, prompt and

honest evaluation of your loan requests, a bank that

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development, and a dedicated business banker who

takes personal responsibility for your satisfaction.

419-448-9000MemberFDIC

Tiffin, like most communities, is always trying tofind ways to increase its number of small businesses.This endeavor requires helping future businessowners understand how to design a business planand determine how to efficiently manage thebusiness, once started. A software program called

GoVenture Entrepreneur is providing studentsthe opportunity to experience what it would be liketo be a small business owner.

The students oversee all aspects of their businessfrom hiring employees to maintaining inventory.Simulations can be run in a period of minutes orover several days. The student makes the choice.Best of all, there is no penalty for failure. If theirbusiness does not succeed, they can try again!

Stacey Roth, Tiffin Columbian High SchoolBusiness Teacher, purchased this highly visual andrealistic software to engage students in the day-to-

day operation of their own business. It helps themunderstand the many responsibilities that areinherent in owning a business.

While using GoVenture Entrepreneur, numerousreal life business and personal tasks occur atrandom times. Students learn to negotiatecompromises to reach success in the businessworld. They will learn how important it is to takecare of themselves to reduce illness and work-placeaccidents. This experience helps students see therisks and rewards of starting their own business.

The Columbian business lab has 30 computersthat allow students to work on various activitiesincluding Startup, Product Management, Facilities,Marketing and Sales, Accounting and Finance,Financial Literacy, Economics Concepts, Law andEthics, Math Concepts, and Career and Life Skills.

Learning guides and activities enhance the software.Miss Roth had the following to say about the

program: What I love about incorporating thegame into the classroom is the conversation itsparks. It is fun to hear the students entrepreneurialspirit evolve. I heard a group of students comparingthe types of workers they would hire, the qualitiesthey would look for, the pay and incentives theywould offer, and the hours their employees wouldwork.

The one element that students struggle with, bothin the simulation and in real life, is the balance of

work and social life. This game provides an idealenvironment for students to make mistakes andlearn how to work through them. They will learnthat entrepreneurship requires a lot of responsibility.To be successful, they must learn to care for theiremployees, their customers, their family andthemselves.

In this day and age of technology, sometimes thebest way to teach students is to incorporate businessinto the classroom, speak their language and putthem in control of their own business.

For more information, please contact MarkVerroco, Principal, Columbian High School at 419-447-6331, or [email protected] orcontact Stacey Roth at the same phone number oremail [email protected].

Students Learn About Business through Technology

MEANS BUSINESS!Reaching over 25,000 readers in five

counties every month

Almost nine out of 10 (87%) "makeor have influence over purchasing

decisions" for their company

NCBJ readers are decision-makers:

8 November 2013 North Coast Business Journal www ncbj net


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Chamber Calendars for NovemberBellevueChamber of Commerce9 A Night at the Races Bellevue Eagles Hall

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.,Dinner at 6:00 p.m.,For information, contact the Chamber

12 Retirement Plan Design Seminar; 8:00 am Chamber Offices

Erie CountyChamber of Commerce19 Business After Hours

Mad River Harley Davidson 5:15 p.m.

TBA Breakfast of Champions,Eugene Miesler,CEO of Toft Dairy,Plum Brook Country Club.

GenoaChamber of Commerce14 Chamber board meeting

7:30 am @ Rayz Caf

Annual Dinner 6:00pm@ Genoa Fire Hall

22-23 Genoa Holiday Open House

27 Genoa Civic TheatreBoard Meeting 7:00 pm

Huron Chamber of Commerce

14 Grand OpeningAfter Hours 5-7 p.m. Lucky Stone Gifts & Promotions

and The Uniform Place

Huron CountyChamber of Commerce7 Program Committee,

8am, Chamber office

12 Social Media Seminar

Stephen Chiles,10-11:30am, free,RSVP please, 419-668-4155

13 Membership Committee,8am, Chamber office

14 Board of Directors,4pm, Chamber office

20 Education Committee,8am, Chamber office

21 Safety Council,7:30am, Norwalk High School,RSVP reqd

Marblehead PeninsulaChamber of Commerce7 Directors Meeting

Danbury Township Hall7:00 pm

21 Business After Hours5 to 7 pmHoward Hanna,

Emilys GSE Jewelry and Newport Dry Goods

Oak HarborChamber of Commerce7 Business Over Breakfast HR Updates

Michelle Ish7:30am-9:00am

VFW Memorial Hall $10.00 per person

Hot breakfast and presentation.

21 Board Meeting 7:30am Chamber Building

Port Clinton AreaChamber of Commerce7 Economic Restructuring Committee

8:30am

Business After HoursYoungs5:00pm-7:00pm

8 Benefits Committee8:30am

11 Chamber Board8:30am

12 Design Committee8:30am

13 Regional Business After HoursTerra 5:00pm-7:00pm

14 Main Street PCBoard Strategic Planning7:30am 12:00pm

19 Ambassador Committee8:30am

20 Walleye Festival Committee8:30am

21 Main Street PC Board meeting

Sandusky CountyChamber of Commerce6 Membership & Marketing

Committee at 3:00 p.m.Chamber office.

13 BAH Sneak PeakTerra State Community College

5-7 p.m.

14 Terra State CommunityCollege Ribbon Cutting,11a.m.

18 Health & WellnessCommittee at 2:00 p.m.

19 Agriculture Committee7:30 a.m. Chamber office.

26 Ambassador meeting8:00 a.m. Hall & Wylkan offices.

Seneca CountyChamber of Commerce9 Northwest Ohio Glass Show & Sale

10 am - 5 pm on Saturday.10 am - 3 pm on Sunday.Community Civic Center

13 Small Business Basics Seminar

9:30 am to 11:30 am .Free, two-hour seminarCommunity room, Chamber

Register at 800-826-243115 Ambassador Meeting

Noon, Chamber

19 Seneca CountyHuman Resource Association11:30 am. Lunch MeetingSt. Francis Home,

November Speaker:Kitty Brandal, Terra Community College;

20 Cash Mob Krogers

26 Tiffin Area Safety Council11:30 am at Moose Lodge 946



9/32

By: Jeff Rosengarten, CPA, CFEPayne, Nickles and Company

Starting in 2013, high-incometaxpayers will face two new taxesa3.8% Medicare contribution tax onnet investment income and a 0.9%additional Medicare tax on wageand self-employment income.Heres an overview of the two newtaxes and what they will mean toyou.

3.8% Medicare contribution tax.This new taxwill only affect taxpayers whose adjusted gross income(AGI) exceeds $250,000 for joint filers and survivingspouses, $200,000 for single taxpayers and heads of

household, and $125,000 for a married individualsfiling separately. These threshold amounts arentindexed for inflation. Thus, as time goes by, inflationwill cause more taxpayers to become subject to the3.8% tax.

Your AGI is the bottom line on Page 1 of your Form1040. It consists of your gross income minus youradjustments to income, such as the IRA deduction. Ifyou claimed the foreign earned income exclusion,you must add back the excluded income for purposesof the 3.8% tax.

If your AGI is above the threshold that applies to

you ($250,000, $200,000 or 125,000), the 3.8% taxwill apply to the lesser of (1) your net investmentincome for the tax year or (2) the excess of your AGIfor the tax year over your threshold amount. This taxwill be in addition to the income tax that applies tothat same income.

Take, for example, a married couple that has AGI of$270,000 for 2013, of which $100,000 is netinvestment income. They would pay a Medicarecontribution tax on only the $20,000 amount bywhich their AGI exceeds their threshold amount of$250,000. That is because the $20,000 excess is lessthan their net investment income of $100,000. Thus,the couples Medicare contribution tax would be $760($20,000 3.8%).

Now assume that the couples AGI was $350,000.Because their AGI exceeds their threshold amount by$100,000, they would pay a Medicare contributiontax on their full $100,000 of net investment income.Their Medicare contribution tax would then be$3,800 ($100,000 3.8%).

What is net investment income? The net investmentincome that is subject to the 3.8% tax consists ofinterest, dividends, annuities, royalties, rents, and netgains from property sales. Income from an active

trade or business isnt included in net investmentincome, nor is wage income.

However, passive business income is subject to theMedicare contribution tax. Thus, rents from an activetrade or business arent subject to the tax, but rentsfrom a passive activity are subject to it. Income froma business of trading financial instruments orcommodities is also included in net investmentincome.

Income that is exempt from income tax, such as tax-exempt bond interest, is likewise exempt from the3.8% Medicare contribution tax. Thus, switchingsome of your taxable investments into tax-exemptbonds can reduce your exposure to the 3.8% tax. Ofcourse, this should be done with due regard to yourincome needs and investment considerations.

Home sales. Many people have asked how the 3.8%tax applies to home sales. If you sell your main home,you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of gain, orup to $500,000 for joint filers, when figuring yourincome tax. This excluded gain wont be subject tothe 3.8% Medicare contribution tax.

However, gain that exceeds the limit on the exclusionwill be subject to the tax. Gain from the sale of a

vacation home or other second residence, whichdoesnt qualify for the income tax exclusion, will alsobe subject to the Medicare contribution tax.

For example, say that a married couple has AGI of$200,000 for 2013 and in addition sold their mainhome for a $540,000 gain. The couple qualified forthe full $500,000 exclusion of gain on the sale,leaving only $40,000 of taxable gain. As a result, thecouple wont be subject to the 3.8% tax, because theirtotal AGI ($200,000 + $40,000) will fall below the$250,000 threshold.

But if the gain on the home sale was $680,000, of

which $180,000 was taxable, the couple would besubject to the 3.8% tax on $130,000 of the gain. Thatis the amount by which their total AGI of $380,000($200,000 + $180,000) exceeds their $250,000threshold.

Retirement plan distributions. Distributions fromqualified retirement plans, such as pension plans andIRAs, arent subject to the Medicare contribution tax.However, those distributions may push your AGI overthe threshold that would cause other types ofinvestment income to be subject to the tax.

This makes Roth IRAs more attractive for higher-income individuals, because qualified Roth IRAdistributions are neither subject to the Medicarecontribution tax nor included in AGI. Distributionsfrom traditional IRAs will be included in AGI, exceptto the extent of after-tax contributions, although theywont be subject to the Medicare contribution tax.

Estimated tax. The Medicare contribution tax mustbe included in the calculation of estimated tax thatyou owe. Thus, if you will be subject to the tax, youmay have to make or increase your estimated taxpayments to avoid a penalty. I can assist you inmaking this calculation.

Additional 0.9% Medicare tax on wage and

self-employment income.Starting in 2013, somehigh wage earners will pay an extra 0.9% Medicare taxon a portion of their wage income, in addition to the1.45% Medicare tax that all wage earners pay. The0.9% tax applies to wages in excess of $250,000 forjoint filers, $125,000 for a married individuals filingseparately, and $200,000 for all others. The 0.9% taxapplies only to employees, not to employers.

For joint filers, the additional tax applies to the

spouses combined wages. For example, suppose thata married couple earns combined wages of $300,000in 2013. On a joint return, they will pay Medicare taxof $3,625 ($250,000 1.45%) on their first $250,000of wages and $1,175 on their combined wages theexcess of $250,000 ($50,000 2.35%), for a totalMedicare tax of $4,800.

Once an employees wages reach $200,000 for theyear, the employer must begin withholding theadditional 0.9% tax from the wages. However, thiswithholding may prove insufficient if the employeehas additional wage income from another job or if theemployees spouse also has wage income. To avoid


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Taxes

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10/32

j

TIFFIN Heidelberg UniversitysMBA program is coming home.Beginning in the fall semester 2014,the popular program will be offeredon the Tiffin campus, essentially

changing the focus of the program.Previously, the program targetedworking adults, said AllenUnderwood, director of the MBAprogram at Heidelberg. Next fall,there will be a much greater emphasison traditional and internationalstudents. We would love to have agood mix of both.

To that end, Heidelberg will welcomeabout a dozen students from TianjinNormal University in Tianjin, China.Heidelberg and Tianjin Normal

University share a long-standingpartnership that brings scholars toTiffin each academic year. In exchange,Heidelberg sends a delegation offaculty and students to teach Englishto TNU graduate students eachsummer.

International students come herewanting to be part of classes withdomestic students. They want a goodquality education and a good qualitycultural experience. At Heidelberg,

they will receive both, Underwoodsaid.The MBA program at Heidelberg can

be completed in 12 months.Theoretically, undergraduate studentswho complete their bachelors degreesin May could work through MBA

prerequisite courses in the summer ifneeded, enroll in the MBA programstarting in August 2014 and completethe program by the summer of 2015.

Heidelbergs MBA degree program

was authorized by the Ohio Board ofRegents in 1996. The curriculumfocuses on general management withemphasis on the development of skillsincluding communication, strategicplanning, decision-making underconditions of uncertainty and analysisof quantitative and qualitative data.

Regardless of the track they choose,Underwood said Heidelberg MBAstudents can be assured anoutstanding classroom environment,instruction by high-quality and

distinguished faculty and stronginteraction between domestic andinternational students.

All MBA students are required tocomplete a practicum through theHeidelberg Business Institute and fieldstudy coursework. Working in smallteams, they work in the field with afaculty supervisor on a businessproblem with an actual client.Students have direct contact withthe client. They conduct research,

provide a detailed analysis of theclients business and a useful case/project report, Underwood explained.

In the liberal arts tradition, the fieldstudy experience provides actualhands-on and relevant experiencethat students can carry with them

into the workforce, he added. AHeidelberg MBA provides studentswith a competitive edge. Researchshows that MBA students are more

likely to be high performers, wellprepared for the challenges of theirpositions, promoted sooner and paidmore on average than their peers.

Earning an MBA from Heidelbergwill increase employmentopportunities and offer career

advancement for our students,Underwood said. Our experience isthat most employers recognize thebenefits of employees obtaining an

MBA. They know an MBA can make amajor difference in long-termmanagement performance.

For additional information of theHeidelberg MBA program, contactUnderwood at [email protected].

On Oct. 3, Heidelberg University welcomedto campus Dr. Deborah Mielewski, thetechnical leader of the Plastics ResearchGroup at Ford Motor Co.s Research andInnovation Center. Mielewski, who hasbeen with Ford for 26 years, was the fallkeynote speaker in Heidelbergs PatriciaAdams Lecture Series. She spent the day oncampus in various discussions leading up toher keynote address, Greening the BlueOval: Sustainability at Ford Motor Co. Thespring speaker in the series will be

entrepreneur and consultant CherylKrueger, founded the multi-million-dollargourmet cookie and gift company, Cheryl &Co. For information, visit www.heidelberg.edu/patadams.

Dr. Mielewski meets informally with Heidel-berg students prior to her keynote address

Heidelberg MBA emphasizes general management

Special to the North Coast Business Journal

With its corporate feel, Adams Hall, completely renovated and reopened in2009, is home to the Heidelberg School of Business and the MBA program.



11/32

j

Submitted by: Mark T. ReillyFor businesses, the risk of a fire

is a considerable one that canhave serious ramifications.According to the U.S. FireAdministration (USFA), therewere nearly 85,000 non-residential fires in 2010 totaling$2.4 billion in U.S. propertydamage. Thats an average of over$28,000 in property damage per fire and thatdoesnt even include indirect losses, like businessinterruption. Many businesses that suffer a majorfire either do not reopen or fail within three yearsof the fire.

While it is important to have proper fire insurancecoverage, prevention and preparation are keys tominimizing your risk. Fire extinguishers play animportant role in your preparation efforts, and inthe event of a fire, they could mean the differencebetween minor damage and a complete disaster.Follow the standards below to ensure that you areprepared to protect your business and employeesthrough the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Types of FiresThere are five different classifications of fires.

Some fire extinguishers should be used specificallyfor only one type of fire, while others are effectivefor multiple types. However, some extinguishers arequite dangerous when used on the wrong type offire. Fire extinguishers should have labels specifyingwhich type(s) of fire they are meant to combat.

Class A: Ordinary combustibles, such as trash,wood, paper and cloth.

Class B: Flammable liquids, such as gasoline,petroleum oil and paint. Also includesflammable gases, such as propane and butane,

but does not include fires from cooking oiland grease. Class C: Fires from energized electrical

equipment, such as motors, transformers andappliances.

Class D: Combustible metals, such aspotassium, sodium, aluminum andmagnesium.

Class K: Cooking oils and greases.

OSHA RequirementsOSHA has standards regarding portable fire

extinguishers that employers provide for

employees. Following these standards is not onlyimportant from a compliance standpoint, but alsoto help keep your employees and company safe andminimize the risk involved with a fire.

General RequirementsEmployers must provide approved portable

fire extinguishers where employees may easilylocate, identify and access when necessary. The

extinguishers should be fully charged and operableat all times and kept in their designated spot when

not in use.Selection and DistributionFire extinguishers should be selected based on the

class of anticipated or possible workplace fires. Yourworkplace may be vulnerable to multiple types offires, in which case you would need the appropriateextinguisher for each type. Fire extinguishersshould be placed within a specified distance fromany person potentially needing access to them,based on class:

Class A: 75 feet Class B: 50 feet

Class C: 50-75 feet Class D: 75 feet

Inspection, Maintenance and TestingThe employer must conduct, or have an

expert conduct, an annual inspection for eachfire extinguisher. Note that stored-pressureextinguishers do not require an internal inspection.OSHA requires that the date of the check must berecorded and retained for a year.

Stored pressure, dry-chemical extinguishers thatrequire a 12-year hydrostatic test should undergo

applicable maintenance every six years.

Hydrostatic TestingPortable extinguishers should undergo hydrostatic

testing according to the appropriate intervaldepending on the type of extinguisher see OSHA1910.157(f). Also, employers should follow all othermaintenance requirements under that section.

Training and EducationThe employer also must provide education for

employees to familiarize them with the general

principles of fire extinguisher use. Training shouldinclude: Which classes of extinguishers are found

in the workplace and the type of fire forwhich each should be used

Where they are each located How to properly use each extinguisherThis training should occur upon initial

employment and at least annually thereafter.For a full list of OSHA regulations regarding fireextinguishers, visit http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9811.

National Fire Prevention AssociationThe NFPA is a nonprofit organization

that strives to prevent fires and minimizetheir effects. It publishes a set of codes andstandards regarding fire, electrical andbuilding safety. Though these codes are notlegally binding themselves, many local, stateand federal lawmakers have adopted certain

NFPA codes in their own law. The codes are usefulto know and follow for the protection of your

business and employees.Many, though not all, of the codes overlap with

OSHA guidelines. Here is a summary of some ofthe prominent codes:

Like OSHA regulations, NFPA codes specifythat fire extinguishers must be placed within75 feet of any person needing access to them.The code clarifies that a flight of stairs cannotbe included in the 75 feet. In other words,there must be an extinguisher on every floor.

While OSHA states only that extinguishers bemounted so they are readily accessible, NFPA

gives more specific instructions. If the unitweighs less than 40 pounds, the top of theunit should not be more than 5 feet above thefloor when mounted; when weighing morethan 40 pounds, the top of the unit shouldnot be more than 3.5 feet above the floor.

NFPA codes require annual maintenance offire extinguishers by a trained professional,even for those extinguishers that require onlyexternal maintenance.

NFPA also requires records of all maintenancework to be either displayed on a tag on the

extinguisher, kept in a file or maintainedelectronically.

For a full list of NFPA codes and standards, youmust be a NFPA member. Visit www.nfpa.org formore details.

Contact Diversified Insurance Service at 800-848-2788 for more information on safety proceduresand other ways you might mitigate the risks to yourbusiness or visit their website at www.divinsurance.com.

Fire Extinguishers and Safety: What You Need to Know

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The law firm on the Sandusky Bay, Murray & Murray Co., LPA, has decidedto go solar. The firm recently installed a solar power system on the roof of itsSandusky office building, expected to cover about 30 percent of the buildingspower needs. It is the largest solar array in Erie County, said attorneyDennis Murray Jr., who suggested that his law partners install the 123.5-kilowattsystem after success with a smaller system at his home.

The system includes 494 solar panels and generates 250 watts. All of thecomponents have ARRA ratings and are almost entirely made in America. Thesystem will cover about 30 percent of the power needs for the building. Thisfigure might have been 15 percent a few years ago, but the law firm hasrelentlessly cut its power consumption. The attorneys areas and the commonspaces largely use low-power LED lights, along with equipment changes tolower power demand. The solar array will cover about 15,000 square feet ofthe buildings roof. The solar power system was installed by Edison Solar andWind of Milan, using panels made by the Sharp Electronics plant in Memphis,Tennessee. It is estimated that the systems output will allow the firm to breakeven in a little over five years, representing a 16 percent return on theirinvestment.

The panel installation is part of the firms ongoing efforts to implement andpromote sustainable energy consumption. In recognition of these efforts,Murray & Murray was recently designated as Green Certified by the ClevelandMetropolitan Bar Associations Green Initiative Committee, which promotesefficient energy use and other environmentally responsible programs foradoption by law offices in an effort to lessen the cumulative negative effectson the environment. Eligibility for Green certification requires adoption ofsustainable practices, such as a decrease in energy and resource consumption,recycling of used paper, and inter-office use of double-sided printing.

Sandusky Law Firm, Murray

& Murray, Installs LargestSolar Array in Region



13/32

_ _ _ _

The year was 1888. The United Statesof America had 38 states, the Statue ofLiberty was celebrating her 3rd birthday,a single ounce of gold was worth $20dollars, and George Washington

Williard established the CommercialDepartment at Heidelberg College thateventually became Tiffin University.

This year, 2013, Tiffin University iscelebrating its 125th orquasquicentennial anniversary andwe are extremely proud of this milestoneachievement. Since its founding in1888, Tiffin University has successfullyeducated students for productive andsatisfying lives of leadership, excellence,and service. Generations of Tiffin

graduates have made positivecontributions to their families,communities, and professions. TiffinUniversity has an excellent reputation,a variety of strong academic programsand co-curricular activities, attractivefacilities, caring and competent facultyand staff members, outstandingstudents, and a friendly, personalenvironment where students comefirst.

The growth of the university in thepast decade under the guidance andleadership of President Paul Marion hasbeen remarkable. TU has witnessed anincrease of 354% in total enrollment

over the last eight (8) years while theenrollment of 6,920 students in the fallof 2012 was an all-time high.

The picturesque campus has seensome incredible growth anddevelopment over the past decade. In2004, the Hertzer Technology Center &the Hayes Center for the Arts wasdedicated and just five years later, theLiving Learning Community(apartments and classrooms) wasestablished for upper classmen. Most

recently, the state-of-the-art HemingerCenter officially opened in 2012 andhas welcomed thousands of visitorsfrom the Tiffin community and hasbeen a terrific and well-deserved facilityfor our student-athletes.

The first 125 years have been amazingand we are all confident that the next125 years will be even better.

Happy Anniversary TiffinUniversity!

Tiffin University 125th AnniversaryImportant Dates in Tiffin University History:1888 - Tiffin University was founded as an independent Commercial College at Heidel-berg College.1912 -

Franklin (F.J.) Miller and Alfred Reichard purchased the Commercial College fromHeidelberg.1918 - F.J. Miller relocates to the Remmelle Building in downtown Tiffin and names it Tif-fin Business University (T.B.U.).1939 - For-profit Tiffin Business University becomes non-profit Tiffin University.1953 - President F.J. Miller retires and Richard Pfeiffer becomes 3rd President of TiffinUniversity.1956 - TU purchases the Miami Street School and moves to Miami Street.1981 - George Kidd, Jr. is named the 4th President of Tiffin University.1985 - Football was added as a varsity sport.1988 - The Gillmor Student Center was constructed for the Universitys centennial an-

niversary.1992 - Craycraft Hall was constructed, Miller Residence Hall was renovated, and theLegacy Courtyard was completed.2002 - Paul Marion becomes 5th President of Tiffin University2004 - The Hertzer Technology Center and the Hayes Center for the Arts were dedicated.2006 - The Paradiso Athletic Complex was expanded and dedicated.2009 - The Living Learning Community was dedicated and the Miami Street DevelopmentProject was completed.2012 - The Heminger Recreation Center was completed and dedicated.



14/32

The American Civil War Museum ofOhio is located at 217 South WashingtonStreet, Tiffin, Ohio 44883. The grandopening was on January 29, 2011. It is anot-for-profit organization that wasformed to satisfy the communitys needfor an educational museum that dealswith the Civil War and the major rolethat Ohio played in this conflict.

It is located in a beautiful building thatwas built in 1915 and was the old postoffice. The building with its grandcolumns is a little evocative of theLincoln Memorial. The museum iscurrently using 10,000 square feet of the

building on the main floor and thelower level.

There is a mix of artifacts, dioramas,mannequins, audio-visual tools, hands-on experiences, reference library andinformational displays. A 20 minutevideo titled Ohios Role in the CivilWar plays in the museum video roomfor constant viewing. There is even agift shop that can be perused for unusualbooks, videos, CDs and gifts.

The American Civil War Museum of

Ohio is very family-friendly. Every roomhas hands-on activities for visitors of allages and is designed to enhance theirexperience and knowledge of the CivilWar. The museum is set up to make iteasy for self-guided tours. If there areenough volunteers on hand, one may beavailable to take you on a guided tour.We encourage visitors to plan onspending from 1 hour to 3 hours goingthrough the museum. Average visits lastapproximately an hour and a half.

The main floor rooms include thefollowing exhibits: The Road to Warexplains the causes of the Civil War. Thecauses are varied and are political,monetary and moral with many otherindividual issues. The reasons for thewar date many years prior to 1861. Thewar technically began in April, 1861 butseven states had succeeded prior toAbraham Lincolns Presidential

Inauguration in March.The Life of the Soldier gives visitors a

look at the everyday life of a soldier.They did not fight a battle every day.There were more dangers to worry aboutother than just the enemy. Rations,transportation, water, sickness, weaponsand homesickness were only some of theissues that faced the soldiers and sailors.

There is a very informational displayon Andrews Raiders. You will learnsome amazing facts about these verybrave Ohio men. Some of the Unionand Confederate leaders of the Civil Warare highlighted. Of course, there is an

emphasis on the many leaders that Ohiogave to the war.

There is a small exhibit that deals withand explains the reason why The CivilWar is the first modern war in history.

The museum deals with a few of theprisoner of war camps on both sides andincludes one that was fairly local. Themedical care during this time left a lot tobe desired, but the doctors and nursesdid what they could to help thewounded.

The lower level, in part, houses twodioramas, a traveling exhibit from theRutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center,the reference library, video room andinformation on the Grand Army of theRepublic.

The museum welcomes school childrenand other groups to visit. Groups needto make reservations in advance.

The museum is operated by thegenerous efforts of our volunteers. Thereare no paid employees.

The museum is open all year fromWednesday through Saturday noon to4:00 p.m. The museum is ADAaccessible with a ramp and chair liftavailable.

The American Civil War Museum ofOhio has a website at www.acwmo.orgwith phone number 419-455-9551 andemail address of [email protected]

Tiffin is Home to The

American Civil War Museum of Ohio



15/32

Douglas GildenmeisterSenior Vice Presi-

dent, InvestmentsRaymond JamesSection 529 college

savings plans are tax-advantaged collegesavings vehicles andone of the mostpopular ways to savefor college today.Much like the way401(k) plansrevolutionized the world of retirementsavings a few decades ago, 529 college

savings plans have revolutionized theworld of college savings. As of June 2012,assets in 529

college savings plans totaled $157.3billion (Source: College Boards 2012Trends in Student Aid Report).

Tax advantages and more529 college savings plans offer a unique

combination of features that no othercollege savings vehicle can match:

Federal tax advantages: Contributionsto your account grow tax deferredand earnings are tax free if themoney is used to pay thebeneficiarys qualified educationexpenses. (The earnings portion ofany withdrawal not used for collegeexpenses is taxed at the recipientsrate and subject to a 10% penalty.)

State tax advantages: Many statesoffer income tax incentives for stateresidents, such as a tax deduction forcontributions or a tax exemption forqualified withdrawals.

High contribution limits: Most planslet you contribute over $300,000over the life of the plan.

Unlimited participation: Anyonecan open a 529 college savings planaccount, regardless of income level.

Professional money management:College savings plans are offered bystates, but they are managed bydesignated financial companies whoare responsible for managing theplans underlying investmentportfolios.

Flexibility: Under federal rules, youare entitled to change the beneficiaryof your account to a qualified familymember at any time as well asrollover the money in your 529 planaccount to a different 529 plan onceper year without income tax orpenalty implications.

Wide use of funds: Money in a 529

college savings plan can be used atany college in the United States or

abroad thats accredited by theDepartment of Education and,depending on the individual plan,for graduate school.

Accelerated gifting: 529 plans offeran excellent estate planningadvantage in the form of acceleratedgifting. This can be a favorable wayfor grandparents to contribute totheir grandchildrens education.Specifically, individuals can make alump-sum gift to a 529 plan of up to$70,000 ($140,000 for married

couples) and avoid gift tax, providedthe gift is treated as having beenmade in equal installments over afive-year period and no other giftsare made to that beneficiary duringthe five years.

Choosing a college savings planAlthough 529 college savings plans are

a creature of federal law, theirimplementation is left to the states.Currently, there are over 50 differentcollege savings plans available becausemany states offer more than one plan.

You can join any states 529 collegesavings plan, but this variety may createconfusion when it comes time to select aplan. To make the process easier, it helpsto consider a few key features:

Your states tax benefits: A majorityof states offer some type of incometax break for 529 college savingsplan participants, such as a deductionfor contributions or tax-free earningson qualified withdrawals. However,

some states limit their tax deductionto contributions made to the in-state529 plan only. So make sure to findout the exact scope of the tax breaks,if any, your state offers.

Investment options: 529 plans varyin the investment options they offer.Ideally, youll want to find a planwith a wide variety of investmentoptions that range from conservativeto more growth-oriented to matchyour risk tolerance. To

take the guesswork out of picking

investments appropriate for yourchilds age, most plans offer aged-based portfolios that automaticallyadjust to more conservative holdingsas your child approaches college age.(Remember, though, that anyinvestment involves risk, and pastperformance is no guarantee of howan investment will perform in the

future.) Fees and expenses: Fees and expenses

can vary widely among plans, andhigh fees can take a bigger bite out ofyour savings. Typical fees includeannual maintenance fees,

administration and managementfees (usually called the expenseratio), and underlying fundexpenses.

Reputation of financial institution:Make sure that the financialinstitution managing the plan isreputable and that you can reachcustomer service with any questions.

With so many plans available, it maybe helpful to consult an experiencedfinancial professional who can help you

select a plan and pick your planinvestments, giving you peace of mind.In fact, some 529 college savings plansare advisor-sold only, meaning thatyoure required to go through adesignated financial advisor to open anaccount. Always carefully read the 529plan issuers official materials beforeinvesting.

Account mechanicsOnce youve selected a plan, opening

an account is easy. Youll need to fill outan application, where youll name abeneficiary and select one or more of theplans investment portfolios to whichyour contributions will be allocated.Also, youll typically be required to makean initial minimum contribution, whichmust be made in cash or a cash equivalent.

Thereafter, most plans will allow you tocontribute as often as you like. This givesyou the flexibility to tailor the frequencyof your contributions to your own needsand budget, as well as to systematically

invest your contributions. Youll also beable to change the beneficiary of youraccount to a qualified family member(e.g., siblings, stepsiblings, parents,nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, firstcousins) with no income tax or penaltyimplications. Most plans will also allowyou to change your investment portfolios(either for your future or currentcontributions) if youre unhappy

with their investment performance.

529 prepaid tuition plans--a distant

cousinThere are actually two types of 529

planscollege savings plans and prepaidtuition plans. As of June 2012, assets in529 prepaid tuition plans totaled $21.5billion (Source: College Boards 2012Trends in Student Aid Report). The taxadvantages of college savings plans andprepaid tuition plans are the same, but

the account features are very different. Aprepaid tuition plan lets you prepaytuition at participating colleges at todaysprices for use by the beneficiary in thefuture. The following chart describes themain differences:

Note: Investors should consider theinvestment objectives, risks, charges, andexpenses associated with 529 plansbefore investing. More informationabout specific 529 plans is available ineach issuers official statement, whichshould be read carefully before investing.Also, before investing, consider whether

your state offers a 529 plan that providesresidents with favorable state tax benefits.

This information was developed byBroadridge, an independent third party.It is general in nature, is not a completestatement of all information necessary

for making an investment decision, andis not a recommendation or a solicitationto buy or sell any security. Investmentsand strategies mentioned may not besuitable for all investors. Past

performance may not be indicative of

future results. Raymond James &Associates, Inc. member New York StockExchange/SIPC does not provide adviceon tax, legal or mortgage issues. Thesematters should be discussed with anappropriate professional.Raymond James & Associates, Inc.,

member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

Estate

College SavingsPlans

Prepaid TuitionPlans

Offered by states Offered by statesand privatecolleges

You can join anystates plan

State-run plansrequire you to be astate resident

Contributions areinvested in yourindividual accountin the investmentportfolios you haveselected

Contributions arepooled with thecontributions ofothers and investedexclusively by theplan

Returns are notguaranteed; youraccount may gainor lose valuedepending on howthe underlyinginvestmentsperform

Generally a certainrate of return isguaranteed

Funds can be usedat any accreditedcollege in the U.S.or abroad

Funds can only beused atparticipatingcolleges, typicallystate universities

529 College Savings Plans



16/32

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Firelands Regional Medical Center and TheBellevue Hospital are pleased to announce a jointventure between the two hospitals which will

bring Urgent Care services to Clyde, Ohio. Thenew Urgent Care will serve the healthcare needs ofresidents in the Clyde, Bellevue, Fremont andsurrounding areas. Located at 1740 W. McPhersonHighway, it is anticipated that the new UrgentCare will be open to patients by January, 2014.

We are pleased to bring this service to the Clydecommunity and are excited over the opportunityto work together with The Bellevue Hospital. Bydoing this as a joint venture the communitiesserved benefit since they are already familiar withboth hospitals long standing reputations forproviding top quality healthcare services, shares

Martin E. Tursky, President & CEO of the FirelandsRegional Health System. The Urgent Care willcontinue that reputation of providing the highestquality care possible in a new state-of-the-artfacility.

This joint venture is a positive step for everyoneinvolved for Firelands Regional Medical Center,for The Bellevue Hospital, and mostly for thecommunities we serve. Patients will now haveaccess to prompt quality care that is a lower costalternative to emergency care when doctor officesare closed, explains Michael K. Winthrop,

President & CEO of The Bellevue Hospital.We plan for the Urgent Care to be open dailyfrom 11 am 9 pm, and 10 am 5 pm on Saturdaysand Sundays, with the possibility of expandinghours as needs indicate, Winthrop added. Thenew site, which is across from Clyde-Findlay AreaCredit Union, will also provide x-ray and labservices.

Anthony Tesmond, DO, medical director of thenew Urgent Care in Clyde, explains that UrgentCare services are provided to individuals who needto be seen promptly by a healthcare provider.These are usually patients that are unable to getan appointment with their own physician, need tobe seen after normal office hours, dont have aprimary care physician or may be visiting the areaand need urgent care, explains Dr. TesmondAdditionally, we can provide services to patientsincluding diagnostic studies that might not be

available at their physicians office. For instance,having the ability to offer imaging allows theproviders at the Urgent Care to diagnose andrender initial treatment for patients with fracturesand other musculoskeletal injuries. We will alsohave the ability to treat a wide variety of commonillnesses and injuries.

If the patient is more critical, or has life-threatening conditions such as chest pain orstroke, the Emergency Rooms at either The BellevueHospital or Firelands Regional Medical Center willcontinue to serve these needs as would other ERproviders in the area.

Dr. Tesmond, who is also the Medical Director forthe Firelands Physician Group Urgent Cares inSandusky and in Vermilion shares, Its exciting tobe able to expand from a single clinic (Sandusky)into two clinics (Sandusky and Vermilion) andnow into a third (Clyde). This growing networkallows us to bring Urgent Care to surrounding

communities where there is a definite need forthese services. Dr. Tesmond goes on to explain,The role of the Urgent Care is to treat the patientand then have the patient follow-up with his/herPrimary Care Physician. As a result, primary carephysicians have become comfortable in referringpatients to Urgent Care when they deem itappropriate. We have a good working relationshipwith area physicians.Janotta & Herner is the design/builder for the

Urgent Care facility project. Ground was broken atthe 1 acre site on July 8, 2013 and constructionhas been underway since that time. The facility is

a 3,600 square foot medical office building, ofwhich 80% will be used for the Urgent Careservice. Future plans for the remaining 20% of the1740 W. McPherson facility may include otherhealthcare services; however no definite planshave been established at the present time.

Firelands Regional Medical Center and TheBellevue Hospital to Open Urgent Care in Clyde

Firelands Regional Medical Center has been

awarded The Advisory Board Companys 2013Excellence in Engagement Award one of onlytwenty organizations nationwide to receive thisaward.

The annual award recognizes top-performinghospitals and health systems nationwide foroutstanding levels of employee engagement.Employees took a survey to measure the employeeengagement at Firelands. The survey questioned

employees on work environment and the

organization as a whole, for example.We had 85% of our employees complete the

employee engagement survey, which is reallyoutstanding for an organization our size, stated

Jim Sennish, vice president of human resources atFirelands. We are proud that we have received thisremarkable achievement and created anenvironment where employees feel engaged withwhat is going on here at Firelands.

Engaged employees, as defined by the Advisory

Board, are those who exhibit both loyalty andcommitment to the organization. These employeesare willing to expend discretionary effort, oftengoing above and beyond to help the organizationsucceed. The award recognizes Firelands RegionalMedical Centers commitment to creating a best-in-class work environment for its employees.

Firelands Regional Medical Center Receives Excellence in Engagement Award



19/32

It is with mixed emotions that we bid a very fond

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years of dedicated service in the

printing industry.

We will miss you!

Congratulations Lori!

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Toledo Mold and Die recentlydonated three robots and a varietyof manufacturing equipment toTerra State Community College.

Employees of the Tiffin-basedcompany delivered the equipmentlast week.

Two of the used robots have amaximum payload of six kilogramswhile the third has a maximumpayload of 45 kilograms. They willbe used to train students in materialhandling, material removal andgeneral programming.

The robots and the other donatedpieces will be used to train studentsin various integrated manufacturingtechniques as a part of the robotics

program at Terra State, said JimPerlberg, Assistant Professor.

Because a new robot can cost tensof thousands of dollars, donationslike these are critical to many ofthe technical programs at TerraState.

This kind of equipment donationmakes it possible for Terra State tooffer students a wide range ofhands-on experience and skills

which in turn makes them morecompetitive in the high-technologymanufacturing environment,Perlberg said.

The timing couldnt have beenbetter, according to Andy Carroll,Dean of Engineering, Technologiesand Mathematics.

We have just combined ourplastics technology and roboticstraining equipment into onelaboratory to create a real worldsimulated manufacturingenvironment, Carroll said. Theseadditional robots increase thenumber of students we can serve inthe robotics curriculum and thatgoes a long way towards meeting

the industry demands for moreskilled workers. We are veryappreciative of Toledo Molding andDies generosity and value all of ourgreat relationships with localemployers.

For more information on therobotics and integratedmanufacturing program at TerraState, call Jim Perlberg at 419-559-2415.

Tiffin Company Donates Equipment to Terra State

Jim Perlberg, right, watches as employees of Toledo Mold and Die unload thethree donated robots.


20/32


H R


21/32

By: Steven J. KrisfalusySr. Management & Human

Capital ConsultantWhen we use the term

hostage we mean that yourbusiness decisions are beingpartially or totally based on afew individuals personalagendas vs. the business needs.

Unfortunately this is morecommon than most realize or arewilling to admit especially in a small businessenvironment. Across 100 different industries, onecommon factor is that the owners decisions are

often being held hostage in some way or form by afew people in their company. We have seen thatrange from offering special benefits, comp. time,money and even mini-kingdoms being createdwithin the company. We have also found that thelonger that scenario goes on the harder it is tobreak the cycle.

Statistics have shown that the #2 person in asmall business (usually non-owner) not only hasthe most influence but often is the #1 culprit ofusing this ploy. They wear the most hats; you relyon them the most and a few, at some pointrecognize this and use it for personal gains. Ofteninfluencing business decisions for their personalgains.

That scenario also o

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North Coast Business Journal - November 2013

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