TDN Progress part 2

MovingForward

MovingForward

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF THE PIQUA DAILY CALL & TROY DAILY NEWS

INDUSTRY • UTILITIES • CONSTRUCTION • COMMUNITY

February 23, 2012Section 2

The skills and trainingyou need to advance.

2254

481

Progress 2012 • Page 2

ABOUT THISEDITION

Welcome to the sec-ond of four Progress2012 editions. In thesefour special sections— joint publications ofthe Troy Daily Newsand Piqua Daily Call— we will take a lookat what local expertspredict will happen inthe coming year.

The four editions willfocus on:

Wednesday —Business, Finance andAgriculture

Today — Industry,Utilities, Construction,Arts, Community

Friday —Emergency Services,Government, Courts

Saturday —Education, HealthCare

PROGRESS 2012: EDITION II

FRANK BEESON

Group Publisher

DAVID FONG

TROY DAILY NEWS Executive Editor

SUSAN HARTLEY

PIQUA DAILY CALL Executive Editor

LEIANN STEWARTRetail Advertising Manager

CHERYL HALLCirculation Manager

BETTY BROWNLEE

Business Manager

SCARLETT SMITH

Graphics Manager

AN OHIO COMMUNITY MEDIA NEWSPAPER224 S. Market St., Troy, Ohio 45373 — 335-5634

www.TDN-NET.com

Daily NewsTroyTroy

Daily News

Industry Utilities Construction Arts Community

Our Other Convenient Locations to Serve You

INTERNET BANKINGAccess your account 24 hours a day!www.greenvillenationalbank.com

Corner of 721 & U.S. Rt 36 • Bradford, OhioCall Direct 937-448-6300

1-800-759-9476 or 937-548-1114Serving Miami & Darke Counties

Check our rates at www.greenvillenationalbank.com

YOUR LOCAL

SAFE SECURE

INDEPENDENT

BANK

WE HAVE

$ MONEY $

AVAILABLE!

MAIN OFFICE ..............................4TH & BROADWAY........................548-1114*ANSONIA BRANCH......................100 SOUTH MAIN ........................337-3151*ARCANUM BRANCH....................2860 ALT. ST. RT. 49 N ............692-5105*BRADFORD BRANCH ..................11929 US RT 36W......................448-6300GETTYSBURG BRANCH ................100 EAST MAIN STREET ..............447-2141CONSUMER LOANS & VISA ..........114 WEST FOURTH STREET ..........548-1114*NORTHTOWN BRANCH ................480 WAGNER ................................548-1114*SYCAMORE BRANCH ..................4TH & SYCAMORE ........................548-1114GNB INFOLINE—24 HOUR BANKING................................................548-6540............................................................................TOLL FREE 1-888-548-6540*Denotes ATM Location (STAR Network and Plus National Network)

Now you can applyfor your mortgage online at

www.greenvillenationalbank.com

SEEUSFORAHOMEEQUITYOR MORTGAGELOAN.

MattKolb

BranchManager

GreenvilleNationalBank BradfordBranch

2254

534

QUICK LOANAPPROVAL


BY DANAE KINGOhio Community Media

[email protected]

Miami County broughtin the new year with astrong housing marketand continues on theupswing.“October, November and

December were stronghousing months in 2011,”said Laurie Johnson, presi-dent-elect of theMidwestern OhioAssociation of Realtorsand a realtor withColdwell Banker HeritageRealtors in Troy. “The mar-ket has picked up in thelast few months of 2011and has been strong so farin 2012.”Donna Cook, executive

director of the MiamiCounty Home BuildersAssociation, said 139 per-mits were pulled in 2011.This means that althoughthe houses may not havebeen built in 2011, if thepermits were pulled late inthe year, they are closedon and ready to be built,Cook said.The number of permits

pulled in 2011 shows anincrease compared to theyear before, as 132 permits

were pulled in 2010.The association is

expecting the trend to goup, Cook said.“In the last several

years there was a down-ward trend,” Cook said. “Inthe last two years it’s beenpicking back up again.”Cook attributes the

increase in people wishingto build new homes tomany factors.“Existing house prices

have stabilized, interestrates are at historic lowsand banks are lendingmoney,” Cook said. “We’reexpecting a year of recov-ery.”Johnson named a few

factors that may havehelped the Miami Countyhousing market.“With the interest rates

as low as they are and theavailability of homes onthe market and theamount of people out look-ing at open houses, itseems like the housingmarket is still alive,”Johnson said. “Rents areon the increase so homeownership is very afford-able as long as you qualifyfor the loan.”Johnson was optimistic

about banks lending

money for homes.“The banks have tight-

ened their belts in thelending department andthere are a few morehoops to jump through,but there are good dealsand good rates,” Johnsonsaid.More houses also are

expected to be built in2012, which may be due tothe consumer attitude.“The trend or concern

has been that you can buyan existing home for con-siderably less than youcan build,” Cook said.“(The housing market) hasleveled the playing field …there’s a pent-up demandfor new construction.People want to buy a newhome.”Cook said people will

soon begin to buy homes.“Consumer confidence

is on the rise,” Cook said.Miami County has

many things to offer home-owners, Johnson said.“Miami County has

always been a place to live,I feel that it will stay thatway,” Johnson said.“Housing is affordable andtaxes are low, whichmakes a good combinationfor housing.”

County housing marketlooks to be on upswing

Staff ReportPIQUA — The Piqua

Historical Society is anoutgrowth of the PiquaBicentennial Committee of2007.The society is dedicated

to promoting, enhancingand encouraging local andregional history. It meetsevery other month in thePiqua Public Library onthe first Tuesday of themonth (March, May, July,

September andNovember). The 2012 pro-grams will include the his-tory of women in Piqua,city government in 1903, aSaturday tour of the archi-tecture and history ofPiqua’s south end, the Warof 1812 and the Council ofPiqua and Piqua’s 110thRegiment during the CivilWar.Working with the Piqua

Public Library’s local his-

tory department, the socie-ty looks forward in 2012 tovolunteering to work onthe history of the ForestHill Cemetery, promotinghistorical districts inPiqua and the microfilm-ing of church records.The officers for the

2012 year are Jim Oda,president; Andy Hite, vicepresident; and LornaSwisher, secretary/treasurer.

Piqua Historical Society promotes region’s past

BY WILL E SANDERSStaff Writer

[email protected]

TROY — Donna Cook,executive director of theHome Builders Associationof Miami County, said lastyear the group maintainedits membership base, butthe merging of a few com-panies and the end of oth-ers made it challenging inorder to do so.

Cook said the associa-tion grew by a few mem-bers, but said when com-panies merge, the associa-

tion loses a member.“There were a few that

went out of business,” sheadded. “We lost throughattrition and there havebeen some new companiesthat started and joined …and others that had beenwith us previouslyrejoined.”

Overall, Cook said itwent about as well asexpected.

“We didn’t go gangbusters, but we didn’t haveany mass losses,” Cooksaid.

The association has held

steady with approximately200 members last year, buton the coming horizon thatmembership number couldgrow drastically this year,according to Cook.

Cook said that in addi-tion to always looking forcontinued membership, theassociation hopes the hous-ing market grows in thecoming years.

The association alsohopes to expand its territo-ry this year, too, as theyhope to take on Logan andChampaign counties, andpossibly Clark County.

While it isn’t official yet,Cook said the final deter-mination will be made atthe national conventionlater this year in terms ofwhether their territory willexpand.

Cook said it is expectedthat the housing marketwill grow through 2012 ona national level, she said.

“We are already seeingsome positive news comingout of Washington,” shesaid. “We are expecting tosee some moderate residen-tial growth and we arebeing told the housing sec-tor will continue to growthrough 2012, but don’tlook for any huge differ-ence until 2013. But, weare on the increase inhousing sales, housing val-ues and new constructionstarts.”

The Home BuildersAssociation is a “progres-sive, professional tradeassociation dedicated topromoting and enhancingthe professionalism of thebuilding and associatedindustries in and aroundMiami County.”

For more informationon the association, call(937) 339-7963, or visit itswebsite at www.HBAMiamiCounty.com.2255365


STAFF PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY

LEFT: In spite of freezing rain falling over the area, aroofing crew is on the job on Shady Tree Lane, nearTroy, one recent winter morning. The roofers are fromKZ Roofing and they were working to get a newDenlinger & Sons home under roof before the nextround of snow hit.

Maintaining membershipHome Builders Association holding its own

A Name you know. A Company you can trust.

WissmanDoor Sales, Inc.

RUSSIA 937-295-2300SIDNEY 937-498-7023

TROY 937-339-4299CELINA 419-586-3700

• Garage Doors • Entry Doors• Windows • Patio Doors• Electric Garage Door Openers

Celebrating 48 Years!Choose the Original

2255623


BY BETHANY J. ROYERStaff Writer

[email protected]

PIQUA — A $4.5 millionnew Piqua MunicipalPower System building iscertainly a highlight for thecity’s utilities in 2012, butit is not the only big projectin the works.Ground has been broken

and plans are under wayfor the new building thatwill be located on HemmAvenue near South MainStreet on the south edge ofthe city, with a tentativecompletion date in the fall.Along with the new

power system building,funds received from theClean Ohio RevitalizationFund (CORF) will assist in

the redevelopment of theold power plant site.The removal of the ash

silo, bag houses, exteriorcoal elevator and concretewalls, aquaducts and otherstructures on the east sideof the 1.5-acre lot will bedemolished and the areare-landscaped into a water-front park.Further improvements

brought to the city throughthe utilities departmentincluded commission pass-ing an early New Year’sresolution for the purchaseof two S&C IntelliRupterPulseClosers from distribu-tor Brownstown ElectricSupply that will aid thecity’s power supply.This $64,100 project

installation begins this

summer and will help pro-tect downtown businessesand residents from poweroutages, as will thosearound Jackson TubeService, one of the city’slargest electrical cus-tomers.The IntelliRupters will

not only help reduce thenumber of those beingaffected during a poweroutage and the amount oftime they may be out, butalso help reduce stress onthe system.More good news for the

2011-2012 year includesthe completion of repairs togas turbine No. 8 that isback in operation, whilerepairs to No. 9 are due tobegin this spring.The city’s utility depart-

ment also was honored atthe 2011 AMP/OMEAannual conference inOctober and commendedfor providing mutual aidsupport to Yellow Springsand Dayton Power andLight customers following asevere storm in February,and to the city of Tipp Cityand Pioneer Rural ElectricCooperative customers fol-lowing a severe storm inSeptember.The American Municipal

Power Inc. is a wholesalepower supplier and servicesprovider for municipal elec-tric communities in Ohio,Pennsylvania, Michigan,Virginia, Kentucky andWest Virginia and theDelaware MunicipalElectric Corp.

BY DIANA THOMPSONExecutive Director

Miami County VisitorsBureau

With each passingmonth of 2011, the MiamiCounty Visitors andConventionBureau continuedto show anincrease in lodg-ing tax revenuesfor the county.Clearly, an

increase in corpo-rate travel isoccurring, butadditionally, astronger tourismtrend is return-ing. By the end of2011, lodging tax rev-enues were up 7 percentfrom 2010 and up morethan 8.3 percent from2009. The good news isthat people are travelingagain.We continue to market

Miami County throughour award-winning web-site, our various publica-tions and through socialmedia. Looking to 2012,the MCVCB is currentlyplanning the design of aMobil site for visitors whotravel to the area and usetheir “smart phones”

when making decisionsabout where to dine andshop along with sites andattractions to visit whenvisiting the area.Destination marketing

organizations like theMCVCB are always inter-

ested in position-ing our area totravelers as aplace to visit inorder to generaterevenues throughhotel stays, diningand shopping andadditional expen-ditures related totheir visit.Accomplishing

this, however, isnot a simple task.

Truly understandingwho and what we are as adestination takesresearch into who are vis-itors are, where they arecoming from and whattheir “perception” is aboutour area.We are excited about

the possibility of conduct-ing this much neededresearch in order to gar-ner a better understand-ing of what our market-ing is generating now andpotentially what it couldbe generating with a newbrand image.

Visitors Bureaulooks to researchto grow tourism

THOMPSON

STAFF PHOTO/MIKE ULLERYConstruction is under way on the city’s new Municipal Power System building on Hemm Avenue on the southedge of Piqua.

Piqua improving power system

BY SHERYL ROADCAPOhio Community Media

MIAMI COUNTY —The arts are alive andclearly moving forward inMiami County. Its role andcultural value are apparentthroughout the community,as is seen by its support ofthe various, ongoing pro-grams offered to educate,enlighten and enrich thepublic.The Piqua Arts Council

and the Troy-HaynerCultural Center are twoentities that provide manyopportunities for enrich-ment. They both admit tohaving been somewhataffected by the economy,but believe that due tosuch a strong out-pouringof community support thatthey are in fact growingstronger every year.The Piqua Arts Council

(PAC) is a much smallerand younger organizationthan the Hayner Center,established in 1990, andnow operating from a small

store-front office downtownon Main Street, yet iswhole-heartedly committedto bringing awareness ofthe arts to the communityby serving as an advocatefor arts programs.However, the PAC’s abilityto effectively function isbased upon funding, andnow that the economy isbeginning to look up, ithopes that February willhave made for a successfulmembership-drive month.Membership, sponsorshipand fundraising providefunds “to grow the ARTS inPiqua by connecting artiststo our schools and our com-munity.”Vicky Fanberg, the

PAC’s executive director,said that although fundingmay have decreased somedue to the economy, it hasnot been devastating forthe organization.“The members and the

sponsors have continued tobe very generous and verysupportive, but there is def-initely sometimes a strain

with the economy.Sometimes you can seepeople had to give a littlebit less than they wantedto, because that’s all thatthey can do — but they arestill giving and we are stillmaking it work,” Fanbergsaid.The PAC continues to

keep its core group of sup-porters, and even grew inmembership last year.Fanberg believes that itssupporters are motivatednot only by their love of thearts, but more importantly,from their passion for thePiqua community. Fanbergadmits that the PAC oper-ates on a very slim budget,and in order to best utilizethese funds, it has scaleddown its number of eventsto focus more on higher

quality programs — suchas the recent trip in whichit teamed up with thePiqua City Schools to sendsixth-grade students to theNorman Rockwell Lectureat The Dayton ArtInstitute.The PAC’s events for

2012 include: fundraiserDancing with the PiquaStars on March 21; region-al art exhibit and art walkdowntown during the sum-mer months (dates are yetto be set); opportunities tocreate public art “mARTketMurals” at the PiquaFarmer’s Market onThursdays from Junethrough August; as well asthe ongoing Art inEducation, or “creativeclassrooms,” which consistof art programming, travel-

ing art banners, exhibitsand performances by localmusicians (and more) inthe schools.The Troy-Hayner

Cultural Center itself is apiece of art that is frozenin time, from 1942 whenMrs. Hayner passed awayand donated her home tothe Troy City SchoolsBoard of Education “to beused as a library, museum,and for such other educa-tional and cultural purpos-es …” The Hayner buildingwas, in fact, used as alibrary until 1975, when itoutgrew the space. The fol-lowing year, the Troy-Hayner Cultural Centerwas born, which stillserves as a civic, culturaland art center all in one.Aside from sponsorships ofthe “Friends of Hayner,”the center is primarilyfunded by a local tax levy(voted upon at five-yearintervals) that passedevery year until the fall of2010.Linda Lee Jolly, director

of the Hayner Center,explained that losing the2010 levy vote, whichcould have caused thedoors to close on Dec. 31,2011, had not a specialelection been held inAugust 2011 that ulti-mately provided the neces-sary funds, had more to dowith the economy thanwith the center.“It was a shock because

the cultural center contin-ues to be more successfulall of the time. People loveand care so much aboutthe Hayner Center, andthe important role it playsin the community, that webelieve that losing the levyhad more to do with thebad economy than theHayner Center. TheHayner Center is alive andwell, as an institution. Butin the fall of 2010, it wasvery difficult for people;

they were concerned abouttheir taxes — people werefeeling an economicstrain,” recalled Jolly.Jolly tells that approxi-

mately 40,000 people ayear come through theHayner Center doors toattend an art or danceclass, hear a live concert,or visit an exhibit, amongmany other events andprograms offered.“Hopefully (the econo-

my) is turning around, butbecause of that tax sup-port, the Hayner Centeroffers much of what it doesfree and open to the public— so there’s no cost tocome to the exhibits, thefilm series or the perform-ing arts that we offer. Sowhen people’s entertain-ment dollars are low, thisis the perfect time to takeadvantage of what’s goingon at the Hayner Center,”Jolly said.Some upcoming events

at the Hayner Centerinclude a performance byinternational pianistWarren Mailley-Smith(who has played for QueenElizabeth) on March 24; aclassical music concert bythe Chamber MusicalSeries on March 27; the2012 congressional artcompetition of high schoolstudents from April 20-29;and the Ohio WatercolorSociety traveling exhibi-tion, from May 4-27,among many other eventsthis year.For more information or

to contact the Piqua ArtsCouncil, visit their websiteat www.piquaartscouncil.com. The Troy-HaynerCultural Center is openTuesday and Saturdayfrom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,Monday and Thursdayfrom 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., andSunday from 1-5 p.m. Thecenter can be reached at339-0457 or online atwww.troyhayner.org.

Ohio Vision Doctors ProvideOhio Vision Doctors Provide

OHIO VISION, LLC1-800-492-8040

www.ohiovision.com

• Laser Surgery• Glaucoma

Management• Eye Lid Surgery• Diabetic Eye Care

• MacularDegeneration

• BOTOX®

• Small IncisionCataract Surgery

Serving:Shelby, Mercer, Logan & Miami Counties

Offices located in:Sidney, Celina, Bellefontaine and Troy

John J. Wilding, D.O.William E. Schemmel, O.D.

Ohio Vision,LLC

2255368

CareCredit®

(0% Financing Available)


Miami Valley Centre Mall, PiquaMonday-Saturday 10-9, Sunday 12-6 937-773-0950

CollectiblesSCSSCSelling Gold?

2255

982

The arts are thriving in Miami County

STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBERSarah Ullery, 10, and her brother, Dylan, look over dec-orations in the solarium at the Troy-Hayner CulturalCenter in December. The center was decorated with a“Christmas In TheWoods” theme.

2255714


BY SHARON SEMANIEOhio Community Media

MIAMI COUNTY —Despite economic down-turns and freezes in statefunding in recent years,Miami County libraries arerebounding and maintain-ing, as well as expandingexemplary programs andservices for their patrons.

“Unfortunately, statefunding for libraries has notseen any increases with themodest state economicrecovery,” observed Jim Oda,director of the Piqua PublicLibrary. “However, the citi-zens of Piqua passed alibrary levy in 2011 that willbegin generating revenuethis spring.”

“Private donations to theLibrary’s Assistance andDevelopment Fund (founda-tion) headed by KarenWendeln and the newly cre-ated Friends of the Librarygroup headed by Ruth Koonhave been growing in 2011-2012.”

With these new fundingsources, Oda suggested, “thelibrary has been able torehire and add to the librarystaff. This, in turn hasenabled the library toincrease public program-ming with regular movienights, new programs oneverything from nutrition toschool financial aid andfrom auto maintenance toquilting and hosting com-munity meetings and organ-izations.”

He added the libraryanticipates “enhancing andpromoting” its art collectionsin the coming year with theacquisition of new art pan-els.

The library currentlyexhibits more than 125 localand regional art pieces. Thecollections of the formerPiqua Historical Museumare going to be promoted in

2012 with more than 30 newexhibit cases and panels.

In March the library willoffer free e-book loans to thepublic along with a majorexpansion of free propri-etary websites on every-thing from genealogy to automanuals.

Oda said the library’swebsite is being upgraded tooffer additional informationon program acquisitions and“fun things to do at thelibrary.”

“The children’s puppetshows are back,” he said.“During 2010-2011, our pup-pets had been on vacation in

Florida, but they are backnow and eager to performand entertain their oldfriends and gain some newfriends as well.”

In addition, said Oda,reading clubs are beingorganized this summer foradults, teens and children.Future plans also includethe installation of a newsecurity system to helpmake the library a “positiveenvironment” for itspatrons.

And, he concluded,“2012 is going to be an

STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBERElizabeth Landis reads a Kindle at the Troy-MiamiCounty Public Library in September 2011. Use of thelibrary’s digital collection continues to rise.

County libraries rebound,expand programs for patrons

• See LIBRARIES on 8

1523 N. MARKET ST, TROY • 937-335-4630

• RESTORATIONS

• EXTRACTIONS• CROWNS & BRIDGES

• ROOT CANALS• DENTURES &

PARTIALS

• WHITENING

Mark T. Bentley D.D.S. INCCharles H. Stevens D.D.S.

Julie E. Jones D.D.S.

2254

662

• COSMETICDENTISTRY

• RIGIDSTERILIZATION

• SEALANTS

• PREVENTIVECARE

• BOTOX

• JUVEDERMwww.bentleydds.com


exciting time for the libraryas we begin to expand andpromote the activities need-ed and requested by ourpatrons and the citizens ofPiqua.”

Fellow Troy DirectorRachelle Miller suggeststhat “until 2010 the Troy-Miami County PublicLibrary was funded almostsolely through state funds.State funding has beenfrozen and cut severaltimes since 2001 with a sig-nificant cut in 2009.”

Unfortunately, sheadded, “Cuts at the statelevel made cuts to staffhours and services a neces-sity.”

Passage of a levy by an“overwhelming margin”has enabled the Troylibrary to return to busi-ness as usual. Any addi-tional cuts in state fundingfor 2011 and 2012, sheadded, “will not have ahuge impact on services orthe budget.”

Miller explained theTroy library relies ongrants and donations fromorganizations and resi-dents. The library, forexample, has received sev-eral significant grants fromThe Troy Foundation,including $50,000 to pur-chase a new bookmobile.Support from the Friendsof the Library, Wal-MartFoundation and MiamiCounty Foundation alsowas acknowledged.

“Despite the loss infunding,” Miller added,“usage of the library contin-ues to rise. In fact, morepatrons checked out mate-rials in 2011” than the pre-vious year.

“More than 20,000 itemswere added to the library’scollection in 2011 includingmore than $10,000 worth ofdonated materials,” shesaid.

Meeting rooms and

study rooms are utilizedseven days a week alongwith public computers.

“More than 2,300 peoplegot new library cards in2011. Use of the library’sdigital collection (eBooks)continues to rise with morethan 13,000 checked out”last year, she said.

The biggest challengeahead, noted Miller, “will beadapting to the needs of thecommunity with theamount of funding allottedby the state and with thechanging format of materi-als.”

She said the TroyLibrary — and all librariesin the Dayton MetroLibrary consortia — willmigrate to a new systemthat will provide softwareand hardware for cata-loging, checking in, check-ing out and management ofthe library’s collection.

Beginning computerclasses will continue to betaught in 2012 along withclasses on starting andmarketing a business, alongwith a chess club in Troy;the book discussion andcrafters group in Troy andPleasant Hill; and movienight at the Pleasant Hilllibrary. Children’s program-ming will continue withnine story times a week inTroy and additional storytimes in Pleasant Hill.

Special children and teenprograms will be offered ona monthly basis at bothlocations. Programs forhome schoolers also willcontinue this year as willthe ever-popular summerreading program. In addi-tion, the Local HistoryLibrary will continue tooffer historical andgenealogical resources topeople of Miami County aswell as other counties,states and countries abroad.

Editor’s Note: No otherlibraries in Miami Countyresponded to inquiries forthis Progress edition.

• Continued from 7

LibrariesRIGHT:“Status

Dude” and“Status

Dudette,”donated bylocal artist

and sculptorCarole

Kerber, wereinstalled out-side the Troy-Miami CountyPublic Library

in Troy inJune.

Each of thesculptures,

with “StatusDude’s” sleek

silver “skin”and “Status

Dudette’s”gleaming

golden “tan,”have “status

symbols”etched on

their “bodies”of brands and

namesassociated

with theirrespective

genders.

STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBER

BY TERRY NAASRiverside of Miami County

Throughout 2012 theMiami County Board ofDevelopmentalDisabilities, known asRiverside of Miami Countyto most residents, will cel-ebrate its 60th anniver-sary of serving people withdevelopmental disabilities.During those years,Riverside has gone bymany names, which cansometimes be confusing.Programming began in

the 1950s as a grassrootsmovement of parents withchildren who had develop-mental disabilities. Thename of Riverside ofMiami County began atthat time. In 1967, theOhio legislature createdthe “county board system”requiring each county inOhio to have an organiza-tion that served peoplewith developmental dis-abilities. Since Riversidealready existed, it took onthe role this legislationmandated, includinganother name. It legallybecame the Miami CountyBoard of MentalRetardation andDevelopmentalDisabilities, doing businessas Riverside of MiamiCounty. Both names meanexactly the same entity. In1974, the legislatureallowed each county inOhio to create a nonprofitorganization to act as theemployer of people withdevelopmental disabilitiesand to create a work envi-ronment to achieve thatgoal. This is what is nowknown as RT Industries.Finally, in 2009, the leg-

islature voted unanimous-ly to remove the words“mental retardation,” andthe formal name becamethe Miami County Boardof Developmental

Disabilities.In addition to the var-

ied names, Riverside hasundergone many changesin programming. Riversideno longer provides educa-tion services to school-agechildren, but is servingmore children today thanat the height of the schoolprogram. Riverside’s EarlyIntervention programserves more than 125 chil-dren birth through the ageof 2, helping them to elimi-nate or reduce develop-mental delays. The recre-ation and SpecialOlympics programs areimportant not only foradult consumers, but forschool-age participants forafter school and weekendactivities.The world of work also

has changed dramaticallyover these past 60 yearswith a shift in focus fromsheltered workshops toproduction facilities andcommunity employment.RT Industries now is atrue production facilityoffering employment topeople with developmentaldisabilities, andRiverside’s communityemployment programoffers supports to con-sumers who wish to workin the community.Residential services for

more than 300 people withdevelopmental disabilitiesalso are the responsibilityof Riverside. These resi-dential supports allowindividuals to help createa life of their choice herein their community

instead of living in a largeinstitution somewhereelse.“During the past 60

years, the entireRiverside program philos-ophy has changed frombeing the ‘pilot’ of a con-sumer’s life to being the‘navigator,’ thus helpingthe person to reach his orher goals and desire inlife. What hasn’t changedis our focus on the peoplewe serve. Helping them to

live the lives they want asfull members of theMiami County communityin which they liveremains our goal,” saidKaren Mayer, superin-tendent of Riverside.Riverside of Miami

County’s mission hasremained constant. Itsmission is to empowerchildren and adults withdevelopmental disabilitiesto live, work and play asfull members of the

Miami County communi-ty.To take a tour, contact

Naas or DeniseKenworthy at 339-8313. ACommunity ConnectionOver Coffee tour onlytakes an hour and helpsexplain in further detailthe services that are pro-vide by Riverside.“We ask the citizens of

Miami County to join usin celebrating our 60-yearmilestone as we servemore than 950 peoplewith developmental dis-abilities. We also askeveryone to remember ifyou hear about Riversideof Miami County or theMiami County Board ofDevelopmentalDisabilities that thenames mean the sameorganization,” Mayer said.

;3& ::< 43-+,'&(6&3 0+# ?+-*.3&3 @%/.4/,1 83'&+(6&/+, 56, '6$3 "+%( &/-3> -+,3" 7 0/'&+("!

=364)%6(&3(' 831/+,6. 922/53

#!# D3+ F18-; '*$5 G;7>81 D134/>:; @<(E ?.8/; G

A82.> B983 '"J"$ H.:.0/> CH J!I!I

;3& ::< 43-+,'&(6&3 0+# ?+-*.3&3 @%/.4/,1 83'&+(6&/+, 56, '6$3 "+%( &/-3> -+,3" 7 0/'&+("!

=364)%6(&3(' 831/+,6. 922/53

#!# D3+ F18-; '*$5 G;7>81 D134/>:; @<(E ?.8/; G

A82.>E B983 '"J"$ H.:.0/>E CH J!I!I

IJ%)%%J)I*J$ %!$)5"")5555

,,,(68<,;0/6>84/;4>4=;(=36 2255790


STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBERAustin Fraley, from Riverside Preschool, enhances hisphysical skills during a drum circle with Russ Welker“The Drum Guy.”

Riverside of Miami County celebrates 60 years“During the past 60 years, the entireRiverside program philosophy has

changed from being the ‘pilot’ of a con-sumer’s life to being the ‘navigator,’

thus helping the person to reach his orher goals and desire in life.”

BY MARK MABELITINIExecutive Director,

Habitat for Humanityof Miami County

In 1976, Millard andLinda Fuller foundedHabitat for Humanity withthe goal of eliminatingsubstandard housing fromthe face of the planet bybuilding simple, decenthousing. In 1984, formerU.S. President JimmyCarter and his wifeRosalynn took their firstHabitat work trip, theJimmy Carter WorkProject, In October 2011,the 500,000th house builtby Habitat was completedin Kenya while work wasjust beginning on the500,001st house inPaterson, N.J.

Seeing the need to pro-vide simple, decent hous-ing right here at home,Shirley Saxton and agroup of dedicated volun-teers established Habitatfor Humanity of MiamiCounty, Ohio, on Nov. 2,1992, to do just that. Thisyear marks the 20thanniversary of the localHabitat for Humanityaffiliate and while staffand board members lookback with pride, they arelooking ahead to a brightfuture. Over the past 19years, 44 homes have beenbuilt for low- to moderate-income families. The firsthome was completed anddedicated in August 1993in Covington while homenumber 44 was dedicatedin Piqua in October of last

year. In the years between,more homes were built inPiqua and Covington aswell as in Bradford, Troyand West Milton.To become a Habitat

homeowner or partnerfamily, applicants mustmeet certain criteria. First,their income must bebetween 30-50 percent ofthe median income forMiami County, as deter-mined by the U.S.Department of Housingand Urban Development.Second, they must live insubstandard or overcrowd-ed housing. Third, theymust be willing to partnerwith Habitat by providing400 hours of “sweat equi-ty.” This sweat equity isearned in a number ofways, including attendance

at classes on homeowner-ship, budgeting and otherrelated topics, by workingat the Habitat office orReStore, by helping tobuild a Habitat home foranother family as well asworking on their ownhome, and by volunteeringfor other nonprofit organi-zations. The children inthe families contribute tosweat equity, largely bygetting good grades inschool and by volunteeringwhere appropriate. Finally,the families undergo bothcredit checks and criminalbackground checks.Habitat homes are not

free. The partner familiespurchase the home for the

“Got a Bump? Call Lump!”For all your automotive needs!

Dick Lumpkin’sAuto Body, Inc.

Dick Lumpkin’sAuto Body, Inc.

150 R.M. Davis Pkwy.Piqua, Ohio 45356(937) 778-9792

Fax: (937) 778-8546

Auto Body Collision RepairEmergency Roadside AssistanceMechanical Services

Fleet pricing and company vehicle specials available.

• Collision repairs and painting on all makes and models, foreign or domestic.• 24-Hour Emergency Towing & Road Side Assistance Serving Miami and Shelby Counties• ASE certified mechanics for all of your car’s mechanical needsNOW OFFERING• RV & Boat repair • Semi-truck and Heavy-duty vehicle repair

2255

369


Habitat for Humanity

Buildingsimple,decent

housing

Local affiliate has completed 44 homes

PROVIDED PHOTOCrews work on aWomen Build Habitat for Humanity home built in Piqua in 2011.

• See HABITAT on 11

Here Today, Here Tomorrow,Here For You!

PIQUA:215 N. Wayne St. 615-10421603 Covington Ave. 778-46171300 E. Ash St.-Wal-Mart 773-9000212 N. Main St. 773-0752TROY:1314 W. Main St. 339-66261801 W. Main St.-Wal-Mart 332-6820TIPP CITY:1176 W. Main St. 667-4888

UnityNationalBk.comMember FDIC22

5169

5


cost of materials and sub-contracted labor, with noprofit to Habitat. PartnerFamilies pay a 0 percentmortgage, homeowner’sinsurance and propertytax. Combined, the ownersof Habitat homes currentlypay more than $30,000 inproperty taxes to MiamiCounty and surroundingcommunities. Of the 44Habitat homes, four havehad the mortgage paid off.

Habitat for Humanityis supported by many vol-unteers, and not just peo-ple who can swing a ham-mer. While it is true thatHabitat homes are con-structed largely by volun-teers, there are a myriadof tasks that must takeplace in order for homes tobe built.

Volunteers on theApplication ReviewCommittee evaluate appli-cations submitted by thosewho would like to becomea partner family and oneday move into a Habitathome. These volunteersinterview the applicants,visit their current homes,review their finances andguide them through thereview process.

Once partner familiesare selected, the FamilySupport Committee takesover. Each partner familyis assigned an advocate.The advocate works withthe partner family fromanswering questions andhelping with “sweat equi-ty” hours, selecting homeplans, picking out materi-als and features of thehome, being there for thegroundbreaking and dedi-cation when the home isfinished, and being therefor the family during theirfirst year in their newhome. While the commit-ment from the advocate tothe family is through theend of that first year, the

friendships that resultfrom this experience oftenlast a lifetime.

Before a home can bebuilt, a location for thathome must be found. TheProperty AcquisitionCommittee is made up ofrealtors, city planningstaff, professionals from atitle agency and bankerswith mortgage experience.These volunteers helplocate and evaluate lotsand help acquire them.They take into account theneeds of Habitat construc-tion volunteers and makesure the lots meet thespecifics for Habitat homeplans. They also take intoaccount where partnerfamilies desire to live.Partner families oftenhave children in schooland family nearby andevery effort is made to finda lot that is where thefamilies want to maketheir new home.

Construction committeevolunteers do not justswing hammers. Builderswith a wide range of skillsare definitely needed asthere are many tasks thatgo into building a home.From framing the walls toinstalling the flooring topainting the walls, manyhands are needed to makeall of that happen. Thearea surrounding thehouse also needs to becompleted, and the grassand landscape are done byvolunteers from theMaster Gardeners. Finally,all of those volunteersneed to be fed, and manyvolunteers and churchgroups generously donatehearty and delicious mealsto keep the volunteersgoing.

Being a Christianorganization, Habitat forHumanity includes prayerand praise in its program.The beginning of everynew Habitat home startswith a groundbreaking

ceremony, where friendsand family of the PartnerFamily gather with localelected officials andHabitat volunteers.Prayers and blessings areoffered for the project andthe family along with thevolunteers. When thehome is completed a dedi-cation is held, and all ofthose who were at thegroundbreaking return togive thanks and praise.The Worship and PraiseCommittee members makeall of the arrangements forthese heartwarmingevents.

In addition to buildingnew homes, Habitat forHumanity is helping non-Habitat homeowners makeneeded repairs and weath-erizing homes through aprogram called A BrushWith Kindness. This pro-gram aims to serve low-income homeowners whostruggle to maintain theirhomes. The work is doneby volunteers and paidprofessionals when appli-cable. The homeownermust meet specific qualifi-cations such as owningand occupying a home inneed of repair in MiamiCounty, having a willing-ness to partner withHabitat for Humanity,being unable to afford theneeded home improve-ments (do not have theimmediate funds avail-able) or are unable tophysically complete thework themselves, meetingincome guidelines, andbeing able to repay a non-interest bearing loan forthe costs incurred for therepairs. Payments made bythe partner family areplaced in a revolving fundto help ABWK serve oth-ers in need.

While Habitat forHumanity is blessed to


Habitat

PROVIDED PHOTOThe 2011 Women Build project in Piqua was the 44th home built by Habitat forHumanity of Miami County.

• See HABITAT on 12

have volunteers from allwalks of life and fromdiverse groups, women playa special role in the con-struction of Habitat homes.In 1991, a group of womenin Charlotte, N.C., complet-ed the first women-builtHabitat for Humanityhouse. With this event, theseeds for Habitat forHumanity’s Women Buildprogram were planted. Inthe 20 years of the WomenBuild program, nearly2,000 homes have beenbuilt by women crews.Here locally, a group ofdedicated women buildhomes for families righthere in Miami County.Their latest project was thehome completed lastOctober in Piqua and itwas the sixth one complet-ed by this group.

The homes and otheractivities of Habitat forHumanity of MiamiCounty are supportedfinancially from a numberof sources. Grants fromMiami County and Piquathrough the CommunityHousing ImprovementProgram (CHIP) make up asubstantial portion of thecost to build a Habitathome. Likewise, local sup-port from the MiamiCounty Foundation, TheTroy Foundation and thePiqua CommunityFoundation all help to payfor building materials forthe homes. Many corporate

and other foundations aregenerous in their support.Local churches in MiamiCounty have been generousboth with financial contri-butions, as well as volun-teers and meals for the vol-unteers. Finally, individu-als who live here in MiamiCounty are strong financialsupporters, making gener-ous contributions to helptheir very own neighbors inneed.

One way many peoplesupport Habitat forHumanity of MiamiCounty is by shopping inour ReStore. The ReStoreis a home improvementwarehouse that is open tothe public, selling new andgently used building mate-rials and home improve-ment items at substantialdiscounts. The ReStore hasa flooring room withceramic tile, vinyl tile andflooring, and laminate, justto name a few. The lightingroom has interior and exte-rior light fixtures, ceilingfans and other items tobrighten up the home. Theappliance room has usedappliances at greatlyreduced prices, as well asnew appliances. TheWhirlpool Corp. supportsHabitat by donating newappliances that are avail-able for sale in the ReStore.Also in the ReStore, shop-pers can find interior andexterior doors, windows,sinks and countertops, cab-inets and vanities, faucetsand other plumbing sup-

plies, lumber, and manyother items for the home.

As donations of materi-als are made regularly theinventory changes daily, soshoppers are encouraged tovisit often. Sales from the

ReStore go to support thework of Habitat. Located at150 E. Race St. in Troy, thehours of operation of theReStore are Wednesdayfrom noon to 8 p.m.,Thursday and Friday from9 a.m. to 5 p.m., andSaturday from 9 a.m. to 4p.m.

Over the next threeyears, Habitat forHumanity of MiamiCounty plans to serve evenmore families. In 2012,four Habitat families willrealize their dream ofhomeownership, either ina new home or a homethat has been rehabbed. In2013, four more homes will

be built or rehabbed andin 2014 at least five fami-lies will be new homeown-ers. Also, with the new ABrush With Kindness pro-gram, each year 15-20families who already owna home but struggle tomake repairs will receivehelp from Habitat volun-teers.

Back in 1992, the mis-sion statement for Habitatfor Humanity of MiamiCounty proclaimed:“Habitat for Humanity ofMiami County, Ohio,serves in partnership withGod and with peoplethroughout Miami Countyfrom all walks of life to

work with God’s people inneed. We do this by build-ing and repairing homesso that there are decenthomes in every communityin which people can liveand grow.”

More than 19 years andthousands of volunteerhours later, Habitat staffand volunteers look backand can see that missionhas been followed and 44families have realized thedream of home ownership.Those same staff and vol-unteers look forward withthat mission statement inmind, ready to help thenext families be able tosay “Home Sweet Home.”

SECURITY &INVESTIGATIONS, INC.

110 West Main Street, Troy, Ohio

FULLY INSURED & LICENSED BY THE STATE OF OHIO

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATEDA FULL SERVICE COMPANY FOR 27 YEARS

Phone: 937-339-8530

2255

686

Jack D. Cheadle, Founder 2255363



Habitat

PROVIDED PHOTOThe ReStore, 150 E. Race St.,Troy, is a home improvement warehouse open to the public.The ReStore sells newand gently used building materials and home improvement items at substantial discounts.

2255364


BY DANAE KINGOhio Community Media

[email protected]

The YMCA and theYWCA are both places inMiami County for the com-munity to utilize, andwhether those interestedare young or old, thenoprofit organizationshave something to offer.

“We are very fortunatein a community the size ofPiqua to have a YMCAand a YWCA,” said LeesaBaker, executive directorof YWCA Piqua.

The YWCA offers sever-al programs for women

and their families.“The YWCA is dedicat-

ed to eliminating racism,empowering women andpromoting peace, justice,freedom and dignity forall,” Baker said.

This mission is shownthrough the diverse pro-gramming at the center,Baker said. YWCA Piquaoffers a variety of differentprograms, from knittingclasses, education pro-grams, self-defense classes,racial justice meetings andseveral other classes andprograms.

Inside the facility is afitness center for women,

several meeting rooms, alounge, a multi-purposeroom and a preschool.

“It’s warm and comfort-able, and we’re home like,”Baker said.

Membership for adultsis $30 a year, for teens it is$15 and for youth it is $10a year.

To take classes atYWCA Piqua, you must bea member, but programsare open to the public,Baker said.

YWCA Piqua welcomesmembers, the communityand volunteers. For more

YMCA, YWCA herefor the community

STAFF FILE PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBERCamp counselor Mallory Hall finishes work on a pattern collage with Emme Smith,Erin Cothran and Jalin Cooper during a past YMCA Day Camp. Each cardboard tilecreates a pattern collage, which has a central piece in the middle. “It’s a way we canlearn how to be creative, to draw and work together,” Erin Cothran said.

• See YMCA,YWCA on 14

BY BETH SHRAKETroy Rec Director

What do today’s teenshave in common withteens of previous decadesdating back to the 1940s?They all gathered withfriends to play pool, danceand have fun at the com-munity recreation centerbetter known as the Rec.The Troy RecreationAssociation’s mission toserve the community, espe-cially youth, is in its 71styear.

Memories of my youthinclude the Rec as I vivid-ly recall attending GirlScout bridging ceremonies,Junior Optimist meetingsand dances after footballgames. Since 2004, the Rechas become an even biggerpart of my life as I tacklethe role of director for theorganization.

Through my involve-ment with youth programsfor the past 23 years, Ihave enjoyed so manyblessings with youth suchas hammering and paint-ing on mission trips,screaming on roller coast-ers, singing and tellingjokes on long van rides,watching dozens of themmature and move on to fol-low their dreams, not to

mention many weddings.I’ve also been around forthe lows such as a break-up with a special someone,worrying over grades andlosing a friend or familymember to death.

One thing I’ve learnedis that while styles andpastimes may change fromone generation to the next,the nature of kids staysthe same. All want to finda place of their own to bewith friends and feel com-fortable.

Like Vanessa, whostarted peeking in thefront door when she was ingrade school, always withsome “important” questionfor one of her older broth-ers, which was really justan excuse to check out thegame room. Once shereached the minimum ageto “hang out” after school,she was a regular fixtureat the Rec. Now Vanessa is

a senior at the UpperValley Career Center andwill graduate in a fewshort months.

Then there’s Tyree. Myfirst encounter with himoccurred the night hepunched a hole in the wallat a dance. He chose thatoption over punchinganother kid, which I haveto admire. However, wehad to have a chat abouthow to handle that temperof his. Turns out Tyree hada soft heart and a gift forrapping, which he sharedwhen he stopped by tohang out or play dodgeball over the next fewyears.

So many caring peoplehave passed through theRec, most recently Ryan,Sam, David, Paul, Donnie,Amanda, Mallory andDanielle, who all spenttime at the Rec as kids,then worked with mewhen they became youngadults. I’m so grateful tothe Rec. “Pop” Dixon andhis cohorts who had thevision more than 70 yearsago to make youth a prior-ity in Troy, and to resi-dents who have supportedthe Rec all these years.What an amazing achieve-ment for this community.

Today’s Rec team

2255453

TROY SHOWROOM LOCATION:1990 West Stanfield Road, Troy, OH 45373

335-9199

www.legacymedical.net

• Nebulizer• CPAP• Powered Mobility• Wheelchairs• Hospital Beds• Orthopedic Supplies• Medela BreastPumps

• Home Oxygen• Bathroom Safety


information, call 773-6626or visit the YWCA Piquaat 418 N. Wayne St.,Piqua.

The YMCA has twobranches in MiamiCounty — the RobinsonBranch in Troy and theMiami County YMCA atPiqua.

“The YMCA is verystrong in Miami County,”said Donn Craig, branchexecutive at the RobinsonBranch.

The Y’s membershiptook a brief dip due to therecession, but is begin-ning to grow again, Craigsaid. The Y’s annualmembership drive, whichtook place in Decemberand January, was evi-dence of the growth.

“It’s a big time ofyear,” Craig said. “It’sbeen a very busy place.”

Craig said he sees theassociation continuing togrow.

“I think we will contin-ue to provide the commu-nity with support withtheir health and wellnessneeds,” Craig said.

The Robinson BranchYMCA recently pur-chased 20 new groupcycling, or spinning,bikes, which will goupstairs in the aerobicsarea, Craig said. Thebranch will begin to offeran aerobics class usingthe bikes in late Februaryor early March.

The Y also offers closeto 70 different groupexercise classes for peopleto take.

The Piqua YMCA hasa new teen leadershipdirector, who began workfull time on Jan. 1, Craigsaid. Joe Hinds is goingto work to improve theteen program at the teencenter in Piqua, he said.

Craig said the Y ishappy with its member-ship levels currently, butthat the Y is always look-ing to grow. To find outmore, call the RobinsonBranch at 440-9622 orthe Piqua Y at 773-9622.

The Robinson Branch isat 3060 S. County Road25-A in Troy and theMiami County YMCA is at223 W. High St., Piqua.

For membership prices,visit the association’s web-site at http://www.ymca.net/find-your-y/.


YMCA, YWCA

10120 W. Versailles Rd.Covington, OH 45318

937-526-4851800-860-4851

19161 Kentner Rd.Botkins, OH 45306

937-693-3848800-646-1091

Home of theGrasshopper Mower

2255523

Another good reason to see the folksat Apple Farm Service

Ask About

Finance Specials,

0% for 48 Months

2.99% for 60 Months

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Troy Rec, 11 N. Market St., Troy, OH 45373,339-1923

• Email: [email protected]• Website: www.troyrec.com• Facebook: www.facebook.com/troyrec• Before and after school child care program —

440-9805

The Rec: A placeto be with friends

• See REC on 15

www.perrycorporation.com

www.smsprotech.com

The client is the driving forcebehind what we do.

1089 Fairington Dr. | Sidney, OH 45365 Call us at 937.498.7080

Client Centered

2253932


www.BuckeyeFord.comRemember, don’t buy until you try Buckeye!

2255

367

2343 W. Michigan Ave., Sidney, Ohio 45365(937) 498-4014 • Fax (937) 498-1518

2254

658

STAFF PHOTO/ANTHONY WEBERA girls day camp was offered at the Rec in late December inTroy.The camp, open to third-, fourth- and fifth-gradestudents, gave children an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including tie dye. Here from left,Madison Tilton, Taylor Dankworth and Skylar Kirk create tie-dye shirts.

REC STAFF

Janet Larck, Susan Thokey, Ellie Snyder, DanielleAnderson, Paul Isenberger, Beth Shrake, VanessaCollett and Jenna Harrah.

REC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrew Wannemacher, Mark Francis, Rob Davis,Katie Deland, Susan Caudill, Alan Clark, DickHawkins, Ken Siler, Stephanie Silk, Amanda Smith andHeather Taylor.

includes staff, board mem-bers, Youth AdvisoryCouncil members and vol-unteers who work togetherto offer creative program-ming for all ages with anemphasis on youth.Weserve preschool childrenthrough adults with activi-ties such as before and afterschool child care in its 18thyear, Summer Lunch

Buddies reading programgearing up for its 11th sum-mer, indoor soccer,Rexplorers day trips, exer-cise classes and dance class-es. The building also isavailable for private partyrentals and meetings.Groups that used the Rec inthe past year include CubScouts, Girl Scouts, CISV,David L. Brown YouthCenter, Troy City Schools,the Mayor’s Youth Council,

Spirit Life Church, CertainTruth Ministry, ApostolicTemple, School on the Rock,Practice CrossFit, Zumba,Kettle Bell, Get Fit,Bowerman Ballroom andLowe Line Dancing.Upcoming events in 2012

include the SweetheartShuffle 5K Run/Walk, an allages Sock Hop, spring breakday camp in conjunctionwith the Girl Scouts, dodgeball league and the video

crew. The spring/summerprogram guide will be readyfor distribution in March.This will go home with ele-mentary students and willbe available at the Rec andon the center’s website. Iinvite you to stop by to seeus sometime whether you’rewell acquainted with theRec or new to the communi-ty, you’ll find something todo at “The Place for FUNSince 1941!”


Rec

BY JIM DAVISStaff Writer

[email protected]

Ken Siler and the staffat Hobart Arena have beenworking hard to make surethe multi-purpose facilityis used to its maximumpotential.

If the success of the pastcouple of years is any indi-cation, that effort is payingoff.

By being used for a widevariety of events rangingfrom national music actsand business expos to skat-ing competitions, schoolgraduations and highschool hockey, the historicvenue on Adams Street

continues to be an enter-tainment focal point forTroy and the surroundingarea.

“I think it’s been overthe course of the past eightor 10 years that it’s kind ofevolved into more diverseusage — certainly morethan we were 10 years agowhen we were focused onjust ice events,” said Siler,who serves as arena man-ager in addition to beingthe city recreation depart-ment director.

Concerts, in particular,have been a big part of thatpush for diversity, and haveincluded recent appear-ances by Third Day,Casting Crowns, REO

Speedwagon and LukeBryan.

“Based on the responsefrom shows we had in2011, I think we’re going tocontinue with the samemusical genres becausethey’ve proven to be suc-cessful,” he said.

Booking the Oct. 22,2011, Luke Bryan show isa perfect example.

After starting out as aregular tour stop for thepopular country singer,cable network CMT madeBryan’s fall tour a part ofits annual CMT On Tourshow, which dramaticallychanged the scope of theproject.

CMT added the winnerof its Next Superstar com-petition (Matt Mason), thenbrought in Josh Thompsonand Lee Brice to join Bryanfor the show.

The beefed-up lineuptranslated into a sold-outshow for Hobart.

“That particular showwas likely our most suc-cessful show we’ve had todate, and we’re looking tocontinue building on it,”Siler said.

Although not every

event can be counted on tobe a sold-out show, Silersaid the overall success ofsuch events has beenencouraging.

“Looking at the biggerpicture, we’ve been success-ful,” he said. “Obviously,there are going to be eventsthat don’t do as well as oth-ers. But when you considerthings we have to look at —one, we’re increasing uti-lization (of the arena) and,two, we’re generating eco-nomic impact in MiamiCounty — overall, we feellike we’ve been successfulwith our events.

“We’re to the point nowwhere people are familiarwith the fact that we’rehaving these types of quali-ty events, and it’s showingin the ticket sales for eachof these shows,” he added.

Siler recentlyannounced that Christiansinger Chris Tomlin hasbeen booked for a June 14show at the arena, “andwe’re also working on acouple of classic rock typeevents and a couple ofcountry acts.”

Ice, obviously, still plays

a vital role for the arena.Siler noted the SouthernEastern Great LakesSkating Competition onFeb. 24 — hosted by theTroy Skating Club — willbring in approximately 200skaters, in addition tocoaches, families andjudges who will be stayingin Miami County for threeor four days, while a three-day summer competition inJuly also will bring a simi-lar number of people.

Combine that withevents such as the TroyArea Chamber of

Commerce Business ExpoApril 26 — one that pro-vides exposure for numer-ous local businesses — andit’s easy to see how diversethe arena’s event schedulehas become.

“The business expo hasalways been a very success-ful event, and we estimatethat it brings in approxi-mately 5,000 people,” Silersaid.

“And each of those eventsequates to economic impactfor the area,” Siler added.

Not to mention a brightoutlook for the arena, too.

937-773-6851 ext. 422 fax: [email protected] RM Davis Parkway, Piqua, Ohio 45356

Tony Sherry Business Development Manager

2256404


Career and Technical Education for Adults Training for individuals or an entire workforce.uppervalleycc.org 1.800.589.6963 or 778.8419

Renewable Energy Systems , HVAC/R, and Boiler Operations

Here for business. Here for you.Full-time, part-time and customized training for adult learners and employers.

Here for b Herbusiness. re for you.y S

g.orccyallevupperor indaining frT

ecTTechnical Eeer andarC

able EnergweneR-time and cut, parull-timeF

C/R, and Boiler Oper

1.800.589.6963 or 778.8419.ecorkfore wtirividuals or an en

dultsor Ation fducachnical E

ASystems , HVVAor adult laining fed tromizust

ationsBoiler Oper.ersyearners and emplo

2255

522

Arena hopes to keep momentum rolling

Country music singer Luke Bryan performs for acapacity crowd Oct. 22, 2011.

STAFF PHOTOS/ANTHONY WEBERMembers of the Christian band Third Day get the crowd involved in a song “Lift UpYour Face” during a sold-out concert Oct. 20, 2011, at Troy’s Hobart Arena.

Date post:	23-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	i-75-newspaper-group
View:	221 times
Download:	6 times

TDN Progress part 2

Documents