DECEMBER 2010 VOL. XLIV ISSUE XII PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT #5400 7617 Voice of America Centre Drive West Chester, Ohio 45069 THE CONNECTING PEOPLE AND POSSIBILITIES IN WEST CHESTER AND LIBERTY TOWNSHIPS AND THE I-75 GROWTH CORRIDOR SM DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2nd Healthcare Summit Savannah Center, 7:30-9:30am 3rd Women 4 Women Donna Salyers’ Fabulous~Furs, 8-9:30am 14th Monthly Member Luncheon Savannah Center, 11:30am-1:30pm 21st Networking Power Hour Chamber offices, lower level, 12-1pm ���� ������� � � � � � � �� � �� ���� ������� � � � � � � �� � �� Brenda Frazier Candice DeClark Peace Catherine Stoker Chris Xeil Lyons Darlene Mack Deborah Brenneman Dorothy Roth Sarah Healey Susan Hendel Umama Alam
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DECEMBER 2010 VOL. XLIV ISSUE XII
PRESORTEDSTANDARD
US POSTAGEPAID
CINCINNATI, OHPERMIT #5400
7617 Voice of America Centre DriveWest Chester, Ohio 45069
T H E
CONNECTING PEOPLE AND POSSIBILITIES IN WEST CHESTER AND LIBERTY TOWNSHIPS AND THE I-75 GROWTH CORRIDOR
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DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2nd Healthcare Summit Savannah Center, 7:30-9:30am
3rd Women 4 Women Donna Salyers’ Fabulous~Furs, 8-9:30am
14th Monthly Member Luncheon Savannah Center, 11:30am-1:30pm
21st Networking Power Hour Chamber offices, lower level, 12-1pm
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Brenda Frazier Candice DeClark Peace
Catherine Stoker Chris Xeil Lyons Darlene Mack Deborah Brenneman
Dorothy Roth Sarah Healey Susan Hendel Umama Alam
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CHAIR RONDI TSCHOPP – Five Visual Communication & DesignVICE CHAIR CHRIS WORRELL – Graydon HeadSECRETARY KAREN MUELLER – HORANPAST CHAIR TOM FARRELL – Alternative Computer Technology, Inc.STEVE BEHLER – Kemba Credit UnionDEBORAH BRENNEMAN – Thompson Hine LLPJOE HINSON – West Chester • Liberty Chamber AllianceTOM HOLDING – Lincoln Financial AdvisorsJASON KREUL – Cincinnati Marriott NorthCHAR MASON – Cincinnati Children’s Liberty CampusCHRISTINE MATACIC – Liberty Township TrusteeRON ROHLFING – West Chester Medical CenterBRETT SMITH – Butler Technology and Career Development SchoolsKENDALL WRIGHT – Entelechy Training and Development, Inc.
West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance2010 SUSTAINING SPONSORS
e West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance salutes our Sustaining Sponsors. We acknowledge the following members and thank them for their support of the Chamber, its programs, events and services
provided to the businesses and organizations of this area.
DIAMONDButler Technology & Career Development Schools
Mercy Hospital FaireldUC Health
GOLDWest Chester Township
SUPER SILVERHORAN
Kemba Credit Union
SILVERAmylin Ohio, LLC
Cincinnati Children’s Liberty CampusFifth ird Bank
First Financial BankLiberty Township
PNC Banke Pulse-Journal
SUPER BRONZECincinnati Bell
Clark-eders Insurance Agency, Inc.Employers Choice Plus
Graydon Head Huff Realty
Miami University VOA Learning CenterOrthopaedic & Sports Medicine Consultants, Inc.
United HealthcareWest Chester Medical Center
BRONZEAllegra Print & Imaging
Alternative Computer Technology, Inc.Amica Insurance
Atrium Medical CenterClark Schaefer Hackett
Focused Capitol Solutions LLCFour Bridges Country Club
Frost Brown Todd LLCHalcomb Benets Agency, Inc.
Huntington BankLANDFORM Services, Inc.
ManagepointNorth Side Bank & Trust Company
Park National BankPlanes Companies
Schumacher Dugan Construction Co.SCORE
ompson Hine LLPTriHealth Corporate Health
US BankXavier University – Williams College of Business
Stop by the Chamber ofce to see our Sustaining SponsorshipSign donated by Hightech Signs - 513.874.5223
Chamber Staff & Associates
West Chester • Liberty Chamber AllianceExecutive Board 2010
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Butler County Board of Commissioners Meeting9:30am | Commission Chamber, 315 High Street, 2FL, Hamilton
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2Butler County Board of Commissioners Meeting9:30am | Commission Chamber, 315 High Street, 2FL, Hamilton
Butler County Board of Commissioners Meeting9:30am | Commission Chamber, 315 High Street, 2FL, Hamilton
Lakota Board of Education7pm | Lakota Central Ofce, Thunderbird Room
Zanett Commercial SolutionsJeremy Bolling9075 Centre Point DrWest Chester, OH 45069513-881-2100Management Consultants & Services
The Power of a Chamber of CommerceThe existence of Chambers of Commerce dates as far back as the 16th century and has since maintained an essential role in business to business and business to consumer relations. Chambers by definition promote free enterprise, and strive to protect the concerns of its business members while maintaining the interest of their community as a whole.
While Chambers in the U.S. must be registered, businesses are not required, but encouraged to join. Chambers that work closely with their business community are better able to protect the interest of its members, support local business trends and even help shape the local community for the better.
Though no two Chambers are alike; “if you’ve seen one Chamber you’ve seen one Chamber” a strong Chamber of Commerce is indicative of a strong business climate. In fact, companies today will check out the local Chamber to make sure they are a strong partner in the business community before committing to locating to that area. We have been witness to this due diligence.
The primary goal of a Chamber of Commerce is to improve the business climate in the area it serves, typically through business networking, lobbying, educating and informing and various business services. It provides a member an instant business community. Similarly, joining a Chamber makes a statement about you as a professional. Not only do you get to meet your local business community, you can use it all in your promotional materials*.
Chamber members are made up from diverse businesses. While all of them provide a product or service, they also need the same in return, or know someone who does. And it’s been proven that people do business with people they know, like and trust. Chamber membership builds on all three of these aspects. By being in front of other Chamber members on a regular basis, they get to know you and your organization, and relationships are formed, built on trust. This is where you can begin maximizing your Chamber membership.
Chamber By The Numbers
The West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance prides itself on being the voice of business; an organization of influence that advocates for economic prosperity and quality of life through collaboration, and champions workforce development and the creation of new jobs. To give you more breadth and depth of understanding to the power of our Chamber, consider this:
Our Chamber represents...
More than 800 members
More than 25,000 employees
Small, medium and large-sized companies
Businesses from more than 50 industry sectors
Businesses in West Chester and Liberty Townships, along theI-75 growth corridor and across the Tri-State Region
And each year we deliver...
A monthly luncheon that averages over 200 attendees
More than 50 signature events
2.5 million+ visits to our web site www.TheChamberAlliance.com
More than 60 graduates participating in our communityleadership programs
Direct monthly communication to over 3,000 businesses
As the voice of business, we are helping our members grow their organizations by maximizing the vast opportunities that we have in West Chester and Liberty Townships. We seek full prosperity for our region with our area leading the way.
Your investment in joining the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance has the ability to give you a very large return, but you need to get involved. We offer various events at different times during the week to connect you to endless business possibilities. Please feel free to call me @ 513-777-3600 to set up a meeting to discuss how we can maximize your return on your Chamber investment!
* call our office for details
Thank you for being a valued member of the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
322Renewing Members
New Members
West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance Mission Statement A regional community leader promoting business innovation and growth, advocating free enterprise, addressing issues of regional and community significance and leading our members to a higher quality of life.
From the desk of
Joe Hinson, IOM– President & CEO
Your investment in joining the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance has the ability to give you a very large return, but you need to get involved.
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When Matt Wheeler began his business, Explosion Fitness Solutions, in 2005 he did so to help aide the patients of Dr. Joe Lindeman of Becket Ridge Chiropractic. Matt offered Dr. Joe’s patients an effective way to stabilize their spine and increase their core strength in conjunction with their chiropractic care.
In the years since, Explosion Fitness Solutions has evolved into a complete fitness and training facility offering sports performance training, personal and team training, power lifting and a boot camp.
Their sports performance training is a complete training program that includes sport-specific training methods to improve performance and help to prevent common injuries. “We try to maximize athletic potential while reducing the risk for injury”, explained Matt. The techniques used to achieve these goals are widely used by many professional and college athletes. Additionally, their training program can help to bridge the gap between when an athlete has been injured and completed the prescribed physical therapy and actually being sport ready.
Explosion Fitness Solutions also offers personal training and unlike many gyms this facility focuses on functional movement. “You won’t find a lot of machines in our facility”, said Matt. Instead they focus of the movements of daily life such as walking, lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, reaching, climbing etc. This fitness program emphasizes movement, not body parts, to directly enhance your quality of life and provide greater results than traditional machine-based training. An all female boot camp is also available and offers women a great way to increase muscular and cardiovascular endurance, lose weight, relieve stress, increase energy levels as well as improve self esteem and confidence all in a small group setting.
Offsite training is also available and Explosion Fitness Solutions has worked with many area schools and teams. Recently they were excited
e VOICE is published monthly by the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance, 7617 Voice of America Centre Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069.
PHOTOGRAPHY.......................................................................... Len Kaltman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS .........Rachael Epps, Julie Krause, Linda Schneider,.............................................................................Randy Warwick, Lori Weber
DESIGNER ............................................................................ Cox Ohio Media
Postmaster/Address ChangesSend address changes to West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance,7617 Voice of America Centre Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069.
AdvertisingChamber members can advertise in The VOICE and reach more than1000 leaders in the southeastern Butler County business community.For cost and specics, call Alison Miuccio, 513.777.3600 or [email protected].
SubscriptionsThe VOICE is mailed to Chamber members as a benet of membership. Additional subscriptions are available to Chamber members at $75 per year. Non-member subscriptions are $100 per year. For information, call 513.777.3600.
SubmissionsArticles, advertisements and inserts for The VOICE must be received at the Chamber ofce by the 1st of each month to be included in the upcoming edition. No article in this magazine may be reprinted without the permission of the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance.
SpotlightOn
Chair, Business Action Committee
Rick ShivelyLincoln Financial Securities Corporation
The Business Action Committee focuses on the key business issues of Chamber members. The West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance’s Breakfast Briefings, Roundtables, Chamber Advisors and business articles for The VOICE come from this committee.
Highlight Committee of the MonthKathy K.
JayMike
JoeMarge
MichelleAlison
BobKendra
Lynn
Kathy R.Kenni
PamelaKerry
George
Season’s Greetingsfrom all of us at
Wishing you peace and prosperity for the coming year.
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to be working with the Fenwick Girls Volleyball team who captured the State Title this year and in Middletown, they helped in the design of the weight room for their high school female athletes.
Matt, along with his experienced, certified staff, offer the community a fitness program unlike many others in the area. Whether you are recovering from an injury, training for a sport or looking for a personal trainer, Explosion Fitness Solutions does indeed have the fitness solution for you. The facility is located at 530C Quality Blvd in Fairfield. Matt Wheeler can be reached at 513.870.0203 or learn more at www.explosionfitnesssolutions.com.
Preferred ProvidersListed Alphabetically by Service
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People AndNews
Santa’s Nutcracker Breakfast
MetroParks of Butler County has planned a wonderful holiday time for kids of all ages on Sunday, December 12th from 12:30-2:30pm at Ronald Reagan Lodge in the Voice of America Park, West Chester! Catering for the breakfast will be by TGIFriday’s and there will be a special performance by the Northern Cincinnati Youth Ballet. Tickets are $14.95 per person and$4.95 ages 2 and under. To register (no later than 12/6) please call 513.867.5835 or visitwww.metroparksofbutlercounty.org.
200 Attend Anthony Muñoz at “Roots of Character” CelebrationIn September, nearly 200 clients, volunteers and supporters gathered to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with the “Roots of Character” Celebration. The event was held on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, at the Montgomery Inn on Montgomery Road and proceeds from the fundraising event will support the Character Council’s work to implement character education in local schools.
The Keynote speaker was NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, long-time spokesperson for the Character Council. WCPO-TV Chief Meteorologist Steve Raleigh served as emcee and Current Chairman of the Board, Sgt. Steve Saunders, honored founding board members: Michael P. Daly, Gayle Brock, Mike Ellison, Roger Griggs and the late John Pierce for their service.
During the past 10 years, the Character Council has provided training and character curriculum to over 1,615 local school teachers and administrators representing over 185 schools and have engaged 60+ businesses in character training. Each year the Council reaches 100,000-200,000 local citizens with reminders promoting one positive character quality each month.
For more information visit www.charactercincinnati.org.
“Kingsgate Transportation Services, LLCnamed 2010 FAMILY AND PRIVATE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR”
Kingsgate Transportation Services, LLC of West Chester, second generation transportation and logistics management firm, has been named 2010 Family and Private Business of the Year.
Each year the Goering Center for Family and Private Business at the University of Cincinnati honors the signicant contributions made by family and privately owned rms with this prestigious award in four different categories: under 25 years in business, 25-50 years in business, over 50 years in business and community service. In August, Kingsgate Transportation won the award for “Under 25 years in Business.”
Said Kingsgate partner, Jeff Beckham, “There are many people that share in this award; our families, associates, customers, vendors and advisors, but none more than our parents who had the courage to go out on their own, with what little money they could scrape together and start what is now recognized as one of the top family and private businesses in the Tri-State.”
For more information, visit www.kingsgatetrans.com.
Dean Miuccio Productions has New Division: “Sports Recruitment Film”
Sports Recruitment Film, a division of Dean Miuccio Productions, LLC, was created for those looking to obtain a sports scholarship to college; land a spot on a pro team or; for parents that are interested in owning a professional video DVD of their children in action. Dean Miuccio said “Sports Recruitment Film is made up of professionals who shoot, edit and even upload the video to a website. I created this division to Dean Miuccio Productions because of the growing demand for professional sports videos for students.” They will edit your video with pro style effects highlighting the athlete on the field or court. They can also send their camera crew out to have it professionally shot. For more information, email [email protected] or call 513.503.3134.
Budina9114 West Chester Towne Centre DrWest Chester, OH 45069
Budina Kunkemoeller (center) was joined by family and Chamber Ambassadors, celebrating the grand opening of Budina, Pan Asian restaurant. In the heart of Union Centre, their unique menu of fusion cuisine has the freshest ingredients, blending authentic flavors from regions of Thailand, Japan, India, Vietnam, China and more.
New Sales Manager at Interstate All Battery Center
Thom Stafford has joined Interstate All Battery Center as B2B Sales Manager. Thom has over 25 years in portable power solutions and customer service. He is a native of Vandalia, Ohio and currently lives in Centerville with his wife Connie. Thom’s unique experience and passion for serving customers is a great addition the Greater Cincinnati IABC sales team. For more information, call Thom at 513.393-6853 or email [email protected].
The new service center of Chaco Credit Union opened with much celebration! The Ribbon Cutting allowed members and guest to see the West Chester facility that offers safe deposit boxes, a drive-up ATM and three drive-thru lanes. Trustees from both West Chester and Liberty Township joined the West Chester Chamber Alliance in the celebration.
Chesterwood Village hosted Business After Hours for West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance Members. The “main-street” of the village was the perfect place to extend the business day, making key connections through networking. Don Dixon, Chesterwood
Village (front left); James Dixon, Costco (back left); Diane Beil, and Greg Dixon, Chesterwood Village are pictured here enjoying the event.
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For more information on how to become a “Business of Character, “ please contact the Character Council at 513.467.0170 or visit
www.charactercincinnati.org.
“Character… It starts with me”
Proud to be the Region’s First Chamber of Character
Women for Women (W4W) is the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance women’s group focusing on the need for women to balance business, home and all aspects of their life. W4W brings women together to engage in networking, discuss women’s issues and address topics that are pertinent to women’s lives both at home and at the office.
Our meetings focus on the four W’s—Work, Wealth, Wisdom and Wellness. At each session, we enjoy networking, discussions anda presentation that addresses the “W” topic of the month.
Join us at this month’s W4W meeting on Friday, December 3rd from8-9:30am at Donna Salyers’ Fabulous~Furs Retail Showroom – 20 West 11th Street, Covington, Kentucky. This meeting will focus on “Wonder” as Donna Salyers discusses her business and shows her business to others first hand. Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 1st to Pamela Gruber at 513.777.3600 or [email protected].
Each month, the Character Council promotes1 of their 49 character qualities. This month, the
highlighted Character quality is “Sensitivity(vs. Callousness) – Perceiving the true attitudes
and emotions of those around me.”
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Chamber Advisors CornerThe Top 10 Reasons Small Business OwnersDo Not Strategically Plan
QUESTION: Can the strategic planning be incorporatedinto a small business?
ANSWER: YES! However, many owners do not take time to strategically plan because of these Top Ten reasons:
1. They don’t have time. If you have no time to work ON your business, but only IN it, you do not have a business, you have a JOB!
2. They haven’t done a REALITY check lately. Peter Drucker had three basic questions every business owner must ask:• What is our reality? • What is our focus? • What are our core competencies?
The REALITY for many is that this new economyhas brought a NEW reality.
3. They believe that their vision will carry them. If a vision is not coupled with a plan, it is nothing more than a dream.
4. They haven’t asked their team what they need to succeed. Have you ever heard your employees ask “So what’s the PLAN?”
5. They don’t understand the product life cycle. Will time heal all wounds and restore all margins? If your product or service is in a mature market just holding on may spell your doom.
6. They think that they are too small to plan. Business leaders do not strategically plan because they are large; they are large because they plan!!
7. They do not want to THINK, they just want to DO. To grow an organization, one must stop doing and start thinking and planning.
8. They do not have the energy to implement a plan. Planning not only energizes the owner, but the entire team as the plan is communicated and how it ties into the company’s vision, mission and core values.
9. They just don’t realize how critical it is to growth and profitability. In a recent study by the Balanced Scorecard Collaborative, it was found that organizations who plan are 11% more profitable than their peers and they grow their top line 12% more than their peers.
10. They have never sat down and performed a SWOT analysis. The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis becomes the basis from which you develop your strategic plan. Why NOT do a SWOT? You may be surprised regarding the opportunities to grow in this economy as you leverage the strengths you have in your organization.
As Thomas Edison said “Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.”
The West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance Announces a New Program for our MembersChamber On-Air is an online radio show on BlogTalkRadio.com and is a service of the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance for our Members. Once per month, a Member will be interviewed by fellow Member, Joanne Westwood of Westwood Virtual Associates. This 10-minute LIVE program which is archived automatically after the show on www.TheChamberAlliance.com and your website will give Members the opportunity to talk about their business by giving tips and information which will educate and inform listeners. You prepare the questions and Joanne asks them in a casual, informational delivery.
BlogTalkRadio is the largest and fastest-growing social radio network on the Internet and Chamber On-Air is now a part of that trend! If you are interested in taking a listen, visit www.BlogTalkRadio.com/ChamberAlliance and join us the second Thursday of each month at 10:30pm for the LIVE show. If you would like to be a guest, please contact Alison Miuccio [email protected]. This is another Member-Only service provided as part of your membership.
Local Attorney recognized as Senior Counselor by Cincinnati Bar Association
Dolores C. Schuessler, partner of Sams, Fischer, Packard & Schuessler, LLC was honored as Senior Counselor by Cincinnati Bar Association. Dolores “Dee” Schuessler started practice in 1988 after spending the first part of her life as a homemaker and mother. She established her practice in Mason where she currently practices Probate, Estate Planning and Real Estate law. Over 24 co-honorees throughout the greater Cincinnati area also received this award recognition. Ms. Schuessler is a former President and Treasurer of Mason Kiwanis and serves on many charitable boards. “We are extremely proud to have the experience and ethical character of Dee influencing and developing the generation of attorneys behind her. It’s an honor to have her as a partner in our practice,” said Managing Attorney, Jonathan D. Sams. For more information, visit www.sfpslaw.com.
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718The West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance introduces a new Preferred Provider - a new workers’ compensation partner, The Matrix Companies. Matrix is a local third party administrator (TPA) for workers’ compensation who has an excellent reputation for its high-touch service model and experience in assisting all types of employers. Since all members matter, Matrix services allow the Chamber to offer the full spectrum of workers’ compensation services to our members.
Who is Matrix and what services do they offer?Matrix is a third party administrator for worker’s compensation.We provide the most comprehensive risk management solutions. Matrix offers fully integrated services and benefits that compliment your company’s business objectives. Claims management proactively manages your workers compensation claims. We will create a plan of action to control the costs of each workers’ compensation claim; saving you money while protecting your company’s interests. The Matrix Companies full service investigations and consulting team specializes in video surveillance. Our licensed & insured investigative team provides nationwide coverage and has numerous resources in the investigative industry to obtain desired results. Our unemployment cost control service can guide you through the process of making sound employment decisions, assist with proper documentation in the disciplinary process and help you manage outcomes when good employees go bad. Lastly, vocational solutions are a key element in controlling your workers’ compensation costs by providing an efficient, comprehensive and detailed vocational rehabilitative program that is individually designed and created for each injured worker and their employer. Through our services, we will increase the return to work probability, reduce lost time, decrease medical expenses and lower your risk.
What can I do to reduce premiums if I didnot qualify for a group rating discount?Matrix is an aggressive, results-focused third party administrator (TPA) who can help reduce your premiums and who can evaluate your current TPA. Remember, not all TPA’s are equal. Ask yourself; What is the experience of your current claims rep? What is your TPA’s process for reviewing medical treatment requests? Is your claims rep the single point of contact for all your claims questions? Does your TPA integrate additional cost saving strategies?
What is the Group Rating Program?The BWC allows employers in the public and private sectors to join together under a sponsoring organization in order to be evaluated as one employer for the workers’ compensation premium calculation. Usually, the employer has an above average claims experience in order to qualify for Group. Savings on group rating programs vary.A company could save anywhere from 30-51%.
On The EdgeEric Schmaltz is a Field Consultant for Hoxworth Blood Center and is responsible for educating the Butler County community as well as area schools, universities, and hospitals on why blood donation is so important. Eric also organizes blood drives for area high schools and businesses.
Eric majored in PR & Marketing at the University of Southern Indiana and from there went on to work at South Central Communications Radio Group where he specialized in promotions and marketing. Although Eric loved his job, he felt a pull towards non-profit. His passion for the community and family nearby led Eric to Hoxworth Blood Center in Cincinnati. Four years later, Eric is proud to say he is part of the Hoxworth family and feels he made the right career choice!
When asked why Hoxworth is a great place to work he happily said, “I’m able to inspire and motivate people to get a needle stuck in their arm and in return save 3 lives!” He also mentioned that he enjoys making a difference within the community and working with other local non-profits.
Eric keeps a busy schedule but finds the time to enjoy the outdoors, watch movies, and attend Crossroads Church. Eric is happy to be involved with the West Chester • Liberty Chamber on Hoxworth’s behalf and feels this Chamber is one of the strongest chambers in the area and enjoys the tight-knit community. Eric is grateful for the Chamber’s assistance in motivating the community in low blood donation months and attributes that to the strong relationships he has built with the staff.
To donate blood or to organize a blood drive for your company please contact Eric Schmaltz at 513.558.1343 or [email protected].
On The Edge focuses on a Chamber Memberin the first decade of their career.
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Liberty Township Opens New Boundless Playground at Dudley Memorial Park
One of Liberty Township’s parks has recently received a facelift – and a large project in the works for many months has come to fruition. A new boundless playground – designed for children of all ages and abilities – has been installed at Dudley Memorial Park on Yankee Road in Liberty Township.
Earlier this year, Liberty Township was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Community Development Block Grant program through Butler County to install handicap-accessible playground equipment at Dudley Memorial Park. In August, the Township’s Services Department worked tirelessly to construct the new boundless playground. The Township provided a match of $10,000 in labor and material.
The entire playground area is considered “boundless” which means it is all handicap-accessible. The concept behind a boundless or inclusive playground is to provide a setting where children and adults of all abilities can play and learn together in a fun and welcoming environment. The largest structure has a ramp providing wheelchair access. The construction included paving handicap parking spaces and providing easy access between parking lot and equipment. Recreational features include a musical instruments “fun-semble,” a space web/spider web, a rock climber, highstepper toad stools, three slides and a large tic-tac-toe board.
During a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Friday, October 29 the Liberty Township Trustees recognized the efforts of all the people who were involved with the project.
The Butler County Commissioners for supporting the grant application
Staff members who administer the Community Development Block Grant Program: Desmond Maaytah and Donna Everson
Bob Greiwe of David Williams and Associates/Game Time for helping us design the layout of the equipment and overseeing the installation on-site
Kurt Feldman and his family for their expertise and involvement on the design of the equipment. As a valued member of the Liberty Township Parks Committee, Kurt was particularly passionate about this project as the father of two children who will benefit greatly from this new playground.
Rick Plummer, Dave Wagner and the entire Services Department for doing all the heavy lifting and hard work to physically assemble the playground equipment.
Staff members Jon West and Melanie Brokaw for the work they did coordinating the entire project with all parties.
In addition, members of the Ferber and Dudley families were recognized for their collaboration many years ago in helping the Township purchase the park land.
The park and new equipment are open to the public at 5700 Yankee Road, Liberty Township, OH 45044.
What’s New inLiberty Townshipwww.liberty-township.com
Liberty Township Trustee President Dave Kern and Park Committee Member Kurt Feldman are joined by Kurt’s 13-year-old son Konrad, members of the Township’s Services Department and fellow elected officials to cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening and dedicating the new playground equipment at Dudley Memorial Park to the community.
The completed, inclusive playground at Dudley Memorial Park – 5700 Yankee Road in Liberty Township.
Liberty Township Trustees Dave Kern, Pat Hiltman and Christine Matacic and Fiscal Officer Pam Quinlisk give opening remarks to the group at the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
One of Liberty Township’s parks has recently received a facelift – and a large project in the works for many Liberty Township Trustee
President Dave Kern and
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Small BusinessConcernsAs the holiday season approaches, the holiday-party-season gets in full swing. As a business owner, you may be wondering about whether or not to serve liquor at that party.
Many companies don’t realize that they can be liable if an employee or guest gets drunk at a holiday party (or other company-sponsored event) and causes injuries to themselves or others.
To help you assess and avoid the liability risks of serving alcohol at your party, the following are guidelines to follow to keep your party a merry one and avoid having your employees or guests wind up in tomorrow’s headlines:
1 Monitor Alcohol Consumption: Keep track of how many drinks each of your guests has. You may want to have a closed bar rather than one that’s open, unlimited and unsupervised. You may appoint monitors to help in this area or supply drink tickets that limits each guests to a one or two drink maximum. You should caution the other guests who decide not to drink not to “share” their drink tickets.
2 Determine Whether Guests are Intoxicated: Make reasonable assumptions about whether or not a guest is impaired. Hiring a professional bartender who is trained to keep an eye on how much customers drink is also a good idea.
3 Prevent Intoxicated Guests From Driving: If you suspect an employee or guest is intoxicated, you must make every effort to prevent him from getting behind the wheel. Having a designated driver, taxi service or hotel room available in the event that it is needed is a much better result than allowing a person to drive impaired.
4 Additional Thoughts: Have a Wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks available. Serve non-salty food – it absorbs alcohol and may cut down on drinking. Close the bar at least an hour before the party ends.
With good planning ahead of time, you can host a party that will be remembered for the wonderful event it was intended and enjoy your holiday season!
Imagination Creation Child Care Center, a full-service educational facility, is now open at 72 East Crescentville Road near Princeton-Glendale Road/SR747.
Keller Law Office, practicing in the areas of criminal, OVI and juvenile law, announced the opening of an office at 8777 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Olde West Chester.
Keller Williams Realty, a full-service real estate team, opened at 7395 Kingsgate Way off Tylersville Road (VOA/Uptown). www.kw.com
Kiss Auto Glass, specializing in the installation and repair of automotive glass, opened at 8647 Cincinnati-Columbus Road/SR42 in West Chester Office Park.
Michaels & Associates, Inc., food service marketing specialists will relocate their existing West Chester business, to 4722 Interstate Drive in the Capital Center development off Princeton-Glendale Road/SR747. www.michaelsinc.com
One Source Mobile, specializing in telecommunication expense management for mobile telephone services, opened at 8887 Eagle Ridge Court off Lakota West Drive (Union Centre/Downtown). www.onesourcemobile.com
Perfection Gymnastics, a state-of-the-art recreational gymnastics facility, is now open at 5637 Union Centre Drive (Union Centre/Downtown).
Qdoba Mexican Grill, a fast casual nouveau cuisine with fresh Mexican flavor, will open at 9220 Allen Road (Union Centre/Downtown). www.qdoba.com
Queen City School of Music, specializing in individual piano instruction for all ages and all levels, opened a facility at 8777 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Olde West Chester at the former Henderson Music facility.
Red Wing Shoes, a 95-year-old company specializing in the manufacture of high quality work boots and shoes, opened a retail store at 10128 Princeton-Glendale Road/SR747. www.redwingshoes.com
Sherwin-Williams, one of the largest producers of paints and coatings in the United States, announced it is constructing a new 18,721 square-foot facility at 9203 Sutton Place off Princeton-Glendale Road/SR747. Sherwin Williams’ new wholesale paint store will service industrial coating users and equipment manufacturers.www.sherwin-williams.com
Smari Designs, a unique gift store specializing in the design and creation of handcrafted jewelry and accessories, as well as offering unique home and garden dÈcor, will open a retail store at 9444 Waterfront Drive in The Streets of West Chester (Union Centre/Downtown). www.smaridesigns.com
Soccer Village, one of the nation’s largest soccer uniform and equipment providers,will relocate its existing West Chester store to a facility at 7657 Voice of America Centre Drive at Cox and Tylersville Roads (Uptown). www.soccervillage.com
Sports Gallery, featuring authentic sports collectibles and memorabilia, opened a gallery at 7967 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Lakota Plaza (Midtown). Sports Gallery has a large inventory of collectibles and also offers professional appraisal services. www.asportsgallery.com
Staples, one of the world’s largest office supply companies, leased a warehouse/distribution facility at 4520 LeSaint Court in the Interstate Commerce Center off Port Union Road. Staples services businesses in 27 countries throughout the world. www.staples.com
What’s New In West Chester!New Projects
AAA Explore Store, motor club and leisure travel organization serving North America, celebrated its grand reopening at 4864 Union Centre Pavilion Drive at Union Centre Boulevard and Princeton-Glendale Road/SR747. www.aaa.com
Advanced Sports Marketing, offering a collection of authentic sports memorabilia, opened at 8887 Eagle Ridge Court off Lakota West Drive (Union Centre/Downtown). www.advancedsportsmarketing.com
AT&T opened a retail outlet at 8194 Princeton-Glendale Road/SR 747 in the Beckett Commons shopping Center anchored by Kroger (Beckett Ridge) www.att.com
Autozone, specializing in automotive parts and accessories, is constructing a new facility at 8241 Highland Pointe Drive at the Highland’s development at Cincinnati-Dayton and I-75 (Midtown). www.autozone.com
Bakery Crafts, a manufacturer of cake decorations, announced a 4,119 square-foot expansion at 9300 Allen Road (Union Centre/Downtown). Bakery Crafts is a family-owned business with 60 years of experience. The new office space is being constructed to house product development and brand management staff. www.bakerycrafts.com
Biomed Specialty Pharmacy, a specialty pharmacy serving patients living with chronic conditions, opened a medical facility at 7731 Cox Lane in University Pointe campus (VOA/Uptown). www.biomedpharmacy.com
Centurion Medical Products, a nationwide manufacturer of medical products, will relocate its existing West Chester operations to 4520 LeSaint Circle in Interstate Commerce Center I. www.centurionmp.com
CHACO Credit Union, specializing in a full line of financial products and services,relocated to 7237 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in the Beckmark Building. www.chacocu.org
Clark Western Building Systems, manufacturers of cold-formed steel, drywall studs and accessories, expanded its corporate headquarters at 9100 Centre Pointe Drive in Centre Pointe Office Park (Union Centre/Downtown). www.clarkwestern.com
Control Interface, Inc., a custom control panel manufacturer providing complete design, engineering and manufacturing solutions, relocated to a facility at 517 Commercial Drive west of Princeton-Glendale Road/SR747. www.controlinterface.com
CSE Engineering, Inspection & Forensic, a state certified engineering and consulting firm providing structural engineering, home inspection, forensics, and more, opened an office at 7991 Cincinnati-Dayton Road (Midtown). www.cse-eng.com
Dalton Wealth Management, a full-service financial services provider, relocated to7237 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in the Beckmark Building. www.daltonwealth.com
Diversified Design Dynamics, providing solutions for engineering and manufacturing needs, announced the relocation of its existing West Chester operations to a facility at 4750 Ashley Drive off Princeton-Glendale Road/SR747. www.3dltd.com
Firehouse Subs, serving subs with high quality meats and cheeses, will open a restaurant at 7770 Dudley Drive in Tylersville Farm (VOA/Uptown). The Firehouse Sub family has more than 200 years of public service as firefighters. www.firehousesubs.com
Fugazzi’s Jewelers relocated its existing West Chester business to 9096 Cox Road at Cincinnati-Columbus Road/SR42. Fugazzi’s specializes in jewelry repair work, custom diamond setting, and it buys gold, silver and platinum. www.fugazzijewelers.blogspot.com
Hunter Development Group, specializing in due diligence, permit expediting, tenant coordination and development services, is now open at 8913 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Olde West Chester. www.hunterdevelopmentgroup.com
What’s New inWest Chester Townshipwww.westchesteroh.org
MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNT
West Chester Veterinary Care LLC8897 Eagle Ridge Court, West Chester
513-942-WCVC
Buy one day of daycare,get one free. Limit two. Please mention this adwhen scheduling.
The Millenials are here! The Millenials are here! These iPod toting, flip flop wearing, texting, socially conscious individuals are beginning to step-into management roles. Is your organization ready?
While they might have the skill set they need to transition into the upper level roles, many are still green and rough around the edges. For example, millenials need authentic and reliable communication as well as group consensus. How will they handle a management position where group consensus is not an option?
To compete in attracting the millenial generation to their workplaces, employers need to be able to articulate a vision and work toward keeping millenials engaged in the organization. Clear direction and frequent follow-up are a must as well as successful completion of tasks and formal recognition and rewards. Millenials must feel like their work is meaningful and contributes to the organizations bottom line.
For more information on how to prepare your organization for the future contact Kendra Wilburn, Leadership Development Director at 513.314.9659 or [email protected].
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to Hughes School we go!Chief Paul Stumpf from the Liberty Township Fire Department and an active member of the Liberty Township Historical Society spent the morning with Impact 21 students at Hughes School. Hughes school was built in 1887 and used for grades 1 - 8 until 1922 when an effort to consolidate school systems began.
Students met up with Township officials mid-morning at the West Chester Township Administration office. Catherine Stoker, West Chester Township Trustee; Dina Minneci, Liberty Township Administrator, and Pamela Quinlisk, Liberty Township Fiscal Officer discussed career paths and addressed questions and concerns students had in regard to upcoming levies and current township issues in roundtable format. Thank you ladies for your time and support!
The afternoon was spent at the West Chester Liberty Police Department, where students saw a canine demonstration, discussed career options within law enforcement and criminal justice, heard about forensic science and toured the booking center and jail cells.
A special thank you to Scotty’s Catering for providing lunch for the day and to the West Chester Administration office for providing use of the facility.
LEADERSHIPUPDATE
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Awards Dinner & GalaPRESENTING SPONSORS
Mercy Hospital FairfieldButler Technology & Career Development Schools
MEDIA PARTNERS
Cincy MagazineWCPO TV-Channel 9
ROSE SPONSOR
UC HealthAWARDS SPONSOR
HORANSOCIAL HOUR SPONSOR
Clark Schaefer HackettPROGRAM SPONSOR
Atrium Medical Center
A special thank you to Jason Kreul and the staff of the Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre for their support of the Women of Excellence event
and the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance
ADDITIONAL EVENT SUPPORTERSAppearance Plus Cleaners
Beaux Mondes Salon & SpaBethart Printing SolutionsBling Culture-Stacy Young
Dean Miuccio Productions, LLCEverybody’s Health
Gems Boutique and MoreJames Wolf Jewelers
Len Kaltman PhotographyMurray Multimedia Resources, LLC
The West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance offers its appreciation to the following companies
for contributing to the success of the 2010
The West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance Board of Directors Announces New Members & Officers for 2011
The West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance congratulates ournew Board Members and Officers for 2011:
NEW MEMBERS:Eric Harmon, President & Publisher Cincy Magazine
Tom Urban, President & CEO Mercy Hospital FairfieldOFFICERS:
Chair: Chris Worrell, Graydon HeadVice-Chair: Karen Mueller, Horan
Secretary: Char Mason, Cincinnati Children’s HospitalMedical Center, Liberty Campus
The board candidates and the slate of officers were voted on by membershipat the November Monthly Member Luncheon. The new board and the slate of officers will
be sworn in at the December Monthly Member Luncheon.
Post Election ForumThe Chamber’s Government Issues Committee presented a Post Election Forum on November 12th. The goal was to educate and inform our committee members on what to expect from our State and Federal Government based on the recent election results. Ryan Day, aide to Congressman John Boehner, and Senator Bill Seitz of Ohio’s 8th District presented their viewpoints on both the federal and state levels respectfully and answered questions on various topics including; small business, health care, worker’s compensation and education. The Chamber’s Government Relations Advocate, George Glover was our moderator. Special thanks to Focused Capitol Solutions for sponsoring this event.
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State Senator Gary CatesState Representative Bill Coley
State Representative Courtney CombsState Representative Tim Derickson
DATE: Friday, December 3, 2010
7:30-8am: Registration & Breakfast Buffet8-9am: Program
WHERE: Forest Hills Country Club791 Fourth Avenue in Middletown
RSVP: The Chamber of Commerce (Middletown/Monroe/Trenton) 513.422.4551 or [email protected]
Butler County Chamber CaucusLegislative Breakfast
Friday, December 3, 2010
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Luncheon Recap
RSVP on our website at www. eChamberAlliance.com or email Marge Wimmer at mwimmer@ eChamberAlliance.com. Luncheons are held the second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Cancel before noon on the Monday before the lunch to avoid being charged.
$27 - for members and employees of member organizations who RSVP by the Friday before each Luncheon
Pay by check, Mastercard, VISA or Discover and avoid the registration line. Special dietary needs will gladly be taken care of by letting us know when you RSVP for the luncheon.
How To RSVP For This Month’s Luncheon
This Month’s LuncheonTuesday, December 14th, 2010Savannah Center11:30am – 1:30pm
Next Month’s LuncheonTuesday, January 11th, 201111:30am – 1:30pm
Join us as we kick off our 2011 luncheons with guest speakers Levon Henry of Federal Reserve Bank and Craig Street of Huntington Bank. This luncheon promises to give you an insider’s look at our economic future and will featurea knowledgeable economic panel. Our emcee will be Rosemary Haddad, Merrill Lynch.
It was a beautiful day for learning and networking at the November Monthly Member Luncheon. Emcee Stephanie Adams of Mount Pleasant Retirement Village reminded us right at the start that November is the month where we honor veterans at our luncheon.
The crowd was updated on West Chester projects, including a new Facebook page as they jump into the social networking forum. We were reminded to mark our calendars for June 11-26, 2011 when West Chester’s own Foxboro subdivision will be the site of Homearama. Additional updates were given on the Beckett Park improvements, completed restoration of the Voice of America Building and the new West Chester fire truck.
Our first speaker was Lori Shutrump, Activity Director with Mount Pleasant Retirement Village and Regional Wish Coordinator with Wish of a Lifetime. Lori began by telling us about Wish of a Lifetime which was created by Jeremy Bloom, former Olympian and professional athlete after he traveled the world and saw how seniors were honored and respected in other countries. When Jeremy returned from his travels he was moved to start an organization to honor his own grandparents and encourage the respect and reverence for seniors here at home. When it was time to grant their first national wish, an impassioned application from Lori Shutrump asking for the foundation to grant the wish of Mount Pleasant Retirement was the first wish granted. In March of 2010, Wish of a Lifetime took residents of Mount Pleasant to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial.
The video of the trip included the big send off party, shots of the memorial and moving interviews with several participating local veterans who recounted inspirational stories of experiences serving our country. Each tried to put into words what visiting the memorial meant to them and it was clear that this was truly the trip of a lifetime. Participant in the trip, June McFeeters, took the podium to speak. Having grown up in a military family as a proud mother of 2 sons who also served our country, June said the trip was a moving experience, a way to remember and an opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones. When asked about her trip, June explained she now had one regret in life and that was that she never enlisted in the army. Wish of Lifetime was able to make this wish come true as well when Senator John McCain bestowed on her an honorary enlistment in the army.
It was clear Wish of a Lifetime makes a lasting impact on the lives of seniors and communities across the country. Through this special organization, the residents of Mount Pleasant have reunited with family, gone skydiving, published children’s books, and more! The November luncheon was not just a moving tribute to our local veterans, but a reminder that, as quoted from the closing of the presentation “Seniors are not in the way, they paved the way.”
To end the luncheon, all veterans present in the audience stood up and gave their name, rank and service. There were few dry eyes as those in attendance gave the vets a rousing standing ovation.
THANK YOU TO TOM KAPER AND TEC SERVICES FOR PROVIDING OUR AUDIOVISUAL NEEDS AT OUR 2010 LUNCHEONS!
www.4tecservice.com
JULIE D. KRAUSEOffi ce Suites PLUS at West Chester513.644.8100www.offi cesuitesplus.com
End the Year With A Bang!
The West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance recognizes times are tough for all businesses. With that in mind, and in the spirit of the season, we are opening up our popular December Luncheon at the Savannah Center by reaching out to all business professionals
on the I-75 Growth Corridor at the member rate of $27! This holiday luncheon will give our members and entire business community an opportunity to network and make those important business contacts.
Our Holiday Luncheon celebration will give Joe Hinson, West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance President and CEO, the opportunity to recognize and thank our 2010 Chamber Committee Chairs as well as our Board officers and members. Plus, enjoy the holiday musical stylings of Rod Nimtz, Miami University VOA Learning Center. And, join us for the tradition of swearing in the new Board of Directors and Officers for 2011. Our emcee will be Doug Dunlap, Living Faith Church.
Thank you to our Luncheon Media Sponsor
(Above) LUNCHEON EMCEE –Stephanie Adams, Mount Pleasant Retirement Village
(Left) LUNCHEON SPEAKERS (left to right): June McFeeters, Lori Shutrump
LUNCHEON SPONSOR – ATRIUM MEDICAL CENTER (left to right): Wendy Parks, Mike Stautberg, Jessica Woodard, LeRoy Reshard, Dr. Mark Williams
(Left) LUNCHEON SPONSOR – EMPLOYERS CHOICE PLUS – James Baker
LUNCHEON SPONSOR – FIRST FINANCIAL BANK - Front row (left to right):Brian Collins, Michele Stoffer, Michael Bailes, Bernita Pridgett, Brenda Frazier.
Back row (left to right): Jason Leyda, Cindy Mustard
(Above Right) LUNCHEON DISPLAY – HALCOMB BENEFITS AGENCY, INC.
– Ronda Halcomb
(Right) LUNCHEON DISPLAY –MOUNT PLEASANT RETIREMENT VILLAGE
(Above Left) LUNCHEON DISPLAY –THE PULSE-JOURNAL (left to right):
Edwina Blackwell Clark, Linda Schneider
NEW MEMBERS – Joe Hinson, Chamber President & CEO (fourth from the left) is pictured with (left to right): Tom McGurn, Romeo’s Pizza; Michael Comperchio, Ultrova Wealth
