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ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
CONNECTING PEOPLE AND POSSIBILITIES IN WEST CHESTER AND LIBERTY TOWNSHIPS AND THE I-75 GROWTH CORRIDOR
JANUARY 2014 VOL. LXIII ISSUE XXVI
2
Cham
ber
Sta
ff &
Ass
oci
ates
EXECUTIVEJoe Hinson, IOM, President & [email protected]
ADMINISTRATION
Kelly Bittlinger, Administrative [email protected]
MiKe PoWell, CPA, Finance [email protected]
SPECIAL EVENTS & MARKETINGKatHy raMBo, Vice President/Special [email protected]
alison Miuccio, Marketing [email protected]
MEMBERSHIPKenni BlacHé, Membership Services Directorand Leadership 21 [email protected]
sHaron Peters, Membership Services Account [email protected]
Karen louder, Membership Services [email protected]
ADVOCACYBoB WiWi, Small Business [email protected]
george glover, Government [email protected]
BUTLER TECHJan Kesselring, Director of Workforce Services& Community Outreach [email protected]
EXECUTIVE BOARDcHair ron roHlFing – UC HEALTH WEST CHESTER HOSPITAL
vice cHair deBoraH BrenneMan – THOMPSOn HInE LLP
secretarty JenniFer Porter – CInCInnATI MARRIOTT nORTH
AT UnIOn CEnTRE
Past cHair Karen Mueller – HORAn
Kristen Bitonte – LIBERTy TOWnSHIP
lee geiger – GRAyDOn HEAD
eric HarMon – CInCy MAGAzInE
Joe Hinson – West Chester • Liberty Chamber aLLianCe
cHar Mason – CInCInnATI CHILDREn’S LIBERTy CAMPUS
Bill Miller – BUTLER TECH
KeitH ricHBurg – FIFTH THIRD BAnk
ricK sHively – LInCOLn FInAnCIAL SECURITIES CORPORATIOn
toM urBan – MERCy HEALTH - FAIRFIELD HOSPITAL
JoHn venturella – CLARk SCHAEFER HACkETT
West chester • liberty chamber alliance2014 sustaining sponsors
as of december 13, 2013
The 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 and Career Development Schools Mercy Health-Fairfield HospitalUC Health West Chester Hospital
goldWest Chester Township
suPer silverKemba Credit Union
silverTaco Bell/Uno’s Chicago Grilll
suPer BronZeCarriage Hill Four Bridges Country ClubMcGill Smith Punshon, Inc. Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine
BronZeAlternative Computer Technology, Inc. Dry Cleaning ShopDuke RealtyNorth Ridge Realty GroupNorth Side Bank & Trust CompanyPNC BANK Park National BankSchumacher Dugan Construction, Inc.SCORE
Fitton center for creative arts introduces 2013-14 season
www.TheChamberAlliance.com
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Mercy Health Fairfield HospitalButler TechUC Health - West Chester Hospital
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FROM THE DESK OFJoe Hinson, IOM
- President & CEO
Fitton center for creative arts introduces 2013-14 season
January 2014 | THE VOICE
West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance Mission stateMentA 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.
tHe laKota levy Passed – noW WHat?Congratulations to our Lakota Local Schools on the passing of their 5.5 mill continuing combination levy in november, which will provide $13.8 million annually in funding. In the last three years alone, Lakota had reduced its annual spending by $20.8 million, while spending per pupil decreased by more than 8 percent and is among the lowest of similar school districts in our region. Their improved fiscal performance , due diligence and strategic marketing and PR helped pass the first increase in property tax rates – after three failed levy’s, since 2005.
As a recap; the Lakota Schools combination levy combines 2.0 mills = $5 million for permanent improvements and 3.5 mills = $8.8 million for operations. The levy will cost $16 per month on each $100,000 of real estate value in the Lakota School District.
Permanent improvement funds are for capital equipment – items with an estimated life of five years or longer, like computer routers, servers, textbooks, heating and cooling equipment, security equipment, roofs, paving, etc. Money generated by a permanent improvement levy cannot be used to fund operating expenses. An operating levy covers almost everything else except permanent improvement areas or debt service. It will support academic programs and the staff needed to keep them going. It will also keep the lights on and the heat and air running. It also will fund transportation for their students and state-mandated programs like the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.
Now that the levy has passed, here’s what Lakota Schools plan to do:
• Upgrade their technology infrastructure so they can modernize their instruction and become more efficient.• Preserve the academic programming they have today.• Offer bus service for grades two through six, if a student lives further than a mile from school.• add more art, music, or physical education for students in grades four to six.• reduce student extracurricular fees to encourage more students to participate.• strengthen school security, both by changes to the buildings and by tripling the number of police officers and sheriff deputies in the schools.• Direct more resources to building maintenance; the community has nearly half a billion dollars invested in 25 large buildings and they need to properly maintain them.
Lakota’s academic performance over the past decade; 11 years of excellence including the last five with distinction, has been outstanding. they have worked diligently to prepare students for their future in a world that is ever changing. Lakota’s goal is to impart to the students the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for the workforce, and make them positive contributors to the business community they will be a part of one day. The passing of their levy should only enhance their initiative.
Voters want to see ROI. It will be important for Lakota Schools to keep the community abreast of how dollars are being spent, what improvements are being made, and send out periodic updates on the overall performance of the schools. now is the time to enhance the relationships that have been made and strategically develop new ones. We’re going to help Lakota schools enhance relationships with our business community so please let us know if your organization would like to help.
Thank you for being a valued member of the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance. Happy New Year to you and your family!
… You can nominate someone for The 2014 Annual Celebration & Awards Dinner on February 28th? Visit TheChamberAlliance.com/annualdinner for all the information on the categories and how
to purchase tickets. If you would like more information, please please contact Kathy Rambo at 513.777.3600 or [email protected].
DidYouKnow?
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� e VOICE is published monthly by the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance, 8922 Beckett Road, West Chester, OH 45069.
telephone: 513.777.3600Fax: 513.777.0188 | www.thechamberalliance.com
Subscriptions are included in the annual dues of each Chamber membership.
PUBLISHER ..................................................................................Joe Hinson
EDITOR ...................................................................................Alison Miuccio
PHOTOGRAPHY ........................................................................... Len kaltman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ................... Ann Farmiga, Lee Geiger, Laura Hoppa, Dr. Karen mantia, Jacklyn mcGlothlin, steve raszka, J. Patrick Venturella.
DESIGNER ................................................................... Cox Media Group Ohio
Postmaster/Address ChangesSend address changes to West Chester ■ Liberty Chamber Alliance,8922 Beckett Road, West Chester, OH 45069.
AdvertisingChamber members can advertise in The VOICE and reach more than1000 leaders in the southeastern Butler County business community.For cost and specifi cs, call Alison Miuccio, 513.777.3600 or [email protected].
SubscriptionsThe VOICE is mailed to Chamber members as a benefi t 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, photos and advertisements for The VOICE must be received at the Chamber offi ce 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.
West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance
THEVOICE
chamber cost cuttersListed Alphabetically by Service
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Stephanie Rousseau, [email protected]
Tom Farrell, [email protected]
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
GROUP HEALTH CARE
Kedrick Fitzgerald, [email protected]
Ronda Halcomb, [email protected]
Matt Appenzeller, [email protected]
MERCHANT SERVICES
Natasha Bryant, [email protected]
OFFICE SUPPLIES
WORKERS COMPENSATION
Brandon Hunter, [email protected]
Your Partner for all your Credit Card Processing needs!
www.TheChamberAlliance.com
annual celebration February 28, 2014Each year the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance hosts its Annual Celebration to honor area individuals and businesses exhibiting excellence in leadership; in the beautifi cation of their workplace; and in community service. The Annual Celebration Team runs the show by organizing the event, marketing it, and serving as hosts! For more information on this team, please contact kathy Rambo at 513.777.3600 or [email protected].
annual celebration February 28, 2014Team of the Month
5January 2014 | THE VOICE
david ludwin Joined Kirsch cPa group as director of Business advisory services
John kirsch, kirsch CPA Group Managing Director commented, “This is an exciting time for kirsch CPA Group. It is a time of change and taking on new challenges. From our ever-expanding work advising clients with new ideas to create significant business value to the development of strategic business solutions through financial and tax data, we are bringing innovation and creativity to the business community. The addition of Dave as the Director of Business Advisory heightens our enthusiasm to make our clients financially strong.”
Dave, who has over 25 years of experience as a business advisor has worked throughout his career creating business solutions that work across a variety of businesses. He was most recently with Easter Seals, where he served as chief financial officer. Dave graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and has over 30 years experience in public accounting and private industry.
For more information, please call: Pete Abner 513-858-6040 or email [email protected].
lynn sumerel joins J.d cloud & co., l.l.P. as staff accountantJ.D. Cloud & Co., L.L.P. is pleased to announce the hiring of Lynn
Sumerel, CPA, CFP as staff accountant. Lynn has a bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology from Denison University and has over five years’ experience in public accounting.
J.D. Cloud & Co., L.L.P., founded in 1913, is the oldest independent certified public accounting firm in Greater Cincinnati and has celebrated 100 years of serving clients in the Tri-State region of Cincinnati,
northern kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. For more information, please contact them at 513.621.1188 or www.jdcloud.com.
Jen Patsy Joins graydon Head’s Butler/Warren office
Jen Patsy has joined Graydon Head’s Butler/Warren Office. As a partner at the firm, Jen practices in areas of corporate and real estate law. She has assisted clients with mergers and acquisitions, entity formation, buy-sell agreements and contract issues, banks in various financing matters, including commercial loans and letter of credit financing, and clients with
commercial leasing transactions.
Jen is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati where she earned her JD and BBA in Accounting. Jen grew up in West Chester, and she and her family currently reside in Mason. For more information, visit www.graydonhead.com.
West chester Hospital names new director of Finance and cFo
karen Shadowens has joined the senior leadership team at West Chester Hospital as director of finance and chief financial officer. She replaces Jeff Drapalik who recently transferred to a UC Health corporate finance position. In her position, Shadowens is responsible for the following hospital departments: finance, admitting & registration, materials management and medical records. Prior to this position, she served as finance director for the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Prior to her tenure at UC Health, Shadowens served as director of financial transactions for Indiana University Health in Indianapolis. She also held the position of vice president and chief financial officer for CMH Regional Health System in Wilmington, Ohio. In addition, she served in several finance positions within the Mercy Health system including regional accounting manager and site finance director for Mercy Clermont & Home Health. Ms. Shadowens holds an MBA in finance from Wright State University and is a certified public accountant (CPA) with licensure in the state of Ohio.
6 www.TheChamberAlliance.com
Wish You Were Here!Wish You Were Here!
Staybridge Suites Cincinnati North West Chester
sPotligHt onFull tHrottle indoor Kartinga kart zooms through the track, hugging the turns and speeding through the straightaways as the driver focuses on his next turn. Joe O’Gorman is explaining the catalytic converters his team devised to limit the emissions from the karts and the custom exhaust system that ensures no harmful fumes linger in the massive indoor track. But, with the whine of engines and the smell of oil and rubber, it’s hard to pay attention. Just watching the kart blur through the course is an adrenaline rush. With karts able to reach speeds of 40 mph, this is not your average go kart experience.
In 2011 friends Joe O’Gorman and Aaron Banfi eld opened the doors to Full Throttle. After successful careers at Cintas and UPS, the two friends decided it was time to open their own business. And the timing couldn’t have been better for Joe. When the doors opened, he accomplished one of his big goals; to be self-employee before his fi ftieth birthday.
As lifelong racing enthusiasts, the idea for Full Throttle came naturally to Joe and Aaron. “The business itself seemed to make sense,” said Joe, “The fi rst time you race on an indoor track you think ‘That’s kind of cool’ and then it just gets in your blood.” And Joe isn’t the only enthusiast at Full Throttle. His son, Tom O’Gorman, went to Germany to compete in the karting World Championships.
Full Throttle isn’t just for professional racers and enthusiasts. With a race about every ten minutes, they offer everything from open races, birthday parties, corporate outings, racing classes and racing leagues. emphasizing fun and safety, the team at Full Throttle builds their racing schedule around the customers making sure similar ages and skill levels race each other.
“Our track is really bringing the racing experience to the general public,” said
Joe, “you don’t have to have any special training, you don’t have to have any special equipment, we have everything you need.”
Full Throttle is located in Springdale near the Tri-County Mall and Dave and Busters. Check out their website www.cincycarting.com for more information on all the racing experiences they provide.
patRick ventuReLLaWest Chester Liberty Chamber aLLianCe [email protected]
sPotligHt on
West Chester Veterinary Care8897 Eagle Ridge Court West Chester
NEXT MONTHFebruary 19 4-6pm
The Web ExtremeWednesday, January 15 from 5-7pm
Join us for a Business After Hours at
Aaron Banfi eld and Joe’o’Gorman
7January 2014 | THE VOICE
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For 75 years we’ve enriched the experiences of our clients, our professionals, and our communities. It’s our mission and the source of our growth along the I-75 corridor. Because we are rooted in the communities we serve, we stay grounded as we grow. And because we are invested in the clients we serve, we’re playing a proud role in the region’s expansion. We believe in smart growth and strong roots for us, our clients, and our communities.
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coMing soon.... a Chamber aLLianCe aPP!
you can fi nd the West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance App in the Apple Store and in Google Place for Droid users.
8
What’s New inLiberty Townshipwww.liberty-township.com
What’s New inLiberty www.liberty-township.com
www.TheChamberAlliance.com
neW Business uPdateLiberty Township looks forward to an exciting 2014 ahead with a number of signifi cant projects in the works and several new business openings on the horizon. For questions or more info about the items below, please talk with one of the Township’s elected offi cials – Christine Matacic, Dave kern, Tom Farrell or Pam Quinlisk – or kristen Bitonte or Caroline Mckinney with the Liberty Township administration team. you can reach us by calling the Township at 513.759.7500 or visiting our web site where contact info can be found at www.liberty-township.com.
Blowdry Bar and Salon has opened a new salon in the retail strip center anchored by Skyline Chili along Cincinnati-Dayton Road. The new salon will feature a blow dry bar focusing on blowouts and dry styling as well the regular services found at salons.
Cincinnati Children’s has begun work preparing their Liberty Campus site for a new Proton Therapy Facility. The new facility will house a proton therapy and research center for the newest technologies in treating children with cancer. In addition, a fourth fl oor will also be added to the existing three-story Liberty Campus structure which will bring the inpatient bed capacity to 40.
Comey & Shepherd is making progress with their new offi ce building along Cincinnati-Dayton Road within the Liberty Falls development. They will move from an existing location in the Township to their newly constructed offi ce building in 2014.
Cozy’s Shabby Chic Café is a new restaurant concept that has been announced by Putter’s Sports Bar & Grill owner Jan Collins. Ms. Collins has plans to open the new restaurant in downtown Bethany across the street from Putter’s. Site work has begun and an opening in 2014 is planned.
Crossfi t Ironside has plans to open a new location along Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Downtown Bethany. CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program with the aim of improving, among other things, muscular strength, cardio-respiratory endurance and fl exibility.
Liberty Center will offi cially break ground in the coming weeks on the 1.1 million square foot, mixed-use development along Liberty Way. The project will open in 2015 with Class A offi ce space, restaurants and retailers, upscale residential and a hotel.
Waffl e House has announced plans to build a new restaurant along Route 4 in Liberty Township.
XGS-IT has announced they will open in the Township’s Liberty Offi ce Park facility next to ITT Technical Center along Hamilton-Mason Road near the corner of Cincinnati Dayton Road.
What’s New inWest Chester Townshipwww.westchesteroh.org
Fire saFety and criMe Prevention PrograMs availaBle to every West cHester BusinessWest Chester’s police and fi re professionals are ready to respond. They respond quickly and professionally to emergency situations any time of the day or night. But few of us consider that these vital public safety resources are also ready to respond to the business community
before a crisis strikes to prepare for and reduce risk of emergencies.
Crime can be prevented and businesses protected with some advance planning, training and awareness, according to West Chester police. The West Chester Police Department’s public affairs unit emphasizes training civilians to be aware of their surroundings and how to react when confronted with potentially dangerous situations.
“The West Chester Police Department works to maintain an open dialogue with businesses in the community about crime trends, how to prevent crime and how to react in an emergency,” said Police Chief Erik niehaus. “Through this interaction we work to educate the business
owners, the employees, as well as the customers.”
West Chester Police can cater programs to the specifi c needs of the business, offering guidance on issues regarding workplace violence, active shooter and emergency preparedness, self-defense training and more.
“We had a fantastic experience working with the West Chester police to design a training exercise to prepare us for an emergency situation,” said Gene zegar, Plant Manager of General Motors West Chester. “They were very professional and cooperative and I would highly recommend that other businesses take advantage of the services they offer.”
General Motors leadership in facilities across the country schedule training exercises on a regular basis to prepare for emergency situations that might occur and Mr. zegar said the support and partnership of the police department enhanced the training exercise.
On a smaller scale, the West Chester Police Department offers Business Security Surveys. A crime prevention offi cer will visit the business and provide a written survey outlining recommendations that will improve the security of the physical business property, as well as topics regarding personnel and operations security issues.
For more information on scheduling training and/or learning more about available programs, call the Fire Department at 513.777.1133, or the Police Department at 513.759.3985. Information is also available at www.WestChesterOH.org.
9January 2014 | THE VOICE
Women of Excellence Class of 2013. Front row from left: Cheryl Brackman, Molly Savage, Betty Terry, Gail Webster, Melissa Flohn. Back row from left: Emily Gilmartin, Ria Davidson, Kim Kuchenbuch, Anna Lendl, Lynda O’Connor.
Presenting Sponsors: Butler Tech represented by Bill Miller (left) and UC Health West Chester Hospital represented by Ron Rohlfi ng (right)
keynote Speaker: Shakila Ahmad (Women of Excellence Class of 2011), Community Activist &
Business Development Manager
Emcee: Janeen Coyle, WGRR
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December Luncheon Recap
www.TheChamberAlliance.com
SPEAKER - Nancy Riesz, Success Catalyst
EMCEE - Carrie Lefker, Wingate by Wyndham
Mother nature elegantly transformed Wetherington Golf & Country Club into a winter wonderland for the December Monthly Luncheon, as the grounds were covered by a six-inch blanket of snow. As Chamber members slowly flowed into the lobby, they were greeted with the joyful sounds of Christmas music coming from a grand piano played by former Chamber Account Executive, Lynn Trau. With the holidays underway, the room was filled with laughter and cheer.
‘Celebration’ was the theme of the luncheon for many reasons! the Chamber acknowledged the newest members of their board of directors who were sworn into office by Judge Kathleen Dobrozsi romans in front of the entire Chamber crowd. Outgoing board members were given a gift for their service to our Chamber and then each Team Chair was presented with a gift for everything they do for the community and the Chamber.
Luncheon emcee, Carrie Lefker from the Wingate had the pleasure of introducing the guest speaker, nancy riesz of success Catalyst, who gave a powerful and engaging presentation on setting and accomplishing goals. The main focuses of her presentation were the four steps to actually accomplishing goals:
1. Be very clear and specific about what you want to accomplish. 2. Create an action plan on how you will get there. If there is no strategy, the goal typically will not be reached. 3. Hold yourself and others accountable. 4. Celebrate when your goal is accomplished.
The first step is very standard in setting goals, but nancy expanded on this saying you should write down your goal and what your celebration will be because if you put it in writing, you are 90% more likely to follow through with it. She also said you not only have to know what your goal is, but why you want to accomplish it. The reasons why we want to accomplish goals are typically driven by strong emotions that we hold very close to us. By writing these reasons down, it helps us stay focused on accomplishing them. Also, nancy mentioned that most people never plan how they will celebrate their successes, which is a key component to keeping ourselves fully engaged.
Overall, nancy’s presentation was extremely engaging and encouraging. As 2013 wraps up and we all celebrate the fruits of our labor, nancy’s message was just what we needed to help kick 2014. Thank you to the West Chester
Liberty Chamber alliance for another wonderful year! your dedication to each member’s individual success and to the success of the entire community has helped us all grow together and have an outstanding year. happy holidays!
Steve RaSzkaINSuRANCE ASSoCIATES
WWW.INSuRANCEASSoCIATES.NET513.424.2481
Chamber Members attending a luncheon for the first time. Pictured with Joe Hinson, President and CEO
(far right) are, from left: Ken Krumpelbeck, Centennial Business Products; Dave Beeman, Cincinnati State Tech & Community College; Mike Phair, Cincinnati Christian
Schools; Christy Eby, MidUSA Credit Union; Richard LaJeunesse, Graydon Head
Rick Shively, Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation and Kristen Bitonte, Liberty Township being sworn in by Judge Kathleen Dobrozsi Romans as new Board
Members for 2014. Joe Hinson also pictured.
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next Month’s luncheonFebruary 11 • 11:30am – 1:30pmWingate by Wyndham7500 Tylers Place Blvd., Liberty Township
In February the Chamber welcomes, Randy Freking, a founder of Freking & betz. randy will speak from his experience about the “ten Deadly Sins” employers commit that make his job easier. Randy has represented five different plaintiffs since 1994 who have received jury verdicts of at least one million dollars in damages. During the same time span, he has been trial counsel for 17 other individual plaintiffs who have received substantial jury verdicts, and he represented a class of 150 former employees in a plant closing case which was settled on a favorable basis. Randy has been included in every edition of “Best Lawyers in America” since 1994, he is an avid Cincinnati Reds fan, and lives in Cincinnati with his wife and four children. The emcee will be Ian Murray of Murray Multimedia Resources, LLC.
this Month’s luncheontuesday, January 14 • 11:30am – 1:30pmFour Bridges country club8300 Four Bridges Drive,Liberty Township
Join us as we kick off our 2014 luncheons with “Chambernomics”! Our speaker will be Julie Heath, Director of the Economics Center at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati. She will speak about the importance of financial literacy starting as early as kindergarten. The emcee will be Rosemary Haddad, Merrill Lynch.
January 2014 | THE VOICE
How to rsvPCall the Chamber at 513.777.3600 or visit TheChamberAlliance.com.Luncheons are held the second Tuesday of each month from 11:30am - 1:30pm. 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
$32 - for members who RSVP after the Friday before the Luncheon
$40 - for non-members
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.
SPONSOR - McGill Smith Punshon. From left: Richard Arnold, Rick Nichols, Dan Frank,Craig Rambo, Joe Castrejon, Andy Osier, Steve
SPONSOR - Kemba Credit Union. From left: Kelly Wellman, Robin Caudell, Joshua Fluharty, Jenni Mardis, Amy Daniels, Michelle Hutchison, Kara Frakes, Trisha Rankin, Kristyn Dix,
Kim Kuchenbuch
Thank you to our outgoing Board Members: Christine Matacic, Liberty Township Trustee and Tom Holding, Lincoln Financial Advisors. Pictured as well is outgoing Board Chair,
Karen Mueller, HORAN.
Congratulations to Lourdes Ward of Reach Out Lakota for 20 years of service to our community! Pictured to her right is Joe Hinson.
DISPLAY - UC Health. From left: Joyce Cowens, Polly Collins, Kamari Green, Laura Gardner
DISPLAY - Murray Multimedia Resources, LLC. Kerry Murray and Ian Murray
2014 Annual Celebration & Awards Dinner Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre Friday, February 28
Please join fellow Chamber members and guests at our 2014 Annual Celebration & Awards Gala where we have the privilege of honoring area organizations and business professionals for their accomplishments of the past year.
This annual event is also designed to give Chamber Alliance members and guests the opportunity to take a look back at 2013 as well as a look ahead to get an appreciation for all that is happening on the I-75 Growth Corridor.
Award Categories:Business Leadership Awards:
• the Carlos todd businessperson of the year award - awarded to a business owner/operator or chief executive demonstrating sound leadership and vision.
• the Jerry bryan Chamber member of the year award - awarded to an individual who demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the quality of the Chamber through participation on a team and by supporting Chamber programs.
• the Chris Worrell emerging Leader award - awarded to a West Chester � Liberty Chamber alliance member who demonstrates dedication to the business community and has exercised outstanding volunteerism in advancing the work of the West Chester � Liberty Chamber alliance.
Beautifi cation Awards:• the Larry schumacher beautifi cation award - awarded to a company that has newly constructed, continuously maintained or improved the interior and/or exterior of their building or structure.
• the David & Katy kern beautifi cation award - awarded to a company that has shown excellence in their business’s landscape design—interior and/or exterior plantings, streetscapes, signage, etc.
Community Service Awards:• the river City Furniture Community support award - awarded to an organization or individual who shows extraordinary support to a non-profi t organization serving southeastern butler County.
• the Dorothy & art roth Citizen of the year award - awarded to an individual for extraordinary community involvement
Tickets are $65 each, $125 per couple and corporate tables of eight are $1,000. Please reserve your tickets by calling the Chamber at 513.777.3600 or visit www.TheChamberAlliance.com/AnnualDinner.
12 www.TheChamberAlliance.com
2013 Recipients
13November 2013 | THE VOICE
Lee Geiger, Partner at Graydon Head’s West Chester office, has maximized his involvement in the I-75 Growth Corridor by investing his time and energy at the West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance. For Lee, “connecting” has proven to be the key to his success.
Lee began his Chamber involvement by participating in the Leadership 21 class of 2008. He maintains that enrolling in this course is the
most important action a Chamber member can take to start off on the right foot. Attending monthly lunches is much less intimidating, he says, when you are walking into a room of familiar faces you’ve met through Leadership.
Today, Lee sits on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and serves as vice chair of the Leadership 21 Alumni Board. Chamber participation has also helped Lee extend his network to organizations throughout the region. Institutions like the Butler County United Way and Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School count themselves lucky to have Lee’s support.
Most importantly, Lee’s network has led him to meet several clients.
Lee says the key to getting the most from membership is regular attendance at Chamber events. And his attendance is impressive. From monthly lunches to major events, many people in West Chester and Liberty Townships look forward to connecting with Lee.
Lee suggests that everyone can get the most out of event participation by arriving with an objective. His standard goal is to meet one new person at each occasion. After seven years of this effort, he’s got more than just familiar faces to look forward too; Lee has easily established a room full of friends.
Connecting the Dots
LauRa HoppaCLARK SCHAEfER HACKETT
That’s Money Honey
It appears not even the rich and famous are immune from Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) claims. Merely two weeks before trial was to begin, Stefani
Germanotta aka “Lady Gaga” and her former personal assistant Jennifer O’neill settled an FLSA claim where O’neill claimed the performer owed her unpaid overtime to the tune of $380,000. O’neill said she was required to work around the clock while Gaga was on tour. According to the court filing, O’neill’s job duties included, “ordering meals, ensuring the availability of chosen outfits, ensuring the promptness of a towel following a shower, and serving as a personal alarm clock.” In her deposition, Gaga disagreed, calling O’neill a “hood rat who is suing me for money that she didn’t earn.” So much for her Poker Face.
Under the FLSA, employees are entitled to overtime unless they fall within a specific overtime exemption. Because the exemptions are narrowly defined, misclassifying employees can be a problem for employers. Review your pay practices and policies. Certain employees may be exempt, but they’re not necessarily Born That Way. If you believe an employee is exempt, be sure to carefully document and clarify that employee’s expected job duties, and implement a system to review both the employee’s expected duties and the work the employee actually performs on a regular basis.
JackLyn McGLotHLin & Lee GeiGeR
GRAYdoN HEAd513.621.6464
14
I am very grateful for the support from the community that resulted in the passage of the recent school levy. I especially appreciate our fellow Chamber members who supported the levy.
The largest impact in our classrooms will be in our technology upgrade. Building an instructional technology infrastructure will allow us to modernize courses and ensure that we’re preparing students for their futures. It will also, in the long run, reduce costs. Teachers will be facilitators, guiding self-directed students who take responsibility for their own learning. Teachers will provide different levels of support to meet the needs of all students, understanding where the student is and where he or she needs to be. It’s very different from the kind of school most of us went to, but technology has changed the schoolhouse just as it’s changed the workplace. Our curriculum director and our technology director are already spending a great deal of time in each other’s offices as we plan to implement this multi-year program.
Regarding security, we are already working with the West Chester Township Police Department and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office on the increased number of law enforcement officers in the schools. Since we are tripling the number of officers, it involves a lot of
personnel and budget coordination. We’ve also begun the planning the physical changes to school buildings that will make them safer.
Our target date for expanded bus service is approximately February. That’s when we’ll begin busing an additional 2,200 students who are in grades 2 through 6 and live farther than a mile from school. It will take until then because more drivers need to be hired and
trained, and an already complex route system needs to be modified.
The additional day of art, music and P.E. for grades 4-6, in addition to the 7-period day for ninth-graders, will require hiring teachers and reworking class schedules. Both will begin next school year.
The fee reductions for extra-curriculars will help reverse the steep drop we’ve seen in the number of students participating in them.
Thank you again for your support.
Update on Lakota Local Schools
dR. kaRen Mantia, SupeRintendentLakota Local Schools
www.TheChamberAlliance.com
Kathy Rambo, Vice President – Special EventsEvery year, kathy Rambo delivers over 70 events including: Women of excellence; the everest awards; regional business Expo and The Annual Celebration & Awards Dinner. Most people know kathy as one of the region’s best event planners, what they may not know is that she is a Protocol Officer and a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant certified by the Protocol School of Washington. Kathy is an adept organizer
who uses her creative talents to ensure that Chamber events are executed with style. Every event is held in a venue that provides Chamber members with a setting in which they can enjoy themselves while networking.
In addition to her work at the Chamber, kathy supports numerous charitable organizations. she serves on the executive board of Cincinnati Union bethel; the advisory committee for the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty; the UC health Women’s Center advisory committee; the Cincinnati may Festival board of trustees;
the steering Committee for the athena awards; and the butler County United Way Women’s Leadership Council.
Why the Chamber? kathy started working at the Chamber fifteen years ago after raising her daughter. she soon realized that our region was on the precipice of enormous growth and that the Chamber had a major role to play. As a “people person” by nature, kathy also loves bringing people together to foster the collaborative and creative process that is integral to event planning.
kathy grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and then went on to the University of Cincinnati, Conservatory of Music, where she graduated with a degree in sacred music. She is a gifted organist and now substitutes at area churches in need of help.
Even with a busy career kathy puts her family first. She is not only a wife and mother; she is a grandmother to four adorable grandchildren that are her pride and joy.
ann FaRMiGaWest Chester Liberty Chamber aLLianCe [email protected]
Working For You This article is part of a series introducing your West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance staff. It provides a little on their
background and what they do to benefit our members.
15January 2014 | THE VOICE
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16 www.TheChamberAlliance.com
Sixty-Second ConnectTuesday, January 28
12-1pmJoin Chamber members once a month to connect in sixty-seconds! this one-hour program helps members build lasting business relationships and share valuable business information with other members. Sixty-Second Connect consists of a self-introduction by each attendee, two five-minute sponsor presentations, door
prizes and lunch from LaRosa’s.
Membership is required for attendance. Bring lots of business cards and be prepared to talk about you and your business in sixty-seconds. This is another way our Chamber “Connects people & possibilities.”
Friday, January 108-9:30am
“Imagine and Achieve Your Best Life”
Women for Women (W4W) is the West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance group that brings women together for networking and discussions that address today’s
pertinent topics. W4W focuses on Work, Wealth, Wholeness, Wisdom & Wellness.
In January, Ann Bobonick of Wellness Journey Coaching will present “Imagine
and achieve your best Life!” the cost is $10 and reservations can be made on our website: www.
TheChamberAlliance.com or by calling 513.777.3600. Thank you to Walmart for providing breakfast!
17January 2014 | THE VOICE
SHARON PETERS
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sharon is one of your fi rst points of contact when you join the West Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance. Plus, she is a great resource for getting involved. In her role, Sharon provides insight into how the Chamber can benefi t both current and prospective members.
the alumni Board of directors of leadership 21 continues the work that participants began in leadership 21!
Leadership 21 is a Chamber Alliance program designed to improve the quantity, quality and effectiveness of leadership along the I-75 Growth Corridor and within the communities of West Chester and Liberty Townships. Area leaders are selected, through an application process, to participate in a program of community education and leadership training. Leadership 21 calls upon business owners and managers, government and school leaders and citizen volunteers to study in-depth, various aspects of our region.
It’s time to start thinking about being part of the 14th class of Leadership 21! this class will begin in september 2014 and run through May 2015. The 9 month, full-day sessions allow participants to explore issues such as education, history, government, criminal justice, communications and economic development, just to name a few. An entire day is spent on each topic and includes visits to key locations such as the county jail, local police department, schools, food pantries, hospitals and other businesses to give a clear picture of the community in which they live and do business.
For more information or an application, please contact Kenni Blache, Leadership 21 Facilitator at 513.777.3600 or [email protected].
events to look
forward to this year
Annual CelebrationFebruary 28
Regional Business ExpoMay 13
� e Everest AwardAugust
Golf ClassicSeptember 15
Women of ExcellenceNovember 21
18 www.TheChamberAlliance.com
Ribbon Cuttings and Ground Breakings
Bajon salon9069 Cincinnati-Dayton Road
West Chester, Ohio 45069513.874.9999
Springtime brings the promise of new location for Bajon Salon, a welcome addition to Old West Chester. The new location will continue to staff professional hair stylists and designers and offer a full range of hair and spa services. Mark and karen Welch (center) celebrate the ground breaking with the Chamber Ambassadors.
Heits Building services, inc.52 East Crescentville RoadWest Chester, OH 45246
513.371.5295HEITS Building Services is a leader in professional commercial cleaning. Joe Okum and his brother Rob (center), promise that their clients receive only the best, most professional attention and work hard to make sure customers are always satisfied with their work. They celebrated their new West Chester location with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
combs Family eyecare, llc4883 Princeton Road
Liberty Township, OH 45011513.267.1928
Liberty Township is excited to welcome back Dr. Eric Combs and Dr. Alicia Combs. The Bishop Fenwick graduates earned their degrees in optometry and came back home to open Combs Family Eyecare, where they will practice a full scope optometry. Liberty Township officials and Chamber Ambassadors were on hand to celebrate their new location and to welcome them home.
dentistry details8919 Brookside Avenue, Suite 102
West Chester, OH 45069513.847.4692
Dr April Hearns (center) surrounded here by family, friends, Chamber Alliance Staff and Ambassadors, plus State Representative Margaret Conditt (second from left), celebrated the grand opening of her dental offices in old West Chester. Dr Hearns specializes in the details! the keys to optimal dental care are providing preventive care and education.
taco Bell7757 Tylersville Road
West Chester, OH 45069Becky and Todd Wilbur (center) celebrated the re-grand opening of their remodeled Taco Bell on Tylersville Road. This location has been a destination for good Mexican food in West Chester for many years. The remodeling was designed to keep the appearance of the store “fresh”. The Chamber Ambassadors joined in the celebration.
let the West chester liberty chamber alliance help you celebrate.
The Chamber would be delighted to help your business celebrate with a Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting or Groundbreaking Ceremony. your business must meet the following criteria:• Opened its doors in the last 12 months• Changed ownership or under new management• moved to a new location• has been remodeled or expanded at its present location The $75.00 Fee only applies to non-Chamber members
Having a grand opening, ribbon cutting or groundbreaking ceremony?
New Members
Renewing Members
Barking Squirrel MediaDavid Bray 8183 Long Meadow DriveWest Chester OH 45069513-307-3524Multimedia Services, Video Production
Cincinnati Christian SchoolsTerry Diefenbacher7474 Morris RoadFairfield OH 45011513-892-8500Educational - Schools, Colleges
Edgewood City School DistrictDoug Lantz3440 Busenbark Road Trenton OH 45067513-863-4692Educational - Schools, Colleges
Reliable Construction HeatersPatrick Wright9652 B Inter-Ocean DriveCincinnati OH 45246800-453-2653Construction - Commercial
Salem PharmacyChristina Debell1100 Salem AvenueDayton OH 45406937-276-2173Pharmacy
Able Tool CorporationSara Pressler617 n Wayne AveCincinnati OH 45215513-733-8989Manufacturing - Machine Shop
American Tickets, LLCJohn newcomb6981 kyles Station Road Liberty Twp OH 45044513-847-1453Ticket Broker - Sporting Event/Concert
Beckett Springs HospitalDavid Polunas8614 Shepherd Farm DriveWest Chester OH 45069513-942-9500Health Services & Products
Berger Transfer & StorageRandy Underwood9770 Inter Ocean DriveCincinnati OH 45246513-874-4800Moving & Storage
BestWorkCarla Messer4839 Willow Ridge Drive Liberty Township OH 45011513-310-5707Consulting - Business & Management
Bishop Fenwick High Schoolandrew barczak4855 State Route 122Franklin OH 45005513-423-0723Educational - Schools, Colleges
Boy Scouts of America: Dan Beard CounciMaria Rolling10078 Reading RoadCincinnati OH 45241513-961-2336service Organization - Charitable
Bush-Re-Shea Insurance AgencyCarey Bush536 W Loveland AveLoveland OH 45140513-683-0777Insurance - Agencies
Car king Auto CenterRick Back9242 Cincinnati-Columbus RoadCincinnati OH 45241513-779-9199Automotive - Repairs/Service
DiaPharma GroupAmy Langford8948 Beckett RoadWest Chester OH 45069513-860-9324Medical - Supplies/Manufacturer
Diers OrthodonticsEileen Beyer 7218 Towne Centre DriveWest Chester OH 45069513-777-9040Medical - Dentist, Orthodontist
Graydon HeadLee Geiger7759 University Drive, Ste. AWest Chester OH 45069513-629-2830Attorneys
Guardian Savings BankSteve Wilhite6100 West Chester RoadWest Chester OH 45069513-942-3500Mortgage Loans, Bankers, Brokers
Holiday Inn ExpressPatrice BenderPO Box 13238567 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd West Chester OH 45069513-755-3900Hotels/Motels
Huff RealtyTim Schlosser6192 Muhlhauser Road West Chester OH 45069513-674-5600Real Estate - Residential & Commercial
Massage Envy Spa West ChesterTheresa Holderread7639 Voice of America Centre DriveWest Chester OH 45069513-779-7444Massage & Other Therapies
McGill Smith Punshon, Inc.Craig Rambo3700 Park 42 Drive, Suite 190 BCincinnati OH 45241513-759-3225Architects
Mercy Health Fairfield HospitalGreg Ossmann3000 Mack RoadFairfield OH 45014513-603-8850Medical - Hospitals
Merge Social MediaBrad Warm6248 Amberley CourtLiberty Township OH 45044513-703-5636Social Media Services
Messina StaffingRanee Messina11811 Mason Montgomery RoadCincinnati OH 45249513-774-9083Employment - Agencies, Recruiting
Mueller Funeral HomeJack Mueller 6791 Tylersville RoadMason OH 45040513-398-9100Funeral Homes & Memorial Parks
Painting With A TwistCheree Gallant6196 Tylersville Road Mason OH 45040513-304-2244Art as Entertainment
Peak 10Dan Doerflein5307 Muhlhauser RoadWest Chester OH 45011513-645-2910Computer - Hosting
Reach Out Lakota, Inc.Lourdes WardP.O. Box 362West Chester OH 45071513-779-7515service Organization - social services
Sears Home Appliance ShowroomDan Hinkel7554 Voice of America Centre DriveWest Chester OH 45069513-755-0935Retail
Sherpa CoachingBrenda CorbettPO Box 417240Cincinnati OH 45241513-505-6046Consulting - Coaching
The Dry Cleaning Shopketan Pema8262 Princeton-Glendale RoadWest Chester OH 45069513-870-0050Dry Cleaners, Laundromats
Time Warner Cable Business ClassPam McDonald11252 Cornell Park DriveCincinnati OH 45242513-489-5000Communications - Telecommunications
Wetherington Golf & Country ClubDana Cimorell7337 Country Club Lane West Chester OH 45069513-755-2582Country Club
Wing Eyecare, Inc.Dr. Jeff Hartman7334 yankee RoadLiberty Township OH 45044513-759-9464medical - Optometrist, Ophthamalogist, Optical Lab
Wingate by Wyndham & Meridian Conference Center TBA7500 Tylers Place BoulevardWest Chester OH 45069513-777-1101Hotel & Conference Center
23January 2014 | THE VOICE 19
Xtreme Coating Solutions,LLCDustin Wuchterl9462 Brownsboro Road #122Crestwood ky 40241502-265-3088Construction - Remodeling & Restoration
PRESORTEDSTANDARD
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CINCINNATI, OHPERMIT #5400
8922 Beckett RoadWest Chester, Ohio 45069ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Friday, January 10Women4Women, 8-9:30amKemba Credit Union, West Chester
Tuesday, January 14 Monthly Member Luncheon, 11:30-1:30pmFour Bridges Country Club
Tuesday, January 15Business After Hours, 5-7pmWest Chester Veterinary Care
Tuesday, January 28 Sixty-Second Connect, 12-1pmThe Chamber Alliance Office
This Space Available!Want to get your business NOTICED?Advertise on the exclusive Back Cover of The VOICEFor more information, please contact Alison Miuccio at 513.777.3600
