Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
APRIL 2013
Chamber Chat
Chamber Business/Entrepreneur of the Month: Global Organic Alliance, Inc.
The Logan County Area Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize Global Organic
Alliance, Inc. as April’s Business/Entrepreneur of the Month.
Global Organic Alliance (GOA) was established in 1997 by Betty Kananen. Betty
purchased the farm in 1984, and moved here in 1987, with the intention of starting an
organic dairy farm. During this time she became involved in the organic certification
process, which precludes being certified. GOA provides organic certification and
inspection services to entities who want to be certified to the USDA National Organic
Program, the Canadian Standards, and the Japanese Standards.
In 2000 GOA attained ISO 65 accreditation and in 2001, the USDA federal standards for
organic certification came into effect, at which time GOA because accredited to provide
organic certification services to the National Organic Program. In 2007, GOA was
accredited by the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) to certify
operations in the US and Canada to the Japanese Agriculture Standard. GOA was the first
certification agency in the U.S. to be granted accreditation to certify for the Japanese Ministry and has maintained ISO 65
accreditation for the past 13 years.
Then in 2010, GOA was accredited by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to certify operations in Canada to the
Canada Organic Regime. In 1997 they had 4 certified member/clients and today, they have grown to 925 operations.
When asked to describe an interesting fact about their business Betty stated “Few people are aware exactly what is involved
to be able to label products as organic. There is a myriad of paperwork, an on-site inspection by qualified inspectors, and
an in-depth review that must be undergone prior to receiving an organic certificate. The process is based on each entities
production practices, specific inputs and compliance with the organic standards. Testing is not a part of the annual
practice but only a tool used at random by certification agents for confirmation of compliance with the standards. We
welcome visitors to the office (located on the farm) to really see what organic certification actually entails, or a phone call
requesting an Information Packet, There is no cost. “
GOA is about personally answering the phone and providing timely, efficient service to their operators first. They do not
advertise buy enjoy significant annual growth. “Farmers are first”, states Betty.
For more information about GOA, visit www.goa-online.org or call 937-593-1232, office hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Save the Dates:
Business After Hours
Tree Links Golf Course, April 18th, 2013, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Bellefontaine Entrepreneurial Center, May 16th, 2013, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Benefits of joining your local Chamber….Credibility…
Being a part of a community partnership that has 70 years of history in Logan County shows
consumers you are committed, reputable business who cares about its customers and community.
PAGE 2 CHAMBER CHAT
Free financial seminar held at Bellefontaine High School
The Logan County Area Chamber of Commerce recently held the First Annual Free Financial Seminar at Bellefontaine
High School.
The Chamber partnered with businesses throughout the county to offer the program. Katterhenry Investment Group
Associate Financial Advisor Darrin Haubert saw a need to bring this event to Logan County. Haubert’s wife, Katie
Rychener, teaches a financial literacy class at Bellefontaine High School. They both saw the need for education in financial
planning, options with investments, and to get someone to and through retirement.
The event offered nine financial topics that were divided into two one-hour class sessions. The topics included retirement
planning/401k rollovers, long term care, legacy/funeral planning, identity theft, elder law, credit score info, college savings
plans, budgeting, and Medicare/Affordable Healthcare Act.
We would like to thank all of the businesses that offered classes: AlerStallings, Katterhenry Investment Group—Wells
Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Green Hills Community, Eichholtz, Daring & Sanford Funeral Homes, Citizens
Federal Savings & Loan Association, Liberty National Bank, Edward Jones, Huntington Bank, and Alan Galvez Insurance.
3 Examiner staff members up for OAPME awards
Three Bellefontaine Examiner staff members were named as finalists in the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors’ 2012
newspaper competition recently.
Editor Miriam Baier and staff writer Nate Smith are each up for one award, while sports editor Matt Hammond is a finalist
in two categories.
Baier, who has been with the paper for over 30 years, was honored for her piece titled “Battered, but not broken,” which
told the story of her personal battle against breast cancer. She is one of three finalists in the Best Community Service
Category. Her article ran in conjunction with the Logan County Relay for Life, which she served as a co-honorary
chairman.
Smith has been at the Examiner since late 2010. This is his first nomination for an AP award. He is a finalist for Best
Columnist. Among his entries were “Keep the door open while discussing public business” about county officials going
into executive session during a public meeting in the wake of the damaged Logan County Courthouse, and “County’s best
interest should be first in auditor pick,” about the selection of a new Logan County Auditor.
Hammond, who has been with the Examiner for 15 years, was recognized as a finalist in the Best Sports Writer and Best
Sports Feature Writer categories. One of his entries for Best Sports Feature Writer included a story on the bond between
former Ridgemont High School basketball standout Davante Ratleff and his great-grandmother Marjorie Bayliss.
His entries for Best Sports Write included a column on the Penn State abuse scandal and an Ohio State football game
story. He has been honored by the AP for the past four years and has received six previous individual writing awards.
Logan County Convention & Tourist Bureau Annual Meeting
April 16th, 8:00am at Marmon Valley Farm
Full Breakfast Served
Guest Speaker: Melinda Huntley, Executive Director Ohio Travel Association
RSVP to [email protected] or 937-599-5121
PAGE 3 CHAMBER CHAT
Welcome New Welcome New Welcome New
MembersMembersMembers
March 2013March 2013March 2013
The Band Aid Shop
123 W Columbus Ave—
Bellefontaine
Contact: Bill Barrett
(937)592-8741
Northern Floral
Center—Kroger
6893 CR 14—West Liberty
Contact: Tom Tomson
(937)465-8010
Hi Point Legal Nurse
Consulting, LLC
Contact: Janet Lowery-
Huchinson
(937) 441-7547
Top of Ohio Patriots
816 North Main—
Bellefontaine
Contact: Deb Baker
(937) 844-3366
SAVE THE DATE
JUNE 20, 2013 LOGAN COUNTY SAFETY
FAIR
Interested in participating?
For more information
Email: [email protected]
We are currently seeking individuals
and/or businesses interested in
volunteering to help re-establish the
Leadership Logan County program.
Please contact the Chamber
(937) 599-5121
Seeking
Volunteers
Contact the Chamber & get
more involved in your
community today
PAGE 4 CHAMBER CHAT
Historical Society honors volunteers and makes Hall of Fame inductions
The Logan County Historical Society conducted its annual volunteer appreciation dinner at Chattan Loch on March 21st.
The historical society uses the event to honor volunteers who give 20 hours or more service over the past year.
The volunteers can serve as tour guides and committee members.
This year 39 volunteers were recognized for their time and eight were recognized for having over 80 hours of service:
Pat Swanson (305 hours), Karen Beasley (300 hours), Elaine DeMarsh (254 hours), David Wagner (250 hours), Ray Stamm
(200 hours), Judy Snyder (108 hours), Pat Ortli (105 hours) and Jean Leininger (88 hours).
In addition, the historical society inducted two people into its hall of fame. Oswald (O.K.) Reames and David Wagner
were honored.
Reames was from Zanesfield and was the founder of the Lgoan County Historical Society during the 1930s. He was a local
historian who wrote historical pageants, books, and newspaper articles. The historical society still uses his books and
articles for research.
Wagner was chairman of the board when the historical society purchased the current museum. He has also been board
president, a board member, and a volunteer since 1988.
Other honored volunteers in attendance included Jim DeLong, Tim McPherson, Bonnie Hansen, Pat Dorsey, Pat Allen,
Marilyn Guthrie, Dwight Hansen, Dorothy Notestine, Bob Notestine, Charlie Patrick. Bill McCormick, Jam VanNess,
Carole Wagner, Nancy Ledley, and Doug Chamberlian.
Host Families Needed for Suzuka-Bellefontaine Student Exchange
The International Friendship Center is currently looking for host families for the Suzuka-Bellefontaine Student Exchange
Program August 8-12th, 2013.
Hosting means a commitment from the family to profide a safe place for a guest to sleep, eat, and transportation to and
from the events until Monday. Friday they will spend all day with the International Friendship Center touring Logan
County. Saturday they will spend the entire day with the host family and Sunday there is a Host Family celebration, pizza
party at noon.
If you are willing to open your home and hour heart, please contact Vicci Elder at the International Friendship Center
(937-651-3032 or [email protected]) to be considered. This is a wonderful cultural experience. Some of the families
who have hosted in the past, reported the experience as “life changing” for their teenager.
Liberty Hills hires new Head Golf Professional
As Head Golf Professional at Liberty Hill, Chuck Graber will be focused on player development. In addition to assisting
with day-to-day golf operations, he will be available for individual and group lessons.
Chuck returns home to Logan County after establishing his career at the Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia where he
eventually served as Head Golf Professional at The Lower Cascades Golf Course, one of the three golf courses at The
Homestead. Prior to his time in Virginia, Chuck was the Outside Operations Supervisor at TPC Prestancia in Sarasota,
Florida.
As a player, Chuck’s golfing career began in Logan County. He was a four-year letterman on the golf team at West Liberty-
Salem that finished as State Runner Up in 1987 & 1988. He played four years at Goshen College in Indiana while earning a
degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies. When he’s not on the course, Chuck enjoys hunting, walking in
the woods with his dog Logan, and helping others.
Please join us in welcoming Chuck back to Logan County!
PAGE 5 CHAMBER CHAT
BHS DECA places in five events at state competition
Several Bellefontaine High School students performed well at the Ohio DECA Career Development Competition in
Columbus. The Chiefs had a total of 26 students qualify for the competition with nine placing in the Top 10 in the state in
their respective events.
The team of seniors Brandon Gasper and Tyler Roberts finished 4th overall and qualified to attend the DECA International
Career Development Conference on April 24th-17th in Anaheim, California, for Financial Literacy Promotion—THRIVE
Financially.
Team of seniors Patrick Tarasiewicz, Josh Haisley, ahd Dyllan Laber finished 7th overall in Creative Marketing for Buy
Local Logan County.
The team of seniors Dhaile Ballesteros and Josh Neighoff finished 8th overall in Entrepreneurship Promotion—Find the
Sloan in YOU.
Junior Kelsie Blair placed 9th overall in Principles of Marketing and Junior Jessica Miller finished 9th overall in Apparel and
Accessories Marketing.
Bellefontaine High School DECA is an association of students preparing for careers in Marketing, Finance, Hospitality, and
Management.
PAGE 6 CHAMBER CHAT
Bellefontaine, Ben Logan music groups
qualify for state
Musical groups from two local schools earned top ratings
during a band and choir contest at Bellefontaine High School
and qualified for state competition.
Ben Logan Chorale, under the direction of Christy Fout, and
the Bellefontaine symphonic and concert bands, directed by
Joe Antram, earned superior ratings and qualified for state
competition.
A combined 60 bands and choirs from all over west central
Ohio participated in the Ohio Music Education association
District 11 event.
State performances are Saturday, April 27.
BMS Art to be displayed in Columbus
Several Bellefontaine Middle School students are being
represented in three different art exhibits in Columbus this
month. The artwork was selected for these exhibits from
student work submitted all over the state by art teachers
who are members of the Ohio Art Education Association.
Niya Yemsvat was chosen as one of 124 exhibitors in the
33rd Young People’s Art Exhibition held at the Rhodes
State Office Tower.
Adam Smith has work accepted in the Youth Art Month
Exhibition held at the State Teachers’ Retirement System
Building.
Three other students are being honored with their art
hanging in the main branch Columbus Public Library.
These students are Major Stratton, Beigh Wilson, and Zach
Kerns.
2 BMS teams receive outstanding awards at Junior OMUN
Bellefontaine Middle School’s Team Japan and Team Nigeria took home the top two Outstanding Nation awards at the
Junior Ohio Model United Nations competition in Columbus.
This award is presented based on their performance in the various categories, including costume, resolutions, raise funds for
I-Open, debate in council sessions and General Assembly, and have student candidates running for office.
Team Japan includes Jacob Childs, Eric LaRoche, Min Lin, Griffin Mason, Peyton Neeld, Marshall Verbsky and Zach
Yoesting. Members of Team Nigeria are Dylan Christman, Abby Godwin, Emily Kirby, Nick Kurtz, Owen O’Connor,
Boris Pattison, Zoe Price and Peyton Robbins.
Team Japan also received the top Talent Award.
A total of seven BMS teams participated in the competition with 147 other teams from around Ohio.
Individual awards went to Boris Pattison and Kaitey Chervenak who were named Outstanding Delegates and Violet
Marting who received a Leadership Award. Jacob Childs was named a runnerup in the Current Events Contest. All of the
students received the I-Open award for raising over $600 to go to a school in Nigeria to purchase computers.
Several students were also elected as leasers for next year’s Junior OMNU competition—Borris Pattison will be the General
Assembly president, the highest office, and Violet Martin will be a council president. Peyton Robbins, Jack Stolly, Marchall
Verbsky and Spencer Whetsel will be vice presidents.
PAGE 7 CHAMBER CHAT
Human Resource Group Meets
Tuesday April 10th, 2013
@ Tech Center—Ohio Hi-Point Career Center
7:30—9:30 am
Guest Speaker: Robin Elston, Elston Consulting
"Working with a Multi-Generational Workforce"
RSVP by Registering Online:
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5604007738#
If interested in learning more about the HR group; contact the Chamber (937) 599-5121 (or)
Email: [email protected]
Thank You
For those who took the time to complete the recent Human Resource Group Survey!
Your participation is greatly appreciated!
Logan County Area Safety Council
Thursday April 18, 2013 7:30 am
Tech Center @ Ohio Hi-Point Career Center
2280 SR 540 - Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
Guest Speaker: Deputy Chuck Mulligan, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office
“ALiCE” Program Presentation
(Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evade)
Logan County Legislative Meets
Tuesday April 9, 2013 - Chamber office
Guest Speaker:
US Congressman Jim Jordan ( or)
Deputy District Director, Cameron Warner
PAGE 8 CHAMBER CHAT
PAGE 9 CHAMBER CHAT
PAGE 10 CHAMBER CHAT
PAGE 11 CHAMBER CHAT
PAGE 12 CHAMBER CHAT
PAGE 13 CHAMBER CHAT
PAGE 14 CHAMBER CHAT
100 S. Main St.
Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Phone: 937.599.5121
Fax: 937.599.2411
E-mail: [email protected]
STAFF
Paul Benedetti
President/CEO
Sue Stanford
Administrative Support/Volunteer Coordinator
Nicole Cotterman Daniels
Convention & Tourist Bureau Director
Logan County Area Chamber of Commerce
Serving Logan County for over 71 years
WWW .LOGANCOUNTYOHIO .C OM
For a complete community calendar visit:
http://business.logancountyohio.com/events
Or download the My Chamber App on your
smartphone for event listings, business listings
by category, and hot deal listings.
