North Coast Business Journal | July 2014

Focus on Milan and WillardINSIDE

THIS MONTH

CHAMBER

CALENDARS ....... 8

HR: WC Claims

on the Rise .......... 9

SALES:

If Price

is the

Problem… ......... 11

ESTATE:

Planning for

Incapacity......... 12

INSURANCE:

Data Breach

Costs ............... 15

TAXES:

Home Office

Deductions ....... 18

LEGAL:

IRA Basics ........ 22

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Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc.JULY 2014 Vol. 20 No. 7

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

POSTMASTER: TIMELY MATERIAL. PLEASE EXPEDITE.

Celebrating19 Years of Service

We’re a proud member of the following:Bellevue Area Chamber

of Commerce

Chamber of Commerceof Sandusky County

Elmore Chamberof Commerce

Erie County Chamber of Commerce

Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce

Genoa Chamberof Commerce

Huron Chamber of Commerce

Huron County Chamber of Commerce

Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Milan Chamberof Commerce

Oak Harbor AreaChamber of Commerce

Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce

Put-in-Bay Chamberof Commerce

Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce

Vermilion Chamberof Commerce

Willard Area Chamberof Commerce

The Village of Milan was platted in 1816 and recorded in 1817 by Ebenezer Merry. Originally, the Village was given the name of “Beatty” in honor of John Beatty, from whom the land was purchased. Our Village was partially laid out on the site of a Moravian Christian Indian Settlement called Pettquotting. The name of Beatty was changed to Milan in approximately 1820, with the name of “Phoenix” being the second choice, as the land was part of the Firelands. The Village of Milan was incorporated in the State of Ohio on February 23, 1833.

Milan is nestled along the Huron River in north central Ohio. In 1824, a survey was taken for the possibility of establishing a canal to link our village to the navigable waters of the river. Three miles upstream, at Franklin Flats, the Huron River became too shallow and too narrow to negotiate a typical lake vessel through. The Milan Canal Company was granted a charter by the State of Ohio. The Canal was three miles long, forty feet wide, and averaged a depth of seven to eight feet. The hand-dug

State of Village Address, Village of Milan – 2014

“It is no secret that Willard has been blessed with quality companies and industries like CSX, MTD, Pepperidge Farm, and RR Donnelley. These companies have continued to grow, spent millions of dollars expanding, and have generously given and are committed to the City of Willard and its residents. The Willard Area Economic Development Corporation (WAEDC), Willard Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Willard, and our industries and businesses see the need to focus on “quality of life” factors to enhance our community. This focus will ultimately make Willard a better community and will serve as a way to bring visitors in to help the local economy. Willard’s history will serve as part of the two quality of life projects currently being pursued with more to come.”

Project 1:Before 1874, Willard was undeveloped and mostly farmland.

The Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad was looking to expand their rail lines because they wanted a connecting point to

intersect with their other rail lines. The city at this intersection became known as Chicago, Ohio because the rail line ran to Chicago, Illinois. Several land owners including William Motson saw the prospect of a town and started to develop town plats. Chicago, Ohio was a boom town with passenger trains and freight continuously moving through the community. In 1912 the town changed to Chicago Junction, Ohio to help with the confusion of Chicago, Illinois. In 1917 the town changed again to Willard, Ohio in honor of the then current B&O railroad president Mr. Daniel Willard. (Thanks to Willard Area Historical Society and Donald Shrader for the historical information).

Fast-forward to 2014: CSX is now owner of the former B&O rail lines and boasts over 80 trains a day that goes through the City of Willard. Therefore, how can we share these trains with others

Welcome to Willard

See MILAN, Page 2

See WILLARD, Page 3

2 July2014 North Coast Business Journal www.ncbj.net

canal was completed in 1839, six years after the Milan Canal Company entered into contract. There were thirteen warehouses on the southern edge of the basin and ship yards on the northern edge. The canal allowed for a boom in business and population. For a period of time, the Village of Milan was the second largest grain importer and exporter for an inbound body of water, second only to Odessa in the Ukraine. On May 18, 1847, historian Henry Howe noted that there were 20 boats, lined up in the canal, and a trail of wagons that ran from our town square, six miles to the south, all waiting to conduct their business in the basin. The railroad was introduced inland south of Milan near Mansfield, and within four years, the wheat shipments had dropped to 75% of that recorded in 1847. After the flood in the spring of 1868, the water was allowed to flow out of the canal, thus ending the canal-era.

The Milan Canal was also one of the main reasons that Samuel and Nancy Edison brought their family here, from Vienna, Ontario Canada. On February 11, 1847, the couple gave birth to their youngest child, Thomas Alva Edison. The young

boy was known to be extremely curious and active. Little Al actually heard his first telegraph here in his hometown. The Edison family left Milan in 1854, but the inventor’s eldest sister, Marion Edison Page was a lifelong Milan resident. Mrs. Page re-purchased the small brick home in 1894, and twelve years later, Thomas bought his birthplace back from her granddaughter. Edison would go on to become one of the greatest inventors in history. During his lifetime, Edison obtained 1,093 U. S. patents to his credit. There is not a facet of our lives today that has not been improved by one or another of Thomas Alva Edison’s inventions. On February 11, 1947, on the centennial of his birth, Milan had a large celebration, marking the opening of the Thomas Alva Edison Birthplace Museum. Over the years, the Museum has had visitors from all over the world and from every walk of life. Milan is proud to be the Birthplace of Thomas Alva Edison.

In addition to the Birthplace, Milan is also home to the Milan Historical Museum. Visitors are rewarded with the rich history of the Village and the Milan Canal. Spanning seven buildings, the Historical Museum has recently introduced several new artists at the re-opening of their Glass Collection. Our Village additionally hosted the grand re-opening of the Milan Public Library, which was built in 1912 with funds secured through the Carnegie Foundation. The renovations, viewed by the public for the first time in July of 2013, were completed by local architect and life-long Milan resident, Dan Frederick.

The Village Administration stands strong and proud under our elected officials. Leading the six member council is life-long Milan resident, Steve Rockwell. Over the years, Rockwell has served the Village in many capacities. The current members of Milan’s Council include Council President Todd Barber, Mary Basterash, Jim Brown, John Fox, Chris Gillam and Philip Weilnau. The Village Administrator position is appointed by the Mayor and approved by Council. Administrator Brian Rospert, also a life-long resident, oversees the operations of the Street Department, Electric Department, Water and Waste Water Departments, as well as the Utility Office. Milan’s Fiscal Officer Mary Bruno, has been with the Village since 2000 and manages the Village’s day to day financial operations. Milan’s Mayor’s Court is led by Magistrate Steven Palmer and is held on Monday evenings at 5:00 pm in the Council Room of the

Administration Building.The Village of Milan’s Police Department is led by

Chief Bob Meister and Sergeant Pat Fox. The police force is dedicated to service the citizens of the village and maintaining a safe community. The Milan Township Fire Department is operated by the Milan Township Trustees and Milan’s residents are provided outstanding fire services led by Chief Brian Rospert. MTFD has two operating fire stations.

Milan’s Street Department is led by life-long resident Brian Rospert along with Bill Eastman serving as Assistant Street Superintendent. Milan’s Electric Department, which has been providing power to the Village since 1901, is run by Tyson Metz. Dan Hipp, yet another hometown Milan individual leads the Water and Waste Water Departments with the assistance of Brad Simon. Rounding out the Village of Milan’s staff is the Utility Office, led by Nancy Justice with Julie Stelzer, who additionally serves as Zoning Inspector.

Milan Township is led by elected officials Sparky Weilnau, Daniel Frederick and Mike Kegarise. The Township’s Fiscal Officer is Jim Verbridge.

Our Village square reflects the rich history of our home. Currently, the Civil War Monument, which rests at the heart of our square, is receiving a much needed restoration. The $70,000 project is being funded by the Milan Township Trustees and donations from private citizens and local civic groups. Our square is also home to the annual Milan Melon Festival, which is held on the three day Labor Day weekend. This event, which has drawn crowds in excess of 50,000, is famous for our Melon Ice Cream and Milan Fire’s Chicken Barbeque. Our historic square is also home to the Mid-Summer Antique Festival on July 13, 2014. Locals are also treated to Cruisin’ On the Square. Classic cars adorn the square every Tuesday evening, 5-8 pm, May through September. Both of these events are sponsored by the Milan Chamber of Commerce.

In 2012, the U.S. Census revealed the Village of Milan to have a population of 1,356. Since its official incorporation in February of 1833, our Village has stood strong and is richly steeped in history and its beauty. The Village of Milan’s elected and appointed officials strive to preserve this fine life for our residents. We look forward to welcoming you on your next visit. May God bless the Village of Milan and Milan Township in the years to come.

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NorthCoastBusinessJournal is owned and published monthly by Schaffner Publica-tions, Inc., and is mailed free to chamber of commerce members in a five-county area: Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties. The editorial deadline is the 25th of each month, with the advertising deadline the end of each month. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed, written consent of the Publishers. We welcome submissions from readers in the form of letters, articles or photographs, although we reserve the right to edit and condense any articles submitted. Submissions should be sent to the editor at the above address. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you would like an item returned. We prefer material (copy & photos) to be submitted electronically.

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MILAN, from Cover

Submit stories for the North CoastBusiness Journal by e-mailing

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www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal July 2014 3

while improving the quality of life to the community physically and economically? The answer: Build a train viewing platform. The City of Willard, WAEDC, the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce and other volunteers will be working together on a design that is both aesthetic and offers a great view for train watching. Train watching is also known as “rail-fanning” and people go all over the United States to do this. A great stop would be Willard, Ohio because we are a smaller community with heavy train volume. The project will NOT use any City tax dollars and fundraising will take place through volunteers. The goal is to have a beautiful destination spot close to the rail lines that will draw visitors to the community where they will watch trains, lodge, eat, and shop. The Willard Area Chamber of Commerce is already having success with bringing in railroad fans to the community every September for “Train Fest” and this will be another stop that these enthusiasts will want to take in. If you are interested in donating or volunteering for this project, please contact the Willard City Manager Brian Humphress at 419-933-2591.

Project 2:The former City Hall of Willard was

located in what is known now as Historic Downtown Willard, and the building was demolished last year due to deterioration of the building presenting major safety concerns. A bell tower with a clock stood 50 feet high on top of the former City Hall

from 1914 to 1997 where it chimed beautifully throughout the community during many of these years. Several parts of the original clock tower remains and a former resident, Rick Reed, had an idea to use some of these parts to resurrect a new clock tower high in to the air where the former City Hall building was located. Other community members and philanthropist like Donald Graham of Donald Graham and Associates became involved in fundraising for the project. The goal is to have a beautiful clock tower that preserves Willard’s history, residents will be proud of, and that visitors will want to come and see. If you are interested in donating or volunteering for this project, please contact Donald Graham at 419-933-2081 or City Hall at 419-933-2591.

There are a lot more quality of life projects to come so this is only the beginning. However, the City of Willard currently offers many family activities throughout the year to promote a higher quality of life. There are several recreation programs including: A successful Festival in the Park; a weekly concert series in the park sponsored by Pepperidge Farm; little league baseball; summer swim club; Easter and Halloween activities; and several facilities available for public use. The main City Park on Willard West Road has recently been updated with some new playground equipment and new obstacles have been added for the skate park. The Willard Soccer Complex on Keefer Street features 12 acres and is being utilized by kids of all ages. The City of Willard was recently recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for 34 consecutive years. Willard City Manager, Brian Humphress, takes a lot of pride in working to improve residents’ quality of life. If you have any questions, please call Brian at 419-933-2591.

If you are a new business or looking to expand, I personally invite you on behalf of the City of Willard to check out Willard’s Industrial Campus. Pepperidge Farm utilizes one building as their Flexible Packaging Center, and the local MTD plant also utilizes space in the 100,000 square foot warehouse facility within the Industrial Campus. A 56,000 square-foot building has been built and is available for occupancy. In addition, there are four lots available to build

WILLARD, from Cover

See WILLARD, Page 5


Come and celebrate the opening of the new Art Glass Galleries at the Milan Museum! The Milan Museum will unveil the multi-phase renovations of its acclaimed art glass collection this summer. The galleries are comprised of the Robert Mowry Collection with pieces from several other donors. Returning to view include more than 1,500 works from Mt. Washington, Steuben, Tiffany, Lalique, Loetz, Webb, Dominick Labino, Charles Lotton and many more.

As a special event, the Milan Museum is inviting the community and Museum visitors to participate in a one-of-a-kind election taking place within its walls! Here is your chance to help influence the Museum’s permanent glass collection. You’ll create history by casting a vote for a great artist! View the expansion exhibit and help the Museum choose the next artist for inclusion in 2015!

The goal of the Museum is to actively expand upon its already extensive glass collection. The Museum has selected four, specially-chosen artists from the Modern Studio Glass Movement and is asking the public to cast votes on their favorite. The Museum will acquire a work from one of the four and add it to the permanent glass collection. Voting opens to the public June 8, 2014 and runs through December 31, 2014. Due to availability issues, specific works of art will not be selected by the voting process. For questions and additional

information, please contact the Museum office at 419.499.2968.

Other summer events at the Milan Museum include the new, monthly community day each month. On the second Sunday of every month, the Museum will open from 1-5 pm and offer free admission for everyone in the community.

The Summer in the Courtyard Movie Series kicks off on July 1, 2014 with a Harry Potter Summer! Each Tuesday night, the Museum offers a free, outdoor movie that begins at dusk.

Museum hours are June – August Tuesday through Saturday 10-5 pm and Sunday 1-5 pm. Call 19.499.2968 or visit www.milanhistory.org for ticket prices and event information.

Something New at the Milan Museum


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your light manufacturing operation and/or warehouse. Century 21 Danhoff-Donnamiller also has several commercial building sites and buildings for sale/lease/rent and can be reached at 419-935-4663. The City of Willard has a strong infrastructure and can provide you with all the utilities necessary to make your business a success. Willard also has ample water available at low cost. The City of Willard, WAEDC, the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce, and many other organizations work hard to ensure a positive business environment and quality of life in Willard. Willard has a beautiful park system, multiple churches, several family activities and events throughout the year, and is only three miles away from Holiday Lakes, which offers 12 miles of shoreline.

Willard can serve and meet your business needs, please contact Ricky Branham, executive director of WAEDC, at 419-935-1888 or by email at [email protected]. Donald Graham currently serves as the President of WAEDC and can be reached at 419-933-2081.

Ricky Branham has served as the current executive director of WAEDC for over three years and has served as the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce executive director for over five years. He is a graduate of Willard High School, North Central State College, and Malone University having just completed his Masters in Business Administration (MBA). He and his wife, Victoria, reside in Willard with their two sons and daughter.

WILLARD, from Page 3

Q: What is collective bargaining?A: Collective bargaining is the negotiation of matters regarding employees’ wages, benefits and other terms and conditions of their employment. Collective bargaining occurs between the employer’s representatives and the union, which the employees have selected to be their exclusive bargaining representative.

Q: What law governs collective bargaining?A: Most private employers are covered by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which is enforced by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Some businesses in the railroad and airline industries are covered under the Railway Labor Act, and some very small enterprises may not be covered at all. Civil servants in the federal government are covered by the Civil Service Reform Act, and state, county and municipal workers fall under state or local laws. Postal workers are covered under the Postal Reorganization Act, the NLRA and the Labor Management Relations Act.

Public employers are also governed by the state’s collective bargaining law, which, in Ohio, is enforced by the State Employee Relations Board (SERB). State collective bargaining laws limit the right of certain workers, such as police and firefighters, to strike. These workers are subject to final offer arbitration, known in Ohio as conciliation.

Q: What must be included in a collective bargaining agreement?A: The law does not dictate contract terms and neither the NLRB nor SERB will impose terms upon the parties without their agreement. Rather, the law provides a framework so management and labor can negotiate a contract governing wages, hours and working conditions. The law limits the unilateral power of employers, protects workers’ rights to organize and engage in “concerted activity for mutual aid and protection” and prohibits

discrimination against workers who exercise these rights.

Q: What does it mean to bargain “in good faith?”A: It means that the parties must negotiate with honest intentions about the wages, hours, terms and conditions of employment and provisions of a collective bargaining agreement. Good faith is mutual obligation to meet at reasonable times and places, and to bargain with the intention of reaching agreement or resolving contract questions. “Hard bargaining” (taking a strong position on an issue) does not violate the law, but the following approaches constitute bad-faith bargaining and do violate the law:

• surface bargaining (going through negotiation motions without intending to reach an agreement);

• a “take-it-or-leave-it” approach; and• refusing to meet, delaying meetings or failing

to give the chief negotiator sufficient authority to make agreements.

If either party fails to bargain in good faith, the other may file an unfair labor practice charge. Good faith is determined based on the totality of circumstances.

Q: Must an employer bargain with the employee’s union over everything?A: No. The law recognizes these three types of bargaining subjects:

Mandatory subjects involve issues of wages, hours and working conditions. The parties have to bargain over mandatory subjects.

Permissive subjects involve subjects other than wages, hours and working conditions (e.g., ground rules for negotiations, settlement of unfair labor practice charges or pension benefits). These may be voluntarily discussed but cannot be bargained to impasse, and either party may refuse to bargain over a permissive subject. If the parties do reach agreement on a permissive subject and incorporate it into a collective bargaining agreement, then

they must abide by that agreement. Illegal subjects include any proposal that violates

National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the Public Employees Relations Act (PERA), the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) and/or any other federal, state, county or municipal law. Illegal agreements/provisions are void and cannot be enforced.

Q: May an employer change employment conditions during bargaining?A: No. Employers must maintain the “status quo” regarding existing wages, hours and working conditions, even if a contract has expired—unless there is an impasse in negotiations. An impasse means that neither party is willing to compromise further to reach an agreement. If a legal impasse has been reached on an issue, the employer may then unilaterally impose on its employees its last offer regarding that issue. For certain public employees (e.g., police and firefighters), the employer must maintain the status quo until an agreement is reached, either mutually or through conciliation.

This “Law You Can Use” column was provided by the Ohio State Bar Association. It was prepared by attorney Margaret J. Lockhart, an OSBA Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law who is associated with the firm of Marshall & Melhorn. Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek advice from an attorney.

Law You Can Use: Consumer Information ColumnEmployers and Employees Use Collective Bargaining to Negotiate Employment Terms


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Toll Free: (888) 904-4600

Submitted by Pam CrosbyChamber PresidentThe Milan Wine Post opened their new business

on the Square as well as the new Adult Comfort Care; in home assisted living business located in an upstairs office in the Milan Wine Post building.

There is also new ownership of the Milan Wonder Bar which has a whole new look inside and out.

Milan enjoys many open shops around and off the Village Square which are open for your pleasure.

Milan Chamber Of Commerce and the Milan Lions club host Cruisin’ on the Square every Tuesday night where the whole square fills up with classic and vintage cars.

The annual Midsummer Antiques Fest is held the second Sunday of July, this year July 13. The whole Square and two spaces off the square fill up with Antiques Dealers from several states for this event. The show features Carriage rides, great food by the Milan Masons and restaurants around the square. The show is held from 8am to 4pm with free admission.

At the show you can expect to see antique items ranging from the early 1800’s to the 1950’s. Furniture, toys, glassware, pottery, china, architectural items, primitives, brass, iron,

advertising items and much more. A great day to visit Milan. All the shops around the square will be open for business also.

The Milan Chamber of Commerce welcomes new members to the community and hopes that each and every one will become involved in the various events going on here.

Milan is anxiously awaiting the reopening of Jim’s Pizza Box on the square. Jim’s suffered a great loss of business and the contents of his restaurant to a fire earlier this year. Full restoration crews have been working daily to get the Pizza Box reopened.

The Chamber hosts a Holiday’s in the Village event in the Town Hall the second weekend in Dec. Many

community groups including schools, businesses and individuals put up trees or holiday displays . The Edison School musical groups perform throughout the weekend for added entertainment.

A great family weekend to get everyone involved.The Milan Township is in the process of totally

restoring the Civil War Monument in the center of the Village Square.

The Chamber hosts an appreciation banquet to honor outstanding citizens, businesses, and youth groups in February each year.

The Milan Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Businesses to Milan


Brett R. Kuns, DO Bryan P. Kuns, DOMedical Director

David J. Grayson,MD, FAAFP

Thomas Work, DODavid Girvin, DO

Effective May 21, 2014 all CMV drivers must have their medical examination performed by a certified medical examinerlisted on the National Registry developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Firelands Corporate Health Center provides five physicians who are Certified Medical Examiners, meeting the new requirements.Very few physicians in the region hold this new certification. Certified medical examiners are listed on the National Registry:nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov

Attention DOT Drivers & Employers

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Submitted by Ricky BranhamExecutive Director

The Willard Area Chamber of Commerce continues to support Willard and the surrounding area in many ways. The primary undertaking of the Chamber is to let the community know that the Willard Area has almost every type of product and service available. We want people to look at home first for what they need and desire before looking elsewhere. The mission of the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote business, economic growth, and development along with improving the quality of life in the Willard Area.

The Chamber sponsors a lot of area events including two annual banquets. The 24th Annual Banquet was held in January and featured information and forecasts concerning local industries. This year the program included Willard City Schools, Mercy Willard Hospital, CSX, MTD, RR Donnelley, and Pepperidge Farm. The 23rd Annual State of the City Address was held in April and the main speaker was the Willard City Manager, Brian Humphress. Linda Bersche, Director of the Norwalk United Fund, also spoke about the county wide initiative of 2-1-1.

The Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in improving the quality of life in the Willard area by hosting and sponsoring events including: Arbor Day Contest, Scholarship Awards, Annual Kiddie

King and Queen of the Car Hop, Festival in the Park, Annual Golf Outing for Scholarships, and the Annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Parade. The Chamber in conjunction with its sub-committee the Downtown Business Association (DBA) held the 5th Annual Cruisin’ Willard Car Show sponsored by Sharpnack II Chevrolet-Buick. This year’s event attracted more cars, trucks, and motorcycles than ever before. Also, more community members came out to support the event than ever before. The Chamber works with the City of Willard so that historical downtown Willard streets can be utilized the day of the event to give the car show a unique feel. The 4th Annual Train Fest took place last September also in historic downtown Willard. This event is continuing to grow as more “speeders” come to the event. Speeder rides were taken on the Ashland Rail line from Willard to Plymouth and back. This year’s event in September is expected to be biggest yet.

The Willard Area Chamber of Commerce is essential to the success of Willard economically. We strive to take the Chamber to the next level by allowing our members opportunities to get their name out through various forms of marketing. We offer our members: a complete business information listing on our website; direct referrals from calls made to the Chamber office; a monthly newsletter with up-to-date area information; the opportunity

for your business to put your flier with our monthly newsletter; the director attends area meetings on your behalf to make sure the businesses’ voices are heard; opportunities to attend Chamber meetings, Business After Hours, the Annual Banquet, and the Annual State of the City Address; new business ribbon cuttings or anniversary ribbon cuttings; and free North Coast Business Journals for your business. We also have the cheapest dues of any area Chamber!!

If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please visit our website at www.willardareachamber.com or email: [email protected] or by telephone: 419-935-1888 or by mail: PO Box 73 Willard, OH 44890.

Ricky Branham has served as the current executive director of the Willard Area Chamber of Commerce for over five years and also serves as the executive director of the Willard Area Economic Development Corporation for over three years. He is a graduate of Willard High School, North Central State College, and Malone University having just completed his Masters in Business Administration (MBA). He and his wife, Victoria, reside in Willard with their two sons and daughter.

Willard Area Chamber of Commerce


Bellevue ChamBer of CommerCe

12 CashMob Spendaminimumof$10.00 inthetargetedbusiness;

31 CommitteetoGrow Bellevue’sOpenAirMarkets 4:00–7:00p.m. SanduskySt.andEastMain CityParkingLot.

Genoa ChamBer of CommerCe

10 ChamberBoardMeeting 7:30am@RayzCafé

29 GenoaCruise-In CarShow@5pm

huron ChamBer of CommerCe

16 BoardofDirectorsMeeting 7:30a.m., Chamberoffice,509HuronSt.

huron CountyChamBer of CommerCe

9 MembershipCommittee, 8:00am,Chamberoffice

15 PTACSeminar, 10am,Chamberoffice, pleaseRSVP,419-668-4155. Learntocontractwiththe stateandfederalgovernment

17 SafetyCouncilKickoff, 11:30am-1:00pm, NorwalkHighSchool, 350ShadyLaneDr.RSVP

Kelleys IslandChamBer of CommerCe

12 RussWilsonMemorial 3on3BasketballTournament KIWineCo&theVillagePump

18-20IslandFest KIChamberFireworks SaturdayatDusk

25-27FilmFest FreeMovies@ TheBallField&TownHall

marBleheadChamBer of CommerCe

17 BusinessAfterHours 5to7Hostedby OtterbeinNorthShore RSVP@419-734-9777

31 ExecutiveMeeting Chamberoffice9:00am.

oaK harBorChamBer of CommerCe

17 BoardMeeting 7:30am,ChamberBuilding

26 Farmer’sMarket LogCabinPark;9a-1p

Port ClInton areaChamBer of CommerCe

7 FirstShotCeremony10:00am CMPRangeDedication11:00am

9 DesignCommittee,1:00pm

10 OrganizationCommittee Meeting8:30am

SunsetCruise,7:30pm

11 BenefitsCommittee Meeting8:30am

14 ChamberBoard Meeting8:30am

15 AmbassadorCommittee Meeting8:30am

EconomicRestructuring Committeemeeting8:30am

17 MainStreet BoardMeeting8:30am

24 PromotionCommittee Meeting8:30am

29 ReverseRaffleCommittee Meeting8:30am

sandusKy CountyChamBer of CommerCe

15 Finance&Executive 12:30p.m.-Finance, 1p.m.-Executive

Health&Wellness Meeting,2p.m.

16 9a.m.-BoardOrientation, 10:30a.m.-MemberOrientation

17 BAH TimeOutSportsBar, 5-7p.m.,

22 AmbassadorMeeting, 8a.m.,LocationTBD

23 ChamberBoard Meeting,7:30a.m.

SafetyCouncil Meeting,7a.m., OleZim’sWagonShed

24 PropertyMeeting, 9:30a.m.

seneCa CountyChamBer of CommerCe

12,26DowntownTiffin FarmersMarket 9amto1pm

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CHAMBER CALENDARS for July


North Coast Business Journal

July 7 edition(due June 27)

1/4 page = $250x’s 1 run(s) = $250

design = $45budget = $250

ABSOLUTE AUCTiONFriday, July 18th at 12pm (Onsite)

877-BiD-OHiOOhioRealEstateAuctions.com

Auctioneer: Barry Baker, CAI, AARE, CCIM

[email protected]

243,432±sf Warehouse on 63.36± Acres Former Uniroyal Plant

Lake Erie243,432±sf Warehouse

63.36± Acres

13th St.

Main Entrance

Camp Perry

W. Lakeshore Dr

10% deposit required at the auction. Close within 30 days. 10% buyer’s premium.

The office area is estimated at 2,500 SF. Clear span ceililng height is well over 30’. There are numerous docks and a railroad spur leads up to the building. The big plus with this property is the 63 acres of which over half is wooded. Lots of potential with the land including possible hunting. Deer were photographed on the property during inspection. Camp Perry surrounds this property on the North, East and South.

Sells regardless of price! NO MINIMUM! 4919 W Lakeshore Dr, Port Clinton, OH

By: Steven J. Krisfalusy Small Business Sr. Management & Human Capital Consultant

According to some of the latest statist ics workman’s compensation injury claims are up 24%. As most business owners know, there is no win when it comes to workman’s comp costs. Depending on the category you are listed or rated in directly affects your premiums. A claim against you/your company will most likely cause your future premiums to go up.

Often we think of a workman’s compensation claim as some form of severe injury, but that is not always the case. Sprains, back problems and even carpal tunnel are involved in a high number of claims and are very hard to dispute. The baby boomer generation is one group increasing the number of claims and your cost of business these days.

There is a more evil angle and that is what I call a “workman’s comp. claim experts”. There are people/employees that actually have the intention of preplanning the submittal of a claim the day they start. There are cases of people changing jobs 3-5 time and doing that with each new employer. In one case, I know of a person that was receiving benefits from 2 claims while working at another company. Anyone could be next.

The WC Board reviews each claim individually and determines the validity on a case-by-case basis. Whether they have won a previous claim (unless the claim is for the same thing) each case is treated separately. The WC Board does the best it can do, with the resources available, and must rely on documented facts.

In many cases, the award is for partial disability but that can be for a lifetime. In many cases the awards are somewhat preset based on the type of injury. For example: A finger injury may be valued at $400 a month, for the rest of their lives. As stated above, the worst case scenario is that one individual can receive multiple awards from each employer they work for and it was intentional.

So what can you do?1. Make sure YOU select the right category for

your business that impacts your rates. Don’t assume that they have it right.

2. Document – Document – document. That includes becoming a CSI and doing the best investigation you can IMMEDITELY and documenting the facts – not opinions.

3. Create an Operations manual with a safety section even if you just have an office.

4. Raise people’s awareness of safety, even in an office environment.

5. If your WC premiums are high, seek counsel for programs that you can implement that will actually reduce that premium.

You work too hard to build and grow your business, efforts to protect it must increase accordingly with your growth in revenue.

If you could use some free advice, contact me directly at [email protected] or at 440-552-6599.

Human Resources

WC Claims on the Ri$e


Q: Canchildren testify inadivorceorcustodytrial?A: Yes,childrenareallowedtotestifyin a divorce or custody trial if theyare 10 years old or older. Childrenunder 10 may also testify if theyappearabletocorrectlyandtruthfullyexplainfactstothecourt.

Q: Howdoesacourtdecideifachildisabletotellthetruthorrememberfactscorrectly?A: If there is any question about achild’s ability or willingness to tellthe truth or accurately rememberinformation,thejudgewillinterviewthe child to determine if the childcan testify. The judge or magistratewill talk with the child about thedifference between truth and a lieandwillaskgeneralquestionsaboutthechildandhis/herfamily,friends,pets and school. If the courtdeterminesthatthechildcananswerquestions and can correctly andappropriately relay information tothe court, then the child will beallowedtotestify.

Q: Canachildwitnessbeaskedthesamequestionsasanadultwitness?A: Althoughtherearenorestrictionsonthesortsofquestionsachildcanbeasked,manyfactorsareconsideredwhendecidingwhatquestionsshouldbeaskedofachildwitnessandhowtheyshouldbeasked.Dependingonthechild’sageandmaturity,questionsmustbeaskedinawaythatthechildcanunderstandandcorrectlyanswer.Forexample,achildshouldbeaskeddirect, clearquestionsone at a timeusing age-appropriate vocabulary.Individualsshouldbedescribedusingnames that are familiar to the child(e.g., “Uncle Johnny”) rather thanpronouns.Childrenmaysay“Idon’tremember”whentheyreallymean“Idon’t know” because they maybelieve thatnotknowingananswercan get them in trouble. Thequestioner should explain that “Idon’tknow”isanacceptableanswer.Q: Can my son’s wishes orobservations be presented to thecourtwithoutmakinghimtestify?A: Yes. In fact, children do not

ordinarilytestifybeforethecourtinadivorce or custody case. In mostcases,where there is adisagreementabout who will have custody or theamount of time a child will spendwith each parent, the court willappoint a guardian ad litem toinvestigate the child’s situation.Following this investigation, theguardian ad litem is responsible forreportingtothecourtwhatheorshebelievesisinthechild’sbestinterest.However,evenifthecourtappointsaguardian ad litem for your son, thejudgeormagistratecanstillinterviewhim.Thistypeofinterview,calledan“in camera” interview, would occurinprivatewiththejudgeormagistrate,your son and his guardian ad litemand/or attorney, and will beconducted without either parentbeingpresent.Thecourtcanusethismethodofinterviewingyoursonanddetermining his wishes rather thanrequiringhimtositinthecourtroomandanswerquestionsinfrontofyouandhisotherparent.

Q: What kinds of questions does a

judgeormagistrateaskachildinan“incamera”interview?A: Eachjudgeormagistratehandlestalking to a child differently. Thequestionsaskedwilldifferdependingontheageofthechildandtheissuesthatmustbedecidedinthecase.Forexample, children may be askedquestions about their likes anddislikes and sometimes theirmemoriesofcertainimportanteventsthatmayimpactthecourt’sdecisiononthecase.

This “Law You Can Use” consumer legal information column was provided by the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA). It was prepared by Joseph Nigh, a partner in the Columbus firm of Tyack, Blackmore, Liston, & Nigh, who practices primarily in the area of family law. Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek advice from an attorney.

Law You Can Use: Consumer Information ColumnChildren May Be Witnesses in Family Law Trials

By Roger BostdorffI presented this

topic at the National Pavement Expo in Nashville in January. The coordinator of the show asked me if I could speak on this issue. It seems that many of the attendees are having problems protecting their margins. Evidently, a very high percentage of the transactions in the paving industry end up being decided on price and only price. Is your company having similar challenges? Assuming you are also encountering this same challenge please read on.

Let’s first look at this from the buyer’s perspective. Please mentally select a product that you or your wife purchases for your home. Do you have that in mind? Since I cannot seek your input while I write this please allow me the liberty to select a couple of examples. Let’s select groceries or gasoline. If you have a Walmart close my bet is that you have on occasion purchased at least one of these from Walmart. However, if the product or service being purchased is viewed as a commodity, then price is going to be the primary driver of your decision.

What is a Commodity? The word commodity is used to describe a class of goods or services for which there is demand, but which is supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market.

A box of Cheerios is pretty much the same whether you buy it at Kroger, Walmart or Bassetts. By the way, that may NOT be the case relative to their service. (Please see Bassetts locally in the grocery industry for Service!!)

Therefore, if you are selling a commodity, the best way to make money is to be the low cost provider. Let me emphasize that I said “cost”

not necessarily “price.” Walmart has succeeded in their market by driving their COSTs down by leveraging their size, their suppliers and their distribution channel. However, unless your company is the size of Walmart and has the lowest costs, then competing on price is a losing proposition. So what do you do? How do you compete?

You either have to cut your margins so low that you only can make it with a very high volume or you need to change the game.

People buy by comparing the products and services associated with the product. If the only differentiator of a product or service is price you can only compete on price. As I have pointed out earlier the only winner here is the one with the lowest cost structure.

Therefore, what needs to be done is to quantify other key differentiators of your offering than price.

I have facilitated with many customers their SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis. When we discuss their strengths, many times I get things like Customer Service, Quality, and Responsiveness. These are all excellent qualities of a company’s product or service. However, can you envision your competitors suggesting that they provide bad Customer Service, Quality and Responsiveness as compared to your company, of course not? The question is how do you differentiate? What are your competitive advantages? How do you substantiate your claims?

The ground rules for outlining these differentiators as I call them or your competitive advantages as defined by J. Smith in her book “Creating Competitive Advantage” are as follows:

1. It needs to be objective not subjective

2. Quantifiable, not arbitrary-We have great customer service, 95% of our business comes from referrals.

3. Not already claimed by the competition

4. Not a cliché-Don’t tell me you exceed customer expectations. How do you know what these expectations are?

How is your business? Are margins down? Do you have some new wrinkles in your sales message that is different than last year? If you do things the same way going forward you will probably get the same or similar results. Is that what you are looking for in 2013?

Or, are you and your team able to enunciate your Differentiators/Competitive Advantages? Seems to me that no matter what industry you

are in unless you run the Walmart of that industry, you might want to invest some time-first identifying your competitive advantages and then figuring out a way to communicate these to your current customers as well as your prospective customers. The other alternative, assuming you have plenty of margin left is to continue to give it away!

Roger Bostdorff is the President of B2B Sales Boost. He spent over 30 years with IBM in sales and sales management. B2B Sales Boost is a consulting company helping organizations improve their sales and overall business processes. He is also available for business speaking engagements. You can find more regarding B2B Sales Boost on the web at www.b2bsalesboost.com or calling 419-351-4347. If you would like to receive the B2B Sales Boost Newsletter please send an email to [email protected]


SalesIf Price is the Problem… What is Your Solution?


Douglas GildenmeisterSenior Vice President, InvestmentsRaymond James

What would happen if you were mentally or physically unable to take care of yourself or your day-to-day affairs? You might not be able to make sound decisions about your health or finances. You could lose the ability to pay bills, write checks, make deposits, sell assets, or otherwise conduct your affairs. Unless you’re prepared, incapacity could devastate your family, exhaust your savings, and undermine your financial, tax, and estate planning strategies. Planning ahead can ensure that your health-care wishes will be carried out, and that your finances will continue to be competently managed.

It could happen to youIncapacity can strike anyone at any time.

Advancing age can bring senility, Alzheimer’s disease, or other ailments, and a serious illness or accident can happen suddenly at any age. Even with today’s medical miracles, it’s a real possibility that you or your spouse could become incapable of handling your own medical or financial affairs.

What if you’re not prepared?Should you become incapacitated without the

proper plans and documentation in place, a relative or friend will have to ask the court to appoint a guardian for you. Petitioning the court for guardianship is a public procedure that can be emotionally draining, time consuming, and expensive. More importantly, without instructions from you, a guardian might not make the decisions you would have made.

Advanced medical directivesWithout legal documents that express your

wishes, medical care providers must prolong your life using artificial means, if necessary. With today’s modern technology, physicians can sustain you for days and weeks (if not months or even years). To avoid the possibility of this happening to you, you must have an advanced medical directive.

There are three types of advanced medical directives: a living will, a durable power of attorney for health care (or health-care proxy), and a Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR). Each type has its own purpose, benefits, and drawbacks, and may not be effective in some states. You may find that one, two, or all three types of advanced medical directives are necessary to carry out all of your

wishes for medical treatment. Be sure to have an attorney prepare your medical directives to make sure that you have the ones you’ll need and that all documents are consistent.

Living willA living will allows you to approve or decline

certain types of medical care, even if you will die as a result of the choice. However, in most states, living wills take effect only under certain circumstances, such as terminal injury or illness. Generally, a living will can be used only to decline medical treatment that “serves only to postpone the moment of death.” Even if your state does not allow living wills, you may still want to have one to serve as an expression of your wishes.

Durable power of attorney for health careA durable power of attorney for health care

(known as a health-care proxy in some states) allows you to appoint a representative to make medical decisions for you. You decide how much power your representative will have.

Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR)A DNR is a doctor’s order that tells all other

medical personnel not to perform CPR if you go into cardiac arrest. There are two types of DNRs. One is effective only while you are hospitalized. The other is used while you are outside the hospital.

Should you become incapacitated without the proper plans and documentation in place, a relative or friend will have to ask the court to appoint a guardian for you.

Protecting your propertyWithout someone to look after your financial

affairs when you can’t, your property could be wasted, abused, or lost. To protect against these possibilities, consider putting in place a revocable living trust, durable power of attorney (DPOA), or joint ownership arrangement (or a combination of any or all options).

Revocable living trustYou can transfer ownership of your property to a

revocable living trust. You name yourself as trustee and retain complete control over your affairs. If you become incapacitated, your successor trustee (the person you named to run the trust if you can’t) automatically steps in and takes over the management of your property. A living trust can survive your death. There are, of course, costs associated with creating and maintaining a trust.

Durable power of attorney (DPOA)A DPOA allows you to authorize someone else to

act on your behalf. There are two types of DPOA: an immediate DPOA, which is effective immediately, and a springing DPOA, which is not effective until you have become incapacitated. Both types of DPOA end at your death. A DPOA should be fairly simple and inexpensive to implement. However, a springing DPOA is not permitted in some states, so you’ll want to check with an attorney.

Joint ownershipA joint ownership arrangement allows someone

else to have immediate access to property and to use it to meet your needs. Joint ownership is simple and inexpensive to implement. However, there are some disadvantages to the joint ownership arrangement. Some examples include: (1) your co-owner has immediate access to your property regardless of incapacity, (2) you lack the ability to direct the co-owner to use the property for your benefit, (3) naming someone who is not your spouse as co-owner may trigger gift tax consequences, and (4) if you die before the other joint owner, your property interests will pass to the other owner without regard to your own intentions, which may be different.

How is incapacity determined?Incapacity can be determined in one of two ways:

• Physician certification --You can include a provision in a durable power of attorney designating one or more physicians who will make the determination. Or, you can state that your incapacity will be determined by your attending physician at the relevant time, whomever that might be.

• Judicial finding --The court may be petitioned to determine incapacity. After a proceeding where medical and other testimony will be heard, a judge will decide whether you are incapacitated according to the legal standards in your state.

This information was developed by Broadridge, an independent third party. It is general in nature, is not a complete statement of all information necessary for making an investment decision, and is not a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investments and strategies mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC does not provide advice on tax, legal or mortgage issues. These matters should be discussed with an appropriate professional. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC

Planning for IncapacityEstate

Submitted by Ben Chaffee, Jr., EHOVE Executive Adult Education Director

Businesses across our region, and across our state, struggle to find qualified applicants for their open jobs. At the same time, too many Ohioans are not able to find a job. Too often, Ohio’s workforce does not have the right knowledge and/or skills to fill the most in-demand jobs. In addition, Ohio’s workforce is not always aware of the best job opportunities. These scenarios provide serious challenges to our present and future workforce, and, at the same time, the scenarios provide unique opportunities for career technical education.

Career Technical Education (CTE) schools, like EHOVE Career Center, educate Ohio high school and adult students for high-skilled, high-tech and in-demand jobs that are going unfilled. EHOVE Career Center ensures that career technical education is competitive and in tune with local economic and student needs. Area high school students choose to attend EHOVE Career Center to gain practical, hands-on experience and knowledge in over 20 career technical education programs that lead to industry credentials. These credentials make the students marketable in their respective career fields.

Adults from Erie, Huron and Ottawa Counties, and beyond, also choose EHOVE Adult Career Center to either embark on a new career choice or to enhance existing skills; both venues are accomplished by taking advantage of one or more of the facility’s over 25 program areas. Adult graduates earn industry credentials or state licensures that make them qualified, and competitive, to help fill the in-demand jobs that our area desperately seeks.

Both high school and adult students have opportunities to participate in work-based learning opportunities that help the students explore what options their career field has to offer, experience what will be required in their chosen career field and possibly discover how college and academic courses apply in their career field. These opportunities, including internships and apprenticeships, give students the chance to enhance their skillsets, through practical application in a guided and supervised environment. Many students who participate in the various work-based learning opportunities are often hired by the sponsoring business or industry partner.

Not only does EHOVE Career Center educate and train high school and adult students, but it also accepts the challenge of immediately meeting business and industry needs. Through

customized training opportunities, the adult career center has satisfied many local business requests. Recent training opportunities have had a focus on satisfying human relations department (recruiting, rapid response assistance, employability skills) needs as well as customized office training (administrative assistance, computer training, software enhancements) needs specific to business demands. The

qualified staff at EHOVE Adult Career Center can quickly develop a training plan, in concert with business/industry, and provide services either at the career center’s site or at the business/industry location. Together, the career center and the business/industry partnership are critical to continue the cause of retaining local workers and filling in-demand jobs in


Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

July Networking Events at Otterbein North Shore Senior Lifestyle Community

Thursday, July 17th Business After Hours 5-7pm Wednesday, July 23rd Business Over Breakfast 8—9:30am rsvp to 419-734-9777

9400 North Shore Blvd. Lakeside-Marblehead 419-798-7250

Workforce Education

EHOVE Adult Career Center’s Occupational Therapy Assistant graduates from the Class of 2014. Through a partnership with Lorain County Community Col-lege (LCCC), students take science, theory and application classes at EHOVE’s campus and use clinical sites in a multi-county area, before they earn their Associate of Applied Science Degree from LCCC. Occupational Therapy As-sistants are in high demand with a projected job growth of 41% from 2012-2022, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

EHOVE Computer Network Tech student Hailie Prater (South Central HS) and her classmates are learning how to design, install and repair computers and networks, along with software and hardware troubleshooting of multiple de-vices and platforms. Students in this program have the opportunity to earn college credit and certifications that will prepare them for college and their career.

See WORKFORCE, Page 14


Fisher-Titus Medical Care Welcomes

Dr. MiChael Nillto our Physician Family

Michael Nill M.D., F.a.C.S. General Surgery

Michael Nill, M.D., F.A.C.S., a Board Certified General Surgeon, has joined Fisher-Titus Medical Care and is providing care along with Dr. Farid Said who has been serving local families for the past 38 years. Dr. Nill most recently served more than 10 years as a general surgeon at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta,

Ohio. During his tenure at Marietta Memorial, Dr. Nill was Trauma Medical Director, Medical Staff President for two years and Chairman of Surgery for five years. Locally, Dr. Nill worked for Firelands Surgeons, Inc. in Bellevue from 1998 to 2003 as a general surgeon.

27743

f i s h e r t i t u s m e d i c a l c a r e . c o m

Dr. Nill is looking forward to serving area families and is

accepting new patients.

To make an appointment, call

419.668.0680Fisher-Titus Medical Care

General Surgery 34 executive Dr., Norwalk

Michael Nill, M.D., F.a.C.S.

Fisher-Titus Medical Care is a group of dedicated providers offering patients both primary and specialty care with multiple locations throughout North Central Ohio. as a part of Fisher-Titus Medical Center, the Fisher-Titus Medical Care group provides patients convenient and quality care, with full access to the resources they need to live a healthy life.

For a full listing of all physicians on the Fisher-Titus Medical Staff, visit Find a Physician at www.fisher-titus.org.

WORKFORCE, from Page 13our area. For more information on how EHOVE Adult Career Center can help your business or industry fill a gap in skill needs, please contact us at 419-499-4663, extension 236.

Training the local workforce, meeting business and industry needs, establishing positive working relationships between the CTE and business/industry, and working diligently to fill the area’s in-demand jobs remain critical components of EHOVE Career Center’s mission and purpose. Providing a career technical education that leads to industry certification requires a facility that houses quality career technical learning laboratories where students can experience quality hands-on training with current industry-standard equipment and materials. To that end, EHOVE Career Center has expanded its campus facilities. The expansion project includes approximately 66,000 sq. ft. of new and renovated space that will house high-tech classrooms, state-of-the-art science labs, flexible spaces for use by the community and staff, technology training and support areas, as well as reconfigured office spaces for Student Services and Administration. The goal of this important facilities expansion project remains clear: provide high school and adult students with the most up-to-date learning environment in the most timely and economical means

possible for the local taxpayers. The project is narrowly focused, and only funds our immediate program needs, providing the latest training programs for in-demand jobs right here in our local area. The community is welcomed to celebrate our expansion project by joining us at our October 5, 2014 Open House!

EHOVE Career Center prides itself in being a premier partner with area businesses and industries. Whether it’s training present or future members of the workforce, supporting each other with internship and work-based learning experiences, or collaborating together as a program advisory committee member, our ultimate goal is unanimous—preparing Ohioans with the right knowledge and skills to fill the most in-demand jobs, particularly in our region.

To learn more about EHOVE Career Center, and experience what EHOVE does for its students and the region, contact us at 419.499.4663 or check out our variety of online resources: EHOVE’s website at www.EHOVE.net; Facebook – latest announcements and photos, the place to ask questions; Twitter – quick updates and links to high school and adult student news; YouTube – videos of students in action and the latest campus eventsl Instagram – photos of students and events while they’re happening; Pinterest – newly started collections of student news and accomplishments; LinkedIn –alumni connection and access to EHOVE’s online career services

EHOVE Engineering Tech student Ben Daneker (Edison HS) earned 58 free college credits from BGSU Firelands during his time at EHOVE. EHOVE and BGSU Firelands have established a partnership for select EHOVE pro-grams to offer on-transcript college credit free of charge. Daneker’s classmate, John Widmer (Bellevue HS), now holds the school record of earning 68 college credits while at EHOVE. All EHOVE programs offer ar-ticulated credit, where the student's training at EHOVE will allow him/her to waive relevant courses at partner colleges in the future. Both opportu-nities allow EHOVE students to get a head start on college and their future careers.

EHOVE Industrial Tech student An-thony Norman (Norwalk HS) works with a cutting torch in the program lab. Industrial Tech students also learn how to weld, machine, blue-print, fabricate and calibrate precise finished products, as well as CAD and CNC plasma and milling. Earning these critical industry certifications give EHOVE students the experience they need to move into a career im-mediately after graduation.


Submitted by: Mark T. ReillyIBM and the Ponemon Institute

recently released the results of the 2014 Cost of Data Breach Study, which analyzed the costs incurred by more than 60 U.S. businesses that suffered a data breach in 2013. Results of the survey showed the average per record cost of a data breach to be $201, reversing a two-year decrease ($188 in 2013 and $194 in 2012). Similarly, the organizational cost of a data breach also rose for the first time in two years to $5.9 million, up from $5.4 million in 2013 and $5.5 million in 2012.

The study calculates the cost of a data breach by adding the average of the direct expenses (contracting forensics, providing credit monitoring to customers, providing discounts for products and services in the future, etc.) and indirect expenses (cost of losing customers, conducting internal investigations, etc.) that a company incurs after suffering a breach.

Companies in the health care sector were hit the hardest by a breach in 2013, with an average per record cost of $316. Following the health care sector were the transportation ($286 per record), education ($259), energy ($237) and financial ($236) sectors. The hospitality ($93), retail ($125) and public ($172) sectors all came in well below the $201 average per record cost.

What were the main root causes of a data breach? According to the study, 44 percent of breaches were due to a malicious or criminal attack, up from 41 percent in 2012. System glitches accounted for a quarter of breaches, down 1 percent from 2012, and human error accounted for 31 percent of breaches, down from 33 percent in 2012. Malicious or criminal attacks were not only the most common causes, they were also the most costly, averaging $246 per record.

The average cost of notifying affected customers decreased in 2013 for the first time since 2007 to just over $500,000 per breach. This is a hefty total for any company, but can particularly cripple small businesses that may not have the extra cash lying around to not only notify customers there has been a breach, but to stay in business altogether.

The 2014 study is the first time the study results included the odds of a company suffering at least one data breach in the next 24 months. According to the research, Ponemon can estimate how likely a company will have another breach based on how many records were lost in the breach studied and to what industry the company belongs. Based on the aggregate probabilities of all the studied companies, it is estimated that suffering a breach of at least 10,000 records in the next 24 months is about 19 percent, while the likelihood of a breach of more than 100,000 records is less than 1 percent.

On May 1, 2014, the Insurance Services Office, who writes the policies that insurance companies use,

added an exclusion that excludes totally any loss from data breach. Most businesses in America have no coverage at all if they lose sensitive data, such as, employee personal information and client information.

How many employees do you have? And how many payments do you take by credit/debit cards or check? At over $200 a record, you can estimate how much a data breach would cost your business? Plus, the costs involved do not address the damage to your data and computer systems from being breached or shut down. Sadly, smaller businesses are now larger targets.

Although the statistics are grim, there are many ways companies in every sector can help minimize the effects of a data breach before it happens. Train your workers on security basics; use encryption wherever possible; implement an incident response plan; strengthen your network security; and conduct regular audits of your company’s security systems.

Diversified Insurance Service has some very good tools available, and by answering six or seven questions you can see what your data breach exposure is and determine if you could survive a breach. These are tools they are sharing with clients and any business that is concerned with this looming exposure.

For more information about this type of risk, contact your insurance agent or feel free to reach out to Diversified Insurance Service at (800) 848-2788 with any questions.

Average Cost of a Data Breach Rose in 2013Insurance

Q: How do I get a Social Security number for the new baby we’re expecting?A: When you apply for your baby’s birth certificate, you can apply for a Social Security number at the same time. If you have the baby in a hospital, you can complete both applications before you leave the hospital. Learn more about Social Security cards through www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Q: We adopted a baby girl from overseas and brought her to the U.S. Can we get a Social Security number for her?A: Yes. Generally, you must complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5 (see www.socialsecurity/gov/ssnumber).

You must provide:• documents that prove your child’s U.S. citizenship or

immigration status; adoption; age; and identity;• a document proving your identity;• evidence establishing your relationship to the child.

(You can use the adoption decree or the child’s amended U.S. birth certificate for this purpose.)

Usually, you can mail or take your application and original documents to your local Social Security office. All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. You will receive your child’s number and card by mail once the Social Security office has verified your documents.

If you do not yet have proof of your child’s citizenship, a Social Security number may be assigned based on Department of Homeland Security documentation issued when your child first arrived in the U.S. Once you’ve received your child’s citizenship documentation, take it to the Social Security office so your child’s record can be updated.

Q: Can I use a plastic version of my paper Social Security card?A: The Social Security Administration does not recommend using plastic or metal versions of your card, or making copies of or laminating your paper card, or carrying your card with you. Generally, you will only need to produce your Social Security card when you apply for employment. Keep any document that includes your Social Security with your important papers, and question anyone other than your employer who asks for your number or your card. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Q: How do I change my name on my Social Security card?A: Gather documents proving your legal name change (e.g., marriage license, divorce decree, certificate of naturalization showing a new name, or a court order showing your name change). Also collect evidence of your identity (driver’s license or state-issued ID) and your U.S. citizenship or immigration. Then, complete an application for a Social Security card and take it, along with your

documents, to your local Social Security office. Documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Mailed documents will be returned with a receipt. Once the Social Security office receives the application and documents, your new card will be mailed to you. It will show your old number and your new name.

Q: If I lose my Social Security card, can I replace it?A: You should know your Social Security number, but you may not need to replace your card, since you will rarely need to show it. However, if you want to replace your card, you can take or mail an application to your local Social Security office, along with original documents or certified copies from the issuing agencies, proving your identity and your U.S. citizenship or your current work-authorized immigration status. If you are a noncitizen without a work permit, you must provide a letter from a federal, state or local government agency stating that you meet the requirements for a Social Security benefit and explaining why you need a number.

The information for this “Law You Can Use” column was provided by the Social Security Administration. It was prepared by the Ohio State Bar Association. Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek advice from an attorney.

Law You Can Use: Consumer Information ColumnGetting, Modifying and Replacing Social Security Cards: What You Should Know


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Pictured is Gabby Boyce, President of the Edison Interact Club, handing a check for $2,400.00 to Ohio Statuary Hall Commission Board Members Jeanette Henry and Don Gfell.

Ohio Statuary HallCommission AnnouncesSemi-finalists for Edison StatueField oF 30 applicants narrowed to six

The Ohio Statuary Hall Commission (OSHC) recently announced six artists have been selected as semi-finalists for the commission of a sculpture of Thomas Edison to be placed in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Edison, inventor of the phonograph, kinetoscope and first practical incandescent light bulb, received over one thousand patents in his lifetime. His statue will replace that of former Ohio Governor William Allen.

The Commission’s Request for Qualifications in early April resulted in responses from 30 artists from across the nation. Semi-finalist selections were based upon artistic excellence, conceptual approach to the project and their prior experience. Consideration was also given to each artist’s projected budget and timeline.

“It’s fascinating to see the various takes on Thomas Edison and his contributions,” says Douglass W. McDonald, president of the Ohio Statuary Hall Commission and CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “We were thrilled to be inundated with proposals from so many qualified artists that were of excellent quality and merit.”

Given the quality of the proposals submitted, the OHSC has selected six applicants for closer consideration before narrowing the field. The OHSC will narrow the field to up to five finalists who will then be asked to submit a small model of their proposed design. Once the Commission has made its final selection, that artist’s proposal must be approved by the State of Ohio, the Architect of the Capitol and the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress.

Commission members Jeanette Henry and Don Gfell from Edison’s Birthplace in Milan, Ohio are extremely pleased to see the Edison statue project moving forward. The community of Milan and Friends of Edison have raised nearly $40,000 toward the statue so far. One of the most recent fundraising events was a pizza event hosted by the Rotary Interact Club of Edison High School. The students raised $1200 which was matched by the Milan Rotary Club for a total donation of $2400 to the Edison Statue Fund. Edison to Washington has been a long process but the end result is in sight.

Call Krista at 419-734-4838or email [email protected]


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Home Office Expense DeductionsTaxes

By Jeffrey J. Rosengarten, CPAPAYNE, NICKLES & COMPANY

If you're self-employed and work out of an office in your home, and if you satisfy the strict rules that govern those deductions (discussed later), you will be entitled to favorable “home office” deductions—that is, above-the-line business expense deductions for the following:

• the “direct expenses” of the home office—e.g., the costs of painting or repairing the home office, depreciation deductions for furniture and fixtures used in the home office, etc.; and

• the “indirect” expenses of maintaining the home office—e.g., the properly allocable share of utility costs, depreciation, insurance, etc., for your home, as well as an allocable share of mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and casualty losses.

In addition, if your home office is your “principal place of business” under the rules discussed below, the costs of travelling between your home office and other work locations in that business are deductible transportation expenses, rather than nondeductible commuting costs. And you may also deduct the cost of computers and related equipment that you use in the home office, without being subject to the “listed

property” restrictions that would otherwise apply.

Tests for home office deductions. You may deduct your home office expenses if you meet any of the three tests described below: the principal place of business test, the place for meeting patients, clients or customers test, or the separate structure test. You may also deduct the expenses of certain storage space if you qualify under the rules described further below.

Principal place of business. You're entitled to home office deductions if you use your home office, exclusively and on a regular basis, as your principal place of business. Your home office is your principal place of business if it satisfies either a “management or administrative activities” test, or a “relative importance” test. You satisfy the management or administrative activities test if you use your home office for administrative or management activities of your business, and if you meet certain other requirements. You meet the relative importance test if your home office is the most important place where you conduct your business, in comparison with all the other locations where you conduct that business.

Home office used for meeting patients, clients, or customers. You're entitled to home office deductions if you use your home office, exclusively and on a regular basis, to meet or deal with patients, clients, or customers. The patients, clients or

customers must be physically present in the home office.

Separate structures. You're entitled to home office deductions for a home office, used exclusively and on a regular basis for business, that's located in a separate unattached structure on the same property as your home—for example, an unattached garage, artist's studio, workshop, or office building.

Space for storing inventory or product samples. If you're in the business of selling products at retail or wholesale, and if your home is your sole fixed business location, you can deduct home expenses allocable to space that you use regularly (but not necessarily exclusively) to store inventory or product samples.

Exclusive and regular use requirements. As noted above, when you claim to be using your home office under any of the tests previously outlined, the home office must be used exclusively and on a regular basis in connection with your work.

The exclusive use requirement means that you must use your home solely for the purpose of carrying on your work. Any other use of the home office will result in loss of all deductions for your home office expenses. For example, if you work in a den that your children use to watch television, the den fails the exclusive use requirement.

The regular use requirement means that you must use the home office in connection with your work on a continuous, ongoing or recurring basis. Generally, this means a few

hours a week, every week. Occasional business use won’t do.

Amount limitations on home office deductions. The amount of your home office deductions is subject to limitations based on the income attributable to your use of the home office, your residence-based deductions that aren't dependent on use of your home for business (e.g., mortgage interest and real estate taxes), and your business deductions that aren't attributable to your use of the home office. But any home office expenses that can't be deducted because of these limitations may be carried over and deducted in later years.

Sales of homes with home offices. If you sell—at a profit—a home that contains, or contained, a home office, the otherwise available $250,000/$500,000 exclusion for gain on the sale of a principal residence won't apply to the portion of your profit equal to the amount of depreciation you claimed on the home office. In addition, the exclusion won't apply to the portion of your profit allocable to a home office that's separate from the dwelling unit. Otherwise, the home office won't affect your eligibility for the exclusion.

(Author’s note: This article is not intended to offer professional tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor.)

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Huron County’s Tallest Building?Submitted by Laura Lee Wilson

As a child I always enjoyed riddles. Trying to eliminate the obvious and then critically think through what the correct answer might be. Here’s a riddle for you: What building has the most stories? Of course, the answer is the library!

The stories aren’t just in books – there is a story being woven into the fabric the communities. Libraries serve everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, with no consideration of social standing. The library is the information hub of the community from reading lists for kindergartners, to resume help for job seekers, and applications for a Golden Buckeye Card. If you are looking for something the library is the place to turn for your information need.

The Huron County Community Library isn't a place where the librarian has a stern look for patrons who are talking. Quite the opposite – you will notice an atmosphere that encourages interaction - there are puppets and interactive play areas for children, wii game nights for teens, and book discussion groups for adults. Our library system has dozens of computers for public use. Patrons can surf the Internet, post their status on social media, check an e-mail account, print coupons, type a resume, or research something they are curious about.

The library staff plan and implement programming for all ages. From story times for toddlers and preschoolers to speakers on the Civil War for adults, including summer reading programs, there is something for everyone at the library. The library isn't just about books it is a dynamic place to visit!

The Huron County Community Library plays an essential role in each of the communities we serve in Huron County. Whether you visit

our Main Library in Willard, or one of our branch libraries in Greenwich, North Fairfield or Wakeman you will find friendly, knowledgeable staff, computers, wifi access, fax and copy service, adult programming, story times, teen activities, and book clubs and we haven’t even mentioned the materials available to borrow. Through our resource sharing, patrons of the library have access to millions of items free of charge.

While we hope that you will stop in to check out a book or DVD or attend one of our many programs visiting the library isn’t limited to physically coming into the building. There are thousands of electronic books and magazines available to download 24 hours a day, 7 days a week onto your e-reader, tablet or smartphone simply by using your library card.

Additionally, The Ohio Web Library with an array of research tools is available at your fingertips – browse through our website www.huroncolib.org to access Zinio an online magazine database where you may download a magazine that you can add to your e-library forever, no need to fret about due dates. Always wanted to learn a new language? Try Transparent Languages Online where you can learn Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Zulu just to name a few.

The Huron County Community Libraries caters to the whole family with special movie programming, Toledo Zoo visits – the animals actually come to the library, Ohio Museum speakers with intriguing stories and special exhibits that will wow you and make you wonder what else you’ve been missing.

What is your story? We’d love to hear how the library is impacting your life. Stop in any of our four locations: Willard, Greenwich, North Fairfield or Wakeman and see everything that the library has to offer.

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Chris May of Waterville, a double-lung transplant recipient, and Erica Reed, Life Connection of Ohio’s Hospital Liaison of Northwest Ohio, make a cer-emonial presentation of the Donate Life Ohio Platinum Award to JoAnn Ventura and Dennis Sabo, representing TBH’s Marketing Department. May and Reed were in Bellevue on June 19 as guest speakers at TBH’s monthly Mature Audience Luncheon.

The Bellevue Hospital Receives “Platinum Partner” Distinction

There are more than 3,400 Ohioans waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and every 48 hours, an Ohioan dies waiting. Last month, Donate Life Ohio, the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) and the Ohio Department of Health’s Second Chance Trust Fund recognized 47 Ohio hospitals working to address this issue and save lives by participating in the 2013-2014 Hospital Champions program, aimed at increasing organ, eye and tissue donor registration. The hospitals were recognized at the 2014 OHA Annual Meeting.

“There are more than 122,000 people nationwide that await a lifesaving organ transplant,” said Lance Himes, Interim Director, Ohio Department of Health. “These

hospitals participated in more than 1,300 programs to educate Ohio communities about organ, eye and tissue donation. This is nearly double the amount of participation we saw in last year’s program.”

Hospital Champions were recognized in categories based on their size and advocacy activities:

2013-2014 Hospital Champions Platinum Partners The Bellevue Hospital, Small Hospital St. Elizabeth Health Center, Commu-nity/Midsize Hospital Miami Valley Hospital, Large Hospital University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Transplant Center

After a recent ground-breaking ceremony, work began on a new professional building, located on 2.3 -acres In the Huron Corporate Park. Constructing the office building to house their medical practice are Drs. Martin Lesnak and Angela Fraifogl, D.P.M.’s, of Huron Podiatry. Manning small shovels are their daughters, Samantha, 6, and Andrea, 3. Looking on are the project architect Daniel J. Frederick and contractor Craig Roberts of Legends, LLC. The husband and wife medical team opened their Huron office nearly a decade ago. The new 2,500 sq. ft. offices, to be known as Wind Sail Professional Building, will have a Cape Cod look with nautical accents.

The Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County held Firestone Complete Auto Care’s ribbon cutting to celebrate their re-grand opening as a Firestone location.

Pictured: Scarlett Sterling, Jason Evans, Ken Schaeffer, Bryan Grob, John Shu-law, Juan Gonzalez, Mathew Chesnutte, Aaron Smith, Bill Allison and Angie Morelock.

Firestone Holds Ribbon Cutting

This is the fourth business to now be located in Huron’s Corporate Park, off Rye Beach Road.


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Citizens Bank Employees Volunteer

Harris-Elmore Fire Department Offering Emergency Response Tools

Citizens Bank employees traded business suits for jeans and computers for shovels and brooms as part of a bank wide Moving Our Community Ahead Day on June 11, 2014, Employees across Citizens Bank joined together in teams for the afternoon to volunteer at various community organizations.

“Moving Our Community Ahead Day was created to give employees the opportunity to volunteer together, helping various organizations within the communities we serve and live”, said Chairman and CEO James O. Miller. “Many of our employees volunteer individually and serve in positions of leadership, but working side by side with colleagues outside of their typical working environments presented a new opportunity for teamwork,” added Miller. There were

many volunteer opportunities to choose from including Back to the Wild in Castalia, Edison Woods MetroPark in Berlin Heights, Habitat for Humanity in Sandusky and Norwalk, Erie County Meals on Wheels program, Ohio Veterans Home, The Oak House of Port Clinton, Huron County Humane Society, The Willows at Willard Nursing Home, The Willard Hope Center, The Willard Food Bank, and the Community and Economic Development Corporation at the City of Shelby.

Over 120 employees volunteered their time at approximately 20 organizations, donating over 500 hours and approximately $15,000 in company resources. The bank plans on making the volunteer day an annual event.

The Harris Elmore Fire Department is reaching out to residents of the Harris Elmore community and beyond with items that may assist during emergency situations.

An important part of responding quickly during an emergency is being able to identify the home of a potential victim. Homes should be properly numbered and the numbers should be in a visible location. The department is offering residences of Harris Elmore a green reflective sign with their house numbers for a minimal cost of $12.00 and the cost includes installation.

Finding a home is only part of quick responding. The department must be able to gain access into a home during an emergency. Many people experience emergencies that prevent EMS or Fire from gaining access into their homes. In those types of situations the department must make a forcible entry. The department is aware of “Life Alert” systems. However, a Life Alert system requires a key holder and does not provide emergency caregivers immediate access into the home. As we all know, with any emergency,

time is of the essence. In an effort to make response times

even faster and avoid forcible entries, the department has teamed up with Diversified Insurance Service of Elmore, Ohio. The company has donated realtor style lock boxes that can be placed on homes. The lock boxes will have preset numbers determined by the Harris Elmore Fire Department. It will be up to the resident of each home to provide the department with a functioning key to their home. The key will be placed in the lock box and not touched unless there is an emergency at that given residence. A fire department representative will meet with the resident to ensure proper placement of the lock box.

While the cost of the lock box is covered by the donation from Diversified Insurance Service, the department is asking for a small voluntary donation to help purchase necessary equipment for the department and future lock boxes.

The lock box is only available to residents of the Harris Elmore Fire Department responding district.

Firelands Regional Medical Center Honored with “Mission: Lifeline” Quality Achievement Award

Firelands Regional Medical Center has received the Mission: Lifeline® Gold Plus Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

Firelands Regional Medical Center earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for the quick and appropriate treatment of STEMI patients to open the blocked artery. Before patients are discharged, they are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, aspirin, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, and they receive smoking cessation counseling if needed. Eligible hospitals must adhere to these measures at a set level for a designated period to receive the awards.

“Firelands Regional Medical Center has been participating in Mission: Lifeline since it started in 2009 and our yearly average “Door to Balloon” time for STEMI patients has improved to 34.7 minutes from the time the patient arrives at our emergency room to the time the blockage has been treated – well below the 90 minutes as recommended by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidelines.”

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps hospitals, emergency medical services and communities improve response times so people who suffer from a STEMI receive prompt, appropriate treatment. The program’s goal is to streamline systems of care to quickly get heart attack patients from the first 9-1-1 call to hospital treatment.


LegalINDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT BASICS

A traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is an account that has been funded by pretax dollars that are held by a custodian until you reach the age of retirement. With Baby boomers reaching that age, these accounts will become very important in determining when a person can retire and continue to have sufficient assets to live a comfortable life. Until now, many people never paid much attention to this account because they knew that they could not use the funds. Setting aside the fact that these funds have greatly declined in value over the past two years, it is imperative that one understands how these accounts function and what check list should be used to insure that everything with the account is in order.

STRUCTURE OF THE ACCOUNTThis account is in your personal

name. The funds are held by a custodian who is the plan administrator. This account has a named beneficiary designation. Everyone should have a written copy of the beneficiary designation form for each account. Most married individuals have their spouse as the beneficiary. When I ask who the second beneficiary is or a contingent beneficiary they do not know. Be sure to have someone named and also be sure to have written proof of the named beneficiaries. With all of the banks merging, going out of business and just changing names, your actual documentation can be lost in the shuffle. It is recommended that you contact the custodian of your IRA

and ask for proof of beneficiaries. Determine if your form is complete with a written primary beneficiary and a contingent beneficiary.

PLANNING WITH THE IRA ACCOUNT

The primary purpose of the IRA is to provide funds for your retirement years. It is also important to plan for the best use of the fund if you die without using all of the monies. Normally the fund will be a rollover account for the benefit of your surviving spouse. This allows the fund to continue to grow tax deferred until the money is withdrawn over the lifetime of your spouse. Remember that income tax will have to be paid on this money when it is withdrawn.

If you have adequate other monies, the IRA is a great planning tool for grandchildren. The law now allows you to defer the distribution of the account over the life expectancy of each grandchild. If the grandfather passes away with an account for the benefit of a two year old grandchild it will continue over an 84 year period with a tremendous growth for the grandchild in later years. If there is a large age difference then it is often best to establish separate trust shares for each grandchild or group to plan for the age difference.

PLANNING FOR CHARITYIf you want to give money to a

charity, a distribution from an IRA is the perfect tool. When the distribution is made there will be no income tax or estate tax. All of the money will go to the charity and the government will get nothing. Even a small donation can be given from the IRA and allow for the greatest benefit from your fund.

USING A TRUST If you want to give money to

younger individuals but still want some control then you will want to have a revocable trust be the beneficiary. There are very definite rules relating to the use of a trust and you will need the assistance of legal counsel to properly plan for this kind of distribution. The IRA can also be used to fund a credit shelter trust in a basic A-B trust plan but assistance is essential to obtain the desired result. With the large federal credit allowed today the IRA is often a major part of the plan.

REQUIRED BEGINNING DATE (RBD)

The government requires that you start taking a portion of the fund out each taxable year. This is calculated by determining the normal life expectancy which is approximately 16 ½ years from the date of the required beginning date. The required beginning date is April 1st of the year after the year in which you attain the age of 70 ½. Only the government could devise such a plan. Each year you will be required to remove a percentage so that the fund is exhausted by the end of your life expectancy. You need to prepare for this event. If you have several accounts you may take all of the distribution out of one of the accounts and leave the other accounts growing for another year. The main concern is income tax and you should always consult with your CPA as to the best plan for distribution. The government has frozen the mandatory distribution requirement for the next two years and is allowing you to retain that amount in your IRA.

401(K)If your company has maintained a

401(K) for your benefit during your working years it is best to roll over this account into a self directed IRA at retirement. A 401(K) has a few different rules and you need to take all of the above steps and determine if there are any other decisions that need to be made relating to your 401(K) account. You need to do this homework before you retire so that you satisfy any company or government requirements.

CONCLUSIONYou have worked many years to

create and build this nest egg. It is important that you review with trained individuals initially prior to 59 ½ and again at 70 ½. A wrong decision can create an unnecessary tax and affect your payouts for years.

Jeff Roth is a partner with David Bacon and associate Jessica Moon of the firm ROTH and BACON with offices in Port Clinton, Upper Sandusky, Marion, Ohio and Fort Myers, Florida. All members of the firm are licensed in Ohio and Florida. Mr. Roth’s practice is limited to wealth strategy planning and elder law in both states. Nothing in this article is intended for, nor should be relied upon as individual legal advice. The purpose of this article is to provide information to the public on concepts of law as they pertain to estate and business planning. Jeff Roth can be reached at o h i o f l o r i d a t r u s t @ a o l . c o m (telephone: 419-732-9994) copyright Jeffrey P. Roth 2014.

By Jeff Roth


Mercy Willard Hospital Named Gold Partner for Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation Advocacy

Crews Will Survey the Portage River to Find Lampreys

Providence Care Centers Completes Renovations

Last month, Mercy Willard Hospital was recognized by Donate Life Ohio, the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) and the Ohio Department of Health’s Second Chance Trust Fund. The hospital was named a Gold Partner in the Small Hospital category of the 2013-2014 Hospital Champions program, aimed at increasing organ, eye and tissue donor registration. Mercy Willard and 46 other Ohio hospitals were recognized during the 2014 OHA Annual Meeting.

Mercy Willard raises awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation by distributing Donate Life materials in

the hospital and giving out information during laboratory screening events. During the month of April, Mercy Willard promoted Donate Life month on Facebook and raised the Donate Life Ohio flag.

“We are pleased to be a Gold Partner for organ, eye and tissue donation advocacy,” said Lynn Detterman, president & CEO, Mercy Rural Division. “One person who says yes to donating life could save the lives of eight people through organ donation, and enhance the lives of 50 more through tissue donation.”

The continuing battle against sea lampreys soon came to locations in the local area. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey crew conducted work on the offshore area near the Portage River in Ottawa and Sandusky Counties during June 18-25, 2014 to search for the presence of lampreys near the mouth of the stream. The information gathered will be used to determine if sea lampreys have established themselves in the system.

A first step in the control of sea lampreys is to survey streams tributary to the Great Lakes to determine the presence of lamprey larvae. Sea lampreys invaded the Great Lakes during the 1920s and have been a permanent, destructive element of the fishery ever since. Sea lampreys attach to fish with a suction cup mouth, rasp a hole though the fish’s scales and skin, and feed on blood and body fluids. The average sea lamprey will destroy up to (40 lbs/ 20 kg) of fish during its parasitic phase.

Sea lamprey larvae hatch from eggs laid by adult lampreys in gravel nests, and drift into silty bottom areas where they burrow and live for several years. Also, larvae sometimes drift out of streams and settle in the immediate offshore areas near stream mouths. Failure to detect and subsequently eliminate larvae allows the lampreys to transform into parasitic adults and kill Great Lakes fish.

Fishery biologists and technicians conduct surveys for sea lamprey larvae in hundreds of Great Lakes streams each year. Most surveys are conducted by electrofishing, but in deep waters crews use Bayluscide 3.2% Granular Sea Lamprey Larvicide, a lampricide approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency. This lampricide is specially formulated onto sand granules and covered with a time-release coating. The formulation is sprayed over a measured surface area of water where it sinks to the bottom, rapidly dissolves, and causes the larval sea lampreys to leave their

burrows and swim to the surface where they are collected.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency have reviewed human health and environmental safety data for the lampricides and in 2003 concluded that Bayluscide poses no unreasonable risk to the general population and the environment when applied at concentrations necessary to detect larval sea lampreys. Applications are conducted in accordance with State of Ohio permits.

The sea lamprey control program is formulated and implemented by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Geological Survey. The Commission initiated chemical control of sea lampreys in 1958. Since that time the highly successful program has contributed significantly to the maintenance of the $7 billion Great Lakes sport and commercial fisheries.

The Commission is committed to delivering a sea lamprey control program that practices good environmental stewardship. To support the continued safe use of lampricides the Commission recently conducted a series of studies at a total cost of $6 million to assess the effects of the lampricides on human health and the environment. In addition to these studies the Commission has implemented a research program to develop alternative control techniques. The Commission also is developing a strategy to increase the number of barriers on sea lamprey-producing streams, and is conducting research into barrier design, traps, attractants, and biological control.

For additional information in the U.S. call 1-800-472-9212 and in Canada call 1-800-553-9091. TTY users may reach the Marquette or Ludington Biological Stations through the Michigan State Relay Service at 1-800-649-3777.

Providence Care Centers is pleased to announce the completion of a $900,000 rejuvenation to the Memory Care portion of the multi-service campus. The project took nearly four months to complete and the many upgrades include the addition of a theater, Put-In-Bay Pub, coffee shop (stocked with Starbucks coffee and Toft’s ice cream) to its Boardwalk area, modernization of the dining areas, and freshly wallpapered and carpeted resident living suites.

The 36-bed Memory Care unit is

housed at The Commons of Providence campus located on the west side of Sandusky on Providence Drive. This is the first renovation for Memory Care since the campus began providing this specialized service in 1997. “As our seniors are living longer, fuller lives, the services

we provide and the atmosphere we provide them must fit their needs,” said Wendy Dolyk, Executive Director of Providence Care Centers. “The expectation on all areas of senior care is very high, especially those dealing with the sensitive issue of Memory Care. We have outstanding care that focuses on a customized approach for the needs of the individual, rather than standardizing care for the needs of the entire group. Now we have the living space that supports that philosophy and truly allows for a person-centered care approach,” added Dolyk.

Providence Care Centers are member organizations of Franciscan Living Communities (FLC). FLC is a mission driven, industry leading provider of senior living services throughout Ohio and Kentucky.

Serving the business needs of Ohio’s north coast for20 years To advertise in North Coast Business Journalcontact us at 419-734-4838 or email [email protected]


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Magruder’s Diabetes Program Earns National Recognition

Magruder Hospital’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program recently renewed their certification for National Recognition by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

The outpatient program, which requires a physician referral, offers patients the skills they need to better manage their diabetes on their own.

The ADA reviewed and evaluated Magruder’s program by the National Standards earning them the National Recognition. "It really assures us that the education we offer is the best it can be for our diabetic patients,” said Kathy Buckingham, RD, LD, CDE, Magruder’s Director of Nutritional Services and coordinator of the program.

The ADA Education Recognition effort is a voluntary process which assures that approved education

programs have met the National Standards. The program was originally awarded Education

Recognition in September, 2007.

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With the popularity of crime dramas on television, most Americans have heard the Miranda warnings, which law enforcement officers must give before you are taken into custody for interrogation by any U.S. local, state or federal government authority:

• You have the right to remain silent.

• Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

• You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have your lawyer present with you while you are being questioned.

• If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning, if you wish.

• If you give up your right to remain silent, and later wish to stop answering questions, no further questions will be asked.

While we have all heard them, comparatively few of us truly understand the impact of the 1966 United States Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).

Q: How do I know if I am in custody?A: Circumstances vary, but generally, if a reasonable person does not feel free to leave the presence of governmental law enforcement, then that person is said to be “in custody.” If you are in custody, you must be informed of your Miranda rights, and agree to waive those rights, before authorities may ask you any questions.

Q: What happens if I waive my Miranda rights? A: Waiving your Miranda rights means that you agree to answer questions, even without a lawyer present. Governmental

authorities who routinely arrest and question individuals about alleged criminal acts often provide Miranda waiver forms. People can read their rights and sign the form to say they are giving up their Miranda rights and consenting to questioning while in custody. However, as long as you have heard and understood your Miranda rights, but go ahead and speak with authorities or answer their questions, then your behavior is a valid waiver of those rights, even if you have not signed any paper.

Q: What if I want the authorities to stop questioning me?A: You cannot simply remain silent if you want authorities to stop questioning you. Instead, you must say, out loud, “I wish to remain silent” or “I am requesting legal counsel.” Then, authorities must immediately stop questioning you while you are in custody.

Q: Is there any circumstance where police don’t have to give the Miranda warnings? A: Yes. There is a rarely-used exception that lets authorities take a suspect into custody without reading the Miranda rights when there is a risk to the public’s safety. This exception made headlines after Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was apprehended.

Q: If I say I want to remain silent, does my right to remain silent last forever?A: No. Even if you are in jail or in police custody, the police can question you again after 14 days. Also, if, for example, you are arrested, remain silent, are released, and then are arrested a few days later, you need to re-assert your right to remain silent. Also,

if you invoke your rights but then just keep talking, you lose that protection.

Q: What if I am in government custody and authorities are interrogating me, but haven’t read me my rights? A: Assuming there was no public safety or other exception, your attorney will file a “motion to suppress” any incriminating statements you may have made to the authorities. In this motion, your attorney will ask the court to rule that the prosecutor may not use any of your statements at your trial because that would violate your rights. If the prosecutor has a very weak case and little evidence against you other than your statement, such a ruling may convince the prosecutor to dismiss your case or offer you a favorable plea agreement. Or, the exclusion of

your statement may mean you will not be convicted. However, if you are caught by seven witnesses and 12 video cameras showing you swinging out of a bank vault with cash that is not yours, the outcome of government’s case against you is very unlikely to be affected by any failure to inform you of your rights.

This “Law You Can Use” column was provided by the Ohio State Bar Association. It was prepared by Attorney Aaron T. Baker, a solo practitioner in Willoughby, Ohio, and Matthew C. Bangerter, a solo practitioner in Mentor, Ohio. Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek advice from an attorney.


Law You Can Use: Consumer Information ColumnWhat Are My Miranda Rights?


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Now Open - Fremont Federal Credit UnionMain OfficeDrive-Thru and ATM

ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital Announces Plansto Expand Dialysis Program

ProMedica Memorial HospitalEarns Nuclear Medicine Accreditation

After much anticipation, the Fremont Federal Credit Union Main Office Drive-Thru and ATM are now open for business.

“It took us awhile to get to this point but we are proud to say we are finally ready to go,” stated Fremont Federal Credit Union President/CEO Tony

Camilleri at a recent ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility. Members of the credit union’s Board of Directors, management team, staff, Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County Ambassadors, Fremont Mayor Jim Ellis, Fremont Federal Credit Union members and community members were on hand for the official opening of

the drive-thru and ATM last month.

Camilleri continued, “Our members have asked for this and we are thrilled we were able to finally make it happen. The addition of the drive-thru and ATM will make conducting financial business even more convenient for our members and the community.

In response to an existing and growing need to expand dialysis services locally, ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital (FCH) has committed over $1 million to create a more than 3,000 square-foot dialysis center in the Graystone Medical Building in Fostoria.

Plans for the new facility include additional treatment areas, private area for physician. In 2013, the FCH dialysis team, added a third shift in the department to accommodate up to six new patients. Currently, 30 local and area patients receive dialysis treatment in an approximately 1,000 square-foot area on the second floor of the hospital.

The project is slated to take approximately one year to complete with a tentative completion timeline of mid 2015.

ProMedica Memorial Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in nuclear medicine as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material, ingested by the patient, to diagnose and treat a variety of disease, including many types of cancers, heart disease, and certain other abnormalities within the body.

According to Nathan Perkins, ProMedica Memorial Hospital’s radiology and cardiac services director, “This accreditation demonstrates to our patients that Memorial Hospital’s imaging department performs at the highest levels of quality and safety.”

ProMedica Memorial Hospital is also ACR accredited in digital mammography, MRI, PET scans and computed tomography (CT scans).

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Last month, a Ribbon Cutting was held for the dedication of the Friendship Park Wall. Representatives from the City of Port Clinton, the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Main Street Port Clinton congratulated the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council on this beautification project.

The Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council’s mission is to provide the communities of Ottawa County support in fostering a cooperative

effort between artists and the public to promote the creative arts in our region. The GPCAAC believes that the health and welfare of our communities is dependent upon the success of the arts. Art is not a frivolous endeavor, it is essential to the human creative spirit. All donations to the GPCAAC are tax deductible due to their 501 C (3) status. For more information visit their website www.ottawacountyarts.org

The Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Port Clinton held a ribbon cutting for On Point Wellness to celebrate the grand opening of their new location.

Pictured left to right: Lee Vivod, PC Chamber Board; Lisa Sarty, Port Clinton City Council; Chuck Miller, PC Chamber

Board; Mayor Vince Leone, City of Port Clinton; Deeann Lento, owner and son Eddie; Mike Lento, owner; Mary Nemecek; Leah Sutherland; Rebecca Cross; Missy Walker, Main Street Port Clinton Board; and Laura Schlachter, PC Chamber and Main Street PC.

Ribbon Cutting Held for the Friendship Park Wall

Ribbon Cutting Heldfor On Point Wellness

The Board of Directors for Main Street Port Clinton is pleased to announce that MSPC received a $10,000 grant from the Stensen Memorial Fund to help purchase bicycle racks for our historic downtown. The bicycle racks will complement the existing planters, benches, and trash receptacles in downtown and will emphasize healthy living.

Pictured Left to Right: Representa-tives from Main Street Port Clinton were pleased to receive the grant award. Ex-Officio Board Member Mayor Leone; Laura Schlachter, Pro-gram Manager; Roseann Hickman, President; and Don Clemons, Direc-tor.

Main Street PC is Awarded Grant from Stensen


Bowling Green State University Firelands College recently hired Trinidy Jeter, Sandusky.

In her new role at the College, Jeter will develop, plan, and implement co-curricular and e x t r a c u r r i c u l a r activities that promote student engagement and leadership development within the College and community. Working closely with the student body, she will be responsible for overseeing all campus organizations, clubs and the student government. She will also coordinate the usage of the gymnasium and intramural programs.

A 2000 graduate of Sandusky High School, Jeter returns to the area after being away for several years. Prior to joining the staff at BGSU Firelands,

Jeter was employed at Kent State University for nearly six years, first as an academic advisor and most recently as the assistant director of the Student Multicultural Center. She also has experience in college administration at Baldwin-Wallace University.

Jeter earned a master’s in higher education and student affairs from The Ohio State University in 2006 and a bachelor�s degree in liberal studies from Denison University, Granville, Ohio, in 2004. She also completed a research internship in 2005 at Lancaster University, United Kingdom.

Among other professional affiliations, Jeter is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and a network committee member of the American College Personnel Association.

JETER

BGSU Firelands Hires Coordinator of Student & Campus Activities

On The MoveDr. Kashif Khan Joins Edgewood ManorNursing Center as Medical Director

Edgewood Manor Nursing Center is please to announce that as of June 1, Dr. Kashif Khan has joined its team, as Medical Director. Dr. Khan comes to Edgewood Manor as part of the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Khan did his Residency and Fellowship in Geriatrics at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. He has worked in the Long Term Care field for over 10 years. KHAN

Citizens Bank recently made the following employee announcements:

Tracey Henley’s role has expanded to include enhanced business d e v e l o p m e n t responsibilities in the Norwalk market. In addition to her Retail Sales Manager role, Henley is now Branch Leader of the Norwalk, Seminary Street office. Henley is currently attending the Ohio State University, Mansfield Campus and is a member of the Norwalk Clothing Bank, Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club. She and her family reside in Milan.

Wilma Allen has been named Branch Leader of the Greenwich office and will also oversee the Plymouth and Shiloh offices. Allen has been with Citizens for over 15 years and recently served as Branch Leader at the Norwalk, Seminary Street office. She is actively involved with the Huron County Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband reside in Norwalk.

Meena Subashchandran has been promoted to Branch Leader of the

West Perkins office in Sandusky. Subashchandran joined Citizens 12 years ago as a teller and most recently served as Account S p e c i a l i s t . Subashchandran earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Stella Maris College, India and has completed several banking courses through Tri State CFT. Subashchandran lives in Sandusky with her husband and son.

Dawn Solberg has been selected as Retail Sales Trainer for the bank. Solberg’s responsibilities include expanding the bank’s retail sales and service training. Solberg joined Citizens eight years ago and holds Series 6, Series 63, Life and Health Licenses. She is active in the community and serves on the Board of Trustees and President of Leadership Erie County, Board of Trustees with the Salvation Army, a member of Firelands for Positive People, the Erie County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Committee Member and was named Women of Excellence in 2012.

Citizens Bank AnnouncesPromotions and New Appointments

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By Jasmine CuppDuring a press conference held by the Ohio

Department of Transportation (ODOT) Wednesday, June 11, at 11 a.m., it was announced that Port Clinton had received a Small Cities Grant worth $2.34 million that will go to the upgrade and improvement of the downtown.

The grant enables the City to perform the following upgrades and improvements:

• Reconstructing Madison Street from Third Street to Perry Street, a distance of approximately 1100 ft.

• The City intends to reconstruct the pavement and replace the curb and sidewalk.

• The replacement of sidewalks will be extended 3-5 ft. on the west and east side of Madison Street to improve pedestrian traffic and encourage outside venues.

• Under drains will be installed along with a new drainage structure and storm sewer.

• The project will also serve to upgrade and enhance pedestrian safety within the heart of downtown Port Clinton with traffic calming features including narrowing traffic lanes, widening sidewalks, ADA accessibility, landscape features and lighting along the transportation corridor.

• The City also will install new sanitary sewers and new water lines.

• Complimentary activities will include building

façade improvements by participating property owners using grants and low interest loans.

After the City was presented with the grant, Port Clinton Mayor Vince Leone spoke at the press conference.

“The gift from ODOT allows us to take large steps,” said Mayor Leone. “Now we’re not just saying let’s do something, we’re doing it.”

The mayor also took time to thank Port Clinton City Council members who, he says, have one vision and that’s P.C. all the way.

“The $2.34 million dollar project from Perry to Third isn’t just surface work and band aids,” said Mayor Leone, “we will do things right one time; top to bottom. It’s not just about the structure, it’s also about economics; helping the local businesses. During my campaign when I ran for mayor I was very clear that I wanted to help do something for the downtown. When you looked north towards the lake, it was beautiful. When you turned around and looked at the downtown, it wasn’t so much. I posed the question, what can we do about that? Now, there’s no more ‘we will try to move forward’; we’re doing it.”

Ohio Senator Randy Gardner followed Mayor Leone. Senator Gardner explained, “ODOT gets a lot of demands to be a lot of places, they saw the value, energy and potential in Port Clinton.”

“It’s frustrating because people that hold public offices… it’s easy for them to have reasons to say

no,” said Senator Gardner. “To be better, we need to not be afraid of change. We need to say yes.”

In closing, the District Deputy Director of ODOT Todd Audet said that Port Clinton received 25% of the funds that were available to all cities in Ohio. He also thanked the mayor for his leadership abilities to make this happen for the City.

Grant for $2.34 Million Awarded to Downtown Port Clinton


On The Move

Fleming of Norwalk represented Fisher-Titus Medical Center as a nominee for the Ohio Hospital Association’s Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year. Fleming was among 74Ohio caregivers nominated for this year’s award.

Fleming loves the clinical aspect of nursing, but still feels the greater reward in nursing comes from the emotional connection that is made with patients during times of their lives when they need quality medical care as well as a genuine “healing touch.”

Fisher-Titus Medical Center serves Norwalk, Huron County and the

region with the latest medical a d v a n c e m e n t s providing the area’s 70,000-plus residents a full continuum of care that includes F i s h e r - T i t u s Memorial Hospital, a 99-bed acute care hospital; Norwalk Memorial Home, a 69-bed skilled nursing facility; The Carriage House of Fisher-Titus, a 48-unit assisted living facility; and a Home Health Center.

Michael R. Nill, M.D., F.A.C.S., board certified general surgeon, joined Farid Said, M.D., F.A.C.S. at Fisher-Titus Medical Care General Surgery, 34 Executive Drive, Norwalk, on Monday, June 23, and is a member of the Fisher-Titus Medical Center medical staff.

Dr. Nill most recently served more than 10 years as a general surgeon at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, Ohio. During his tenure at Marietta Memorial, Dr. Nill was Trauma Medical Director, Medical Staff President for two years and Chairman of Surgery for five years. Locally, Dr. Nill worked for Firelands Surgeons, Inc. in Bellevue from 1998 to 2003 as a general surgeon.

Dr. Nill completed his general surgery residency and a surgery research fellowship at The Ohio State

University Medical Center. He earned a doctor of medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, a master of science in physiology and a bachelor of science, both from Pennsylvania State University. He is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons and the Ohio State Medical Association. In addition, he is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Nill recently moved to the area with his wife and three children. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, hiking, travel and spending time with his family.

Jason Gahring, BSN, RN, VABC, has recently been promoted to Medical/ Surgical Manager at Fisher-Titus Medical Center. Under the direction of the assistant vice president of nursing, Gahring will oversee service development, personnel management, resource allocation and management controls in order to ensure consistent high-quality patient care in the medical/surgical units at Fisher-Titus.

Gahring of Norwalk has been a registered nurse at Fisher-Titus Medical Center since 1999. He worked four years on the Medical Surgical floors and three years in the Intensive Care Unit. Gahring transferred to cardio-pulmonary where he assisted in non-invasive diagnostic testing. When Cardiovascular Services was developed in 2007, diagnostic testing was realigned to that department.

Since that time, Gahring has a c h i e v e d competency in all aspects of c a r d i o v a s c u l a r nursing: non-invasive testing, invasive cath lab procedures, pre- and post-procedure patient care, and cardiac rehabilitation.

In October 2007, Gahring assumed the position of permanent charge nurse in the cardiovascular department. Since 2007, Gahring has completed his bachelor of science in nursing at Ohio University. He has also achieved board certification as a vascular access nurse. In addition Gahring will begin his master’s in nursing program later this summer.

General Surgeon Joins Fisher-Titus Medical Care

Sandy Fleming of Fisher-Titus Nominated for Healthcare Worker of the Year Award

FLEMING

GAHRING

Jason Gahring Promoted to Medical Surgical Manager

NILL

In late May, the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off a fundraising campaign for their Annual Independence Day Celebration. Patriotic stars were sold at several businesses throughout town, and the response was wonderful. “We would like to thank all of the businesses that sold the stars and all of the people who purchased them,” says Valerie Winterfield, Executive Director.

Community Markets in Oak Harbor raised the most money, bringing in over $1,200 in donations with Cashier Cathe Riffle selling the most stars! There have also been several donations by businesses in town and private citizens. “It is a great feeling to see the town rally together and support this wonderful event, and we are grateful for all of the contributions.”

Oak Harbor Fundraising Campaign A Success!


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