July – Aug 2010 - Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of

“Linking Business to Community for Prosperity!”
Willoughby Area
Chamber of Commerce
Serving Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Willoughby, and Willoughby Hills
Volume 107 Issue 4
IN THIS ISSUE
LCSC Meeting Schedule
Notes From Nikki
Key Financial Details-In a Flash
Bring a Friend Luncheon Update
WACC ArtsFest
WACC Annual Golf Outing
Noteworthy News
Event Photos
New Members
Small Business IT Security
Payroll Tax Holiday & $1000 Credit
LCCC Annual Membership Appreciation
Business Expo
Business Spotlight
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
15
TAKE NOTE
July
15 Board Meeting - 8:00am - Willoughby
Hills Community Center
17 Willoughby ArtsFest in Historic
Downtown Willoughby
29 Lake County Chambers of Commerce
Member Appreciation Event - Western
Reserve Harley Davidson
August
19 Board Meeting - 8:00am - Willoughby
Hills Community Center
26 WACC Golf Outing - Pine Ridge Golf
Course
ON
Holden Arboretum
For nearly 80 years, The Holden Arboretum
has served as an escape from the stress of
life, providing a beautiful and calm oasis of
nature for the residents of Northeast Ohio.
Set on 3,600 acres of land, Holden offers
something for everyone. With 600 acres of
cultivated gardens – including the Helen S.
Layer Rhododendron Garden, the Arlene
and Arthur S. Holden Butterfly Garden and
the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden,
featuring species native to the state of Ohio
– Holden offers gardeners a chance to see
how plants will work with other plants and
fit into their home landscapes. Classes and
programs are offered year round that put
guests in touch with the experts and help
them learn new techniques.
With more than 20 miles of trails, Holden
is also a place for long walks in the woods.
Trails through the Pierson Creek Valley
allow guests to explore on their own, while
guide tours take groups into the more
remote parts of Holden, including Little
Mountain and Stebbins Gulch.
This summer, Holden has introduced a new
series of children’s play programs – Play in
the Forest, Play in the Water, Play in the
July/August 2010
Field – encouraging unstructured natural
play. While this type of play encourages
the development of children’s imagination,
discovery, observation and creativity, it is
becoming less common because of shrinking
green spaces, growing safety concerns and
structured activities. The Holden program
helps parents and children set aside time for
unstructured outdoor play.
Parents are encouraged to sit back and relax
as the children explore the woods with
shovels and buckets, search for grasshoppers
in the fields or dip into the pond with next
to see what is beneath the surface of the
pond.
Activities for children will continue this
fall with Holden’s popular Goblins in the
Gardens event. Set Oct. 10 from noon to
4:30 p.m., this event will feature a Trickor-Treat Trail, wagon rides, hay climb,
pumpkin decorating, entertainment and
food.
Adults will also have an opportunity to
enjoy the Trick-or-Treat Trail from 4 to
6:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, when Holden hosts
Nature’s Brew Beer Tasting. ! Fall colors
provide the backdrop for this event, which
that will include music, food and a Chinese
auction with beer-related items up for bid to
round out this fun fall evening. Guests in
costume receive extra tasting tickets. For more information on these and other
Holden events, visit us online at holdenarb.
org or call 440-946-4400.
Missing out on receiving
the Chamber’s emails?
Perhaps you have recently changed internet providers or the contact person(s) in
your company has changed? In order to make sure that you are kept in the loop
of all that is going on in the Chamber, please contact the office with your updated
information. Email any updates to [email protected], fax us a
message at 440-942-0586 or give us a call at 440-942-1632.
2010 OFFICERS
President............................ Ken Nicholas
Charter One
216-339-6288
President-Elect
Wiles & Richards,
Attorneys at Law
Michael Germano
440-942-6262
Vice-President...........Marlene Cornachio
Custom Cleaning
440-946-7028
& Maintenance
Treasurer...............................John Forbes
Deimling, Forbes & Assoc. 440-299-6707
Secretary............................... Bob Godina
Martinet & Recchia
440-942-3900
If you have moved...
If you have moved, please be sure that the Chamber has your current
mailing address so that we can update your records. Now that postal
regulations have changed, we are now being charged for every piece of
mail that we send out and comes back to us. Also, if your business will
be closing, please notify us of that change as well. Thank you!
Past President........................ Jeff Holden
Network Results
440-283-0310
2010 TRUSTEES
Tim Campbell...................440-516-9090
Bond, Sippola, DeJoy & Co.
Byron Crane......................440-461-5782
Crane Printing, Green & Dry Cleaning
Sam Delzoppo...................440-796-8839
Coverall Cleaning Concepts
Barry Feldman...................440-946-7473
Kottler Metal Products
Scott Gregory....................440-527-5696
Bottom Line Accounting Solutions
Ron Rogerson...................440-946-4950
Corsaro Insurance
Kathy Whan-Marko, PhD....440-918-1540
Go green--recycle!
The Chamber is accepting your old
cell phones, ink jet and laser printer
cartridges for recycling. Just drop
off at the Chamber office and we’ll
take care of the rest. Thanks for your
cooperation.
2 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER OFFICE
Nikki Matala..................... Executive Director
The purpose of the Willoughby Area
Chamber of Commerce is to promote
and develop a supportive business and
community environment in which to live
and work.
The Chamber of Commerce Newsletter is
published 6 times annually. Publications run:
January/February; March/April; May/June; July/
August; September/October; and November/
December. All news items, advertising and
photographs are required to be submitted no later
than the 15th of the month prior to publication.
Please notify the Chamber Office of any change of
name, address, phone number or absence of issue.
Phone: 440-942-1632 Fax: 440-942-0586
Email: [email protected]
Donna Swan..................Administrative Assistant
2010 CITY MAYORS
David Anderson................440-942-4124
City of Willoughby
Mark Tyler........................440-256-3332
City of Kirtland
John Turben......................440-256-3296
City of Kirtland Hills
Bob Weger........................440-946-1234
City of Willoughby Hills
Lake County
Safety Council
• Cancer Insurance
• Medicare/RX Assistance
• Life • Health • Dental
• Annuities • Long Term
Care Insurance
440-951-6200
Date:
Time:
Place:
Cost:
Speaker:
Topic:
RSVP:
Friday, July 23, 2010
Registration 11:15 AM Meeting 11:30 AM
Holiday Inn Express – LaMalfa
$18 Members $20 Non-Members
Andrew Johnson,
Sotaris
Lockout - Tagout
(440) 255-0877(or)
Register online at
www.councilnews.org
Date:
Time:
Place:
Cost:
Speaker:
Topic:
RSVP:
Friday, August 20, 2010
Registration 11:15 AM Meeting 11:30 AM
Holiday Inn Express – LaMalfa
$18 Members $20 Non-Members
Trooper Frank Gharky, State of Ohio Commercial Unit
Requirements for CDL and non-CDL Commercial Truck Drivers - Are You In Compliance?
(440) 255-0877(or)
Register online at
www.councilnews.org
38322 Apollo Parkway
Suite 201
Willoughby, Ohio 44094
Honesty - Integrity - Stability
N~,~
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3788 Lee Road
Cleveland, OH 44128
RESTORATION SERVICES
SI~CE
(945
SPECIALIZING
IN THE REBUILDING
OF PROPERTY
DAMAGED
AND RESTORATION
BY FIRE, SMOKE AND WATER
JERRY COLOSIMO
Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 3
Notes from
Nikki
By Nikki Matala
Executive Director
After nearly a year of planning, our signature
event, the 19th annual Willoughby Artsfest
is here. It has become such a source of pride
to us, showcasing the works of over 155
artists from all over the country, many of
whom are highly decorated award winners
from previous shows. The talent will be here
and you should be, too. Not only are many
of the pieces an aesthetic diversion from
the complexities and challenges of everyday
life but the show provides an opportunity
for something truly different. To be
around talent of this magnitude is not only
refreshing and inspiring but it also affords
us the opportunity to take home pieces that
lift our spirits and encourage us think more
openly. It’s a great time to do holiday shopping and
to purchase gifts for upcoming weddings,
graduations, anniversaries and birthdays. You will have selected a gift like no other
while making a lasting impression. Art,
food, and music--the show is this Saturday,
July 17th from 10am until 5pm and will be
held rain or shine. Hope to see you there.
And on another note, I hope that you will be
participating in some way in the Chamber’s
other big summer event: the annual golf
outing to be held on Thursday, August
26th at Pine Ridge Golf Course. If you are
unable to sign up a foursome, please consider
sponsorship and prize donation. Remember
that these expenses are usually tax deductible
so check with your CPA and get involved!
We have a new addition to the Chamber
office staff: Donna Swan is the new
Administrative Assistant and I am very
happy to have her join me in the office. She
is really enjoying her new position and loves
meeting all of you and is happy to help you
with any questions that you may have. I hope that everyone is enjoying summer
because as we all know that as we get older,
the summers get shorter. Do something
fun, different and memorable but enjoy it to
the fullest. Have a safe and happy summer
and maybe I’ll see you at the Lake County
Chambers of Commerce event on July 29th
(see registration info in this issue)
4 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce
Nikki
“Key Financial Details
– In a Flash!”
by Scott Gregory,
QuickBooks Specialist, CPA
www.BetterBottomLine.com
“Bring A Friend” Luncheon
Thanks to all of the members who brought guests to the May 27th
luncheon. Welcome to the four new members who joined that day, we’re
happy to have you on board!
Are you keeping tabs on the financial health
of your business?
MEMBER
Bill Monreal
Sociaca
GUEST
Jeff Monreal
Installed Services
No time for that you say - you’ll worry about
it at tax time?
Glynis Davies
Angels in Waiting
Sue Kozlowski
Design it Promotions
Without ongoing attention to your dollars
and cents, little problems can boil over into
much bigger ones. Late or missed payments to vendors and
tax agencies, interest, penalties, late customer payments and all
sorts of ugly things can happen.
Terri Jochm
Angels in Waiting
Ronni Nowak
Now Valet
Barry Feldman
Kottler Metal
Stacie Simon Wertheimer
The Wertheimer Agency
And many of these problems can cause a sharp pain directly in
your checkbook.
Barb Comiskey
Comiskey Communications, Inc.
Brenda O’Toole *
Signs PDQ
KEEP TABS IN A FLASH!
Tim Campbell
Bond, Sippola, DeJoy & Co.
Matt Mormile
Mormile Insurance Group
Teri Hare
Rabbit Enterprises, Inc.
Howard Cavell
Ohio Payroll Plus
Marlene Cornachio
Custom Cleaning & Maintenance
Brandon Owen
Chase Bank
Scott Gregory
Bottom Line Accounting Solutions
Eva Nemcik & Karel Jelenic *
My Happy Feet
Mark Zamiska
Eaton Family Credit Union
Mario Vitalone
Vitalone’s Towing
Scott Faidga
K-J Fasteners
Al Pasquale
DMS, Inc.
Marlene Wilson
Stitch n Screen
Susie Steele
Bella Me Bella You
Christine Corwin
CJ Corwin & Co.
Christoper Bitzer *
Bitzer Insurance
Billie McDonald
Chick-Fil-A
Kay Ronevich *
BCR Studios
Create what I call a “Flash Report” and review it on a regular
basis. Putting it together doesn’t have to be a complicated
process!
Your “Flash Report” should contain a handful of key metrics
that are important to the livelihood of your business. Some
suggestions on what key metrics to include in your personal
“Flash Report”:
• Cash and checking account balances
• Total $ in accounts receivable
• Total $ value of accounts receivable over 60 days old
• Total $ value of accounts payable
• Total $ value of inventory
• Total # of employees
• Total hours worked last week
• Total $ value of pending work
Take a moment to evaluate what metrics are important for
YOUR business. Then put a plan in place so your bookkeeper
provides you these figures on a daily or weekly basis.
A regular review of your “flash report” will help you spot
potential problems far sooner than ever before. Need help
putting one together? Call or e-mail me.
*denotes those who joined the Chamber that day!
Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 5
In cooperation
with The City
of Willoughby...
July 17, 2010
10AM to 5PM
19 th
Annual
A juried fine arts & fine crafts show,
great food and live entertainment!!!
Free Admission
Sponsors Include:
6 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce
Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce
Pine Ridge Golf Course  Thursday, August 26th, 2010
10:30 A.M. Shotgun Start - Scramble
(Please arrive no later than 9:30 A.M. - Spikeless Golf Shoes Only)
$95 Per Player
Cost includes golf, cart, lunch and dinner
catered by Dino’s  No refunds will be issued
Complimentary Neck & Shoulder Massages given by Room One
Prizes: 1st & 2nd place Teams in the Scramble
Door Prizes  50/50 Raffle
Golf Entry Form
Name(s)___________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Contact_Person_ ____________________________
Phone_No._ ________________________________
Fax_No._ __________________________________
Additional_Dinner_Only_($35_per_person)__________
Hole Sponsor/Door Prize
Hole Sponsor: $125 (Sign featuring company name to be
placed at one hole on the course, recognition at/after event. Any
company may opt to purchase multiple hole sponsorships.)
Silver Sponsor: $500 (Recognition on flyers, programs,
newsletter, etc., opportunity to distribute literature day of event)
Gold Sponsor: $1,000 (Includes two complimentary golfers,
on site advertising opportunity day of event, business card size
ad in newsletter, company name and logo on website, flyers,
programs and more!)
Platinum Sponsor: $2500 (Includes one complimentary
foursome, half page ad in newsletter, company name and logo
on giveaway items, banner and website, company spotlight
article in newsletter, on site advertising opportunity day of event
and more!)
Event Sponsor: $5,000 (Includes two complimentary foursomes,
full page ad in the Chamber newsletter, company name and logo
on giveaway items, banner and website, company spotlight
article in newsletter, on site advertising opportunity day of event
and much more!)
Name_____________________________________
Name_for_Sign______________________________
Total_Enclosed______________________________
Send_check_payable_to:_WACC_•_28_Public_
Square_•_Willoughby,_OH_44094
Send_check_payable_to:_WACC_•_28_Public_Square_•_
Willoughby,_OH_44094

Door_Prize:__help_us_make_everyone_a_winner!_
(Includes_recognition_at/after_event)
Visa/MC_also_accepted
Name_____________________________________
ENTRIES WILL BE BASED ON A FIRST
COMPLETE PAID BASIS!!!
Name_for_Sign______________________________
Drop_off_or_send_prize_to_Chamber_office_at_the_above_address.
Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 7
Noteworthy News
The Lake Co. Development Council will
be hosting a special meeting on Friday,
August 13th at noon at Dino’s on Rt. 306. The speaker, Senator Tim Grendell will
address the issues facing Lake County. Cost
is $15/members, $17 / non-members. For
reservations, please email Elsie at elsielcdc@
att.net or call 440-352-3412.
TDA / ThenDesign Architecture is pleased
to announce the addition of Michael E.
Wellman, a registered architect with NCARB
certification, as a project manager. Michael
has 18 years of extensive experience including
construction documentation production and
project management for educational, office,
retail/commercial, and hospitality markets.
The open house that had been previously
scheduled for July 23rd at the Kurt Law
Office has been postponed. New date to be
announced in a future issue of the newsletter.
Firefighters Community Credit Union
(FFCCU) supports Harvest for Hunger. FFCCU will donate $1.00(up to $1,000) for
each new fan that likes FFCCU’s facebook
page, now through 9/1/2010.
Animal Hospital, Inc. is partnering with
DeJohn Pet Services to provide a pet loss
support group. The group will meet the
3rd Thursday of every month from 6:308:00 pm in the Animal Hospital Conference
room located at 2735 SOM Center Rd in
Willoughby Hills (across from Gale’s Garden
Center). The group is free of charge and
open to anyone who has lost a pet or is facing
this difficult time. Please call to reserve your
spot at 440-946-2800.
Lake Health has been honored for excellence
in health care advertising. LH has received
eight national health care marketing awards,
four from the Aster Awards and four from the
Healthcare Advertising Awards competitions
for its work last year related to changing
the identity from Lake Hospital System to
Lake Health and the opening of the TriPoint
Medical Center in Concord. FUEL - Lake county’s networking group
for business professionals under the age of
40—is planning a fun filled night at three
of Northeast Ohio’s best wineries. For final
details and more info, email fuel.lakecounty@
gmail.com
Lake Health continues to offer a diverse
program of educational sessions and special
health-related lectures. For more information
and to see the entire slate of offerings, log onto
www.lakehealth.org or call 800-454-9800.
The Lakeland Entrepreneurship Academy
is holding registration for the Fall Academy,
held September through November, 2010 (12
sessions). Space is limited. For more info and
to make your reservation contact Gretchen
Skok-DeSanto, Director, at 440-525-7444 or
email her at [email protected]
The Eaton Family Credit Union is proud
to announce that Sasha Huston, Rebecca
Siegel and Cory Waite (a recent graduate of
South High School in Willoughby) have been
awarded college scholarships in the amount
of $1,000 each.
Eat’n Park is celebrating Smiley’s Beach Party
with 99 cents kids meals now through July
31st. Bring your kids, 10 and under and get
a delicious kids meal for only 99 cents. Eat’n
Park is located at Rt. 91 off SOM Center Rd
in Willoughby.
The Lake County YMCA Dream House
tours are in progress. Buy your tickets now for
a chance to win this magnificent 3,400 sq. ft.
Cape Cod style home built by W.R. Dawson
Construction. For more information or to
buy tickets call 440-946-1160.
Lake Farmpark holds a farmer’s market every
Wednesday from 3:00-6:00 pm through
October 13th. The market is located in the
parking lot and everyone is invited to come
and peruse the selection of fresh fruits and
vegetables, plants, honey, homemade baked
goods, eggs, beef and other goods.
To sign up to receive the Lake Visitor Bureau’s
newsletter, log onto www.lakevisit.com
8 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce
Kordell Norton of Synergy Solutions
speaking at our May 27th “Bring a
Friend” luncheon held at St. Noel’s
party center.
“Lunch-N-Learn Seminar”: 15 mustknow tips about computers, internet
and technology held on June 16th at
the Willoughby Hills Community Center.
Presenters were Mark Nekic and Elaine
Shout of Neothink.
On the Grow
The destination of choice for retirement.
36500 Euclid Ave., Willoughby
440-942-4342
Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 9
Welcome New Members
A to Z Painting & Maintenance, LLC
Cliff Vodicka
5344 Karen Isle Drive
Willoughby 44094
440-946-8351 Fax: 946-8351
[email protected]
Painting, siding, roofs, windows, doors,
additions & maintenance.
BCR Studios Photography & Video
Kay Ronevich
37111 Euclid Avenue
Willoughby 44094
440-510-8109
www.bcrstudios.com
[email protected]
Portrait, wedding and commercial
photography & video production. Custom
design and printing.
Town Planner
Gregg Siegenthaler
P.O. Box 1381
Mentor 44060
330-688-2770 Fax: 688-6569
www.townplanner.com
[email protected]
Bitzer Insurance
Christopher Bitzer
35104 Euclid Avenue, Suite LL11
Willoughby 44094
440-283-2400 Fax: 946-5622
www.cbitzer.com
[email protected]
Downing & Downing
Agustus Downing
36615 Vine Street, Suite #6
Willoughby 44094
440-942-0671 Fax: 942-0850
www.downing-downing.com
[email protected]
Specialize in retail loss prevention industry.
Special Masking
Laura San Augstin
36445 Biltmore Place, Suite G
Willoughby 44094
440-269-1240 440-269-1273
www.specialmasking.com
www.focusedsolutionsllc.com
[email protected]
Special masking provides customers with
reliable products designed to protect
during manufacturing, processing, storage
and shipping.
My Song Boutique, Inc.
Rebecca MacMillan
38614 Plains Court
Willoughby 44094
330-978-1420 (cell)
www.mysongboutique.com
Womens apparrel features personal
clothing line, educational classes for
sewing, fashion, inner and outer beauty
and health.
Northeastern Refrigeration Corp.
Carol A. Primozic
38274 Western Parkway
Willoughby 44094
440-942-7676 Fax: 440-942-0129
[email protected]
Commercial/industrial contractor of
HVAC, process piping. Sales/Service and
installation of custom engineered systems
and industrial water and liquid chillers.
O’Connor’s Autobody & Towing Service
Tim O’Connor
29100 Anderson Road
Wickliffe 44092-2311
440-944-4400 Fax: 440-944-2333
oconnorstowing.net
[email protected]
O’Connor’s Autobody and Towing has been
in business since 1986. We offer complete
auto repair and 24 hour towing service.
We also provide free estimates on autobody
repairs and accept insurance claims.
10 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce
My Happy Feet Socks
Eva Nemcik
8130 Springer Drive
Kirtland 44094
440-256-1526 Fax: 440-256-1904
www.my-happyfeet.com
[email protected]
Import & distribution of “The Original
Foot Alignment Socks”. Wholesale and E
sales.
Signs PDQ, Inc.
Brenda O’Toole
30140 Lakeland Boulevard, Unit 3
Wickliffe 44092
440-943-2577 Fax: 440-943-2472
www.signspdq.com
[email protected]
Design, produce and install all types
of interior and exterior signage. “Our
business is getting yours noticed.”
US Bank
Robert Crowe
4098 Erie Street
Willoughby 44094
440-951-7879 Fax: 440-951-1732
[email protected]
Specializing in banking services.
Small Business IT Security - Is your environment secure?
by Stephen DeBlock,
Network Results, Inc.
www.net-resultsinc.net
Small Business IT Security – Is your environment secure?
By Stephen DeBlock
I, like many who read this article, am a small business owner here in northeast Ohio. Consistent questions, these
owners have asked me over the years, relates to IT security. IT security is a funny thing within a small business.
Many have been told their installed solution is the “be all, end all” for every problem out there. The actual truth is,
there is no SINGLE solution that will solve every security problem. There are a variety of threats consisting of: black
hat (damage inflicting) hackers, identity theft, malware, and viruses to name a few. Therefore, proper
environmental protection needs to be addressed. The best way to protect your small business network is to build
layers of protection around it by starting outside and working your way in (see below):
1. Firewall / UTM: Most companies have some version of a firewall to protect their network from outside
intrusions. There are store bought models geared toward the home user (LinkSys, DLink), and then there are
business grade models (Cisco, SonicWall) which are purchased from re-sellers. The business grade models typically
offer an add-on subscription service which gives you enhanced security and filtering of web and email traffic.
These are options you definitely want to discuss with your IT people.
2. Email Server: If you have an email server in-house, you will want to have a proper email filtering solution in
place. There are some that are ok with the security already built into them, but I always recommend added
protection by utilizing a 3rd party product such as Panda Security.
3. Server: This is where a large volume of data is moved around, added, deleted, etc. There should be proper
protection for all of your servers. Think about how much down time you and your staff may incur if your server
needs to be taken off-line for virus mitigation. Additionally, you will want to make sure you have a good-working
backup solution as well.
4. Employee Level: End-users will typically have a laptop or desktop computer. Either way, it is critical that these
users do not have local Administrative rights. Further, their antivirus software must be able to perform definition
updates when the computer is running internally or external of the business. In my experience, end-users take
advantage of work internet access, and keep guys like me busy when they do something they are not supposed to
do. These small steps will help keep your computers running problem free.
5. Bonus Security: In today’s ever evolving world of technology, there have been recent software improvements
that run via the internet. The buzzwords are “cloud computing” or software as a service (SaaS). These types of
solutions allow you to combine some of the aforementioned security services. When it’s subscription renewal
time, review the variety of options available to you with your IT people and see if you can make improvements.
IT security for small business doesn’t have to be too complex. You don’t have to know how to setup and configure
security in your environment, but understanding how your security works is very important and should not be
overlooked!
IT Solutions for Small Businesses






Pro-Active Network & Desktop Support
LAN/WAN Design Services
24x7 Managed Service Offering
Website Design & Hosting Services
Hosted E-Mail/Blackberry/SharePoint
Anti-Virus/SPAM & Backup Solutions
36625 Vine Street, Suite 4 Willoughby, Ohio 44094
440.283.0310
www.net-resultsinc.net
Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 11
ARE YOU AWARE OF THE PAYROLL TAX HOLIDAY & $1000 CREDIT
FOR EMPLOYERS HIRING UNEMPLOYED WORKERS?
by: Robert Godina, CPA, Martinet & Recchia
In an effort to confront high unemployment, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act provides incentives for hiring and
retaining unemployed workers. Under the HIRE Act, a qualified employer’s 6.2 percent share of OASDI Social Security tax liability is forgiven
for new hires, and a general business credit is allowed for each retained worker that satisfies a minimum employment period. Payroll Tax Forgiveness for Hiring Unemployed Workers. The HIRE Act provides relief from the employer share of OASDI taxes on wages
paid by a qualified employer with respect to certain covered employment. Covered employment is limited to service performed by a qualified
individual in a trade or business of a qualified employer. This provision applies to wages paid beginning on the day after enactment and ending
on December 31, 2010. A qualified individual is any individual who: 1. begins work for a qualified employer after February 3, 2010, and before January 1, 2011;
2. certifies by signed affidavit (under penalties of perjury) that he or she was employed for a total of 40 hours or less during the 60-day
period ending on the date such employment begins;
3. is not employed to replace another employee of the employer unless such employee separated from employment voluntarily or for
cause; and
4. is not a related party.
Employers who qualify for the OASDI forgiveness in the first quarter of 2010 will receive the benefit through a credit toward general second
quarter 2010 OASDI liability; they can’t simply stop paying the 6.2 percent OASDI tax immediately on wages paid to new hires. After the first
quarter, however, the employer does not pay the 6.2 percent tax as wages are paid. A qualified employer may not receive the work opportunity tax credit on wages paid to an individual during the one-year period beginning
on the hire date for the same wages used to qualify for the forgiveness of payroll tax. However, an employer may elect to not have payroll tax
forgiveness apply. Business Credit for Retention of Certain Newly Hired Individuals. Under the HIRE Act, an employer’s general business credit is increased
by the lesser of $1,000 or 6.2 percent of salary for each retained worker that satisfies a minimum employment period. Generally, a retained
worker is an individual who is a qualified individual as defined for purposes of the provision for payroll tax forgiveness. However, the credit is
available only with respect to such individual, if the individual: 1. is employed by the employer on any date during the tax year;
2. continues to be employed by the employer for a period of not less than 52 consecutive weeks; and
3. receives wages for such employment during the last 26 weeks of such period that are at least 80-percent of such wages during the first
26 weeks of such period.
Therefore, an employer will qualify for the full $1,000 credit for each new hire with a salary over the 52 retention period of at least $16,129.
An employer that hires some part-time new employees, in addition to full-time employees, is entitled to the full $1,000 credit, if, of course, the
part-time or full-time employee decides to stay for 52 weeks. If you have any questions regarding the hiring incentives under the HIRE Act, please feel free to contact us at (440) 942-3900.
For more information, contact Bob Godina, CPA, Martinet & Recchia, 440-942-3900 or email him at [email protected]
12 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce
Lake County Chambers of Commerce
Annual Membership Appreciation Event
At Western Reserve
Harley Davidson/Buell & Honda
8567 Tyler Blvd.
This is a Members Only Event
An opportunity to network with fellow chamber
members from all over Lake County
Thursday, July 29, 2010
From 5 to 7pm
Register online at
www.willoughbyareachamber.com
Registration Deadline is July 22
Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 13
City of Willoughby Hills
Community Center
O’Ryan Room
Schaefer Room
with Kitchen
(Capacity 160)
with Kitchenette
(Capacity 60)
Lions Club Room
with Kitchen
(Capacity 100)
Historical Room
with Kitchenette
(Capacity 40)
Groups • Family Gatherings • Business Meetings • All Occasions
35400 Chardon Rd. • Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094
Rental information and reservations may be obtained
by calling (440) 975-3540
or email: [email protected]
14 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010
4 - 7 p.m.
Lost Nation Sports Park, Willoughby
PRESENTED BY:
SPONSORS :
&
TNT Publications
a dynamite lineup of print & web media and events
Network • Showcase Your Services & Products
Free Admission • Door Prizes
Early-bird special: Sign up and pay by Aug. 1 and receive
newspaper and radio ads worth up to $500!
*1/8 page B&W ad in the Tri-County Business Journal and ad schedule on WELW.
• Limited space - sign up early to receive FREE advertising • Sponsorships available
Sponsorships Available: Starting at $1,000
EXHIBITOR SPACE
6-foot table, 2 chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$350 $_______
Please make your check payable to TNT Publications
Call 440-510-2000 to pay by credit card.
NO charge for electricity (please bring extension cords) - Do you need electricity?
Would you like to donate a door prize?
donation item __________________________________________
Yes No
Yes No
__________________________________________
Company Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Person _______________________________________________________Title _________________________________________________
Type of Business ______________________________________Telephone _______________________________ Fax ________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________E-mail address _______________________________________
City/State ________________________________________________________________________Zip _____________________________________
Yes, our company will participate in the Teaming Up Business Expo on Sept. 28, 2010. I understand that the Business Expo, Tri-County Business
Journal, TNT Publications, Lost Nation Sports Park and persons representing the show are not responsible for personal injury, loss or damage to person or property associated with this event. I assume full responsibility for the items brought to the show. I agree to participate on this date and understand there are no refunds.
Signed _____________________________________________
Title________________________
Your Onsite Contact Person ________________________________________
Date ____________________________
Mail to: TNT Publications
11630 Chillicothe Rd., Suite 110
Chesterland, Ohio 44026
Phone (440) 510-2000 Fax (440) 510-2001
Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 15