July – Aug 2010 - Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of
Transcription
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~,~ 'V~c 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