CHAMBER PRESENTS CHECK FOR $2000 TO MCDONALDS Ohio

CHAMBER PRESENTS CHECK FOR
$2,000 TO MCDONALDS
On July 3rd, Chamber President, Joe Kleinknecht, Board
Chair, Jennifer Kuns and Vice-Chair Terry Gribble presented a check for $2,000 to Scott Nickell, owner of
Galion McDonalds.
The money was raised at the June 19th McDonalds/
Galion-Crestline Chamber Annual Golf Outing to benefit
Ronald McDonald House Charities.
McDonalds of Galion has been the Corporate Sponsor of
this event since it began in 2003 and a total of $18,637
has been raised for the charity to date.
KASICH PROPOSES “ANOTHER
BILLION BACK” FOR WORKERS’
COMP CUSTOMERS
Strong Investment Returns & Good Management
Fuel Another $1 Billion Rebate and Major New
Investments in Workplace Safety
COLUMBUS – Governor John R. Kasich today joined Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO
Steve Buehrer to announce a $1 billion rebate to Ohio’s private
and public sector workers’ compensation customers, as well as
a major new investment in worker safety research and training.
Dubbed “Another Billion Back,” the rebate comes on the heels
of last year’s $1 billion rebate for workers’ comp customers.
Both rebates were made possible by strong investment returns
in the workers’ compensation fund.
Kasich made the announcement at Portfolio Creative, a Columbus company that recruits and staffs talent in all areas of design, marketing, communications and advertising. They are
one of approximately 184,000 private and 3,800 public employers likely to receive a rebate.
“Sound fiscal management and a well-executed investment
strategy continue to put BWC in a position where it can return
money to its customers—Ohio’s employers—but also to workers in the form of initiatives that help them stay safe on the
job,” said Kasich. Ohio continues its effort to transform the
workers’ comp system to be a better partner with employers
and workers to help them succeed and stay safe, and the ability to make these types of significant rebates is part of that effort.”
BWC’s preliminary annualized return of investments was 8.9
percent over the last three fiscal years, including 13.3 percent
in 2014. The State Insurance Fund net assets stand at $7.7
billion and its funding ratio far exceeds target guidelines set by
the BWC Board of Directors. If approved by the BWC Board of
Directors, eligible private and public employers would receive a
rebate equal to 60 percent of premiums paid during the July 1,
2012 through June 30, 2013 policy year (calendar year 2012
for public employers). The proposal will be presented to the
board at its August meeting, and if approved in its September
meeting, BWC could begin issuing checks as early as October*.
Another Billion Back seeks to build on last year’s $15 million
investment in safety intervention grants with several initiatives
that will ultimately enhance the safety, health and wellness of
Ohio’s workforce. Additionally, special safety training is proposed to reduce injuries among firefighters, whom frequently
have very high workers’ comp rates due to the dangerous and
risky nature of their work. Additional information on the proposal can be found here.
“BWC’s Division of Safety and Hygiene is a national leader in
promoting safe and healthy workplaces,” said Buehrer “Our
safety services provide a superior return-on-investment. We
want to encourage more and more employers to put safety education resources to work to keep their workers safe and reduce their workers’ comp costs. Our new safety initiatives will
make these efforts more effective and accessible for employers.”
Buehrer added that BWC is also embarking on a safety campaign themed Better Business Starts with Safety, Safety Starts
at BWC to reach Ohio employers and encourage them to take
advantage of BWC’s safety services before experiencing a
workplace injury or illness. A microsite allows employers to
compare injury rates and costs within and across industry sectors. It also links employers directly to BWC safety consultants,
who can survey their workplace and advise them on preventing
occupational injuries and illnesses in their workplaces. The
campaign is a result of the safety commitment made as part of
last year’s Billion Back initiative, which also tripled safety grant
funding to $15 million for each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015.
Another Billion Back is an example of BWC’s work over the last
four years to be a better partner in improving Ohio’s business
environment and helping encourage the state’s economic revival. Sound financial and operational management has also
allowed BWC to:
 Reduce average base rates for Ohio’s private employers,
bringing combined four-year collections down $409 million.
 Reduce average rates for public employers by an estimated
$70 million, placing them at their lowest levels in at least 30
years.
 Commit $1.2 billion in transition credits to Ohio employers
as part of the conversion to prospective billing.
Expand safety funding, which resulted in allowed claims dropping below 100,000 for the first time.
Tim Ross
Eastern Ohio Regional Liaison
Office of Ohio Governor John R. Kasich
Cell: (330) 696-8044
[email protected]
www.governor.ohio.gov
Ohio Economic Dashboard
Last Updated: 8/15/2014
JOB CREATION IS UP AND WE’RE LEADING THE NATION
·Ohioans have created 245,000 new private sector jobs since
Gov. Kasich came into office in January 2011.
·Ohio is the #5 job creator in the nation since Gov. Kasich
came into office.
·Ohio is the top job creator in the Midwest.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
UNEMPLOYMENT CONTINUES TO IMPROVE.
Since January 2011, Ohio’s unemployment rate has improved
from 9.1% to 5.7% today. Under Gov. Kasich, this is the 35th
month Ohio’s unemployment rate has been better than the nation’s. For comparison, this only happened twice under the previous administration. The number of unemployed Ohioans has
decreased by 204,000 (or 39%) -- from 527,000 in January
2011 to 323,000 today.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Ohio Jobs & Family
Services
WAGES ARE UP:
Since January 2011, Ohio incomes are growing faster than the
national rate.
Weekly Wages, January 2011-June 2014
Ohio: +9.1%
US: +7.5%
Note: July data is TBD
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
EXPORTS SET RECORD.
New figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce
show Ohio setting a new state record for exports in 2013 –
$50.5 billion -- growing about twice as fast as the national rate.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
JOB RETENTION IS UP.
More Ohioans are staying on the job – initial claims for unemployment in 2013 were the lowest since 2000; down 8% from
2012, and down 24% from 2010. Year-to-date numbers in 2014
reflect the fewest first-time jobless claims on record going back
to 1987 through this point in the year.
 January 2013-December 2013: 587,340 initial unemployment claims
 January 2012-December 2012: 638,021
 January 2010-December 2010: 768,594
 2014 Year-to-Date (Week 32 report): 301,325, 15.8% below
the same point last year. 1999 is the next closest year to
2014. Through Week 32: 312,558 claims.
Source: Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services
NEW BUSINESSES ARE BEING CREATED.
In 2013, 89,735 businesses were created in Ohio, the most in
state history and surpassing the old record set in 2012. So far
in 2014, Ohio is ahead of 2013’s record-breaking pace, with
56,176 new businesses created.

January 2013-December 2013: 89,735 new businesses

January 2014-July 2014: 56,176 new businesses
January 2013-July 2013: 55,229 new businesses
Source: Ohio Secretary of State

Tim Ross
Eastern Ohio Regional Liaison
Office of Ohio Governor John R. Kasich
Cell: (330) 696-8044
[email protected]
www.governor.ohio.gov
Welcome New Chamber Member
AirWave Networks, LLC (Local internet services),
Gary DeBerry,
PO Box 291177, Port Orange, Florida 32129,
567-393-0020
CONGRATULTIONS TO OUR
CHAMBER MEMBERS & THEIR
EMPLOYEES WHO WERE PICKED
“THE BEST OF THE BEST”
IN THE RECENT VOTING IN THE
GALION INQUIRER’S FOR 2014
BEST PLACE TO BUY OR BEST BUSINESS OFFERING
Funeral Home…………………………………Mark A Schneider Funeral
Home
Pharmacy……………………………………..Quays
Bakery………………………………………...Geyer’s
Grocery Store………………………………....Geyer’s
Hardware………………………………………Poland True Value
Heating & Air Conditioning……………….….Fox Plumbing & Heating
Wall/Floor Covering……………………….….Prints & Paints/My Floors
Dry Cleaners…………………………………..K & B Laundry
Building Supply Store………………………...Gledhill Lumber
Hospital…………………………………….…Avita/Galion Community Hospital
Nursing/Assisted Home………………………Signature Healthcare
Health Club……………………………….…..Galion YMCA
New Car Dealer………………………………Craig Smith Auto Group
Used Car Dealer………………………………Craig Smith Auto Group
Truck Dealer………………………………….Craig Smith Auto Group
Florist/Gift Shop……………………….……..Flower Cart & Florist
Financial Institution…………………….…….Galion Building & Loan
Printing/Copy Shop…………………….…….A-1 Printing
Best Place to Work…………………………....Signature Healthcare
BEST FOOD & DRINK
Fast Food………………………………………Wendy’s
Dining Spot……………………………………Taylor’s
Other Food……………………………………..Big Plate Diner
Italian/Pizza……………………………………Pizza Hut
Beverage Location……………………………..Riverside Drive-Thru
Breakfast……………………………………….BJ’s Family Restaurant
BEST PEOPLE
Waiter/Waitress………………………………Andrea King/Varsity Grill
School Teacher……………………………….Cheri Wintersteller/St. Joseph
Preschool
New Car Salesman……………………………John Bird/Craig Smith
Nurse………………………………………….Chris Sedmack/Signature
Healthcare
Banking Personnel……………………………Angie Humberson/Galion B & L
Dentist…………………………………………Dr. Fellner
Electrician…………………………………….Pat Baker/Carter Electric
Doctor…………………………………………Dr. Elizabeth Klenk
Financial Professional…………………………Bob Maloy
Secretary………………………………………Jackie Smith/Schneider Funeral
Home
Boss…………………………………………..Daniel Wylie/Signature
Healthcare
Coach…………………………………………Terry Gribble/Galion YMCA
Principal………………………………………Cindy Voss/Galion Primary
Pastor/Priest…………………………………..Pastor Ashwelch/St. Paul UMC/
Fr. John Miller/Galion St. Joe’
Insurance Agent………………………………Cori Kreger/State Farm
Veterinarian…………………………………..Dr. John Shuler/Horizon Animal
Hospital
Eye Doctor……………………………………Dr. Hieber/Crawford County
Family
Pharmacist………………………………….....Rex Cramer/Quay’s
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
CHAMBER MEMBERS AND THEIR
EMPLOYEES WHO WERE
RECOGNIZED IN THE
MANSFIELD NEWS JOURNAL’S
“BEST OF MID OHIO POLL”
Best Furniture & Bedding – Nicholls Furniture Express
Best Insurance Runner Up – Hamilton Insurance
Best Family Restaurant & Breakfast – Mansfield
Family Restaurant
Best Sandwiches Runner Up – Doc’s Deli
STATE SPENT RECORD $165M ON
CONTRACTS WITH MINORITY-OWNED
COMPANIES IN
LATEST BUDGET YEAR
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The state of Ohio spent a record $165
million on contracts with minority-owned businesses in the last
budget year and recorded its best performance ever toward
hitting participation standards.
Since 1980, federal standards have required states to set aside
15 percent of their spending for minority businesses. Ohio has
never hit that target.
But the percentages for budget year 2014, which ended June
30, were higher than ever before.
Among the administration's cabinet agencies, which account
for the bulk of the state contracts,14.41 percent of the state's
business went to minority business enterprises, data obtained
by Northeast Ohio Media Group showed. When including the
state's boards and commissions, 14.24 percent of the state's
business went to MBEs.
Among other findings from 2014:
 State cabinet agencies, boards and commissions spent
more than $165 million in contracts with minority-owned companies -- up from $106 million spent in 2013.
 Seventeen of 24 cabinet agencies surpassed the 15 percent target, up from 10 in 2013. Nearly half of the Office of
Budget and Management's business was contracted with minority-owned companies.
 Forty-one of 50 non-cabinet boards and commissions surpassed the 15 percent target, up from 14 in 2013.
The state purchased goods and services from 282 certified minority businesses, up from 207 in 2013.
Over time, many reasons have been cited for why Ohio did not
achieve 15 percent participation, ranging from not being able to
find MBE companies qualified to do the work to state agencies
simply not looking hard enough.
Gov. John Kasich labeled it as a priority when he took office
and frequently has said he views it as important for Ohio's
economy.
Achieving the standard and bolstering minority participation will
improve a portion of the economy that historically has not had
great access to state contracts, he has said. That will in turn
boost the whole economy as a whole.
The state's Development Services Agency, which focuses on
economic growth, and the Department of Administrative Services, which is the state's human resources division, have
worked together on the effort.
One reason for the improving numbers is the state has done a
better job of identifying companies that would qualify as minority business enterprises and letting them know what kind of
work is available, said Jacqueline Williams, the chief of DSA's
Minority Business Development Division.
The time needed to get a business certified as eligible for contracts as an MBE has been shrunk to 19 days. It had been 45
to 90 days for years.
The minority business division has six offices around Ohio that
help get those companies certified and relay information on the
broad type of contracts available. Those range from food, laundry and janitorial services to court reporting to office and lab
supplies.
"What we're looking at is having businesses look at the state
as another client," Williams said.
Administrative Services staff has met with the state's agencies,
meanwhile, to streamline processes and make them aware of
potential minority contracts. Through that effort the types of
goods and services for which the state has contracted with minority businesses has expanded, said Todd McGonigle, Equal
Employment Opportunity manager at DAS.
The trend line for Ohio had started to improve before Kasich
took office, but the percentage of purchases from cabinet
agencies remained well short of the 15 percent goal.
The figure was 2.5 percent for the 2008 budget year during
Gov. Ted Strickland's administration. It climbed during his tenure.
In 2011, the figure broke 10 percent for the first time. For that
budget year, which includes the first six-months of Kasich's administration, 11.5 percent of the spending in the cabinet agencies went to minority companies.
Williams said the goal isn't just to hit the federal standard, but
to establish more permanent changes.
"The objective isn't just to meet the 15 percent, but to build on
the infrastructure so that we can meet it every year."
Tim Ross
Eastern Ohio Regional Liaison
Office of Ohio Governor John R. Kasich
Cell: (330) 696-8044
[email protected]
www.governor.ohio.gov
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
Dr. John Shuler (Horizon Animal Hospital) named OSU
Alumni Chair- This position was created three years ago by
Dean and Director Stephen Gavazzi as a way to stem the flow
of institutional experience and historical memory that left as
board members completed their term.
As John completes his three-year board term this year he will
begin his term as Board Chair.
Dr. Shuler also serves on the boards of Galion Community
Foundation, Crawford County Humane Society, the Ohio Animal Health Foundation and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association.
WE’RE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce is now on
Facebook. The Chamber posts a wide variety of information
as well as event reminders, so that you are never out of the
loop! The page is gaining likes everyday and is currently at 80
likes! We hope to reach 100 by the end of September, please
help us reach our goal and like our page! The Facebook page
can be found at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/
galioncrestlinechamberofcommerce .
Ribbon Cuttings
Whistle Stop Café: On August 1st a ribbon cutting was held at
the Whistle Stop Café at 241 Harding Way E.
Crestline Banquet Hall: On August 2nd a ribbon cutting was
held at the Crestline Banquet Hall at
HOT DOGS AT THE GAZEBO IN
GALION
Under beautiful skies and mild temperatures, two-hundred hot
dogs along with chips, cookies and beverages were enjoyed at
the Gazebo in Galion on Friday August 15th.
The event was sponsored by First Federal Bank of Ohio.
The next Hot Dogs at the Gazebo will be held on September
12th in Galion from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm and is sponsored by
Galion Building & Loan bank.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF NORTH
CENTRAL OHIO RECEIVES “
5 STAR” AWARD
Award Given to JA Areas Who Have Had
Outstanding Impact on Their Community
Akron, Ohio—Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio has
been awarded one of Junior Achievement USA®’s highest
honors: the 5 STAR Award. The award is given to local Junior
Achievement (JA) offices that have reached outstanding success in financial health, program quality and management. Presented during the 2014 Junior Achievement National Leadership Conference in Pittsburgh, Penn., the award recognizes
staff and boards in JA areas that meet JA USA’s operational
standards for compliance, student impact, operational efficiency, financial stability and sustainability.
To be eligible for the 5 STAR Award, the highest tier of the
award a JA area can receive, the organization must grow in
student count or contact hours over the previous year, must
end the year with a surplus and must meet or exceed standards for Debt Ratio, Current Ratio and Cash-on-hand.
“It’s a great honor to receive the 5 STAR Award,” said Michael
Gaffney, president of Junior Achievement ofNorth Central
Ohio. “Every day, the staff and board of Junior Achievement
demonstrate their dedication and passion to advance the JA
mission. Our inspiration comes from the thousands of young
people Junior Achievement reaches each year,” Gaffney continued. “We look forward to impacting an even greater number
of students this school year and beyond.”
Junior Achievement of North Central has been operating locally
since 1964 and has served more than 550,000 kindergarten
through twelfth grade students through the implementation of
JA’s financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship
programs.
Junior Achievement USA President and CEO Jack Kosakowski (left) presents the 5 STAR Award to the Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio
staff at the 2014 Junior Achievement National Leadership conference in
Pittsburgh, Penn. (From left: Jack Kosakowski—President and CEO, Junior
Achievement USA; Michael Gaffney—President, Junior Achievement of
North Central Ohio; Denice Schafer; John Cain; Stacey Nolt and Donald
Sedlock—Vice President of Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio)
About Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio
Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio provides educational
programs that align with both state and national curriculum
standards to students within Ashland, Coshocton, Crawford,
Holmes, Knox, Marion, Medina, Morrow, Portage, Richland,
Summit and Wayne Counties in Ohio, reaching over 26,500
young people last school year. For more information, visitwww.jaofnco.ja.org or call 330-434-1875.
About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)
Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need
to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make
smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches
4.4 million students per year in 115 markets across the United
States, with an additional 5.7 million students served by operations in 120 other countries worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for
more information.
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~Thanks, the Chamber Technology Staff