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“The Business Voice
of Erie, Huron,
Vol. 14 No. 9 Ottawa, Sandusky
Published and Owned by Schaffner Publications, Inc. SEPTEMBER 2008 and Seneca Counties”
INSIDE THIS
MONTH Focus on Port Clinton
What’s That You
Said?.................2 An Update from the Port Clinton Mayor’s Office
SUBMITTED BY but also city, county, state and federal govern- to continue exploring ways of attracting new
Legal: FDIC - MAYOR DEBBIE HYMORE-TESTER ment representatives, all pledging their assis- development and jobs for Port Clinton.
tance in getting Port Clinton onto a new path, Restructuring city hall is part of this, so a
Personal Accounts As the new mayor of the City of Port Clinton, moving forward into a brighter future. Record’s Retention schedule for all the depart-
........................5 the first nine months have been a real whirlwind With this in mind, there are several things to do: ments was created and has now been into place.
of support from not only citizens and businesses, One of the first objectives was the appointment New ideas and suggestions brought forward by
of a new Safety Service Director. To accomplish the citizens, business men and women, city
Retirement: this task, a selection committee was formed, and council members, the administrations, and other
Playing ‘Possum as a result, Mr. Robert Berner has taken on that agencies, are being carefully reviewed. During
.......................9 position working with the city’s administration. our most meetings, the administration, elected
Another objective was that of organization. officials and department heads discuss goals,
Therefore, the Safety Service Director Rob visions, and action plans for this year’s and future
IT: Surfing Tips Berner, Law Director George Wilber, Auditor department projects.
.....................15 Steve Benko, Council President Linda Hartlaub, Finally, the poor acoustics in city council
staff members and supervisors are now meeting chambers have been addressed by installing new
weekly in order to solve problems, to increase
Sales: Whose effectiveness and efficiency of city services, and ... continued on page 4
Shoes Are You
Walking In?......19 Main Street Port Clinton
SUBMITTED BY LAURA SCHLACHTER, ization is a comprehensive, incremental, self-
Taxes: Overview of AICP PROGRAM MANAGER help economic strategy that focuses on develop-
Various IRAs ...21 ing public-private partnerships to enhance com-
Main Street Port Clinton, formerly Historic munity livability and job creation while main-
Port Clinton, is a local non-profit organization taining the character and charm of downtown
started by residents of the community who were Port Clinton.
interested in the preservation and revitalization MSPC has four active committees which have
of downtown Port Clinton. Main Street Port been extremely busy. We are working on a num-
Clinton (MSPC) is striving to protect, preserve, ber of activities and projects to help make down-
promote, and improve downtown Port Clinton town Port Clinton an amazing place to live,
Mayor Tester presented the check to Dr.
as a vibrant center for businesses, entertainment, work, and vacation.
www.ncbj.net and cultural activities for residents of the com-
Thomas Rowe, President of MSPC and
Main Street Port Clinton is pleased to Duane Myers, Ex-Officio Board Member
munity and visitors to the area. at the Stensen Foundation Award
Main Street Port Clinton believes that revital- ... continued on page 25 Ceremony in June.
Fostoria Area Chamber Marblehead Peninsula Oak Harbor Area Chamber Tiffin Area Chamber
We’re a proud member of the following: of Commerce Chamber of Commerce of Commerce of Commerce
Bellevue Area Chamber Elmore Chamber Genoa Chamber Milan Chamber Port Clinton Area Vermilion Chamber
of Commerce of Commerce of Commerce of Commerce Chamber of Commerce of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce of Erie County Chamber Huron Chamber Norwalk - Huron County Put-in-Bay Chamber Willard Area Chamber
Sandusky County of Commerce of Commerce Chamber of Commerce of Commerce of Commerce
2 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
Commentary
In our August issue, my editorial suggested how Sales
What's That You Said? Promotion tools could give sales "...That Needed Shot
of Adrenaline."
Jeffrey H. Bryden, Editor better than a bad mechanic who can spell), but you
can see it in today's workplace. Jeff:
Sadly, your commentary won't be read by many who I think your recent commentary was mostly on the
Few things please a writer more mark. Your final comments are good, but I would
than having a reader respond to ought to read it. Too bad it's not posted in every class-
room. caution the use of coupons and incentives, except in
their creation. While your favor- the most extreme case like discontinued and/or dam-
able comments are received with Nice job.
Douglas W. Foster, President aged product. Your statement that we use incentives
greater glee than your negative because the consumer likes them, only is true for
responses - it's good to hear from Foster Chevrolet-Cadillac, Inc.
Sandusky about 50% of the market. The other 50% is looking
you nonetheless. This month's for a business they can utilize as a trusted resource
column is dedicated to sharing some reader thoughts on *****
and know that the value is good and fair. As you
editorials from recent NCBJ issues. know, there is an old advertising saying "perception is
Dear Editor,
This spelling and grammar mess is a real problem. reality." When the I-Phone was introduced folks
In our June issue, I lamented on weak spelling and stood in line for hours, why? The perception of value
math skills evident in my junior-level college classes. Here is an example. I am in the process of leasing a
new office. The lease, prepared by a lawyer, has so and quality! There are plenty of examples like this.
many spelling and grammar errors that it is irritating Your example that "nobody" pays retail for pizza,
I just finished reading your commentary "A just emphasizes my point. The pizza industry has
Generation That Can't Spell or Make Change" and to read. For instance, I am required to have a "com-
mercial liability insurance policy shall include cover- trained their customers to only buy the pizza with a
agree with you wholeheartedly. I have made the same coupon. Some pizza chains advertise that on certain
comments over the past years when talking about find- age's for ..." Here's another, "If an ant of Default
shall occur, Lessor..." I wonder who the ant of days you can buy a buffet and get one free. Guess
ing good, qualified persons to hire, not necessarily for which day has all the business? I would think if the
our business (as a good mechanic who spells poorly is Default is? Perhaps he belongs to the coverage. There
are errors like this on almost every page of the lease. pizza were tasteful, presented well, and had good
These are particularly funny because no spelling and value, then the customer would buy the pizza. But
grammar checker is going to find them. no, we have to go into the cents off business, and tell
Merl Miller our customers that our product is only worth what the
Financial Advisor coupon says it is worth.
***** We are seeing a very similar thing happening right
now in the auto industry. Rush out right now and you
Dear Mr. Bryden, will get the biggest discount ever (Employee Pricing)!
I enjoyed reading your commentary in the June 2008 Will this incentive make me speed up my purchase?
“The Business Voice of Erie, Huron, Ottawa,
Sandusky and Seneca Counties” issue of North Coast Business Journal. I couldn't Perhaps, but at what cost to the dealer or auto indus-
205 S.E. Catawba Road, Suite G, agree with you more! try? The next time I need an auto, I will just hang on
Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 Unfortunately, one of my favorite "hobbies" is cir- to the one I am driving until the next big incentive
419-734-4838 • Fax 419-734-5382 cling typos in articles/ads that I read; they can be so comes along. It doesn't take long for the customer to
aggravating. One of my favorites from a few years ago figure out, that if I wait, the price or incentive will
Publisher JOHN SCHAFFNER
was in a caption for a Halloween picture in a local come along. What the retailer has done, is create the
Editor JEFFREY H. BRYDEN
jbryden@ncbj.net newspaper. It went something like this: "Little perception that the product is overpriced to begin
Sarah Covington dressed up like a WHICH".......aag- with, so just wait awhile, it will go on sale. It is a
Director of Sales DAVE KAHLER
dkahler@ncbj.net ghh!!!!!!!!!!! vicious cycle, that quickly turns into a free for all,
My husband and I owned and operated a pharma- with no one winning, as the profit margins keep
Production Manager HEIDI RIFE falling.
hrife@ncbj.net cy/gift store here in Clyde for 29 years. Teaching the
clerks how I'd like them to make change was a chal- By using incentives in this manner, we have trained
Business Manager, CFO MARY TORREY
mary@thebeacon.net lenge! I always made them start with the purchase our customers and future customers to "come on
price and count back the change to the amount the down" because the "price is right." But next time,
Layout & Graphic Design GINNY WISE
ginny@thebeacon.net customer gave them. They always complained and maybe your competitors' price will be more right, and
JENNIFER DAUBEL said, "Why do we have to do that, when the register he will get your customer.
jdaubel@thebeacon.net tells us how much to give back??"......and I said, Richard Hawkins
Circulation Manager BRUCE DINSE "What if you put the wrong "tendered" amount into Christian Broadcasting
North Coast Business Journal is owned and published monthly by Schaffner the register??"..."If you put $20.00 into the register
Publications, Inc., and is mailed free to chamber of commerce members in a five-coun- instead of $2.00 that the customer gave you for a Thanks to these readers and others who have taken
ty area: Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties.
The editorial deadline is the 25th of each month, with the advertising deadline the $1.75 purchase, you'd be giving them $18.25 back the time to call, write or e-mail their agreement and
end of each month. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in instead of $ .25!!". "Oh......." suggestions, and thanks even to those who might have
any form without the expressed, written consent of the Publishers.
Good luck at your alma mater, professor! disagreed with me. Please know, on behalf of all of us
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 who write for the NCBJ, we appreciate you taking the
should be sent to the editor at the above address. Include a stamped, self-addressed
Name Withheld by Request time to let us know what you think - after all, we are
envelope if you would like an item returned. We prefer material (copy & photos) to be
submitted electronically. Clyde, OH writing to you!
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal SEPTEMBER 2008 3
Port Clinton City Schools:
“Charting a Course for Success”
The Port Clinton City School District is design in preparation for life in the age of
proudly charting a course for success with technology.
Port Clinton High School achieving the Port Clinton Middle School is comprised
highest test scores in the tri-county area onof students in grades 6, 7 and 8. These stu-
the 2008 Ohio Graduation Test. PCHS stu- dents experience an interdisciplinary cur-
dents also now have an outstanding oppor- riculum approach for students to learn a
tunity to earn college credits within the variety of practical methods involving the
walls of Port Clinton High School. This teaming process. This instructional process
year alone students can earn 24 hours of col-is designed to directly benefit students at the
lege credits without stepping onto a college most critical stage of their academic, social,
campus! and emotional development. A core of
teachers pool their resources,
interests, expertise, and
knowledge of students to
jointly take responsibility for
meeting student needs. This
core group of teachers share
the same students and plan-
ning time each day. The
groups of students are referred
to as “Fleets.” The philoso-
phy of Port Clinton Middle
School offers students and
teachers a sense of belonging.
Teaming provides successful
experiences for every middle
level student.
Port Clinton High School students have the The foundation of educa-
opportunity to earn 24 college credits without tion in the Port Clinton City
leaving the building through an expanded Post School District begins at the
Secondary Educational Options Program.
(Pictured from left to right Kristen Brahier and
elementary level. The dis-
Nick Passabet taking a distance learning college trict has two elementary
course at PCHS offered through a partnership schools separated by grade
with BGSU Firelands. level to improve educational
resources at each level.
Students in grades 9-12 not only benefit Bataan Memorial Elementary School is the
from classes in the core subjects but may primary building serving grades kinder-
choose from a wide array of technology, garten through 2; Jefferson Elementary
world language, field study programs, art, School is an intermediate building for chil-
music programs, and extracurricular activi- dren in grades 3 through 5. Both buildings
ties to enhance their education experience. start the process of learning by offering
PCHS is proud to be the only school district
in Ottawa County to offer three music pro- Continued on page 13...
grams: Band, Choir and
Orchestra. These choices in
academic programs maximize
student achievement and pre-
pare them for their future
beyond high school.
Port Clinton Middle School
is now offering a basic
Spanish Class for grade 8 stu-
dents. As the education
requirements become more
stringent at the high school
level, world language begin-
ning in grade 8 allows these
students the opportunity to
take a wider array of classes
once they reach high school.
In 2008-09, middle school The foundation of education in the Port Clinton
students will have a new City School District begins at the primary level.
Industrial Technology labora- Here, Isaiah Rojas listens intently to his teacher
tory to introduce the con- while working on writing skills. A variety of
cepts of STEM (Science, programs at the elementary level place an
Technology, Engineering, and emphasis on skills to improve achievement
Math) and computer aided throughout each child’s education.
4 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
Phase I of our waste water contributing by percentages in each area. Officer Edmonds
MAYOR ... continued from the cover treatment plant improve- watches the safety of our school children, while also
communications among citizens, the administration, ments has been completed. While we have had some set- becoming a mentor to many of them.
council members and employees. backs with the construction, we are now proceeding with The Port Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, led by
In the area of Economic Development, the community Phase 1A and Phase 2. Financing has been obtained for Chief Kent Johnson, is held in high regard throughout the
has mandated through the passage of Issue 10 the impor- these improvements, and Past Mayor Tom Brown secured community. Receiving the Flag Ship Award from the Port
tance of moving forward with the development of Water a third stag grant for the city in the amount of 1.2 million Clinton City Schools, these firefighters have continued
Works Park and the downtown area. This mission and pur- dollars. their constant involvement with the pre-schools, church-
pose remains clear as a long-term goal in providing a rev- Phase I of the joint sewer project involving Camp Perry, es and School Advisory Board.
enue stream for our city. Ottawa County, the State Adjutant General and the city With the passage of the Fire Levy, this department has
Developers are proceeding with their plans of renovating has been substantially completed. Camp Perry and Willow become more financially secure and able to function with
the recently purchased Island House our Historic Hotel Beach have been connected to the new sewer line, and a part-time Chief and volunteer staff putting in over 3,500
that was built in the 1800’s and just put on our National Fenner Dunlop is connected to the city sewer system as hours of volunteer time.
Historic registry in the form of “condotel” units and restau- well. These customers will provide a new revenue stream Fred Bice, department head for the street department,
rants. They are opened their doors this pass month, with for the city to assist in the expenses of operating the sewer and Councilman John Folger, streets, sidewalks, and alleys
the restaurant coming soon. system. Revenue collected with the expansion to date is committee chair, understand the continuing need for obvi-
New owners of the Old City Hall have received over $108.222.85, total cost of the project is right under ous repairs in these areas. Therefore, a list has been com-
$600,000 of tax credit to help start the renovation of the $6,000.000. posed creating an inventory of the condition of all streets
property forming condominium and office space. Within the next month, Port Clinton’s Buckeye Blvd. which will be re-evaluated after this year’s spring-thaw in
The Master Walleye Circuit and FLW Tournaments were Waterline Project will be completed. This was our Ohio order to prioritize and reassess. The finance committee,
hosted by Port Clinton and Wal-Mart this year, an event Public Works Project the cost was almost $500.000 dollars. chaired by Councilwoman Val Culver, must allocate the
that promises to bring in nationally-known champion fish- The Brooklyn Street Pump Station ($750,000), the funds necessary for such repairs, and will be seeking addi-
ermen/women from across the country while boosting our Lakeshore Dr. Force Main ($695,000) and the Phase 1A/2 tion grants to expand this program.
local economy. Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades ($2,300,000). We have also started with the city’s resurfacing program:
Recently an announcement was made by the Under the direction of Chief Thomas Blohm, serving the 3,500 square feet of road repairs, 18 catch basin replace-
Department of Homeland Security to add a station in department for 25 years, Port Clinton residents and busi- ment and repairs, 350square feet concrete repairs, 1,800
Ottawa County with the creation of 65 jobs. nesses enjoy the benefit of an effective, highly-visible square feet of mill and fill and 1,200 square feet of widen
Changes have been made to our City departments. The department that is well-trained and quickly responsive, and over lay
departments have been combined into one service depart- having made approximately 12,000 calls in the past year. The Laurel and Second St project was Ottawa County’s
ment headed by Fred Bice; Tracy Colston is the supervisor The Cops-in-School program is a joint effort of funding first TIF (tax increment financing).
of the dept. among surrounding townships, with the schools and city
MAYOR ... continued on page 10
Visit our website: www.communityhospicecare.com 960 S. Plasterbed Rd. • Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
or contact us via email at: communityhospice@bright.net 419-734-5533 • Fax: 419-734-5534
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal SEPTEMBER 2008 5
Legal
FDIC-Personal Accounts ing beneficiaries. Mary would have six months from
Bob's death to correct this situation.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
If the person has ownership in several joint accounts This is an account that is owned and directed by you
By Jeffrey Roth,
you must add his ownership in all accounts and he will and not the plan administrator. This includes, IRAs,
Partner, Roth and Bacon
be entitled to a total of $100,000.00. Roth IRAs, 401(k), Keogh plan, simplified Employed
Bob and Mary $120,000.00 Bob insured $ 60,000.00 Pension Accounts, and all 457 accounts. All self direct-
Bob and son Joe $ 50,000.00 Bob insured $ 25,000.00 ed funds owned by the same person are added together
Last month's article was about Bob and grandsons -
FDIC insurance and revocable and protected up to $250,000.00 in each banking insti-
Jim and John $ 90,000.00 Bob insured $ 30,000.00 tution. It is irrelevant how many beneficiaries are list-
trusts. This month, we will discuss Total $260,000.00 Insured $100,000.00
the Government insurance protec- ed. The only determination is $250,000.00 for each
tion of individual accounts, joint accounts, payable on owner in each banking institution. Remember, this
Bob is uninsured for $10,000.00; Mary is insured for
death accounts and Individual Retirement Accounts. relates only to money accounts in an insured bank.
$60,000.00; Joe is insured for $25,000.00; Jim & John
Protection is granted based on ownership and/or stated This has nothing to do with stock. If an individual has
are each insured for $30,000.00; if they have no other
beneficiaries. Most of the same rules apply but again, it seven different accounts ranging from $20,000.00 to
accounts in that bank totally over $100,000.00. The
takes the manual in hand to insure that your accounts $100,000.00 and many beneficiaries listed such as chil-
use of and/or can complicate the computation. Bob or
are fully and correctly protected. dren and grandchildren only a total of $250,000.00 is
Mary or John are three owners while Bob or Mary and
SINGLE ACCOUNTS covered and the balance is uninsured.
Bob could be considered as two owners since it can be
Single accounts are accounts that are held by one per- A special thanks to Cheryl Wieber of the Huntington
interpreted that Mary and Bob must both sign as one
son in their individual name. The total insured in any Bank for suggesting this topic. Many bank depositors
owner. It is important to be consistent. Review the sig-
one banking institution is $100,000.00. This would are concerned about the protection of their funds. Be
nature card. Many times the teller prepares the card
include checking, savings, money market, Christmas sure to ask a qualified employee to verity that your funds
and does not follow the FDIC rules or ask the right
club, Certificate of deposits, NOW accounts or any are protected to their fullest extent.
questions. It is important to remember that there are
form of those listed. All of these accounts are added qualified and nonqualified beneficiaries. The list was set
together and considered one for insurance purposes. It Jeff Roth is a partner with Forrest Bacon and David
forth in last month's article but it is important to
has nothing to do with the number of accounts but Bacon of the firm ROTH and BACON with offices in
remember.
rather the ownership of the accounts. Port Clinton, Upper Sandusky and Marion, Ohio.
PAYABLE ON DEATH ACCOUNTS (Informal
Included in this category are any business accounts Mr. Roth is also licensed and practices in Florida.
revocable trust accounts)
that are held in a "doing business as" nature. The His practice is limited to wealth strategy planning and
An account with a beneficiary that is not a standard
account is separate only if it is a corporation or totally elder law in both states. Nothing in this article is
revocable trust is insured up to $100,000.00 per owner
separate entity and has its own identification number, intended for, nor should be relied upon as individual
for each qualified beneficiary. One must know the cor-
otherwise it is included in the above account totals. legal advice. The purpose of this article is to help edu-
rect rules to guarantee protection. It is important to
If the account is determined to have two owners such cate the public on concepts of law as they pertain to
remember that children and grandchildren are qualified
as a husband and wife then it would be considered as estate and business planning. Jeff Roth can be
beneficiaries while aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins
one half in each person's account totals. If it is deter- reached at ohiofloridatrust@aol.com (telephone: 419-
do not qualify. If you have an account payable on death
mined that the wife or other person is just a signatory 732-9994) copyright@Jeffrey P. Roth 2008.
to your father it is insured for you and the bene-
then it has only one owner and qualifies for the single ficiary. If the account is payable to your father-
$100,000.00 total. in-law, it is insured for you but the father-in-law
Deposits held by a partnership or corporation are will not be counted as a qualifying beneficiary.
insured only to $100,000.00 no matter how many part- The following is an example of how a portion is
ners or shareholders. Again, you must make a con- not protected for non-qualifying beneficiaries.
science decision as to how many banks to use and sepa- Bob and Mary each have a separate POD
rate the business activities. If an account is held in a account for Bob's parents in the amount of
fiduciary capacity with a separate identification number $150,000.00. Each parent is a qualified benefici-
then it would be held under the decedent account cat- ary of Bob and the account is insured for
egory and be separately insured. $150,000.00 ($75,000.00 each). Mary's account
JOINT ACCOUNTS is $150,000.00. The in-laws do not qualify as
This is an account owned by two or more individuals. proper beneficiaries of Mary. The account is
This would include Joint with right of survivor, Tenants only insured for $100,000.00 as the total protec-
by the entirety or Tenants in common. Each person tion is for Mary as the owner. The additional
may have a total of $100,000.00 in any one banking $50,000.00 is not protected. It must also be
institution. Each owner is considered to have an equal remembered that if someone dies it can change
ownership interest unless clearly stated otherwise. If the protection. If Bob died then the only pro-
there are three owners then each has a one third own- tection of all of the accounts would be
ership. Each co-owner must have signed the signature $100,000.00, the amount for Mary as an individ-
card. The use of the social security number is not rele- ual. The $200,000.00 would not be insured since
vant for insurance protection qualification. one owner died and the in-laws are not qualify-
6 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
Port Clinton City Council of sirens and pause in thought for those suffering. What
many in our community do not witness is the dedication
and desire required to respond to the call for help.
The North Coast Business Journal asked several Port great deal of use and it’s equipped with lights for night First hand observations of how the hours, days, weeks and
Clinton City Council members to share some insight into games. years of training for ‘the unthinkable’ results in a life saved,
some of the important committee work going on every Continuing our walk, we come to the roller skating facil- property protected or unsafe setting secured really puts the
day. Here are submissions by two of them. ity where you can try out your skills on in-line skates. value of our area emergency services in to perspective.
Lastly is an area called the Derby Pond; a good place to What is most impressive about our area emergency servic-
COUNCILMAN JIM HANSON hold kids’ fishing derbies or, in the winter, to ice-skate. es is how well they work together. The uniforms and
As the Parks and Rec committee chair from City One great feature of this is Lake Erie, which borders the badges our area Fire, EMS and law enforcement wear dis-
Council, I should like to let you, the public, know about north edge of the park. This feature combined with the tinguish them from one another. However, their actions
our city’s parks. river makes for a great walking tour of the facility. demonstrate that they are all of one mindset. Quite often
The City of Port Clinton has nine parks available to the Moving further to the East along Perry Street, we come their actions are so well planned and practiced that an
citizens of Port Clinton for various types of activities and to our largest park, Lakeview Park. On the north side of almost unspoken coordination is enacted to achieve their
events. The city’s mayor and administration realize the Perry Street is the city beach. To the south of Perry is a goal.
importance that our parks have taken on with the costs of very large park. This park has a shelter house where fami- The only way this activity can be orchestrated in such a
gasoline and the economy affecting the public and tourists lies can have reunions and groups can have activities. professional manner is through excellent leadership with
in selecting destinations. The city can and must upgrade Also, there is a very large playground area with various clear goals as well as a
and maintain our parks and provide various groups, citizens pieces of equipment for children’s use. A big thanks goes clear understanding
and service organizations with a place to schedule events. to the Port Clinton Rotary Club for this playground equip- that everyone respond-
With the extensive marketing tools that are available for ment and their generosity. ing has someone watch-
park users, by expanding their announcement /publicity for These are just three of the parks available. Contact the ing their back for the
their event, it should contribute to success. City of Port Clinton for information and scheduling of unknown.
your events or family reunions. Sleep well tonight as
you can be assured that
COUNCILMAN MIKE SNIDER your Fire, EMS and
The State of Emergency Police services are there
From the dinner table with family, from a night of well- when you need them
deserved slumber, from aisle #3 at the supermarket, from and will perform their
the baseball field behind the high school and many other duties at the highest
parts of the City of Port Clinton the sound is easily recog- level of professionalism
nizable. One long beep followed by a pattern of shorter and character.
beeps and then these words; “Attention Port Clinton Fire
and North Central EMS.
You are requested to ...”
Those twelve words have
the remarkable ability to
stop time and activity as well
as rapidly increase heart rates
One example of our park network is the Veterans Park for many brave men and “At the Clyde Clinic,
located by the Post Office and Coffee Express Coffee Shop. women in our community.
This park offers you a chance to “Buy a Brick to memorial- Men and women who serve I walk right in, say hello,
ize your loved one” by getting his or her name and unit their community in different get my blood drawn and
engraved on the brick. You can contact Port Clinton’s uniforms responding to a call
American Legion for information if you would like to do of duty not for personal glory I’m out the door.”
this for someone. Ceremonies are held at the park to honor but the personal satisfaction
our fallen heroes. The Memorial Day parade is a great that comes with a job well
done in service to their “Saving gas is
example of the community getting together for the parade
and activities at the park. Bring your lunch and relax neighbors, friends, strangers just a bonus.”
while you reflect on those who gave their all to make our and even their own family
country a great nation. members in need.
- Robert Dietze, Clyde Resident
The next park I should like to bring to your attention is Often hours, days and
weeks will pass with relative- w it h Ruth Davis, Medical Assistant
Waterworks Park. This park is large. The west edge bor-
ders the Portage River-a great place to observe the Jet ly little call for assistance.
Express coming and going and all the pleasure craft sailing However, these periods of
in and out of their marinas located on the river. Purchase tranquility are punctuated
a carryout lunch from a local restaurant, take it to the park with the seconds of terror, as
looking out over the river’s traffic, and enjoy a relaxing this usually quiet town is My Test - My Hospital - My CHOICE
lunch hour. abuzz with the sound of first
responders moving in to
Walking through this park, you see an area dedicated to
the Erie Dearie fishing lure —promoting the sport of fish-
ing which helps the economy of the area. Next, is a foun-
action.
Most of us do not live our
Lab Services You Can Trust
tain with seating, and nearby is a cannon from the War of lives in close proximity to Clyde Lab Hours:
Lake Erie, a good place to take pictures. Next to this is a the area’s first responders. M - Th 8am - 4pm
well-equipped playground that the family can enjoy. We observe them from a dis- Friday 8am - 3:30 pm
North towards the lake is a softball diamond that gets a tance with silent admiration.
We hear the distant clatter 402 W. McPherson Hwy. • Clyde, Ohio • 419.483.4040 Ext. 4285
8 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
Promoting Tourism in a $4.00/Gallon Economy
SUBMITTED BY LARRY FLETCHER, had a very good summer season and perhaps actually ben- Ohio’s tourism campaign was also playing up the “mini-
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR efitted from the slower economy. The two Lake Erie Shores vacation” and their messages melded nicely with ours.
LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS WEST & Islands Welcome Centers (Route 250 in Sandusky and We can’t say that all businesses experienced the level of
Every year in late April phones at the region’s Visitor Route 53 in Port Clinton) have seen no decrease in the visitation they were hoping for and even those that did
Bureaus and at many tourism attractions in the area begin number of visitors coming through the doors and response have a good summer probably wish they could have done
ringing at a steadily increasing rate. As usual, most of the to advertising and website activity is up from last year. better. What we can say is that this part of Ohio is without
callers are people planning to visit the area. They are look- We are fortunate that Ohio is located within a few hours’ a doubt an area that provides visitors with an experience
ing for lodging, wanting to know what discounts are avail- drive from many major population centers and much of our that transports them much further away than the two or
able, and what is new in the area for them to see. All ques- marketing was targeted to these places, primarily three hours it took to get here. As we move toward 2009
tions we expect to hear as people plan their trips. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Pittsburgh, we will again be looking at the economy, travel trends,
This year a large number of calls were also coming in and Windsor/Detroit. The message these people saw and what our tourism business partners are offering, and other
from the media, and at a level not seen in this area for heard was that “a trip to the shore and the great variety of factors to create a marketing plan aligned with current
quite some time. Television and radio stations, newspapers, attractions they are seeking is a lot closer than they think”. events.
and magazines from across Ohio were calling asking the There was no need to get on a plane or make a lengthy For more details on marketing of the Lake Erie Shores &
same big question...”how do you think the high fuel prices multi-state drive... just hop in the car and in a couple of Islands call or stop by one of the two regional Welcome
and slowing economy will impact tourism this year?” In hours you will be here. Centers - East/Sandusky: 800-255-3743 or West/Port
answering this question I had the benefit of knowing about Our marketing also was tailored based on an anticipated Clinton: 800-441-1271.
some of the creative concepts that were in the works for trend of shorter trips. People
the Lake Erie Shores & Islands summer advertising cam- were still going to travel but
paign. I also knew where the ads were to be placed and in a slower economy they
who they were being directed toward. This plus data gath- might stay for only two or
ered by talking with tourism industry friends and reading three nights instead of a week.
articles in trade publications allowed me the confidence to A variety of itineraries were
answer that despite higher fuel costs and a downturn in the created that grouped experi-
economy we expected an overall strong summer tourism ences into a “Day 1, Day 2,
season. Day 3” scenario. Shortly after
Now that we have reached September and can look back the Lake Erie Shores &
I am pleased to report that what we anticipated did occur Islands campaign was released
and there is evidence that many businesses in our region we found that the state of
Playing 'Possum to receive the estate. They elect to "play possum" and disclaim their interest knowing that
Dino's estate will automatically be shared by their other two children.
These are the requirements for a "qualified disclaimer" under federal tax rules: 1) it must
be irrevocable and unqualified, 2) it must be in writing, 3) the writing must be received
Douglas Gildenmeister, by the transferor or his/her legal representative, 4) this receipt must come no more than
Senior Vice President, Investments 9 months after the transfer is made (or, if later, 9 months after the disclaimant turns 21),
Retirement Plan Consultant 5) the disclaimer must be made before any benefits of the gift are accepted, and 6) the
The Gildenmeister Wealth Management Group of interest must pass to another without any direction by the disclaimant. The disclaimant
may refuse all or a fractional interest in the items transferred.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
A disclaimer may be useful in minimizing estate taxes. For example, assume Harry and
Wanda have a combined estate of $3 million and two children, Sam and Diane. Of this
Here's a way to save taxes by simply "playing 'possum." No, I
amount, $1,500,000 is owned by Harry individually. Harry had a simple, "I love you" will
don't mean that there's some tax benefit in wandering out at
that left everything to Wanda upon his death in 2004. Wanda can use the disclaimer rules
night into the middle of a well-traveled highway. Actually, I'm
to renounce $1,500,000 of the assets left to her under the will. These assets will then go
referring to the 'possum's defense mechanism of "playing dead". The use of a "qualified
to Sam and Diane, thus saving about $705,000 in estate taxes at her death. Note, that a
disclaimer" can be useful in keeping the IRS from feasting on your family's wealth.
disclaimer generally cannot be used to renounce property received as a surviving joint
A qualified disclaimer is a device that can be used in post-mortem estate planning.
owner. However, the disclaimed property may be transferred into a trust in which the dis-
Although it does seem like an oxymoron, post-mortem estate planning is not only possi-
claimant has an income interest as long as the disclaimant did not create the income
ble, it is often beneficial. Traditionally, a disclaimer was a device under state law that per-
interest.
mitted the recipient of a gift, the heir to an estate, or the beneficiary of a trust to renounce
Of course, this brief article is no substitute for a careful consideration of all the advan-
his/her gift, inheritance or share of the trust. The state statute would provide a mecha-
tages and disadvantages of this matter in light of your unique personal circumstances.
nism for individuals (called "disclaimants") to avoid receiving an unwanted benefit.
Before implementing any significant tax or financial planning strategy, contact your finan-
Typically, the statutes provide that the person making the disclaimer is considered to have
cial planner, attorney or tax advisor as appropriate.
predeceased the transferor. The property disclaimed then goes to whomever would
receive the property given the prior "death" of the disclaimant.
This material was prepared by Raymond James for use by Doug Gildenmeister, Senior
Why in the world would anyone refuse a gift or bequest? Well, generally because they
Vice President, Investments of Raymond James & Associates, Member New York Stock
don't need it and the person who would receive the gift if they were deceased does. For
Exchange/SIPC or Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.
YOUR COMMUNITY BANK hotel and have it open for the Memorial
Day Weekend. Once renovations began,
many road blocks became apparent. Issues
Weddings, conferences, seminars, and full
service event planning is all in the future
plans for the Island House. Breakfast,
Providing Financial Solutions with the 122 year old building began to
show up. The history of the Island House is
lunch, and fine dining with hand cut steaks
will be the signature for the New Island
for Everyday Life as diverse as its age, as it played host to
presidents, celebrities, and many other fas-
House Restaurant.
Now that the Island House is Open what
cinating and influential people. is next for Downtown? Freedman stated
The Memorial Day weekend came and that other investors have contacted him
went without the hotel opening, the 4th of and are interested in Port Clinton’s down-
Ź FREE Checking July came and went and the hotel still was town so stay tuned to the North Coast
Ź FREE Online Banking not ready. Then on July 31st, the hotel was Business Journal for further details.
Ź Personal Checking ready to open the doors to the public. Every
Ź Commercial Checking
Ź Overdraft Privilege
Ź Passbook Savings FIRELANDS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Ź Statement Savings C A R L TO P I LOW, M U S I C D I R E C TO R
Member FDIC Ź IRA Retirement Plans
Sep 13: Opening Night, Sandusky State Theatre (SST), 107 Columbus Avenue, 8:00 p.m.
Ź 24-Hour ATM Access
1840 E. Perry St., Port Clinton Sep 14: Opening Night, Norwalk Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center (NEPAC), 350 Shady Lane, 4:00 p.m.
(419) 734-5568 Ź VISA Credit/Debit Cards Dec 7: Family Holiday Concert (SST), 7:00 p.m.
Ź Home Loans Jan 31: Family Discovery Concert, Adams Jr. High, Sandusky, 11:00 a.m.
207 W. Washington Row, Sandusky Ź Construction Loans Jan 31: Family Discovery Concert (NEPAC), 4:00 p.m.
(419) 626-5576 phony.co
Home Equity Lines of Credit ssym
Ź Mar 21: Now That's Italian! (SST), 8:00 p.m.
427 Main St., Huron Ź Investment Property Loans
Apr 25: Scotland Meets Shakespeare (NEPAC) 8:00 p.m.
nd m
Check
a
Apr 26: Scotland Meets Shakespeare (SST), 7:30 p.m.
www.firel
Erie County Chamber of Commerce Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce October 16 Business After Hours September 16 Annual Golf Outing
5:00 to 7:00 pm CIC
September 12 Seminar: September 9 Business After Hours Hosted: Huntington Bank
Thriving in a Recession 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. October 2 Downtown Committee
Presented by Andy Birol. Open Houses at Norwalk-Huron County Meeting
Castaway Bay Ballroom Downtown Genoa Chamber of Commerce Noon, Chamber
Businesses
September 16 Second Annual Participants TBA September 11 Membership Committee, Business After Hours
Multi-Member 8am at Kaiser-Wells Catawba Mini Storage
Business After Hours September 20 Third Annual Street Fair Pharmacy
4:00 - 7:00 p.m. 9:00am to 4:00p.m. October 9 Candidate's Night
Kalahari Board of Directors, Elks Lodge 7 p.m.
Marblehead Peninsula 4pm, Chamber office
September 26 "Healthy Families Act" Chamber of Commerce Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce
Workshop by Kula Lynch September 24 Fall Finale Golf Outing,
7:30 a.m., at Kalahari. September 18 Business After Hours Eagle Creek Golf Club, September 11 Business After Hours
No cost, but reservations 5:00 to 7:00 pm 1:30pm shotgun Sandco Industries
are necessary 419.625.6421 The Keeper's House and 1101 Castalia Road
Marblehead Bank September 25 Employer's Practices 5 to 7 p.m.
Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce The Keeper's House Committee,
October 2 Directors Meeting - 7:30 8am, Chamber office September 19 Annual Chamber
September 10 Power Marketing Seminar Otterbein North Shore Foundation Golf Outing
8-10 a.m. October 2 Program Committee, Fremont Country Club
(Breakfast @ 7:30 a.m.) October 11 Lighthouse Festival 8am, Chamber office
Fostoria Country Club. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm September 25 "iDecide"
October 9 Board of Directors, 2008 Candidates Forum
4pm, Chamber office Tech Center
Great Prices - Volume Discounts - Bulk Deliveries 7 p.m., Cedar St.
Quality Realty
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Information Technology Video card, Sound Card or other device. Driversguide has hundreds of thousands of
these files available. It also has some very efficient search options to help you find the
right file. Along with the name and location of each file, users' feed back files are
posted that allow you to quickly evaluate the file. It is a free site for those that only
need it rarely, but, as a professional who needs it often, I have no problem paying
Surfing Tips 2008 their low annual fee that allows me frequent use of the site.
The final veteran site I'm recommending is http://www.gasbuddy.com, which has
been around for quite a few years, but is more important today than ever. It tracks the
By Don Knaur gas prices in the United States and Canada. It will allow you to look up the gas prices
Very few things change as rapidly as the Internet. Even though by State or Province and then by metropolitan area, city or type of station, i.e. Flying
most sites change often, some sites have been able to stay ahead J, Speedway or Shell. When prices are changing rapidly, you can even limit your
of their competitors. New sites pop-up on a regular basis and search to prices reported in the past four, eight or twelve hours, so that you have a
provide innovative approaches to information that can make realistic idea of what is happening. Caution: since this site depends on user input to
our lives easier or better. Half of the sites described here are keep it up to date, you may find multiple listings for Service Stations and also multi-
older sites, while the other sites were developed for Internet ple prices. That is why the time stamp is an important feature.
Explorer 6.0. In other words, they are newer than Windows XP Service Pack 2. A newer site that has become very helpful is http://www.filehippo.com, a one-stop
One of the oldest and still one of the best sites is http://www.metacrawler.com. This source for downloading all of the best free security programs. From this site, you can
Web Search site has been around for over twelve years. It is not the site to use to find quickly and easily download the latest versions of programs such as AVG Anti-virus,
a large volume of responses. However, if you want to find a specific company, product Spybot Search & Destroy, AdAware Anti-Spyware and Ccleaner. Actually, the soft-
or Web Site, it will find it for you quickly and accurately without having to sift ware downloads faster from this site than it does from the developers' sites. This site
through pages of responses. Technically, it is not a search engine; it just queries the also includes utility and browser software, such as Adobe Reader, Firefox, FlashPlayer
top twelve search engines (Google, Yahoo, Ask, etc.) and gives you their top ten and Windows Media Player.
responses. It returns these responses almost instantly and will also allow you to search Another fairly new site called http://www.restaurant.com is a good site to visit, if
an exact phrase along with the normal search options. you like to eat out. This site offers specially discounted coupons for hundreds of
Another site in its second decade, that most computer techs love and use exten- restaurants. Warning: read the restrictions on coupon use before purchasing. Even if
sively, is http://www.driversguide.com. This is the site to find and download device you don't purchase a coupon, the site provides you access to each restaurant's menu
drivers that have been lost. For those of you that are not familiar with the term, a
SURFING TIPS 2008... continued on page 23
www.harborlighthealthcare.com
16 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
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www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal SEPTEMBER 2008 17
18 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
Focht Construction Ottawa County Chambers
Completes Transportation Building Sponsor S.E.E. -
plied by our maintenance Customer Service Program
maintenance garage is sup-
Sales
Whose Shoes Are You Walking In?
By Roger Bostdorff
Selling is not about you, selling is about your prospect. When
you leave a voicemail does it many times sound like this, "let me
tell you a little about my company" or "let me tell you a little
about my product"? Your prospect cares about neither your
company nor your product but rather they care about solving
their business problems. For someone to be successful in sales
they need to be able to walk in the shoes of their prospect. They
need to be able to visualize the issues, problems and challenges
that this company might be experiencing.
For example, if you are calling on a construction company and you have sold your
solution to another construction company, what problem did your solution solve or
improve? How about the wholesale distributor that you sold your solution to, what
benefits did they derive from your solution? How about the manufacturer? If you
know why these customers bought, then you know some potential hot buttons to grab
the attention of your new prospect. You also add credibility to your story that you
can help them because you have already helped other companies in their industry.
Industry expertise and experience goes a long way in opening doors and getting the
business.
By the way, you noticed that I referenced your "solution" not your "product or serv-
ice." If you are selling a product or service then you are selling a commodity that may
be available by multiple product or service companies. However, if you are selling a
solution you are selling the capability to solve your customer's problems, issues or
challenges. You are helping that customer improve their quality, cut their cost,
improve their customer service, etc. Sometimes this is simply a state of mind or atti-
tude. What you have to sell may not change but how you position it with your cus-
tomer will change the perception and importance of your product/service...your
SOLUTION!!
Voice mail in sales unfortunately is very prevalent, so let me ask you, which voice
mail is going to get your attention if you were the prospect? Which voice mail has a
higher probability of a return call?
1. I called because I wanted to tell you about our company
2. I called because I wanted to tell you about our products
3. I called because I have been working with several contractors/distributors/manu-
facturers (pick an industry) in the area to solve their _(blank)______ problem. We
have been able to solve this challenge with our _ _(blank)______ solution.
Some of you are asking yourself, "What problem or issue did I solve when I sold that
copier, service contract, etc. to the XYZ Company? First, if your answer is they need-
ed a faster copier then I am not communicating effectively. If that is the case the fol-
low-on question is why? What business problem did they need to solve? Secondly, if
you have to ask that question then you also need to re-evaluate your sales approach
to determine if you are really taking an approach to solve your customer's challenges
or if you are simply taking the order?
I heard a neat saying a long time ago and I am going to modify it slightly for sales.
"Your customer cares how much you know when they know how much you care."
Don't just sell your product or service but rather care enough about your customer
to help them solve their problems with your solution. Why not walk in their shoes
for a while?
Roger Bostdorff is the President of B2B Sales Boost, LLC. He spent over 30 years
with IBM in sales and sales management. B2B Sales Boost is a consulting com-
pany helping organizations improve their sales and overall business processes. You
can find more about 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 sales@b2bsalesboost.com
20 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
the very first baby born in
Mercy Welcomes Last and First the hospital's new Family
Birthing Center.
Helmstetters also reside in
The
Taxes AGI. The earnings in a nondeductible IRA are tax-deferred within the IRA, but are
taxed on distribution (and subject to a 10% penalty if you withdraw money before age 59
1/2, unless one of several exceptions apply).
You must begin making minimum withdrawals by April 1 of the year following the year
you attain age 70 1/2. Nondeductible contributions aren't taxed when they are with-
Overview of the Various drawn. If you've made deductible and nondeductible IRA contributions, a portion of each
IRA distribution is treated as coming from nontaxable IRA contributions (and the rest is
taxed).
If you can't make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA, you should contribute
Types of IRAs Available (if eligible) to a Roth IRA instead of making a nondeductible contribution to a tradi-
tional IRA. That's because the Roth IRA offers a better package of tax benefits than you'd
get by making a nondeductible contribution to a traditional IRA.
By: Jeff Rosengarten, CPA Deductible and nondeductible IRA limits. The maximum annual IRA contribution
PAYNE, NICKLES AND COMPANY (deductible or nondeductible, or a combination) is $5,000 for 2008 ($6,000 if you are age
At one time, there was relatively little confusion about IRAs 50 or over in 2008). Additionally, your IRA contribution for a year (deductible or not)
because there was only one type available. Now, however, IRAs can't exceed the amount of your compensation includible in income for that year.
have proliferated-there's the regular IRA, which may be funded Deductible and nondeductible IRA contributions can't be made once you attain age 70.
with deductible and/or nondeductible contributions, Roth IRA, IRAs often are referred to as "traditional IRAs" (or "regular IRAs") to distinguish them
SEP-IRA, and SIMPLE IRA. Some of these IRAs are similar, but from Roth IRAs.
others have little in common. To compound the confusion, some
IRAs are known by different names. For example, a non-Roth Roth IRAs.
retirement-savings IRA sometimes is called a traditional IRA. You can make an annual contribution to a Roth IRA if your AGI doesn't exceed cer-
What do all these IRAs have in common? They can help you and tain levels that vary by filing status. For example, in 2008, if you are a joint return filer,
your family save significant amounts for retirement on a tax-favored basis. Here's an the maximum annual Roth IRA contribution phases out between $159,000 and $169,000
overview of the different types of IRAs available today. of modified AGI ($101,000 to $116,000 for single taxpayers). Annual contributions to
Traditional IRAs Roth IRAs can be made up to the amount that would be allowed as a contribution to a
Traditional IRAs can be funded with deductible and nondeductible contributions. traditional IRA, reduced by the amount you contribute for the year to non-Roth IRAs,
Deductible IRA contributions. You can make an annual deductible contribution to an but not reduced by contributions to a SEP IRA or SIMPLE IRA (see below). For exam-
IRA if: ple, if you don't contribute to a traditional IRA in 2008, you can contribute up to $5,000
(1) you (and your spouse) are not an active participant in an employer-sponsored retire- to a Roth IRA for that year ($6,000 if you are age 50 or older in 2008).
ment plan, or Roth IRA contributions aren't deductible. However, earnings are tax-deferred within
(2) you (or your spouse) are an active participant in an employer plan, and your modi- the Roth IRA and (unlike a traditional IRA) are tax-free if paid out (1) after a five-year
fied adjusted gross income (AGI) doesn't exceed certain levels that vary from year-to-year period that begins with the first year for which you made a contribution to a Roth IRA,
by filing status. and (2) once you reach age 59 1/2, or upon death or disability, or (up to $10,000 lifetime)
For example, in 2008, if you are a joint return filer covered by an employer plan, your for first-time home-buyer expenses of you, your spouse, child, grandchild, or ancestor.
deductible IRA contribution phases out over $85,000 to $105,000 of modified AGI. If And if a Roth IRA payout doesn't meet these dual conditions, you're treated as first with-
you're single or a head of household in 2008, the phaseout range is $53,000 to $63,000. drawing nontaxable Roth IRA contributions; the balance (representing earnings) is taxed
For a married filing separately, the phaseout range is $0 to $10,000 (for all years). In 2008, and is subject to a 10% penalty for pre-age-59 withdrawals, unless one of several excep-
if you are not an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, but your tions apply. Thus, for example, if you contribute $6,000 over the years to Roth IRAs and
spouse is, your deductible IRA contribution phases out with modified AGI of between withdraw $9,000 at age 55 to buy a boat, only $3,000 is taxed (and is subject to the 10%
$159,000 and $169,000. penalty).
Deductible IRA contributions reduce your current tax bill, and earnings within the IRA You can make Roth IRA contributions even after you attain age 70 (if you have suffi-
are tax-deferred. However, every dollar you take out is taxed in full (and subject to a 10% cient compensation income), and you do not have to take minimum distributions from a
penalty if you withdraw money before age 59 1/2, unless one of several exceptions apply). Roth IRA after you attain that age. That makes Roth IRAs an excellent wealth-building
You must begin making minimum withdrawals by April 1 of the year following the year vehicle for your family.
you attain age 70 1/2.
Nondeductible IRA contributions. You can make an annual nondeductible IRA contri- OVERVIEW continued on page 24
Tired of rising health care benefit costs? Something as simple as a complimentary plan
review could actually increase your coverage
Frustrated with your current plan? while lowering your costs.
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Looking for the best coverage at an affordable rate? Call today for a FREE Plan Design Analysis.
The health and well-being of you, your staff, and all those around you is a critical Discounts available to Chamber members.
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22 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
along with its address and telephone number. It is much easier to check out the menu
from your home or motel room than it is to drive to the restaurant. I have found sev-
eral good restaurants this way, as well as rejecting a few that were a little too pricey
for me.
The final surfing trip tip site is both useful and fun to play with. To use this site, you
need to be running Windows XP or Vista with plenty of RAM and a good Video Card
as it is a very high overhead (literally) site. Check out http://earth.google.com, a pro-
gram that shows you satellite images from all over the world. They are constantly
improving this site and are providing more street views of neighborhoods every day.
This site allows you to pick an area of the world and then Zoom-in on it until you can
see the details you want. The picture quality is excellent; however, I would not try to
use it to inspect my roof.
While surfing the Internet, you can wipe out because of the amount of Malware,
Spyware and Viruses that's increasing daily. Just keep your Anti-virus and Anti-spy-
ware software up to date and remember the Internet is still a wondrous place to surf.
I am always searching for new and interesting article topics. I would appreciate any sug-
gestions you have for topics. Please E-mail these suggestions or requests for information to
helpdeskohio@bpsom.com or call me at 419-448-8020 and I will use as many of them as
possible.
Don is the CWO (Chief Working Officer) of Help-Desk, Ohio, a complete com-
puter service center, located in Suite A of the Courtlee Interiors' Building, 2499
W. Market in Tiffin. Don has a degree in Computer Programming from Tiffin
University and has been an Information Technology Professional for over 20 years.
He started Help-Desk, Ohio in the spring of 1996 and opened his shop in March
2001. Don welcomes calls for advice or information at 419-448-8020.
24 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
Earlier Cancer Detection Made Possible with New PET/CT Technology
More than 6 million people in the world will die from information from PET and the anatomic information from CT, places PET/CT at the
cancer this year, according to the World Health forefront to cutting edge technology allowing physicians to more accurately stage and
Organization. In the United States, one in three will be treat patient disease processes.
diagnosed with cancer in his or her lifetime. Before having a PET/CT scan, the patient receives a dose of a radiopharmaceutical
Detecting cancer at its earliest stages helps to better tracer containing substances that mimic those normally used in the body including
determine the best treatment for oncology patients. water, sugars, proteins and oxygen. These tracers accumulate in diseased cells. During
Fisher-Titus Medical Center has updated its PET diag- the scan, the tracers are detected by the system creating an image of the patient and
nostic tool to include CT. highlighting any abnormal physiology. This image helps our physicians determine if
The Discovery ST 16-slice PET/CT system integrates disease is present, the location and extent of disease, and track how rapidly it is
a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner with a spreading.
16-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner and pro- "The new PET/CT system is another example of FTMC's commitment to innova-
vides physicians with more sensitivity, speed, resolution tion and technology for early disease detection supporting physicians in improved
and diagnostic confidence when treating cancer diagnosis and treatment right here in Norwalk," said Dr. Raymond Lobins of North
Dr. Matthew Gutowicz Jr., patients. Coast Cancer Care who is a member of Fisher-Titus Medical Center's medical staff.
"For oncology patients, PET/CT is used to determine FTMC Imaging Services Department's state-of-the-art testing includes a 64-slice
the exact location and stage of cancerous tissue and can prevent unnecessary surgery CT scanner, MRI/Breast MRI, PET/CT Scanning, Nuclear Medicine Testing,
and biopsies and inappropriate treatment," said Dr. Matthew Gutowicz Jr., a board- Mammography/Computer-Aided Detection, Stereotactic Breast Biopsies and
certified radiologist and FTMC's medical director of radiology. Brachytherapy.
"PET/CT will have a major impact on our clinical evaluations of cancer patients, FTMC's Commission on Cancer (CoC) Approved Cancer Program, full consulta-
and in many cases will enable our physicians to begin treatment earlier and increase tive services are available from all medical disciplines involved in diagnosing and
the odds for successful patient outcomes." treating cancer. FTMC's state-of-the-art Cancer Care Center provides a highly qual-
PET/CT is an imaging procedure that provides physicians with information about ified physicians, staff and technology to help patients through the diagnosis and treat-
the body's chemistry, cell function and exact location of disease. The precise images ment process. Approved by the American College of Surgeon's National Commission
obtained with PET are not available with other technologies, such as CT, MRI or X- on Cancer Program since 1989, FTMC is among only one in four hospital cancer pro-
ray alone. grams in the United States that receives this special accreditation. FTMC's Cancer
The difference lies in the ability of PET to study body function rather than giving Program earned eight out of a possible nine special commendations in its most recent
radiological images of anatomy or body structure. The combination of the metabolic accreditation survey.
INTERNATIONAL, LLC
exceed $100,000, but the amount taken deductible IRAs.
out of the traditional IRA is treated for Income tax credit for contributions to
tax purposes as a regular withdrawal (but IRAs
Scan It — Shred It
it's not subject to the 10% early with- If your adjusted gross income doesn't
drawal penalty). (Beginning in 2010, the exceed specified levels, you may be enti-
$100,000 AGI ceiling on conversions tled to a credit (saver's credit) against
from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA your income tax equal to a percentage of
Tiffin’s First will be removed.) your contribution to any of the above
Full Service Scan Bureau SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs
IRAs. If you are entitled to the credit,
you get it in addition to any deduction
Electronic Data Management Small businesses that want to provide
employees with a retirement plan, but
you may be entitled to for the same con-
tribution.
Plus: keep administrative costs low, may be I recommend discussing these options
Scan Light Assembly able to set up a SEP (simplified employee and how they might apply to your indi-
Shred Third Party Inspection pension) or SIMPLE (savings incentive vidual situation with your tax profession-
match plan for employees) plan. In al.
Microfilm Tool Bit Sharpening either type of plan, contributions are
Warehousing Inventory Management made to IRA-type accounts in the (Author's note: This article is not
Packaging Order Processing employees' names. Annual contributions intended to offer professional tax advice.
Mailing Labeling to these plans are controlled by special Please consult your tax advisor.)
Microfilm to Digital Disc Sorting rules and aren't tied to the normal IRA
419-448-4655
www.workconnectionstiffin.com
www.ncbj.net
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal SEPTEMBER 2008 25
MAIN STREET ... continued from the cover
creation of downtown development and Street Port Clinton plays an active role in County Historical Society to create oral Jet Express Warehouse in downtown Port
downtown market analysis. MSPC is the City’s Architectural Board of Review. histories of several buildings in downtown. Clinton for a sampling of local artists and
working with City Administration and The Board meets the fourth Thursday of It is our desire to learn the histories and their talents. Those who attended feasted
Council on the Tier 1 Community the month at 3pm, prior to the Planning interesting and unusual stories about each their eyes on paintings and photographs
Development Block Grant. The funding Commission meeting. of these buildings. We plan to have open from local artists, heard their favorite
Main Street Port Clinton received from With the support of the Ottawa County houses and invite the public to visit these music from local musicians, and interacted
Stensen will be the local match for funding Community Foundation, MSPC is creating spaces. We want to make the stories come with characters from local theatre groups.
from the State of Ohio. MSPC’s funding a Treasure Hunt of 10 downtown architec- alive. The buildings are 125 Madison All while sampling sumptuous appetizers
from Stensen together with the State fund- tural features of buildings located on Street (Mary’s Blossom Shoppe), 120 West from local restaurants! Everyone had a fan-
ing will allow us to bring in a consultant to Madison between Perry Street and Second Second Street (The Lion tastic time and the event was a huge suc-
facilitate the planning work for the down- Street and on Second Street between Theatre/Frederick Agency), and 105, 107, cess! Mark your calendar - the third annu-
town. Monroe and Jefferson. The Architectural and 109 Madison Street (Hersberger al Appetite for the Arts is scheduled for
The planning activities will begin in early Treasure Hunt will be available at local Building). Please call 419/734-7600 for Friday, August 14, 2009.
fall. The development plan will examine businesses. We also will be working with more information. Lastly, I challenge everyone in Port
the development needs and assess the the schools to have the Ohio History class- Main Street Port Clinton and the Port Clinton and surrounding communities to
existing conditions of the downtown es work the treasure hunt into their cur- Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce get involved with Main Street Port
including land use, traffic/circulation, pub- riculum. The Architectural Treasure Hunt teamed together to create the Port Clinton Clinton. We are looking for fresh ideas and
lic spaces, streetscape and aesthetic quality. will get people walking the streets and Arts Council. The Port Clinton Arts new faces. Call me, email me, or stop by
Goals and objectives and a vision/mission learning to appreciate our fabulous down- Council recently hosted the second annual the office. I can be reached by phone at
statement for the central business district town architecture. Appetite for the Arts. Approximately 300 419/734-7600 or by email at
will be derived from a series of meetings MSPC has been working with the Ottawa people gathered on Friday, August 8 at the historicpc@portclinton.org.
and community input. The market
analysis will examine the details of the
current overall economic, business, and
service climate of downtown Port
Clinton.
Main Street Port Clinton wants to
make sure that any new development,
infill development, or rehabilitation
maintains the character and charm of the
existing buildings and structures. MSPC
worked with administration and City
Council earlier this year to make amend-
ments to the Downtown Architectural
District. The amendments included
requiring the Board of Architectural
Review to consider the Secretary of the
Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
when property owners want to alter the
exterior of their buildings. By adding the
Secretary of the Interior Standards to the
City’s Code, we are now eligible to apply
for additional grant opportunities. Main
Bu
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Chamber Discount
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General Contractors
on Commerical and Health Insurance
FOCHT CONSTRUCTION 30 E. Main St. Norwalk
1-888-797-7724 www.flickinger-ins.com
Amy Flickinger
419-668-4406/800-947-3700
28 SEPTEMBER 2008 North Coast Business Journal
On The Move
Dr. Murcek Elected New Administrator
Chair of Osteopathic Board Named at Edgewood Manor
NOMS Healthcare is pleased to announce that Edgewood Manor is pleased to welcome Amie Gohlike,
Benjamin Murcek, D.O. was recently elected as LNHA, as the facility's new administrator. Gohlike gradu-
Chairman of the American Osteopathic Board of ated from Oak Harbor High School and then went on to
Ophthalmology and Otolrhinolaryngology (AOBOO). earn a BSBA is Health Care Administration and
Personnel Management from Bowling Green State
The AOBOO is responsible for creating and adminis-
University. She has been a Licensed Nursing Home
tering the Board Certification examinations for the sur- Administrator since 1995 and also holds a License for Life
gical specialties of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. and Health Insurance since 2004. In 2003, Gohlike
Dr. Murcek has been a member of the AOBOOHNS earned a Certification from the Disney Institute in
since 1998. He will serve a two year term. The Customer Service.
AOBOO is also responsible for the creation and admin- She is a native of Port Clinton, daughter of Harold and
istration of the specialty board recertification exams. Bonnie Wadsworth. She is very active in the Port Clinton
Dr. Murcek is an ear, nose and throat specialist with Women's Club and is a Past President. She is also the cur-
NOMS Healthcare rent President of the Firelands College Advisory Board,
currently residing in Port Clinton with her husband,
George.
NCBJ in October:
Call Dave at 419-341-3310
Focus on Sandusky or email at dkahler@ncbj.net
for ad rates that are
On The Move
Elizabeth Gabel, Certified
Nurse Practitioner, Joins Practice
Dr. Mary Wonderly is pleased to welcome Elizabeth
Gabel, Certified Nurse Practitioner (C.N.P.) to her fam-
ily medicine practice. Ms. Gabel will function as a fam-
ily nurse practitioner and diabetes educator.
Ms. Gabel graduated from the University of Toledo
with her Master of Science degree in Nursing - Family
Nurse Practitioner. She worked at Memorial Hospital
in Fremont for 25 years on 2-North and also served as a
certified diabetes educator for the past 10 years. Ms.
Laurie Flickinger of Flickinger Insurance recently was recognized for 25 years of profes-
sionalism and service excellence representing Westfield Insurance. A leading independ-
ent insurance agent, Flickinger has represented Westfield since 1983.
"Westfield Insurance is represented by independent agents who are carefully selected for Mercy Willard Hospital
their commitment to providing clients with the best insurance advice and service. For a
quarter century, Flickinger has teamed with Westfield to deliver on our promise of pro-
tection. We are proud to honor her on this service milestone," said Westfield Insurance
Foundation Debuts New Website
President Roger McManus.
Westfield presented Flickinger with a commemorative statuette to honor this milestone. The Mercy Willard Hospital Foundation giving forms and send them in or they can
has now made it easier for those wishing to simply make a donation online using a credit
make a donation by creating a new card.
Old Fort Bank Appoints Foundation website and making the gift giv-
ing forms available online.
"Creating the Foundation website and mak-
These services were all created with poten-
tial donors in mind and the Foundation hopes
that the community will get a better under-
Blackburn VP Retail Banking ing donor forms available online was an easy
decision," said Bob Gospodarek, President
standing of what the Mercy Willard Hospital
Foundation is all about.
and CEO of Mercy Hospital of Willard. "More For more information about the Foundation
President/CEO Michael Spragg of The Old Fort Banking and more people are using the web in their website, please contact Audrey Ginter at 419-
Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Dee everyday life and the website can give the 964-5105.
Blackburn to Vice President Retail Banking. "Dee has dis- community quick and easy access to see what The Foundation is a nonprofit charitable
played exemplary service to Old Fort Bank. She continues to the Foundation does and what they may be organization dedicated to developing relation-
promote core values and insight while developing her staff to able to do to help." ships and generating financial resources to
achieve a higher standard of service. Her leadership and The Foundation website, support the mission of Mercy Hospital of
commitment to the organization was recognized by this www.mercyweb.org/willardhospitalfounda- Willard. Gifts made to the Foundation are tax
appointment." Spragg commented. tion, has many features that will allow the deductible and are designated for capital
In her new role she will oversee the management and community, as well as anyone interested, to expenditures and other donor designated proj-
administration of the bank's nine retail financial centers browse and find out more about what the ects. If you would like to consider making a
which will include product and service development. Prior Foundation actually does and in what ways donation or bequest to the hospital, contact
to her appointment Blackburn served as the Clyde Financial they contribute to the hospital. On the web- the Foundation office or a board member to
Center Manager since it's opening in 2003. Last year she site, users are able to see details about the learn more about the benefits of planned giv-
assumed additional office administration responsibilities. "I fundraising events the Foundation plans, such ing and gift annuities. Mercy Willard Hospital
am honored to be given this opportunity. We have a great as the annual golf outing in the summer and Foundation Board members are: Mike
group of financial center managers and retail staff who are the Candlelight Ball in the winter. The users Adelman, Dr. Chris Bohach, Melody Brooks,
dedicated and committed to create a better banking experi- will also be able to sign up and pay the fees for Marsha Danhoff, Lynn Detterman, Audrey
ence for our clients." Blackburn commented. With over 28 the events online. Ginter, Bob Gospodarek, Dorothy Robey, Bud
years of community banking experience in various leadership The website has also made it easier to make Schaffer, Alec Thornton, and Sister Rita
roles she attended the Ohio Bankers League - Blythe School a contribution to the Foundation with the Mary Wasserman. Richard Beal, Certified
of Banking a two year banking program. She has been with Old Fort Bank for 6 years. forms posted online as well as listing the many Financial Planner, assists the Foundation with
Blackburn and her husband Darren reside in Clyde. The couple has a son Justin, a daughter different ways that people can make their con- charitable giving and financial planning.
-in-law Emily and this spring welcomed a granddaughter, Raegan. tribution. People can print off their own gift
www.ncbj.net North Coast Business Journal SEPTEMBER 2008 31
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