Members in the News

Ohio Mandated Paid Sick Leave Initiative

Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce - Jun 16, 2008

During 2007 an activist coalition led by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) circulated a petition to enact a law through the initiative petition process.  In December of 2007 the coalition filed in excess of 120,683 valid signatures of registered voters with Ohio’s Secretary of State.  This triggered the proposed legislation being delivered to the Ohio Legislature at the start of their January 2008 session. Because the Legislature did not act on the legislation by May 8, 2008 the proponent coalition now is gathering an additional 120,683 valid signatures to put the initiated statute proposal on the November 4, 2008 General Election ballot.   Overview of the Initiative   Who must comply with the initiative?           The proposed law would require employers with 25 or more employees in Ohio to provide 7 paid sick days to all employees working 30 hours or more per week, and a prorated amount of paid sick days to employees working less than 30 hours per week or less than 1,560 hours per year.   Which states mandate paid sick leave?              None. Passage of the initiative would make Ohio the only state in the country to require paid sick leave. With the serious economic climate Ohio currently faces, an additional mandate on employers would slow Ohio’s recovery and discourage new companies from coming to Ohio and existing companies to expand. To date, the only jurisdiction to have enacted a mandated paid sick leave policy is the city of San Francisco.    Do employers already provide comprehensive benefits to employees?             Yes. According to a U.S. Department of Labor study of the cost of employee benefits in September 2007, 30.2% of payroll expenses are for employee benefits. Payments for time not worked, such as vacations, holidays, sick leave and other leave, represented 7% of payroll expenditures.    How broad are the paid sick leave requirements?             Employees would be able to receive paid sick leave for any absence resulting from a physical or mental illness, injury or medical condition of the employee or family member.  An employer may only require that a request for leave be supported by a physician certification if the leave covers more than 3 consecutive work days.  In addition, paid sick leave can be used in hourly increments or in the smallest increment used to track other forms of leave.    What if an employer already provides paid leave?             An employer that currently provides paid leave is not required to modify its policy if it offers an employee the option to take paid leave that is at least equivalent to the required sick leave.  The problem is that there is no guidance in the proposal as to what leave policies would be deemed “equivalent”.   Do employers have the flexibility to change other types of leave to comply with this new mandate?             An employer may not eliminate or reduce leave in existence on the date of enactment of the initiative, regardless of the type of such leave, in order to comply with the initiative.  It is unclear whether reducing one type of leave while increasing paid sick days would be in compliance with the initiative.         [Read More]

Cool News from Jo Ann

Jo Ann's Professional Touch, Inc. - Jun 12, 2008

See our new blog for the latest tips and consumer information at www.joannsproftouch.blogspot.com. [Read More]

Chamber Members: Info on "Healthy Families Act" Amendment for Ohio

Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce - Jun 2, 2008

Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce Member,   After spearheading the effort to undermine Ohio businesses by getting the minimum wage constitutional amendment on the ballot two years ago, organized labor is plotting to put another anti-business measure on the 2008 ballot.   The new proposal is the deceptively-named "Healthy Families Act”, which would require employers in Ohio to provide a minimum of seven paid sick days to all full-time workers.    Right now, the Service Employees International Union (S.E.I.U.) and other backers of this proposal are currently working to obtain 120,683 valid signatures from registered Ohio voters. If they do so by early August, the proposal will be placed on the November General Election ballot for voters to decide.   We have already joined the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and dozens of local chambers around the state in passing resolutions in opposition to the mandated sick leave proposal.   Proponents want Ohioans to believe that this new mandate would make Ohio one of the most family-friendly states in the nation. However, the proposal would, in fact, deprive employees of workplace flexibility and is really just another one-size-fits-all, government-know-best policy that fails to fully understand the needs of today's workers or recognize the realities of the marketplace. "Healthy Families" would be the perfect prescription for higher costs and fewer jobs.   To educate business owners and employees about the potential dangers of this issue, the Ohio Chamber has created a new website that features comprehensive information about the specifics of the proposal and its potential ramifications. We encourage you to visit this website so you can better understand this issue. While there, you can also sign up to receive regular e-mails from the Chamber that will keep you up-to-date on the latest news concerning the mandated sick leave proposal as well as provide the tools and resources you need to spread the word.   With the November election just five months away, we must begin working together right now if we’re going to be successful in defeating this issue. If you have any questions about the mandated sick leave proposal or what can be done to stop it, please let me know. Thank you.   Sincerely,       Marla Akridge President     [Read More]

Chamber Annual Meeting Coverage in T-G

Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce - May 16, 2008

Strine, Tremco receive awards from Chamber   Photo By Times-Gazette photo/Duane Martin Motivational speaker Kordell Norton talks at the Chamber of Commerce annual breakfast Thursday at Ashland University’s Convocation Center. By GINGER CHRIST T-G STAFF WRITER Wrapping himself in aluminum foil and imitating a burrito gave graphic facilitator Kordell Norton a new perspective. Norton was the keynote speaker during the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting Thursday at Ashland University's Convocation Center. Norton is the author of "Throwing Gas on the Fire -- creating drastic change in Sales and Marketing" and is a professional member of the National Speakers Association. Life-changing moments are experiences. And offering experiences to customers is an opportunity for business success. Norton said Chipotle restaurants offered free burritos on Halloween to anyone dressed as a burrito. He also cited last week's Papa John's 23-cent pizza deal. During these promotions, businesses gave away products in exchange for publicity, offering customers an experience. Such promotions, Norton said, cause company stock to increase and spread awareness of the business. While parents used to bake birthday cakes from scratch, now they take children to Chuck E. Cheese for an experience. "Today's business world is demanding experiences from you," Norton said. During the meeting, former Mayor Bill Strine was awarded the individual Spirit of the Chamber Award and Tremco was chosen as winner of the corporate Spirit of the Chamber Award. "Any glory I get out of this strictly comes from all of you folks and the support you gave to me," Strine said. Strine resigned as Ashland mayor Dec. 31 after serving in the position for six years. Strine also served as city finance director for 26 years before becoming mayor. Tremco general manager Chris Kerr attributed the company's success to its employees. "We truly are employee-driven and this award is their award," Tremco general manager Chris Kerr said. Tremco exceeded its 2007 fiscal goal of reaching $25 million in sales and also clocked one million hours of work without a lost-time accident. Ashland Eye Care and Towne Pharmacy were honored as recipients of the Quarter of Century Award -- recognizing members of the Chamber for 25 years. During the meeting, the Chamber voted in new board members. Sue Heimann will serve as new board chairwoman, replacing Dennis Miller. Outgoing board member Cindy Cutlip, who served on the board for four years, was replaced by Jack Starkey of Starkey Chiropractic. Mayor Glen Stewart also gave a proclamation recognizing May 10 to 18 as the 25th National Tourism Week. Ginger Christ can be reached at 419-281-0581 ext. 239 or at gchrist@times-gazette.com. http://www.times-gazette.com/news/article/3800102 [Read More]

Empire Affiliates Announces It's new Name - Directions Credit Union

Directions Credit Union - May 5, 2008

Empire Affiliates adivision of TACCU is excited to introduce its new name, Directions Credit Union. The Decision to change the name follows a series of mergers that began in 2005 when Empire Affiliates Credit Union joined with Toledo Area Community Credit Union.  Since that time, the Credit Union has continued to grow and currently services 85,000 members with 9 locations in Northwest Ohio and 11 locations in Central Ohio (including Ashland, Mansfield, Wooster, Willard, Shelby, Lexington, Mount Vernon, and New Philadelphia). "With 20 branch locations throughout Central and Northwest Ohio, using three different brand names, we felt it was time to operate under one unified brand", explains Barry Shaner, CEO and President of Directions Credit Union.  The name Directions Credit Union was selected to reflect the credit unions role in helping members acheive their dreams.  "As a member owned organization, our primary goal is to help our members acheive their dreams and goals in life.  What ever direction your life is headed, we are here to help guide you through your journey.  So, whether your goal is putting your children through college, buying your first home, saving for that dream vacation or planning for retirement, Directions Credit Union is here to assist you and provide you with "direction" to help you acheive your dream", adds Mr. Shaner. For more information about Directions Credit Union visit www.directionscu.org. Directions Credit Union has current assets of $500 Million and nearly 85,000 members.  There are 11 branch locations in  Central Ohio (Mansfield, Ashland, Shelby, Lexington, Willard, Wooster, New Philadelphia, and Mount Vernon) and 9 in Northwest Ohio. .  Directions offers a full array of financial services including savings, checking, investments, auto loans and leasing, mortgage and home equity loans, credit cards, and personal loans.  These offerings generally feature better rates and lower fees than traditional banks.  Membership is available to persons who live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in, Ashland, Richland, Wayne, Huron, Wood, Fulton, Lucas, and Tuscarawas Counties. [Read More]

Howard Hanna Ranks 7th in the Nation

Howard Hanna J. C. Meyer Realtors - Apr 15, 2008

4/14/2008 Howard Hanna ranks 7th in the nation ASHLAND– Howard Hanna JC Meyer Reltors recently was named #1 Branchise in Ohio. Howard Hanna ranks 7th in the nation      “The ranking from Real Trendsshows that the real estate market in this part of the country continues to be stronger than elsewhere and that our company provides unique, innovative services that work for our clients,” stated Howard W. “Hoddy” Hanna III, Chairman and CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.   osarsd Hanna Real Estate SErvioces.      REAL Trends 500 The 500 Largest Brokers in the U.S. (Ranked by closed transaction sides for 2007) COMPANY                                                                2007 SIDES                                                                                                   1.   NRT LLC             Parsippany, NJ                                             326,323   2.   HomeServices of America, Inc.             Minneapolis, MN                                           152,826   3.   The Long & Foster Companies, Inc.             Fairfax, VA                                                    86,574   4.   Crye-Leike Realtors             Memphis, TN                                     28,849   5.   Coldwell Banker United, Realtors             Bryan, TX                                                       27,953   6.   Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors             Devon, PA                                                      26,766   7.   Hanna Holdings, Inc.             Pittsburgh, PA                                              26,545   8.   Allen Tate Company              Charlotte, NC                                                23,007   9.   RealtyUSA             Orchard Park, NY                                         20,690   10. GMAC Real Estate - Company Owned Operations             Oak Brook, IL                                                19,844   11. Ebby Halliday REALTORS                                 17,654              Dallas, TX   12. John L. Scott Real Estate                                 17,381              Bellevue, WA            13. Keller Williams Realty                          15,964              Southlake, TX   14. Realty Executives Phoenix                             14,020              Phoenix, AR   15. ZipRealty                                                            13,962             Emeryville, CA    Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the 5th largest full-service real estate company and the 3rd largest privately held real estate company in the United States. The full-service company specializes in residential and commercial brokerage service, mortgages, closing and title insurance, land development, appraisal services, insurance services and corporate relocation. The company has 122 offices across Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and West Virginia, and employs more than 3,600 sales associates and staff. Visit www.howardhanna.com for more information.   [Read More]

Ashland ENT, Allergy & Hearing Aid Center Purchases VIDEO OTOSCOPE

Ashland ENT, Allergy & Hearing Aid Center - Apr 7, 2008

One of our goals at Ashland ENT, Allergy & Hearing Aid Center is to stay up to date with the latest in technology.  We have recently added a video otoscope to the state-of-the-art equipment we have to help treat our patients.  A video otoscope transfers images from the ear canal to a video monitor allowing the physician as well as the patient to visualize the ear canal and eardrum, but the main benefit is that it allows you to see in your ear as well!  It assists us in educating you about your ear. There are many uses for this equipment; it will help us with cerumen (wax) removal, diagnosing outer and middle ear problems, and give us a tool to use at the area Health Fairs.  Many people think wax is the reason for their hearing loss, while a wax plug can sometimes cause some mild difficulties, it isn't very common. Have you ever wondered about what your ear canal and ear drum look like?.....  Come in and take a look ........  April 24th Annual Spring Health Fair 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. Participants:  Ashland Eye Care, Women's Health, Gastroentrology, Rehabilitation, Ashland ENT, Allergy & Hearing Aid Center Give-Aways, Goodie Bags  and  Grand Prize Raffle [Read More]

Ohio BWC To Offer 5% Premium Rebate

Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce - Apr 1, 2008

BWC Board of Directors Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Governor Ted Strickland For immediate release Media contact: (614) 644-8944 or (614) 312-7272 mccarthy.keary@bwc.state.oh.us | Administrator Marsha Ryan BWC Board of Directors Approves Five-Percent Rate Reduction COLUMBUS – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors today unanimously approved a five-percent overall premium rate decrease for private employers, effective July 1, 2008. The reduction is the first premium rate decrease for Ohio’s private employers since 2001. “The rate decrease is the result of a consistent reduction of claims and lower medical costs,” said BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan. “This rate reduction, along with our efforts to comprehensively improve Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, provides relief for Ohio’s private employers who are striving to remain competitive in a difficult economy.” A BWC actuarial analysis recommended the change to the Private Employer (PA) rate, which will result in an actuarial sound rate level. Additionally, the change will meet a requirement that BWC set the lowest possible rates of premium, consistent with the maintenance of a solvent state insurance fund. BWC Chief Actuarial Officer John Pedrick stated to the board, “A five-percent decrease is consistent with the desire to soften the peaks and valleys of our annual rate changes in order to increase rate stability while also reflecting the underlying costs and keeping rates low.” The average five-percent rate change will impact employers based on their manual classification. Some manual classifications will realize a rate reduction higher than five percent, while other manual classifications may experience an increase. The Board of Directors expects to discuss state agency rates for the term beginning July 1, 2008, at a future meeting. In addition, the actuarial firm of Deloitte Consulting LLP will perform a comprehensive study to review the effectiveness of all rate-related programs and how they interact with one another. Deloitte’s study will also assess BWC’s financial strengths and weaknesses. The board expects the study to be complete in December 2008, with some findings complete as soon as June 2008. Also, in accordance with Governor Ted Strickland’s Executive Order to improve Ohio’s regulatory environment, BWC reviewed rules associated with the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program. As a result, it made several modifications and eliminated 14 rules. BWC is undergoing a comprehensive review of its rules and other regulatory processes to identify further efficiencies. For more information about BWC programs and services, visit ohiobwc.com. # # # Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors Chairman William Lhota, SI Employers | Charles Bryan, Actuary | David Caldwell, Employee Organizations | Alison Falls, Investment & Securities | Philip Fulton, Employees | Kenneth Haffey, CPA | James Harris, Employee Organizations | James Hummel, Large Employers | Jim Matesich, Small Employers | Larry Price, Public | Robert Smith, Investment & Securities [Read More]

Safety Council Premium Rebate Incentives for 2008-2009

Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce - Apr 1, 2008

  Safety Council Premium RFY09 Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Employers have the opportunity to receive an additional 2% Premium Rebate for fiscal year 2008-09 by meeting the following requirements: Enroll in local safety council by July 31, 2008 • Find a list of Ohio safety councils at ohiobwc.com. Attend 10 meetings or events between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009 • At least eight of the 10 meetings must be safety council meetings. Up to two of the 10 can be external educational options outlined below, but all 10 can be safety council meetings. • A person can represent only one policy number with their attendance at a meeting. • Employer has the option to gain credit for up to two meetings through attendance at Workers’ Compensation University, Ohio Safety Congress & Expo, BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene (DSH) safety training courses or industry-specific training. • DSH safety training credit is available for training conducted at the Ohio Center for Occupational Safety and Health (OCOSH) in Pickerington or one of its branches. • No matter the duration of the training or special event, attendance applies toward only one meeting credit. • Safety training conducted at the employers’ workplace, online or required Drug-Free Workplace training does not qualify for the safety council discount program eligibility. • It is the employer’s responsibility to submit documentation to his or her safety council by June 30, 2009, for attendance at non-safety council training or events to qualify. • Documentation must be an official certificate of attendance or transcript. CEO must attend any one safety council sponsored function or meeting • CEO attendance counts as credit toward one of the 10 required meetings. • If a CEO is representing multiple policy numbers, his/her attendance fulfills the CEO attendance requirement for all policies, but counts as meeting credit for only one policy number. Submit semiannual reports for the 2008 calendar year 2-percent premium discount • Employers meeting these participation eligibility requirements will receive a refund of 2 percent of their annual premium. • The discount offer excludes self-insuring employers and state agencies. • Employers must have active coverage status and no outstanding BWC balance to qualify. • Employers who meet the participation requirements will be eligible for a 2-percent performance bonus. • BWC will calculate the performance bonus based on claims data. [Read More]

DR. KATHERINE HESS, M.D. NAMED DISTINGUISHED PHYSICIAN

Hospice of N.C. Ohio, Inc. - Mar 10, 2008

MANSFIELD, OH - Hospice of North Central Ohio congratulates Dr. Katherine Hess, M.D. for receiving the Distinguished Physician Award from the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Mid-Ohio.  Dr. Hess was honored at the Third Annual VNA Distinguished Leaders in Healthcare Recognition and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, February 21.  The VNA recognizes local leaders in healthcare in various categories:  Distinguished Physician, Caregiver, Community Leader/Advocate, Facility, Patient Care Professional and Volunteer.  The VNA also awards the Mayor Lydia Reid Award for Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Hospice of North Central Ohio is honored to have Dr. Katherine Hess as part of its caring team of professionals and nominated her for her commitment to promoting the well-being and dignity of patients and familes. For nearly 20 years, Dr. Katherine Hess has been an advocate for hospice care in the Ashland area and surrounding communities, serving as a Medical Director for Hospice of North Central Ohio since its inception in 1988.  She has been, and continues to be, a key asset in promoting the important role hospice plays in caring for terminally ill patients and their families.  Dr. Hess talks and listens to one patient and family at a time, serving as an advocate for their end-of-life wishes.  In addition to running her own practice and serving as co-Medical Director for Hospice, Dr. Hess has been involved in other aspects of the local health community over the years.  At Samaritan Regional Health System, she has served as Medical Staff President, Chair of the Medical Executive Committee, Department of Medicine Chair, Chair of Pharmacy & Therapeutics, and Officer at Large.  She has also dedicated her time as the Chair of the Ashland County Medical Association and as Medical Director for seven area Fire Department Emergency Medical Services.  Her involvement in these groups further constitutes her unwavering interest and dedication to serving patients in the North Central Ohio area.  [Read More]