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May 2012

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First National Bank of Pandora announced that it has once again been awarded a 5-Star (Superior) Rating from Bauer Financial, Inc., an independent bank rating company. Bauers 5-Star Rating, their highest performance ranking, represents an independent, unbiased analysis of a financial institutions safety and soundness position. Bauer has been analyzing and reporting the financial condition of the nations banking industry since 1983. In making the announcement, Todd Mason, First Nationals President and CEO, noted that First National Bank is proud to be recognized as one of the strongest community banks in Northwest Ohio. The Bauer rating is based on a complex analysis of financial criteria

First National Bank receives Alexander & Bebout, Inc. honored Bauers 5-star superior rating by Butler Manufacturing
including capitalization, asset quality, profitability, liquidity, and risk. The 5-Star Rating indicates that First National Bank is both financially sound and has the resources to deal with a variety of adverse economic conditions. Bauer Financial has its star-rating for every U.S. bank available free of charge at www.bauerfinancial.com. First National Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pandora Bancshares (PDRB). The Bank was founded in 1919 and is a locally owned community bank with $129MM in assets. The bank has offices in Pandora, Bluffton and Findlay, Ohio. First National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. The Banks website is www.e-fnb.com. Alexander & Bebout, Inc., a Butler Builder headquartered in Van Wert, OH, was honored as the 2011 Builder of the Year for the Midwest Region of Butler Manufacturing, the world sales leader in pre-engineered metal building systems. The award was presented at the recent Butler National Sales Meeting to Tom Alexander, President, and his wife, Sylvia, Corporate Secretary. The Ohio contractor has been a Butler Builder since 1970 and has since earned numerous performance awards and related recognition from Butler. The full-service contracting company offers turnkey design/build services for both pre-engineered

Terry Blank, Butler Midwest Region Sales Manager (far left) and Dennis Hainley, Midwest Regional General Manager (far right) are shown presenting the award to Tom and Sylvia Alexander. buildings and conventional struc- Notable projects completed tures. Their primary trade area recently include the 24,000-sq.-ft. is Northwest Ohio, although Ohio State Beauty Academy for Alexander & Bebout has com- the University of Northwestern pleted projects in seven states. See HONORED, page 4A

St. Ritas invests $9M for expansion

St. Ritas Medical Center in Lima, Ohio will invest approximately $9 million for an Emergency Room expansion which will add 8,000 square feet to the facility. The department was constructed in 1980 and was last updated in 1995. The renovation will include additional and larger rooms available 24/7 with family zones, CarePath technology, behavioral health safe rooms, and a meditation and grieving area. Our emergency department is probably one of the oldest facilities from a clinical perspective, See EXPANSION, page 4A

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My Partner

Rohrbaugh joins First National Bank

Bill Wente, President of First National Bank, has recently announced the addition of Aaron Rohrbaugh as an investment representative for the bank. Aaron graduated from Wapakoneta High School in WapaROHRBAUGH koneta, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In his eleven year career in the financial services industry he has served the areas of Lima, Wapakoneta, Sidney, and the surrounding communities. He has worked in various functions of the bank including loan officer, office manager, commercial loan officer and investment representative. Most recently he worked as a retail officer and an assistant vice president in the Wapakoneta market. His extensive experience, commitment to serving customers, and community pride all fit well with the mission of First National Bank. A native of Wapakoneta, Aaron resides in his hometown and takes a very active role in the community. He is a member or past member of many community organizations including the Wapakoneta Rotary Club, Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, First United Church of Christ Consistory, and is currently an Auxiliary Ohio State Patrolman. In his spare time Rohrbaugh enjoys spending time with his family, riding his motorcycle, and is a recreational airplane pilot. Mr. Rohrbaughs main responsibility for the bank will be providing insurance and investment services and guidance to the banks customers in Wapakoneta, Lima, New Bremen, Botkins, New Knoxville, Sidney, and the surrounding areas. He currently holds a State of Ohio insurance license and Series 6 and 63 registrations, through LPL Financial, to sell mutual funds, annuities, and insurance products. In addition, he is working to obtain his Series 7 registration and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. He feels the key to success in the financial services industry is to provide quality products and services to his customers and then following it up with excellent support. First National Bank is a community-oriented bank with offices in Sidney, Botkins, Wapakoneta, New Knoxville, and New Bremen. They are committed to serve the financial needs of the residents and businesses in the markets they serve. The bank has operated in this area since 1934 as a federally charted financial institution. To contact Aaron Rohrbaugh or to learn more about First National Bank and the services they provide,

provides benchmarking data. saves me money. is my electric co-op.

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My cooperative provides me with access to benchmarking data that lets me compare my companys energy use to other facilities like mine. Having this information helps me target ways to cut my energy costs and improve my bottom line.
Your electric cooperative offers solutions, resources and personalized attentionall designed to make your business as energy efficient and cost effective as possible. Register today at www.buckeyepower.com to receive our informative Questline newsletter.

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MAGNET provides a network of resources

Economists, business leaders and others have indicated that one key element to economic recovery is the retention and creation of manufacturing jobs. Many high-paying manufacturing jobs left the United States for Mexico and elsewhere that has crippled the economy. One such organization, however, that has a positive influence in the manufacturing sector is MAGNET, the Cleveland Ohio, based non-profit. We provide consulting services for small to mid-size manufacturers, stated Mark Scharboneau, Senior Business Consultant for 29 northern Ohio counties. While the mission statement of MAGNET is helping innovate products and process in a global marketplace, Scharboneau works with business leaders, economic development offices and others in northern Ohio that creates an innovatative business culture MAGNET assists small to mid-size manufacturers with a network of resources that includes other consultants, universities, other manufacturers, and other entities with the sole purpose of business growth and improvement. Scharboneau, who has spent time in the auto industry and other manufacturers prior

to joining MAGNET, stated the services provided to manufacturers has had a positive economic impact.
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Volume 21, No. 5 Publisher Donald R. Hemple Contributing Writers Jeffrey Gitomer Advertising Donald R. Hemple
The Business Journal is mailed to the top business leaders in the 11-county region of West Central Ohio. Although information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. Information expressed in The Business Journal does not constitute a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any products. Copyright, The Business Journal of West Central Ohio, 2006, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission of editorial, photographic or other graphic content in any manner is prohibited. The Business Journal is published monthly at 405 N. Main St., Delphos, OH 45833

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Mail 405 N. Main St., Delphos, OH 45833-1598 For information concerning news, advertising and subscription e-mail us at: dhemple@delphosherald.com or bizjrnl@delphosherald.com

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Expansion (Continued from page 1A)

stated Jim Reber, CEO. We constantly try to freshen it and make it better. According to St. Ritas, the emergency room treats approximately 60,000 patients a year and the expansion will increase patient capacity by 15%. The 46 universal rooms will be 50% larger than the current rooms. Each will have medication administration equipment for improved patient safety, as well as digital capabilities for electronic medical records and other technology, including full size monitors to view patient imaging (X-rays) and test results. St. Ritas will also operate three safe rooms that have secured appliances, no sharp edges, and security cameras to prevent patients from harming themselves. The new trauma center will feature four fully equipped 300 square foot rooms, which will grant the trauma team improved patient accessibility. The renovation will increase the hospitals capability of dealing with a mass casualty or chemical emergency, stated Reber. In the unfortunate event of a mass casualty, we have expanded capability to handle a lot of patients simultaneously. The mass casualty unit will be designed to treat 15 patients in an area separated from the main Emergency Department. The equipment will include a decontamination area in event of a hazardous catastrophe. The project is expected to cost approximately $9 million, with about $6 million coming from donations and the rest through internal operating funds. A scrub sale was held in February by the St. Ritas Medical Center Volunteer / Auxiliary to benefit the expansion. It hosted AMS Uniforms of Lima and also offered footwear, bags, lanyards, eyewear, badge holders, blood pressure cuffs, and stethoscopes. According to the hospital, 65% of its patients are admitted through the Emergency Department. Life Flight averages 500 transports per year. The entire interior will be sort of gutted and rebuilt, stated Reber. Touchstone CPM, a subsidiary of Tuttle Construction, is handling the renovation. The hospital was opened in 1918 by the Sisters of Mercy and in 1977 the name was changed to St. Ritas Medical Center. It underwent multiple renovations, including a seven-story addition in 1947, another addition for patient beds in the 1960s, and the AB Tower in the 1980s. It is the largest hospital within a 70 mile radius of Lima.

Our Commercial Services include:

Service Agreements Mechanical Contracting All plumbing, heating & cooling needs New installation & remodeling

For the past 27 years, Ayers Mechanical Group has provided N.W. Ohio with dependable plumbing and heating services.
BID/specification services Design/build services Licensed & bonded in the state of Ohio for Plumbing, HVAC, Hydronics & Refrigeration Certified by the State of Ohio for Boiler Installation & Repair Licensed by the State of Ohio for Backflow Certification & Repair

Honored (Continued from page 1A)

Ohio, in Lima, and industrial buildings for Unverferth Manufacturing Company in Kalida and Delphos. Alexander and the late Gene Bebout formed the contracting company in March 1965 and initially concentrated on farm structures and silos before evolving into larger off-farm and more complex industrial and commercial opportunities. Design/ build project delivery, a method that combines both design and construction responsibilities under the contractor, has become a specialty for the company. In addition to Tom and Sylvia Alexander, Sara Zura, their granddaughter and a licensed professional engineer, is a company Vice President and Project Manager. Other Project Managers include, Steve Bebout, Stan Hitchcock, Charlie Salway and Brad Ream.

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Client Centered
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Perry Corporation / SMS proTECH is a client-centered organization. The Client is the driving force behind what we do.

Understand the client by anticipating and responding to their needs Provide value-added advice and guidance by analyzing client needs and resolving issues Provide the broadest range and highest quality of products and services Develop and maintain long-term relationships by actively listening to our clients in order to build trust and loyalty Offer personal and professional service on everything we sell Through teamwork, leverage our capabilities and resources to fully meet the needs of our clients

www.perrycorporation.com

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May 2012

our Build on our our experience. Build onon experience. Build experience. our
Many local companies are happy they did. Thats because they recognized Many local companies are happy they did. the benefits of established company for every Thats because working with an the Many local companiestheyhappy they did. benefits of are recognized working they anphase the benefits of established company including Thats because withrecognized of construction,for every design/build expertise. As your local , phase an established company for every Butler Builder we offer working withof construction, including design/build phase of construction, a full-range of systemsconstruction capabilities including design/build expertise. As your local Butler Builder , we offer expertise. As your companiesBuilder we offer are happy they did. virtually Butler are companies Many local of systems construction capabilities Many local happy they did. a full-rangelocalthat combine ,efficiency, functionality, and a full-range of systems endless designthe benefits ofGive us a call today, construction capabilities Thats because they recognized they recognized the benefits of Thats because possibilities. that combine efficiency, functionality, and virtually that combine efficiency, established companyon your project. every functionality, an virtually every working with an and put withandestablished working us Give us for today, endless design possibilities.to work a callcompany for endless design possibilities. Give us a call today, including design/build phase of construction, of construction, phase including design/build and put us to work on your your local and put us to work on your project. project. Butler Builder we offer expertise. As expertise. As your local Butler Builder , we offer Contact us at 1-855-BUILD-86 , a visit a full-range of systems construction capabilities capabilities orfull-range of systems construction Contact us at 1-855-BUILD-86 us on the web. Contact us at 1-855-BUILD-86
that combine efficiency, functionality, that combine efficiency, functionality, and virtually and virtually or visit us on us on the web. the web. endless design possibilities. Give us a call today, or visit

our experience. experience.

endless design possibilities. Give us a call today, and put us project. and put us to work on your to work on your project. Contact us at 1-855-BUILD-86 or visit us on the web. or visit us on the web.
Contact us at 1-855-BUILD-86

2011 BlueScope Buildings North 2011 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Allis a division of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.

2011 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.

Alexander & Bebout, Inc.

2011 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.

2011 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.

Engineering Design Construction

www.AlexanderBebout.com
May 2012

10098 Lincoln Highway

419-238-9567

Van Wert, Ohio

5A

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Whats the reason beyond BLAME? Maybe its YOU!

I overheard sales dialog on the airplane this morning. He (the customer) has never responded to one of my emails, and never calls me back. The ONLY time he calls me is when he needs something. Then back to devouring this weeks edition of US Weekly magazine. Sound familiar? Why do salespeople blame other people and/or other things for their own ineptitude? Why didnt this salesperson say, I gotta work on my voicemails and emails. Theyre not getting any traction, and theyre costing me major money. Im going on an all-out effort to improve my writing skills, my voicemail skills, and my creativity to generate better response! Ill tell you why: Its easier to blame others for your shortcomings than it is to take responsibility for them. Its easier to blame than admit youre not that good. Its easier to blame than it is to improve. Its easier to blame than face your own reality. And Im certain this message applies to you. You blame the customer when something goes wrong, something didnt happen as planned, someone didnt respond, or you lost a sale to a competitor especially at a lower price. Wrong. Very wrong. I have been helping salespeople sell more and sell better since 1976, and during the time no one has ever come to me and said, Jeffrey, I didnt make the sale, and it was all my fault! Interesting statistic. Clock Tower Plaza Rather than blame, I have some 927 N. Cable Rd. answers that will help you. ActuLima, Ohio 45805 ally, I have some questions. Questions you MUST ask yourself BEFORE you blame. These questions will give you a brand new perspective, and they automatically shift blame to responsibility. They will bring you a new sense of reality. Mon-Fri. 7:00-6:00, Sat. 8:00-1:00 And they will make you a better Offering environmentally safe cleaning methods. salesperson.

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Trust Experience Trust

Ask yourself WHY Will this help me double to get to the truth. my sales? Why was my call not Will this help me build betreturned? ter relationships? Why did they cancel my Will this help me become appointment? better known? Why did they delete my Will this make me be peremail? ceived as a person of value? Why did they not re Will this help me build my spond to my email? reputation? Why did they say, Not Will this help me build my interested? sales and personal develop Why did they say, ment skills? Were happy with our Work on these elements of present supplier? your sales and business life: Why cant I set an ap Message leaving. Are your pointment? messages in any way impact Why cant I get through ing your standing and status to the decision maker? with the customer? Is there Jeffrey Why are they meeting an ounce of value or creativwith other vendors or ity, or are you just begging Gitomer suppliers? for some news about the pro Why did they take the posal you sent (and calling lowest bid? that a follow-up)? Why did they buy from the competition? Be available. Your prospect will call you Why did they tell me that my price is too when they are free. This may be before or high? after business hours. Why are you blaming others (especially Be easy to do business with. Customers customers) for your inability to attract, enwant everything NOW! gage, connect, and create value that leads Leave value messages. Something short to a sale? and sweet that they can use. One of the weakest and least exposed Study creativity. Your competitive advanshortcomings of salespeople is how they tage is to be perceived as different. Read a use time. If youre allocating too much book on creativity as a starting point. time to watching TV, or other nonsense Be more friendly than professional. Sales activities, youre wasting valuable careeris a profession, but salespeople (you) must building opportunities. be perceived as friendly. Whatever youre doing with your non- Build your business social media presbusiness, non-family time, ask yourself ence. Are you tweeting value messages? these reality questions: Interacting with customers one-on-one on your business Facebook page? Looking to make new connections on LinkedIn? Creating a YouTube channel with customer testimonial videos? Or are you watching the 6-oclock news? Use meals to build relationships. Youll be amazed how much more available customers become once you get to know them personally. Breakfast or lunch prospects and customers at least three times a week. SIMPLE SELF-EVIDENT FACT: If AIP offers a full range of you want customer response, you have to services EARN it.

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6A TheBusinessJournal May 2012

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Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of The Sales Bible, Customer Satisfaction is Worthless Customer Loyalty is Priceless, The Little Red Book of Selling, The Little Red Book of Sales Answers, The Little Black Book of Connections, The Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude, The Little Green Book of Getting Your Way, The Little Platinum Book of Cha-Ching, The Little Teal Book of Trust, The Little Book of Leadership, and Social BOOM! His website, www. gitomer.com, will lead you to more information about training and seminars, or email him personally at salesman@gitomer.com. 2012 All Rights Reserved. Dont even think about reproducing this document without written permission from Jeffrey H. Gitomer and Buy Gitomer. 704/333-1112

Importance of a Masters Degree: How will it help my career?

A masters degree is often necessary to land certain jobs or for career advancement within some fields. Many careers that require masters degrees are typically found in sectors such as research and academia. Professionals with a masters degree often benefit from higher pay and increased job responsibilities. How Masters Degrees are Important for Career Opportunities What Can I Achieve with a Masters Degree? A masters degree can open many career doors, including certain career fields, advancement opportunities and higher salaries. Careers that may require a masters degree include dietitian, special education teacher or counselor, college professor, advanced practice nurse, school administrator, occupational therapist and speech-language pathologist. Career Advancement Opportunities Advancement opportunities can include moving into managerial or administrative positions and obtaining licensure and certification. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dietitians may need a masters degree in order to work in research, public health or advanced clinical positions (www.bls.gov). Counselors and special education teachers interested in becoming licensed often must obtain a masters degree. Additionally, athletic trainers in most states must be licensed or registered. Often, this requires certification by a professional athletic trainer organization, such as the Board of Certification (www.bocatc.org), which often requires a masters degree from an accredited training program. Salary Information How Do the Salaries of Workers with a Masters Degree Compare to Those with Less Education? According to PayScale.com, workers with masters degrees generally earn higher salaries workers with less education. A 2009 survey conducted by the BLS provided a comparison of the median weekly earnings between masters degree holders and workers with less education. Those with a masters degree earned $1,257 a week, bachelors degree holders earned approximately $1,025 and associates degree holders earned about $761 a week. Those with some college training earned approximately $699 a week, while workers with a high school diploma averaged $626 per week. Those with less than a high school diploma made about $454 per week. Popular Careers for Professionals with a Masters Degree According to PayScale.com, the most popular jobs for workers with a masters degree in 2010 included elementary and high school teacher, senior software engineer, developer and programmer, physician assistant, human resources director, nonprofit

Colleges/Universities

executive director and architect. Reported 2010 median salaries for these careers were: Elementary School Teacher _ $43,564 High School Teacher _ $51,350 Architect (excluding landscape and naval) _ $58,260 Executive Director, Nonprofit Organization _ $63,478 Physician Assistant _ $74,471 Human Resources Director _ $75,394 Senior Software Engineer/Developer/ Programmer _ $92,967

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How to calculate the economic value of a Masters Degree

The decision to return to school to earn a masters degree is difficult for many people. Some wonder if they have the time to dedicate to school while balancing the demands of their job and family. Others are uncertain about the financial aspect of the degree. To ensure the degree is financially beneficial, prospective students need to learn how to calculate the economic value of a masters degree. Instructions Determining Costs and Benefits 1 Add up the cost of the degree. Visit the graduate school or financial aid section of the website for the university you plan to attend. Review the price of tuition and fees per credit hour, and multiply it by the number of credit hours needed to receive your masters degree. Add to this number the price of books, as well as transportation and other costs youll incur attending graduate school. As an example, lets estimate the cost of a masters degree is $20,000. 2 Examine wages based on a degree. Learn what advancement positions are available with a masters degree in your career field. Review the wages and salaries offered by these positions by accessing the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on its website. Multiply the average wage or salary by the number of years that remain until you retire. This is the earning potential that exists if you earn a masters degree. As an example, lets estimate a yearly salary of $50,000 with a masters degree and 30 years remaining until you retire. Your earning potential in this example is $1.5 million. 3 Figure out your current earning potential. Take your current salary without a masters degree and multiply it by the number of years until you retire. This is your current earning potential. Lets use $30,000 as your current salary, which makes your earning potential without a masters degree $900,000. Compare it to the earning potential that exists with a masters degree, and the advanced degree is worth $600,000. 4 Subtract the cost of your degree. Take away the cost of getting your masters degree from the earning potential that exists with the degree. In the example, this is $1.5 million minus $20,000. This results in $1.48 million, which is the overall economic value of a masters degree. 5 Consider financial aid. Reduce the cost of graduate school and increase a degrees economic value by applying for and using financial aid. Complete any scholarship applications for institutionspecific scholarships, as well as private foundations and organization scholarships. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you qualify for any grants or student loans. Seek out department graduate assistantships which pay your tuition, and may also offer a monthly stipend for approximately 20 hours of work each week during a semester.

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According to research, those businesses seeking the advantages of being perceived as having greater resources, being a leader and being more experienced should utilize the strategy of larger, more colorful, more frequent advertising. 8A TheBusinessJournal May 2012

Why your business needs business insurance

Three Common Myths About Liability and Understanding the Value of Insurance The first question often asked by the business owner is: Do I need business insurance? The answer is, yes! In ten years as an attorney, I have always advised my business clients to obtain insurance for the risks and potential risks facing their business. In that time I have heard every rationale for why a business owner believes they do not need insurance. And, before we go on, I want to address the most common myths that lead some business owners to choose not to secure insurance. Myth #1: Nobody will sue me, my business does not make a lot of money, and you cant squeeze blood from a turnip. My business is not collectible. FALSE. Everybody and every business can be sued. Everybody and every business, once a money judgment is rendered against them, can have that judgment collected. Judgment liens do not go away. Judgment liens can be renewed. Wages can be garnished. Equipment can be seized and sold. Bank accounts and assets can be seized to pay the judgment. Everybody is collectible at the hands of a persistent attorney. Myth #2: My business is a corporation. The corporate format protects me from liability, so I dont need insurance. FALSE. The corporate format does nothing but protect individual investors, owners, and officers from personal liability for the actions and debts of the corporation for corporate purposes. But, under the laws of all states, the corporate veil of protection can be removed or, pierced under some circumstances. When that occurs, the owner may be liable personally and must answer a judgment with personal assets: your house, your car or, maybe, your life savings. When this occurs varies by state. But, a simple rule of thumb is that the smaller you are the more likely this will be. Myth #3: If I die or become disabled, my family and my business partners are friends and theyll just work it out. FALSE. Most small businesses do not survive the death or disability of a principal member. Most children do not follow parents into the family business. Most businesses do not have the cash flow necessary to pay the estate of a deceased member for its interest in the business and the business may be dissolved. Finally, in my experience, remaining family members and business partners rarely work things out after the death or disability of a member. Once you understand that these myths

Business Insurance

are simply false, you will be more secure in your decision to purchase insurance and value insurance as an investment in your business. There are other myths that I have run into over the years; but, to summarize, I have yet to find a business owner with a cognizable reason for not having insurance. Your business needs to be insured.

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Living the Rotary motto: Living the Rotary motto: The insurance industries are developing Service aboveself Service above self financial institutions in the market. Insurance sector play a vital role in the social and economic development. It will be reducing the uncertainties and improving the financial resources. There are two important channels which are helping the insurance sector for the economic and social development. Those channels are reducing uncertainties and pooling the long term financial resources. Reducing Uncertainties: Insurance sector is provides the financial support in unexpected and sudden situations (Such as floods, fire accidents, and earthquakes.) in businesses Jane Birckhead, CPCU and human life. Executive Vice President Generating long term financial resources: Trustee - Stepping Stones Center Generating financial long term resources Life Home Auto Business Income play an important role in economic role. In insurance industry, funds are generated by Life Home Auto Hazlett Income Hukill Business premiums. These funds are invested in finanHarrington Agency, Inc. cial instruments (government securities and stock). And the financial instruments generInsurance Since 1838 ate the long term financial resources. 513-793-1190 Insurance industries affect economic FAX:Insurance Since 1838 513-795-5730 Cell: 513-479-1193 growth by the channels of marginal produc513-793-1190Email:Direct513-793-5730 Cell: 513-479-1193 FAX: Line: 513-619-4621 jbirckhead@hhhinsurance.com tivity of capital, technological innovations Direct Line: 513-619-4621 www.hhhinsurance.com and saving rate. Email: jbirckhead@hhhinsurance

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Examine your business

Examine Your Business A Statement Describing Your Busines is a Good Start in Determining Coverage What business insurance do you need? In order to answer this question, you must start with a clear understanding of what your business will do and develop a statement describing your business. This can be the most basic and most difficult step. As a new business owner, in my first year I would joke with people who asked, What do you do? My stock answer was, whatever pays the rent. The pressure on a business owner is sometimes overwhelming to do whatever we need to do to make a profit. But, when it comes to the purchase of insurance, the business owner must be able to articulate a clear statement of what their business does and stay within the boundaries of that statement - or be faced with the possibility of purchasing unneeded coverage or not having the appropriate coverage. A good place to start is to develop a single paragraph of no more than four sentences that describes your business. It is just natural to project our knowledge on those around us. If you do not develop a clear statement of what you want to do, then you risk assuming the agent or broker you will work with has some way to read your mind. Develop a statement. Consider the following points in developing your statement: Define the four questions. Where. What. When. How. What are you selling? Who will be manufacturing the stuff you sell? Will there be employees? How many? What types of equipment will be used? Will vehicles be used in the business? How is it set up? Partnership? Corporation? When will it be open for business? Does the public visit your location? What is the biggest risk the business will face? Practice this statement with friends and loved ones who are not in the industry. When you are at the point where they dont ask anymore questions then you are probably ready to meet with and, choose an agent or broker.

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Putnam County HomeCare & Hospice

Were available all the seasons of your life Putnam County HomeCare & Hospice is a county-governmental agency and is a part of the Putnam County General Health District. The agency is governed by the Putnam County Board of Health. They are a Medicare/Medicaid certified agency and are accredited by Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP). Putnam County HomeCare & Hospice does not receive money from the county, they do not receive levy money and they are totally self-supporting. They are the only home care and hospice agency located in Putnam County. Since 1966, Putnam County HomeCare has delivered quality health care and other services to the countys recovering, disabled and chronically ill. Home care services include Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Personal Care Aide and HomeMed Monitoring Systems. These disciplines can be initiated when the physician orders skilled, intermittent services for the patient. The Agency works closely with the physicians, hospitals and nursing homes to develop a care plan that meets each individuals personalized needs. These services will assist the patients in achieving and maintaining their optimal level of independence. It gives families the opportunity to keep their loved one in the comfort of the home setting for as long as possible. Putnam County Hospice provides a special kind of care and support for individuals in the last phases of a life-limiting illness. Emotional, physical, spiritual and social support is provided to patients and their families throughout the process of both illness and bereavement. Family members are encouraged to be actively involved in their loved ones care. A team of physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, aides and volunteers follow an individualized care plan designed to meet the specific needs of the patient. Putnam County Hospice recently began a Community Based Palliative Care Program, available to all residents of Putnam County. Dr. Mary Ann Myers, MD is the Medical Director for Putnam County Hospice. She is willing to answer any questions that you have regarding palliative care. Dr. Myers, along with a team of nurses, social workers and volunteers monitor and provide comfort care, while patients are receiving active treatments for their disease, or experiencing other debilitating illnesses. Putnam County HomeCare & Hospice employs thirty-eight staff members, for a combined total of four hundred fifty-five employee service years. Roni Kaufman recently joined the team as the new Marketing Director. She graduated from the University of Findlay with a Masters Degree in Education. Roni is available to speak at committee meetings, organizations, physician offices, nursing facilities, hospitals, etc.

Elder Care
social worker, hospital staff or nursing home staff. Were available all the seasons of your life. Support your local county agency. If you would like more information about the programs offered by Putnam County HomeCare & Hospice, call 419523-4449 or visit www.pchh.net.

If you or a loved one are in need of home care or hospice services, remember that you have a choice of which agency will provide the care. It is a personal decision that only you can make and it is guaranteed by Federal and State Laws. If you are not given a choice, ask for it. Request Putnam County HomeCare & Hospice to your family physician, specialist,

1425 E. Fifth Street Delphos 419-695-2871

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your nest egg from virtual crows

ARA Calling your retirement savings a nest egg is meaningful on many levels. Just as birds labor hard and long to create a secure roost, you and your mate work hard to provide for yourselves during your golden years. And just as crows and other invaders can come along to rob a birds nest, your nest egg can be at risk from predators like identity thieves and scammers. One out of every five people older than 65 - 7.3 million Americans has been the victim of a financial swindle, according to a survey sponsored by the Investor Protection Trust. Identity theft statistics are also alarming: In 2010, more than 1 million people older than 65 were targeted by identity thieves, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Factor in everyone older than 50, and that number soars to more than 3.5 million. Unfortunately, its not enough to have saved wisely for retirement, says Ken Chaplin, senior vice president of marketing for Experians ProtectMyID. Statistics show that seniors are favorite targets for identity thieves, con artists and scammers. Protecting your nest egg from being raided by crooks is every bit as important as ensuring your investments continue to pay off. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your nest egg. Avoiding phone scams First, always know who youre giving your money to. Never invest with someone who cold calls you on the phone claiming to have a great investment opportunity. Be especially wary of companies that have no physical address and operate out of a P.O. box or web site. And remember, be suspicious if an investment promises amazing returns. If something sounds too good to be true, it often isnt true at all. Never give your bank account, Social Security Number or credit card number to someone who calls claiming to be a bill collector. The law requires bill collectors to provide you with documentation of a debt. Request documentation and thoroughly check out any claims that you owe money. If you have any doubts about a phone call youve received, talk to friends or family members who know something about investing. Never trust a stranger youve just met on the phone more than the people in your life whom you know care about you. Guarding against identity theft In addition to being aware of investment scams, you also need to take steps to prevent identity theft. Seniors tend to use credit less, have more available credit and are less likely to check their credit report online, Chaplin says. All those factors make them an appealing target for identity thieves. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that everyone monitor their credit report regularly to detect signs of identity theft quickly. Services like ProtectyMyID monitor your credit report on a daily basis to help you detect, protect against and resolve instances of identity theft. In addition to monitoring your credit, you can help protect your identity with these measures: Safeguard your Social Security and Medicare cards. Never carry your Social Security card with you. Store it in a safe, locked location. Be wary of who you give the number to. If a merchant or health care provider wants it, ask why they need it and if they will accept an alternate form of identification. Never leave out-going mail in your mailbox. If you cant get to the post office to mail it, leave a note asking your postal carrier if he or she would be able to come to your door to pick-up your outgoing mail. If you use paper checks, never have new checks delivered by mail to your home. Instead, have them sent to your bank, where you can pick them up. And never have your checks imprinted with your home phone number, Social Security number, drivers license number or birth date.

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Home Care
Since 1966, Putnam County Home Care has delivered high quality health care to recovering, disabled and chronically ill individuals. Using our Friends Helping Friends philosophy, these services have allowed our clients to remain in the comfort and security of their homes. Putnam County Home Care provides nursing, therapy, aide services and specialty care to our clients in Putnam County and surrounding areas.
Love begins by taking CARE of the closest ones the ones at HOME

Hospice
The philosophy of Putnam County Hospice is the belief that dying is an integral part of living. Hospice affirms life and neither hastens death nor prolongs life. It allows one to live each day fully and as alert and pain free as possible. Putnam County Hospice provides emotional, physical, spiritual and social support to the patient and their family throughout the process of both illness and bereavement. Family members are encouraged to be actively involved in their loved ones care.
Hospice treats the person, not the disease

Palliative Care
Palliative Care is a medical care that focuses on pain and symptom management for patients with life altering illnesses. The goal of palliative care is to prevent and relieve suffering and to support the best quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative Care is centered on the patients physical, emotional, social and spiritual care. Palliative Care is appropriate at any age and at any stage of an illness, and it can be provided along with treatments that are meant to cure.
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419-523-4449
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United Way of Putnam County Partner Agency

May 2012

Some say the 60s hippies are going back to the commune. Others call the growing number of female Baby Boomers rooming together The Golden Girls phenomenon. Author Martha Nelson, who at 65 is on the leading edge of a tsunami of retiring Boomers, says its really all about choosing the company of friends. As a group, weve been empowered more than past generations of women, says Nelson, whose debut novel, Black Chokeberry (www.BlackChokeberryTheBook.com), is the story of three disparate older women who unexpectedly end up sharing a home. Were more worldly, stronger, financially savvy and healthier than our ancestors through no fault of their own and we know what we want. Increasingly, what they want is to actively age with the camaraderie, laughter, understanding and support of other women who share their ideas of healthy lifestyles, good food from their own gardens, green living, and myriad activities on a moments notice. In 2010, 480,000 Baby Boom women lived with a least one unrelated female, according to an AARP analysis. The growing number of U.S. HomeShare programs, which help connect people interested in sharing a house, say their numbers have been steadily rising since the economy bellyflopped. This concept is really trending on the East and West Coasts and is very big in Europe, says Ryan Cowmeadow, vice president of the National Shared Housing Resource Center, an all-volunteer clearinghouse of HomeShare programs. Our numbers are up about 15 percent since 2007, and about 75 percent of applicants are female, he says. Were hoping to see a real surge with the Boomers entering retirement age now. Theyre the ones who didnt take no for an answer. Home-sharing just makes sense. Nelson notes that there are several reasons why women more than men are gravitating to communal living as an alternative lifestyle. Women typically live longer than men, and men are more likely to remarry quickly after a divorce or the death of a spouse, she says. See COMMUNAL, page 13A

Communal
(Continued from page 12A) And fundamentally I think its as much about the special bonds women share. We form these wonderful, supportive, tell the truth friendships, which survive the demands of husbands, children and careers. Whether living alone or with a spouse or partner, women cling to their friendships. When a woman considers living alone as she ages, its a natural progression to seek the company of her best friends. Thats what happened to Nelson, a former journalist and educator, whose long marriage ended in divorce when she was in her 50s. In regaining her balance as a single woman, she sought time alone to heal, then turned to her trusted friends as she stepped back into life. Her happiest moments came from long conversations over coffee, laughter over meals and movies, and, occasionally, indulgent tears she felt safe to shed. I came to fully understand the importance of women friends in my life, she says. They are the gold standard and as we age, they are critical to happiness, regardless if one is married or in a committed relationship. The movement for cohousing where residents have private living spaces but share common areas, such as dining rooms, and tasks, such as cooking started in Denmark and is catching on in the United States. There are model programs in Boulder, Colo., and other communities, including three cohousing projects being planned in the greater Nashville area, where Nelson lives. Practical considerations of creating close living communities include health and safety, care in times of an accident or medical emergency, and saving money, a concern for many women who find themselves single or widowed after long marriages, Nelson says. But Boomers are renowned for demanding more than creature comforts from life, she adds. We want to be happy; were healthy, active and we want to enjoy ourselves as we age. We want to travel, go to a movie with a neighbor or housemate, cook a meal, share a garden, and feel that we are contributing to our communities. What started with Rosie the Riveter has brought us to this, says Nelson who is happily married again, but fascinated by the new movement of cohousing. Were strong women and we can choose to live the way we want as we get older. Very often, that will mean with other women in close knit communities.

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Importance of credit unions

Not for credit, not for charity, but for service is a credit union motto. Owned by its members, a credit union provides a form of saving and borrowing money similar to traditional financial institutions, yet it works as a nonprofit cooperative organization charted by the federal government. The National Credit Union Association (NCUA) says that members pool their funds to make loans to one another, while surplus income is returned to the members in the form of dividend General Purpose Credit unions serve people in a particular community, group or groups of employees, or members of an organization or association. They encourage prudent borrowing for big-purchase items, emergencies or educational needs by developing a regular habit for savings. Members build economic security for themselves and their families. Standard Services Credit unions offer share draft (checking) accounts, share accounts (savings), share certificates (certificates of deposit), credit and debit cards, retirement accounts and lending programs, including for real estate, member business loans and guaranteed student loans. A credit union fairly prices products and services while competitively pricing rates on savings and loans. Insured Accounts Federal credit unions insure members accounts through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), operated by the NCUA and backed with the faith and credit of the U.S. government. The NCUSIF protects members against losses if a federally insured credit union should fail. Provisions in the Federal Credit Union Act and bylaws provide additional protection by requiring all persons handling custody of credit to be bonded, having the supervisory committee or a contracted, licensed CPA to audit the affairs of the credit union and the records of the treasurer, requiring fund reserves for noncollectable loans and restricting credit unions to invest surplus funds only in specified investments. Financial Independence For those people unserviced by traditional banking institutions in distressed and financially underserved areas, low-income designated credit unions provide technical assistance grants and revolving loan funds managed by the National Credit Union Association. A revolving loan fund

Credit Unions

provides loans in which the person or small business makes repayments, then those repaid funds are available for new loans to other businesses, the money revolving from one person to another. In this manner, entrepreneurs form financial independence and eligibility for commercial bank loans. Control and Management Members have full democratic control of the credit unions. They participate in regular and special membership meetings, with every person entitled to one vote regardless of the number of owned shares and with no member allowed to vote by proxy. Members elect the board of directors, whose main responsibility lies with directing and controlling of the credit union and providing efficient management of operations. The board of directors has the authority to set loan limits and interest rates within the statutory limits of the NCUA rules and regulations, with the full disclosure of finance charges in compliance with the Truth in Lending Act: a regulation to promote informed uses of consumer credit by requiring the disclosure of terms and costs, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The construction industry loses 7,000 jobs in March

The economic slowdown during the spring and summer of last year caused many projects to be put on hold and resulted in diminished construction momentum. - ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu Summary The construction industry lost 7,000 jobs in March, inching the unemployment rate up to 17.2 percent from 17.1 percent in February, according to the April 6 Department of Labor employment report. Year over year, construction industry unemployment is down compared to the March 2011 rate of 20 percent. The industry added 55,000 jobs in the past 12 months. The nonresidential construction sector lost 6,000 jobs for the month, but year over year has added 7,000 jobs, or 1.1 percent, bringing the total number of jobs to 659,400. Residential construction lost 5,000 jobs for the month and has added 3,000 jobs during the past 12 months, or 0.4 percent, to reach 569,000 jobs. Nonresidential specialty trade contractors shed 5,000 jobs in March, while residential specialty trade contractors added 5,000 jobs and heavy and civil engineering construction employment saw a gain of 4,000 jobs. Year over year, nonresidential specialty trade contractors have lost 4,000 jobs, or 0.2 percent; residential specialty trade contractor employment grew by 29,000 jobs, or 2 percent; and heavy and civil engineering construction employment increased by 20,000 jobs, or 2.4 percent. Across all industries, the nation added 120,000 jobs in March. The private sector expanded by 121,000 jobs and the public sector shrank by 1,000 jobs. On a yearly basis, the nation has added 1,899,000 jobs, or 1.5 percent. The national unemployment rate stood at 8.2 percent in March, down from 8.3 percent in February, with the labor force shrinking by 164,000 people. Analysis Todays employment report was disappointing, particularly for construction, said Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Chief Economist Anirban Basu. The first quarter of 2012 will be judged as a step backward for the industry as construction spending levels stagnated and employment momentum disappeared. A certain level of weakness was anticipated due to the economic slowdown during the spring and summer of last year that caused many projects to be put on hold and resulted in diminished construction momentum, Basu said. In addition, ABCs Construction Backlog Indicator, a predictor

Construction materials prices increase 1.4 percent in March

The increase in input prices during the past year likely has been enough to squeeze profit margins further for contractors. - ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu Summary Construction materials prices rose 1.4 percent in March, the largest monthly increase since April 2011, according to the U.S. Labor Departments April 12 producer price index (PPI) report. On a quarterly basis, construction materials prices increased 2.7 percent and are 3.8 percent higher than March 2011. Following a similar pattern, nonresidential construction materials prices moved up 1.6 percent for the month, 2.9 percent for the quarter and 4 percent year over year. Softwood lumber was one of the materials experiencing a price increase in March, jumping 2.4 percent to reach levels 1.7 percent higher for the quarter and 0.5 percent higher compared to one year ago. Plumbing fixtures and fittings saw price increases of 0.6 percent for the month, 1 percent for the quarter and 3.3 percent year over year. Concrete product prices experienced price increases of 0.3 percent for the month, 0.6 percent for the quarter and 2 percent year over year. In addition, prepared asphalt, tar roofing and siding prices inched up 0.2 percent for the month, but are still down 3.2 percent for the quarter and are flat compared to March 2011. Iron and steel prices also inched up 0.1 percent for the month, and are up 0.4 percent for the quarter and 0.1 percent year over year. Nonferrous wire and cable prices decreased in March, falling 1.3 percent for the month, 0.5 percent for the quarter and 4 percent year over year. Steel mill prices decreased 0.6 percent for the month, but were up 1.3 percent for the quarter and 0.4 percent during the last 12 months. Prices for fabricated structural metal products slipped 0.2 percent for the month, but were unchanged for the quarter and increased 2.6 percent compared to March 2011. Crude energy materials prices dropped 9.2 percent in March and are down 7.4 percent for the quarter and 6 percent compared to the same time last year. Crude petroleum prices fell 11.2 percent for the month. Overall, the nations wholesale goods prices were flat for the month, 0.5 percent higher for the quarter and 2.8 percent higher than one year ago. Analysis Most construction materials prices behaved well in March, said Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Chief Economist Anirban Basu. The exception in this report was softwood lumber prices, which rose aggressively after a year of minimal increases. But a host of other input prices--including prepared asphalt, iron and steel, and fabricated structural metal products--barely budged.

of construction activity, dipped during last years fourth quarter, setting the stage for the declines in construction employment now being observed. This employment report differed from the prior three months because employment growth was disappointing for the broader economy as well, Basu said. The consensus coming into todays release was the nation would have added approximately 200,000 jobs in March, which did not happen. Some attribute the disappointing March report to abnormally warm weather across the nation, which caused Februarys employment to be artificially high. However, one month does not make a trend and other data remain upbeat, including consumer activity and overall economic momentum. Economists and others will be looking for signs of improvement in labor market dynamics in April, Basu said.

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However, inputs into nonresidential construction are up 4 percent for the year, which is cause for concern, Basu said. Given lingering excess capacity among the contracting community and a general lack of pricing power, the increase in input prices during the past year likely has been enough to squeeze profit margins further for contractors. In addition, recent months have generally seen less vigorous increases in materials prices, which is a reflection of many factors, including a weak construction spending recovery in the United States. Perhaps the biggest surprise in this months report was the sharp decline in crude energy prices, Basu said. Analysts have been predicting for months that oil and other energy prices are set to surge, in part because of geopolitics. But that did not occur in March, creating a source of relief for an industry that uses substantial amounts of diesel fuel to transport materials, in addition to using many other forms of energy throughout the construction process.

How is a bank different from a credit union?

Structure The biggest difference between a credit union and a bank is its structure. A credit union is a non-profit cooperative owned by its members, while a bank is a for-profit privately owned or public corporation owned by private investors. In addition, the insurance fund for credit unions differs; its the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. Like FDICinsured deposits, those insured by the NCUSIF are fully backed by the faith and credit of the U.S. government. Membership Banks are open to just about anyone, regardless of occupation or geography. But to become a member of a credit union you must have some sort of common thread that binds. That thread may be the neighborhood or region where you live, or your membership in another professional organization. For example, there are credit unions for police officers and for postal workers and their families. Function As a for-profit, banks are driven by their ability to make money. The pre-eminent function is the bottom line. On the other hand, credit unions treat a members deposits like shares and earnings are treated as dividends. The credit unions earnings (above and beyond its reserves) are brought back around to its membership in the form of better savings rates, stronger loan terms and conditions or more offerings for members to tap into. Services Generally speaking, banks emphasize commercial and consumer accounts and trusts where credit unions are focused more on consumer deposits (savings) and lines of credit. In addition, banks offer a wider array of services, though more and more credit unions are adding products, including investment accounts like IRAs and credit cards. Credit unions can offer more competitively-priced products, in part, because they dont have to pay federal and local taxes like banks since they are a not-for-profit; in turn, the savings may be passed on to its members. History The first bank started more than a century before Americas first credit union. The coveted title of first bank belongs to a bank in Philadelphia, which got its start in 1791. Though the first credit union globally was started by a group of weavers in England in 1844, it took another 64 years before the U.S. got its first credit union, which was started by a Massachusetts banking commissioner and a Boston merchant. Establishment Anyone can start a credit union or a bank. In the case of a credit union, a group with a thread that binds must organize and drum up the support of at least 500 members. From there, an organizing committee, board of directors, and a financial expert must be identified and an application is filed with the National Credit Union Administration. Starting a bank is equally time-consuming, but those who want to do so need only be investors and dont have to share a common job or geographic location and would-be bankers must apply with the FDIC, as opposed to NCUA.

Nonresidential Construction Spending Falls 1.6 Percent in February

If it wasnt for the mild winter, construction spending would have fallen even more sharply in February. - ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu Summary In a clear indication that the construction industry continues to feel the effects of the nations economic woes, total nonresidential construction spending fell 1.6 percent in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $555.4 billion, according to the April 2 report by the U.S. Census Bureau. However, total nonresidential construction spending is up 6.4 percent from one year ago. Private nonresidential construction spending decreased 1.6 percent for the month, but is up 14.5 percent year over year. Public nonresidential construction spending fell 1.7 percent for the month and is down 0.7 percent compared to February 2011. Twelve of the sixteen nonresidential construction subsectors experienced decreases in spending for the month, including amusement and recreation, down 3.9 percent; lodging, 3.2 percent lower; water supply, down 2.8 percent; highway and street, down 2.7 percent; and commercial, 2.6 percent lower. Subsectors posting the largest decreases in year-over-year spending include conservation and development, down 24.6 percent; lodging, 9.4 percent lower; religious, down 9.4 percent; water supply, down 7 percent; and transportation, down 5.5 percent. In contrast, four of the sixteen nonresidential construction subsectors posted increases for the month, including religious, up 2.7 percent; manufacturing, 2.2 percent higher; public safety, up 0.9 percent; and sewage and waste disposal, up 0.5 percent. Eight subsectors have experienced gains in spending during the past twelve months, including manufacturing, up 40.3 percent; power, 22.1 percent higher; public safety, up 11.4 percent; health care, 7.7 percent higher; and commercial, up 5 percent. Residential construction spending was unchanged for the month and is 4.6 percent higher compared to the same time last year. Overall, total construction spending - which includes both nonresidential and residential - was down 1.1 percent in for the month, but is 5.8 percent higher than February 2011. Analysis While the nations economy has been improving since last September, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) accurately predicted construction activity would suffer a lull during the early months of 2012, said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. ABCs CBI declined during last years fourth quarter, largely due to the soft patch that emerged economy-wide early last year, Basu said. The combination of rising commodity and input prices, along with the debt ceiling issues that plagued the nation last year, weakened financing availability and demand for design services, which is now translating into diminished construction activity. Last years soft patch likely impacted construction activity more than the data reflect, said Basu. If it wasnt for the mild winter, construction spending would have fallen even more sharply in February. Overall, the outlook for construction is generally positive, Basu said. Unless there is another hiccup in the nations economic momentum, construction spending data will come to reflect the improvement in the broader economy that observers noted during the past half year.

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May 2012 TheBusinessJournal 15A

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