to speak at Safety Council

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www.vanwertchamber.com

December 2016

VieWpoint

The inspirational Brad Hurtig The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce appreciates the generous support of these Chamber members: Elite Sponsors Apex Clean Energy Central Insurance Companies

Executive Level

Alexander & Bebout, Inc. Culligan Van Wert Manor Purmort Brothers Insurance Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Statewide Ford Lincoln Vantage Career Center

Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2016 Executive Committee Dave Thompson, Chair Kenn-Feld Group Jon Stoller, Chair Elect Bashore Reineck Stoller & Waterman Inc. Troy Miller, Past Chair Braun Industries Angie Gibson, Treasurer Central Mutual Insurance Leah Treece, Vice Chair Purmort Brothers Insurance Sara Zura, Vice Chair Alexander and Bebout, Inc.

Board Members: Pete Prichard Vantage Career Center Mark Hiegel Cooper Farms Shaun Putman Putman Law Offices, LLC Gary Reichert First Bank of Berne Dr. Rebecca Adams Van Wert Family Physicians Brad Custis Advanced Biological Marketing Mark Verville First Financial Bank Debby Compton Van Wert County Hospital Kurt Schalois Statewide Ford Lincoln Chris Fader Niswonger Performing Arts Center Dave Roach WERT/WKSD

Ex-Officio Members: Adam Ries Main Street Van Wert Larry Lee Van Wert County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Chamber Staff Susan Munroe President/CEO Erika Wise Office Manager

Mission Statement: To aggressively promote the interests of the business community.

to speak at Safety Council

The Van Wert Area Safety Council is proud to announce that Brad Hurtig will share his story of inspiration at our next Safety Council meeting on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:30am at Willow Bend County Club, 579 Hospital Drive in Van Wert, OH. This Safety Council event is open to the public. Deadline to register is December 12 or until sold out. See below for registration details. An amputation can be careerending and life-shattering for any athlete. However, with a positive attitude and an encouraging support system, this athlete has been able to overcome the tragedy that befell him at a very early age. In June of 2002, Hurtig was involved in an industrial accident at a stamping factory which resulted in the amputation of his right arm, four inches below the elbow, and the amputation of three fingers on his left hand. Brad was rushed to a local hospital and later taken to the Toledo Hospital, where he underwent numerous surgeries. “After about a month of trying to salvage my index and thumb with therapy, the doctors needed to amputate all that remained of my left hand,” says Hurtig. “It seemed to me like life was starting all over again. I was going to have to learn to do everything in a new manner. That is, of course, if I would be able to do

them at all.” With the support of his friends, family and community, Hurtig was finally able to return home, where he continued to play varsity baseball and varsity football, where he holds the record for most tackles in a season. Brad’s inspirational story has been featured on ESPN and New York Times. Brad also was a recent TEDx speaker and will soon take his lifechanging message to organizations and schools across the nation. Join the Van Wert Area Safety Council to hear Brad’s story on December 14, 7:30-9am at Willow Bend Country Club. This event is open to the public and the cost is $8.00 which includes breakfast and beverages. Reservations are required. You may register online at vanwertchamber.com or contact the Chamber by December 12 (or until sold out) via e-mail at chamber@ vanwertchamber.com or call our office at: (419)238-4390.

“It made me realize that I could do normal things for myself with a little extra effort,” shares Brad Hurtig who will tell his story at the December 14th Van Wert Area Safety Council.

*** Van Wert Area Employers: This event is an ideal opportunity for your employees to hear the critical message of what happens when safety measures are not taken. Above and beyond the safety message, it is a story of courage and perseverance. A story of hard work and determination.

Van Wert Leads Exchange now accepting new members “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.” African Proverb

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present an opportunity to grow and build business relationships, and to generate viable business leads that result in sales and increase in client base for your business.  The Van Wert Leads Exchange Forum consists of representatives of companies in diverse industries. Only one member per business category may participate. However, depending on registration, a second group may be formed.  The Leads Exchange currently meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, 7:45 a.m. at various locations. Newly added and included with your Van Wert Leads membership is the very popular and well-attended Tri-County Leads Group which is a networking event held twice a year featuring the Van Wert, Paulding and Delphos leads group.   The Leads Exchange is for Van Wert Area

Chamber members only. There is a participation fee of $50 for 1 year. Members may have an alternate representative attend a meeting in their absence. Members are encouraged to miss no more than 3 meetings per year.    Here’s a look at the Leads Exchange Forum foundation: Mission To promote Lead Exchange members’ services or products and grow their client base. Vision Goals Strive to use each member’s services personally; share the quality within and outside of the group; and others that we associate with on a daily basis. Commit to share legitimate, solid leads to other members to help enhance each other’s business.  Meeting Structure Meetings will typically begin with one member sharing a 7-10 minute presentation on their profession. Following this, announcements given by each member giving a brief (less than one minute) “commercial” or update on successful new accounts since the last meeting, news in their

Van Wert Leads Exchange members meet and mingle with the Paulding and Delphos leads members at the November Tri-County Leads Group, held twice yearly. industry, or what type of person is an ideal client. After the presentation, referral information will be exchanged between members. Here are the business categories that are currently open: • Cellular Sales and Service • Furniture/Mattresses • Contractor/Construction • Computer/Technology provider • Fitness • Hotels/Lodging • Automobile Sales and Service • Entertainment • Recreation, Sports • Health, Chiropractic, Nutrition • Internet/Telephone Service provider • Insurance • Sign Company • Bank, Mortgage Lending

• Flooring • Specialty Food/ Beverages • Copier/Document Management • Florist • Jewelry • Clothing • Water Treatment • Radio Stations • Real Estate • Financial Planning/Life Insurance • Website and Print Design • Graphic Design and Illustration • DJ Services • Event/Party Rentals If you do not see your business category listed but would like to join, give us a call at 419-238-4390 or email us chamber@ vanwertchamber.com and we will check to see if your category is available.

Member Spotlight

UNVERFERTH FAMILY DENTISTRY

Unverferth Family Dentistry, Inc 707 Fox Rd Suite 200 Van Wert, Ohio 45891 419-238-4385 unverferthdental@gmail It’s a time for new beginnings for Unverferth Family Dentistry as they transition from Roger Okuley, DDS, who served the Van Wert community for 39 years to new owner, Dr. Erica Unverferth. Dr. Okuley was committed to making a smooth transition for his patients and staff by allowing Dr. Unverferth time to get to know them. Dr. Erica Unverferth received a doctorate in dental surgery from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She is also a member of the Ohio Dental association, American Dental Association, Northwest Ohio Dental Society, and the Ohio State Alumni Association. Dr. Okuley has nothing but

kind words to share with the community about Dr. Unverferth, stating “It has been my good fortune to have worked with Dr. Unverferth for the last year or so. “She is such a talented and compassionate individual,” said Okuley. “I feel very good about leaving my practice in her hands.” Dr. Erica Unverferth and her staff want to continue providing the area with the best dental services. When you visit their office, your smile is their top priority. The entire team is dedicated to providing you with the most personalized, gentle care that you deserve. The patient is their number one priority. They treat everyone as if they were

family and recommend only what they would do themselves. They treat patients of every age range from 1-100+. Dr. Unverferth and staff enjoy getting to know their patients. Some patients who have went to Dr. Okuley their whole lives and now Dr. Unverferth maybe the only other person they have ever trusted with their oral care needs. Dr. Unverferth takes that responsibility proudly! Dr Unverferth has enjoyed getting to know the patients! “It’s been great getting to work on multiple family members in the same family. It’s great being in a small town and learning everyone’s involvement in enriching the

Show, the nation’s largest education trade exhibition. In his seventh year on the Lincolnview school board and third year on Vantage’s board, Germann has served on numerous OSBA committees. They include the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Federal Relations Network and Legislative Platform Committee. A past president of the Northwest Region, he also has served on the region’s executive committee for six years and was a member of the region’s Arrangements and Hospitality Team. In recognition of his dedication to professional development and service, OSBA has presented him with multiple Awards of Achievement and the Master Board Member award. On his local boards, Germann, who has served four terms as president, has worked to facilitate economic development and tax policy and has been the board’s representative on numerous committees. He Germann honored for service to also has served as an OSBA legislative liaison, student achievement liaison education Eric Germann, Lincolnview and Delegate Assembly representaLocal Schools and Vantage Career tive for both of his districts. Center Board of Education member, was honored at the 2016 Ohio School PPEC breaks ground on solar projBoards Association Capital Confer- ect Paulding Putnam Electric Coence and Trade Show on Monday, No- op (PPEC) broke ground recently for a vember 14. Germann is serving as the community new solar project, “OurOhio School Boards Association’s 61st Solar” that will make renewable enpresident and was recognized by his ergy easy and affordable for the codistricts’ superintendents during the ops’ members. The installation of the system First General Session of the Capital is expected to take place December Conference. Germann presided over the 5 at a site next to Alex Products on Capital Conference, which will be Gasser Road in Paulding. “The beauty of this entire attended by more than 9,000 public education stakeholders, Nov. 13-16 project is that it’s also helping our at the Greater Columbus Convention local economy,” said PPEC Marketing Center. It is one of the nation’s pre- & Economic Development Manager mier education events. In addition, Erika Willitzer. OurSolar reflects PPEC’s balmore than 500 exhibitors will display their goods and services at the Trade anced approach to energy generation.

While most of the power supplied to PPEC will continue to be produced by coal-fired generation, OurSolar gives cooperative members the option to supplement that base-load power with locally-produced renewable energy. A subscription to a single panel costs between $3 and $5. PPEC plans to hold informational meetings starting in February to further explain the program. PPEC members will also begin receiving information about the program, starting in January 2017.

Dr. Erica Unverferth community. I’m very thankful for the warm welcome I’ve received from the great people in Van Wert”, stated Dr. Unverferth. Unverferth Family Dentistry, believes in supporting our local community and has graciously given support to several different schools and groups. Unverferth Family Dentistry is also a Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce member. They are now accepting new patients. They put “FAMILY” in Unverferth Family Dentistry!

The Chamber app suppo 2016 Salute to Sm Spo The Chamber applauds the generous The Chamber applauds thesupport of the 2016of Salute Small Business Awards generous support the toSponsors: & 2016 Salute to Small Business Awards Sponsors:

Brumback rated ‘Star Library’ For the sixth year in a row, the Brumback Library has been recognized as one of the best libraries in the country. The local library has again been given a star designation by Library Journal, one of only 25 libraries in Ohio to be so honored. Budgets of libraries across the state have had to be monitored closely as funding from the state has continued to be whittled away. With the cuts in funding, the 0.5 mill levy, approved by Van Wert County voters in 2005 and renewed in both 2010 and 2015, has helped the library greatly. Based on the 2014 annual statistics gathered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Library Journal used both federal and state public library statistics to measure the performance of America’s 7,349 public libraries in terms of library visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet use.

1997 VWHS graduate earns best dissertation award Former Van Wert resident Nolen Akerman was recently honored as the recipient of one of the most prestigious awards given to those who have constructed a dissertation for Ph.D. in the discipline of engineering management. Akerman was presented the award at the American Society for Engineering Management’s international annual conference. Ackerman is a 1997 graduate of Van Wert High School and received his Ph.D. from Western Michigan University in 2015. The award known as the American Society for Engineering Management Best Dissertation Award, annually recognizes the Ph.D. dissertation that makes the most significant contribution to the engineer management field. Akerman said that the award is provided to the Ph.D. dissertation that contributes new information to the paper which is selected for national publication. A panel of judges look at the dissertation and focus on the significance of the research, the application to engineering management and analytical/methodological rigor. Akerman’s career title is principal data scientist in the global

analytics department at Kellogg. He is in charge of sorting and making recommendations based on data in the analytics department. Entrepreneurship Fair delayed The eighth annual Entrepreneurship Fair scheduled for this Saturday, November 12, at Vantage Career Center has been postponed until early next year. In the meantime, those who need immediate assistance with starting their own business should contact Jennifer Rigdon with the Wright State University-Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center at 419.513.5111, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce President Susan Munroe at 419.238.4390 or Main Street Van Wert Program Manager Adam Ries at 419.238.6911. VWCS welcomes new New Treasurer The Van Wert City Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Ottawa resident Kathleen Schmitz as the district’s assistant treasurer. Schmitz, who is currently treasurer for Continental Local Schools, would begin her new position, effective November 28. Schmitz has extensive school finance experience, beginning her career as treasurer of the Putnam County Educational Service Center in 1993 and remaining there until 2000, when she was hired as assistant treasurer of Continental Local Schools, a position she held until 2005. After four years as assistant treasurer for Elida Local Schools, Schmitz has spent the past seven years as Continental Local Schools treasurer. Schmitz graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Toledo in 1988.

Leadership Class Member Profiles Name: Chris Fader Employer: Niswonger Performing Arts Center Your Current Job Title: Opportunity Director

Leadership program: A1. Confidence 2. Improved communications skills 3. Network

Q- What do you consider your greatest skill? The greatest skill I have is to learn quickly. If I stop learning, I stop growing

Q- In your judgment, what are three important issues facing Van Wert County? A1. Economic Development: This is not isolated to Van Wert. Everyone struggles with this.

Q- List three personal objectives you hope to achieve by completing the

Name: Cynthia Young Employer: Federal Mogul Your Current Job Title: Human Resources Manager Q- What do you consider are your greatest skills or career achievements? A-Union labor relations Q- List three personal objectives you hope to

achieve by completing the Leadership program: A1. Network with others in the community. 2. Become more familiar with Van Wert and what it offers 3. Learn about the community organizations and their boards. Q- What is one of Van

describe what the group has accomplished that you feel is important? A- We do a lot of community outreach at Alethia Church and partner with groups like Created Equal.

Q- What is one of Van Wert’s greatest strengths? A- Business community. The amount of support from business to business in Van Q- In fifteen words or less, Wert is not all that common. what is definition of a leader? Q- Select one volunteer A- One who does what organization you have is right regardless of the volunteered for and consequences.

Wert’s greatest strengths? – Associate degree in A- Nice schools! They have a Business Management great reputation. Upper Iowa UniversityBA in Human Resources Q – What is an interesting Management fact about you? A- I’m new to small towns Q- In fifteen words or less, and just learned what a what is definition of a “fog delay” is! leader? Someone who leads by Q- What is your education example, does the right background? thing no matter what and A- Madison Business School inspires others.

Name: Blaine Dennis Employer: Purmort Brothers Insurance Your Current Job Title: Insurance Professional Q- What do you consider is your greatest skill? A- Obtaining my insurance licenses! Q- List three personal objectives you hope to achieve by completing the Leadership program: A1. Become more involved in the community 2. Network with other

Name: Andrew Manz Employer: BRSW Inc. Your Current Job Title: Staff Accountant

2. Transportationconstruction and detours are not good. 3. Employment

professionals in the area. improved but we are still 3. Strengthen my leadership capable of substantial skills. growth of small to medium size businesses. Q- In your judgment, what are three important issues Q- What is one of Van facing Van Wert County? Wert’s greatest strengths? AA- Infrastructure, 1. Drugs- I feel this is due to persistence of young people the lack of safe alternative wanting to be involved, activities for children and community groups’ young adults to participate willingness to give. in. 2. Community pride- This Q- What is a little known could be due to the state fact about you? of our community members A- I witnessed and called in not taking responsibility for a bank robbery in Bowling the county. Green in 2009. I received 3. Business growth- Has an award from the Black

Swamp Committee. Q- What volunteer organizations are you active in? Fort Wayne RotaryPresident Elect and Charter Member Van Wert Youth FootballCoach Van Wert Youth BaseballCoach Q- In fifteen words or less, what is definition of a leader? A- An individual that creates motivation and results for a particular mission.

the challenges of today’s business environment.

surrounding cities. People has accomplished that you tend to want lowest prices feel is important? over best service. A- The Optimist Club’s Q- In your judgment, what mission is to help the are three important issues Q- What are Van Wert’s youth of the community Q- What do you consider facing Van Wert County? greatest strengths? and each year we have an your greatest skill? AA- Great people, after-prom for the 3 Van Passing the CPA exam 1. Retaining (and bringing workforce and low cost of Wert county high schools. back after college) local living. We provide a safe, fun, Q- List three personal students as the future alcohol-free environment objectives you hope to workforce. Q- What’s an interesting for the kids to enjoy. achieve by completing the 2. Drug issues that impair fact about you? Leadership program: reasoning and ability to I love to sing and recorded Q- In fifteen words or less, Awork. We could have a 5 CDs with my sister. what is definition of a 1. Interact with other stronger workforce if this leader? young leaders in the area. impairment was absent. Q- Select one volunteer Someone who by their 2. Build interpersonal and 3. Small businesses in organization you have actions, words and leadership skills. a town competing with volunteered for and character encourages and 3. Better equip myself for larger businesses in describe what the group inspires others.

Name: Dan Conley Employer: Avangrid Renewables Your Current Job Title: Supervisor Q- What do you consider your greatest skill? Being able to clearly communicate. Q- List three personal objectives you hope to achieve by completing the Leadership program: A1. Networking 2. Getting involved in the

Kennedy-Kuhn 10305 Liberty Union Rd. Van Wert, OH 45891 419.238.1299 Visit us online at www.kennfeldgroup.com

community 3. Learning more about the Van Wert economy.

in the community.

Q- What is are some of Van Wert’s greatest Q- In your judgment, what strengths? are three important issues A- Location of US 30, Rt facing Van Wert County? 127 and small town charm. A1. Drugs- need to keep Q- What’s an interesting Van Wert safe and clean fact about you? to attract new residents. Aviation is my passion. 2. Economic growthI started flying when I While Van Wert has seen was 16, though not yet some investment, it seems licensed. to come from companies already here. Q- What is a volunteer 3. The division of the organization you have wind energy development volunteered for and an

accomplishment that you feel is important? Improving community safety as a fire fighter for Elba township fire department. Q- What is your educational background? MIAT Power Technology Institute- Certification in Wind Energy Q- In fifteen words or less, what is definition of a leader? A- Someone who earns the respect of others.

Helping Each Other in Business By Lyndell Danzie-Black ••••• Note from Susan Munroe, Van Wert Chamber of Commerce President/CEO: The Van Wert Chamber’s Leads Exchange Forum provides the opportunity to connect and build important relationships to not only build your potential client base, but those you get to know in the group. See the article on page 1 of this Viewpoint for more information on how you can begin to network with others, grow your business while helping others grow theirs. Helpings others succeed creates a stronger business community, building a stronger community.

••••• As business owners, providing assistance to other businesses should be a natural extension of our responsibilities. Many business owners are quite engrossed in their operations or daily tasks to assist others.   In assessing my business, I have realized that a lot of my leads are generated from or during the provision of assistance to others.   Recently, I pondered on the assistance provided by my company and assessed the benefited received, and need I say that the benefits outweighed the cost.  

Here are five benefits of providing assistance to each other: Sharing resources and information: A wealth of information and resources are available out there; and research whether it be personal or professional is becoming more and more popular as consumers and businesses rarely make purchasing decisions without information. In this regard, we are constantly churning out information and knowledge of resources, some we use, others we can share as it may be relevant to our colleagues or other business. That information shared can make a difference in how things are done, decisions are made or in the case of a resource shared, may determine the success of a business venture. Highlighting new opportunities for Growth:  You may be aware of opportunities daily due to your current position, that information may not be useful to you at that particular time. We should always think of who can benefit from the particular opportunity. Opportunities may arise for careers, business contracts, endorsements, recognition etc., and this may be the break that your colleague have

been awaiting and think about it, you provided that inroad. There is self-satisfaction as well as your contribution to the success of your colleague that may augur well towards you or your business in the future. Making introductions:  Over a decade ago, I read an article on the benefits of networking, and never forgot how the writer highly recommend keeping records of contacts when meeting new people.   In so doing, I am now able to have a secured network of people, not just for myself but to provide assistance to my colleagues through introduction to the right people.   An introduction can have a great impact on business deals, professional as well as personal relationships. Volunteering and Providing Genuine feedback:  In dealing with small businesses, some are not able to pay a full fee per hour and the time given to that business may be more valuable to the business owner than the dollar value.  Once I have agreed to undertake the task, I ensure that I am genuinely involved and this demonstrates my willingness to assist.   In being

genuinely interested you are able to provide feedback that will assist in providing solutions required. Promoting and Recognizing:  We interact daily with colleagues, business, and people generally, how often to you promote the products, services or qualities of our associates to other people that we meet. Within our businesses, we can promote the qualities of our colleagues or staff, we can promote the service or business of a colleague and recognize staff through award schemes or nominate other business for industry awards. Your recognition will mean the world to your colleagues as well you will promote a skill, quality or product that others can learn, grow or benefit from in one way or another. This contributes to the dynamism and growth of your industry or sector and you will ultimately benefit. Businesses need a successful community, sector or industry that creates demand for its products or services within a supportive environment. Great business leaders are also leaders in the community. In providing assistance to other businesses we are actually assisting ourselves and our business community.