NEWSROOM
GFI Headlines
United Way of Hancock County Reaches $2.5 Million Dollar Goal
Dow Receives Approval of Final State Incentive, Approves Findlay Expansion
Hancock County Safety Council Earns $68,578.85 in Safety Discounts
GreaterFindlayInc. Board of Directors Support Issues 4, 5 and 15
GFI and the Agency on Aging Present Senior Leadership Program
GreaterFindlayInc. Names Murphy HYL, HL Director
Crist Named to CVB Post
Greatest Regional Growth Found in Findlay-Hancock County
Greater Findlay Business Growth Ranked 12th in U.S.
Simpson Advances to Columbus Market
CertifiChecks, Inc. Ceases Operations
Findlay Area Downtown Association Workshop
Cost of Living Decreases for City of Findlay
GFI Names Crist Interim HYL, HL Director
Annual Campaign at 100%
(FINDLAY, OH, Jan. 28, 2010) – The United Way of Hancock County announced at its board meeting on Thurs., Jan. 28 that it has met its fundraising goal for 2009. Paul Kramer, campaign chair for the second year in a row, said “We have good news for Hancock County. We have reached and slightly exceeded our $2.5 million dollar goal for 2009. I am pleased to announce that the community’s fundraising efforts have resulted in raising $2,502,130 or 100.09% of goal. It has been an honor and privilege to bear witness to the hard work of the United Way staff, campaign division chairs and volunteers in the community. This has been an incredible feat for such difficult economic times.”
The funds raised are used to financially support programs that address education, health and income challenges in Hancock County. This goal is based on the estimated needs from United Way’s partner agencies and the amount believed to be available from the community.
Dave Craig, board chair, said in response, “it is apparent that the consistency in volunteer campaign leadership has certainly helped in raising these much needed funds. Thank you to Paul and his campaign team for taking on a second year as the leadership for this effort.”
Keith DuVernay, United Way CEO & President, was pleased with the success. “Having spent some time two weeks ago with nearly 200 other United Way executives, I can say that our success is phenomenal in comparison to other similar United Ways across the country. Hancock County has truly stepped and they deserve our thanks. We look forward to reporting back to them how their investment is improving lives,” he said.
This year’s final division results are as follows:
Commercial $65,340
Corporate $1,962,050
Education $59,629
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate $105,903
Health $119,592
Mercantile $37,144
Professional $29,078
Public $53,619
Retirees and Independently Employed $48,418
Rural $21,357
The funds will be distributed to programs and services through grants that are reviewed by local citizens who serve on the volunteer Community Solutions Committee during the 2010 grant cycle. Partner agencies that are eligible to apply for funding include: American Red Cross-Hancock County Chapter, Boy Scouts of America-Black Swamp Area Council, Voices for Children (CASA/GAL of Hancock County), Camp Fire USA Northwest Ohio Council, Community Action Commission, Century Health, Cancer Patient Services, Children’s Mentoring Connection, Dental Center of Northwest Ohio, Family Resource Centers, Findlay Family YMCA, Girl Scouts of Appleseed Ridge, Hope House for the Homeless, Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio, Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services, Salvation Army, and West Ohio Food Bank. For more information or to serve on the Community Solutions Committee, contact the United Way office at 419-423-1432.
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(FINDLAY, OH, February 3, 2010) – Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert and GreaterFindlayInc. are pleased to announce that The Dow Chemical Company has gained final state approval for financial incentives in support of its plans to expand the product lines at its Findlay plant.
Dow obtained approval from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority on January 25 to receive a final incentive for its proposed product line expansion into the manufacture of films used in the production of solar modules. The Job Creation Tax Credit will be awarded to the company for the creation of new positions they will add as a result of the new initiative and the 63 jobs that they are retaining. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $106,163 over its seven-year term -- if a total of 20 jobs are created over the next four years -- and the company will be required to maintain operations at the project site for 10 years to maintain the credits. Dow has already been approved for approximately $300,000 in other state grants to assist with the launch of its new line.
Dow’s Findlay manufacturing site leader Brian Brown is excited about the new project and the positive impact it will have on the community. “I thank GreaterFindlayInc. for providing valuable assistance in better understanding the various financial assistance programs and supporting us in the successful application and qualification process. I also thank Mayor Sehnert for joining us in Columbus to support our project during our incentive application review with the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.”
Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert added, “We are delighted to be able to share this good news for our city. It is great to see results from the work of our Economic Development partners.”
The new films that Dow will produce will be used in solar modules installed on rooftops of commercial and residential buildings and used by utility companies in North America and Europe. The line is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Ray De Winkle, President and CEO of GreaterFindlayInc., stated, “This expansion has been a long time coming. GreaterFindlayInc. met with and pledged its assistance to the Dow team in December 2008; and we’ve been working with them to find the right project. We’re very pleased that they’ve discovered such a great fit. This solar initiative will be a valuable addition to our local economy and adds diversity to our region’s economic base.”
The City of Findlay and GreaterFindlayInc. recognize and appreciate the support of the economic development partners who make announcements like this possible. Support from the Ohio Department of Development, JOBsolutions of Hancock County, and the leadership of The Dow Chemical Company show the team effort that is necessary for the companies in the Findlay - Hancock County region to expand and grow.
PDF Release
(FINDLAY, Ohio, January 21, 2010)—Hancock County area businesses are among the thousands of Ohio employers that shared millions in savings through the recent Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Safety Council Discount Program. Locally, over $62,578 was reinvested into the business community by those earning a “Performance Bonus” through the Hancock County Safety Council, a division of GreaterFindlayInc.’s Chamber of Commerce. This bonus is given to those Safety Council employers that reduce either frequency or severity of claims by 10-percent or more below the previous year, or that maintain both frequency and severity at zero.
The BWC’s Division of Safety and Hygiene sponsors 80 statewide safety councils which inform participants of new safety techniques, products and services, and provide a thorough knowledge of topics, including occupational safety and health, workers’ compensation and risk management education. Aside from the Performance Bonus, eligible employers participating in last year’s Safety Council Discount Program had the opportunity to earn an initial two-percent premium discount. Members of the Hancock County Safety Council earned more than $94,000 on that discount alone.
For more information about this or any other Chamber programs, contact GreaterFindlayInc. at 419-422-3313 or visit
www.greaterfindlayinc.com.
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(FINDLAY, OH, October 8, 2009) - As the primary business advocate for Hancock County representing the interest of 700+ small-to-large size businesses, the GreaterFindlayInc. Board of Directors has an obligation to take a position on issues that promote economic and business development. Requests to support the following issues were received, and have since been approved:
Issue # 4 Proposed Sales and Use Tax Hancock County, Ohio
Issue # 5 Proposed Municipal Income Tax (increase) City of Findlay
Issue # 15 Proposed Bond Issue Findlay City School District
“The outcome of these issues will deeply impact our community,” said Ray De Winkle, GreaterFindlayInc. President and CEO. “We must support our schools, our city and our county in November if we wish continue to see success and growth in the Findlay-Hancock County area. A “Yes” vote is truly an investment in our local economy and our future.”
The 4.3 mill school bond levy, set to work with the Ohio School Facility Commission (OSFC) and the State’s Exceptional Needs Program (ENP) to finance the building of two new middle schools and a new Career and Technology Center, failed on the August ballot. If issue 15 is not approved on November 3, the additional $18.7 million in state funding will be lost.
“The Board agrees that our community cannot afford to ignore the condition of our schools any longer,” said Randy Lohoff, Chairman of the Board. “We have been given a unique opportunity through the ENP, and have let it slip through our fingers once already. We must demonstrate with our vote that we have the foresight to seize this opportunity to progress our community"
The Board believes that the city and county tax issues, Issues 4 and 5, are also vital to the Findlay-Hancock County Community.
“The passage of Issues 4 and 5 will allow the city to address important flood mitigation, public safety and county operation needs, as well as retain the city and county personnel that our community requires to operate effectively.” said De Winkle. “On November 3, residents in the Findlay-Hancock area will have the rare chance to cast a vote that will truly make a difference right in their own backyard. I believe we can come together and make this happen.”
GreaterFindlayInc. and The Board of Directors would like to encourage everyone to carefully consider these issues, be informed, and cast a “Yes” vote on their ballot on November 3. For our schools, for our safety, for our community, vote “Yes” on Issues 4, 5 and 15.
For more information about these issues, log onto www.greaterfindlayinc.com, http://www.ourcommunity2010.com or www.findlaylevy.com. To see the wording of each of the issues on the November Ballot, visit www.hancockboardofelections.com/ballot.htm.
The Hancock County Agency on Aging and GreaterFindlayInc. are excited to announce a new collaboration, the development of a Senior Leadership Program.
John Urbanski, Agency on Aging Director, and Dionne Neubauer, Chief Operating Office GreaterFindlayInc., along with former Hancock Leadership directors are preparing a program similar in content to the Hancock Leadership program which has been in existence for 23 years.
The goal of the Senior Leadership program is to encourage and train seniors age 60 or greater to become involved in the Findlay/Hancock County community through volunteerism and civic engagement.
Urbanski states, "There is a wealth of talent and committed individuals who make up the senior network. We will be giving them an opportunity to learn more about the community in which they live and how they may make a positive impact in a variety of areas of service."
The seniors will meet one day a week for eight consecutive weeks in October and November. Topics will include our health system, justice and safety, the arts, education, history and more. We will also offer a list of community needs for volunteers and board members so that individuals can find their own niche. We hope that seniors will also find themselves getting civically engaged. They will be able to use their skills to help address the ever changing needs and community issues.
Applications will be available July 15 at either the Hancock County Agency on Aging or GreaterFindlayInc. Call GFI at 419-422-3313 for more information.
Hancock Senior Leadership Application
Hancock Senior Leadership Handbook
GreaterFindlayInc. has named Sheri Murphy director and facilitator of the Hancock Leadership (HL) and Hancock Youth Leadership (HYL) programs effective July 6, 2009. Murphy is fulfilling the role once held by interim director, Angela Crist who now leads the efforts for the Hancock County & Visitors Bureau which is administered by GreaterFindlayInc.
“The leadership programs will benefit from Sheri’s enthusiasm and extensive service learning background,” said Ray De Winkle, GreaterFindlayInc. President and CEO. “Her experience in program development, managing volunteers and understanding of GreaterFindlayInc. and the Hancock County community make Sheri a great fit for this organization.”
Duties of the director include program development and oversight, facilitation of session days and events related to the program, and liaison to Hancock Leadership Alumni Association (HLAA) and HYL boards.
Murphy is a ’79 graduate of Miami University and has extensive volunteer and community outreach experience. She has been an active advocate and board member of both CASA/GAL of Hancock County and the Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Murphy has spent a combined total of 50 years volunteering for a variety of community organizations and programs including The Arts Partnership, Lupus Foundation, Findlay Service League, Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center, Findlay City Schools and more.
“I am excited to be given the opportunity to tap into the energy and ‘can do’ attitude of the individuals involved with HL and HYL,” said Murphy. “To be part of an organization that appreciates our community, believes in our potential and is willing to commit the time to learn more about ways to make positive improvements happen is a great honor.”
Founded by Dr. Jack McBride, HL and HYL are community leadership development programs for adults and high school juniors, respectively. Over 600 professionals have participated in the HL program which has been in existence for 23 years. Both programs are designed to promote civic engagement, build social capital and enhance leadership skills in those who participate to build a stronger Findlay/Hancock County community. In addition to Dr. McBride, previous program directors include Carol Dale-Joseph, Linda DeArment, Julie Brown and Angela Crist.
(April 13, 2009) – Angela R. Crist has been named Vice President, Travel & Tourism/Executive Director of the Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau effective May 1, 2009. The Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a division of the Findlay·Hancock County Chamber of Commerce dba GreaterFindlayInc. (GFI).
According to GFI President & CEO Ray De Winkle, Crist was selected from a field of over 60 applicants reviewed by a four-person selection committee comprised of private and public sector partners. “I am pleased that Angela Crist has agreed to lead this important post within the community,” said De Winkle. “I believe that Angela’s background and understanding of community assets will advance the efforts of the Convention & Visitors Bureau,” De Winkle added.
Crist will have responsibility for direct event supervision; hospitality community partner development; asset and collateral inventories and marketing collateral distribution; media relations; group tours; CVB Board management; organization and community marketing and media purchasing; and visitor guide development and creation. Crist succeeds Alissa Simpson who accepted the position of Tourism Sales Manager for Experience Columbus in March.
Prior to her new role, Crist served as the Financial Education Program Coordinator for Ohio State University Extension. Crist is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Master of Arts in American culture studies in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, management information systems and marketing from the University of Dayton. Crist is also active on the University of Findlay Campus Compact Board and Hancock Leadership Alumni Board. Crist and her husband reside in Findlay, Ohio.
Additionally, Crist has been lending her leadership and project management skills as Interim Director of GFI’s Hancock Leadership/Youth Leadership programs, an arrangement in place through May 2009. Hancock Leadership is a nationally recognized nine-month program designed to foster and promote volunteer leadership resources. This year’s classes will graduate in May. GFI’s Chief Operating Officer, Dionne Neubauer, will work with Crist to oversee the transition of duties with a new director in place no later than June 30, 2009.
“Through the support of the Hancock County Commissioners, the dedicated volunteers involved with the leadership and guidance of the CVB, we’re excited to welcome Crist aboard and support her efforts to enhance visitor experiences and market the community as a destination,” said Dee Dee Spraw, CVB chairperson and a member of the selection committee. “Her experience working with volunteers as well as in marketing and financial planning will lend itself to administering both the Co-Op Advertising Program and the newly formed Tourism Development Program,” added Spraw.
GreaterFindlayInc. administers the Convention & Visitors Bureau for Hancock County through a contractual relationship with the Hancock County Commissioners. The current contract, which was up for renewal in December, 2009, was recently amended by the Hancock County Commissioners, who extended the contract through December, 2011.
The Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a strategic alliance between Hancock County and GreaterFindlayInc., responsible for destination marketing of the County’s tourism assets. For more information, visit the CVB online at www.visitfindlay.com, or call 419-422-3315.
(March 19, 2009)-The U.S. Census Bureau population estimates indicate that between 2000 and 2008 Findlay-Hancock County experienced the greatest regional population growth at 4.2 percent. While surrounding county populations decreased, Findlay-Hancock County grew from 71,295 to 74,273 residents.
This type of growth may be attributed to Hancock County’s diverse local economy, said Ray De Winkle, GreaterFindlayInc. President and CEO.
“As the retail and employment hub for many surrounding counties, Findlay-Hancock County attracts many residents with its moderate cost of living and high quality of life,” said De Winkle. “As a partnership for growth, GFI’s focus is to help the Greater Findlay region to grow and prosper. With support of our local public officials and the private business sector, our community has what it takes to be successful.”
In March 2009, Findlay was ranked the 12th best micropolitan community in the U.S. for new and expanding facilities by Site Selection magazine. In August, 2008 Bizjournals ranked Findlay, Ohio as the nation’s 36th most attractive micropolitan area in the nation. Findlay-Hancock County was also named in the 100 Best Communities for Young People in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
While Hancock County benefits from positive population growth, many neighboring counties including Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Putnam and Van Wert counties are losing population. Hardin County shows no loss or growth, while populations for Logan and Shelby are on the rise.
Each year the U.S. Census Bureau estimates population based on births, deaths and migration. The next full national census will be conducted in 2010. To review the report's highlights visit http://www.census.gov.
For more information, please contact GreaterFindlayInc. at 419-422-3313 or visit www.greaterfindlayinc.com.
PDF Release
Ohio Wins 2008 Governor’s Cup
Findlay, Ohio ranked twelfth best micropolitan community in the U.S. for new and expanding facilities by Site Selection magazine, the official publication of the Industrial Asset Management Council. The magazine ranked 674 of the nation’s micropolitan areas, cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people which cover at least one county. The Greater Findlay region has been placed in Site Selection’s Top 20 for eleven consecutive years.
In addition, the State of Ohio claimed the 2008 Site Selection Governor’s Cup Award with 503 projects, after winning the 2007 Cup with 399 projects. This is Ohio’s third consecutive Governor’s Cup and its fourth in six years.
“Findlay-Hancock County is proud to contribute to Ohio’s success of the 2008 Governor’s Cup Award,” said Ray De Winkle, GreaterFindlayInc. President and CEO. “We are grateful for the efforts of our community’s business leaders and economic development partners that strive to make Greater Findlay a great place to live and work.”
GreaterFindlayInc. compiled and submitted six economically diverse projects that met Site Selection’s qualifying criteria. Leveraging the region’s agricultural base and focus on technology intensive industries, Monsanto Soybean Research completed an 18,550 sq. ft. facility valued at $1.6 million. Additionally, locally owned and operated City Uniforms and Linens completed a new 24,414 sq. ft. energy efficient facility valued at $1.5 million.
“As a partnership for growth, GreaterFindlayInc. continues to streamline its efforts and enhance its focus on economic development throughout the region,” said Randy Lohoff, GFI Chairman of the Board. “GreaterFindlayInc. is grateful for the efforts of the facilities managers and board members that promote the Greater Findlay community within their companies.”
For more information, please contact GreaterFindlayInc. at 419-422-3313 or visit www.greaterfindlayinc.com.
PDF Release
Efforts Underway to Fill CVB Post
(Findlay, OH, March 2, 2009) – GreaterFindlayInc. has announced that Alissa Simpson, Director of the Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau (HCCVB) has accepted the position of Tourism Sales Manager for Experience Columbus, Columbus, Ohio. Simpson will remain in her role as Director until March 20, 2009. The HCCVB is a division of GreaterFindlayInc.
“We’re sorry that we are losing Alissa’s leadership to a bigger market, but wish her well in her new position in Columbus,” said Ray De Winkle, GFI President & CEO. Simpson is relocating to the Columbus area for personal reasons which also allows her to advance her career and bring forth her skills in a bigger market. Simpson was named Director of Marketing and Development in April of 2004, and served in that capacity until June of 2007 when she was named director.
“The Findlay community has afforded me opportunities and experiences that will go unmatched. I have grown tremendously over the past 5 years with the organization. The Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as GreaterFindlayInc., have helped advance me both professionally and personally,” said Simpson.
GreaterFindlayInc. administers the Convention & Visitors Bureau for Hancock County through a contractual relationship with the Hancock County Commissioners. The current contract is up for renewal in December, 2009. GFI’s Dionne Neubauer will oversee the leadership transition in conjunction with CVB Chairperson, Dee Dee Spraw. A selection committee is being assembled.
A description of the job position and its requirements can be found at here. Applicants interested in the position should submit their resumes on or before March 10.
On Thursday, February, 26, CertifiChecks, Inc. announced that it has ceased operations, effective immediately. Due to an extremely difficult economic environment, CertifiChecks will no longer administer gift certificate programs and gift certificate sales have been halted.
CertifiChecks is in the process of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Dayton, Ohio.
Participating merchants are not to deposit CertifiChecks gift certificates in the bank as they will be returned. Merchants have been asked to end all CertifiCheck gift certificate promotions and remove all door and register decals.
CertifiChecks gift certificates may be submitted for potential reimbursement to CertifiChecks, Inc., Attn: Redemption Dept., PO Box 13603, Dayton, Ohio 45413.
GreaterFindlayInc. apologizes for any inconvenience and welcomes members to direct any questions or concerns to info@greaterfindlayinc.com or 419-422-3313.
For more information, contact CertifiChecks, Inc. at 1-877-770-4438 or visithttp://certifichecks.com.
The Findlay Downtown Area Association (FDAA) will be hosting a FREE workshop on the Main Street Ohio program, facilitated by Joyce Barrett, executive director. This workshop will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 from 7:30-9:30am at the FindlayInn & ConferenceCenter, 200 East Main Cross Street.
This workshop will provide insight on the Main Street approach, a comprehensive and balanced process to revitalizing and enhancing downtown areas. Attendees will learn how this program, if adopted here in Findlay, could lead to meaningful and long-term change for the businesses located in the heart of our community.
All attendees must RSVP to Ed Hartman at ehartman@findlaydowntown.com prior to Friday, February 27, 2009. For more information, contact Char Johannigman, FDAA Board President at 419-422-3412 ext. 26 or at director@artspartnership.com.
The FDAA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting growth and vitality in Downtown Findlay.
(February 10, 2009)--Despite current economic conditions, living in the City of Findlay has become more affordable over the course of a year. According to the American Chamber of Commerce Research Association (ACCRA) 2008 Cost of Living Index, goods and services provided to Findlay residents in 2008 were less expensive than in 2007. The 2008 annual average composite index of 94.4 is down 1.1 percent from the 2007 annual average composite index of 95.5.
In comparison to its neighbor, Lima, Ohio, Findlay’s cost of living is 2.6 percent lower than Lima’s 97.0 composite index.
In a national comparison, the City of Findlay’s composite index for grocery items were 106.2; housing 77.1; utilities 98.7; transportation 101.2; healthcare 97.7; and 101.1 for miscellaneous goods and services.
The Index is based on the six preceding components. The un-weighted average of data presented represents average prices submitted for the first three quarters of 2008. Prices covering almost 60 different items are collected quarterly by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations or university applied economic centers in each participating urban area.
Compiled and published quarterly by The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), GreaterFindlayInc. was among the 322 urban areas participating in the Index which measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for mid-management lifestyles in participating areas.
The average for all participating places in each quarter equals 100 and each participant's index is read as a percentage of the average for all places. However, small differences should not be construed as significant—or even as indicating correctly which area is the more expensive. The index does not measure inflation.
For more information on the ACCRA Cost of Living Index, contact GreaterFindlayInc. at 419-422-3313 or e-mail info@greaterfindlayinc.com.
(January 6, 2009)—GreaterFindlayInc. has named Angela Crist as interim director and facilitator of the Hancock Leadership (HL) and Hancock Youth Leadership (HYL) programs effective January 5, 2009. Crist is fulfilling the role once held by Director Julie Brown who has accepted the position of program officer with the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.
“Angela’s position as interim director will allow both HL and HYL programs to continue moving forward while GreaterFindlayInc. and the Boards consider how best to assure leadership for the organization,” said Ray De Winkle, GFI President and CEO.
Crist graduated Cum Laude from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and recently received a Master of Arts in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. Crist is a 2008 graduate of Hancock Leadership and currently serves as a Hancock Leadership Alumni board member. She is the financial education program coordinator at the Hancock County Ohio State University Extension office. Crist also volunteers as an assistant track and field coach at McComb High School and serves on the University of Findlay Campus Compact Board.
HL and HYL are community leadership development programs for adults and high school juniors, respectively. Both programs are designed to promote civic engagement, build social capital and enhance leadership skills in those who participate to build a stronger Greater Findlay community.
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