Buckeye State Bank. In this Edition

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1 hamber Chat A PUBLICATION OF THE LOGAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE A PUBLICATION OF THE LOGAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE February 2015 Buckeye State Bank Entrepreneurs of the Month: Shawn Keller & Phil Kinley In this Edition Community Culture What young people are looking for Educational Speaker Series Reaching out to area high schools. Warren Taylor Board Member of the Month 1

2 Business and Entrepreneur of the Month Shawn Keller, Phil Kinley and The Buckeye State Bank Formerly Citizens Bank of DeGraff founded in 1885, the bank has served the banking needs of Logan County for over 129 years and is a longtime Logan County Chamber Member. The Buckeye State Bank continues to offer reliable deposit products and loans for every need including automobile, new homes, small business and agricultural. On January 3, 2014, Buckeye Nation Interim, a company formed by a diverse team of local business leaders, purchased the bank and in September 2014, the bank name was changed to Buckeye State Bank. The name change publicly reflects the beginning of a new chapter, offering clients in all of Ohio the big bank products and services with local decisionmaking and exceptional service. Today as Buckeye State Bank, they continue to deliver modern bank products with personal high touch service. In todays busy times, people do not want to plan their day around going to the bank. Today s consumers are internet savvy and want the convenience of checking their bank balances on the fly and performing transactions as quickly and effectively as possible. Responding and reacting to these changes, their clients can now bank anywhere they are. Buckeye State Bank offers a virtual banking model that allows clients the convenience to open accounts online at or deposit checks with their mobile phone using their mobile app, and we all use our phones for everything! Another great marketing piece the bank offers is their BAM Account. You can be a Buckeye Advantage Member by opening a Buckeye Advantage checking account and earn up to 1.50% APY and have free ATM use anywhere. Stop in and ask them how to qualify. At Buckeye State Bank they know life is busy and they want to make banking less stressful. With the third oldest charter in the state of Ohio, Buckeye State Bank remains owned and operated here in Logan County and continues to offer large bank products and services with local roots. Shawn Keller is the President, CEO and Director of Buckeye State Bank and brings over 19 years of banking experience and a focus on serving small businesses and consumers. Shawn is joined by Phil Kinley who serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Through his 23 years of banking experience Phil is focused on continuing to improve their clients banking experience. Continued on pg. 3 BENEFIT: Chamber members receive EDUCATION through legislative events and free business and entrepreneurial seminars. PAGE 2

3 Continued.. The bank strives to reflect the pride, honesty and hard work ethics Buckeyes are known for. As a Logan County Chamber member, bring in this newsletter to receive a 0.25% discount off a loan or receive cash management fees waived for one year! At Buckeye State Bank, they believe the value of being a Chamber member is in networking with their fellow businesses. In doing so, this helps create a win-win environment as they help our community grow together. The Logan County Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the Buckeye State Bank (formerly Citizens Federal of DeGraff) for their years of dedication to Logan County. 3

4 County Collaboration at AAA Great Vacations Travel Expo The Logan County Chamber & Visitors Bureau, along with Marmon Valley Farms, Markin Farms Zip Line Adventures, Longview Cove and the Indian Lake Chamber, participated in the AAA Great Vacation Travel Expo this past month. The Expo was Jan held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Four booths were rented making one full side of the block Logan County, OH attractions. A 20 banner with Logan County attractions was the central backdrop for all four booths with additional banners on each end, giving a unified & collaborative appearance. Many people remembered visiting Logan County when they were young and seemed to just need the reminder that it s time to go again! The Expo promotes travel ideas for day trips, weekend get-a-ways, family vacations and international travel. Logan County pushed the staycation idea and promoted family fun and several bus tour companies asked for additional information too. Stop by the Chamber office for YOUR Official Guide" full of Logan County s many attractions, foods, meeting venues, places to stay and lots of things to do. Maybe it s time for You to go again! 4

5 Local Business News Donatos Pizza with New Owners Thank you Jim Snyder Jim Snyder, who has owned the local Donatos Pizza franchise since its opening in 1992, has sold the business to owners of the Delaware Ohio store who promise to continue the strong sense of commitment to the quality pizza and community involvement Mr. Snyder has prided himself in over the years. We all get older and I knew 2015 would be my time, Mr. Snyder said of his plans to retire from business by June when he turns 66. As I went through that because of how much the store and this community mean to me, I wanted to entrust that to someone who has the same passion. Enter Bill York who owns the Donatos franchise in Delaware and his operating partners Sean Wrenn. One of the best things about this is that we wanted to get involved because of the history and community involvement, Mr. Wrenn said. It will certainly be a challenge, but we feel we can come in with the passion and commitment he has shown. We ve been watching this store for a very long time and been fans of this community. We re just very excited to be here. The Logan County Chamber is excited to have Bill and Sean here as well. This community has been so lucky to have Jim Snyder as a part of it and we thank Jim for his years of dedication to Logan County. Jim we wish you the BEST! Credit Story from The Bellefontaine Examiner 5

6 Educational Speaker Series. Providing Tools for Students With the disconnect between business, manufacturing and industry it is important to start educating our youth on what Logan County has to offer. There is a desire to get those involved in business and industry, into the classroom to share with students the message of entrepreneurship. The intended goal states Mark Butler, principal at Benjamin Logan High School, is to provide an awareness to students of the job opportunities available with local businesses and corporations with Logan County. The presentation focus includes discussing required skills, level of education required, job expectations, advancement opportunities, and expected income and benefits. Our career speaker series allows you to gain an understanding of the jobs available in Logan County and what they have to offer. I like the fact there is room for an individual to advance, not just minimum wage opportunities, says Aaron Pennington a Benjamin Logan student. There are great opportunities right here in our back yard. With Adecco stages mock interview the vision of Benjamin Logan Schools and principal Mark Butler starting the program last year, the Logan County Chamber of Commerce will now be partnering with other area schools to introduce this valuable program. Amy Evans a teacher at Benjamin Logan states, So many potential career interest opportunities are being provided to our students. Our speaker series showcases job opportunities which requires various levels of education, from a high school graduate to a college graduate, thus connecting with all audiences. Past speakers have included, Michael Shepherd, owner of 600 Downtown, Amy Bechtel from Adecco Employment Services, Mike Minnich, CEO/Founder of NetGain, Nicole Keller with Bellefontaine Dental, Dustin Buchenroth who is in the Air Force Reserve and Business Development Manager at World Class Plastics. The students have also heard from Jan Knight, HR coordinator at Mary Rutan, Eric Welty with Jobs and Family Services, Joenee Purcell a Commercial Lender with Liberty Michael Shepherd: 600 Downtown & Amy Bechtel: Adecco National Bank, Becky Hoffman from Farm Credit Mid America, and Paul Benedetti from the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. This program has the potential to offer so many great resources to students, including internships and mentor programs. Mr. Butler s goal for the speaker program next year is to provide students with site visits to obtain a deeper understanding of these jobs which may assist them with personal career options. With the popularity of the first year s program, The Logan County Chamber of Commerce will be expanding the speaker series into all area high schools. We are slated to begin at Bellefontaine and Riverside High Schools and Ohio Hi Point this year. In addition to sharing the workforce opportunities and in order for our community to continue to grow we need to invite and encourage our young people to return to our communities following their post secondary education says Paul Benedetti President/CEO Logan County Chamber of Commerce. For more information on this growing program and to volunteer to present at the schools please contact the Logan County Chamber of Commerce

7 Attention Human Resource Professionals Mark your Calendars! The date is set! The Logan County Chamber of Commerce is proud to be bringing back our quarterly Human Resource Group. On Tuesday February 24th from 11:30-1:00pm at Café 212, we will have the first meeting of Presenting at this meeting is David Korte, a lawyer with Coolidge Law Firm from Dayton Ohio. Mr. Korte will be presenting on Employer s Rights and the BWC. This group is great for the Human Resource and Business Professionals. Come join us for a great opportunity of Learning, Networking, and of course Lunch! Community Culture What are young people looking for in a community? Is it employment, schools, available activities, parks, restaurants, available healthcare? Young professionals are not necessarily interested in working those punishing long hours and still scrambling for money like many of their parents did. They care less about salaries, and more about flexible working, time to travel and a better work life balance. Do we in Logan County have what it takes to attract our young professionals to stay in Logan County or relocate here? Follow up in the months to come on this new section of the Chat for how we appeal to this market. 7

8 Agribusiness Farmers and the Winter Months Do grain farmers work in the winter? There has always been a stereotype that farmers only work a few months out of the year. While spring and fall do appear to be the busiest times on a farm, much of what farmers do in the winter months is preparation for the busy months of planting, the growing season and harvesting. Typically harvest season is complete before the snow starts flying, but here in Ohio that s not always the case. Regardless of when harvest is complete farmers spend a sunny day (or two) blowing dust off the equipment and giving it a bath before tucking it away until the next harvest. Marketing is also done in the winter. Marketing for farmers is the selling of their crops. Several farmers will sell their crops a year in advance by means of contracting. In Logan County, Heritage Cooperative branches throughout the county create contracts for farmers. Farmers truly take a gamble on [whether] to sell their crops early or wait until harvest and take the price then. Crop prices are based on the Chicago Board of Trade and change by the minute. Crops are generally marketed a year in advance, so the contracts that were made in 2014 are being filled now. Sometimes a farmer will contract a year or even two years in advance. Currently soybean and corn prices are down and farmers have to really look at their budgeting aspect of the farm. Budgeting and risk management are extremely important on a farm because there are so many variables that are unknown. Some of the variables that a farmer knows the prices of are seed, fertilizer, crop protection, rent or property taxes, labor costs of hired workers and equipment. There are also several costs that go into farming that are difficult to budget for which include fuel, repairs and there is always the income variable which can somewhat be determined if a farmer contracts but the yield of their crops depend a lot on the weather that specific year. Too much or too little rain at the wrong times can really hurt the crop yield. Many farmers will attend meetings throughout the winter months on grain marketing outlook, weather pattern insight and even attend tradeshows and conventions with the latest technology and equipment on display. Today s average farmer is constantly updating equipment and technology on equipment as most often this provides the most value to large scale farmers. There is also a lot of planning that occurs from an agronomy prospective during the winter months. Farmers attend meetings to learn about the latest seed technologies and developing crop protection plans to manage herbicide resistance. The ground is covered with snow now but within the next days farmers will take to the fields to get the 2015 growing season off to a strong start. Condensed Article submitted by Michelle Downer, Heritage Cooperative 8

9 Board Member of the Month Warren Taylor, Chamber of Commerce Board Member of the Month This month the Chamber is pleased to introduce Warren Taylor as the February Board Member of the Month. Warren is a Logan County native. Along with his wife Celynn they offer a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Logan County. Mr. Taylor represents the Logan County Farm Bureau with his seat on the Chamber board. Warren is a self -employed farmer and has been in agriculture for more than 50 years. Warren s wife Celynn is no stranger to Logan County and the Logan County Chamber of Commerce either. Celynn is a volunteer Step-on Guide with our Bus Tours that visit our county. She shares her knowledge of Logan County and her years of being a school bus driver with our tourists and visitors. No visitor leaves Logan County unaware of how great Logan County is and what we have to offer. You may also find Warren volunteering his time with Logan County Rural Electric, Habitat for Humanity and as the President of Logan County Antique Power. We couldn t agree with Warren more when he says he belongs to the Chamber because it is a team effort to promote our Chamber for all of Logan County. Thank you Warren for your commitment to the Chamber and to Logan County! Legislative Meeting Tuesday February 10th 7:30am Due to Mother Nature s frigid temperatures and ice, January s Legislative meeting was cancelled. We could also say it was because of our College Football National Champions The Ohio State Buckeyes beating Oregon the night before! O-H-I-O Tuesday February 10th the Legislative group will get to hear from Logan County Sherriff Andrew Smith. This monthly meeting is held at the Chamber of Commerce at 7:30am Andrew J. Smith has served as Logan County Sheriff since Prior to being elected Sheriff, he served 18 years as a deputy with the Logan County Sheriff s Office. Sheriff Smith is a graduate of The Ohio State University and West Liberty-Salem High School. *Fun Fact* Did you know that a West Liberty-Salem graduate has served as Logan County Sheriff for the past 36 years! Incentive for Hiring Veterans Employer Information Session Tuesday February 3, am - 12pm Kese Hall Multipurpose Center Rhodes State College Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois BENEFIT: the Chamber champions BUY LOCAL, encouraging residents to support local businesses. PAGE 9

10 Attend the Safety Council Meeting February 19th 7:30am LOCATION CHANGE HONDA EAST LIBERTY Safety Council is a monthly program hosted by the Logan County Chamber that this month will be held at Honda East Liberty at 7:30am. This month the group will hear from Jose Banaag on the topic of Ergonomics. Jose is a Staff Engineer with Honda North America, Inc. He currently leads Honda s ergonomics program and has more than 20 years of experience in ergonomics and safety. Jose provides ergonomic technical support for all of Honda s business operations within the entire North American region as well as for Honda s primary suppliers. Jose s presentation will cover an overview of ergonomics, ergonomics related issues arising from manual materials handling tasks, and will provide a general solution idea and recommendations to these concerns. Hope to see you at East Liberty on the 19th! (RSVP Required) Ohio Safety Council Workplace Wellness Grant Program Employers wanting to improve the health and wellness of their workers can benefit from our newest program, the Workplace Wellness Grant Program (WWGP). It provides funding to assist employers in establishing training and programs to reduce health risk factors specific to their employees. BWC established WWGP to study the effect of a wellness program in the workplace on bringing down incidence and cost of accidents and illnesses. The goal is to control the escalating cost of workers compensation claims through addressing health risk factors. The WWGP s collateral goals are also to reduce health-care costs for employers, as well as improve the health of the workforce. Monthly Coffee Hour February s Coffee Hour will be at Sweet Aromas on Thursday February 5th at 8:00am. Come join the Chamber for an opportunity to network with other local business representatives. Congratulations to the newest Chamber member Majestic Plastics Sean Ammons 811 N. Main St Bellefontaine, OH

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13 100 S. Main St. Bellefontaine, OH Paul Benedetti President/CEO facebook.com/logancountychamber facebook.com/seelogancounty Erin Henry Member and Visitor Services Jacquey Yoder Member and Visitor Services Download Our App The Logan County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is part of a national network that connects chambers throughout the country. Downloading the free My Chamber App is useful for not only where you live, but also where you travel. Update your business information, add upcoming events and share Hot Deals by logging into your ChamberMaster account. Call us with questions! February Community Calendar February 5th: First Thursday s Coffee Hour 8am at Sweet Aromas February 6-7th: My Son Pinocchio Jr. at the Holland Theatre February 10th: Legislative Meting at the Chamber office February 12th: Joshua Carswell at the Holland Theatre February 17th: Visitors Bureau Council Meeting February 19th: Logan County Safety Council at Honda East Liberty February 24th: Human Resource Meeting at Café 212 BENEFIT: Members receive a DIGITAL PRESENCE through the Chamber website and mobile application. PAGE 13