2012 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Butler Manufacturing

is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.

You might be surprised to discover the virtually unlimited design
possibilities of a Butler

building system. As your local Butler Builder

,
we can build a exible and attractive Butler building that incorporates
wood, brick, stone, or glass. You can also choose from a wide variety
of metal roof and wall systemsall in a building that meets both your
needs and your budget.
More design
f lexibility for
your building.
Contact us at 419-238-9567
or visit us on the web
www.AlexanderBebout.com
2012 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing

is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.

You might be surprised to discover the virtually unlimited design
possibilities of a Butler

building system. As your local Butler Builder

,
we can build a exible and attractive Butler building that incorporates
wood, brick, stone, or glass. You can also choose from a wide variety
of metal roof and wall systemsall in a building that meets both your
needs and your budget.
More design
f lexibility for
your building.
Contact us at 419-238-9567
or visit us on the web
www.AlexanderBebout.com
2012 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing

is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.

You might be surprised to discover the virtually unlimited design
possibilities of a Butler

building system. As your local Butler Builder

,
we can build a exible and attractive Butler building that incorporates
wood, brick, stone, or glass. You can also choose from a wide variety
of metal roof and wall systemsall in a building that meets both your
needs and your budget.
More design
f lexibility for
your building.
Contact us at 419-238-9567
or visit us on the web
www.AlexanderBebout.com
More design flexibility for your building.
Alexander & Bebout, Inc.
Engineering Design Construction
10098 Lincoln Highway, Van Wert, Ohio
419-238-9567
www.AlexanderBebout.com
2012 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing

is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.

You might be surprised to discover the virtually unlimited design
possibilities of a Butler

building system. As your local Butler Builder

,
we can build a exible and attractive Butler building that incorporates
wood, brick, stone, or glass. You can also choose from a wide variety
of metal roof and wall systemsall in a building that meets both your
needs and your budget.
More design
f lexibility for
your building.
Contact us at 419-238-9567
or visit us on the web
www.AlexanderBebout.com
2012 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.
You might be surprised to discover the virtually unlimited design
possibilities of a Butler

building system. As your local Butler Builder

,
we can build a exible and attractive Butler building that incorporates
wood, brick, stone, or glass. You can also choose froma wide variety
of metal roof and wall systemsall in a building that meets both your
needs and your budget.
More design
f lexibility for
your building.
Contact us at 419-238-9567
or visit us on the web
www.AlexanderBebout.com
T
h
e

B
u
s
i
n
e
s
s

J
o
u
r
n
a
l
4
0
5

N
.

M
a
i
n

S
t
.
D
e
l
p
h
o
s
,

O
H

4
5
8
3
3
P
R
S
T
D

S
T
D
U
.
S
.

P
o
s
t
a
g
e
P
A
I
D
D
e
l
p
h
o
s
,

O
H
P
e
r
m
i
t

N
o
.

2
1
www. busi nessj rnl . com
BusinessJournal
OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO
THE
April 2014
The Regions Business Publication
INSIDE
Building your
professional brand ............. P4
More options
for elderly .............................. P6
Ways small business owners
can save on taxes ................... P7
Much More!
BY STEPHANIE GROVES
Staff Writer
www.businessjrnl.com
OHIO Ohios manufacturing sector is
gaining strength after suffering the worst
economic decline since the depression era
of the late 1920s by adding 54,000 jobs in
the state over the past four years. Accord-
ing to state employment statistics, it is the
best gain in the past 20 years in such an
economic period.
The U.S. Department of Labor reported
that Ohio had the second-biggest job gains
of any state in January, adding 16,700 po-
sitions. At that time, the number of manu-
facturing jobs in Ohio was 668,600 and the
number of manufacturing workers nation-
wide was 12.1 million
The Current Employment Statistics Sur-
vey released by U.S. Bureau of Labor Sta-
tistics on March 7 reports that nationally,
employment in manufacturing changed
very little with 6,000 jobs added in Febru-
Ohio manufacturing jobs increase by 16,700 in January
ary.
The January state employment report re-
leased recently showed 23 states reporting
more hiring for that month, while 27 said
that the number of jobs fell; Ohio ranked
behind Texas, which added 33,900 posi-
tions.
Over the past 7 months, the industry has
added 83,000 jobs.
In Ohio, the sectors that added the most
jobs included construction, manufacturing
and professional and business services.
Ohios seasonally adjusted unemploy-
ment rate for that month was 6.9 percent,
down from 7.1 percent in December. The
national jobless rate was 6.6 percent in
January.
U.S. Banks regional investment direc-
tor Jim Russell recently spoke at the Ohio
Bankers Leagues annual economic summit
and said Ohio is going to be in the epicenter
of something pretty good. Optimism stems
from trends developing in the manufactur-
ing sector which includes:
New energy sources which will allow
production of less expensive supplies of
natural gas;
Higher wages and concerns about qual-
ity which have prompted employers to
move jobs back into the U.S.;
The U.S. uses technology in manufac-
turing that is superior to that in other coun-
tries, and;
Manufacturers are spurring job creation
and improving on stability and effciency
by keeping suppliers close.
President of the Ohio Manufacturers As-
sociation Eric Burkland said manufacturers
responded to the weakened economy by
investing in technology and product de-
velopment. He said coming out of the last
recession when all the cuts were made
in budgets and head counts companies
were very cautious about hiring. Burkland
said that caution has been replaced by con-
fdence due to Ohios competitive markets
and companies are now hiring.
Manufacturing employment is important
to Ohio because it makes up a greater share
of the states economy than the nations and
the jobs tend to provide higher pay.
Russell said 17 percent of Ohios econo-
my is powered by manufacturing, compared
with 12.5 percent of the U.S. economy and
See JOBS, page 2
2 TheBusinessJournal April 2014
Full Payroll Service:
Direct Depositing Check Printing Tax Depositing
Quarterly Payroll Reports Year End Reconciliation W2s & 1099s
Eric M. Macwhinney, President
207 N. Main St. Delphos
419-227-9040 419-695-9040
www.psi-payroll.com
Garmann/Miller & Associates, Inc., in Minster is pleased to an-
nounce that Matt Hibner has received his Architectural Registra-
tion for the State of Ohio and is now a licensed architect.
His steps to becoming a registered architect included receiv-
ing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Ball State Univer-
sity and Master of Architecture from Miami University. He then
completed the Intern Development Program (IDP) under the su-
pervision of licensed architects, logging more than 5,600 hours in
training involving all aspects of architectural practice. The final
step of the registration process was successfully passing the seven
divisions of the Architectural Registration Exam.
Hibner is a member of the American Institute of Architects
(AIA) and became a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
through the US Green Building Council in 2006. He has also been
approved for certification through the National Council of Architectural Registration
Boards (NCARB), allowing him to obtain reciprocal registrations in other states. He is
registered in Indiana as well.
The Coldwater native now lives in Minster and has been with Garmann/Miller since
March 2012.
Garmann/Millers staff of 36 employees includes registered architects, landscape ar-
chitects, designers, professional engineers, construction administrators and administrative
personnel serving public and private clients throughout Ohio.
Hibner becomes registered architect
Matt Hibner
Carolyn Dammeyer
Carolyn Dammeyer, a sales representative and fnan-
cial advisor in the Western Southern Lifes Celina offce
has been named to the Gold Medallion Club. Membership
in the club is based on outstanding sales production, busi-
ness persistency, meeting strict ethical and production
requirements and upholding the heritage of conducting
business with the highest level of integrity.
Dammeyer will attend the Leaders Sales Meeting in
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Dammeyer named to Western
Southern Lifes Gold Medallion Club
DEFIANCE (BUSINESS WIRE) - First Defance Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:
FDEF) has announced it intends to report frst quarter results on Monday, April 21, after
the close of the market. The earnings news release will be available on the companys
investor relations website at www.fdef.com and at
major fnancial information sites.
At 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 22, First Def-
ance will host a conference call at which Donald P.
Hileman, President and CEO, and Kevin T. Thomp-
son, Executive Vice President and CFO, will dis-
cuss the frst quarter results. The conference call
may be accessed by calling 1-888-317-6016.
Internet access to the call is also available (in
listen-only mode) at the following URL: http://ser-
vices.choruscall.com/links/fdef140422.html
The audio replay of the conference call Webcast will be available at www.fdef.com
until Monday, May 23, at 9 a.m. For those without Internet access, the earnings release
will be available by fax or mail upon request. To receive a copy, please call First Def-
ance Investor Relations at (419) 782-5104.
Winners announced in NSCC
Making A Difference awards
Winners announced in NSCC
Making A Difference awards
BY BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF
ARCHBOLD - The Northwest State Community College Foundation is once again
recognizing an individual, business, and organization that has gone the extra mile to cre-
ate a better community.
The ffth annual Making A Difference Award will
be celebrated at the schools Green Carpet spring
scholarship fundraiser on May 15. This years win-
ners are John Wilson (individual), Rupp Seeds (busi-
ness), and the Wauseon Rotary (organization).
The Making A Difference Awards were created in order to increase the awareness of
contributions to communities by shedding light on the people and organizations perform-
ing these works. The winners are nominated based upon their efforts in Williams, Def-
ance, Paulding, Fulton, and Henry counties. Nominations can be made by anyone within
these communities and the nominees are not contacted for any information.
The nomination process calls for a personal reference of the individual, business, or or-
ganization and for an explanation of how the candidates involvement with the community
made a difference to Northwest Ohio. It also asks for a description of the nominees profes-
sional success. Finally, a list of examples of the candidates volunteer work must be compiled
and attached to the nomination form. Posthumous nominations are considered.
The 2013 winners of the Making A Difference Awards were Pamela Hayman-Weaner
(individual), Chief Supermarket (business), and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (or-
ganization).
12.8 percent of the states workforce is in
manufacturing, the sixth most in the nation.
Operations Manager for Samuel, Son &
Co.s plant in Heath, Jim Waterman, said
the steel-band manufacturer has been ex-
panding due to the high demand for their
products, especially in the energy, automo-
tive and pipeline industries.
He said during the height
of the recession, the com-
pany cut about 90 percent
of its workers and now
the plant has 105 workers,
more than before the reces-
sion.
In 1979 the state peaked
at 19.4 million manufac-
turing jobs, which de-
creased to 1 million in the
year 2000.
Jobs
419-224-6980
visit us at www.tjpaintingandrepair.com
Full Service
Painting Contractor
AND REPAIR CO.
COMMERCIAL
INSTITUTIONAL
INDUSTRIAL
RESIDENTIAL
(Continued from page 1)
April 2014 TheBusinessJournal 3
2.7 million Ohioans report work place tech diffculties
BY CONNECT OHIO
COLUMBUS According to Connect
Ohios recently published report, Training
Ohios WorkforceBringing Digital Skills
to the Workplace, more than 2.7 million
working-age Ohio adults say they would
have diffculty completing computer-relat-
ed tasks required by most employers, while
two-thirds of Ohio businesses (67%) use
broadband and need employees who can
use it effectively.
Nationally, 70% of businesses consider
it important or very important for em-
ployees to have some Internet skills. Many
Ohio adults lack the digital skills that em-
ployers are seeking one in eight Ohio
households that do not subscribe to broad-
band cite a lack of digital literacy skills as a
main reason for not subscribing.
In Columbus, we dont have a prob-
lem creating jobs. We have a problem fll-
ing jobs, said Mayor Michael B. Coleman.
We must train our people to give them
skills that will allow them to participate in
our economic success.
Of the 7.2 million Ohio adults below
retirement age, 38% say they would have
diffculty completing at least one of the fol-
lowing tasks: creating or editing a spread-
sheet (33%); going online using a mobile
device (14%); using word processing soft-
ware (13%); and sending or receiving an
e-mail (7%) without assistance. That rep-
resents more than 2.7 million working-age
Ohio adults who would have diffculty in
performing at least one of these tasks.
Providing Ohioans with basic digital
literacy training and connecting them to
the Internet delivers the opportunity need-
ed to bridge the digital divide and allows
for Ohioans to compete on a national and
global level, said Stu Johnson, executive
director of Connect Ohio. Technical skills
in the workplace have already become a re-
quirement and the trend towards a virtual
workplace has taken off and will only con-
tinue to grow. The proper technical skills
can provide anyone, regardless of location,
a wealth of endless career opportunities.
Additional key fndings from this report
include:
Nationally, 70% of businesses consider
it important or very important for em-
ployees to have some Internet related skills,
yet 40% report that they have a diffcult
time fnding employees with the necessary
technical skills.
Many Ohio adults lack the digital skills
that employers are seeking one in eight
Ohio households that do not subscribe to
broadband cite a lack of digital literacy
skills as their main reasons for not subscrib-
ing.
More than 2.7 million working-age
Ohio adults would have diffculty complet-
ing computer-related tasks that many em-
ployers require.
One in three working-age Ohio adults
(33% of adults age 18-64) say it would be
diffcult or very diffcult for them to use
a computer to create or edit a spreadsheet
without assistance from someone else.
Business
Journal
THE
of West Central Ohio
Volume 23, No. 4

Contributing Writers
Jeffrey Gitomer
The Business Journal is mailed to the top
business leaders in the 13-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 con-
tent in any manner is prohibited. The Business
Journal is published monthly at 405 N. Main
St., Delphos, OH 45833
Contact Us
Marilyn Hoffman 419-695-0015 ext. 131
toll free 800-589-6950
Mail 405 N. Main St., Delphos, OH 45833-1598
For information concerning news,
advertising and subscription e-mail us at:
jmcpheron@delphosherald.com
or bizjrnl@delphosherald.com
www.businessjrnl.com
CINCINNATI, Feb. 27, 2014 As part of
its continued growth in retail brokerage, Jones
Lang LaSalle (JLL) today announced its ex-
pansion into the Great Lakes Region with the
addition of Melissa Ruther and Mary Bresna-
han as Vice Presidents, Retail Brokerage. The
new team will be led by Steve Yenser as part
of his current role as National Retail Broker-
age Lead for Jones Lang LaSalle. Ruther, who
will be based in Cincinnati, and Bresnahan,
who will be based in Columbus, will focus on
all aspects of retail brokerage activity includ-
ing tenant representation, project leasing, out-
parcel sales, new development and redevelop-
ment throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan,
Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
We are very excited to add retail broker-
age capabilities to our list of client services in
the Great Lakes Region, and see a huge op-
portunity to better serve our current and future
clients needs. We expect to establish market
leading results in the retail sector, as we have
with all of our other service lines in the re-
gion, J.C. Pelusi, Great Lakes Market Leader
at Jones Lang LaSalle.
Yenser added, Melissa and Mary are two
of the most respected retail experts in the
region, and their addition will create a very
strong foundation for our future retail growth.
Their extensive local market knowledge and
extreme focus on superior client service will
create tremendous value for our current and
future tenant and landlord clients.
Jones Lang LaSalle expands retail platform to the Great
Lakes Region with retail brokerage specialists in Ohio
Melissa Ruther and Mary Bresnahan join firms Cincinnati and Columbus offices as Vice Presidents
See LASALLE, page 5
4 TheBusinessJournal April 2014
(BPT) - Personal branding is an elusive
topic to most people, yet it is important for
career success. Wise professionals with ca-
reer success know it can mean the difference
between landing that dream job and never
getting noticed.
So what do you think of when you hear
the word professional brand? Simply stat-
ed, a brand is a promise of the value youll
deliver. You may think you dont need a
brand, but the reality is that you already have
one, says Jana Fallon, vice president, Exec-
utive Development for Prudential Financial.
By managing that professional reputation
you already have, you increase your chances
of being known for qualities that can land
your dream job or get you noticed by a com-
pany you have always wanted to work. If you
do start actively managing your brand, you
can find real power in knowing and sharing
what your unique differentiators are.
Fallon recommends five specific actions
you can take today to improve your brand
reputation.
B = Build
Build your brand by first defining what
you want that brand to be. To make this sim-
pler, it should include no more than three or
four characteristics that describe what you
offer or aspire to offer. It is good to be aspira-
tional but it also must be realistic. If you are
having trouble getting started, begin by ask-
ing people you trust what they immediately
associate with you. Ask for honest feedback
and listen to what you hear.
R = Reflect
Reflect on your strengths and liabilities
frequently. What is the unique value that you
have to offer and what do you aspire to be?
Think about your strengths and what you do
really well. What do you want to be known
for in business? What differentiates you? Use
those reflections to establish your unique
brand. Perhaps you want to be known as a
very curious, engaged consultant. Or perhaps
your unique brand is one of intelligence, can-
dor and strong ethics.
A = Actions speak
In order to sustain your brand, you have
to act accordingly. Your behaviors and the
decisions you make daily impact your brand.
Be bold in defining your brand and then have
the courage to live up to that brand promise.
If you are finding it challenging to start liv-
ing your brand, find someone that has a style,
behavior or an approach that you admire.
Emulate what works. Try it yourself and see
if it feels right for you. Experiment until you
find your own authentic behavior.
N = Network nonstop
To get others to recognize your brand,
you have to market yourself. This clearly
takes time and effort, but it can be done ef-
fectively if you follow these key steps. To
share your brand, network in the organiza-
tion you work in, outside work with other
professional contacts and in your commu-
nity. Make yourself visible to those that can
influence your career.
The key to a successful professional
brand is having strong word-of-mouth mar-
keting from friends, coworkers, customers
and other contacts. Having a strong brand
means finding ways to network and manage
what those contacts know and then say to
others about your capabilities.
D = Decide today
Decide to make managing your profes-
sional brand a priority, Fallon says. Carve
out time each week to fine tune and evolve
your defined brand. Make time to reflect
and try out new behaviors and to expand
your network. There is real power in know-
ing where you are focused and letting others
know for what you aspire to be known.
Building your professional brand
937.498.2381 www.ferguson-construction.com
Building our Region
for over 90 Years
i ndustri al
i nsti tuti onal
heal thcare
commerci al
speci al proj ects
INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL ROOFING
CottermanRoofng.com
Minster, Dayton & Columbus
(800) 713-3190
April 2014 TheBusinessJournal 5
Last year I posted four words on my bath-
room mirror: FINISH, WRITE, SHAPE, and
YES.
My results?
I finished the 21.5 Unbreak-
able Laws of Selling.
I wrote 1,000 words a week
and documented hundreds of ideas.
My shape is still plus 20
pounds, so that word will remain
this year.
I maintained my YES! At-
titude, but seeing the word every
morning and evening in my bath-
room mirror helped.
Not bad achievement results
but still being 20 pounds overweight shows a
flaw in my self-discipline. Not good.
Based on last years success, this year I
decided to create two four-word categories.
One for achievement and one for improve-
ment. Not goals in the sense that you may
be thinking about. Rather, intentions that I
consciously and subconsciously work on ev-
ery day to build success all year long.
By posting the words on my bathroom
mirror, I consciously see them each day, and
subconsciously think about them and act on
them regularly. Because theyre right in front
of me every morning and every evening,
they are inescapable mental confrontations.
Oh, and the process works!
After I explain each word I have selected
for this year, Ill provide a lesson you can
incorporate as you select your word(s). The
lesson is the motive behind the word so you
can use the same principle as you generate
your words.
On the achievement side of life, my four
words are: ADVISOR DIGITAL POW-
ER TIME
ADVISOR I launched the Gitomer Cer-
tified Advisor program in the fall of 2013.
Instant success. Ive certified more than 100
advisors. Theyre independent businesspeo-
ple who are now marketing their sales and
personal development services using my
intellectual property, both online and in the
classroom. In 2014 I will intensify the pro-
gram and the process until there are
500 certified advisors globally.
LESSON: Once you have a suc-
cessful idea, program, game plan,
or process strengthen it. Pick an
achievement target, and figure out
what you have to do weekly to make
it a reality. Whats one word that de-
scribes your biggest achievement tar-
get?
DIGITAL Convert all paper,
CD, and DVD to digital. Create fi-
nancial and distribution opportunities
ONLY available to digital information
dissemination. The world is not quite ready
for all digital, but I will be.
LESSON: Dont stay attached to old
technology or products even though they
have brought success and profit in the past.
Companies like Yellow Pages, Blackberry,
and AOL have buried themselves by not ad-
vancing soon enough. Companies like Ama-
zon, Zappos, and Apple have marched to the
head of the class by innovating BEFORE the
market did, and they set the standard for oth-
ers to follow. When someone says, Its just
like an iPad what theyre really saying
is, iPad set the standard. I want someone
to say, Im just like Gitomer. Whats one
word to describe the standard you are trying
to set?
POWER This year I intend to capitalize
on the convergent power of reputation, brand,
intellectual property, and online distribution.
Content is more than king. It is desired and
bought by those in need. And with online, on-
demand video, concentration on marketing and
distribution are on the top of my list.
LESSON: Your experience has given you
both success and expertise. What expertise
and success can you combine to give you a
market-dominant opportunity? Whats one
word that describes what youre trying to
capitalize on?
TIME My most precious resource and
yours! This year I intend to take control of it
and make it my own. Not manage it, rather
allocate it to things I WANT to do, rather
than things I HAVE to do. I want to write,
speak, travel, learn, read, and have meaning-
ful family time. Its the subtle difference be-
tween spending time and investing time.
I have written about time allocation before,
now its a matter of taking ownership of it.
LESSON: Wasted time is at the top of
lost resources for most people. Dont let
that be you. In 1889, Orison Swett Marden
wrote, Do not realize the immense value of
utilizing spare minutes. Whats a word that
offers you greater investment in your most
precious, non-recoverable resource?
Hopefully the words I have chosen and
the lessons I have provided will inspire you
to write and define your words for the year.
Interestingly, you most likely know in your
mind what they are, but have yet to bring
them to the visual surface as Post-it Notes on
your bathroom mirror.
On the improvement side of life, my
four words are: INSTAGRAM BLOG
SHAPE BEST
Post words. Achieve big. Build success. Day-by-Day.
Jeffrey Gitomer
Ruther has more than a decade of real
estate experience, and joins JLL from Edge
Real Estate Group, LLC., where she was re-
sponsible for tenant representation, develop-
ment, dispositions and agency leasing. She
earned her bachelors degree from Xavier
University, and is an active member of the
International Council of Shopping Centers
(ICSC).
Bresnahan has been involved in the retail
brokerage business for more than a decade.
She joins JLL from CBRE, where she spe-
cialized in lease dispositions, acquisitions
of retail developments and tenant represen-
tation. She holds real estate licenses in both
Ohio and West Virginia, and is active in the
International Council of Shopping Centers
(ICSC).
Collectively, Ruther and Bresnahan rep-
resent a wide range of national and local
retailers including: Bloomin Brands, DXL,
Cabelas, Chuys, Marquee Theater, Matt the
Miller Restaurant Group, Nationwide, Star-
bucks, Red Robin, Time Warner and Toys R
Us/ Babies R Us.
Yenser joined JLL in January of 2010 to
lead the firms retail local market practice.
Since 2012, he has steered the firms retail
brokerage expansion by adding more than 80
experts, in 20 core markets across the coun-
try. Yenser will continue to lead the firms
national expansion efforts, and will directly
lead the retail efforts in the Great Lakes Re-
gion.
LaSalle
(Continued from Page 3)
6 TheBusinessJournal April 2014
More options than ever for families needing elder care
(BPT) - More Americans than ever be-
fore are now older than 65, and in just four
more decades, for the first time in history,
there will be more seniors in the U.S. than
people younger than 18, according to the
U.S. Census Bureau. Given those num-
bers, is it any surprise that many families
wrestle with decisions for how to take
care of aging parents, grandparents and
other loved ones?
Deciding how to take care of an aging
loved one can be a challenging, emotion-
ally wrenching experience, says Danielle
Russell, vice president of operations and
business development for Assisted Tran-
sition, a network of independent consul-
tants that help families find elder care.
The good news is that as the population
of elders has expanded, so have elder care
options.
Just 20 years ago, families might have
had to choose between putting a parent
in a nursing home or having one younger
family member quit a job to stay home
and care for the parent. Today, options
abound and its important to know whats
available before making such an impor-
tant decision.
Russell offers some background on
seven of the top types of senior care:
* Assisted living communities - Se-
niors who require assistance with daily
activities such as dressing, eating or bath-
ing may still wish to live as independently
as possible. Assisted living communities
strive to provide an appropriate level of
care while allowing residents to main-
tain as much independence as possible.
Seniors who are no longer able to live
completely independently, but who do
not need nursing home, Alzheimers or
dementia care, may find this type of ar-
rangement works for them.
* Respite/short-term care - This type of
care provides short-term breaks for fami-
lies that may need elder care for a short
time - a few hours, a day or a weekend,
for example. Options can include an in-
home skilled health assistant, an adult day
program outside the home, or residential
respite care facility.
* Independent living communities - In
these residential communities, seniors can
live by themselves with minimal assis-
tance for certain tasks and needs. Elders
with mild mobility issues or forgetfulness
might do well in this type of environment.
* Rehabilitation centers - A senior re-
covering from a minor health issue may
require extra care and therapy to regain
the ability to live independently. Reha-
bilitation centers provide care as well as
occupational, physical or speech therapy.
* Dementia care - Dementia is a pro-
gressive disorder that weakens memory,
impairs judgment and diminishes mental
abilities. Elders experiencing dementia
may need an increasing level of care. De-
mentia care can occur inside the home or
in a care facility.
* Alzheimers communities - A pro-
gressive, incurable cognitive disorder,
Alzheimers affects memory and mental
abilities. Patients usually require a high
level of care with everyday tasks, but may
be in physically good health. Alzheim-
ers communities specialize in caring for
patients who require this high level of
care.
* Skilled nursing homes - Licensed
by the state in which they operate, skilled
nursing homes provide the highest level
of medical care outside a hospital. These
round-the-clock residential facilities care
for patients who require a high level of
care, such as those who are bed-ridden or
suffer from chronic health issues that re-
quire 24-hour access to medical aid.
Even the most diligent families may
have difficulty sorting through all the el-
der care options and decisions they face
during the stress-filled process of choos-
ing care. Many seek advice and expert
assistance, such as from Assisted Transi-
tion, that can help ensure their loved ones
receive the best possible care for his or
her needs. The organization offers infor-
mation, resources and free placement ser-
vices to families looking for senior care
and housing options. Assisted Transition
provides referrals to assisted living fa-
cilities, nursing homes, residential care
homes, senior housing and other industry
resources. To find a consultant near you,
visit www.assistedtransition.com.
By 2060, more than one in five Ameri-
cans will be 65 or older, according to U.S.
Census projections. As the population
continues to gray, more families will need
help in caring for aging loved ones - and
in finding care arrangements that are right
for their family.
Business Journal of WC Ohio




Fostoria Office
419-436-4085
Findlay Office
419-427-0622
Tiffin Office
419-443-8287
Toll Free
888-435-1234
Group Medical Plans
Health Management Programs
Prescription Drug Programs
Group Vision & Dental Plans
Short & Long Term Disability
Group Life, AD&D
Voluntary Benefits
Online Benefits Enrollment
401k Retirement
corporateonebenefits.com

Our UNIQUE EXPERTISE is
customized group health insurance
program consulting
April 2014 TheBusinessJournal 7
The
Business Journal
Distributed in
13 counties...
ALLEN, AUGLAIZE, DEFIANCE,
HANCOCK, HARDIN, HENRY.
LOGAN, MERCER, PAULDING,
PUTNAM, SHELBY, VAN WERT,
AND WOOD
(BPT) - If you own a-small business,
every dollar matters especially when
it comes to taxes. Whether your business-
is a partnership or corporation, Uncle
Sam offers some sizeable deductions to-
lower your liability, allowing you to put
those dollars toward capital and-employ-
ees.
Easy-to-use-tax preparation solutions
have become-an increasingly popular
way for small-business owners to-nav-
igate-deductions and-tax law changes.
The programs ask simple questions about
business income and expenses to help
maximize your deductions. Solutions,
such as the value leader-TaxACT, allow
you to use their online solutions for free
and only require payment when you're
ready to file.
TaxACT-spokesperson Jessi-Dol-
mage-shares three ways to-reduce your
small-business taxes.
Tip 1:-Buy to save
Whenever buying new equipment,
technology, software or even furniture
for your business, save those receipts-and
keep detailed records that include pur-
chase price and date placed into service.
You should be able to substantiate any
expenses you-claim-on your tax return.
The 2013 Section 179 deduction
limit for new and used assets purchased-
is-$500,000. However, your business
must be profitable in order to receive
this benefit in 2013. In 2014, the dollar
limit drops to $25,000 unless Congress
extends this tax break.
Bonus depreciation of 50 percent of
the cost of new items expires at the end
of 2013. Depreciation-can be claimed
whether or not your business is profit-
able.
Tip 2:-Tis always
the season for giving
Company donations of money, sup-
plies and property are all deductible
expenses. So are-bonuses-(and-associ-
ated-payroll taxes)-awarded to your em-
ployees, partners and-officers. If your
business is an S Corporation, keep a close
eye on officer compensation to-ensure-
you-meet-IRS requirements-and-thus
avoid penalties.
Give yourself the gift of education.-
Take a class or seminar or attend a
convention that helps you maintain or
improve skills required for your busi-
ness.
Tip-3:-Business is
sometimes-personal
If you use your home for your busi-
ness, you may be able to deduct mortgage
interest, insurance, utilities, repairs and
depreciation.
Corporations and partnerships can
also deduct actual expenses for non-
personal uses of your personal vehicle,
as well as reimbursements to employ-
ees for business use of their personal
vehicles. Actual expenses may include
costs for fuel, maintenance and park-
ing fees. Your detailed mileage records
should include date, total miles, tolls,
parking and purpose of trip. You can also
deduct vehicle depreciation and loan in-
terest.
The bottom line-
Small-business owners have year-
round opportunities to cut their taxes,
Dolmage recommends doing a dry
run of your taxes with an online or
download solution like TaxACT before
you actually file to identify potential
savings. Answer simple questions about
your expenses and revenues, and the
program will do the rest so you can
see how moving revenue and expenses
forward or back may change your
taxes.
To make tax time easier, TaxACT also
offers a free mobile app for organizing
your tax documents throughout the year.-
Take a picture of-receipts, statements and
tax forms-with-TaxACT-DocVault, then
save up to 3 GB of digital images on
TaxACT's secure servers. At tax time,
import images into-TaxACT-to save with
your 1040, 1065, 1120 or 1120S tax re-
turn.
Get more business tax tips at-www.
irs.gov and learn more about TaxACT-
Small Business solutions and TaxACT-
DocVault-at-www.taxact.com.
Three big ways small-business
owners can save on taxes
Serving the Corporate
and Personal Community
for Over 30 Years.
Living the Rotary motto:
Service above self
Life Home Auto Business Income
Hukill Hazlett
Harrington Agency, Inc.
Insurance Since 1838
513-793-1190 FAX: 513-793-5730 Cell: 513-479-1193
Direct Line: 513-619-4621
Email: jbirckhead@hhhinsurance
www.hhhinsurance.com
Jane Birckhead, CPCU
Executive Vice President
Trustee - Stepping Stones Center
Life Home Auto Business Income
Hukill Hazlett
Harrington Agency, Inc.
Insurance Since 1838
513-793-1190
FAX: 513-795-5730 Cell: 513-479-1193
Direct Line: 513-619-4621
Email: jbirckhead@hhhinsurance.com
www.hhhinsurance.com
Serving the Corporate
and Personal Community
For Over 30 Years
Living the Rotary motto:
Service above self
Miller Precision
Mfg. Industries, Inc.
131 Progressive Dr. P.O. Box 489
Ottoville, Ohio 45876
CNC Precision Machining Small & Large Production Runs
Fixtures Special Machinery & Tooling
Secondary Machine Operations
Phone 419-453-3251 FAX 419-453-3030
www.millerprecision.com
8 TheBusinessJournal April 2014
www.businessjrnl.com







AIP offers a full range of
services
Warehousing Distribution
Transportation Pick and Pack
Freight Management
Transloading



300 Industrial Dr
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
419.738.9211
We're more than
]ust
Buildings and
Trucks.
www.aiplogistics.com
(BPT) - Smart business owners know how important it
is to preserve their companys reputation, but many may
not realize the extent to which their current and potential
customers care about the technology they use.
According to a recent survey, more than two-thirds of
consumers think the use of modern technology is critical
to the success of a business. Convenience and better cus-
tomer service are among top reasons tech matters to con-
sumers who do business with small companies, and when
implemented, modern technology significantly increases
the likelihood of creating repeat customers.
In the absence of modern technology, nine out of 10
surveyed said they would - or would consider - taking
business elsewhere. This makes the choices small busi-
nesses make when it comes to identifying and upgrading
outdated technology critical to keeping customers happy
and even more important for taking control of their future
success.
What qualifies as outdated?
More than half of consumers consider five- to 10-year-
old operating systems and desktop computers outdated.
That means that small businesses still running the 12-year-
old Windows XP operating system fall into the category of
outdated in consumers minds.
But there are more than just reputational considerations
for businesses still using an outdated operating system. Af-
ter April 8, businesses running Windows XP will no longer
receive security updates or technical support for
the system, meaning their systems may become
more vulnerable to security threats.
Modern technology options abound
The good news is that businesses in need of a technolo-
gy facelift have a whole new world of devices and capabil-
ities at their fingertips. For example, an array of Windows
8-enabled devices have become available in the last year,
such as affordable tablets, laptops and other form factors
that offer mobility and productivity at the same time. In
addition, cloud technology has given small businesses ac-
cess to the same powerful technology larger companies
use, but in an affordable and manageable pricing structure.
Many small businesses are using cloud technology to
reach new customers and enable employees to collaborate
from separate locations. OnPoint CFO & Controller Ser-
vices, which provides outsourced accounting and finance
services to companies, is using the cloud-based productiv-
ity service Office 365 to enable its employees to collabo-
rate with one another and their clients while working from
home offices.
Standing still is falling behind, says Brian Clark, On-
Point CFO co-founder, president and CEO. Either you
implement new technologies or you risk getting passed by
your competitors.
Modern technology can help small businesses not only
get more done, but reach more customers and retain them
too. To learn more about modern technology for small
businesses, download a free e-guide at www.microsoft-
businesshub.com/G2MeGuide.
Small business owners: Your reputation may
be at risk because of outdated technology
Sales
Service
Leasing
8
8
0
0
0
0
-
-
3
3
5
5
4
4
-
-
7
7
9
9
4
4
6
6
I-75 & SR 65, Lima
www.ssvolvo.com
937.492.4423
. . . Global Approach
Local Resources
www.industrialproperty.biz
Commercial & Industrial
Solutions for Over 30 Years.
Recent transactions in Mexico, California,
North Dakota and Tennessee
Sidney Offce
840 S. Vandemark Rd.
Sidney, Ohio 45365
937.498.2357
Lima Offce
2250 Central Point Parkway
Lima, Ohio 45804
419.222.1109
Muncie Offce
3100 E. County Road 350N
Muncie, Indiana 47303
765.284.1594
We bring electricity to life.
OH LIC #21016 www.sidneyelectric.com
Well keep your
manufacturing
facility connected.