The Business Journal MidDecember 2009

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The Valley’s Business Matters www.BusinessJournalDaily.com

ISSN 1047-8582 Vol. 26 No. 12 MidDECEMBER 2009 $2.50
Seeing Green
In Beds of Red
North Jackson greenhouse is
Mahoning Valley’s largest grower
of ‘The Flower of the Holy Night.’
By Dennis LaRue
A
s Santa Claus reviews his lists this month,
Chuck Lehotsky and his wife, Jennifer, are
preparing the 7,500 planters filled with
poinsettias they’ll deliver the week before Claus
makes his annual visits.
Most will be delivered to churches in Trumbull,
Mahoning and Columbiana counties the week before
Christmas, says the owner of Chuck’s Greenhouses,
North Jackson, who describes himself as “the largest
grower of poinsettias in Mahoning County who’s a
true grower.”
Other greenhouses in the Valley might sell more
poinsettias, he explains, but they’ll hold them briefly
before shipping them on.
From early July through December, four of
Lehotsky’s six greenhouses are devoted to growing Jennifer and Chuck Lehotsky are flanked by the hundreds of poinsettias they grow at their greenhouse and will deliver this month.
and nurturing the plants Mexicans call “The Flower Roberts Poinsett (1779-1851), sent samples home churches, and by 1836, Americans were calling it
of the Holy Night.” after seeing it when he toured Taxco del Alarcon in a poinsettia.
The Flower of the Holy Night is native to south- the early 1820s. Most Americans are familiar with the green and
ern Mexico – the Aztecs called it cuetlaxochitl – and By 1828 the plant was becoming widely used red leaves of the plant, the latter called “bracts,”
the United States’ first minister to Mexico, Joel in Christmas displays in this country, especially in See POINSETTIAS, page 30
Kolachi Sweetens Holidays

Volunteers keep church months,” makes kolachi along with
more than two dozen other volunteers
assembly line rolling. at her church, St. John the Baptist
By Maraline Kubik Orthodox Church in Campbell, and
buys her kolachi at its annual Christ-
M argaret Boldish used to make

kolachi at home. The rolls of
sweet dough filled with nuts,
lekvar, apricot, cheese or poppyseeds
are a Christmas tradition.
mas bake sale.
In two days, the volunteers make
1,000 loaves of kolachi from scratch
– nut and apricot on one day and
cheese, lekvar and poppyseed the
While she doesn’t bake at home next. Add to that one day of prepa-
anymore, Boldish, who proudly ration – industrial-sized mixers and
states her age as “90 years and seven ovens need to be wiped down, and
dozens of banquet tables where the
Volunteers spread nut filling on dough. In kolachi will be placed to cool need
two days, their assembly lines at St. John the to be cleaned and covered in plastic
Baptist Orthodox Church in Campbell turned – and another day to wrap and pack
out 1,000 loaves of kolachi from scratch. See KOLACHI, page 32
2 MidDECEMBER 2009 The Business Journal
The Business Journal MidDECEMBER 2009 3
9 Made in the Valley at Gorant’s

Kim Talley and Linda Weaver wrap towers
of chocolate at Gorant’s factory in Board-
man. On page 9, Maraline Kubik’s series,
Made in the Valley, takes us to the assem-
bly plant; on page 57, the sale of the plant
is listed among the county’s largest.
Joe Hollabaugh, Ray Mancini and Frank Sergi visit the Poland Giant Eagle to sell “Round One” of Mancini’s Southpaw label.
A Fighter and a Lover – of Wine

Former boxer joins with L’uva bottles of “Round One” of the Southpaw label.
The wine he helped to develop with winemakers
Bella winery, Superior Beverage Joe Hollabaugh and Frank Sergi of L’uva Bella is, as
Mancini describes it, “a medium-bodied cabernet,
to promote his wine label. light, pleasing, that lays good on the front palate and
middle palate but dies in the back palate. But that’s
19 Strategies to Cut Your Income Taxes By Dennis LaRue OK. ... It’s nice, light, pleasing.”
’Tis the season to think about how you The beverage is something those who savor wine
W
might reduce your personal and business orld Boxing Organization lightweight will enjoy, he says, and he promises satisfaction.
income taxes before the bill comes due champion. Actor. Film maker, field “Women, who historically are not cabernet drinkers,
April 15. Jim Rosa from Hill, Barth & King producer and Web site designer. And will like it,” Mancini says, as will “the new genera-
itemizes some strategies you might want now wine connoisseur promoting his own label, tion” he’s trying to reach, a group that encompasses
to consider with your accountant. Southpaw, a cabernet sauvignon he helped to everyone from “Wall Street guys to elementary
develop. school and kindergarten teachers.”
CORRECTION Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, working with L‘uva We caught up with Mancini, Hollabaugh and
In our mid-November issue was a page-one article, Bella Winery in Lowellville and Superior Beverage Sergi in the Poland Giant Eagle midmorning Dec. 2.
“These Are Their Stories,” about four unemployed Group, Austintown, was in restaurants, country The night before the three had been at the Churchill
professional men and their efforts to find new jobs. clubs, supermarkets and state liquor outlets in Commons Giant Eagle in Liberty Township where
We reported that one, Richard T. Johnson, lost his northeastern Ohio early this month to sell 15,000 See MANCINI, page 4
position in 2007 at Tri-Dem Filter Corp. in Boardman,
shortly after it acquired Aero-Chem Inc., where he
had worked 29 years. A former owner of Aero-Chem,
Donald J. Rosa, says Johnson remained employed
three years at Tri-Dem, from 2004 to 2007.
“One of the major considerations that the owners of
Aero-Chem had [in 2003 and 2004] when investigat-
ing a sale to a major filter manufacturer was that
the acquirer would maintain all our employees and
maintain a physical presence in the Valley,” Rosa
writes. “Mr. Johnson remained employed by Tri-Dem
three years after the acquisition.”
Johnson also said that all of the Aero-Chem employ-
ees were laid off in 2007. Not so, Rosa says. At
least 17 remain employed there.
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Mancini: A Fighter and a Lover – of Wine

From Page 3 her of Mancini’s pending visit. While he prefers a cabernet with lunch – and he’s
Mancini had autographed bottles of Southpaw and “Can you sign this for me?” Tocheck asked. quick to point out that Southpaw is made entirely
saw its shipment of 12 cases sell out, owner Ron The former boxing champ was pleased to do so from cabernet grapes where most cabernets have
Graff Jr. confirmed. and that, 42 years later, he still remembered her. some zinfandel or pinot juice mixed in – Mancini
Mancini was at the Poland Giant Eagle to educate Mancini was a good student who behaved and never usually has pinot noir with dinner.
the wine staff there on the attributes of Southpaw, got into fights, his first-grade teacher recalled. It took him, Sergi and Hollabaugh 1½ years to
he said, not to promote the wine. As the morning wore on, the Giant Eagle filled develop the recipe for Southpaw, Mancini returning
No matter. He was recognized almost as soon and Mancini remembered many of the fans who to the Valley every three months or so and the trio
as he walked through the doors by the smattering approached him. spending four hours conducting the “blending tri-
of shoppers. His fans kept asking the same questions and the als” of the recipe that would become Round One.
Sara O’Neill Munford and her 3-month-old son, champ kept giving the same answers, giving no No year is on the label of Southpaw, Mancini points
Daniel Chaney Munford (named after a boxing indication it was the 100th or 1,000th time he’d out, because while 85% of the grapes in the wine
champion, she said) were the first to buy a bottle heard their questions. were picked in 2005, 8% were picked in 2007 and
and have Mancini autograph the black label by using “Wine is a passion,” he said, “and I’d like to turn 7% in 2004.
a pen with white ink. a passion into a business.” The L’uva Bella winery is too small to produce all
After a brief conversation with Munford, Mancini He’s been drinking wine 25 years, Mancini told the Southpaw made, Mancini said, and so a winery
answered a reporter’s questions as a queue formed a reporter, and contrary to popular perceptions that on the West Coast makes most of the output.
to get his autograph and reminisce with him about boxers might favor boilermakers, the boxer has a His daughter, Nina, helped him design the label,
his boxing career. glass, sometimes two, with his meals. which depicts Mancini from the left side throwing
A gray-haired woman with glasses greeted him “I was never a beer drinker,” he said. “Wine en- his left arm in a powerful punch.
with, “Do you remember me?” hances a meal. You go to Europe and they drink it Superior Beverage Group has the distribution
“You look familiar,” Mancini responded, trying with breakfast, lunch and dinner. My son [now 13] rights to Southpaw in 37 counties in Ohio, says
to place her. has been drinking wine since he was a baby. ... I love Bob Pallozzi at Superior. The area encompasses
“St. Dominic’s,” she continued. “I was your first- food. I love wine. I love chocolate,” he said. those counties from Franklin (Columbus) to Jef-
grade teacher.” Is he thinking of developing a line of choco- ferson (Steubenville) north to the Lake Erie shore.
“My first-grade teacher!” Mancini exclaimed. lates? “Our plans are to promote it where he’s known,”
He knew immediately the woman was Dolores “I’m looking to do olive oil next,” Mancini an- Pallozzi said, and Superior “has an interest in the
Tocheck and that she lived on Euclid Boulevard in swered, with an assumption that Southpaw will rest of Ohio.”
Youngstown. prove a success. And if not that, or after that, he’s The second and succeeding rounds of Southpaw
Her grandson, Joey Fiedorczyk, employed at the exploring the notion of espresso imported from Italy, Superior hopes to distribute elsewhere in the United
supermarket “a couple of months,” had informed or chocolate from Brazil. States in “phased releases,” he said.
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Security Guards Find Ways to Stay on Duty

Need increases but not Oakes, president and CEO of Delta Elite Security departments and fire departments are going to have
Inc. in Warren. In 1986, Oakes used his corporate smaller staff,” Oakes says. “They can’t be everywhere
demand for services. loss-prevention experience with J.C. Penney Co. Inc. at once. As far as the commercial customers, I think
By Jeremy Lydic to start Delta Elite. Today the company’s primary they’re putting in security for a safety standpoint to
customers are commercial and industrial. Its 70- prevent any damages to the property, the facility,
D
espite losing some business because of the some armed and unarmed guards serve companies and for the safety of their employees.”
recession, security companies are keeping throughout the Mahoning Valley, Oakes says. Like Some 32,060 security guards are employed in
guards at their posts. Clautti, Oakes foresees an increase in demand. Ohio, reports the Department of Labor. The national
Reports from the U.S. Department of Labor say “With the population in the Valley decreasing and average compensation for security guards is $38,382,
security guard employment is projected to grow by the tax funding dropping, that means that the police with the mean wage $11.98 an hour.
17% through 2016, creating 175,000 more jobs. But
such studies are done in larger cities, says Master
Security’s director of operations, Steve Ruggles, and
smaller markets might not see as much growth.
“With the current recession, a lot of people would
think security would increase,” Ruggles says, “when, ��
��
in fact, it’s decreased.”
Struggling companies cut the number of security
guards to save money. This is a change from post-
9/11, when “you saw a lot of different companies
look at security programs they had in place” and
beefed up, especially larger corporations, he says. ��
Ruggles hopes to expand into western Pennsyl-
vania, and the company is considering adding a few ��
new products to its line, he says. One is offering edu-
cation and in-service training where Master Security ��
staff would instruct employees on identifying and
preventing potential violence in the workplace. ��
The company, which employs 38 unarmed ��
guards, will continue electronic fingerprinting, a ��
service for which demand has increased as Ohio en-
acts more laws that require workers be fingerprinted,
Ruggles says. Pharmacy technicians fell under such ��
requirements this year, he says, and locksmiths and ��
alarm system installers could be next.
While R.E.M.Co Security has seen some of its ��
business fall off – about 5% over the last four years,
says owner Richard Clautti – he expects “that in
the next five years it’s going to grow.” When the
Youngstown company started in 1984, it provided
mostly hospital security, but soon branched out.
Its 27 guards, armed and unarmed, are stationed
in factories and work in conjunction with police
officers in schools, he says. ®
“Factories are a big thing, especially with terror-
ism going on the way it is,” Clautti says.
Regardless, R.E.M.Co hasn’t regained the 5% it ��
lost, Clautti says. One reason is some companies
have been replacing stationed guards with security
cameras. While cameras are good when used in
conjunction with security guards, “Nothing can ��
take the place of the presence of a security guard,”
he says. ��
Despite demand, security companies are having a
hard time finding guards willing to carry a weapon,
Clautti says. People don’t want to go through the
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training and background checks unless they are ��
paid more. That and the younger, more fit guards
decide to stay in school and seek employment in
municipal police forces. ��
“It’s expensive and you have to buy the weapon,”
Clautti says. “This is no longer the industry where ��
you have 75-year-old retired guys sitting behind a ��
desk. Your security force is your office, building or
plant’s first response. They have to be alert.”
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Guards also help a company deter or prevent in-

ternal theft and provide overall safety, says Gregory
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Home Sweet Home in Mahoning Valley

Sam and Charles Gorant started
their candy company here, and
here is where it will stay.
By Maraline Kubik
W
illy Wonka brought every child’s fantasy
to life on the big screen when he gave
his fabled chocolate factory to a boy who
found a golden ticket inside the wrapper of his
chocolate bar.
For Perry Macheras, that story – with a few twists
– could be the story of his life.
He grew up in Virginia but visited family in the
Mahoning Valley for holidays and stayed for weeks at
a time every summer. Making the visits even sweeter
was the opportunity to help his uncles, Charlie and
Sam Gorant, in the chocolate factory and retail store
they’d founded in 1949 at 6999 Market St. in Board-
man, Gorant Candies.
“I wrapped foil eggs at Easter – they were so
busy,” Macheras recalls. In the summers, he worked
in the factory helping out wherever help was needed.
Even when he wasn’t in town, Gorant’s chocolate
was still an important part of his life. His uncles, he
explains, always sent him and his family candy. “It
was our favorite chocolate, the only chocolate we
ate,” he says.
After he graduated from college, Macheras en-
tered a management-training program at Gorant’s
although, he says, he’d never planned to go into the
family business. Entering the management-training
program, he says, “was just an opportunity after
college.”
At the time, his uncles had just introduced the
first Yum Yum Tree retail location. Eventually, the
chain grew to more than 60 stores. “So I was there
with all that growth,” Macheras says. During that
time he discovered that he loved the business, “es-
pecially the retail side,” he says.
Today, he owns three Gorant’s stores in Trum-
bull County. Another of his uncles, Steve Chelekis
– “Uncle Charlie’s brother-in-law,” he notes – opened
Bev Conkle, an employee in Gorant Chocolatier’s factory, displays a tray that will be sold in a retail store this holiday season.
two of those
stores with as owners of companies based in France and Canada “We wanted a quiet transition,” Cayten says, with
a p a r t n e r, sought to establish a presence in the United States, the chocolate manufacturer continuing to service
�� H a r o l d making their entry as owners of Gorant’s, says Jack accounts from coast to coast.
�� K i r s c h l e r,
more than
Peluse, director of operations and plant manager.
During the transitions, the plant shutdown for weeks
American Greetings no longer wanted to be in
the retail business and sold its stores to Shurman
30 years ago. at a time and some members of the community Fine Papers, Cayten continues. While some of
When Che- – including many of Gorant’s employees – thought those retail outlets no longer sell Gorant’s choco-
lekis decided the company had closed for good. lates – the partners changed the company name to
to retire, he American Greetings Corp./Carlton Cards Retail Gorant Chocolatier – many independent retailers,
sold the stores Inc. bought the chocolate business in the early drugstores and such, that American Greetings served
to Macheras. 1990s, selling chocolates produced at the plant in remain loyal customers.
Nobody else in Boardman in its retail stores throughout the country, In the Mahoning Valley, however, Shurman closed
the family, not even Peluse continues. On Oct. 9 of this year, American three stores, Gorant’s original location at 6999 Mar-
the founder’s daughters, Greetings sold the company to three locals: Marty ket St. last February, and stores in Austintown and
wanted to go into the Seidler, Joe Miller and John Cayten. at Tiffany Square in Boardman in May.
chocolate business. Seidler and Cayten are residents of Trumbull That led many locals to believe Gorant’s had gone
After Sam Gorant died and Charles decided to re- County and own Big Dipper Food Inc., which makes out of business, Peluse says. “One-third to 40% of
tire, he sold the business, including a 52,000-square- peanut brittle. Miller resides in Wooster and owns our customers thought we closed,” he says. The store
foot factory and retail store that he and his brother Amish Door Restaurant & Village. in front of the factory has remained open continu-
had built in 1977 at 8301 Market St. in Boardman. This time, Peluse says, there was a seamless tran- ously, he continues, and as customers realize that,
Gorant Candies changed hands a couple of times sition with no interruptions in operations. See GORANT’S, page 10
York, and Brix Chocolate Inc., based in Boardman. eras says his uncles were dedicated “to providing the
Brix, Cayten notes, is made to pair with wine as best product at the best price and giving consumers
a more healthful alternative to cheese. good value for their money” – the new owners plan
Many of these lines are sold throughout the coun- to build “significant growth over the long term but
try and internationally via brick-and-mortar retail not at the expense of quality,” Cayten says.
locations, mail order and the Internet. “We want to re-establish Gorant’s presence within
Everything Gorant Chocolatier produces for a 50-mile radius with more outlets,” adds Miller.
these customers, Miller notes, is manufactured at In addition to the store in front of the factory in
the company’s plant in Boardman. Gorant always Boardman and Macheras’ three stores in Trumbull
made its chocolates and will continue to make its County, Gorant’s chocolates are available locally at
chocolates in the Mahoning Valley. “Gorant’s home is card shops in the Southern Park and Eastwood malls
in the Mahoning Valley and the strength of Gorant’s that are owned by Shurman Fine Papers.
is in the Mahoning Valley,” Miller states. Overall, the candymaker produces 450 different
Holding true to the founders’ philosophy – Mach- products.
Got a High Deductible Health Plan?

Get a Health Savings Account!
John Cayten, a Warren resident and one of Gorant Chocolatier’s Making health care more affordable is a top priority these days. A Health Savings
owners, says the company will remain true to original recipe. Account (HSA) is a smart way to save for your medical expenses when you have a
high-deductible health plan.
Gorant’s: At Home Here What is an HSA?
From Page 9 An HSA is a tax-advantaged account used to pay for current and future qualified
they’ve been visiting. As a result, Peluse reports, medical expenses for those with a high-deductible health plan.
sales at the store so far this month are 27% ahead
of last December. What are the benefits of owning an HSA?
Judging from the amount of candy other retailers
in the area have ordered, he “guesstimates” that their Tax Savings – Enjoy tax advantages for contributions, interest earnings and
sales are exceeding those of last December too. withdrawals.*
Since assuming ownership, the partners have also Flexibility – Use for current medical expenses or save the money for future needs.
been working to land new accounts. Soon, Cayten Portability – Keep your HSA and “take it with you” when you change jobs or
reports, Gorant’s chocolates will be available in cor- medical coverage.
porate-owned Giant Eagle stores throughout most of
Ohio. Eventually, he says, Gorant’s chocolate may be
sold in all of Giant Eagle’s corporate stores. Why should I choose a Home Savings HSA?
In addition to the line of Gorant’s chocolates
Our employees are thoroughly trained on HSAs, so they can answer all
Gorant Chocolatier manufactures – the recipe hasn’t
changed since brothers Charlie and Sam founded the of your questions and guide you in choosing what’s right for you. Your
company, Seidler stresses – the company also makes contributions will earn a competitive interest rate that’s based on your
several private-label lines using recipes provided by account balance, and we’ll give you a debit card specifically designated
or specifically developed for each customer. for your health care expenses. Best of all, for a limited time, we’ll waive
The private label brands include lines produced
the $25 set-up fee, and for the first year, we’ll also waive the
for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, based in Lititz, Pa.,
Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier and Chocolate, monthly service fee!**
Chocolate, Chocolate, both based in St. Louis, Mo.,
Gayle’s Miracles: The Perfect Truffle, based in New
Stop in or call your local branch today to find out
how a Home Savings HSA can help you!
Gorant Chocolatier 330.742.0500 | 1.888.822.4751
Products: Chocolate candies
Founders: Sam and Charles Gorant
Year Founded: 1949
Headquarters/Manufacturing: Boardman, Ohio
Number of Employees: 45 fulltime, 25 seasonal
Retailers: Gorant Chocolatier in Boardman, Gorant
Candies of Warren in Warren and Howland, PMG
Chocolatier in Niles, American Greetings in the
Southern Park and Eastwood malls
* Consult a tax advisor regarding tax advantages of contributions, interest earnings and withdrawals.
** Account set-up fee of $25 is waived through 12/31/09. A service charge of $2.00 will be assessed every month if the balance in your account falls below $2,000 (waived the first year).
Source: Gorant Chocolatier
Subsidiary of United Community Financial Corp. Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC homesavings.com
Audean Patterson, executive director, says residents routinely gather in the living room to visit with each other, participate in group activities and browse through memory books they’ve made.
Residents Become ‘Family’ at Paisley House

The assisted-living residence Women in April 1909 when its first board of direc- not an institution, we’re a home,” she stresses. Resi-
tors unamimously approved a motion to purchase dents and staff “become a family and when residents
is a home, not an institution. property along Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown come here, they hope they can live out their lives
By Maraline Kubik – a portion of the Powers estate – on which to build here.” Some of the residents have family, others have
a home “where aged women who have never been no one, or at least not anyone in the area, Patterson
M emory books line the shelves and rest on

tables throughout the living room and
library in the house where the “sister
family” lives.
Inside the books are stories, poems, drawings and
paupers, or who should not be treated as such, may
receive aid, protection and shelter,” minutes from
the meeting read.
“All they needed was a black dress and $500 and
they’d be taken care of for the rest of their lives,”
says, “so we become their family, a sister family.”
So tight are the bonds that many of the residents
choose to celebrate holidays and special meals, such
as Thanksgiving dinner, with each other rather than
with their own families. “This is their comfort zone,”
photos that record important events in the lives of says Audean Patterson, Paisley House executive Patterson says.
the residents of the home. director. Referring to the memory books, she says, “These
On one page, the writer recalls her wedding. She The first residents were single women, school people are so interesting. We do a lot of reminesc-
and her fiance had agreed that if he were called to teachers and women who didn’t have any children. ing.” Residents choose what to include in the books
serve in World War II, they would marry immedi- Back then, elderly women relied on their children and most of them “want to say, ‘Look at me and re-
ately. The wedding took place on a weekday evening to look after them when they could no longer look member that I was once a young person. It’s just my
in her parents’ home and she was so excited, hurried after themselves, Patterson explains. “Assisted-living body that got old.’ [What they include in the books]
and nervous that she forgot her shoes. residences were unheard of,” she says. “We had the is what they want to be remembered for.”
Turn the page and another resident writes about corner on the market.” They read about themselves and each other as
visiting Colorado as a young child and watching Residency at Paisley House is no longer restricted do members of their families when they come to
buffalo grazing on the prarie. Her family settled in to women. The home, named in honor of Mrs. Rob- visit, and it is a pleasant experience. It can even be
Youngstown after her father was offered a job in the ert Paisley, the first chairwoman of the board, is open a comforting experience when a resident reaches
pressroom at The Vindicator. to anyone – male or female – no longer able to live the end of her life. A hospice room is onsite and
Yet another resident shares her memories of alone or who chooses not to, Patterson says. when a resident reaches that point, Patterson says,
dancing to the big bands that used to perform in The first month after a new resident moves in is it’s common for the other residents to celebrate “her
the ballroom at Idora Park, fishing at Lake Erie and a trial period, she notes, with the new resident and wonderful stay here and we all pray for a safe and
raking leaves every autumn. existing residents and staff making sure it is a good quiet departure.”
The stories belong to the women who live at Pais- fit. “This is a happy place,” Patterson continues. Marie Zinz, formerly of Boardman, has lived at
ley House, an assisted-living home in Youngstown “We’re glad you came and the residents are happy to Paisley House the past year and at 95 is the home’s
celebrating 100 years of service to the community. be here.” If a resident does not want to be at Paisley oldest resident. Before moving to Paisley House she
Paisley House was founded as The Home for Aged House, she says, “We don’t want them here. We’re See PAISLEY HOUSE, page 12
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and offered incentives for the employees to
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Treasurer, Lakeview Local School District
— Milton A. Williams,Treasurer Cortland, OH
Are paper paychecks giving you a headache?
Are you tired of paying large Direct

Deposit fees to your financial institution?
� The Direct Deposit
��
program is awesome and
so is everyone at Seven
Seventeen Credit Union!
– Margie Malone, Office Manager,
� Pay your employees without traditional Wollam Chevrolet, Cortland, OH Ruthie Loar, president of the board of directors, visits with
paper checks, a savings of approximately $1.25
�
Chris Stefanski, a resident, during a bingo game.
�
per paycheck.
Payroll is electronically transferred to your
��
The setup of Seven Seventeen’s
Direct Deposit program is so Paisley House:
employee’s financial institution(s) of choice. quick and easy! From Page 11
– Helen Dolan, Office Manager,
� Submit your payroll only one day in advance of the lived alone in a house where she’d spent most of her
Miller Bearing, Kent, OH life – “70 years in the same house,” she boasts.
pay date.
When she and her daughter, Barbara Wertz,
�
� No special software needed. Just email an Excel began looking for assisted-living homes they were
spreadsheet or a file from your existing payroll Seven Seventeen’s Direct immediately drawn to Paisley House because several
software system (if applicable). We’ll take care of Deposit program is very easy.�� friends and relatives had lived there and because “it
Even the employees that were is always spotlessly clean. Mom couldn’t live in a
the rest! hesitant about switching from place that wasn’t,” Wertz says.
� Low, business-friendly fees.* paper checks now love it! “I like everything,” Zinz confirms. “I like the
– Gwen Fabian, Business Accounting people here. They’re all real nice.” She also likes
� Secure, easy and fast. sitting in the library watching traffic traveling along
Manager, Greenwood Chevrolet,
Austintown, OH Mahoning Avenue and the birds in the trees outside
We also offer: the windows.
Paisley House residents must be able to walk
� Commercial Loans
and they must have a sound mind; individuals with
COMING SOON...
� Small Business Checking Alzheimer’s disease or dementia cannot be accom-
� Health Savings Accounts Payroll modated, Patterson says.
Fees are $1,550 per month, self-pay, and include
� CU@WORK! Cards! room and board – meals are served family style – the
Business Made Easier. services of a hairdresser once a week and services of
*Ask for details. www.sscu.net a podiatrist who examines residents’ feet regularly.
There are nurses on staff as well as a physician
who visits once a month to check on residents who
Contact us for a free and easy cost estimate: don’t have their own doctor, Patterson continues,
Business Partners in Boardman, Austintown, and there is always at least two caregivers on site.
Youngstown,Vienna, Hubbard, Columbiana Monthly fees do not include telephone service
Business Product Sales in Mahoning, County & surrounding areas: or cable TV. If residents want either service in their
Trumbull, Columbiana Counties: Chris Graham rooms, Patterson says, they pay for it themselves.
Jeannette Bartko 330/372-8191 or Respite care is available for individuals who live
330/372-8025 330/726-0344 ext. 8191 alone and are unable to care for themselves while
jbartko@sscu.net cgraham@sscu.net
they recover from surgery, or for individuals whose
caregivers are away. Respite care costs $100 a day.
Holiday Inn Launches $400,000 Upgrade

The hotel is the first in
region to voluntarily go
entirely nonsmoking.
By Dennis LaRue
B
y the time all the renovations and improvements
are complete, the Holiday Inn-Boardman will
spend $400,000 to maintain its ranking as
one of the best hotels and conference centers in
the international chain, its general manager, Mike
Moliterno, said Dec. 7.
The lobbies boast new furniture and fixtures that
make them seem larger and better lit.
All 158 guest rooms either have new bedding or
will soon have new bedding, which includes mat-
tresses, sheets, blankets and duvets, and pillows.
Those that lack 32-inch high-definition flat-screen
televisions will have them shortly.
“We’re one-third of the way of being done,” Mo-
literno said. “We should have them [installed] by
the end of the year.”
And all the showers in the bathrooms will have
new showerheads that promote a more even flow
and are more energy-efficient.
Rooms with more than one bed usually offer one
with a firmer mattress, Sullivan says. And the inn
offers a “pillow menu,” she adds.
The meeting rooms and conference center, which
occupy 10,000 square feet, have new carpets, new
wallpaper, new lighting fixtures that make them Nancy Sullivan, director of sales at Holiday Inn–Boardman, and Mike Moliterno, general manager, introduce the new logo.
seem brighter and new curtains or drapes.
It remains entirely nonsmoking, Moliterno said, the Holiday system has adopted with a new “H” and Inn. So do the opponents of the Youngstown Phan-
the voluntary decision to go entirely smokeless “Holiday Inn” in a noticeably different font. toms hockey team and the celebrities who perform
was made about 16 months ago when the last of Once inside, the halls and lobbies are brighter in the Covelli Centre.
the carpet was replaced in the guestrooms set aside and one cannot escape the bolder colors and color YSU lists the inn as a “preferred provider” as do
for smokers. schemes. the Phantoms, Moliterno noted.
Moliterno said he thinks his hotel is the first in The carpets in the conference center, the pat- Business travelers constitute 90% of the weekday
the region to voluntarily be entirely nonsmoking. terns and colors the results of the imagination of an traffic – it falls to 80% in the summer – Moliterno
(Guests who violate the agreement they sign award-winning designer, Moliterno said, “who does said, and family gatherings and high school reunions
when they check in find a subsequent $200 to $250 nothing but design conference centers,” help create make up the weekend guest list.
cleaning charge on their credit card bills to restore a feeling of energy for the meetings held there. Guests expect more and more from the hotels
the cleanliness of the room.) (He declined to identify the designer.) they book, Moliterno said, and what business trav-
The improvements are part of the hospitality The Boardman Holiday Inn hosts wedding re- elers once insisted on, especially access to a com-
chain’s “relaunch,” which, at $1 billion, is described hearsal dinners, showers, high-school class reunions puter, has come to be expected from leisure guests.
as “the largest in the his- and the meals that fol- Businesspeople bring their own laptops, the general
tory of the hospitality low funeral or graveside manager reported, and wireless access is expected.
industry.”
What keeps guests returning, Moliterno services. (Access is built into the price.)
The Holiday Inn here said, is a crack staff on which there’s little The Thanksgiving The computers in the rooms once used primar-
is the only full-service turnover who are fastidious about cleanli- weekend is the time most ily by businessmen are today used mostly by guests
chain hotel in the Valley, ness and meeting guests’ needs. “Marylou high school reunions are who left their laptops at home or couldn’t bring their
Moliterno said. held, Moliterno observed, PCs with them.
One aspect of the re- Grover, our head of housekeeping, has been and his inn hosted three What keeps guests returning, Moliterno said, is
launch is “a Holiday Inn with us 28 years,” Moliterno said, crediting this year. It also served a crack staff on which there’s little turnover who
scent and sound,” as the her with the tidiness and cleanliness of the 640 people Thanksgiving are fastidious about cleanliness and meeting guests’
general manager describes guestrooms. “In 2006, she was chosen the dinner, he reported. needs.
it, in the lobbies, some- “Two weeks ago I got “Marylou Grover, our head of housekeeping, has
thing noticeable almost best in the chain,” the general manager a call from the groom in been with us 28 years,” Moliterno said, crediting her
immediately upon check pointed out. a wedding who wanted with the tidiness and cleanliness of the guestrooms.
in. to tell me personally that “In 2006, she was chosen the best in the chain,” the
With Nancy Sullivan, director of sales at the everything had gone right,” Moliterno said with general manager pointed out.
Boardman inn, Moliterno guided a reporter and pride, “that things had gone perfectly.” The executive chef has been at the Holiday Inn-
videographer/photographer on a tour of the reno- In addition, the sports teams from other colleges Boardman 20 years, he goes on, the head of food and
vations. and universities who play Youngstown State Univer- beverages 16 years as he runs down the longevity of
The first thing the visitor notices is the new logo sity usually choose to stay at the Boardman Holiday others. “There’s a lot of stability on the staff.”
The Valley’s Business Matters

25 East Boardman Street, Suite 306
P.O. Box 714, Youngstown, Ohio 44501-0714
Telephone 330 744 5023
Fax 330 744 5838 • 330 744 0634
Email: info@business-journal.com
Web site: BusinessJournalDaily.com
Publisher Andrea Wood

Assistant Publisher Eileen Lovell
Copy Editor Dennis LaRue
Page Editor Maraline Kubik
Daily Buzz Anchor Stacia Erdos
Videographers Jeremy Lydic
Tony Marr
Mike Moliterno
Senior Reporters Dan O’Brien
George Nelson
Jeremy Lydic
Columnists Monnie Ryan
Lou Zona
Journal Opinion
Photographer Tony Mancino
Rate Comparisons Cara J. McClure
Sales Manager Janet O’Malley
Account Executives Gail S. White
Dan Gonder
Art Director/ Fred Sipe
Webmaster
Fallen Stars, Hidden Agendas
We write this editorial with considerable sorrow. and misdemeanor charges that he misused his posi-
Former Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge tion on the MVSD board for personal gain.
Maureen Cronin, once seen as a rising star who It was only a decade ago that literally dozens
exemplified integrity and candor, may serve time of county and municipal leaders, including others
in prison for violating the public’s trust. swept into office pledging reform, were implicated,
Having left office two years ago, at this writing she indicted and convicted in a wide-ranging probe of
T he Business Journal is published semi- awaits sentencing in Akron on two counts of federal political corruption.
monthly (twice a month) in Youngstown, Ohio. mail fraud. According to an information filed by For citizens of this community who have sought
Copyright 2009 by Youngstown Publishing Co. prosecutors – a sign Cronin is cooperating with au- to shed its reputation, this episode, along with the
thorities – the charges are tied to a “loan” of $18,000 recent conviction of former Trumbull County Com-
All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, with- from “a senior executive of an area business” that missioner James Tsagaris on similar charges of tak-
out written permission, of editorial or graphic was party to numerous cases before her court. ing such a $36,500 “loan” from an unidentified local
content in any manner is prohibited. For years, Cronin appeared to epitomize the kind business executive, serve as unpleasant reminders
of new political leader this community had yearned that the past is not past, however much many of us
Average Issue Readership: 45,000
for, a departure from the recycled political hacks and would like to believe.
Mail Subscription Rates: $42 for 12 months; the old boys’ network. First appearing on the scene These two incidents – believed to involve bribes
$77 for 24 months; $96 for 36 months. in 1988, when she was named Youngstown pros- from representatives of the same local company
Back Issues: If available, $4.75 apiece ecutor, the former social worker soon established a – should stand as a reminder to the business com-
prepaid (mailed); $3.25 apiece prepaid no-nonsense reputation. munity. As deserving of our scorn as the corrupt
(picked up at our office). Having already broken through one glass ceiling officials are, those who seek to improperly influence
with her appointment, it came as little surprise when government and the justice system for their own
Submission Policy: News articles and photographs
in 1994 – riding the insurgent Democrats for Change agendas at the expense of the public are equally cor-
may be submitted but cannot be returned. We reserve
the right to select and edit all articles and letters.
movement that swept out the entrenched leadership rupt. That the identity of the people and company
All submissions become the editorial property of The of the Mahoning County Democratic Party – she was involved remains undisclosed is frustrating. But
Business Journal. Submissions may be edited and elected to the common pleas bench, the first woman federal officials often spend years building their
may be published or re-used in any medium including elected to a countywide post. cases, as they did with the conviction of former
Business Journal television and radio reports and the Within a few years, she was clashing with her congressman James A. Traficant Jr., and move at
Daily Business Journal Online. colleagues over their decision to reappoint Ed Flask their own glacial pace.
Locally owned by the to the board of the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District We trust investigators are being meticulous and
before the results of a special audit were released. methodical, that in due time justice will be fully
Youngstown Publishing Co. Flask would later plead guilty to nine criminal felony served.
BY LOUIS A. ZONA
��
Impressions ��
Picture This: A Clown’s ��
Diatribe at The Butler ��
‘If you wrong us, shall fronts me and informs me in no un-
we not revenge?’ certain terms that I have it all wrong
about clowns.
��
N ��
ot only is fact often stranger The only thing missing from his
than fiction, it’s even funnier. diatribe is Shylock’s soliloquy from
Well, maybe it depends on in “The Merchant of Venice” (with ��
who’s telling the story. apologies to William Shakespeare):
Several months “I am a clown.
��
ago I wrote about Hath not a clown ��
clowns, the gist I still see him pointing his yel- eyes? Hath not a
of which was that low-gloved finger at me as he clown hands, or- ��
I n e v e r f o u n d tapped his size 19 shoe. gans, dimensions,
clowns funny. If senses, affections,
��
that weren’t bad passions? If you ��
enough, I asserted they’re among the prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle
scariest things on earth. us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, ��
That clown column generated a lot do we not die? And if you wrong us,
of responses, with nearly everyone shall we not revenge?”
��
agreeing with me.
Everyone, that is, except a clown
I can tell you only that a clown
reading me the riot act was not a
��
named Rosco. riot. I still see him pointing his yel- ��
Now picture this: I am walking into
The Butler Institute of American Art
low-gloved finger at me as he tapped
his size 19 shoe. It’s something I never
��
when Roscoe, in full clown costume want to go through again. ��
(including gigantic red shoes) con- See ZONA, page 16
��
BY GAIL WHITE ��
Commentary ��

��
��
Our Christmas Traditions ��
��
Group pictures stay, them in focus. “One. Two. Three!”
They all turned around, dropped
Santa visits do not. their pants and mooned the camera.
I should have ended the Christmas
I have always been one of those

people who send a picture of the
kids inside the Christmas card.
We’ve gone from my oldest son,
Robert, holding his new baby brother,
photo tradition that year.
But like a martyr standing up for
her cause, I pressed on.
As I looked at this year’s photo, I
muttered, “They look like a bunch of
Phillip, in his arms to all four of the ex-cons.”
boys playing in the leaves in the back- One of my sons heard me and
yard and standing amidst the Christ- shared my comment with the rest of
mas lights strung up through town. his brothers. Instead of being upset,
They were absolutely adorable. they appeared rather proud.
Then one year I had them stand I always took the boys to see Santa
��
outside in front of a snow-covered and had pictures taken on his lap. I ��
pine tree. They were fidgeting as I posi- made all boys go even as they grew
tioned them in the frame of the lens. older and didn’t “believe.” ��
“Hold still!” I yelled, trying to keep See WHITE, page 16
Zona: When Awesome Is No Longer Awesome

From Page 15 looking in the window would have movie. Driving back, they ran into dog and tried to get the jar off the poor
Rosco turned out to be a real thought had he seen a naked woman very heavy fog. animal’s head.
Bozo! and 15 fully clothed people moving His friend Bob, the driver, de- Not having anything to cut the jar
I think of my cousin’s little daugh- furniture around. cided to follow the taillights of the loose, he ran to the nearest house and
ter who, after leaving a wedding re- On a recent trip to New York City, car ahead. knocked on the door.
ception, asked, “Mommy, where do a rather aggressive panhandler ap- As Jerry told the story, Bob stayed Can you imagine what the
brides come from?” I ask, “Where in proached me. “Buddy, can you spare behind that car about 10 miles until poor woman thought when she
the world do clowns come from?” a buck for a cup of coffee?” he asked it finally stopped. turned on her porch light, looked out
And why don’t they go back loudly. Aggravated that the car ahead of her window and saw a frantic man
there? (Just kidding, Rosco.) While I usually give such charac- him was no longer moving, he rolled holding a dog with a plastic bottle on
As I think back over a lifetime of ters a quarter or two if I can detect down the window and, with a strong its head and shouting, “Do you have
weird experiences, I have to rate at sincerity, this guy was pushy as well Boston accent, yelled, “What’s the a knife?”
the very top a life-drawing class as loud. hold up?” My parents, rest their souls, were
I attended at the University of Pitts- As I walked away, the volume of From the darkness came the other sometimes like a comedy team. One
burgh. his voice rose. fellow’s reply, “What the heck do night they came home after attending
Imagine, if you will, 15 art students So I decided to try to appear to be you mean, buddy? I’m in my own calling hours for one of their friends.
studying a live model as they learn to a foreigner and used the only Italian driveway!” I wish I could have been My father said, “Lou, you’ll never
draw the human figure. phrase I know, “No capish.” there. believe what your mother said to the
The young lady stands nude on a “No capish, my ass!” he yelled back I also wish that I could have been grieving widow, ‘You have my deepest
small pedestal surrounded by students as I ducked into a store. there the early morning that my friend symphony.’ ”
sitting before drawing tables. Half I’ll not try that foreign language Don Thompson was on his way to We laughed about that one for
way through the class, the instructor dodge again. work and saw a plastic bottle moving years.
directs that the room be reconfigured. Of the hundreds of stranger-than- along the side of the road. I only wish my dad were alive to
The students begin moving their fiction experiences, my two favorites As he slowed his automobile and hear about my confrontation with
tables. happened to others. looked more closely, he realized that Rosco. He didn’t like clowns either.
I never expected the model to get When my brother, Jerry, was in the a dog had put his head into a clear
off of the stand and help me lift a Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, plastic jar and couldn’t get it off. The author, Lou Zona, is executive director
table and carry it across the room. I he and a couple of buddies drove Animal lover that he is, Don im- and chief curator of The Butler Institute of
can only imagine what an outsider off the base one evening to attend a mediately pulled over, grabbed the American Art in Youngstown.
White: Our Family’s Christmas Traditions

From Page 15
session, they would go to bed and presents too. memories.
I ended that tradition the year Phil- negotiate with each other. I strapped him in the car and took This year, he asked if he could go
lip gave Santa rabbit ears and Andrew “I’ll tell you what I got you if you’ll him to the dollar store. He spent an Christmas shopping with Phillip and
stood cross-eyed in the picture. (There tell me what you got me,” they would hour and a half finding the “perfect” Andrew.
is a limit to my martyrdom.) whisper to each other. They might gifts for everyone. He even chose My heart sank as I realized my dol-
I’ve always placed a big emphasis hold out a night or special wrapping lar store days were over.
on the boys giving each other presents two, but by Christ-
mas morning, they
Three would huddle into a paper . “Sure,” I said, trying to be cheer-
for Christmas. Whether they bought In the car on ful. Looking at Phillip and Andrew I
the gifts themselves at the school always knew what bedroom to collectively wrap the way home, he asked, “Where are you going to go?”
Christmas store or I picked them up their presents to the gifts for the one who was, was sitting with “To the mall,” Phillip said excitedly.
when I was out shopping, wrapping each other were. inevitably, standing outside the his bag of presents “Spencer’s has this hilarious mug we
them was always a big deal. One year, the on his lap smiling want to get Robert.”
Three would huddle into a bed- older boys had door listening. from ear to ear. “Spencer’s!” I squealed. “David,
room to collectively wrap the gifts for gone shopping “I can’t wait you’re coming with me. I’ll take you
the one who was, inevitably, standing and bought their presents. David, the for Christmas!” David beamed. He Christmas shopping.”
outside the door listening. youngest, was 6 at the time. He was was completely adorable. It’s always I’m going to get one more year of
Every year, after the wrapping feeling left out and wanted to buy been one of my favorite Christmas “adorable” out of Christmas.
YOUNGSTOWN - WARREN
Regional Chamber Report

��
Valley Is Now Playing

Offense in Global Battle
By Eric Planey
nearly $1 billion check for a possible
Regional Chamber Vice President, Inter-
national, National Business Attraction
expansion of its operations in North
America.
��
I f global
business were
a war (some
people think
it is), then the
In today’s Google-news world, it’s
easy for Vallourec to track V&M in the
news and to stay on top of discussions
about its Youngstown operations. But
that does not substitute for open and
��
��
Mahoning Valley earnest dialogue that comes out when

did something I
can never recall
parties are across the table. Here was
Youngstown, in the heart of Europe,
��
happening: It
fought the battle
aggressively pursuing a project that
has positive implications for the entire ��
on three different fronts in three
different parts of
region – and for generations. Sixty-
five years ago, we
��
the world on one Three different fronts in three helped to liber- ��
day in November.
The first front
different parts of the world on ate France. Maybe
France will help to
��
��
is where the “bat- one day in November. liberate the poten- ��
tles” take place tial of Youngstown.
daily – in the Valley itself. Well done, Mayor Williams.
I am sure that on this day in No- The third front in the global battle
vember, Quality Switch in Newton was our chamber’s efforts in China
Falls was taking orders for products to and Taiwan. While many in America ��
export to many countries. (The com- like to create an animosity with today’s ��
pany was recently recognized for its China akin to an economic war, I ��
export growth by the Regional Cham- will recall the safe harbor that the ��
ber and Youngstown State University Chinese gave Jimmy Doolittle’s B-25s
at our Growth Awards.) Across town, when our planes needed to land there ��
RMI Titanium was working with its after we began our campaign in the ��
key customer, Airbus, on a delivery Pacific theater. Our chamber officers ��
schedule for equipment it considers were greeted warmly by our Chinese
vital to keep its production line run- and Taiwanese hosts – so much so ��
ning smoothly. And Turning Tech- that our initial relationship-building ��
nologies was evaluating where global foray has led to legitimate business ��
opportunities might exist next. opportunities that may occur in the
We in the Mahoning Valley focus next several years.
so much on the industries that have The Chinese entrepreneurs, a
carried the economy for so long, such group of people who have successfully
as steel and auto, that we overlook the navigated an ever-changing domestic
fact that the Valley has been a player in business climate, would like to ex-
global markets for decades, even if not pand into the North American mar- ��
at the level where it should be. ket. And several of them now have a
Meanwhile, a second front opened better comfort level to do so, and ��
up in the same part of the world where would certainly look at the Mahon- ��
the Allies fought 65 years ago. The ing Valley as an initial destination,
mayor of Youngstown, Jay Williams, because they have seen our sophis-
decided that he should extend his trip tication, hospitality and sincerity
to Germany, where he was attending – firsthand.
a conference, to meet with execu- For too many years, Rust Belt cities
tives of V&M Star’s parent company played defense when it came to glo-
in France. balization while the Seattles, Bostons
How encouraging it is to see po- and Austins of the United States played
litical leaders recognize the value of offense. On one day in November, the ��
direct one-on-one meetings when Mahoning Valley showed it has joined
a company is considering writing a those cities on the front lines.
Visit us online at... December 11,

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Year-End Planning Can Cut Your Income Taxes

Identify strategies so you can gestions to get you started: you live in a state with low or no state income tax
and plan on making big-ticket purchases (such as a
• Make charitable gifts of appreciated stock. If
pay lowest overall tax. you have appreciated stock that you’ve held more car, boat, motorcycle or airplane) in the near future,
than a year and you plan to make significant you may want to go ahead and make the purchase
By Jim Rosa charitable contributions before year-end, keep your this year to cash in on the expiring sales tax break
Certified Public Accountant, Principal in the cash and donate the stock (or mutual fund shares) for 2009. There is no AGI (Adjusted Gross Income)
Tax Department of Hill, Barth & King LLC instead. You’ll avoid paying tax on the appreciation based limit for this deduction, but you have to item-
and still be able to deduct the donated property’s ize to benefit and it is not allowed for AMT.
A
s we approach year-end, it’s again time to focus full value. If you want to maintain a position in the If you live in a state with high state income taxes
on last-minute moves you can make to save donated securities, you can immediately buy back and you plan on deducting state income taxes in-
taxes – both on your 2009 return and in future a like number of shares. stead of state sales taxes this year, legislation passed
years. The federal income tax environment is very earlier this year created a one-year federal income
favorable right now, but that is not likely to continue tax deduction that might interest you.
much longer. Now is the time to take advantage of For 2009, you can deduct state and local sales
the tax breaks that Congress has provided before and excise taxes on purchases of new (not used)
they disappear. passenger autos, pickups, and SUVs as well as mo-
The goal of year-end tax planning is to identify torcycles and RVs made between Feb. 17 and Dec.
strategies that will allow you to pay the lowest 31. The write-off is limited to the amount of taxes
overall tax. One means of accomplishing this, if you on the first $49,500 of the purchase price. You can
expect your income to stay about the same during claim the break whether you itemize or not, and
the next few years, is to postpone when taxable in- it is allowed even if you owe the AMT. However,
come must be reported and accelerate the time when a phase-out rule can reduce, if not eliminate, the
expenses can be claimed as deductions. break if your AGI exceeds $250,000 ($125,000 if
Another is to trade taxable investment income you are single).
for nontaxable revenue such as municipal bond
interest. (However, this second strategy makes sense However, if the stock is now worth less than when Ideas for Investments
only if the tax-free yield on the new investment is you acquired it, sell the stock, take the loss, and then • Harvest capital losses. If you are sitting on some
greater than the after-tax rate on the old one.) Still give the cash to the charity. If you give the stock to investments that have dropped in value since you
another smart move for many people is to convert the charity, your charitable deductions will equal acquired them, now might be a good time to dump
ordinary income (taxed at rates up to 35%) into the stock’s current depressed value and no capital part or all of them to cut your tax bill. You can de-
long-term capital gains that are subject to a tax rate loss will be available. Also, if you sell the stock at a duct capital losses up to the amount of any capital
of no greater than 15%. loss, you can’t immediately buy it back as this will gains that you’ll have for the year (for example,
Regardless of the approach taken, it’s important to trigger the wash-sale rules, which means your loss from mutual fund distributions or sales of stocks
limit tax planning to achieve your financial goals in won’t be deductible, but instead will be added to the or bonds). Also, you can claim up to an additional
a tax-efficient manner. In addition, you should look basis in the new shares. $3,000 of losses ($1,500 if you’re married but filing
at your tax situation for at least a two-year period, • Maximize the benefit of the standard a separate return) against your other income. Any
with the objective of reducing your tax liability for deduction. For 2009, the standard deduction is losses in excess of these amounts carry over to next
the two years combined rather than just for 2009. $11,400 for married taxpayers filing joint returns. For year.
single taxpayers, the amount is $5,700. Currently, it If you’re selling less than your entire interest
Watch Out for AMT looks like these amounts will be about the same for in an investment, you can maximize the amount
It is important to be on the alert for the Alterna- 2010. If your total itemized deductions are normally of deductible loss that you realize by telling your
tive Minimum Tax (AMT). Individuals must com- close to these amounts, you may be able to leverage broker or mutual fund company to sell the highest
pute their income taxes under both systems – the the benefit of your deductions by bunching deduc- basis shares first (and then have them confirm your
regular tax system and the AMT system – and pay tions in every other year. instructions in writing within a reasonable time
the higher of the two amounts. When introduced This allows you to time your itemized deduc- after the sale).
many years ago, the AMT targeted and normally tions so that they are high in one year and low in • Take advantage of 0% capital gains rate before
applied only to high-income taxpayers who, in the next. You claim actual expenses in the year they it is too late. For 2009, the federal income tax rate
Congress’ opinion, benefited too much from certain are bunched and take the standard deduction in the for long-term capital gains and qualified dividends
tax breaks. intervening years. is 0% when they fall within the 10% or 15% regular
Today, however, virtually no taxpayer can ignore For instance, you might consider moving chari- federal income tax rate brackets. This will be the
the AMT. Therefore, the first step in tax planning is table donations you normally would make in early case to the extent your taxable income (including
to assess your exposure to AMT. Tax planning for 2010 to the end of 2009. If you’re temporarily short long-term capital gains and qualified dividends)
AMT is often dramatically different than planning on cash, charge the contribution to a credit card; does not exceed $67,900 if you’re married and file
for regular tax. In fact, it’s sometimes backward. it is deductible in the year charged, not when pay- jointly ($33,950 if you’re single). This 0% rate will
Who is at the highest risk for AMT? Many tax- ment is made on the card. You can also accelerate likely continue to apply in 2010 but is scheduled
payers can fall into AMT, but those who deduct a payments of your real estate taxes or state income to expire in 2011.
significant amount of state and local taxes or mis- taxes otherwise due in early 2010. But, watch out While your income may be too high to benefit
cellaneous itemized deductions or claim multiple for the AMT because these taxes are not deductible from the 0% rate, you may have children, grandchil-
dependents are especially vulnerable. Those who for AMT purposes. dren or other loved ones who can. If so, consider
recognize a large capital gain or exercise incentive • Purchase certain big-ticket Items in 2009. Thanks giving them some appreciated stock or mutual fund
stock options during the year are also vulnerable. If to a couple of expiring temporary tax breaks, it may shares, which they can then sell and pay 0% tax on
you suspect AMT might be an issue, please contact pay to purchase certain big-ticket items before the the resulting long-term gains. Gains will be long-
a tax professional to plan accordingly. end of the year: term as long as your ownership period plus the gift
The optional itemized deduction for state and recipient’s ownership period is over a year.
Ideas for Increasing Deductions local sales and use taxes (in lieu of deducting state Giving away stocks that pay dividends is another
One way to reduce your 2009 tax liability is to income taxes) will expire at the end of this year tax-smart idea. As long as the gift recipient is in the
look for additional deductions. Here’s a list of sug- unless Congress takes further action. Therefore, if See TAX PLANNING, page 21
December 11,
2009 Credit Union Rates
FINANCIAL CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AUTO LOANS MORTGAGE LOANS
INSTITUTION Term APY Minimum Term Rate Type Down Payment Term Rate, 2-Wk Trend Fees
ASSOCIATED SCHOOL 1 Year 1.00  $1,000 Up to 48 Mos. 5.25 Fixed 20% 15 Year 5.00 — 2+200
EMPLOYEES 2 Year 1.76  $1,000 Up to 60 Mos. 5.25 Fixed 20% 20 Year 5.25 — 2+200
FIRST CHOICE COMMUNITY 1 Year 1.65 — $500 Up to 48 Mos. 5.65 Fixed 20% 15 Year 5.50 — 0+costs
(formerly RMI CO. EMPLOYEES) 2 Year 2.00  $500 Up to 60 Mos. 5.65
OHIO EDISON/ 1 Year 1.00  $1,000 Up to 48 Mos. 5.70 Fixed 5% 15 Year 4.40  0+costs
PENN POWER 2 Year 1.75  $1,000 Up to 60 Mos. 5.99 Fixed 5% 30 Year 5.625  0+costs
SEVEN SEVENTEEN 1 Year 1.00  $1,000 Up to 48 Mos. 5.99 Fixed 5% 15 Year 4.25 — 0+costs
2 Year 1.75  $1,000 Up to 60 Mos. 5.99 Fixed 5% 30 Year 4.75  0+costs
STRUTHERS FEDERAL 1 Year 1.00 — $1,000 Up to 48 Mos. 6.00 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.
2 Year 1.51 — $1,000 Up to 66 Mos. 6.00
YOUNGSTOWN CITY 1 Year 1.25 — $2,000 Up to 60 Mos. 5.75

EMPLOYEES FEDERAL 2 Year 1.65 — $2,000 Up to 72 Mos. 6.99 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.
Arrows tell whether rates rose or fell since last issue. Dashes indicate “unchanged.” Rates are subject to change without notice and should be confirmed before entering into transactions.
©2009 Youngstown Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
Since 1965
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• Outplacement: Individual or Group
• Temporary Staffing, Leasing & Payroll Services
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Tax Planning: Year-End Strategies Can Reduce the Amount Your Owe
From Page 19
0% or 15% regular tax rate bracket, the dividends Ideas for Your Estate • Make annual gifts to reduce your estate.
will be federal-income-tax-free. The federal estate tax exemption for 2009 is $3.5 Whittling your estate down by making annual gifts
Watch out, though, if during 2009 you give away million. For 2010, the federal estate tax is supposed continues to be a tax-smart strategy. If you have
assets worth over $13,000 to an individual recipient; to be repealed – but just for that one year. It now some favorite relatives or unrelated persons, you and
the excess will generally eat into your $1 million seems clear that if the promised repeal ever hap- your spouse can give each of them up to $13,000
lifetime federal gift tax exemption and your $3.5 mil- pens at all, it will just be for 2010. The more likely this year.
lion federal estate tax exemption. However, you and scenario is that we will continue to have a federal These gifts will reduce your estate tax exposure
your spouse together can give away up to $26,000 estate tax for 2010 and beyond with a $3.5 million or without any adverse gift-tax effects. Making multiple
per recipient without any adverse effects on your somewhat larger exemption. Therefore, planning to gifts over multiple years can dramatically reduce
respective gift and estate tax exemptions. avoid or minimize the federal estate tax should still your exposure to the estate tax. So, the sooner you
• Secure a deduction for nearly worthless be part of your overall financial game plan. start an annual gifting program, the better.
securities. If the dismal economy has left you with
securities that are all but worthless with little hope of
recovery, you might consider selling them before the
end of the year so you can capitalize on the loss this The professionals at
year. You can deduct a loss on worthless securities
Hill, Barth & King
The only
only if you can prove the investment is completely
worthless. Thus, a deduction is not available as long
as you own the security and it has any value at all. are here to help you
• Maximize contributions to 401(k) plans. If you
take control of your
have a 401(k) plan at work, it’s time to tell your com-
pany how much you want to set aside on a tax-free
basis for next year. Contribute as much as you can
certainty is economic future with
uncertainty.
stand, especially if your employer makes matching
contributions. You give up “free money” when you
fail to participate to the full extent of the match.
our Business Advisory
Ideas for Your Business Services.
• Consider paying a dividend in 2009. If you’re
a shareholder in a closely held C corporation, the
current federal income tax rate structure is helpful to Contact us today to
your cause. If the company pays you a taxable divi-
dend, the maximum federal rate is only 15%. How- learn more!
ever, this may well change in the near future. Thus,
now may be a good time to convert some of your C
corporation wealth into cash at a very manageable
tax cost. The maximum federal rate on dividends
is scheduled to skyrocket from the current 15% to
39.6% starting in 2011.
• Take advantage of temporary tax breaks for
equipment and software purchases. If you have
plans to buy a business computer, office furniture,
equipment, vehicle or other tangible business prop-
erty, you might consider doing so before year-end to
maximize your 2009 deductions.
Your business may be able to take advantage of the Certified Public Accountants � Business Consultants
temporarily increased Section 179 deduction. Under Advisors � Planners
this privilege, an eligible business can often claim
first-year depreciation write-offs for the entire cost of
new and used equipment and software additions. For 7680 Market Street
tax years beginning in 2009, the maximum deduc-
tion is a whopping $250,000. However, the allow- Boardman, OH 44512
able deduction is reduced dollar-for-dollar to the
extent the amount of qualifying property placed in
(330) 758-8613
service during the year exceeds $800,000.
For tax years beginning in 2010, the maximum
deduction is estimated to drop back to about City Centre One, Suite 514
$134,000, with reductions estimated to begin when
more than $530,000 of qualifying property is placed 100 Federal Plaza East
in service.
Above and beyond the bumped-up Section 179
Youngstown, OH 44503
deduction, your business can also claim first-year (330) 747-1903
bonus depreciation equal to 50% of the cost (reduced
by the Section 179 deduction) of most new (not
used) equipment and software acquired and placed hbkcpa.com
in service by Dec. 31. The 50% first-year bonus
depreciation break will expire at year-end unless Offices in Ohio, Florida & Pennsylvania
Congress takes further action.
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BY STACIA ERDOS
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Media Scope ��
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Crystal Ball Forecasts

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More Industry Changes ��

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Expect a lot of trial newspapers such as The Wall Street
Journal and The New York Times, are
and error on all fronts. likely to succeed in making money by
putting pay walls around their online
E
xpect 2010 to bring more content.
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monumental changes in The Forrester Survey notes 80% ��
news-gathering, delivery and of Americans say they’re not willing
advertising revenue streams. The to pay for newspaper or magazine
bottom line: where consumers go, so content online. But another report
do dollars. suggests people will open up their ��
Nikesh Arora, president of global wallets for unique or niche news. ��
sales for Google, says his company The Boston Consulting Group ��
is banking on significant growth in found 52% of business news consum- ��
online video sales. ers in its survey
��
“The one big shift Several new surveys offer would be inter-
in the next three glimpses into just how willing ested in a bundled ��
to five years is print and online ��
going to be video consumers are to pay for access subscription. And ��
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advertising,” he to newspapers online. 72% of respon- ��
predicts. dents said they

Google, which owns YouTube, has would be willing to pay small monthly
big plans to boost the site’s ability to fees to receive local news and special-
generate ad revenue. Arora says he ized coverage on their PCs and mobile
anticipates that online video advertise- devices.
ments will become more interactive, Respondents also indicated they
rather than just television commer- would be more willing to pay for
cials on the Web. online news provided by newspapers
Now the headline from a round- than other media, such as TV stations.
table at the World Newspaper Con- But they would not pay for news rou-
gress in India: Cell-phone news is the tinely available on other Web Sites.
next big thing. Industry experts say Now to a story that caught my
the spread of news and advertising via eye in Broadcasting and Cable. Every
mobile phones and social networking morning at TV stations across the
sites are the two areas that will shape country, meetings are held to deter-
the newspaper industry in the years mine what stories will be covered. I’ve
to come. sat in on hundreds of them.
Here’s another development point- While these meetings typically
ing to a major shift in how we read consist of fewer than a dozen people,
newspapers and magazines. News at WITI in Milwaukee, there can be
Corp., Time Warner Inc. and maga- 60, 80 – even more. The reason?
zine publishers Conde Nast and They’ve opened up the discussion to
Hearst have unveiled plans for a digi- bloggers and the public through a live
tal newsstand that would deliver their video stream. So basically anyone can
titles and content to mobile devices. toss in a story idea or comment.
Users potentially could buy subscrip- Where that might lead to some
tions by the month or year. unique story ideas, it also could result
Several new surveys offer glimpses in even longer, never-ending morning
into just how willing consumers are to meetings, the competition getting a
pay for access to newspapers online. look in and leg up on what you’re
Hurt by plummeting print advertis- covering and the proverbial too many
ing revenue (down 44% from 2006), cooks in the kitchen.
newspapers are looking at how to Expect a lot of trial and error on all
recoup their losses by charging for media fronts as the New Year rings in
online content. exploration of just how to tap into the
The 2010 Media Outlook report revenue that could be generated from
from Fitch Ratings says only a few all those new Christmas gadgets.
Want to reduce overhead? BY MONNIE RYAN
Printing costs skyrocketing?

YOU CAN SAVE! Wire Service
Heres how: Let us do a FREE Print audit.
We’ll audit your printing costs and needs for the
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supllies, service, and hardware while
Last-Minute Clicking
maintaining the latest technology. Call us today! Local merchants offer $50. The Web site has an appealing
old-fashioned look. (For the record,
options for gift-giving. it was designed by Southballpython
Studios, also in Salem.)
A
s you read this column, Quite honestly, it’s fun to visit the
Christmas is almost here. But downtown shop where the aromas of
if you’re like lots of folks, you freshly roasted coffee are as tantalizing
still have a few gifts to buy (maybe as it gets for a coffee-lover like me.
even lots of them). Located in what used to be a bank, the
There are, of course, plenty of local shop also serves as a newsstand. But if
retailers that offer you can’t make it
endless possibili-
ties for gift-giving
I agree with Ogden Nash’s as- there, order what
you want online.
P.S. Did your copier company leave you? For over 51 years – so my list is just a sessment that “Candy is dandy, Prices start around
we have been servicing and supplying local offices just like sampling of what’s but liquor is quicker” – but when $10.50 per bag,
out there. Not all it comes to gifts, it’s hard to beat and most can be
yours. Your printing problems are solved. of these sites allow ordered as whole
online shopping, the sweet stuff. bean as well as a
but those that don’t variety of grinds
provide contact information so you including French press.
can call or e-mail ahead of time so I agree with Ogden Nash’s assess-
your purchases can be packaged and ment that “Candy is dandy, but liquor
800-544-4257 www.HicksOfficePlus.com sent to you – or be ready for pickup is quicker” – but when it comes to
at your convenience. gifts, it’s hard to beat the sweet stuff.
Wine almost always makes a great If you agree, head over to Daffin’s
gift; you can spend as much or as little Web site, Daffins.com, where you can
as you want by choosing more expen- almost smell the chocolate. You also
sive wines or buying more than one can order a catalog if time permits, or,
bottle (or, as I’m doing for one of my more important, shop online. In fact,
friends, adding a set of wine glasses, a there’s an entire section of Christmas
pretty hand-painted carafe and a fancy treats, that range from dark- and
cork or two). milk-chocolate figures to a 12-pound,
Wine also makes a perfect gift for three-tier packaged assortment priced
sticky situations such as a surprise at $69.50.
invitation to a holiday party or for There’s a wide range of boxed can-
��
someone who gives you a gift but dies that start around $5.50, so you’ll
wasn’t on your shopping list. have plenty from which to choose.
We’ve made a few visits to Mastropi- And, you can add a personalized greet-
etro Winery just outside Berlin Center, ing card to any order for free.
and we love several of their wines. Here’s something else most folks
You’ll find plenty of information at the love to get, especially in these penny-
�� Web site, MastropietroWinery.com.
Hours the winery is open are limited,
pinching days: A gift card to a restau-
rant. If I’m giving one to folks who
�� so do check online before you go. Or, have kids, I usually throw in an offer
� ��
check the list of stores that sell the to babysit – even if that’s not possible,
�� wines. (Click on the “Wines” link at or they want to take the kids along, the
� ��
� �� the top of the page.) gesture is always appreciated.
��
If you know what you want, you A gift card, in fact, led me to one
� �� can place an order online; shipping such possibility – Selah in downtown
�� is $6.95 plus 90 cents per bottle. I’ll Struthers, SelahRestaurant.com.
�
�
let you in on my favorites: The dry Billed as a “hometown restaurant with

�
cabernet and the semi-dry Riesling a big-city flair,” the atmosphere in this
($16 per bottle each). former bank building is a great blend
Coffee is another gift I love to give of formality and casualness that means
(and get, hint, hint), especially if it’s diners of all ages feel comfortable
�� something a bit out of the ordinary. there. Online, you’ll find lunch and
��
�� For that, there’s the Friends Roastery dinner menus (do try the stuffed grape
�� in Salem, FriendsRoastery.com. Yes, leaves) as well as wines, beers and to-
�� you can order online – and shipping go items; phone numbers are listed so
��
is free when you spend a minimum of you can call to order gift cards.
��
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��
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Phill’s
FRIDAY
�� • Vintage
GREAT
�� Gift Cards ��
GIFT
DECEMBER 19th • Wine & Beer ��
TASTING
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Gift Boxes ��
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• Wine
LOUNGE
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NEW YEAR’S EVE SALE Accessories ��
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EVERY DAY HAPPY HOUR ��
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OVER 760 CRAFT BEER LABELS IN STOCK!
7317 South Avenue• Boardman, Ohio • 330-629-8080 • www.vewinebeer.com
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Facial Plastic And Aesthetic Laser Center
“Love of Beauty is Taste.

Creation of Beauty is Art”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Northern Ohio’s Facial Rejuvenation Specialist

Facial Forehead & Eyelid Rejuvenation Dermal Fillers Botox Laser Lipolysis
Last year patients from 10 states traveled to Northern Ohio for Dr. Gentile is one of the few Plastic Surgeons offering virtually all
Dr. Gentile to perform their specialized quick recovery facial major dermal fillers and volumizers and can select the one that is
rejuvenation procedures. Featured in Elle magazine Dr. Gentile’s best for you. From MicroFatGrafting to Restylane™, Juvederm™,
innovative laser based SmartLift™ techniques are now being Radiesse™ Sculptra™ and Evolence™ experience counts when
performed by Plastic Surgeons in the US and Europe. volume restoration is recommended. Dr. Gentile is an International
instructor for SmartLipo and SmartLipo MPX the gold standard for
Now offering Latisse, Sculptra, and Dysport.
Call for information or visit www.facialplastics.org Laser Lipolysis.
All Procedures at the Institute are

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Rhinoplasty & Revision Rhinoplasty Fractional Laser Skin Rejuvenation

For over 22 years Dr. Gentile has been recognized as a Since 1990 Dr. Gentile has introduced many aesthetic laser
premier National Rhinoplasty Specialist and is an invited innovations to northern Ohio. We are the only Center to
speaker at many Rhinoplasty Specialists meetings. When offer non-ablative fractional treatments along with the
Rhinoplasty specialists assemble in Seattle this summer Sciton Profractional XC and Lumenis Ultrapulse Active &
Dr. Gentile will be among the teaching faculty sharing Deep FX. Our advanced technology helps us to select the
his techniques. treatment that is best for you.
Richard D. Gentile MD Medical Director LaserSmartLift™

Dr. Richard Gentile is a internationally Dr. Richard Gentile Introduces LaserSmartLift™,
recognized Board Certified Facial Plastic a minimally invasive Facial Rejuvenation
Surgeon, teacher and author. His Procedure for Forehead, Eyes, Face and Neck.
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Hear more on the latest technology for facial 01-28-10 – Canfield

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Escape Stress With a Trip to the Spa

Massage reduces stress mother, built the castle for his bride,
Julia Forker.
and pain from injuries, Today, it houses one of the most ro-
routine activities. mantic inns in America – it was named
among the top 10 by IloveInns.com in
By Maraline Kubik 2008 – along with a world-class spa.
Relax. The spa, which opened in 2001,
Easier said than done but oh, how offers “close to 100 different services,”
wonderful when it’s achieved. reports Laura Ackley, general man-
Whether it’s work – or, in this ager. “Romance is a huge part of what
recessive economy the lack of work we offer,” she says, “or a girlfriend’s
– a hectic daily routine, the kids, the getaway.”
weather or the gas bill that causes Guests are greeted at the door
stress, there are plenty of professionals with champagne – possible because
offering solutions – and a temporary Buhl Mansion has a full-service li-
escape. quor license – and the intimacy and
“Our service, our friendliness and pampering begins, Ackley says. Side-
the warm, pampering, extra-special by-side massages, facials, manicures,
attention we provide [allow our cli- lunch and champagne are included
ents] to get away from the rat race,” in the Romance package, which lasts
says Donna Tringhese, owner/opera- 4 to 4½ hours. A Sweetheart package
tor of Entheos Salon & Day Spa in includes side-by-side hot-stone mas-
Boardman. sages, champagne, chocolate-covered
Entheos specializes in providing strawberries, half a dozen roses and
facials, massages, body wraps and lasts about 90 minutes. Use of the
waxing services along with traditional sauna, steamroom and monsoon
salon services – manicures, pedicures showers is complimentary.
and hair services. Aveda products are “What we really aim to do is pam-
used exclusively, she says, describing per people so they can focus on each
the line of personal care products as other,” Ackley says.
“organically derived natural products Similar packages are available for
good for your skin and hair.” friends wanting to share time “in an-
Packages of services are available other world,” she continues, and larg-
so clients can spend the day, or part of er groups often rent the entire house.
the day, being pampered and enjoying There are only six treatment rooms in
time away from the rest of the world. the spa, she notes, “so it’s really easy
There are also packages designed for for bridal parties and other groups to
friends and couples, Tringhese says. take over the whole place.”
Although facials and massages are The size and intimacy of the spa at
provided to clients one-at-a-time, Buhl Mansion distinguishes it from
these packages are designed so that some of the larger spas where “you
friends or couples have lunch and feel like you’re herded [from one
pedicures together. treatment to the next], Ackley says.
“The packages make really nice “It’s very serene here, totally other-
gifts because these are things people worldly.”
don’t usually do for themselves, and Only cosmetology services that
it’s personal,” Tringhese says. “A day at Massotherapist Gina DeAngelo says many of her clients are businessmen with active lifestyles. are spa-related are offered. “We don’t
the spa is something just for them.” before and after services. Hot herbal is the convenience of buying gift cer- cut hair here,” she says. Unusual spa
At The Sewickley Spa in Sewickley, teas, juice, fruit and pastries are com- tificates on its Web site and printing treatments, such as a water therapy
Pa., the atmosphere and decor distin- plimentary. them at home. There is an option to massage and Pevonia caviar facial, also
guishes it from other spas, says Jonell While most of The Sewickley Spa’s have a certificate mailed – if you want distinguish the spa at Buhl Mansion
Connelly, spa director. clients are women, Connelly says a nicer presentation – but there’s noth- from its competitors.
Located inside a Victorian house, services are becoming more popular ing like being able to print it at home if Ackley describes the water therapy
The Sewickley Spa provides salon with men. “They come for our sports you’re in a hurry, Connelly notes. massage as a Swedish aromatherapy
services on the ground level. Al- massage or de-knotting massage and The Sewickley Spa uses its own line massage that is performed while the
though, Connelley notes, “We refuse a few want pedicures and facials,” of private-label products along with recipient is showered with warm
to do acrylic nails and hair color she says. Aquage hair-care products and also op- water. The Pevonia facial, she says,
because we feel it violates the spa at- Men also come with their partners erates other spas in Ligonier, Pa., and achieves “the effects of Botox without
mosphere.” Spa services – massages, for a Romantic Interlude, one of the at the Wisp Resort in McHenry, Md. the injections.”
facials and body wraps – are provided packages available. The Romantic Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and While spas tout the benefits their
upstairs in rooms that once served as Interlude, offered in conjunction with Spa in Sharon, Pa., is listed on the services offer, there are some people
bedrooms. the Doubletree Hotel, offers overnight National Register of Historic Places. to whom the spa atmosphere does
The reception area, once the living- accommodations, dinner and services The mansion resembles a great stone not appeal.
room, is furnished in period pieces at the spa, Connelly explains. castle and was built in 1890 by Frank Craig Marshall, a manager at a
while the “relaxation room” provides Another perk that sets The Sewick- H. Buhl, who made his fortune in the trucking company who spends most
a comfortable area where clients relax ley Spa apart from other spas, she says, steel industry and, at the request of his See ESCAPE STRESS, page 28
Escape Stress: Go to Spa, Get Massage

From Page 27 sprains and strains incurred while
of the day on his feet, got his first mas- they were working out, or from rou-
sage while on vacation in Colorado tine activities on the job – too much
and the therapist there suggested he time spent at the keyboard or on the
get them regularly. phone, she says.
“I have really tight muscles in my To get the most benefit from mas-
back,” Marshall explains. sage, DeAngelo says, recipients must
After he started experiencing be able to relax. For many men, she
pain in his lower back, he decided to says, that’s very difficult to do at a
give it a try. So, he sought out Gina spa. “It’s hard for a guy to relax in an
DeAngelo, a licensed massotherapist estrogen-filled environment.”
and owner of Massage Youngstown. Similarly, it is difficult for many
Even though the idea of going to a men to relax at a fitness club. “There
spa filled with women didn’t appeal you’re getting a rubdown,” DeAngelo
to him, Marshall says he wanted a says, “and you’re going to chat. This
female therapist. “Like most guys, is a more relaxing environment. It’s
I’m not comfortable being touched quiet and you don’t hear any chatting
by other men. And,” he adds, “she’s or a receptionist.”
freakishly strong.” The women she serves are also
DeAngelo works out of a cozy office often seeking relief from pain or com-
near Northside Hospital that, she says, plete relaxation rather than the social-
“is very quiet and private. It’s easy to izing they may experience at a spa.
unwind in that space.” She also works Mona Gilliland says she’s enjoyed
out of the Jewish Community Center. massages she’s received at spas, but
All hours are by appointment. after falling at work, she needed re-
Half of her clients are men. Busi- lief from “serious pain.” DeAngelo,
nessmen with active lifestyles – those she says, “has been a lifesaver, a real
that play racquetball, are involved in godsend.”
martial arts or other activities to keep The atmosphere in DeAngelo’s of-
fit – seem to gravitate to her practice, fice is such that Gilliland says, “I feel
DeAngelo says. comforted from the time I open the
They often are seeking relief from door. I leave here pain-free.”
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Clark, PA Sharon, PA
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Tara – A Country Inn offers casual and gourmet dining.

Buhl Mansion boasts a world-class day spa.
In additon, both inns provide:

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Exquisite weddings, social and corporate events.
Corporate and group overnight rates available.
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Poinsettias: Beds of Red

�� From Page 1
Lehotsky says. The bottom leaves remain green
�� while the bracts turn red (and other colors) because
the length of the days grows shorter in November
“Thank You” and December.

“They need natural daylight hours to bloom at
Christmastime,” Lehotsky says. The green leaves on
top begin turning around Oct. 10 and it takes them
a month to go from green to completely red.
�� Most who view the poinsettias overlook the cy-
athia or seeds in the center that are the flower, the
�� owner of Chuck’s Greenhouses notes, often because
�� the cyathia is barely visible. Somewhere between
20 and 25% of the poinsettias he tends are white,
�� cream-colored, pink, burgundy and novelty, the
novelty leaves containing whites or creams along
�� CONTINUES NEXT PAGE
�� Keep Them Blooming

��
P
oinsettias are perennial plants that are pe-
rennial Christmastide favorites. Yet many re-
�� cipients treat them as annuals to be thrown
�� out shortly after the live Christmas tree is taken to

the recycling center (or set out on the curb).
With a little care, poinsettias not only make
beautiful indoor plants all year long – their Linnean
�� name is euphorbia pulcherrima, the most beautiful
��
��
euphoriba -- but can be coaxed to return to their
�� red bracts at Yuletide, says the HelpfulGardener.
��
��
com Web site.
�� Chuck Lehotsky notes that come summer, when
��
��
temperatures are unlikely to fall below 65 degrees
�� (their “optimum growing temperature,” he says)
�� poinsettias can be transplanted outside where
��
�� they will thrive until early fall when they should
�� be dug up and brought back inside. “If you water
��
�� and take care of them, they’ll live a long time,”
�� Lehotsky advises.
��
�� The tallest he ever grew took three years
�� to reach almost 7 feet in height. The owner of
��
�� Chuck’s Greenhouses grew it inside and aided its
�� height by regularly stripping the side branches.
��
�� Poinsettias with white bracts tend to grow taller
�� than those with bracts of other colors, Lehotsky
��
�� says.
�� There are many varieties of poinsettias and
��
�� “60 to 70 varieties are introduced every year,”
�� he says.
��
�� To keep one’s poinsettias healthy, water them
�� at least twice a week and three times isn’t too
��
��
often, he counsels.
�� Those who worry that poinsettias are poison-
��
��
ous and that pets should be kept far from the
�� plants worry needlessly, Lehotsky and The Helpful
��
��
Gardener say. “They are not toxic, not poisonous,”
Lehotsky emphasizes. “That’s a myth.”
�� Should one’s pet cat eat the leaves – not ad-
�� vised, he is quick to add – the worst that Tabby
will suffer is an upset stomach.
��
White flies are poinsettias most serious enemy.
��
“They suck the white latex from the leaves and
�� the stems,” Lehotsky says, sapping the plants.
Remaining aler t and spraying the poinsettias
�� with insecticides before white flies land is usually
�� enough to keep the predators under control.
with reds, pinks and burgundies. he tells you that he’s only a couple of courses shy that have been his customers will restore their level
Lehotsky also grows a few marble poinsettias, of earning a baccalaureate in electrical engineering of holiday orders.
most of them pink and white. “Marble” refers to the at Youngstown State University. The size of the poinsettia depends on when it’s
slightly crinkled surface these varieties have, unlike His father, Bill, has helped all along the way, the started, the larger are started the first week of July,
the smoother bracts most are familiar with. son relates, and “still helps out as my delivery guy. the smallest the first week of August.
The majority of the red-and-green poinsettias He’s helped me the whole time.” Bill Lehotsky “re- “You buy a little rooted cutting,” Lehotsky ex-
in Chuck’s Greenhouses are 14-inch plants that tired a year early [from the General Motors complex plains. “You can’t grow one from seeds.” The grower
“grow in a standard soil mix, bark, peat moss and in Lordstown] to help me build the greenhouses.” pinches his plants three to four weeks after they’re
vermiculite,” Lehotsky says. This is the 10th year He entered the flower business because, he says, started, that is in August and early September, to
he’s grown poinsettias and the space devoted to the “I was looking for something to extend the season” encourage their growth and shape.
plant most associated with Christmas has increased after tomatoes and sweet corn ripened. Poinsettias Poinsettias “take a fair amount of water,” Le-
every year. were among the flowers he grew and as demand hotsky observes, and points to five in the middle
“Larry Bennett in Greenford used to be the biggest grew, especially from churches, he devoted more of a row where the tubes that deliver water were
grower,” Lehotsky says, “but he closed in 2000.” space. partially blocked. The bracts were just as intense a
Lehotsky, whose six greenhouses cover 22,500 This year demand from many of the churches he red and about the size of pin oak leaves, significantly
square feet, built the structures himself, except lay- supplies has either diminished or gone on hiatus, smaller than those around them.
ing the concrete, which he supervised. Lehotsky reports, a development he attributes to the The hours Chuck’s Greenhouses are open are 9
A cousin who lays concrete did that aspect, he economy. When the recovery gets stronger, when a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
says. Lehotsky did all the wiring – no surprise when employment rises, he’s confident that the churches and it’s closed Sundays.
Chuck Lehotsky has grown poinsettias for 10 years and is the

Mahoning Valley’s largest grower of the holiday flower.
Kolachi: Volunteers Keep Church Assembly Line Rolling

From Page 1 she explains, but the church is running short on when the number of volunteers willing to staff the
and the magnitude of the undertaking starts to take volunteers capable of doing the labor-intensive work bakery, housed in the church basement, for such a
shape. the making and baking requires. long stretch started to dwindle.
The baking project requires the services of about In years past, voluteers baked between 4,000 and The cookie walk was curtailed when the vol-
30 volunteers who arrive at the church between 5,000 kolachi rolls and 50 to 55 different kinds of unteer who used to organize it became ill, Livosky
7:30 and 11:30 a.m. depending on the job they’re cookies – 50 to 100 dozen of each kind. They were adds.
assigned, and may not leave until 5:30 or 6 p.m., sold – priced per pound – during a “cookie walk” Most volunteers are retirees and homemakers
sometimes later, says Linda Livosky, president of where buyers were handed plastic gloves and went although a few have been known to take vacation
the Campbell “O” Club and overseer of the church around the room filling containers with the cookies time from work, says Nick Vansuch. He used to
kitchen. they wanted. come after work but now that he’s retired, Vansuch
The kolachi, along with other baked goods the It took volunteers two weeks to bake 4,000 ko- says he puts in a full day helping with the kolachi.
volunteers have been making and freezing since lachi, Livosky says. The church began scaling back CONTINUES NEXT PAGE
early November – a variety of Christmas cookies,
three kinds of strudel and pogachi, which Livosky
describes as “a Russian pizza made from bread dough
and filled with cheese and potato,” will be sold Dec.
19 during a hectic two-hour sale – dubbed the St.
Nicholas Bake Shoppe and More.
Last year, buyers eager to purchase the baked
goods along with homemade stuffed cabbage,
wedding soup and mushroom-saurekraut soup – a
Christmas Eve tradition in Slavic countries – began
gathering in St. John the Baptist’s parking lot as early
as 9:30 a.m., Livosky says.
By the time the doors opened at noon, nearly 100
people were in line. “We ran out [of kolachi] very THE CBOSS CENTRAL PAYMENT PORTAL
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Linda Livosky holds one batch of dough. The dough weighs about
©2009 CBOSS INC., BOARDMAN, OH 44512
15 pounds and will be used to make 24 rolls of kolochi.
This year, laid-off and unemployed workers have when they’re hot and she has to pull them from oven cool. Then they clean the trays and return them to
also joined the ranks of volunteers. racks that are higher than she is tall. the kitchen, ready for the next batch.
The youngest, Andrew Zelinski, 23, is a recent Because heat inside the oven doesn’t circulate The kolachi will cool to the touch before the men
college graduate looking for work. Ordinarily, he around the trays evenly, Johnston continues, she place each roll on a corrugated cardboard cake board
says, his mother volunteers to help bake the kolachi pulls each tray out of the oven midway through the that’s been cut in strips to fit the loaves. Then, after
but she’s working. “So I got sent to work for her,” baking time and rearranges them to ensure an even five or six hours, they will package each loaf in a
he explains. and uniform browning of each kolachi. plastic bag labeled with the type of filling. To ensure
It’s his first time and because “he is a trainee,” Johnston is the only one in the hot kitchen there are no mix-ups, the bakers in the kitchen use
Livosky says she put Zelinski on one of the easier wearing a long-sleeved sweatshirt. She wears the the tines of a fork to mark each loaf – “N” for nut,
jobs – operating the “dough machine.” The pastor sweatshirt because she knows from experience what “A” for apricot – before it goes into the oven.
of the church, Father John Steffaro, typically oper- can happen after handling dozens of hot, heavy Loaves of kolachi will sell for $8 a piece. Overall
ates the machine. trays. She slides the cuff of one sleeve to expose her sales of the kolachi, cookies, soups and other ethnic
The dough machine requires the operator to forearm and a collection of straight, white scars on specialties are expected to gross $12,000, Livosky
feed 12-ounce balls of dough through a series of the inside of her arm between wrist and elbow, the says, and net a profit of $8,000 to $9,000. Profits
rollers that flatten them into large ovals that are brands left by the edges of hot trays during other will be divided between the church’s general fund
then handed off to one of eight women armed with volunteer baking days. and the club, which raises money for benevolent
rolling pins. The women roll them into perfectly A native of Campbell, Johnston lives in Michigan activities such as sending kids to camp and provid-
formed rectangles, spread the filling over top and but times her visits to coincide with the Kolachi ing support for seminarians, she says.
roll them into loaves. baking. She also bakes at her church in Michigan While the Christmas bake sale and another
The loaves are placed on enormous baking sheets after having advised members of her church there around Easter help generate funds in support of the
– eight to a tray – brushed with melted butter and on how to equip their kitchen. She based her advice church and the “O” Club’s charitable work, there is
placed in a warm place to rise. Once they have risen, on the kitchen at St. John the Baptist. another benefit that is just important, Johnston says:
Elaine Johnston places them into a convection oven Most of the volunteers in the kitchen are women, the camaraderie volunteers share.
capable of baking 64 rolls of kolachi at a time. but a group of men arrive in the late morning, just as Volunteering to help make and sell the kolachi,
Johnston is the baker because “she is the chosen the first rolls of kolachi are coming out of the oven. cookies and ethnic specialties provides church
one,” Livosky chuckles. “Here comes some hot stuff – besides the kolachi members an opportunity to get together, rekindle
“I’m very particular, and I’m strong enough to too,” one of them warns with a laugh as he helps friendships and socialize.
handle the trays,” Johnston explains. She estimates Johnston carry the hot trays to an adjoining room St. Nicholas Bake Shoppe and More attracts cus-
that each kolachi weighs 24 ounces. Eight to a tray, where rows of plastic-covered banquet tables run tomers from as far as Cleveland and regulars from
plus the weight of the tray and the metal dividers from one end of the room to the other. as far as New Castle and Hermitage, Pa.
placed between rolls to keep them from baking to- The men transfer the hot kolachi to wire racks This year’s sale is slated for noon to 2 p.m. Dec.
gether, and the trays get heavy, she says, especially and place the racks edge-to-edge on the tables to 19 at the church, 301 Struthers-Liberty Road.
Sonya Harvischak separates the dough into 12-ounce balls. Joan Cross spreads nut filling over the dough after it is rolled Maureen Koval tops the kolachi, eight rolls to a pan, with
From there the balls go into a machine that flattens them. into a rectangle. She finishes by rolling the dough into a loaf. melted butter. From there it goes to a warm place to rise.
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E
ven though, like everyone else, The biggest “obstacle” is getting past the display The chicken sandwich, however, had plenty of
we’ve cut way back to conserve case, where depending on the time of day you’ll be chicken – plus celery, slivered almonds, lettuce,
tempted by gourmet salads, mouth-watering pastries tomato and (surprise!) grapes. The beef was very
cash these days, eating out re- such as lemon tarts, cookies and other goodies – all flavorful, topped with tomato, lettuce and cheese,
mains close to the top of our accompanied by the smell of freshly brewed coffee. and the Asiago demi roll was especially yummy.
search team’s favorite activities. Orders are placed at the counter; a server delivers Café Confidential: The best-kept secret at
When the weather is warm, that’s likely to it to your table when everything is ready. There are Panera? The Web site (PaneraBread.com), where
a few tables on the lower level and more upstairs, a nutrition calculator lets you check just about
mean sitting on an outdoor patio at a local where we sat on our most recent visit. everything that’s sold in the cafés for calories, fat
café, sipping iced tea or fresh-squeezed lem- On this day, we chose a whole lobster roll and a and carbohydrates and more. And don’t miss the
onade and nibbling on a cheese plate or chilled chicken salad on a croissant, priced at $10 each. Half recipe section – you can duplicate some of the more
sandwiches are perhaps a more appropriate size for popular items in your own home.
pasta salad. lunch – the lobster roll in particular was huge. The
O
Ah, but there’s a chill in the air now. So chicken salad was perfectly seasoned, tasty but not ur last stop is a place in which we spent
where will you find us? Surprise – at a local overwhelmingly spiced up. Ditto the lobster roll, quite a bit of quality time this past summer
café. Now, though, we’ll be sitting at a cozy which was stuffed with shredded lobster meat. Each – the Garden Café in the D.D. and Velma
sandwich came with a bag of chips. Davis Education & Visitor Center in Mill Creek
table inside, perhaps sipping a hot latte and We’d planned to pass on the pastries, but in the Park in Youngstown.
warming our tummies with a bowl of home- end we couldn’t pass up a large cinnamon roll to This is a great place to relax and enjoy the view
made soup. share. It turned out to be so sweet that one of us any time of year – expansive windows that reach
almost passed out from sugar shock after a single almost from floor to ceiling and skylights let in copi-
S o it was that we set out to revisit some of our bite (the other had no such problem and polished ous amounts of sunshine, and when it’s warm, the
favorite places and share them with our read- off the rest in short order). outdoor patio beckons. The café overlooks Lake Gla-
ers, starting at Peaberry’s Café in Canfield. Café Confidential: Have breakfast here – the cier and is a popular place for special events such as
Open since 1993, Peaberry’s features made-from- French Street Café opens at 7:30 a.m. daily except small wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners.
scratch European pastries as well as coffee, espresso Sundays, when it opens at 9 – or pop in to grab a When the café is open to the public, which is for
and wonderful sandwiches, salads and soups. take-out coffee. Or, why not book the place for an lunch six days a week and brunch on Sunday, the
On this visit, we both ordered one of the Half after-hours private party or have them cater an event food is provided by The Georgetown, a party center
& Half Combos – half a sandwich with either half elsewhere? and catering company based in Boardman.
a house salad or a crock of soup. One of us chose For our official
the roast beef and cheddar sandwich; the other In Search of: visit, we’d been
Cozy
picked ham and cheese on a croissant. For soups, advised ahead of
our choices were potato-bacon and vegetable, the time by friend and
latter a special for the day; both came with a chunk former Business
Cafés
of fresh French bread. Not counting beverages, our Journal senior re-
meals were about $7.50 each – not at all bad since porter Michele
we both left with doggie bags. Ristich Gatts to try
Peaberry’s keeps the coffee counter and dining the hot portabella
counter separate, with the coffee area near the front By Monnie Ryan sandwich ($6.75)
that makes ordering quick and take-out easy. There – and we did. Our
O
are several tables along one side and toward the back; n a recent excur- other choice was a
once you place your order at the counter, a server sion across the Pennsylva- tuna salad croissant
will bring it to you. nia border, we drove back home ($5.99). Both came
The sandwiches were delicious; the croissant was by way of Hermitage and stopped at the Panera with chips and a
buttery and flaky, and the roast beef was tender. But Bakery & Café for a late lunch. The majority of pickle spear.
quite honestly, the soup stole the show on this day. our visits to Panera are to pick up a loaf or two of We placed our
To begin with, the crocks are a generous size. The the wonderful fresh-baked breads and some pastries order at the coun-
vegetable was loaded with chunks of (what else?) to take home, so sitting down for a relaxing meal ter, then picked one of the tables near a window.
vegetables swimming in a tasty broth. The potato- is a real treat. (With so many windows, that’s not hard to do.)
bacon, though, was so thick it almost wouldn’t fall Both of us decided on a “Pick 2” option – a cup The menu featured a number of hot and cold sand-
off an upside-down spoon (yes, we tried it). The of soup paired with either a half sandwich or a salad wiches, wraps, soups, appetizers and desserts, and
flavor? Nothing short of lip-smackin’ good. for $6.39. Our soups of choice were cream of chicken we learned later that sandwiches can be made to
For dessert, we shared a blueberry muffin, al- with wild rice and broccoli cheese. To go with it, we order as well.
though it was tough to resist some of the other treats, reluctantly nixed some wonderful-sounding salads The portabella sandwich was served on thick-
including something called a chocolate-raspberry in favor of the half-sandwiches – specifically, Napa sliced, grilled bread and topped with roasted red and
“volcano.” almond chicken and Asiago roast beef. green peppers, grilled onions and melted cheese – a
Café Confidential: You heard it here, folks! After placing our order at the counter, we found great choice for vegans, but also quite satisfying for
Customers can purchase whole-bean coffee, custom a table near a window and waited for our beeper to those of us who are not (Michele, I’m hereby passing
gift baskets, thermal mugs and flavored syrups in signal that all was ready. your recommendation along). The tuna croissant
Peaberry’s “store.” Are you a Facebooker? Follow From that point on, conversation ceased. Our was quite substantial and delicious as well, though
Peaberry’s online. Or, tune in to owner Chris Cole’s soups were creamy enough to hold up well when I suppose if we wanted to get nitpicky, we’d suggest
blog at http://peaberryscafe.blogspot.com to get the we dipped the accompanying chunk of French adding a bit of chopped onion.
latest happenings. bread, and the amount seemed quite generous for a Café Confidential: Either before or after your
lunchtime serving. The cream of chicken featured lunch here, you’ve got many other opportunities
F rom there it was on to the French Street

Café on Niles-Cortland Road in Howland,
where we stop every once in a while on our
way to or from the Borders bookstore. If you go at
peak times, finding a table might mean a short wait,
long-grain wild rice, carrots and celery and was ab-
solutely delicious, although it reminded us of Arthur
Godfrey’s old radio commercials for Campbell’s
chicken noodle soup: “Lots o’ noodles, not much
for indoor and outdoor exploration. The gift shop
is a treasure trove of unique items, many handmade.
Weather permitting, climb to the top of the observa-
tion tower just outside the café for spectacular views
chicken.” Nevertheless, we’d order it again in a of Lake Glacier, or head out back for a leisurely stroll
but most of the time that’s not a big problem. heartbeat – it’s that good. through the beautiful Fellows Riverside Gardens.
VXI Call Center Grows Faster than Expected

250 more jobs could come David Bozanich, city finance director. The lease several components, Covelli explains. They include
to Youngstown by spring. agreement is retroactive to Oct. 1. VXI employees
“have been parking over there since they initiated
increased demand from existing clients, support
for new clients, and the caliber of the work force in
By George Nelson operations,” he explains. the Mahoning Valley. Comments have been posi-
“Things are moving a lot faster than [VXI offi- tive on the part of the management team regarding
VXI Global Solutions Inc. has already hired half cials] had even hoped for,” Woodberry says. Execu- the quality and work ethic of the workers, and the
of the 500 employees it expected to employ in the tives were cautious with attitude they bring to the
first year at its new call center downtown, and the their projections to make Mayor Jay Williams touts VXI as “a shining job, he notes.
company could add another 250 workers – at the sure they would be able to
very least – early next year. meet them, she adds.
example” of what the city is able to do in not“Obviously we would
expand that rapidly
VXI, based in Los Angeles, opened its incoming “We were trying to terms of stimulating job creation. unless the work force
call center in October on the fourth floor of 20 Fed- be conservative,” affirms was available and was of
eral Place. The company said at its ribbon-cutting Nick Covelli, VXI senior vice president, sales and the quality to support the expansion,” Covelli says.
that it planned to hire 250 employees by the end of marketing. “We were aware that demand possibly “We’re thrilled,” Woodberry says. When a com-
the year and reach 500 workers within its first year would be higher.” pany goes into a new market there are always con-
of operations in Youngstown. The rapid growth, he acknowledges, could accel- cerns about the work force, but “they’ve expressed
But the company is moving faster than it projected erate plans to expand the call center by another 250 to us that they are completely satisfied.”
and should reach 500 employees by the end of the workstations, at minimum, for another 300 workers. Mayor Jay Williams touts VXI as “a shining
first quarter, says T. Sharon Woodberry city economic The company is gathering more information about example” of what the city can do to stimulate job
development director. The city owns the 20 Federal a possible expansion and whether the Youngstown creation. Williams cited the VXI project during his
building, where the VXI call center is housed. center could accommodate that growth. Depending recent appearance on C-Span as an example of how
The Youngstown Board of Control recently ap- on the variables being discussed, that figure could the city has used federal stimulus dollars to create
proved an agreement with U.S. Plaza Parking to lease be 500 workstations. jobs. The city received $350,000 in stimulus money
the top level of the parking deck for VXI employees “It will become much clearer for us in a month to assist with building improvements for the call
for $5,000 per month. The city agreed to provide free or two” whether, or how much, the company might center.
parking for VXI employees as part of the incentive need to expand, Covelli says. “We should know by VXI has an option to lease space on the fifth floor
package to attract the company to Youngstown. the first part of next year how serious we’re going of 20 Federal, for an additional 30,000 square feet,
The incentive was offered “to level the playing to be about that.” Woodberry says. “That’s a great predicament for us
field” with other sites VXI was considering, says The rapid employee growth is being driven by to be in, for lack of a better term,” she remarks.
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Of Southern Trumbull County
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Builders See Another Tough Year Ahead

LEED certification will
be imperative for some
constuction projects.
By Jeremy Lydic
A
s Jerry Harper turns over the
presidency of The Builders
Association of Eastern Ohio
and Western Pennsylvania to Harry
Grafton, he does so knowing that
2010 will be difficult, but with
confidence that Grafton will meet
the challenges.
“Harry’s a young man, very ag-
gressive,” Harper said. “And with the
economy that he’s got coming at him,
that I’m leaving him, that’s a tough
position to be in.”
Harper joined other members of
The Builders as next year’s officers
were presented Dec. 2 during the
association’s annual meeting.
In addition to Grafton becom-
ing president, Jim Breese, president
of Jack Gibson Construction Co.,
Warren, is first vice president. The
executive vice president of Hubbard-
based DeSalvo Construction Inc., Joe
DeSalvo, is second vice president. Ed Jerry Harper, outgoing president of The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio, Joe DeSalvo, second vice president, Harry Grafton, incoming president,
Stevens, president of Stevens Masonry Roger Kreps, treasurer, and Jim Breeze, first vice president, during the annual meeting. Missing from photo is Ed Stevens, third vice president.
Construction Inc., New Castle, Pa.,
is third vice president. Roger Kreps, qualified; they get government tax presented by a representative of the Watkins expects a “fairly significant
owner /president of Roger Kreps Dry- breaks,” Grafton said. “We want our Cleveland Green Building Coalition, decrease in the number of appren-
wall & Plastering Inc., is treasurer. members to understand what the Reilly noted. tices,” which he attributes to the
Harper, a principal at Connell Inc., programs are and what the require- The association is looking to em- economy. The economy also made
acknowledged the local construction ments are.” ploy an educational program where contract negotiations difficult in
market is tight. “I think everybody’s Grafton’s experience stems from members can take a LEED-accredited 2009 and going into 2010, he said.
trying to look through a crystal ball,” work done in Pittsburgh, which is exam so they qualify for the certifi- The association negotiated building
he said, and the proposed expansion becoming a big LEED market, he said. cation. Such programs and training trades contracts with the Northeast
of V&M Star Steel has the attention of LEED jobs in greater Pittsburgh in- will be important for members of the Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters,
all building trades. clude Consol Energy’s corporate head- association to secure jobs that have Cement Masons Local 179 and the
Harper commended the efforts of quarters and a new green-building re- Painters Local 476. In 2010, seven
Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and YMCA, he said. “LEED certification and green quirements. agreements will be up for negotiation,
Girard Mayor James Melfi in pursuing LEED jobs have In 2009, asso- including the cement masons and
the V&M expansion. And he applaud- specific require- building is something that’s ciation members painters’ contracts, which were one-
ed Williams in joining a congressional ments regarding on the forefront, so we want worked 2.9 million year extensions, he said.
delegation Dec. 2 to testify before the building materials, to make sure our contractors man-hours, down Highlights from 2009 include work
International Trade Commission and waste disposal and
lobby the U.S. Commerce Department how the materials
are ready for that,” said the 8% from 2008.
This year marked
with Youngstown State University’s
civil engineering and civil and con-
on the need to impose tariffs on steel are stored on the executive vice president of the the fewest man- struction engineering technology
pipe imported from China. To help job site, he said. association, Kevin Reilly. “The hours since 1985, programs, from which students par-
local manufacturers compete glob- “LEED certifi- executive committee is looking Reilly said. ticipated in the association’s inaugural
ally, such tariffs need to be imposed cation and green “As man-hours building estimating competition.
to stem the volume of unfairly priced building is some- at various opportunities for pro- have decreased, The association also awarded two
imports, he said. thing that’s on the grams for our members.” the number of con- $2,500 scholarships to students en-
To keep members of The Builders forefront, so we tract disputes and rolled in the civil and construction
competitive, the association plans want to make sure our contractors are jurisdiction disputes have increased,” engineering technology program. Brit-
to train workers in LEED certified ready for that,” said the executive vice he added. “We want to try to help tany Rush of Carrollton and Matthew
construction, said Grafton, president president of the association, Kevin position our contractors to be com- Leffler of Greenville were awarded the
and owner of Grafton Construction Reilly. “The executive committee is petitive in the marketplace.” scholarships; both are in their second
Inc., New Castle, Pa. LEED stands looking at various opportunities for Those enrolled in apprenticeship year at YSU.
for Leadership in Energy and Envi- programs for our members.” programs fell to 222, down from 258 In the last 38 years that The Build-
ronmental Design. The Builders hosted an introduc- in 2008, reported the labor-relations ers have given out scholarships,
“A lot of jobs are becoming LEED- tory green-building seminar this year director, John Watkins. For 2010, $106,210 has been awarded.
NeilKennedy:Layout 1 12/4/09 9:38 AM Page 1
BuildingBetterBusiness
In 2010, Keep Your Head Up
Some tips for maintaining office • Be open and listen. Talk to employees and
listen to their concerns and recommendations.
businesses have had to cut office parties altogether
because of budget concerns, but events like office
morale in a tough economy. Sometimes little things can have a big effect on office
morale; talk to employees to find out what keeps
parties are a way to show appreciation, boost cama-
raderie and inject levity.
M
any small-business owners are struggling to them happy and what they would like to change Consider less expensive options for a party such
stay afloat and being forced to make tough around the office. as hosting a holiday lunch instead of a dinner or
decisions – such as instituting layoffs or Keeping the lines of communication open with instituting a volunteer day to get everyone out of
budget cuts. employees can also help quell rumors that can un- the office and working together.
In the wake of these decisions, office morale can dermine office morale. Pot luck lunches are in vogue again. Even those
dip as employees face uncertainty about their jobs. • Provide an extra day off or a flexible schedule who aren’t chefs can bring chips or grocery store
The unemployment rate in the United States is option. Especially around the holidays, employees cupcakes.
already at a 26-year high and layoffs are still in the will appreciate an extra day off, the opportunity to
future for many small businesses. work from home or flexible hours. For more advice on managing a business in a tough economy,
According to a recent report from the National • Keep parties, but lose the excess. Many call your BBB at 330-744-7151.
Federation of Independent Businesses, 14% of
small-business owners plan to cut staff in the com-
ing months.
Even for employees who survive a layoff, job Reflections and Resolutions
I
uncertainty remains. For example, Equifax reports t’s that time of year to sales of particular brands that allow them to offer
that small-business bankruptcies were up 81% in review our successes savings to their customers. It could also be that you
June over the previous year. and mistakes. are on the leading edge when it comes to introducing
Layoffs, budget cuts and the pressures of an Dig out your resolu- new or improved products and services to them.
unstable economy can cause office morale to dip. tions for 2009. Score Remember that if you are a valued resource to
When employees aren’t happy and morale is low, one point if you can your customer, price will become secondary or not
productivity suffers, resulting in a downward spiral find them, two points if considered at all when they purchase your products
for an already struggling business owner. you purposely kept any or services.
The Better Business Bureau offers the following of them and 10 points • Where can I trim my budget and where should
(probably a very suc- I maintain? It’s more important than ever to win and
When employees aren’t happy and morale cessful year) if you used keep your clients’ trust.
is low, productivity suffers, resulting in a them as a roadmap to a You don’t have to undergo an entire redesign
successful 2009. of your Web presence to reassure your consum-
downward spiral for an already struggling Before starting your ers that your business is healthy and thriving. But
business owner. By Pat Rose
new list or resolutions, you should look seriously at some personalized
ask yourself: communications, such as a weekly blog or some
BBB President
advice to small-business owners on how to maintain • Did my marketing method or vehicle to make it easy to speak directly
office morale in a tough economy: plan get me where I wanted to be in 2009? Evaluate to your target market about topics that will have
• Enlist management in setting the right tone. your tactical marketing plan for hit and misses. Use an immediate and important impact on their
In the wake of layoffs and budget cuts, it can be dif- the hits for creating a new and better 2010 plan. organizations.
ficult to strike the right tone that will inspire trust We should really begin to see the upturn that Don’t overlook the easier-than-ever video
with employees. Small-business owners and man- is already reflected in the stock market and other presentations that you or your spokesman
agement need to be on the same page in expressing areas of the economy. This means your competi- can now deliver quickly and inexpensively
optimism about the future. tors will be gearing up to attract old and new to your target audience.
Don’t flaunt affluence when staff may be strug- customers’ attention. By the way, don’t cut corners when it comes
gling just to make a house payment. Have personal Your plan should include new and up- to keeping up with the latest technology.
conversations with staff, not impersonal e-mails to dated ads, promotions and product lines What is in and hot today is gone next
discuss issues. Bring muffins or a bag of cookies to to put you ahead of the pack. Even in this month.
the staff meeting. economy, your plan should call for growth. Also keep a sharp eye out for what your
• Acknowledge individual achievements. When Make sure your message is exactly on target competition is doing. You should be check-
morale is low, it’s more important than ever to en- – you can’t afford misses. ing out their Web sites, ads and shopping
courage employees and recognize the work that they • What challenges will my customers have this them as frequently as possible.
do. Consider starting an employee-of-the-month year? Whether you sell to businesses or consum- 2010 will be a critical year.
program or rewarding employees for completing ers, all will still be dealing with effects of the recent “Trust and Integrity” should be the title of your
projects or meeting goals. economic downturn. Sit down now and anticipate business plan this year. Being trustworthy and in-
Awards don’t necessarily mean money. When what your customers are going to find most valu- sisting integrity be the keystone of all your business
an individual or a team has completed a successful able from you and then focus on that aspect of your dealings should (must) be your first two resolutions
project, one of the best rewards might be giving him business. of 2010. And come next December, you should
an afternoon off or telling them to sleep in until 10 In some cases it may be your flexibility as their remember them as the reasons for your business
and be at work by noon. business volume changes. It may be crafting special success in 2010.
Library Center Provides Business Resources

Extensive databases are avail- archives, compiled from The Business Journal as well the library’s information services department. “We
as area daily newspapers, include Youngstown Steel used to struggle to find information that now we
able for free to library patrons. Door and Avanti. “We try to be comprehensive in can pull up in a second.”
the way we collect information about local business Staff members also can provide responses to
By George Nelson
entities,” she says. inquiries via e-mail, she adds.
I
magine, as an entrepreneur getting ready to start The center also offers electronic databases that The center gets “a lot of aspiring business own-
a business, having access to detailed information patrons can access in the center or, in many cases, ers” looking for information before they begin their
about the market you’re about to enter, everything from their home or office through the library’s Web business, Moses says.
from the number of businesses already in the market Site using the bar code on their library card. Using the economic census and other sources,
to consumer spending projections by county. The extensive databases offer a way “to find de- the center can research how many businesses of
Those are samples of the kinds of informa- mographic information about your customer base,” the same kind are in a specific area, as well as even
tion available to patrons of the Public Library of Moses says. “You’re going to find some pretty amaz- more specific information such as how much money
Youngstown and Mahoning County’s Business ing reports that have been generated.” Accessing these business are making and how much they can
and Investment Center. This month the library is one of the databases, Moses found one such report expect to make, Mellor says.
marking its 85th anniversary of the center, which that showed projected consumer expenditures in While several library programs have seen cut-
has evolved and expanded from when its reference Mahoning County in 97 different areas not only for backs because of reduced state and local funding,
department began offering the community what had this year but for the year 2014. “So businesses who Moses notes that the center is “widely recognized
been termed “technical services.” are trying to find out how consumers spend money [as] a vital part” of the library’s services.
At one point known as the Science and Industry in Mahoning County would very easily able to find “We are still a library and in order to remain a
Center, the Business and Investment Center’s librar- this information,” she says. viable resource for the community, we know that we
ian, Hannah Moses, says center has two missions: to The center subscribes to four modules of Refer- have to find the funds for certain parts of the collec-
provide “timely and authoritative sources” for the ence USA, which is “unusual for a public library,” tion that are very widely used, and this is one of our
business community and for patrons looking for Moses says. Those include a health module, residen- strengths,” says Janet Lowe, library communications
answers for their personal investment needs. tial module and new business module. and public relations director.
Part of its mission involves maintaining a massive While the center is no longer the sole local “This is one of the ways that the library enhances
clipping file on area businesses that includes such source of this kind of business information, its book the community in ways you don’t think of,” she
often-researched former entities as Phar-Mor Inc. sources and data bases are much more specific and continues. “People think of libraries as providing
and continuing operations such as General Motors. involved, and will provide information faster and educational support to a community but we’re also
“Oftentimes we are called about those two in par- more accurately “than anything that you could pull contributors to the economic well-being of the
ticular,” she says. Other familiar names found in the up on Google,“ says Michele Mellor, supervisor of community.”
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TIPS FOR CLIMBING THE CAREER LADDER, COMPILED BY MONNIE RYAN
Getting Ahead
Tweeting While You Work
Protect job, reputation sion. You’ll build a reputation as a
subject-matter expert and that could
when using social help you advance in your career.
networking sites. • Monitor yourself. Even if your
employer has a liberal policy about
I t’s probably OK to whistle while

you work, but if you want to
Tweet, you might be violating
company policy.
In fact, 54% of chief information
social networking, limit the time you
spend at these sites to avoid a produc-
tivity drain.
Prepare for Job Search
officers surveyed by Robert Half Tech- Times are tough all over, so even
nology, Menlo Park, Calif., say their if you aren’t overly concerned about
companies do not allow employees to losing your job, it pays to take steps
visit social networking sites such as to manage your career, according to
Twitter and Face- Salary.com. That
book for any rea- Employees should exercise good w a y, y o u ’ l l b e
son while they’re ready if the worst
on the job. judgment no matter how lenient happens, and you
Only 19% of their company’s policy. might even find an
the companies al- opportunity you
low visiting social networking sites for didn’t know existed.
business purposes, and 16% permit First and foremost, get in the habit
visiting for personal use on a limited of networking everywhere you go.
basis. Other habits to cultivate include:
“Using social networking sites may • Keep your resume current. Every
divert employees’ attention away from time you finish a project, receive an
more pressing priorities, so it’s under- award or get a promotion, revise it.
standable that some companies limit • Research your value. Find out
access,” says Dave Willmer, executive what your skills and experience are
director of Robert Half Technology. worth on the talent market.
“For some professions, however, these • Dust off your references. When
sites can be leveraged as effective busi- was the last time you spoke with your
ness tools.” former boss? The boss before that? Do
In any event, employees should ex- you even know where to find them if
ercise good judgment no matter how you need a reference?
lenient their company’s policy.
Willmer offers these tips for pro- Finding Startup Capital
tecting your professional reputation The usual do’s and don’ts of seek-
when using social networking sites: ing startup funding are magnified in
• Know what’s allowed. Make sure times like these.
you understand and adhere to your “Come up with a business plan that
company’s social networking policy. is clear, concise, internally consistent
• Use caution. Be familiar with and reasonable for the market op-
each site’s privacy settings to ensure portunity,” advises Phil Siegel of the
that personal details or photos you Acton School of Business in Austin,
post can be viewed only by the people Texas. “Understand your customers
you choose. and know why they would buy your
• Keep it professional. Use social product or service instead of what
networking sites while at work to they buy today. Do market research to
make connections with others in your prove that your product has value.”
field or follow industry news – not to Consider bringing in experts to
catch up with family or friends. help increase your credibility, he
• Stay positive. Avoid complaining continues. “Ask yourself how you’re
about your manager and co-workers. going to spend the money you are
Once you’ve hit submit or send, you seeking. What milestones are you
can’t always take back your words going to reach in this round of invest-
– and there’s a chance they could be ment capital? What will you need in
read by the people you’re criticizing. terms of financing after you achieve
• Polish your image. Tweet or blog your initial goals to get cash flows to
about a topic related to your profes- break even?”
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Hermitage Factory & Store . 1546 E. State St . 724.981.6341; Boardman Location . Creekside Plaza Route 224 & Tippecanoe . 330.965.0785
Building
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for Our
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Future Tuesday, DECEMBER 15th @ 4:00PM
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The new LEED-certified ��
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Williamson College of ��
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Business Administration building ��
is scheduled for completion Fall 2010 ��
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PEOPLE, COMPANIES, MAKING NEWS
For the Record ��

Farris Marketing, Boardman, has The Penn-Northwest Development
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been retained by Tresco International, Corp., Mercer, Pa., has been approved
North Lima, to produce sales materials by the Pennsylvania Department of ��
and Internet marketing projects. Tresco Community and Economic Development ��
manufactures lighting products. as a certified industrial development cor- ��
Kutlick Realty LLC, Boardman, poration. As such, Penn-Northwest has
announces the opening of Boardman
Dialysis Center at Tiffany Boulevard and
met all the qualifications to administer
the Pennsylvania Industrial Development ��
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Boardman-Poland Road in Boardman. Authority loan program to eligible busi-
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nesses in Mercer County.
Prima Health Care, Boardman, is ��
opening Prima Express Care Jan. 14 at Kevin P. Gluntz has joined the Home ��
its Salem office, 564 East Second St. Savings and Loan Co. as vice president ��
and deputy general counsel.
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Dr. Vincent Marino has joined Prima � � ��
Health Care’s Boardman office, 7629 The Home Savings Charitable Foun- ��
Market St. He previously was medical dation recently presented Niles Com-
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director at the Austintown ER. munity Services with a check for $5,000
Dr. Brock Generalovich, a plastic for program suppor t. The nonprofit
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surgeon, also has joined Prima Health organization provides food, clothing and ��
Care’s Boardman office. emergency services. ��
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Community Wealth Ventures Ohio DRS LLC, Youngstown, has been
Family Violence Training Project has recognized by N-able Technologies, On-
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awarded a $50,000 grant to Help Hot- tario, Canada, as one of that company’s ��
line Crisis Center Inc. for support of the preferred providers of its network and ��
Tri-County Family Violence Prevention systems management software for ��
Coalition. The funds were made avail- managed service providers and IT pro- ��
able through HealthPath Foundation fessionals. ��
of Ohio’s prevention of family violence Chappells House of Pictures & ��
initiative. Frames, Salem, is exhibiting through ��
Rocco Cickelli has joined Hill Barth Jan. 30 award-winning photographs by ��
& King LLC, Certified Public Accountants Dr. Richard M. Fisher. ��
and Business Consultants, Boardman, St. Elizabeth Health Center , � � ��
as an associate. Youngstown, has received the Ameri- ��
Gerber’s Poultry Inc., Kidron, has can Heart Association/American Stroke ��
selected Innis Maggiore, Canton, as Association’s Get With The Guidelines ��
agency of record for adver tising and Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achieve- ��
other communication services. ment Award.
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Dr. James Jamison, an orthopedic surgeon with Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates, accepts ��
on behalf of Forum Health Inc. an award from HealthGrades, an independent health-care
ratings organization, that ranks Forum’s Northside Medical Center in Youngstown as No. 1
in Ohio for overall orthopedic services. Presenting the award is Jackie Greiner. ��
Sunrise Inn
Opens Store ��
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In Austintown ��
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By George Nelson
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he recession and its effect are unfortunate, ��
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but Ken Haidaris says they helped to create
conditions favorable to the opening of his first
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Sunrise Inn restaurant in Mahoning County.

A familiar name to Trumbull County diners for
80 years, the Sunrise Inn opened last month in
the former Waffle House on Mahoning Avenue in
Austintown, and marked its opening Dec. 7 with a
ribbon-cutting. Snow flurries fly for the first time this fall as the ribbon is cut Dec. 7 outside the new Sunrise Inn in Austintown. From left are
In that time, the new location – Sunrise’s third in Mark Cole, David Ditzler, Ken Haidaris, Don Fowler, John Burke, Lisa Oles, Michael Kurish and Adam Brown.
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the Mahoning Valley – has performed beyond expec- Franchisee Don Fowler, owner of the Austintown�� made things more affordable to open a business,”
tations, says Haidaris, co-owner with his cousin of store, says he and Haidaris, both from Warren,�� he added. “Hopefully the economy does pick up
the original restaurant in downtown Warren and a looked at the Austintown market because it was��but right now it is a good time to take advantage of
carryout store in Howland. “We knew Austintown closer than Boardman, acquiring the Waffle House some of the pricing out there.”
was a good market, but it’s been great,” he adds. building when it became available. “We may look at The store, which has some two � dozen employ-
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The store primarily offers carryout sales of its our next location in the Boardman area,” he says. ees, does some delivery, primarily
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at lunchtime,
menu, which features pizza, wings and Greek garlic ��
“Everything just fell into place all ��
at once,” �� Haid-� ��
and limits �� residential ��
deliveries to��
larger �orders
�� for ��
chicken, but has seating limited to 20 people. The aris says. Because of the economy,�� real estate �� and safety �� reasons.��
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original Sunrise Inn opened in 1929 in downtown natural gas prices are down, and there is a “great” “We feel that we have a good product and that
Warren, followed by Sunrise Inn Express in How- available work force. �� will make the arrangements
people �� to come get it,”
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land in 1999. “Unfortunately, with the economy now it has Fowler says.
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BY JEFFREY GITOMER
Sales Savvy
Is It a Holiday Greeting
Or Another Sales Pitch?
Know the difference. ing. Why don’t you share something
Your customers do. or give something that I perceive as
valuable to me?
’Tis the season to gather with fam- The message can still be about you,
ily and friends. To get closer, to share but one that helps me without asking
stories, to exchange gifts. me to buy something. I believe those
’Tis the season, to celebrate, to re- are separate messages.
unite, to remember, to eat, to drink, to If you sell clothing, give me a list
be merry, and er, to sell something. of five new things to wear to a holiday
’Tis the season dinner or holiday
of increased adver- What are you reading and de- party. That’s all –
tising. That’s great leting or pitching? Probably the don’t offer me 20%
news for the me- off; don’t even tell
dia businesses, but same stuff you’re sending. me your extended
short-lived once hours for the holi-
the first of next year rolls around and days. Do that in your weekly e-mail
the after holiday sales are over – unless magazine or newsletter. (Oh, wait,
they have discovered that the Internet you don’t have one.)
is their friend and that 2010 is the year So, as I’m completing this article,
of the Internet. the perfect Thanksgiving corporate e-
I’m getting a lot of mixed messages mail arrives. It’s from Dale Carnegie’s
these days: “Our sincere wish for a offices in New Jersey. Here ’tis:
happy holiday,” followed by a sales
pitch. Which is it? Are you wishing
“Jeffrey, Everyone at Dale Carn-
egie® Training of Central and South- ��
me a great holiday? Or are you using ern N.J. would like to wish you and
the holiday as an excuse to ask me to yours an enjoyable Thanksgiving
buy your stuff? Holiday feast.
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Here’s how to find out if your mes- “As we take the Thanksgiving Day ��
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HealthUpdate
Home Care Providers Wary of Cuts
Congress considers cutting
Medicare reimbursements by
as much as $55 billion.
By Dan O’Brien
T he average hospital stay for patients is

growing shorter as skilled nursing providers
have assumed a larger role in what many
consider the best place for therapy of loved ones
– their homes.
Such is the trend that’s fueled the explosion in
home health care, a $57 billion industry that shows
no signs of slowing. However, organizations find
it tougher to stay in business in the face of much-
discussed government cutbacks and economy just
beginning to recover.
Suppliers and providers say the need in the
Mahoning Valley for home health care services is
greater than ever as families caring for their loved
ones seek alternatives to long-term stays in nursing
homes or assisted living centers.
“There is a very large demand,” says Susan Tucci,
director of the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Cheryl Nuzzo, a caregiver employed by Comfort Keepers, looks in on Donna Sheetz, one of the Youngstown company’s 240 clients.
Youngstown. The aging population of the Mahon- to prevent this from occurring, says Sharron Zook, companies deliver, Pavlak notes. Among them are
ing Valley grows every year, she says. And, many administrator and director of Home Health by Wind- oxygen services, medical beds and respiratory de-
elderly have children who have left the region for sor, Girard. “You want to keep your loved ones at vices such as nebulizers.
jobs in other cities, leaving family members without home as long as possible,” she says. A similar attempt to introduce competitive bid-
full-time care. “They don’t have a family around to A growing market for such services convinced ding was repealed in 2008 when gasoline prices
help,” Tucci notes. Windsor House Inc. – which operates skilled nurs- here spiked at nearly $4 a gallon, Pavlak says. The
Home-health care companies and organizations ing and assisted living centers in the region – to first phase is to be introduced in larger metro-
fill this void, she says. The Visiting Nurse Associa- launch its own home health care company in Octo- politan regions such as Pittsburgh and Cleveland,
tion, for example, receives between 50 and 60 refer- ber, Zook says. Windsor piloted similar programs where Boardman Medical Supply does business. It
rals each month and the 15 nurses in the nonprofit during the 1980s and 1990s, but the efforts never should be effected in the Youngstown area market
organization regularly visit the 120 or so patients. gained traction. in 2012.
“Most of the patients we see are short-term,” Today, however, with the market decidedly swing- While it might save money for the public health
Tucci says, noting that the goal is to come in and ing more toward home-based care giving, “seemed program, competitive bidding also shuts out com-
educate family members or caregivers on how to like the time to get back into it,” Zook says. The panies that would otherwise be Medicare-approved
best care for the patient. That includes instructing new program received Medicare accreditation Nov. and doing business in these areas, Pavlak notes. In
caregivers on which medications the patient should 12. “We’re seeing 15 to 20 a month right now,” she 2008, for example, just 15 to 20 suppliers on average
take and when, administering proper diets and says. “And, there’s the potential for expansion.” – out of a possible 300 – were Medicare-approved in
maintaining proper hygiene. The specter of government cuts and changes in major metro regions such as Cleveland before the
The biggest challenges today facing home health Medicare policy has not only providers worried, measure was repealed.
organizations, companies and most of all, patients, but the suppliers who sell equipment necessary to “It was a dramatic decrease in access for patients,”
are the anticipated cuts in federal programs such support patients at home as well. Pavlak says. In addition, she points out, the process
as Medicare, Tucci says. The health care reform bill Among the greatest concerns of home health can create confusion because one company could be
wending its way through Congress contains provi- supply companies is that Medicare has shifted to a on the bid list to supply wheelchairs while it didn’t
sions that include reductions in Medicare reimburse- competitive bidding process that in all likelihood bid successfully for oxygen service. “Patients could
ments to home health agencies. will reduce access and choices for patients, says be forced to use more than one supplier,” she says.
The bill before the Senate would slash $43 billion Andrea Pavlak, director of respiratory services at While the industry is seeing steady demand for
over the next 10 years in Medicare reimbursements Boardman Medical Supply Inc. standard product lines such as wheelchairs, beds
to home health, the House bill $55 billion. “Everyone is leery,” she relates. “We have to bid and bathroom aids such as handlebars, adaptive
“I think it could be disastrous,” Tucci says. “In- on a fixed three-year contract.” That means no mat- commodes and custom tubs, it’s also witnessing a
stead of getting home care and understanding or ter how high operational costs rise – utilities, manu- rise in demand for disease-specific products.
monitoring their diseases, these patients will end facturing expenses, processing – the reimbursement “Medicare has made a lot of cuts across the
up in the hospital.” rate remains the same. board,” says Carla Chahine, director of marketing
The whole premise behind home health care is The bids cover 10 products and services supply See HOME HEALTH CARE, page 51
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Home Health Care: Providers Wary Cuts in Medicare Reimbursements

From Page 43 help at home. “There’s a huge demand for this,” own – organizations such as Comfort Keepers as-
and sales for Community Home Medical Inc. “We’re he says. sume responsibilities that normally fall on family
getting innovative with new ideas, such as providing Mirkin says his is the third-largest operation in members.
mastectomy products and looking into providing the 500 or so Comfort Keepers franchises in the Mirkin reports his Comfort Keepers franchise
custom shoes for diabetic patients and other areas country; it employs about 250. sees some 240 clients in southern Trumbull County,
where we can recoup.” A major reason for this expansion is the ever-ag- all of Mahoning and Columbiana counties, and parts
Chahine says growing demand in the Mahoning ing population of the Mahoning Valley, Mirkin says. of Beaver and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania.
Valley has led an expansion of business for Com- “There are 57,000 people in Mahoning County that The home-health care industry is experiencing
munity Home Medical. The company has offices in are over the age of 60,” he says. “By the year 2020, such growth that companies are at least feeling the
Boardman, Calcutta, and in March opened a new there’ll be 67,000, an 18% increase.” ripple effect of higher volume and, in some cases,
operation in Warren. “People are leaving hospitals With more of their children living out of town more sales.
and want to go home,” she says. – or saddled with a career and families of their “We’ve seen 20% to 30% growth every year,”
The proposed cuts in Medicare could have a says Melody Sidor, director and respiratory thera-
profound impact on operations for suppliers such pist at Advanced Health Services in Brookfield. The
as Community Home Medical, Chahine says. For
example, the health-care reform bill calls for Medi-
Growing Demand company employs 16, five of whom are respiratory
therapists.
care to reimburse oxygen services no longer than • 7.6 million Americans require some type of Some of the larger home health-care corpora-
36 months. After that, the company providing the home health care. tions have balked at new federal regulations “where
oxygen assumes the cost, payment from the patient • There are more than 20,000 home health they’ve just gotten out of the business, which en-
or not. “It’s then our responsibility to continue pro- care providers in the United States today. abled us to take on more,” she says. Her company
viding this to a patient – you have to,” she relates. • More than two-thirds, or 69%, of home health recently expanded its retail operation and “it’s been
Despite these challenges, the home-health care care patients are 65 and older. explosive,” she says.
market continues to thrive; it is among the few ro- • $57.6 billion was spent on home health care Still, home health equipment such as blood-pres-
bust segments of the U.S. economy. in 2007. sure monitors or special shower apparatuses are no
“In the United States today, nonmedical home- • Women constitute almost two-thirds, 63.8%, longer covered under plans such as Medicare; she
health care is the fastest-growing market for of home health care patients. fears more trimming is on the way.
jobs,” relates David Mirkin, owner of a Comfort • In 2007, more than 913,000 were employed In the end, Sidor relates the market will respond
Keepers Inc. franchise on Mahoning Avenue in in home health care. to every home medical supply company that exhib-
Youngstown. its sound business judgment. “It all comes down
Comfort Keepers specializes in nonmedical care Source: The National Association for Home Care & to good business practices,” she says. “If you can’t
– that is, grooming, meal preparation, light house- Hospice provide top-notch service, people will choose what
keeping and personal care – for those who need company they want to go with.”
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Salem Area
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Legal Listings
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New Ohio Incorporations

Lisbon Market Inc., Lisbon. Incorporator: Mahoning Tire & Auto Service Inc., Aus-
Chris O. Paparodis. Filed by: Buckley King, 10 tintown. Incorporator: Michael W. Rosenberg.
W. Broad St., Suite 1300, Columbus 43215. Filed by: Letson, Griffith, Woodall, Lavelle &
Agent: Chris O. Paparodis, 10 W. Broad St., Rosenberg Co. LPA, 108 Main Ave. SW, Suite
��
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�� Suite 1300, Columbus 43215.
Sunda Co., Wellsville. Incorporator: Peter A.
600, Warren 44482. Agent: Hilal Almakdah,
481 S. Edgehill Ave., Austintown 44515.
�� Russell. Filed by: Sunda Co., 44200 Bran-

don Drive, Wellsville 43968. Agent: Peter
Hometown Pharmacy Solutions Inc., Board-
man. Incorporator: Stuart A. Strasfeld. Filed
�� A. Russell, 44200 Brandon Drive, Wellsville by: Roth Blair Roberts Strasfeld & Lodge, 600
�� 43968. City Center One, Youngstown 44503. Agent:
�� Transportation Management Consultants Stuart A. Strasfeld, 100 Federal Plaza East,
�� Inc., East Palestine. Incorporator: Daniel P. Suite 600, Youngstown 44503.
Cavanaugh. Filed by: Transportation Manage- National Industrial Lumber Export Co., North
�� ment Consultants, East Palestine 44413.
Agent: Daniel P. Cavanaugh, 51495 Chain
Jackson. Incorporator: Bart C. Dingfelder.
Filed by: CT Corp., 4400 Easton Commons
�� School Road, East Palestine 44413. Way, Columbus 43219. Agent: CT Corp. Sys-
�� New Beginning Enterprises Inc., Youngstown. tem, 1300 E. Ninth St., Cleveland 44114.
�� Incorporator: Sheila Dang. Filed by: Le-

galzoom.com Inc., 7083 Hollywood Blvd.,
V&M Café & Restaurant Inc., Campbell. In-
corporators: Margarita Ramos, Vic A. Ramos.
Hollywood, Calif. 90028. Agent: National Filed by: Margarita Ramos, 678 Martha Ave.,
�� Registered Agents Inc., 145 Baker St.,
Marion 43302.
Campbell. Agent: Same.
Enjoli Corp., Boardman. Incorporator: Elsa
� ��
�� Xgenimark Inc., Berlin Center. Incorporator: V. Parsegian. Filed by: Tax Solutions, 8096
� �� Business Filings Inc. Filed by: Business Fil- Market St., Boardman 44512. Agent: Elsa
ings Inc., 8040 Excelsior Drive, Suite 200, V. Parsegian, 5347 Old Oxford Lane, Board-
�� Madison, Wis. 53717. Agent: Business Fil-
ings Inc., 4400 Easton Commons Way, Suite
man 44512.
�� 125, Columbus 43219. AB Advanced Technologies Inc., Warren.

Incorporator: Patrick M. Aulizia. Filed by:
Neo Ins Agency Inc., Canfield. Incorpora- Harrington Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd., 108 Main
tor: William Delorenzo. Filed by: Stephen J. Ave. SW #500, Warren 44481. Agent: Kevin
Chuparkoff, 160 Talsman Drive #3, Canfield P. Murphy, 108 Main Ave., Warren 44481.
44406. Agent: William Delorenzo, 21 Canter-
bury Court, Canfield 44406.
��
All American USA Taxi Inc., Warren. Incor-
Danmar Realty Inc., Campbell. Incorporators: porator: James Gallucci. Filed by: Bluedorn
Marina A. Tatarciuc, Paul Gabriel Tatarciuc. & Ohlin LLC, 144 N. Park Ave., Suite 310,
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Filed by: Marina Tatarciuc, 95 VanBuren Ave., Warren 44481. Agent: James Gallucci, 1962
Campbell 44405. Agent: Marina A. Tatarciuc, Tod Ave. SW, Warren 44485.
124 12th St., Campbell 44405. Brent’s Southern Grille Inc., Warren. Incorpo-
�� Rejuvallure Inc., Youngstown. Incorpora-

tor: Richard R. Rococi. Filed by: Rococi,
5905 County Trail, Youngstown 44515.
rator: Lonterryl L. Gadson. Filed by: Burkey,
Burkey & Scher Co. LPA, 200 Chestnut Place,
200 Chestnut Ave. NE, Warren 44483. Agent:
Agent: Nicole E. Rococi, 5905 Country Trail, Lonterryl L. Gadson, 1199 Julia Drive, War-
Youngstown 44515. ren 44481.
Record My Doctor Inc., Canfield. Incorpora- Niles Sunoco 422 Inc., Niles. Incorporator:
tors: Dante Terzigni, Rosemary S. Terzigni. Shabna Musawar. Filed by: A.J. Kapadia, 207
Filed by: Harrington Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd., Southwind Drive NE, Warren 44484. Agent:
P.O. Box 6077, Youngstown 44501. Agent: Shabna Musawar, 5020 Youngstown-Warren
Dante Terzigni, 6442 Raccoon Road, Canfield Road SE, Niles 44446.
44406.
Percellnal Touch Inc., Niles. Incorporator:
First Choice Com Inc., Youngstown. Incorpo-
Bhoj Raj Neupane. Filed by: A.J. Kapadia, 207
rator: David J. Jones. Filed by: First Choice
Southwind Drive NE, Warren 44484. Agent:
Com Inc., 4017 Hillman Way, Boardman
Bhoj Raj Neupane, 5555 Youngstown-Warren
44512. Agent: David J. Jones, 4017 Hillman
Road, Niles 44446.
Way, Boardman 44512.
�� Pa. Incorporations/Fictitious Names

ECR, 314 Fifth St., Ellwood City 16117, non- Creekside Rod & Reel Rental, 8971 Old
�� profit board. Fictitious Name Owner: Ellwood Route 422, New Castle 16101, fishing
�� City Main Street Project Revitalization Inc. equipment rentals. Fictitious Name Owners:
Pressure Seal, 90 Fairground Road, New Christina Palicki, Jeff Palicki.
�� Castle 16101, waterproofing/new construc-
The Shipping Depot, 11 E. Washington St.,
tion. Fictitious Name Owner: Les Eazor.
New Castle 16101, shipping and packaging
Moore Investment Holdings, 219 Winter services. Fictitious Name Owners: Adrian R.
�� Road 11B, New Castle 16101, investments. Amabile, Pasquale Amabile III.
Fictitious Name Owners: John Moore, Susan
�� Marie Moore. Four Leaf Plastics, 1943 Municipal Drive,
�� Massaqua, 217 Fifth St., Ellwood City 16117, New Castle 16101, buy and sell recyclable
aqua massage. Fictitious Name Owner: Gregg plastic resin. Fictitious Name Owner: Megan
Linville. Brown.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

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ADVERTISING • MARKETING • PR ��
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SUBSCRIBE BUSINESS LEAD GROUP
Networking for Leads?

�� Person to person sales leads are one of the
�� best ways to generate business. So be a leader.
Join Us For a Meeting!

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at Davidson’s Restaurant
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�� For Membership Information: 330.599.4140

www.valleyleadgroup.com
Tax Abatement for City Printing Simon to Acquire Prime Outlets

YOUNGSTOWN, Dec. 4 – City officials hope that www.BusinessJournalDaily.com INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 8 – Prime Outlets at Grove
City Printing Inc.’s move this year to its new address
on Oak Hill Avenue will spur further development
in that part of the South Side.
The 90-year-old company moved from West
OnlineDatelines City, Pa., is among the properties being acquired by
Simon Property Group Inc. The company, owner
of the Southern Park Mall in Boardman, is acquir-
ing Prime Outlets Acquisition Co. in a transaction
Wood Street to its current 15,000-square-foot build- valued at $2.33 billion.
ing. The company plans to add 10 employees over The sale agreement includes assumption of debt
three years to its staff of 24, said T. Sharon Wood- and preferred stock. Simon will pay equity consid-
berry, city economic development director. eration of $700 million for the owners’ interests in
The city’s Board of Control approved a 10-year, Prime Outlets, 80% cash and 20% in Simon Property
75% abatement on real property taxes for the $2.85 Group common operating partnership units.
million project, which included $1.3 million in Simon Property Group, the largest public U.S. real
building improvements and new equipment. estate company, says it intends to fund the acquisi-
tion with existing sources of capital.
MVOC Leaders Lobby HUD Chief Valley 25th in ‘Bang for Buck’
YOUNGSTOWN, Dec. 3 – The secretary of the U.S. YOUNGSTOWN, Dec. 8 – After years of negative Warren Fire Opens Subsidiary
Department of Housing and Urban Development told rankings by Forbes in a myriad of categories, the WARREN, Dec. 7 – Warren Fire Equipment Inc.
representatives from the Mahoning Valley Organizing magazine places the Mahoning Valley 25th on its makes fire safety and prevention its business, and its
Collaborative the region should soon know whether new list of the “Best Bang for the Buck Cities.” latest venture will help fire departments keep their
its request for $32 million in federal funds would be Omaha, Neb., placed first in the ranking of the fire trucks ready to respond.
approved. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan spoke Dec. 100 largest U.S. metropolitan statistical areas, which To provide fire departments with a mobile inspec-
2 with MVOC representatives in Washington. considered such factors as housing affordability, tion and maintenance service for fire trucks, Warren
“He was responsive to the issues we presented,” unemployment and home prices. Fire is opening Fire Bird Apparatus Service LLC.
said Kirk Noden, executive director of the MVOC. According to the list, the Youngstown-Warren- The subsidiary will perform pump inspections
Noden said the intent of the meeting was to Boardman, Ohio-Pennsylvania MSA placed third and preventive maintenance on trucks for 467 fire
emphasize the region’s request for $32 million from among the metros for affordability of housing and stations in Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, Mer-
the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Nine fourth for work commute time. cer and Lawrence counties.
communities along the Mahoning River combined Still, the Mahoning Valley MSA ranked 89th in Warren Fire is a supplier of fire trucks from Ko-
resources and submitted the request. terms of employment and 90th in job forecast. The vatch Mobile Equipment, based in Nesquehoning,
Noden and MVOC community leader Sybil West area placed 23rd in terms of real estate taxes and Pa., and Fire Bird will service Kovatch trucks oper-
attended the meeting, which was part of an hour- 24th in vacancies. ated by any fire department in Ohio, said Warren
long discussion with Donovan and 20 advocacy The Valley’s ranking for foreclosures fell more Fire spokeswoman Cindy Miller. There are about
groups from across the country. toward the middle, 43rd. 1,320 fire stations in Ohio, she noted.
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INDUSTRIAL SITES RECYCLING
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RealEstateMarket Compiled by
Mark Heschmeyer
Mahoning County’s Largest Transactions

Address Buyer Sale Price Seller Sale Date
44 Beechwood Trail, Poland John P. & Susan L. Aey $1,475,000 David H. & Katherine Sweeney 10/16/2009
8301 Market St., Youngstown Camise Development LLC $986,811 Carlton Cards Retail Inc. 10/9/2009
3905 Albany Court, Canfield Fred Zwicker, Trustee $475,000 Demetrios J. Dallis, Trustee 10/6/2009
54 Oakmont Court, Canfield Betty J. Shutrump $460,000 Cumberland Corp. 10/5/2009
231 E. Pine Lake Road, North Lima James P. & Laura A. Yankush $435,000 Marilyn L. Sweeney 11/20/2009
8114 Via Bellagio, Poland Ioannis G. & Diana L. Kalouris $420,000 Meredythe A. McNally 11/13/2009
9605 South Ave., Boardman Shadeland Apartments LLP $365,500 Joseph R. Kreidler 11/4/2009
1100 Corby Drive, Youngstown Nannicola Family Partners LP $350,000 Frank A. Nannicola 10/27/2009
103 Lake Wobegon Drive, Canfield Justin M. & Candice L. Carney $327,500 Thomas E. & Julie A. Cheslik 10/30/2009
8165 St. Rosario Place, Canfield Mark & Stephanie L. McMurray $315,000 Donald E. & Susan Huber 10/2/2009
4676 Beech Court, Canfield Joseph B. & Jami L. Erjavic $314,000 Stephen A. & Marlea L. Newell 10/27/2009
13278 Diagonal Road, Salem Thomas A. Jr. & Rene F. O’Donnell $310,200 Thomas A. O’Donnell et. al. 11/18/2009
75 E. Pine Lake Road, North Lima Leonard & Holly A. Hartman $302,500 David R. Gibson Sr., Trustee 10/29/2009
Featured Property
8301 Market St.
How Sweet It Is Co., the Warren-based maker of Big Dipper peanut brittle and
Carlton Cards Retail Inc., a division of American Greetings popcorn. The buyers paid $986,811 for the Gorant candy-
Buyer: Camise Development LLC Inc., has sold the Gorant Candies manufacturing plant at 8301 making plant.
Seller: Carlton Cards Retail Inc. Market St. in Boardman. The purchasing entity is Camise The manufacturing plant at 8301 Market St. is approximately
Development, a limited liability company made up of partners 52,000 square feet and was built in 1977.
Sale Amount: $986,811
John Cayten, James M. Miller and Martin Seidler. Carlton Cards acquired the plant in 2003 for $1.5 million when
Cayten and Seidler are also the founders of Big Dipper Food its parent, American Greetings, acquired Gorant Candies.
Gorant Chocolatier is the new operator of the Gorant candy factory at 8301 Market St. in Boardman. The real estate was purchased by Camise Development LLC of Warren for $986,811.
December 11,
2009 Auto Loan Rates
�� CONSUMERS NATIONAL BANK – Salem FIRST PLACE BANK – Boardman
��
Up to 60 Mos. 5.75 - 16.50 Up to 60 Mos. 8.00
10% Down
Rate varies based on applicant’s credit rating
CORTLAND BANKS – Cortland HOME SAVINGS – Youngstown

Up to 60 Mos. 7.74
Up to 60 Mos. 6.75
Up to 66 Mos. 8.24
Up to 72 Mos. 6.75 10% Down
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E.S.B. BANK – Ellwood City
Up to 60 Mos.
Up to 72 Mos.
7.40
8.40
HUNTINGTON BANK – Youngstown
Up to 60 Mos. 5.99
FARMERS NATIONAL BANK – Canfield

�� Up to 60 Mos. 6.40
KEYBANK – Youngstown
Up to 66 Mos. 6.99
Up to 72 Mos. 6.94 Down: Varies
Rate varies based on applicant’s credit rating
�� FIRST MERIT BANK – New Castle PNC BANK – Sharon

Up to 66 Mos. 7.24
� �� Up to 48 Mos. 5.50-12.50
10% Down
�� PNC BANK – Youngstown
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF PA. – Hermitage Up to 66 Mos. 7.00 - 13.00
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Up to 60 Mos. 7.85 Rate varies based on applicant’s credit rating
� �� Up to 66 Mos. 7.85
US BANK (formerly Firstar Bank) – Boardman
�� 1ST NATIONAL COMMUNITY – East Liverpool
Up to 48 Mos. 5.10
Up to 60 Mos. 6.00 - 11.75
��
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of The Business Journal compilations. The rates are subject to change without notice. All rate
information should be confirmed with the individual financial institution before entering into transactions. © 2009 Youngstown Publishing Co.
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December 11,
2009 Mortgage Rates ��
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FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TYPE TERM RATE, 2-Wk Trend FEES ��

��
AMERISTATE BANCORP INC. FHA/VA 0% Down 30 Yr. 4.875  0+costs ��
Boardman Fixed 3% Down 30 Yr. 4.875 — 0+costs ��
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CHARTER ONE BANK Fixed 5% Down 15 Yr. 4.375 — 0+costs ��
Boardman Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 5.00 — 0+costs ��
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CONSUMERS NATIONAL BANK Fixed 5% Down 15 Yr. 4.375 — 0+costs ��
Salem Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 5.00  0+costs ��
CORTLAND BANKS Fixed 5% Down 15 Yr. 4.375  0+costs ��

Cortland Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 4.875 — 0+costs
DOLLAR BANK MORTGAGE CENTER ARM 5% Down 5 Yr. 4.00 — 0+costs ��
Cleveland Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 4.875 — 0+costs
E.S.B. BANK Fixed 5% Down 15 Yr. 4.50  0+costs

Ellwood City, Pa. Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 5.25  0+costs
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FARMERS NATIONAL BANK Fixed 20% Down 15 Yr. 4.75 — 0+costs
Canfield Fixed 20% Down 20 Yr. 5.125 — 0+costs
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FIRST MERIT BANK Fixed 5% Down 15 Yr. 4.375 — 0+costs ��

New Castle/Boardman Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 5.00  0+costs
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FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF PA Fixed 5% Down 15 Yr. 4.375 — 0+costs ��
Youngstown, Ohio Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 5.00  0+costs ��
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Arrows tell whether rates rose or fell since last issue. Dashes indicate “unchanged.” ��
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�� Mortgage Rates

December 11,
2009
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TYPE TERM RATE, 2-Wk Trend FEES
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1ST NATIONAL COMMUNITY FHA 5% Down 30 Yr. 5.00 — 0+costs
East Liverpool Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 5.25 — 0+costs
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Niles
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Youngstown
Fixed
Fixed
5% Down
5% Down
15 Yr.
30 Yr.
4.25 —
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0+costs
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Pittsburgh Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 4.875 — 0+costs
�96� � �� HUNTINGTON BANK Fixed 3% Down 15 Yr. 4.375 — 0+costs
Youngstown Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 4.875 — 0+costs
KEYBANK Fixed 20% Down 15 Yr. 4.625  0+costs
PNC BANK FHA 3% Down 30 Yr. 5.00 — .50+costs
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE FHA 3% Down 30 Yr. 5.125  0+costs
Boardman (Formerly Norwest Mortgage) Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 5.00 — 0+costs
US BANK Fixed 5% Down 15 Yr. 4.375  0+costs

�� Boardman (Formerly Firstar Bank) Fixed 5% Down 30 Yr. 5.00  1+costs
�� © 2009 Youngstown Publishing Co. All rights reserved. *Private Mortgage Insurance because less than 20% down.
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Local Ties Bring Plant, Jobs to Warren

Reinforcement Solutions
Inc.’s $28 million project
represents city’s largest
private investment in years.
By George Nelson
A
s he stood Dec. 3 among business and civic
leaders on a cold afternoon in his hometown,
Warren native Mark D. Marvin discovered one
essential he will need to do business here – a coat.
“I live in New Mexico and it’s typically sunny
there,” he said at an outdoor press event to announce
that his company, Reinforcement Solutions Inc.,
would build a new manufacturing plant on West
Market Street. Marvin, a 1983 graduate of Warren
Harding High School, is president of The Marvin
Group Inc. and owns Reinforcement Solutions.
His company, now based in Allentown, Pa., makes
resistance-welded wire reinforcement, which is used
to reinforce concrete structures, said William C. Gal-
lenz, Reinforcement Solutions president. “Anything
from highways, tunnels, high rises – any concrete
structure you see” could use the company’s product,
he added.
“We did a lot of research and kept coming back
to this area and saying, ‘Why not?’ ” he said. “We
know there’s good labor here,” which was another
“big factor.”
The plant, a $28 million project, is eventually
expected to employ 65 workers, said Walter Good,
vice president of economic development, business
Mark D. Marvin, owner of Reinforcement Solutions Inc., and William C. Gallenz, company president, were to break ground Dec. 3 but
retention and expansion for the Youngstown/Warren the site was too muddy for the ceremonial shovel turns. Still, they gathered reporters and political leaders for the press event.
Regional Chamber. The company owner “looked
at a lot of options and he ultimately wanted to do Marvin outlined an ambitious schedule for the ule is very possible.”
something good for his hometown,” he remarked. project, which will include a 60,000-square-foot Hiring will begin with a single shift, with plans
The project amounts to the largest private invest- warehouse and an office building of up to 18,000 to eventually increase to three shifts as business
ment in the city in years, Good said. The positions, square feet. With plans to move forward as weather permits, he said.
which will require skills in advanced manufacturing, permits, he wants to begin digging footers over the “We have another facility in New Mexico that’s
will pay wages in excess of $40,000 per year. next few weeks, pour the slabs and begin erecting about one-third the size of this,” Marvin said. “This
Mayor Michael O’Brien recalled that he received the building sometime in January. is going to be our primary location. It’s going to be
his first phone call from Marvin a little less than “Hopefully we can keep that timetable moving our headquarters location as well.”
two years ago. From there it took “a lot of collec- forward,” Marvin said, putting the company on track The 17-acre site gives the company “plenty of
tive work” to bring the project about, he said. He to begin hiring in July for production in August. room to expand,” he added. If business permits,
predicted that the plant would be “the first of other The schedule is “aggressive,” he acknowledged, within five or six years the plant could be expanded
developments in this particular section of town.” but “if we can keep moving, we feel like that sched- by another 60,000 square feet, he said.
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THE BUSINESS JOURNAL
P.O. BOX 714 PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO 44501 PAID
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED YOUNGSTOWN, OH
PERMIT NO. 69

The Business Journal MidDecember 2009

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For the Record ��

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�� Russell. Filed by: Sunda Co., 44200 Bran-

�� Incorporator: Sheila Dang. Filed by: Le-

�� 125, Columbus 43219. AB Advanced Technologies Inc., Warren.

�� Rejuvallure Inc., Youngstown. Incorpora-

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