Large Door Openings Concrete Foundations Large Clear Spans Steel Mainframes Custom Designs Vaulted Ceilings 18018

18018 St. Rt. 81 1-800-758-0307 Venedocia, OH 45894 For dealer locations, visit www.kbuildings.com

Quite possibly the last building you will ever need.

BusinessJournal
THE
The Regions Business Publication
February 2012

OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO

Sidney Electric plans move to Central Point Business Park

Lima, Ohio - Sidney Electric Company, a regional leader in electrical contracting for the industrial and commercial markets, today announced the relocation of its Buckeye Road facility. The business has acquired a new facility, located at 2250 Central Point Parkway in the Central Point Business Park. This new facility will accommodate the companys current staff and enable further expansion for the companys future growth in the Allen and surrounding counties area. The moves stems from Sidney Electric Companys unprecedented growth in the last few years and will enable the company to better serve its clients and to provide additional space for employees as well as more equipment storage. We are excited about the decision to relocate to the new location, reports Mike Ellett, company vice president. The building has over 3 times the office and storage space of our current location. We will have plenty of room for equipment storage and the new facility allows us to bring our staff together in one building, and enable further expansion for the companys long-term growth. Founded in 1953, Sidney Electric Company has been a regional leader in electrical contracting services for the Automotive, Commercial, Industrial and Healthcare markets, serving West Central Ohio and East Central Indiana regions. The company provides complete electrical design, construction and offers comprehensive system maintenance solutions. The company has offices located in Sidney, Ohio and Muncie, Indiana. The ITSGroup (Integrated Technology Services Group), a subsidiary of Sidney Electric Company will also be making the move to the new location. To learn more about the companys electrical contracting services, please visit www.sidneyelectric.com.

Specialty clinic moves to new office location

VAN WERT, OHIO - The office location may be changing but the specialized care remains the same at Van Wert County Hospitals Specialty Clinic. Beginning January 3, 2012, the Specialty Clinic will be moving to a new office location Suite 209 in Van Wert Health Center, just across the street from the hospital at 140 Fox Road. The Specialty Clinics new location will feature additional office space, increased accessibility for both patient and handicap parking, while still providing access to additional healthcare services. Van Wert County Hospital is pleased to continue offering access to specialty care in a convenient, close to home location. We are pleased to offer our community access to an array of quality subspecialists who are a part of the Specialty Clinic, said Mark Minick, President and CEO of Van Wert County Hospital. This clinic provides patients from the region with convenient

access to care they previously had to travel outside the area to receive. In the last year we have added six new Physicians to the Specialty Clinic, which has tripled the volume from the previous year. This growth has required us to increase the space of the clinic, which will also allow us to attract additional specialties to the community. Nick Spoonmore, Van Wert Medical Services Executive Director said. More than 3,000 patients from Van Wert County receive treatment from physicians at Van Wert County Hospitals Specialty Clinic. Physicians rotate through the clinic holding office hours throughout the month. The Specialty Clinic offers specialties such as nephrology, oncology, neurology, podiatry, orthopedic, neurosurgery and gastroenterology. See CLINIC page 5A

Office Automation 7A Elder Care 8A-10A Business & Financial Services 1B-2B Report on Van Wert 5B-9B Meeting Facilities 10B-11B

INSIDE

Our Commitment to Excellence for 47 Years

We Have Built One Project at a Time with Dedication & Excellence

The Business Journal 405 N. Main St. Delphos, OH 45833

PRSTD STD U.S. Postage PAID Lima, OH Permit No. 286

Alexander & Bebout Inc.

10098 Lincoln Hwy., Van Wert, Ohio

www.businessjrnl.com

419-238-9567

Engineering - Design - Construction www.AlexanderBebout.com

Come In A Customer ... Leave A Friend

NEW & USED
Proudly Serving The Area Since 1922!
2002, 2005, 2007, 2008

419-692-0055 1-800-589-7876 11260 Elida Rd. Delphos

Service & Repair Parts & Accessories Owner Advantage Rewards Body Repair & Painting

CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED LEASING

www.raabeford.com

Client Centered
This Enables Us To:

Perry Corporation / SMS proTECH is a client-centered organization. The Client is the driving force behind what we do.

Understand the client by anticipating and responding to their needs Provide value-added advice and guidance by analyzing client needs and resolving issues Provide the broadest range and highest quality of products and services Develop and maintain long-term relationships by actively listening to our clients in order to build trust and loyalty Offer personal and professional service on everything we sell Through teamwork, leverage our capabilities and resources to fully meet the needs of our clients

www.perrycorporation.com

www.smsprotech.com

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February 2012

New Rehab Unit at Mercer Hospital

Construction is now underway at Mercer County Community Hospital for the expansion of their Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center. The new Center will be located in an area of the hospital previously utilized by a nonpatient care department on the west side of the main hospital. Nancy Mescher, Cardiopulmonary Services Director at Mercer Health, says, This is a great improvement due to both a tripling of exercise space along with floor to ceiling windows lining the entire west wall of the Center. The new area is planned to be completed in late February or early March, 2012. Mescher is very pleased with the change in location. She says, We are excited to have the opportunity to move such a desirable area within the hospital. Rehabilitation for patients with cardiac as well as respiratory disease is as much emotional as it is physical, and the additional equipment and improved surroundings make this a great space and a more uplifting environment. In addition to the change in location, the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department will feature additional equipment including commercial grade treadmills as well as recumbent bikes and steppers. Mescher says, We will also have additional televisions that we can use for both educational and entertainment purposes for our patients while they are exercising. Safety is a major focus of the new area. Mescher explains. We will have a six channel telemetry system that we can use to monitor vital signs of those patients who require monitoring during exercise which is essential to any cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center. To help with the financing of this project, the Medical, Educational and Development (MED) Foundation has begun a fund raising campaign. John Hoying, Development Director, states, Our goal is to raise $75,000. This will pay for new equipment being purchased in the expansion. Persons wishing to make a contribution can contact Hoying at 419-678-5679. Contributions can also be made through the hospital website by going to www.mercerhealth.com and clicking on the MED Foundation icon. The Mercer Health Cardiopulmonary Program was the first in the area to receive national certification. They provide a phased program to improve the quality of life for those with heart and respiratory disease.

Custom Robotics / Automated Machine Builder

This custom automated machine builder has grown sales and profits in each of the last three years. The company is located in the Midwest and utilizes the latest machine vision and robotics technology. Customers represent a wide spectrum of applications including, industrial, consumer, medical, construction and automotive. The company has produced hundreds of specialized automated machines for ceramics, powdered metal, injection mold loading and unloading, automated screw systems, precision assembly, stand alone assembly stations, robotic assembly and vision cells. Customers can be provided with full system integration, documentation, support.

Revenues EBITDA

2011 $3,710,532 $1,096,115

2010 $2,604,645 $567,372

2009 $1,335,380 $78,659

2008 $1,169,334 $34,476

The facility is a modern and clean factory with state of the art machines. Ten to fifteen employees, most with significant longevity. It is a non union shop. The job log is between 25 and 30 weeks out. The current owner sees tremendous growth opportunities for a buyer possessing fresh entrepreneurial energy. Detailed Prospectus available for review by financially qualified buyers Grutter@gruttercpas.com Grover Rutter CPA/ABV, CVA, BVAL Mergers, Acquisitions, and Valuations Phone: 866-825-8283 419-427-1564 Fax: 419-427-1564 For Additional Listings & Helpful Information, go to www.gruttercpas.com. Grover Rutter R/E agent for Phil Cole Real Estate and Auctions LLC

Volume 21, No. 2 Publisher Donald R. Hemple Contributing Writers Jeffrey Gitomer Advertising Donald R. Hemple
The Business Journal is mailed to the top business leaders in the 11-county region of West Central Ohio. Although information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. Information expressed in The Business Journal does not constitute a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any products. Copyright, The Business Journal of West Central Ohio, 2006, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission of editorial, photographic or other graphic content in any manner is prohibited. The Business Journal is published monthly at 405 N. Main St., Delphos, OH 45833

of West Central Ohio

Business Journal

THE

Contact Us Telephone 419-999-4762 Don Hemple 419-695-0015 ext. 138 Marilyn Hoffman 419-695-0015 ext. 131 Stacy Prine 419-695-0015 ext. 129 toll free 800-589-6950
Mail 405 N. Main St., Delphos, OH 45833-1598 For information concerning news, advertising and subscription e-mail us at: dhemple@delphosherald.com or bizjrnl@delphosherald.com

Weve outgrown our present location and can better serve your electrical and data networking needs from our new building!

We are moving to a new location!

Lima Office 2250 Central Point Parkway Lima, Ohio 45804 419.222.1109

www.businessjrnl.com

www.sidneyelectric.com

OH LIC #21016

February 2012

TheBusinessJournal

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From The Better Business Bureau...

Clock Tower Plaza 927 N. Cable Rd. Lima, Ohio 45805

Jeff Thiery Mon. - Fri. 7:00-6:00 Sat. 8:00-1:00 (419)222-6003

Jeff Thiery
(419) 222-6003
Jeff Thiery (419) 222-6003

Clock Tower Plaza 927 N. Cable Rd. Lima, OH 45805

Mon-Fri. 7:00-6:00, Sat. 8:00-1:00 Clock Tower Plaza 927 N. Cable Rd. Lima, OH 45805 Offering environmentally safe cleaning methods.

Mon. - Fri. 7:00-6:00 Sat. 8:00-1:00

By Neil Winget, President BBB One of the continuing schemes that frequently targets businesses, both large and small, is the phony order scam. It seems ok at first, but as the details unfold, it gets more and more complicated and suspicious. Often by the time the business becomes aware, its too late to recoup losses. I am going to include in this column, some of the exact wording of a typical email order scam. Hopefully, this will help you recognize one of these scams when its received. This email was sent to a company in our region recently: Thanks for getting back to me, I need exterior painting, interior painting on the house and its 3 bedroom 2 bath Duplex in the city, but now I have a problem because I havent make the full payment for the agent fees and will like to know if you accept credit card I want you to assist me and

with the help of this and am still owing the agent of the house $2500 so I need to pay this before the keys and address to the house will be available for you to start the estimations for exterior painting, interior paintingActually I am at the hospital right now, and will undergo a surgery in some days time due to my hearing impaired that is why I want your to assist me with this. Well, I think you get the idea. The wording is strange, done by someone obviously not familiar with American English. The email goes on to say that the company is to charge a provided credit card for $3500 and that $2500 is to be sent to his agent for the house deposit. Of course, the credit card is stolen and the agent is the perpetrator. These things always involve some unusual money exchange that is never used in the normal course of business. Beware!

Sales Service Leasing

Full Service Painting Contractor

AND REPAIR CO.

COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

Miller Precision Industries, Inc.

131 Progressive Dr. P.O. Box 489 Ottoville, Ohio 45876

419-224-6980

visit us at www.tjpaintingandrepair.com

800-354-7946

I-75 & SR 65, Lima www.ssvolvo.com

Phone 419-453-3251

CNC Precision Machining Small & Large Production Runs Fixtures Special Machinery & Tooling Secondary Machine Operations

FAX 419-453-3030

Lima - Toledo

Hazardous Materials Management

- Recycling - Waste minimization - Transport & disposal

Trust Experience Trust

Industrial & Commercial Roofing

www.CottermanRoofing.com
Minster & Dayton

www.allied-environmental.com

419-628-3713
February 2012

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TheBusinessJournal

Ohio CPAs optimistic about Ohio business growth in 2012

Municipal income tax and government regulation identified as key areas for reform (COLUMBUS, January 16, 2012) According to a new multi-state survey, CPAs in Ohio and surrounding states are slightly more optimistic about business growth in their respective states for 2012 than the nation as a whole. Those polled were most confident about their own industries and companies with more Ohio CPAs expecting marginal or substantial revenue growth than CPAs in neighboring states. The Business Outlook Poll was conducted for The Ohio Society of CPAs<http://www.ohioscpa.com/> (OSCPA) and state CPA organizations in Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania by The University of Toledo Urban Affairs Center in late in 2011. It polled nearly 13,000 CPAs who are partners or sole owners of public accounting firms or serve as CEOs, CFOs or presidents of companies in various industries. More than 2,100 CPAs completed the survey. Information technology tops the list of capital investments planned in 2012. Survey respondents also anticipate some new hiring in the next 12 months. Health care costs continue to be a top concern of businesses along with government regulation and uncertainty in the tax laws. The poll shows businesses in Ohio and surrounding states are experiencing slow but consistent growth despite daunting economic and business challenges, said James D. Gottfried, CPA, Chair of The Ohio Society of CPAs. These include increasing costs for regulatory compliance, rising health care costs and a complicated tax structure in Ohio and nationally. Cautious Optimism - Jobs and Spending Only 6 percent of CPAs who responded predict robust growth in the U.S., but the numbers climb as they evaluated the growth outlook for their own state (9 percent overall), industry (20 percent), and organization (26 percent). The CPAs surveyed did not report significant decreases in workforce or revenues since the financial crises took hold, and say they expect both areas to increase marginally in the next year. These CPA business leaders expect marginal (53 percent) or substantial (7 percent) revenue growth in the next year, with marginal (32 percent) and substantial (2 percent) growth in employment. Less than 10 percent of respondents expect a reduction in employment. In Ohio, 62 percent of Ohio CPAs expect marginal (55 percent) or substantial (7 percent) revenue increases this year in their own organizations and marginal (33 percent) or substantial (2 percent) increases in employment. When discussing their investment and spending plans over the next year, nearly 42 percent of Ohio CPAs plan marginal or substantial increases in capital spending this year, versus 40 percent in the four states combined. Information technology is a top priority, with 62 percent of CPAs in Ohio and 60 percent overall planning to spend marginally or substantially more in 2012. Product development and marketing/advertising will remain relatively flat with more than 50 percent of CPAs responding citing no change in either category. Business and State Concerns CPAs and their clients listed the ability to obtain funding as a significant area of concern, with 78 percent in Ohio and 76 percent overall agreeing small businesses do not have access to adequate credit to grow or sustain their operations. The financial crisis and forecasts for slow growth have resulted in a tighter lending market that continues to affect small businesses. CPAs also cite health care costs as a concern, with 98 percent of those surveyed responding affirmatively when asked if the cost of health care benefits was a worry for businesses in their state. Some are looking into this area for savings, with 94 percent agreeing that companies are reevaluating employee/benefit costs, while 63 percent of respondents acknowledge that companies are dropping or reducing employee health insurance coverage. Labor costs, workers compensation,

and public pension funding were also seen as key concerns in all states, with public pension exposure taking the highest percentage among the three. In Ohio, nearly 76 percent of CPAs agreed that state pension funding is problematic. It was identified in OSCPAs 2009 Ohio Budget Advisory Task Force Report as an area for reform that could positively impact the states budget and continues to be an area of concern. Taxes and Government Regulation More than half of the respondents (61 percent) agreed that companies are taking advantage of available tax breaks, but few were using current low-interest rates as an opportunity to grow. Despite a general attitude that taxes, including

See CPAs, page 11A

Warehousing Services
Contract or Public Warehousing Pick and Pack Operations Order Fulfillment Product Recall Capable Scheduling and Replenishment Inventory Control and Management AIB Superior Rated Facilities

Clinic (Continued from page 1A)

Dr. Chad Asher Nephrology<http://www.vanwerthospital.org/TPage613.aspx> Dr. Marlene Bultemeyer Neurology Dr. Isa Canavati Neurosurgery<http://www.vanwerthospital.org/TPage323.aspx> Dr. Jeff Kachmann Neurosurgery<http://www.vanwerthospital.org/TPage325.aspx> Dr. Rudy Kachmann Neurosurgery<http://www.vanwerthospital.org/TPage326.aspx> Dr. James Kemmler Orthopedic<http://www.vanwerthospital.org/TPage607.aspx> Dr. Robert Neidich Gastroenterology<http://www.vanwerthospital.org/TPage307.aspx> Dr. Alison Niemeyer Podiatry Dr. Osei-Tutu Owusu Oncology<http://www.vanwerthospital.org/TPage569.aspx> Dr. Thomas Pintar Nephrology<http://www.vanwerthospital.org/TPage320.aspx> Dr. Shawn Ward Podiatry<http://www.vanwerthospital.org/TPage360.aspx>

Value Added Services

Reverse Logistics Product Repair and Repackaging Product Inspection and Testing Light Assembly and Manufacturing Labeling and Security Tagging Return Goods Management Bar Coding/RFID Application
With over 2.5 million square feet of floor space under management, Sidney Warehousing can work with you to meet your specific warehousing need.

The Specialty Clinics phone numbers and office hours will remain the same: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The physicians and staff appreciate the opportunity to care for the Van Wert community. About Van Wert County Hospitals Specialty Clinic The Specialty Clinic is a part of Van Wert County Hospital. As the only facility of its kind in the area, the Specialty Clinic is dedicated to offering a broad range of health care specialties in a convenient location. Medical specialties include nephrology, oncology, neurology, podiatry, orthopedic, neurosurgery and gastroenterology. To learn more about Van Wert Hospital Specialty Clinic, visit www.vanwerthospital.org<http://www.vanwerthospital.org> or call (419) 238-8621.

A Full Service Distribution Center

1250 N. Vandemark Rd. Sidney, OH 45365 Phone: 937.498.1164 Fax: 937.498.4746

Sidney Warehousing Inc.

www.sidneywarehousing.com
February 2012 TheBusinessJournal 5A

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February 2012

Office Automation
Office automation: people, tools, and the workplace
When considering office automation three main areas need further discussion: people, and how automation affects them; the constantly changing tools used in automation; and the ways in which automation has changed the workplace. People involved with office automation basically include all users of the automation and all providers of the automation systems and tools. A wide range of peopleincluding software and hardware engineers, management information scientists, and secretariesuse office automation. All are also involved with providing information. This dual role of both provider and user gives rise to two critical issues. First, training of personnel to effectively use an office automation system is essential; the office automation system is only as good as the people who make and use it. Second, overcoming workplace resistance is a must if the full benefits of automation are to be realized. Change is difficult for some workers, yet must occur for a business to remain competitive. Practical tools for office automation include computer hardware and software currently available in a number of models, applications, and configurations. Two basic microcomputer platforms are DOS (Disk Operating System)compatible computers and Apple Macintosh systems. Applications such as word processing, database management, and spreadsheets are common and constantly changing. Standards are increasing but still not yet completely integrated into all aspects of office automation. Office automation tools may stand alone (without access to information at other computers) or be networked (with such access). Configuring complex office systems to share information is difficult and involves a considerable staff commitment. Popular local area network software includes Novell NetWare and Lantastic. Practical workplace issues of office automation often involve the budget and physical considerations involved with creating, exchanging, and managing information. Equipment, rewiring, training, security, and data entry all cost money and require space. Newly recognized medical problems such as repetitive motion syndrome are a significant issue for some people using office automation systems. Repetitive motion syndrome is a medical disorder associated with lengthy keyboard inputting and seating arrangements. Likewise, environmental safety concerns might also include vision and overall health considerations related to electromagnetic computer emissions. Telecommuting advances enable an increasing percentage of the workforce to maintain an office at home and, at the same time, provoke considerable debate on the future of the central office. Businesses must comply with software licenses or face lawsuits. Office automation systems can be complex to acquire and costly to administrate for large organizations. The availability of vital office information in such an easily obtained digital format requires considerable thought and preparation for data security. By integrating raw information with exchange mechanisms and management structuring and guidance, office automation creates advantages as well as disadvantages. Benefits in using electronic management systems include savings in production and service costs as information is quickly routed for optimal office performance. Office automation can also be cost effective, as powerful microcomputers continue to drop in price. While office automation often mirrors actual paper transaction and activity, an office automation system may also complement the paper system and provide output only available in digital format. Thus, office automation extends the information activities of the office to surpass physical or geographic limitation. By far the fastest growing segment of the office automation industry is for multifunction peripherals. These machines incorporate a combination of functions into one. The first such machines included a plain paper fax and a color printer in one unit. These products grew quickly to incorporate scanners and related functions. By the late 1990s, these items registered over 100 percent growth rates.

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Chicago, IL - The world is going wireless. Phones function awlessly without cords. We surf the internet from planes. GPS devices give us street directions as we drive. And now-thanks to advanced microchip technology-the hearing impaired can enjoy home entertainment and mobile phone with the same ease and exibility as those with normal hearing. Wireless Transmission of Sound - The ability for hearing aids to receive sound sent wirelessly from the television, stereo and computer is now a reality. Hearing aid patients no longer need awkward necklace-style devices to receive wireless audio signals. Individuals can listen privately through their hearing instruments, at the volume they prefer. Others in the room enjoy a volume comfortable for them. The same microprocessor technology allows hearing aid wearers to enjoy hands-free use of cell and home phones. By using a small Bluetooth accessory clipped to a shirt or automobile visor, clear conversation is sent from the phone to both ears. The phone can stay put away in a pocket or handbag during calls. Options for Noisy Environments - Along with enabling direct-to-ear-wireless communication, microprocessors help hearing aid wearers more easily understand speech in noisy environments. New techniques, such as band-splitting and specialized sound classifications, facilitate more natural hearing in challenging environments. Now, instead of across-the-board amplification, patients can prioritize important sounds, such as speech, while retaining auditory awareness of less critical sounds. Patients can also choose to focus on speech exclusively True Breakthrough in Hearing Technology -The new line of Beltone True hearing aids sends phone conversation and TV directly into hearing instruments, while letting users stay connected to their surroundings at the same time Beltone is the only manufacturer to utilize a robust 2.4 GHz wireless signal-which, when coupled with Trues advanced microprocessorsallows wireless transmission of sound up to 23 feet from entertainment devices. The Beltone True hearing instruments Spatial Directionality feature enables more natural hearing in noisy surroundings. Using directional technology, one ear focuses on speech, while the other ear monitors sounds from around the individual. Speech Spotter Pro allows the user to focus on speech, and tune-out background noise completely. For a free hearing screening and free trial of True hearing aids, visit one of Beltones 1,500 hearing care centers located throughout the nation. For more information call Beltone at 1-419-773-4021.

Microchips Bring Major Changes to Hearing Care

Elder Care
Top 10 trends in senior housing for 2012
Adaptability is one of the cornerstones of human evolution. Evolution is a slow process but adaptability, or the ability to get by in the short term, happens quickly and is reactionary. With the economy in a state of disarray during 2010 and 2011, the senior living industry and businesses in other areas were focused on survival. But as time heals wounds, we enter a new chapter that allows the senior housing industry to adapt to the the influence of politics, economics and society. This concept of adaptation provides the foundation for long-term change versus radical change, and 2012s senior housing trends are about adapting to the current reality and positioning for the fiscal realities and political/policy uncertainty in the future of senior housing. 1. Higher Levels of Acuity - Increased Risks and Costs Senior living and housing providers are beginning to experience higher levels of acuity (aka sickness) for their prospective residents. This elevates the risk of entrance and subsequently the cost of providing care. Acuity levels are rising because many seniors have delayed the entry for economic reasons, and theyve become more accustomed to utilizing family, technology, medicine and community support to remain in their current environment. Higher acuity levels can lead to a higher cost of care, and providers may need to raise their costs as a result of increased risk, or change their policies all together to avoid the consequences of higher acuity. This may in turn force government benefits programs into playing an even larger role in funding seniors care, and its also possible seniors may face discrimination for entry into facilities based on their acuity level. 2. Senior Housing Community Evolution - Shift in Brick and Mortar Functions As the profile of senior housing residents change, so will the definition of types of senior care communities. The shift in resident profiles are giving way to a migration in communities: Independent Living Becomes More Like Assisted Living. As more home and community based services initiatives are implemented, seniors living in apartment complexes or 55+ communities will see a greater level of a la carte services offered that will resemble more of an assisted living feel at a lower cost delivery as services will be unbundled. Current Assisted Living Facilities will function more like Skilled Nursing. Current nursing homes will be handling the sickest seniors in the coming years as an alternative to hospital stays. The traditional model of nursing care will migrate to assisted living communities that can have differing levels of care within those communities. As part of this trend, many assisted living communities are finding that the average age of entry for its communities is increasing as people are living with less care longer. Dedicated Alzheimers care facilities will begin to re-appear in earnest in the next 12-24 months. This trend is similar to a period in the early 2000s when many dedicated memory care communities were established. At the time, there were funding problems and the trend was somewhat ahead of its time given the number of memory care patients. However, a decade later, the supply of ALZ/dementia care communities is low while the demand is steady and increasing, regardless of the funding issues. 3. Aging in Place: Local Community Footprint Expands With Home & Community Based Services Migratory trends for seniors are decreasing as the economic effects are more devastating than previously imagined, which leads to seniors remaining in their local communities longer. However, the definition of local community is changing or better yet expanding. Before the definition of local community used to be defined a 10-15 mile radius, it now encompasses an expanded area of almost 100 miles, based on supply, demand and costs. This expanded radius is possible as home and community based services and networks are growing, predominantly in major metropolitan markets. Senior living communities and hospitals are partnering more closely to offer a full continuum of care as an extension of their brick and mortar campuses. These marketing efforts are designed to ease seniors into the system of care, starting at home and providing opportunities to expose individuals to the levels of care and communities theyll be able to choose from when it

H E A L T H N O T I F I C A T I O N
8A

A major name brand hearing aid provider wishes to field test a remarkable new hearing instrument in the area. This offer is free of charge and you are under no obligation.

ARE YOU HARD OF HEARING?

The revolutionary 100% Digital Instruments use the latest technology to comfortably and almost invisibly help you hear more clearly. This technology solves the stopped up ears, Head in barrel sensation some people experience, and has been clinically demonstrated to improve hearing in noisy environments. If you wish to participate, you will be required to have your hearing tested in our office FREE OF CHARGE to determine candidacy. There is no fee whatsoever for participation in this field test. Special testing will be done to determine the increased benefits of this technology. Benefits of hearing aids vary by type and degree of hearing loss, noisy environment, accuracy of hearing test, and proper fit. This is a wonderful opportunity to determine if hearing help is available for your hearing loss while you evaluate your performance with this technology.

See TRENDS, page 9A

Testing going on for two weeks only.

Call now if wish to be included in this field trial.

BELTONE HEARING AID CENTER 718 N. Cable Rd., Suite 101, Lima, Ohio

419-773-4021
TheBusinessJournal

419-695-2871

February 2012

Trends

(Continued from page 8A)

fessional and familial) will want to carry their own devices and wont want to carry multiple devices. As end users of technology fall into the younger spectrum, more companies will provide solutions that integrate into the existing technology platforms. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) will become more prevalent and blend in more with everyday life. Technologies for monitoring will begin to focus on habits and individual behaviors on mundane tasks that dont require specific interaction with a device. Monitoring pressure in beds, trips to the bathroom, turning on the coffee pot in the morning are examples of simple monitoring techniques that, when monitored for exception processing purposes, provide a means of monitoring without direct user interaction with any device. For seniors who are less technologically savvy, the television still is the primary electronic device that is connected in their home or their room in the community in which they live. Cable television operators have a strong position to deliver more telecare and monitoring services through their pipes and their boxes. Look for set top box manufacturers and cable companies to develop interfaces and applications built in for senior care. 7. Real Estate - Land Rush, Location, Housing Discrimination Home prices will continue to present challenges for senior housing communities across the US in 2012. As the job market improves slightly during the course of 2012, the housing market will firm up and provide a solid bottom for housing prices in good markets. For markets that have an exorbitant amount of foreclosures, it will still be some time before those markets change. Communities will still have a lag factor as many seniors that may want to move in will still be reluctant to sell their home at current market prices. Once the housing market recovery gains traction, there could be a surge in demand for independent living communities as capital is released after the sale of the home. Land acquisition and development will become critical in 2012 as competition for prime locations intensifies. The good news is that low financing rates will help make the carry on the new acquisitions more palatable but put pressure on banks to provide construction financing. Locations acquired during the next 12 months will be the new communities starting in late 2013 and 2014. Municipalities will need to address permits and application for new senior housing projects on these parcels as both a means to provide community support and an attempt to increase tax revenues for their communities. The days of NIMBY should start to diminish as residents realize that lack of supply for good senior housing in local communities. Housing discrimination against seniors will begin to gain national attention during 2012. As seniors are forced to downsize and change their lifestyles, landlords may begin to show delicate signs of age discrimination. 8. Financing For Senior Housing Communities How Long Can Rates Stay Low? Rates will stay low for the balance of 2012 thanks to the efforts of the Federal Reserve and the troubles that remain with the European banking system. Senior housing providers will have a window of opportunity to lock in these low rates for the next 12-18 months that gives those who are building or renovating time to get their communities filled up. Banks will continue to loosen up their underwriting requirements as competition heats up for established owners and operators, and more banks will look at smaller or less-experienced operators in an effort to expand their lending. Banks will become more interested in the details of the underlying operating model for each community financed, looking for functional and financial flexibility to change and adapt with supply and demand in the local market-

becomes necessary. The linkages from home, clinic, rehab centers to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities will blur more as the power of the network of care becomes greater, and once in the network, individuals may find themselves to be customers for life. 4. Creative Senior Living Solutions Gain Traction Communal Living and Multigenerational Housing Concepts such as multigenerational housing, the Greenhouse Project, senior villages, co-housing, homes built with in-law apartments and other communal living solutions will continue appearing and evolving as individuals and families learn about the costs of senior housing. The elderly will increasingly move in with their familiesor each other as the economics of co-housing/co-habitation make a compelling case for multigenerational housing. Each of these solutions provides maximum flexibility but as these models become more popular, regulation and funding to further develop these alternatives may stall future growth. Those living in single-family homes will invest capital in their homes as more parents move in with their adult children. Using home office spaces, basements, attics and other existing solutions will make way for more formal renovations including the grannie apartment as either an add-on or standalone. Unlike additions for bathrooms or kitchens, the resale value of grannie renovation should be discounted greatly when considering the costs if given any consideration at all. Others may opt for pre-fab cottages or PODs as solutions that can be moved, stored or re-sold when a senior needs to move to a more comprehensive care community. As the housing market stays stuck in neutral through 2012, money will be invested in making the home more of a multi-generational dwelling out of necessity. Renovation will be a key driver in adaptation for senior housing in both single family homes. The key will be the return on the investment (ROI) but given the uncertainty of the amount of time that an elder may live with their children, it is difficult if not impossible to have a sense of certainity with respect to time. The resale value of these enhancements or modifications will have neglible effect on the value of the home unlike more popular renovations such as kitchens and baths. 5. Politics and the Need for Affordable, Assisted Living Partisan politics and the election year will do little to advance senior housing policy within the next 12 months. The good news is that the election will bring sobering discussions about the future of health care and senior care. Medicare, Medicaid and other entitlement programs will be at the forefront of the campaign, as the countrys ability to pay its bills, both operating costs and debt service, is called in question. Politicians are realizing that the aging demographics in America are an economic train wreck waiting to happen and are identifying the problem but not discussing any concrete solutions. The greatest policy challenge yet to be fully addressed is the need for some type of affordable, assisted living for low-income Americans. This includes solutions for simple services to assist with the activities of daily living (ADLs) and memory care. Even considering low-to-moderate income standards, will these ratios and income percentages be realistic (e.g. 60% of median area income)? Congress and state legislatures will need to conceptualize and develop some kind of inter-agency solution that bridges the gap between housing and care. 6. Senior Care Technology Montoring and PERS Go Mainstream Senior care technology will begin to become more mainstream both for aging in place and for those in communities. More applications (or apps) will be developed for a range of devices including laptops, PCs, tablets and smart phones. Cross-platform applications will be critical as care givers (both pro-

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Trends

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al costs will be passed along through rate increases in one fashion or another. The good news is that some communities are finding that their newer entrants have a well-balanced retirement plan that includes LTC insurance but the bad news is that those seniors may become high maintnenance residents given the complexity of their LTC insurance. 10. More Senior Living Professionals Needed for Growing Industry No matter how well a community is constructed, the overall basis for a well-run community is the people that make it operate on a day-to-day basis. The senior living industry will see increased demand for qualified professionals that will provide more upward pressure on wages compared to the last two years based upon supply and demand. With funding cut backs anticipated for both Medicare and Medicaid programs, government agencies at both the federal and local level need to provide more training and support funds to cope with the employee development challenges. Compounding the people crisis is the crack down on overtime regulations for home-care providers. While private enterprise is good for competition and keeping rates competitive, the labor costs for senior care are going higher. Organizations will have to make career development a higher priority to attract and retain talent as part of their overall business plan. This task should not rest solely upon the responsibility of the management of communities but should filter down to its residents as well. Education providers began offering and expanding their senior living courses in 2011 and more will follow suit in 2012 in response to the demand in the state and communities. Those are just some of the major trends we see in senior housing for 2012. Have comments? Leave us one below or send an email to editor@seniorhousingnews.com.

Using Ohio Law to Protect Your Assets

As the cost of health care continues to rise, many families desperately look for solutions to paying for care. They fear losing the home or the farm and the financial assets that they have worked to accumulate over a lifetime. Unfortunately, as a result of this fear, mom or dad may not get the medical treatment they need to live a dignified life. The fear of the cost of health care is justified. At home care can cost between 10 and 25 dollars per hour, assisted living centers can range from $2500 to $5000 per month and skilled nursing facilities may cost up to $280 per day ($102,000 per year). At those costs, its easy to understand the concern! With proper planning, many options exist to protect your assets. It should be emphasized that it is never too late to protect assets that will provide flexibility in care. Even if mom is already in a skilled nursing facility, current Ohio law allows her to save approximately half of those assets. More directly, lets say mom has $40,000 and is privately paying for a nursing home. With the proper planning, mom can save almost $20,000 and still qualify for Medicaid!! The following is a list of some very common misconceptions related to paying for nursing home costs. All of the statements are generally false, but require an understanding of the law. No statement below is intended as legal advice and a qualified attorney should be consulted to evaluate your personal issues. 1) If mom or dad goes into a nursing home, they will have to sell their home to pay for nursing home costs. 2) If mom or dad transfers assets to their kids, they will not be eligible for Medicaid for five years. 3) Children cannot be paid for providing care to their parents. 4) The only option to spend down to $1500 is to give the nursing home all of your money. 5) A person acting as a power of attorney for another has financial liability to pay for the other persons financial obligations. 6) You may only gift $13,000 per year to each of your children. 7) A donation to the church is not an improper transfer. 8) If mom does qualify for Medicaid, the attorney generals office will use Ohio Estate Recovery to recover all Medicaid benefits paid. Remember, under Ohio law each statement above is false with the proper knowledge and planning.

place. In 2012, regional banks will have an upper hand with senior housing construction financing with knowledge of local markets and demographic trends and REITs (real estate investment trusts) and large, national banks will provide the long-term financing options. REITs held the upper-hand in the capital markets in 2011 and will most likely remain king of the jungle as long as rates stay low. As older communities begin to show their functional obsolescence, many senior housing companies will need to examine their current buildings and make decisions about renovating or starting from scratch. The costs for renovation should remain less expensive than new construction if feasible. 9. Personal Finance Challenges & Long-Term Care Insurance Declines in the net worth of American population presents both short and long term challenges to senior living. If the U.S. enters a new recession or a slow, steady growth trajectory through 2012, it will do little for retirement savings for those who find it necessary to move into senior housing communities. Coupled with a continued challenged residential real estate market, the trend for improved net worth in the 55+ crowd seems unlikely in 2012. As families move in together and more children are caring for their parents, the prospect of financial abuse looms larger and will create some societal challenges where lines are blurred as family members manage finances for their parents. Long-term care insurance is becoming more prevalent and will continue to grow in senior housing communities during 2012. As younger seniors enter communities with LTC insurance, the increases in the administrative work and burden on supporting handling LTC insurance claims added with any kind of additional support adds to the overhead costs for owners and operators. At some point, these addition-

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specific taxes on business, and regulatory costs are a hindrance to businesses overall, CPAs overwhelmingly said those factors would not cause them to move their business/practice to another state. But Ohio CPAs strongly believe there is room to improve the municipal income tax structure in Ohio. In all, 94 percent agreed either greater administrative uniformity, a more streamlined filing process, or both should be a goal in Ohio reform efforts. Eighty five percent of Ohio CPAs were more concerned about overall government regulation than two years ago. In addition, 34 percent of Ohio respondents said state and local regulatory burden is a hindrance to attracting job creators to Ohio. When asked what other factors would help make Ohio more attractive to out-of-state job creators, CPAs listed better economic development packages than those offered by competing states (30 percent) and local government cooperation (26 percent) among their top choices. An Executive Summary is available in The Ohio Society of CPAs online newsroom<http:// www.ohioscpa.com/press-center/2012-pressreleases/ohio-cpas-optimistic-about-ohio-business-growth-in-2012>, along with hi-resolution graphs. About the Survey The Survey was conducted between Nov. 11 and Dec. 7, 2011 by The University of Toledos Urban Affairs Center for The Ohio Society of CPAs, the Indiana CPA Society, The Michigan Association of CPAs and The Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs. Combined, these organizations represent the professional interests of more than 70,000 CPAs. The survey focused on current economic conditions and the effects it is having on businesses. The questions were selected to quantify what CPAs are seeing in their day-to-day operations, their clients organizations, and to gather opinions on how best to improve economic conditions in their respective states. The Urban Affairs Center<http://uac.utoledo. edu/> is an applied research unit of The University of Toledo. The Center has been serving the Northwest Ohio community for over 30 years and partners with local, regional and state governments, nonprofits and industries to analyze problems and identify solutions with the goal of promoting economic vitality and strengthening local

CPAs

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communities. The Ohio Society of CPAs<http://www.ohioscpa.com/home>, established in 1908, represents more than 22,000 CPAs in business, education, government and public accounting. The Ohio Societys members not only meet statutory and regulatory requirements as CPAs, but also embrace the highest standards of professional and ethical performance. This is achieved through ongoing professional education, comprehensive quality review and compliance with a strict Code of Professional Conduct.

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Using Ohio Law To Protect Your Assets

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February 2012