The Champaign Economic Partnership Board of Trustees has elected two new members – Jerome Armstrong, as financial representative, and Brad Winner, leisure/entertainment representative. And Lynette Moody serves as the CEP’s new administrative assistant.
PRACTICE TO BECOME MADISON HEALTH - MECHANICSBURG
Her practice name will soon become “Madison Health – Mechanicsburg” as she signs with Madison Health and their Alliance partners at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Mount Carmel Health System.
“Because I believe in giving the highest quality of care and operating with sound business principles and policies, I’ve chosen to partner with Madison Health, which will allow me more time to focus on what I love best – the clinical care of my patients,” she said. “It takes a great deal of time to oversee the daily operations of the practice, while maintaining a compassionate, patient-centered approach. There are simply not enough hours in the day to do all the things I love – and that’s a good dilemma to have.” Elle and her husband, Scott, are thrilled with the partnership and are hopeful that the future may yield even more health care providers in the practice. Elle will continue to see patients full-time in Mechanicsburg, and will even expand patient appointment hours beyond her present business hours. Elle explains with a smile, “This is a win-win, for me, my patients, and Madison Health – Mechanicsburg. I will be able to spend all of my time providing direct patient care, while the daily operations are managed by Madison Health.” She continues, “I look forward to being part of a larger team, and having access to an expanded group of peer providers and the potential for leadership opportunities.” Also of noteworthy value, Elle and her patients will have access to a more robust electronic medical record (Epic/IHIS) and will be able to view some of their records through a secure online portal called “MyChart.” Madison Health’s CEO, Dana Engle, has visited Gentle Care a few times since doors opened in 2008, always offering to listen and discuss how Madison Health could help meet the needs of Elle’s patients and join efforts for the common goal of improving health care in Champaign, Madison and Clark counties. “At Madison Health, we are committed to supporting our local communities,” said Engle. “Elle is an established and well-respected practitioner, whose heart is also committed to the communities for which she passionately cares. We are more than excited for her to join our team and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to have on the lives of her patients.” The anticipated date for name and facade changes to the facility is the end of March, along with some equipment and technology upgrades and an additional employee. For now, the phone number for scheduling appointments will remain the same: 937-834-5320. Appointments will be offered from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Elle says, “I feel so blessed to take this next step. God has opened every door in front of me along this journey, in His own time. Empowering my patients with the knowledge and confidence to improve their health, along with diagnosing and treating their pathologies, is truly my professional heart’s desire. I’m grateful to have this opportunity to practice clinically in a setting that supports my growth and development as a women’s health nurse practitioner.” By Anna Gaertner- Contributing writer Urbana Daily Citizen
MECHANICSBURG – Champaign Economic Development Director Marcia Bailey was present during the meeting to discuss a building improvement project with the village council. “The Main Street building there on the corner which used to have a laundromat and a video store was owned by the village,” Bailey said. She explained that after the village had been trying to sell the property for a long time, Mayor Ben Layne put in a bid for the property, hoping to renovate it. “He had gotten started on some renovations, but then decided to sell the property and his brother was interested in it. His brother (Austin Layne) and his wife are now renovating the property,” Bailey explained. “There is an apartment upstairs, and one in the front of the building as well. And then, there will be storefronts on the bottom floor. “My question for the council is, do you want me to get another signed development agreement with Austin?” Bailey said. “Because of the nature of the way this transaction happened, I think it would be advantageous for Ben if Austin is willing to sign that,” Attorney Joe Jimenez replied. Council members unanimously agreed to have Austin Layne sign a new development agreement. “Having that eyesore cleaned up will be great!” Councilman Jason Adelsberger said after seeing photos of the renovation project. Other business Village Administrator April Huggins-Davis informed the council members about an estimate for repair from storm water issues on East Race Street and Clark Avenue for a total of $10,675 to likely come out of the street fund money. The council members approved the funds. “I don’t know if you have driven down West Sandusky, but we have some major issues. On West Main as well. Do we want to get bids to come in and fix these potholes?” added the mayor. Layne listed different methods that could be used to improve the streets. “We can use flash fill, concrete, asphalt. I think this needs to be as soon as possible. We can use the state fund for this, but it is our responsibility. We also have four water main break patches too.” The council members agreed to set up a Street Committee meeting to further discuss these issues. “I’ve had a couple calls about the Community Cleanup,” Huggins-Davis said. “Last year, it was canceled because nobody knew what was going on, but I think we can do that safely. They usually haul the dumpsters in on Friday and we get four of them. We need volunteers down there to help unload people’s trucks. We use the backhoe to smash everything down, so we need someone who can operate that.” The village council decided on Saturday, April 24 for the Community Cleanup. Layne concluded the meeting by thanking Councilman Chip Wibright. “I want to thank Chip and the street guys and anybody who chipped in with the snowfall this year. It was a lot more than usual. They did a good job and kept up with it as much as possible,” Layne said. Village council unanimously decided the most efficient way to sell a forklift the village wants to liquidate was to list it on GovDeals. Overview from Feb. 15 meeting The permanent budget for 2021 was presented to the Mechanicsburg Village Council in an email prior to the Feb. 15 meeting. After discussion, the council members passed the motion to approve the budget unanimously. The mayor requested to sell equipment that was unnecessary for the village, in order to clean out the barn which will provide a storage space for the storage trailer to be kept. The equipment included a salt spreader, two push mowers, a leaf vacuum and a John Deere mower. The items will be listed on GovDeals. Council also approved the disposal of village-owned scrap metals collected throughout the years. Reach Anna Gaertner at [email protected]
Stacy Cox, director of CCDJFS, which includes OMJCC, said that the Champaign County commissioners offered OMJCC the opportunity to move into the new office space, formerly used by the Madison-Champaign Educational Service Center, near the Board of Elections.
The agency accepted the invitation to move into this new setting and reconfigure it to modernize OMJCC’s services. Amy Sherman, OMJCC workforce supervisor, added that new technology, including video conferencing equipment, is being installed, supported by modernization funds provided by the State of Ohio for OhioMeansJobs sites across the state. Due to COVID-19, an open house is not being planned at the new location, Sherman said. But a virtual tour of the new OMJCC offices is being created. The OhioMeansJobs Champaign County Facebook page will announce when the virtual tour is ready for viewing on CCDJFS’s website. Sherman and Andrea Mitchell, OMJCC employer services representative, will maintain offices in the new suite, which will also include:
In its new location, OMJCC will continue to serve employers and jobseekers as a central point of access for employment, training and related workforce services provided by several area agencies and service providers. Employer services include:
Jobseeker services include:
For more information, contact OMJCC at 937-484-1581. From Urbana Daily Citizen
Michael Family Farms has acquired the former site of Urbana Local and plans to construct an agricultural facility on the land at the intersection of state Route 54 and Hickory Grove Road. The property was auctioned off by Urbana City Schools district for $75,000 after new schools were constructed. The old school site will be home to two former students’ farming business. Siblings Kyle Michael and Kathy Michael Sponheim purchased the former site and plan on starting construction this month on the 40,000-square-foot facility.“ We have recently been able to expand our operation in Champaign County,” said Sponheim in a prepared statement. “We have picked up some land and continue to look for additional irrigated acres to increase production. Demand continues to rise for locally grown food that is good for you, and our potatoes provide a delicious, nutritious, addition to any meal.” Potatoes are the main fare of the agri-business venture, which is rooted in family. “We are thrilled to be able to build two state-of- the-art potato storages and a grading facility to support our growth. The controlled atmospheric storages will hold 1 million pounds of potatoes that will be distributed to grocery stores across Ohio and surrounding states throughout the year,” Sponheim said. “The location is ideal for business but also holds special sentiment as our father Todd also attended grade school at Local as part of Urbana City Schools. With this facility, we will be able to better support a localized supply chain to deliver fresh produce with fewer food miles from farm to fork.” Sponheim said growing a family business has its challenges. “However we feel very fortunate to be able to do what we love and do it together,” she said. Todd has been active in the potato industry for decades and the passion for farming and agriculture was nurtured in Kyle and Kathy from a young age. Now taking over the operation, Kyle and Kathy plan to continue that legacy. Kyle recently was reappointed to serve on the U.S. Potato Board, following in both his father and grandfather’s footsteps. “Our philosophy at Michael Family Farms is driven by putting family first; after that we are committed to growing the business, sustainable cropping practices and delivering complete service to our customers,” Sponheim said.
A USDA Rural Development grant was received in 2018 to fund specialized equipment. The procurement of equipment is underway, though progress has been delayed because of the pandemic.
Seeing no further delays, the Council hopes to open the kitchen for use this coming fall. This will be a big advantage for those with food businesses. Most kitchens of a similar purpose are only available in the major metropolitan areas of the state, which are not convenient for those in west-central Ohio. The Council would like to invite the community to help us come up with a name. If you have a creative name, please submit your ideas at http://go.osu.edu/KitchenName. Keep in mind this kitchen will be open for regional food producers (not just Champaign County) and catchy acronyms are great for shortening longer names. We welcome any new members to our group. You do not have to be involved in agriculter, just have a passion for it! Contact the Chamber or Amanda Douridas at [email protected]. Amanda Douridas is the Champaign Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator for The Ohio State University Extension.
Mitchell credits each owner’s business acumen and commitment to the St. Paris community to “grow stronger” in 2021. “Shopping local, supporting local businesses and promoting goodwill in the community is what we in St. Paris believe in,” he said.
Mitchell is highlighting the accomplishments of business owners and businesses that recently opened, are planning to open, or are renovating in the village. Family Country Cuts, located at 211 W. Main St. opened this month. Janie Douglas’s salon offers a variety of services such as haircuts for men and women, coloring, make-up, facial waxing, manicure and pedicure and facials. Douglas brought on two more workers, one full time and one part time, and is excited to see the growth of her business. Hinting at possibly including massage therapy, Douglas hopes to see the small operation become a full-fledged salon. Walk-in hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment only weekdays after 5 p.m. and on Saturdays. Appointments can be made by calling 937- 869-8300. Longbow Health Plans, located at 120 S. Springfield St. opened in June of 2020 and is an agency composed of insurance professionals who offer “high quality insurance products and retirement planning services to meet your goals and budget.” Clay Ruffner, the founder of Longbow, graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and later Case Western Reserve University with an MBA. Clay is a licensed, independent agent “committed to not only finding clients fantastic coverage,” but also providing ongoing support. “We aren’t finding you coverage and then leaving you in the dust,” Ruffner said. “Put us as a contact on your phone, because we never want to be far away, and always want to be your trusted expert.” Longbow Health Plans holds office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and can be reached by calling 937-788-7713. Retail store Pony Wagon Bargains, located at 146 S. Springfield St. opened in October of 2020. Owners Jason and Jessica Anderson held the store’s grand opening on October 31. Claiming to have “something for everyone,” the Pony Wagon Bargains offers discount prices on many top name-brand items including electronics, household, health and beauty, children’s toys, baby items and more. Pony Wagon Bargains is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 4-8 p.m. on Wednesdays; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Future offerings A new grocery is preparing to open this spring after the village lost its IGA to closure. Since the IGA closed, village residents have been relying on a chain store retailer and the local farmers market during the warm season. Mitchell met with the owners of the new business and toured the progress of renovations in late December. Mitchell said the new owners do not wish to speak publicly, but promised to relay any permissible information to the public as it becomes available. “He’s excited to join this community and the community is excited about having a grocery store once again. Details on branding, staffing and things of that sort have not been communicated to us yet,” Mitchell said of the unnamed owner. Debbie McGuire Lyons is the building owner at 115 Main St. Braden’s Cafe & Sweets was the last tenant and has since closed. Lyons is in the midst of a full renovation of the entire building, but has not indicated what the long-term plans will be. Lyons declined public comment but did say “the structural repairs are underway” as she has “big plans for the building’s future.” Reach Andrew Grimm at [email protected]. (COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today provided the following updates on Ohio's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/covid19-update-01072020 PHASE 1B VACCINATIONS Governor DeWine announced those in Phase 1B will be able to receive vaccinations beginning on Tuesday, January 19. Those 80 years of age and older will be prioritized first in this next phase, roughly totaling 420,000 Ohioans. Ohio is expected to receive 100,000 doses during the first week of distribution to Phase 1B. “With up to 420,000 people 80 years and above, and only 100,000 doses available the first week, it will take several weeks to vaccinate those 80 years of age and older," said Governor DeWine. "Phase 1B will take a few weeks, and a lot of coordination in distribution.” Vaccines for Ohioans 80 years of age and older will be administered by physicians, local health departments, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, in-home health service providers, and some retail pharmacies. As of today, the Ohio Department of Health has approximately 1,700 providers registered to distribute vaccines. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health will be hosting a webinar for registered providers to discuss expectations, and instructions for distribution. Additional details will be shared with registered providers in the coming days. Governor DeWine anticipates vaccinations will be available to Ohioans 75 years of age and older beginning Monday, January 25. The following week, vaccinations will be available to those 70 years of age and older. Beginning the week of Monday, February 8 vaccinations will be available to those 65 years of age and older. “As we include other age ranges, please know that does not mean vaccinations will be complete for the previous age range,” said Governor DeWine. The week of January 25 will also include vaccinations for Ohioans with severe congenital, developmental, or early onset medical disorders. Additional details about distribution for this group will be forthcoming. During the week of February 1, Governor DeWine announced that vaccinations will be available for personnel in Ohio schools. The Ohio Department of Heath will send forms to Ohio superintendents to indicate their school plans to go back to in full in-person and hybrid learning by March 1, as well as indicate the number of staff they believe will choose to take the vaccination. Superintendents will also be asked if a community partner has been identified to help with the administering of the COVID-19 vaccines to school personnel. Additional information about vaccinations can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
When recruiting for jobs that require specialized skills, employers compete for a limited pool of qualified candidates. Ohio’s Registered Apprenticeship program, available locally through OhioMeansJobs Champaign County (OMJCC), helps employers overcome this challenge and build their skilled workforce from within.
“It’s probably the best way to supply employers a pipeline of reliable, skilled employees,” says Andrea Mitchell, business services representative of OMJCC. Through the Registered Apprenticeship program employers provide proven, valued employees the opportunity to learn new skills through structured on-the-job training that meets industry standards, aligned with technical instruction from an approved school – all while getting paid. “Apprentices earn a livable wage as they learn,” Mitchell says. The Rittal North America facility in Urbana currently has three employees enrolled in the apprenticeship program, with a fourth possibly beginning in early 2021, says Dan Yohey, quality engineer and manager of apprenticeships at Rittal. Rittal has one industrial engineering apprentice, David Vanderveen, an assembler with the company for six years, and two maintenance technician apprentices, Billy Warren and Malik Tanksley, who have been at Rittal for less than two years. Vanderveen started his apprenticeship in late February 2020, and Warren and Tanksley, in late May 2020. All three are enrolled in 8,000-hour/four-year programs at Clark State Community College, with which Rittal has previously partnered with for internships. The length of apprenticeships varies by industry and occupation. The apprentices are completing on-the-job training under the supervision of mentors, who are among 10 Rittal engineers, managers and senior technicians who completed mentorship training developed for Rittal by Clark State. The Registered Apprenticeship program is employer-driven. This means, says Mitchell, that employers:
After developing its apprenticeship training program, in partnership with Clark State and OMJCC, Rittal took the plan to the Greater Ohio Workforce Development Board, Inc. (GOWBI) for approval and certification. As the apprenticeship sponsor, GOWBI conducts audits and other administrative services on behalf of Rittal. In addition to benefitting the company and apprentices, Yohey says, “The apprenticeship program sends a message to the rest of the workforce in the plant that, based on the success of these individuals, that we’re walking the walk and offering career advancement opportunities at Rittal—not just longevity. It boosts morale.” The apprenticeships also benefit the mentors, Frost says. Serving as mentors “is their next progression on that ladder of moving up…. You invest the time and money to send them through the training, and it says, ‘We trust you, and you’re on your way up.’” Apprenticeships increase employee retention rates, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And they reduce the time invested in recruiting skilled employees – in competition with other employers – and orienting them to the culture, products and processes of a new workplace. “It’s a lot easier to develop your skilled workforce rather than competing with other companies and bringing them in from the outside,” Yohey said. “It’s pretty competitive right now. The need for technicians and engineers, it’s pretty cutthroat.” Frost adds, “When we onboard a new engineer, we look at from six to 12 weeks before they bring any value, just because they’re trying to learn what we do. When we bring up somebody from in the company, the learning curve is so much less, and we can get right to the technical aspects of their training. They’re instantly bringing some value.” To learn more about the Registered Apprenticeship program, call OhioMeansJobs Champaign County at 937-484-1581. OMJCC is available to provide employers presentations – onsite or virtually – about the Registered Apprenticeship program and other OMJCC workforce training services.
The building has been vacant for over 10 years.
“We’re going to see new work, new life, new employees in this building,” said Champaign Economic Partnership Director Marcia Bailey. Securing the building and cleaning up the site took the team effort of private and public partnerships like the City of Urbana, the Champaign Economic Partnership and True Inspection Services, LLC, a full-service commercial inspection, engineering and construction management company. TIS is now the owner of 12.6 of the 20 acre site, including the building. TIS Executive Vice President Joe Timm said three tenants will move into the building after its restoration – TIS, Community Health and Wellness Partners out of Logan County and The Door Shop, which is a commercial door company. Project partners hope that after the work is completed, other investors will be drawn to build on space behind the building and part of the site’s acreage on the other side of the bike path. The JMC project piggybacks off of the ongoing development of the FC Legacy Place senior living project that will transform the former North and South elementary schools and the Douglas Inn into affordable senior housing. “We’re kind of looking at this as the anchor client or anchor site for helping redevelop this whole neighborhood,” Timm said. Construction bids for the project will go out soon, and the businesses are expected to move in by fall 2021. |
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