Nov – Dec 2010 - Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of
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Nov – Dec 2010 - Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of
“Linking Business to Community for Prosperity!” Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce Serving Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Willoughby, and Willoughby Hills Volume 107 Issue 6 Refer-A-Friend! IN THIS ISSUE Holiday Mixer Distinguished Awards Luncheon Notes from Nikki LCSC Meeting Schedule Group Rating Enrollment Noteworthy News QuickBooks 2011 Has Arrived New Members Ignorance is Not Bliss Ask not.... Holiday Stroll Brandt’s Candies Open House Photos Power of Choice 2010 Auction November/December 2010 3 4 5 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 It’s membership bonus time and anyone who joins after September 30th (for 2011) receives membership for the remainder of 2010 for FREE! If you know a local business owner who has not yet made the move to become a Chamber member, now is a great time for them to join. The benefits are numerous and the cost is more than affordable—it just makes good business sense. Any current member of this chamber who refers a friend to join us between now and December 17, 2010 will receive a $25 restaurant gift certificate to as our way of saying “thank you” for sharing your confidence in the Chamber with other business owners. (application and payment must be received by December 17, 2010). Thanks! TAKE NOTE November 25 Happy Thanksgiving December 8 Holiday Mixer at Olivor Twist Thanks to Marlene Wilson of Stitch-nScreen who brought in a new member this month: Terry’s Shoes & Footcare Center. We appreciate the referral. Marlene’s participation in our annual “Refer a Friend” campaign has earned her a $25 gift certificate to The Texas Road House! Recycling Program Comes to an End Thank you to all of you who brought in your used ink cartridges and cell phones over the past few years. We raised approximately $600 during the time that we ran the program, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. As profits from this program declined significantly, it is no longer viable for it continue therefore, as of Friday, December 17th, 2010 we will no longer be collecting these items. Congratulations to our members who were named 2010 Fast Track 50 winners: In the “Emerging” category, Cortest, Inc, and Neothink LLC. In the “Established Company” category, Alpha Imaging, Inc., Bowden Manufacturing, Marous Brothers Construction, Quality CNC Machining, and ThenDesign Architecture. 17 Due Dater for 2011 Chamber Dues Online Auction: Coming Soon!! Details Inside… Missing out on receiving the Chamber’s emails? Perhaps you have recently changed internet providers or the contact person(s) in your company has changed? In order to make sure that you are kept in the loop of all that is going on in the Chamber, please contact the office with your updated information. Email any updates to nikki@willoughbyareachamber.com, fax us a message at 440-942-0586 or give us a call at 440-942-1632. 2010 OFFICERS President............................ Ken Nicholas Charter One 216-339-6288 President-Elect............ Michael Germano Wiles & Richards, Attorneys at Law If you have moved... If you have moved, please be sure that the Chamber has your current mailing address so that we can update your records. Now that postal regulations have changed, we are now being charged for every piece of mail that we send out and comes back to us. Also, if your business will be closing, please notify us of that change as well. Thank you! H appy Thanksgiving 440-942-6262 Vice-President...........Marlene Cornachio Custom Cleaning 440-946-7028 & Maintenance Treasurer...............................John Forbes Deimling, Forbes & Assoc. 440-299-6707 Secretary............................... Bob Godina Martinet & Recchia 440-942-3900 Past President........................ Jeff Holden Network Results 440-283-0310 2010 TRUSTEES Tim Campbell...................440-516-9090 Bond, Sippola, DeJoy & Co. Byron Crane......................440-461-5782 Crane Printing, Green & Dry Cleaning Sam Delzoppo...................440-796-8839 Coverall Cleaning Concepts Barry Feldman...................440-946-7473 Kottler Metal Products Scott Gregory....................440-527-5696 Bottom Line Accounting Solutions Ron Rogerson...................440-946-4950 Corsaro Insurance Kathy Whan-Marko, PhD....440-918-1540 CHAMBER OFFICE Nikki Matala..................... Executive Director The purpose of the Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote and develop a supportive business and community environment in which to live and work. The Chamber of Commerce Newsletter is published 6 times annually. Publications run: January/February; March/April; May/June; July/ August; September/October; and November/ December. All news items, advertising and photographs are required to be submitted no later than the 15th of the month prior to publication. Please notify the Chamber Office of any change of name, address, phone number or absence of issue. Phone: 440-942-1632 Fax: 440-942-0586 Email: nikki@willoughbyareachamber.com 2 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce Donna Swan..................Administrative Assistant 2010 CITY MAYORS David Anderson................440-942-4124 City of Willoughby Mark Tyler........................440-256-3332 City of Kirtland John Turben......................440-256-3296 City of Kirtland Hills Bob Weger........................440-946-1234 City of Willoughby Hills Happy Holidays! Please join us for our annual Holiday Mixer Sponsored by: The Cleveland Clinic Ring in the holidays with your fellow Chamber members and friends at the Chamber’s annual holiday mixer. Relax in the festive atmosphere while networking and enjoying some seasonal cheer—bring your coworkers and employees, too—the more, the merrier! This mixer grows every year and is a favorite amongst the membership—hope to see you there. When: Wednesday, December 8th, 5:00-7:00 pm Where: Olivor Twist, 4061 Erie St., located in downtown Willoughby Cost: $17/members, $22/non-members (Includes a nice array of appetizers and a cash bar is available) Please make your reservation with the Chamber office no later than Friday, December 3rd. Register online at www.willoughbyareachamber. com or send/fax this coupon with payment info to 440-942-0586 or call the Chamber office at 440-942-1632. Checks, and all major credit cards accepted. Refunds will not be issued and walk-ins will not be accepted. Advance payment required. Checks should be made out to “WACC” with “Holiday Mixer” noted in the memo section. Please make ____reservation(s) for the Holiday Mixer for: Name(s)__________________________________________________________ Company_________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________Amount Enclosed $_____________________ Check #_______________________________ ($17/members, $22/non-members) Visa or MC #_________________________Exp. Date___________________ Card in the name of_________________________________________________ Signature of Cardholder______________________________________________ Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 3 2011 Distinguished Awards Luncheon & Annual Meeting The Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to join us as we recognize the 2011 Distinguished Award winners: Bowden Manufacturing C. Andrew McCartney, President Distinguished Business David Schell Executive Director, Breckenridge Village Distinguished Business Leader / CEO Please join us at a luncheon to be held in their honor. A brief annual meeting of the Chamber, including the swearing in of the 2011 officers will precede the luncheon. (Members are welcome to attend the meeting portion only if desired—but are still required to RSVP to the Chamber office) When: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 (Annual meeting starts at noon, luncheon & awards ceremony immediately following). Please plan on being seated promptly by noon. Where: Pine Ridge Country Club, 30605 Ridge Rd., Wickliffe Menu: Roast beef, chicken parmigiana, roasted potatoes, cavatelli, sugar snap peas and carrots, salad, rolls, spumoni and beverage. Cost: $25 per person Please make your reservation with the Chamber office no later than Thursday, January 13st. Register online at www. willoughbyareachamber.com or send/fax this coupon with payment info to 440-942-0586 or call the Chamber office at 440-9421632. Checks, Visa, or Mastercard accepted. Checks should be made out to “WACC” with “Distinguished Awards” noted in the memo section. Advance payment is required, refunds will not be issued, and walk-ins will not be accepted. Seating requests will be honored for reserved tables of 8 only. Please make ____reservation(s) for the January Luncheon for: Name(s)__________________________________________________________ Company_________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________Amount Enclosed $_____________________ Check #_____________________________________________ ($25 per person) Visa or MC #_________________________Exp. Date___________________ Card in the name of_________________________________________________ Signature of Cardholder______________________________________________ 4 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce Notes from Nikki By Nikki Matala Executive Director My first order of business in this month’s column is to congratulate the winners of the 2011 Distinguished Award categories: Bowden Manufacturing (C. Andrew McCartney, President) / Business of the Year, and David Schell, Executive Director of Breckenridge / Business Leader of the Year. The committee pored over a good number of nominations, all worthy candidates in different ways but since only one winner could be selected in each category, the titles went to the two who had the longest records of service as well as having made a profound impact on the business and general communities. Bowden Manufacturing Corporation, founded in 1952, was moved to its current location at 4590 Beidler Rd. in Willoughby in 1957. Andy McCartney became President in 1999 and has continued to grow the company from 40 to 85 employees while earning recognition via several awards given to the company since that time. Bowden Mfg. was named to the Weatherhead 100 (2004-2006), received the Lake Geauga Fast Track 50 (2005-2009), the Leading Edge Award (2009), an in June of 2010 was named as one of the top 75 places to work in Northeast Ohio by the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Bowden is known for its innovative style in providing a team approach and consistently exceeding customers’ expectations. Long known for its charitable giving and community contributions, the company and its leadership exhibit the greatest strengths possessed by winners of this award. David Schell has been providing outstanding leadership to the staff and residents of Breckenridge Village as their Executive Director for over 24 years. David actually knows the names of each of the 600 residents and the 400+ staff and exhibits caring and compassion to everyone who crosses his path in the course of the day. He helps to make Breckenridge visible in the community and at the same time, brings the local community resources to the residents of Breckenridge. He is active in his church, is the immediate past President of The Willoughby Rotary, has been involved with the Boy Scouts, the American Association of Homes, and Services for the Aging. He makes himself accessible to all who seek him out. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe him interacting with the residents of Breckenridge, and it was deeply moving to see how genuinely he cares for them. This awards process and corresponding awards luncheon means a lot to myself and to the Board of Trustees of the Chamber. These individuals who are selected for this annual honor exemplify the characteristics of ideal business owners and leaders—those who strive to be the best that they can, to inspire those around them to do the same, and to care for and make better the community in which they serve. I hope that you will be able to join us when we honor these award winners at a luncheon held in their honor in January (details and invitation can be found elsewhere in this issue of the newsletter). Remember to shop Chamber businesses for all of your holiday shopping needs! It’s not difficult to obtain a list of who the members are—simply log onto www. willoughbyareachamber.com and click on the “Membership” banner and then on the “Members Directory”. Also be sure to take advantage of the many companies who are offering discounts to YOU, the Chamber members! All you need to obtain the discount is to show your “key card” (hold onto those, by the way…2011 update stickers will be sent to you early in 2011—after we have received your dues renewals. If you have not yet paid your dues, please do ASAP. The best reason to renew is that your Chamber membership is a valuable business tool and let’s not forget that it’s also a tax deductible business expense! Be well, enjoy your holidays, remember to make someone else’s holiday brighter—adopt a needy family, support your local animal shelter, volunteer to bring some sunshine into the lives of someone who would love to see your smiling face through Hospice of the Western Reserve or through the Meals on Wheels program, or simply perform a Random Act of Kindness—do something completely unexpected for someone who could really use a little reminder that someone cares. This after all is really what the holiday season is all about. Lake County Safety Council Date: Time: Place: Cost: Speaker: Topic: RSVP: Sponsors: Friday, November 19, 2010 Registration 11:15 AM Meeting 11:30 AM Holiday Inn Express – LaMalfa $18 Members $20 Non-Members Officer Jeff Stanczyk, Community Policing Unit, Cleveland Police Department Victim Prevention Tips for the Holiday Season (440) 255-0877(or) Pre-registration is required. No refunds. Register online at www.councilnews.org LAKE HEALTH & EA GROUP Date: Time: Place: Cost: Speaker: Topic: RSVP: Friday, December 10, 2010 Registration 11:15 AM Meeting 11:30 AM Holiday Inn Express – LaMalfa $18 Members $20 Non-Members Bob Siktberg, Lincoln Electric Annual Safety Roundtable Discussion (440) 255-0877(or) Pre-registration is required. No refunds. Register online at www.councilnews.org Until next year, take good care of yourselves and each other. Nikki Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 5 • Cancer Insurance • Medicare/RX Assistance • Life • Health • Dental • Annuities • Long Term Care Insurance 440-951-6200 N~,~ 'V~c 3788 Lee Road Cleveland, OH 44128 RESTORATION SERVICES SI~CE (945 SPECIALIZING IN THE REBUILDING OF PROPERTY DAMAGED AND RESTORATION BY FIRE, SMOKE AND WATER JERRY COLOSIMO 6 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce 38322 Apollo Parkway Suite 201 Willoughby, Ohio 44094 Honesty - Integrity - Stability Group Rating Enrollment Time Is Here! Congratulations to Artsfest Chairperson Shirley Wuicik The group rating program allows employers with better than average claim histories to join together through a sponsoring association, such as the Lake County Chambers of Commerce, to be rated as a group and therefore receive lower rates on their Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) premiums. During this time of change in our economy, your participation in the Lake County Chambers of Commerce’s program administered by CompManagement is the best way to control and reduce your workers’ compensation premiums while supporting your organization. This program offers multiple savings tiers, competitive fees and a comprehensive risk management program. For small- to medium-size employers, participation in group rating still remains the best option for a relatively high upfront discount. CompManagement is the largest administrator of group programs in Ohio with the most stable programs available. In addition, CompManagement provides exceptional service and expertise to effectively manage your risk. Through the Lake County Chambers of Commerce’s program, your organization may be evaluated for participation in the group rating program every year, and invitations will be sent to those who are eligible. Since enrollment only occurs once a year, please be sure to return your enrollment documents as soon as possible to ensure your participation in this program. Congratulations to Artsfest Chairperson Shirley Wuicik for winning this year’s “Bright Star” award sponsored by NOACC (the Northern Ohio Area Chamber of Commerce). Shirley and other Bright Star recipients from all around Northern Ohio were honored at a dinner held on October 28th. Thank you Shirley for all that you do to make the Willoughby Artsfest an exceptional event for our community. If you are not taking advantage of this value added member benefit already, we encourage you to request your no cost and no obligation quote today by visiting http://resources. c o m p m g t . c o m /AC 3 /G r o u p R a t i n g . aspx?Organization=LCCC, click on the AC-3 form button and submit online. Should you have any questions regarding group rating or to request a quote directly, please contact CompManagement’s Customer Support Unit at (800) 825-6755, option 3. Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 7 Noteworthy News The Fine Arts Association invites you to get your tickets for “Annie” online at fineartsassociation.org or by calling 440951-7500. Performances run through December 19th. $10 children 10 yrs. And under, $23 seniors & students 11 and up, and $25/adults. Also, the Fine Arts Association is partnering with the Lake Humane Society in this production—bring dog or catfood with you to donate to the LHS “orphans”. For more information on the Lake Humane Society or to find out how you can adopt a great pet , make a donation or to volunteer, visit www.lakehumane.org or call 440-951-6122. The Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen Nature Center invites you to attend a holiday tradition, Snowdrop’s Adventure Game. It’s a story, not a game…a natural twist. Spin to win and follow Snowdrop the little white deer’s quest to find her true color as you plan on an indoor life-size game board, make a craft and enjoy hot chocolate. Rediscover the memories of shopping days one by with an assortment of memorabilia including those of Mr. Jingeling from the famed Halle Bros., Co. Department Store from downtown Cleveland. All visitors will receive a magical keepsake key, just like those given by Mr. Jingeling on Halle’s 7th floor. Snowdrop’s Adventure game opens Saturday, November 20th continues through January 2nd. For more information visit lakemetroparks. com. The Animal Hospital Inc., and Patty DeJohn, MA of DeJohn Pet Services offers a free pet loss support group on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30-8:30 pm. For more information call 440-946-2800. M and P Bargain Books of Willoughby is sponsoring a “Meet the Author” event. Meet Rick Porello, Lyndhurst Police Chief and author of To Kill an Irishman, The Rise and Fall of the Cleveland Mafia and Superthief. He will be at the store to sign your purchases on Saturday, December 4th from 1-3pm. His books will be discounted by 25% off the Florist and Irish Crossroads, located at suggestedMy retail price during the bookBrings 30432 Euclid Avenue Education in Wickliffe. For Song Boutique Fashion, signing. more information or for store hours, call and Excitement to Willoughby 440-944-9030. The Willoughby Area Welcome Center, 501(c) (3), is presently taking orders for Marlene Wilson, owner of Stitch & holiday gifts. Sturday ceramic coffee mus Screen Embroidery and Silk Screening are etched with the City of Willouhby invites everyone to her open house which logo,Situated and are available in red, blue, white be area held ofondowntown NovemberWilloughby), 20th from in The DiVine District (the Vinewill Street or black for $10.00 each. Large tree 10am until 5pm and November 22ndinto My Song Boutique is a recently opened shop that allows local women to step ornaments in colors ofand lightaccessories blue, from until 9pm. Stitch &Our Screen fashionrange forward apparel in a4pm comforting environment. darknearly blue, red, and burgundy for $8.00 is alocated at 4055 Erie Street with (Rear) 1,500 square foot location marries New York style atmosphere each. Stop into the Welcome in offer downtown facing the small town boutique personalCenter service. We fashionWilloughby, styling and individual Traincustomer at 3872 attention Erie Street on SaturdayWilloughby Brewing The to each client. We provide affordable itemsCompany. that are classic, Sunday from 10amfashion -4pm forward or call and 440-unique company celebrates its 13thportion year ofinour sophisticated, to the area. A significant 942-1905. Photos of these be business looks forward to serving product is locally hand items made,may including our Lunaand line (made on premises), adding viewed at willoughbyareawelcomecenter. yourstrongly needs for embroidery to the originality of our boutique. “We feel thatcustom providing a platformand to org. showcase area artisanʼs talent is a positive specialty screenforprinting on and all sorts endeavor ourselves the of community“ says Jackie Bertolette, co-owner. wearable items and accessories. For more information call 440-306-2209 or visit Jackie and Becky, co-owners of My Song www.stitchnscreen.com Boutique, located in the DiVine District along Vine Street in Willoughby, have been busy hosting Sculpture Art Walks in Ed Bash, CPA of Bond, Sippola DeJoy the area in cooperation with Body 4 U, and Co. in Willoughby Hills is again Spray U Tan and several other businesses volunteering his time along with his wife, in the district. Their objective is to create Judytaught Bash,by also a CPA with BSD Co. Along with products, we also offer classes local artisans. “Our& classes awareness and excitement to the area and to help out GRIN—Golden Retrievers allow individuals that are interested in learning new techniques and trends to try to showcase theatworks areaorsculptors in Need, anstyle organization thatouter is their hand a newofcraft learn more about fashion, and inner and and beauty“ artists. For more information on the co-owner comprised completely ofOur volunteers who offers Rebecca MacMillan, of the enterprise. sessions are nextcapped art eventator10tostudents visit businesses workeach diligently tomay attend to the of or lessin in the order that student have oneneeds on one DiVine District, call Golden Retrievers who have been abused, attention with the440-918-1480. instructor. abandoned and are in need of loving homes. Each year, Ed plays “Santa” and Judy, his elfin assistant at Petsmart in Mentor—bring your dog or cat in to have their picture taken with Santa. Pet photos cost only $9.95 with a Petsmart Petperks card and $10.95 without. 100% of the proceeds go to GRIN. Ed and Judy will be at the Mentor Petsmart on Saturday, December 11th from 10:45 am until 1:30 pm. Michelle Morgan, proprietor of Irish Crossroads has just unveiled the new website. Visit them at www. irishcrossroads.com and see some of their products as well as checking out “Tara’s Diary”---unique beads and charms that are all designed with fine Celtic craftsmanship and an Irish flair--all made in Ireland! The beads rival the finest competitive collections seen elsewhere. Michelle invites you to consider doing your holiday shopping at Plant Magic 8 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce “QuickBooks 2011 Has Arrived: Should You Upgrade?” by Scott Gregory, Your Trusted CFO & QuickBooks Expert www.BetterBottomLine.com The latest edition of your favorite accounting software has just been released. Now the key questions are – “what did they add to the software and does it make sense to upgrade”? Since space is limited, I can’t discuss all the new goodies in the QuickBooks 2011 for Windows product line. However, here is a short list of the features I believe may benefit you the most: • New remit to address field for your vendors • Ability to use non-Outlook software for e-mail (Hotmail, Yahoo mail, Gmail) • New and improved search button • New updates to Customer Snapshot (avg days to pay, total sales, etc.) But wait, there’s more! • On screen history for customers and vendors (this is a really slick addition) • Batch invoicing • Sales by ship to address report • Average days to pay report • New collections center for dealing with overdue and near overdue invoices In addition, if you use QuickBooks for Mac, the 2011 version now allows you to have up to 3 people working in the software at the same time. There really should not be any concerns about upgrading your existing QuickBooks information into the new edition. Intuit has made that process pretty seamless and pain free. If you need help trying to sort out what’s right for your specific needs or are looking for discounts of 20% or more on your QuickBooks upgrade, please contact me. On the Grow The destination of choice for retirement. 36500 Euclid Ave., Willoughby 440-942-4342 Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 9 Welcome New Members Adler & Sons Roofing Dennis Adler P.O. Box 907 Willoughby 44094 440-946-3648 Fax: 946-3694 adlerroof@att.net Commercial roofing and maintenance Mary Beth Bacher 5191A Liberty Lane Willoughby 44094 440-943-6058 mbirish@aol.com Parise & Associates Dennis & Lanette Parise 1360 E. 9th Street Cleveland 44114 216-241-5950 Fax: 241-5952 www.parisereporters.com lparise@parisereporters.com Freelance court reporting/video conference firm providing litigation support to trial attorneys and all purpose video conference. Downtown Today Stefanie Toth P.O. Box 872 Willoughby 44096 440-970-9644 Fax 216-531-2841 www.downtownwilloughbywordpress. com stoth@dtwilloughby.com Publisher of Downtown Willoughby newspaper. Best Western Lawnfield Inn & Suites Nancy Kneen 8434 Mentor Avenue Mentor 44060 440-205-7378 Fax: 205-8436 www.lawnfield.com nkneen@lawnfield.com (personal) innkeper@lawnfield.com (business) The area’s only boutique hotel. The perfect “home away from home” for your friends or family visiting the area. Complimentary continental breakfast, fitness & business center, internet access, seasonal pool & honor bar available. Community Care Ambulance Danielle DiDonato & Don Hobbs 115 E. 24th Street Ashtabula 44004 440-992-1909 Fax: 992-1315 www.ccan.org ddidonato@ccan.org drhobbs@ccan.org CCA was created in 1994 as a non-profit organization with a purpose to serve the medical transportation needs of Ashtabula County. CCP has since expanded it’s services to Geauga, Lake, and East Cuyahoga County. F.R.C. Enterprises, Inc. 29025 Lakeshore Boulevard Willowick 44095-4658 440-585-4800 Fax 585-4815 Owner of Mr. Chicken in Willoughby Marschall Brown, LLC Catherine Marschall 37603 Arlington Drive Willoughby 44094 440-946-0715 Fax 946-0715 Property Management. Terry’s Shoes Foot Care Center Terry Trentini 36301 Euclid Avenue Willoughby 44094 440-975-9834 Fax 975-9836 cped2010@gmail.com Therapeutic Retail Shoe Store specializing in wide width shoes. Pedorthic facility. 10 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce t.i.a. insurance, llc Vicki Tomlinson 38030 Second Street, Unit B Willoughby 44094 440-227-5887 Fax 269-8825 www.tiainsurancellc.com vicki_tomlinson@yahoo.com Our mission is to help and guide you to achieve your goals through education and taking the fear out of insurance. Answering your questions, designing a program to fit your needs and put harmony in peoples lives. Changes to Member Information The Kurt Law Office is now Kurt & Vermilya Law, Inc. 30432 Euclid Avenue, Suite 101 Wickliffe, OH 44092 Phone: 440-516-1010 Fax: 40-516-1011 ww.KandVLaw.com Stitch-n-Screen Embroidery & Silk Screening 4055 Erie Street (rear) Willoughby, OH 44094 Phone 440-306-2209 www.stitchnscreen.com Ignorance is not Bliss by Stephen DeBlock, Network Results, Inc. www.net-resultsinc.net Assigning clients complex passwords for their employees, servers, firewalls or other network devices usually results in a roll of the eyes or some sort of joke. The reason I do this is because I think it is very important in today’s age of network intrusions attempts. This week I was asked out to consult with another IT service company to a medical office in the area which was going through an EMR (electronic medical records) migration. As I sat with the lead tech, we began outlining his client’s network when I noticed that the CISCO wireless equipment he had installed was broadcasting its SSID (Wireless Network Name) and very surprisingly had neither encryption nor password on the connection. Jokingly, my first instinct was to get the heck out of there. I didn’t know how long this had been going on and how many HIPPA violations had occurred. I didn’t leave, I sat there, listening to the lead tech continue on with his network problem (now among others). My mind was really spinning, I actually lost track of conversation as I thought about the 6 nurses in the office, all actively using tablet computers connected wirelessly to the network accessing patient records. I stopped the conversation to point this out to him. After delicately asking him why he hadn’t applied security to the wireless traffic. He responded with the units were new and hadn’t been fully configured yet. At the end of our troubleshooting session and solving the original problem I was called out for, I worked with the lead tech to sort the wireless encryption issues. This is not the first time that Network Results has run into this type of problem and it won’t be the last. In our tech-world, this incident is extra scary as true life patient information was exposed. For those reading this article, please do not fall into a false sense of security in “it won’t happen to me,” it can and it will. Un-secured wireless networks are sought out and accessed all the time. There might be those out there who are simply looking for free internet and would not damage your network (this is still dangerous as the right virus infected computer could bring down your whole network). However, there are also those savvy souls who are looking to steal information. It only takes one time for this to cause harm either to a business or an individual. I know a few people who have been the victim of identity theft and it is a horrendous process to reverse. Make the effort, reduce your personal and business risk by protecting your wireless network with challenging, rotating passwords, good encryption (WEP, WPA) and finally do not broadcast the network SSID. If you’re not sure how to examine your wireless network, contact somebody who can. As my business partner Jeff Holden always says, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” IT Solutions for Small Businesses Pro-Active Network & Desktop Support LAN/WAN Design Services 24x7 Managed Service Offering Website Design & Hosting Services Hosted E-Mail/Blackberry/SharePoint Anti-Virus/SPAM & Backup Solutions 36625 Vine Street, Suite 4 Willoughby, Ohio 44094 440.283.0310 www.net-resultsinc.net Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 11 Ask not what the Chamber can do for you, but what YOU can do for the Chamber! by Jeff Holden, President, Network Results, Inc. www.net-resultsinc.net The Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization that provides a variety of benefits to its members. Many look at the Chamber as being only a vehicle to help them save on expenses, but there is another side to this that we all need to take a look at! Today’s economy is affecting everyone globally, nationally, and locally. But YOU have the power to make a difference locally, right here in the Willoughby Area. This is not rocket science, but whether you are looking for a specific product, a new doctor, lawyer, financial advisor, IT consultant, industrial supplier, insurance agent or just a good place to eat ……….Why not do business with Chamber members first before looking elsewhere. This is what being a Chamber member is all about…..Helping each other be successful and giving back to the community. Chamber businesses offer a wide array of excellent goods & services. More importantly, the money spent locally will help grow the community, provide for new jobs and help stabilize the economy. I’ll admit that maybe there are some things that are not available within our Chamber membership, but at least look and see what’s here before you look elsewhere. The Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce (which includes the cities of Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, Kirtland, and Kirtland Hills) is a great place to start your search for any goods or services. By logging on to our website at: www.willoughbyareachamber.com, you have access to hundreds of companies within a wide array of industry types. Your chances of finding exactly what you are looking for are very high. On top of this, many of them also offer discounts to fellow Chamber members. What a great place to shop!!!!!!! Think before you act, help out our community, volunteer for a Chamber committee and do something for the Chamber and its members! 12 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce PLEASE JOIN US FOR A HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE! Explore the shops, boutiques, galleries Friday, December 3, 2010 from 5 until 9pm and restaurants of historic downtown Willoughby, Ohio! Light refreshments, discounts and specials offered at many locations! Thursday through Saturday, December 2-4 Stores open late until 9pm each evening! Candlelit luminaries will light your way! Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 13 City of Willoughby Hills Community Center O’Ryan Room Schaefer Room with Kitchen (Capacity 160) with Kitchenette (Capacity 60) Lions Club Room with Kitchen (Capacity 100) Historical Room with Kitchenette (Capacity 40) Groups • Family Gatherings • Business Meetings • All Occasions 35400 Chardon Rd. • Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094 Rental information and reservations may be obtained by calling (440) 975-3540 or email: recreation@willoughbyhills-oh.gov 14 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce Photo Highlights of our Manufacturing Plant Tour at Brandt’s Candies, Tuesday, October 19th Thanks to the owners of Brandt’s Candies for hosting a group of nearly 30 Chamber members. We thoroughly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at how all of these delicious candies are made. Brandt’s is offering a brand new item of special interest to business owners: the solid chocolate business card featuring YOUR logo! For only $250 you can set up your account and receive 25 of the chocolate business cards for FREE---but wait, there’s more! Members of the Willoughby Area Chamber will receive an additional 25 bars for free! Who doesn’t love chocolate and what a “sweet” way for your customers to remember you. Call Barb or Sally at the store at 440-942-1016 for more information. Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 15 The Power of Choice By Russ Conley,Conley Collision and Customs, 440-946-2966 Choice : the opportunity, right or power to choose Choices choices choices..... we all make them for ourselves daily. You chose what to have for breakfast this morning , you chose your route in to work this morning, etc. I’m sure that you chose what kind of car you drive, what kind of gas to put in it, etc. Of course you did and you probably chose your insurance company and your deductible for the repair of your car in case you should happen to be in an accident. Right ? Well, more and more these days as a Repair shop owner , after taking the time to write an estimate on a potential customer’s car I hear “ let me check with my insurance company, my insurance company told me I have to get three estimates or you’re not on my insurance company’s list. Again, it’s your car your choice, right? Why would you let some claim rep on the other end of the 1-800 number tell you to take your car to one of their “preferred shops” ?you make that car payment, you pay those premiums, it’s your car ! Insurance companies have preferred shops, concierge services, etc. that they advertise as benefits to you. Now don’t get me wrong it can be convenient to have them handle all of the details i,e. towing, rental, repairs, etc..... but, don’t let them fool you. They do this so they control how much they pay to repair your car. They make deals with towing companies, body shops and mechanics to do the work on your car at a reduced rate to them , not to you ! You still have to come up with your end (your deductible) Now, do you really think a shop is really giving the same quality of service and repairs for the reduced rate as they would for someone paying their full price ? There are alot of small ,reputable and ethically driven shops out there (such as mine) that would rather work for the customer and accept the insurance company’s payment instead of work for the insurance company and play by their rules. So, the next time you’re involved in an accident and you need to schedule repairs at YOUR convenience, remember your local small business that will treat you like a friend that they’d like to see again and again and think twice about the big fancy facilities with the big lobby and pretty receptionist that may treat you like a number or a file that gets pushed through to meet the monthly quota. * For the record : I have pretty receptionists/ office staff ( my wife and daughter) *We can line up a rental car just as easy as the insurance company can. *We often work nights and weekends to ensure that you’re not out of your car longer than you have to be ! *Over 20 years of actual hands-on collision repair experience *Certified by I-car *Experts in insurance claims handling- you can leave the details to us ! * If you have a shop you trust, USE THEM! If not, TRY US, a fellow member of the Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce ! 16 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce Perfect for Your Holiday Shopping! 2010 Online Auction Opens December 1st: Our 2010 Online Auction, for the benefit of the Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce Education and Development Program (EDP), is just around the corner. Join in the fun and bidding excitement! To be held from Wednesday, December 1st through Sunday, December 12th, our online auction has 3 ways for you to help make it a smashing success: 1. Donate a product, service or other item! – if you were part of last years’ auction, you know the fast and furious bidding that took place on many of the items in the auction catalog. Visit http://waccsf.cmarket.com and click on “Donate an Item” or call the chamber office to coordinate your donation. 2. Be an auction sponsor! Get maximum business exposure for minimal cost. Your name, logo and link to your web site will go out on every auction communication AND be prominently featured on the home page of the auction web site! Just $200 to sponsor. Please call the chamber office to reserve your sponsorship spot! 3. Join in the bidding for the auction items! The auction begins on Wednesday, December 1st – put it on your calendar today so you don’t miss out. Additional details on bidding will be forthcoming as we get closer. Watch your e-mail for details! The proceeds of this online auction will help the WACC EDP give back to our member businesses through scholarships to eligible employees. Make sure to tell your co-workers, friends and family about our auction. Simply click on the “Refer a Friend” button after accessing the auction site via http://www.WilloughbyAreaChamber.com. Ready to donate a product, service or sponsor? Call us today at (440) 942-1632! Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsors: Visit our web site at@ www.willoughbyareachamber.com • 17 A healthy business starts with healthy employees Save money on health benefits with your Chamber membership. As a Chamber member with 2-50 employees, you can save up to 4% on any health plan from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield — including industry-leading HSAs, HRAs and HIAs. Preventive care programs are part of every Anthem plan. So while others cut corners, you can help keep your employees healthy and working. That’s a plan that’s good for the body — and the bank account. For a free quote, call your broker, your local chamber, (877) 452-8806, 440-942-1632 or visit www.chambersaver.com/noacc for a free online quote. NOACC NORTHERN OHIO AREA Chambers of Commerce A regional partnership of local chambers dedicated to helping chambers and their members. * Discount only applies to chamber members who do not already have Anthem insurance. NOACCONLINE11/2010 Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 18 • Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce