7:36 a.m.  Corporate Sponsor #2

7:39 a.m.  Program Sponsor

7:40 a.m.  New Member Recognition

7:42 a.m.  Business Climate Update

7:47 a.m.  Area Events & Weather Update

7:49 a.m.  Networking Tip

7:50 a.m.  Networking: Card Exchange

7:54 a.m.  Main Speaker

8:12 a.m.  Agricultural Update

8:14 a.m.  Education Update

8:17 a.m.  Business Tip-TBD

8:20 a.m.  Government Update

8:23 a.m.  Health Tip

8:26a.m.  Door Prize Drawing

8:30 a.m.  Adjourn

The next Fresh Brewed Business Program. will be held March 4th    

ACCRA Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living Increases Slightly for Findlay Residents in 2007 Third Quarter

According to the third quarter 2007 American Chamber of Commerce Research Association (ACCRA) Cost of Living Index, the standard cost of living for City of Findlay residents rose 5.5 percent from the first quarter composite index of 93.1 to the third quarter composite index of 98.6. 

While the 2007 first and third quarter composite index comparison indicates a definite increase throughout the past year, the difference is slight compared to year's past. The 2007 third quarter composite index of 98.6 is only up by 0.7 from the 2006 third quarter composite index of 97.9 and is down 0.3 percent from the 2005 third composite index of 98.9.

In comparison to its neighbor, Lima, Ohio, Findlay's cost of living was .2 percent lower than Lima's 98.8 composite index.

In a national comparison, the City of Findlay's composite index for grocery items were 103.7; housing 75.3; utilities 92.8; transportation 92.1; healthcare 90.2; and 104.1 for miscellaneous goods and services.

The Index is based on the six preceding components. Prices covering almost 60 different items are collected quarterly by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations or university applied economic centers in each participating urban area.

Compiled and published quarterly by The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), GreaterFindlayInc. was among the 293 urban areas participating in the Index which measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for mid-management lifestyles in participating areas.

The average for all participating places in each quarter equals 100 and each participant's index is read as a percentage of the average for all places. However, small differences should not be construed as significant-or even as indicating correctly which area is the more expensive.

For more information on the ACCRA Cost of Living Index, contact GreaterFindlayInc. at 419-422-3313 or e-mail info@greaterfindlayinc.com.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Hancock Agricultural Hall of Fame. Through the leadership efforts of the Agri-Business Committee of GreaterFindlayInc. we would like to recognize and honor outstanding contributions to agriculture by Hancock County residents. This annual award will be presented to men or women who have been instrumental to the success and excellence of agriculture either as a farmer or in an agriculturally related field.
 
The induction of Hancock County residents will be the focus of this year's Farmers' Share Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 a.m., March 19, 2008 at The Lodge at Riverbend Park.
 
Awards will be recognized in two categories - Producer/Breeder or Agricultural Related. Nominees should have made their major contribution to agriculture primarily as a result of being born, growing up, living in or beginning their career in Hancock County. The goal is to have at least 25 years experience in agriculture. No more than two posthumous inductees will be given per year and total inductees shall not exceed four in any given year. Completed nomination forms for 2008 must be returned to OSU Extension, Hancock County by February 1, 2008.
 
Any individual or organization in Hancock County may submit a Hall of Fame nominee by completing the nomination form available at the Hancock County Extension Office or at http://hancock.osu.edu/ag/AgHallofFame.html. For more information, contact Gary Wilson at (419)422-3851.

Start It Right Seminar-Feb. 23

The Start It Right Seminar will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 23, 2008 at Owens Community College in room FCE111 (Tiered Classroom). The seminar discusses eight key components when starting a business. Those components include: Business Planning, Legal Aspects/Structure, Public Financing, Applying for a Loan, Record Keeping & Taxes, Insurance Needs & Financial Security, Property Casualty, and Marketing & Advertising.

The seminar will include a continental breakfast and a boxed lunch. Price for the seminar is to be determined. For more information, contact Jackie Kahlig at 419-422-3313.

The Disc Golf Community Association will be hosting the Annual Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl at Riverbend Recreation Area on Saturday, February 2. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County. New and experienced players are invited to play one round of disc golf. Check-in begins at Noon in Shelter #3 with the Ice Bowl beginning at 1pm. Exclusive Ice Bowl prizes will be awarded. Afterwards, enjoy a warm fire and hot drinks.

For more information, contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $15, additional donations welcome. First 15 registrants receive an Ice Bowl Logo Disc.

This event is provided in cooperation with the Hancock Park District. For upcoming park district programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

The 2008 Chili Cook Off will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 2 at the UF Koehler Center. Over 30 teams competing for the title of Findlay's Best. A Super Silent Auction will be held with great items and sports memorabilia. Kids' games will also be offered. Tickets are available at Coffee Amici, CPS, Morey's, UF Ticket Office and at the door. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-17. Children 5 and under are free. All proceeds will go to benefit Cancer Patient Services.

Discovery Story: Trees-Feb. 4

The Hancock Park District's February Discovery Story will be held on Monday, February 4 at 10 am and 1 pm.  Both programs will be at the Oakwoods Nature Preserve's "Doc" Phillips Discovery Center.  This month's topic will be on Trees.  Children ages 3-6 with an adult companion are invited to attend.  This program includes a story, activities and a craft all about trees.

The Oakwoods Nature Preserve, "Doc" Phillips Discovery Center is located at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, off West Sandusky Street off CR 144 west of Findlay.  For more information about other upcoming programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com under the "What's New" section or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

The Community Partnership invites you to speak out about substance abuse and mental health issues in Findlay-Hancock County. The focus group Public Awareness will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. February 5 at Waldo Peppers located at 411 S. Main St., Findlay. Judicial, Law Enforcement, Government will be held 3 - 4 p.m. February 6 at the Community Partnership located at 438 Carnahan Ave, Findlay. For more information, contact the Community Partnership at 419-424-1335 or email aaltman@bhg.org.

Owens Community College will host a College Goal Sunday event at 2 p.m. February 10 to provide free expert help in completing Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) for area residents pursing a college degree.

Presented by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA), the state-sponsored event will focus on helping students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, as well as answer financial aid specific questions.

Individuals interested in acquiring additional information about financial aid are encouraged to participate in the free workshop where financial aid representatives from colleges and universities throughout Northwest Ohio will provide insight on securing federal and state assistance to any academic institution of higher learning. The College is also hosting a College Goal Sunday on the Owens Toledo-area Campus that same day.

To register visit www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org.

Owens and other colleges and universities currently participate in several need-based federal and state funded grant programs, work study opportunities, and loans, which all require applicants to file a FAFSA form to determine financial need. Additionally, numerous scholarships are available at the various academic institutions.

Specific programs accessible to students include the Federal Pell Grant, the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, the Federal Stafford Loan, the Federal PLUS Loan and the Federal Work Study, among others.

For more information, contact the College's Office of Financial Aid at (567) 429-3540 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3540.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor's degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Country Inn & Suites "Heart to Heart" Valentines Day Package-February 14

The Country Inn & Suites has a "sweet" deal on their Heart to Heart package that is sure to impress your loved one. The package includes a keepsake basket, wine, wine glasses, a corkscrew, box of chocolates, bubble bath, bath luffa, overnight accommodations, a country fresh breakfast bar and an indoor heated pool and whirlpool. Jacuzzi rooms are available from $114.95 to $139.95.

The Long Term Flood Recovery Committee of Hancock County will hold a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser from 8-10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 16 at Max & Erma's located at 1107 Trenton Ave, Findlay. Tickets are $5.00 and include pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. All proceeds for the event will benefit local flood survivors. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact LTRC at 419-423-0499.

Register Now For The University of Findlay's "College to Career Day"-Feb. 19
The University of Findlay's Office of Career Services will present "College To Career Day" (formerly Spring Career Day) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, February 19. This event will enable you to meet with students who are seeking full-time employment, internship/co-op experience, part-time and summer employment.

You may register for College to Career Day now through February 8, 2008 via www.findlay.edu, Keyword: job fair.

If you have any questions or require additional information, contact Career Services at 419-434-4665 or email shull@findlay.edu.

Learn what's going on in your son's or daughter's chat room, just exactly what those abbreviations mean, and just how easy it is to converse with Internet predators. Brought to you by Open Arms, Comp Net Integrated Solutions, Hancock County Sheriff's Department, and Mix 96.7 WBVI-FM, "Parents Only" An Internet Safety Presentation will be held on February 19 at 7 p.m. in Van Buren's High School Auditorium. All parents are encouraged to attend.

GreaterFindlayInc. has open office space available for rent. Located at the south end of the GFI building, the square footage of the office space is 1,100.  Monthly rent is $800.00 which includes the utilities of gas, water and sewage and trash removal. Tenant pay electric. For more information or to view the facility, contact GFI at 419-422-3313 or info@greaterfindlayinc.com.

Ohio Nature Photographer Kicks Off 12^th Annual HPD Photo Contest Open House

The Hancock Park District will host two public open houses displaying all entries in the 12TH Annual HPD Photo Contest.  View pictures that feature nature, animals, park scenes, and the Blanchard River Watershed that were taken by area amateur photographers. The Lodge at Riverbend Recreation Area will be open on Saturday, February 9, from 4pm to 7pm and Sunday, February 10, from 1pm to 4pm to showcase the winners.   

Over $500 in cash and prizes will be awarded from the following sponsors: Blanchard River Watershed Partnership, Gaslight Gifts, Hochstettler's Old Mill, Rieck's Gallery, Wolfie's Gourmet Nuts and Gifts, Hancock Park District, and Hancock Friends of the Parks.

The public can vote for their favorite photograph at the open house. The picture receiving the most votes will win the "People's Choice Award". This winner will be announced after the open house and will be given a free shelter rental from the Hancock Park District. 

Visitors can also view the new multi media presentation "Hancock Parks, Your Natural Choice".  The sights and sounds of the Hancock outdoors and parks county-wide have been arranged with award winning photography into a ten minute audio visual presentation. Some pictures in the new program may look familiar; selections are included by many local photographers, Photo Contest winners and People's Choice Awards from past photo contests.

Highlighting this year's photo contest is a presentation by outdoor photographer and writer David FitzSimmons. FitzSimmons is a photographer, writer, and English professor at Ashland University.  His Ohio images have appeared on many postcards, a variety of calendars, numerous publications, including Ohio Magazine, and he is currently at work on a coffee table book on Ohio's natural wonders.

FitzSimmons' Ohio landscape work is currently being featured in a traveling exhibit "Ohio's Natural Landscapes: A Photographic Journey of the Buckeye State." He and five other top Ohio nature and wildlife photographers are showing their works at galleries around the state.

The public presentation will take place on Saturday, February 9 at 3pm before the open house at The Lodge at Riverbend. His talk will feature and highlight many of the photos being used in the traveling exhibit and he will share photography techniques and some of the photos that will be part of his upcoming book.  The event is free and open to everyone.  

Riverbend Recreation Area is located off State Route 568, east of Findlay at 16618 Township Road 208. For more information about other programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".  

Marilyn's Lifelong Educational Center (Marilyn's Center), an award winning Intergenerational Childcare center, located in Findlay, Ohio has now added "Extra Fun Extra Curricular" classes into their daily interactions. These classes consist of Karate, Music & Movement, Tumbling, Dance, Art, and Swimming.  All classes will take place with the Elders at Birchaven Retirement Village during the Childcare's operating hours.

The Children and Elders enjoy this time to learn and explore together, and we encourage you to come and experience this for yourselves.

Marilyn's Center is now enrolling and is owned and operated by the Macklin Intergenerational Institute, located at 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio 45840. For more information contact Linda Winkelman, 419-425-3047.

United Way of Hancock County has announced that its Flood Relief Fund has assisted more than 102 families with everything from new furnaces, utility deposits, clothing, and other relief since the major flood in August of 2007. To date $448,282 has been donated to the United Way Flood Relief Fund, of which 100% was used to aid flood victims, including non-profit agencies affected by the flood. The United Way is also announcing that further financial contributions will be utilized by the Long Term Recovery Committee: Calming the Waters Together (LTRC).

Keith DuVernay, United Way of Hancock County President & CEO stated, "We are pleased with the confidence that the community has in us as we have provided crisis intervention and support for flood victims. We now feel that the long range recovery issues are best handled by the case management process utilized by the LTRC. The LTRC is properly positioned to accomplish the most good for those with continuing needs."

The United Way of Hancock County was able to process requests for flood relief via numerous partner agencies and local volunteer community leaders. DuVernay said, "United Way sincerely appreciates the efforts of our volunteers and partner agencies' staff for their outstanding work helping us meet the needs of our affected citizens. Without their assistance, we would never have been able to process so many requests so quickly. This experience has clearly demonstrated what "partnership" is all about."

United Way will continue to receive donations for flood relief, and 100% of those funds will be used by LTRC. United Way is serving as the fiscal agent to the LTRC. Financial contributions for flood relief can be designated to LTRC c/o United Way, 245 Stanford Pkwy.

The LTRC can be contacted at 419-423-0499 and online at www.calmingthewaters.org. The LTRC is a local faith-based collaboration that also includes local non-profit organizations, city and county government, and FEMA to provide a coordinated response to long term recovery from the flood. The group hopes to provide spiritual, emotional and physical resources to those affected by the disaster.

Volunteers Provide Additional Flood Assistance

Volunteers from the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee Disaster Response program will be in Findlay and Hancock County going door-to-door in flood damaged neighborhoods to perform a community needs assessment resulting from the August flooding in our area.  These volunteers, known as "The Green Shirts" are working in conjunction with the Long Term Recovery Committee of Hancock County-Calming The Waters Together, a volunteer committee of concerned individuals, businesses and social service agencies working together to meet the un-met needs of flood survivors.

The "Green Shirts" will be going door to door through Feb. 1.  In addition, a walk-in call center will be manned at The Family Center at 1800 N. Blanchard St., Room 103 for those who are unable to meet with a "Green Shirt" during the door-to-door canvas.  A visit to the walk-in center will enable flood survivors to advise their unmet needs as well as discuss the situation with trained individuals.

Further questions regarding this volunteer effort can be directed to the Long Term Recovery Committee Office at 419-423-0499.

Absolutely Incredible Kid Nominations Now Being Accepted

Do you know a student in Grade 6 - 8 who has helped weather a family crisis? A student who shares his or her skills or hobbies with others? How about a middle-schooler with exceptional artistic talent?  Recognize a youth's character by nominating them for Camp Fire USA's "Absolutely Incredible Kid." 

Youth may be nominated for one of seven categories including youth development, talent and skills, leadership/community service, family development, nature, advocacy or diversity.

Judges will select seven "Absolutely Incredible Kids" to be recognized at Camp Fire USA's "On Behalf of Youth" Award Luncheon held April 22^nd at the Findlay Country Club. All entries must be received by Friday, February 29 to qualify.

For additional information or to obtain a nomination form contact Camp Fire USA at 419-422-5415 or visit www.campfireusa-nwohio.org

Greek Garden Now Open for Business

The Greek Garden Restaurant located at 321 S. Main Street in Findlay is now open for Business. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dine in or carry out is available. Contact the Greek Garden at 419.422.0808 for more information.

Liberty Tax Service Teams up with Valentines for Troops

Heartfelt Greetings Sought for U.S. Military All Over The World

Send a smile across the miles with a handmade valentine and a call home to our troops.  Liberty Tax Service (www.libertytax.com) has again partnered with Valentines for Troops/A Million Thanks of southern California to collect valentines for our troops stationed across the globe.  All Liberty Tax Service offices are also collection sites for used cell phones that are recycled to provide phone calling cards for soldiers through Cell Phones for Soldiers (www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com).

Liberty Tax Service invites individuals, businesses, and school and church groups to create old-fashioned handmade valentines, and write a handwritten thank-you note too.  Mailing regulations prohibit the use of glitter on cards mailed to our military.  To participate, deliver valentines to Liberty Tax Service offices located at 1930 Tiffin Ave., Findlay before February 5.

For more information contact the local Liberty office at 419-424-1040. Valentines can be dropped off at the Liberty Tax Service office at 1930 Tiffin Ave., Findlay, Ohio.

A used cell phone donation is also welcome at Liberty Tax Service.  Since 2004, the company has been supporting Cell Phones for Soldiers (www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com), an organization also started by teenagers wanting to make a difference for U.S. soldiers. As part of the Valentines For Troops and Cell Phones for Soldiers initiatives, Liberty Tax Service offices are working to quickly collect more used cell phones, iPods and toner cartridges for recycling, which allow the organization to provide long distance calling cards for soldiers in time for Valentines Day. Liberty offices have provided over 12 million minutes of calling time for our troops.

Liberty Tax Service is the fastest growing retail tax preparation company in the industry's history.  Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, a pioneer in the tax industry, Liberty Tax Service (www.libertytax.com) has prepared over 5,000,000 individual income tax returns and currently operates over 2,900 offices throughout the United States and Canada.  The company plans to open up to 500 new offices in January 2008.

Liberty Tax Service provides computerized income tax preparation, electronic filing and refund loans. With an emphasis on customer service including audit assistance, a money back guarantee, and free tax return checking, Liberty Tax Service is well known for its strong commitment to its client base.

With 38 years of tax industry experience, Hewitt stands as the most experienced CEO in the tax preparation business, having also founded Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (NYSE: JTX). 

Thomas Davidson, a senior at Findlay High School, has been selected as the 2008 United Way Foundation Secor Scholar. The $2,000 renewable Secor Scholarship was established as a memorial to the generosity of the Steven and Doris Secor bequest.  It is awarded to a high school senior or high school graduate living in Findlay or Hancock County who plans to attend an accredited institution of higher learning to pursue any undergraduate field of study, full time in the subsequent academic year.  The candidate must exhibit a strong commitment to academic studies as well as volunteer and extracurricular involvement.

Davidson, the son of Gary and Susan Davidson, was selected because of his sense of civic duty. Some of Davidson's volunteer work includes fund raising for the purchase of mosquito nets and the second of two wells in Africa. As the current president of Junior Statesmen of America, he has also taken on a goal to raise funds for a secondary school in Africa.  Davidson intends on studying political science, communications and law.  

Davidson will be honored at the United Way annual meeting, on Feb. 19. The annual meeting is open to the public and the cost to attend is $25. It is being held at the Findlay Country Club. To attend the annual meeting, call the United Way office at 419-423-1432 or register online at http://uwhancock.org.

The United Way Foundation of Hancock County is a non-profit entity established to ensure the permanence of the United Way of Hancock County. The purpose of the foundation is to offer an opportunity for donors to continue their philanthropic efforts through bequests. For more information on making a financial gift to the United Way Foundation of Hancock County, or for Secor Scholarship information contact the United Way office at 419-423-1432.

Coffee Amici wants to celebrate your birthday! Come to Coffee Amici on your birthday and receive a birthday gift of a free drink of your choice (ID required). You might even be lucky enough to have Jayne and Lynne sing to you. Coffee Amici is located at 328 S. Main St. in Findlay.

The area's coolest grandmas meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month in the heart of downtown Findlay to share stories, photos, laughs and happy tears. Join us at Coffee Amici at 9am; Doranne's Gifts & Gourmet at 10am; Tavern at the Inn (Findlay Inn) for lunch at 11am. Discounts on February 11, 2008.

The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) invite you to attend two community education programs on understanding mental illness.

An estimated 2.8% of the population is affected by serious brain disorders (often called mental illness).

That means 308,600 Ohioans suffer from these illnesses. One in four families are affected by a serious brain disorder. Join representatives from NAMI as they discuss understanding mental illness empathetically.

On February 8, 2008, Mental Health 101 will offer basic information about mental illness and how to work with individuals living with a mental illness. Mental Health 400 will be held on February 22, 2008 presenting a more advanced training including de-escalation skills, understanding indicators, risk factors of suicide, stigma and more. Both presentations will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Family Center 1800 N. Blanchard Street Findlay, Ohio 45840 with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

Facilitators for the presentation include Gini Lee Haffner, assistant director of programs and affiliate development, NAMI Ohio and Suzanne Robinson, MSW director of programs, NAMI Ohio. Various representatives from local mental health system will also be present.

Both trainings are free and open to the public. Registration deadline for the February 8 program is January 28 with space limited to 75 participants. The registration deadline for the February 22 program is February 15 with space limited to 50 participants. For more information, contact Annie at the Hancock County ADAMHS Board at 419-424-1985.

The American Heart Association is looking for your support to present the annual Hancock County Heart Walk that will be held on April 19, at the University of Findlay's Koehler Center.

Heart related disease is the number one health challenge to all residences of Hancock County and America.  Our responsibility is to raise our fair share to contribute to the American Heart Association. You can be an important contributor to our efforts and those in need of assistance.

To be a sponsor or to organize a team for the Heart Walk contact Paula Deter, Heart Walk Team Chairperson at 419-424-8282 or Heart Walk co-chairs Karen Cline at 419-306-4081 and Puck Rowe at 419-348-5631.

Findlay Enrichment Programs, Inc. (FEP) invite you to sponsor and donate towards Women in Math and Science seminar March 7, 2008. The seminar is offered to 75 seventh and eighth grade girls who excel in the math and science areas. Ohio identifies these girls as gifted with strong aptitudes in math and science and encourage them to pursue academic careers in these areas.

Research shows the percentage of girls taking math and science classes greatly decreases in high school due to societal factors, familial influence and peer pressure. This program is designed to encourage middle school girls to continue these academic strengths in high school and beyond.

To conduct the presentation, the FEP is in need of sponsors for lunch or donations toward speakers' fees and materials. Sponsorship prices begin at $50. All financial supporters will be recognized in the program as well as in the FEP's newsletter.

Donations and sponsorships can be sent to Findlay Enrichment Programs, c/o Findlay City Schools, 1219 W. Main Cross St., Suite 102, Findlay OH 45840. Financial contributions must be made before February 4, 2008.

For more information, contact Kristin Woodhull, committee chair, at 419-425-8296.