The Ohio Safety Council 2009 Expo will be held March 31 to April 2 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Join 5,000 safety-minded individuals at Ohio's largest and most established occupational safety and health event. Your competition will be there, and here's why you should, too.

Themed "Saving lives ... Saving money: Focus on Safety in Today's Economy" the expo allows companies to:
 
ˇ Reduce training costs for you and your employees at 150 educational sessions
ˇ Free CEUs for accreditation and BWC discount programs.
ˇ Streamline your product purchases at the Expo Marketplace.
ˇ Solve problems with peers at roundtable discussions.
ˇ Discover solutions to real-life safety scenarios.
ˇ Save on registration fees and out-of-state travel expenses.
ˇ Fewer injuries mean lower workers' compensation costs.
 
Save the date. Save the money. It's worth your time. For more information visit www.greaterfindlayinc.com. To register call 800-OHIOBWC or visit www.Ohiobwc.com. Free registration begins Jan. 1. 

The Hancock Leadership Alumni Association will be conducting Coats for Christmas November 28 through December 5. In addition to coats, new hats and mittens are needed. The hats and mittens collection will be held through December 12. The group's goal is to provide one new hat and one new pair of mittens/gloves with every coat.
 
To donate coats, bring new or gently used coats to various locations throughout Findlay including, City Laundry, City Dry Cleaning and Findlay City and Hancock County school buildings. Businesses or organizations wishing to be a collection site may pick up a collection box at McNaugton-McKay Electric Company located at 1950 Industrial Drive. Hats and mittens may be dropped off at the United Way office at 245 Stanford Parkway
 
The coats will be distributed to those in need on December 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and December 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Glenwood Middle School gymnasium, 1715 N. Main St., Findlay.
 
To volunteer for the distribution or to get more information on Coats for Christmas contact Tina O'Dell at (419) 348-0128 or via email at tsodell@yahoo.com.

Member Press Releases
 
GFI NEWS AND EVENT LISTINGS NOW AVAILABLE AT FINDLAYLIVING.COM
In addition to GFI's E-briefings and website, GreaterFindlayInc. news and events can also be found at www.findlayliving.com under Business>GFI News. Also, be sure to look for GreaterFindlayInc.'s feature spread in each monthly publication of Findlay Living Magazine.
 
ACI CONST. CO., INC. RECEIVES TWO AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION
ACI Const. Co., Inc. (Alvada Construction) recently received two awards from the   Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC), Central Ohio Chapter, during the Excellence in Construction Awards Banquet held in Columbus on October 23, 2008.  ABC honors the very best of merit shop construction by recognizing the outstanding projects built by members of the chapter. 
 
ACI was awarded the Pyramid Award, Commercial Category $2-$5 million for The LaRiche Toyota Subaru Dealership Expansion in Findlay, Ohio.
 
ACI was also awarded the Pyramid Award, Commercial Category $5-10 million for the Delaware County Commissioners Senior Service Campus in Delaware, Ohio. 
 
ACI Const. Co., Inc. is a commercial contractor headquartered in Alvada, Ohio.  Beginning over 35 years ago as a family-owned business of construction professionals dedicated to quality work, the firm now employs over 125 people.  Offering a wide variety of services and contracting methods, ACI Const. Co., Inc. is focused on providing quality, experience and service to all of its clients. For more information, call 419-595-4065.
 
OWENS AND OHIO UNIVERSITY PARTNER TO OFFER BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Owens Community College students with aspirations of pursuing a bachelor's degree from Ohio University will now be able to continue their academic pursuits in Northwest Ohio as the two schools have finalized a unique seamless articulation agreement which will expand higher education opportunities for area residents throughout the region.
 
As a result of the new partnership, Owens students will be afforded the opportunity to obtain a bachelor's degree by completing three years of higher education on the College's Owens Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses followed by one year of academic courses through Ohio University's distance learning program.
 
Beginning January 2009, the collaboration between Owens and Ohio University will offer individuals, who have earned an associate's degree in a technical field from Owens, an opportunity to complete a bachelor's degree from Ohio University without leaving Northwest Ohio.
 
For more information, visit www.owens.edu, visit www.outreach.ohio.edu/onlinecomplete or contact 888.502.8989.
 
UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN AT 70%
Paul Kramer, 2008 United Way campaign chair, announced during a campaign cabinet meeting on Fri., Oct. 24, that the local United Way campaign has reached more than 70% of its goal with $1,754,176 raised to date.
 
United Way's mercantile division will be hosting the "World of Downtown Restaurants" tour as a United Way fundraiser in which 13 Downtown restaurants will provide samples for ticket holders on Thurs. Nov. 20 from 5-10 p.m.
 
This year's theme is "Live United" and encourages citizens in our community to reach out and influence the condition of all in our community. "Live United" t-shirts are available to order online www.uwhancock.org or by calling the United Way office at 419-423-1432. The shirt is available for $5 or $7. And proceeds go to United Way.
 
Local businesses or corporations that are interested in holding a fundraising campaign should contact Michael Momany, resource development director, at Momany@uwhancock.org or at the United Way office, 419-423-1432. 
 
NEW OWNERS UPDATE AND BRING BACK ORIGINAL ROCKING U STYLE
Findlay area residents Rick and Jonna Siferd along with Dave and Nita Crawford recently purchased the Rocking U located at 318 West Main Cross, Findlay.  The new owners have been diligently working to remodel and update the Rocking U at the same time bring back some of the original flavors of the Rocking U that many Findlay residents remember. 
 
Working closely with the original owner, John Urbanski, the Rocking U introduces the original recipe of the pizzas along with some other familiar specialties.  The scenery has changed with the addition of 7 new flat screen TVs, new flooring, lighting and the addition of a new bar.  The Rocking U features a separate backroom that is available for private parties.  Beginning opening weekend, The Rocking U will feature live entertainment on weekends from 9 p.m. to midnight.
 
"HR-OPOLOGY: GETTING PAST GO AND STAYING OUT OF JAIL!"-NOV. 6
"HR-Opoly: Getting Past Go and Staying out of Jail" is the theme of this year's  Toledo Human Resources Associations' Conference (THRAC) on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Toledo. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
 
Nationally recognized speaker Ephren Taylor, the youngest African American CEO of any publically traded company, will teach the audience "How HR Can Make a Million for Your Company". The event will conclude with the inspiring story of Troy Evans, a convicted bank robber sharing wisdom about how internal prisons can impact productivity in our workplaces.
 
In between, the day will focus on equipping the Human Resources professional in such areas such as Employee Engagement, Total Awards, Effective Communication, Strategic Wellness, Legal Updates, Managing the Recruitment process and much more!
 
Information and registration at: www.employersassociation.com or by calling 419-885-8505 or toll free: 800-882-7042.
 
DARE TO DREAM TOUR TALENT SEARCH-NOV.7 THROUGH NOV. 21
Record own CD for cash prizes, radio and live appearances with the Dare to Dream Tour Talent Search.
 
The contest will be held Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 at Sprint IPCS, 1204 Tiffin Avenue and Nov. 14-21 at Findlay village mall, 1800 Tiffin Avenue.
 
Can't sing? No Problem. Read a story, play an instrument, preserve your memories of service to our country, ask for her hand in marriage, create a demo for a Stand Up Comedy Routine and more!
 
For more information visit www.flagcityonline.com.
 
PROCEEDS OF A NIGHT OF BLUES BENEFITS UNITED WAY-NOV. 7
Proceeds from the event "A Night of the Blues" will go to benefit the United Way. The event will feature Stacy Mitchhart 8-midnight on Friday Nov. 7 at Waldo Pepper's Banquet Hall, 2nd floor,  411 S. Main St. Findlay.
 
Doors to the event will open at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $10 in advanced,$15 at the door.  Tickets can be purchased at these Findlay locations:  The Wine Merchant, 540 S. Main St.; Illusions Hair Salon, 416 N. Main St.; Hair Studio, 622 E Sandusky St.
 
For more information visit http://www.freewebs.com/bluesynight/.
 
54TH ANNUAL ST. MICHAEL'S CHRISTMAS BAZAAR-NOV. 8
The 54th Annual St. Michael's Christmas Bazaar will be Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 750 Bright Road, Findlay. Attending the Rosary Altar Bazaar is a great way to start the Christmas Season. You can shop for handmade crafts, plants, and decorations, take a chance on a raffle item, visit with Santa and get photos taken too, all while enjoying a variety of food, music, fellowship, and fun. 
 
Some highlights of this year's Bazaar include:

• Photos with Santa, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Christmas Concert, 1 p.m.
• Limited Edition Glass Christmas Ornaments
• Reindeer Café and Our Lady's Kitchen
• Kid's Coloring Gallery

For more information, contact Sandra Stoll at sandra.stoll@wolterskluwer.com.
 
ASTRONOMY PROGRAM SLATED FOR RIVERBEND-NOV. 8
Interested participants are invited to attend a public astronomy program hosted by the Millstream Astronomy Club and Hancock Park District on Saturday, November 8 in Shelter #5 at Riverbend Recreation Area. The program is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Millstream Astronomy Club member, Neil Stewart, will explore galaxies including what they are, how they evolve, and what future is in store for them. Weather permitting, stargazing will be held afterward. Riverbend Recreation Area is located at 16618 TR 208, off SR 568 to TR 241 east of Findlay.
 
For more information about this program or other upcoming programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".
 
GAMEBIRDS-NOV. 9
It's that time of year when turkey is on everyone's mind.  Join us on Sunday, November 9 at the Gamebirds open house. The Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve will be open from 1-4pm.
 
The wild turkey's population in Ohio is growing.  Learn about their progress and other information about game birds in Hancock County and Ohio.  Information on wildlife management practices to attract these birds will also be on hand.
 
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".
 
HISTORIC IRON BRIDGE FEATURED AT MUSEUM PROGRAM-NOV. 9
Preservation plans for the Marion Township 241 iron bridge over the Blanchard River will be presented at a free, public program at the Hancock Historical Museum, Sunday November 9, at 2 p.m. at 422 West Sandusky Street, Findlay.
 
Historic bridge consultant Vern Mesler will speak about the proposed TR 241 iron bridge relocation and preservation project by the Hancock Park District, Hancock County Engineer and Ohio Department of Transportation planned in the near future. A special video history presentation of iron bridges construction and their preservation will also be presented.
 
Volunteers and other supporters are welcome to join the project by contacting the Hancock Park District.

GINA LYNNE'S FLORAL & DESIGN CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE-NOV. 12 THROUGH 15
Gina Lynne's Floral and Design will be hosting a Christmas Open House November 12-15 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The open house will feature the newest decorating ideas, sales, early bird specials through nood and arrangements for all of your Thanksgiving and Holiday parties! For more information visit www.ginalynnedesign.com or call 419-425-4562.
 
FINDLAY AREA HUMAN RESOURCE ASSOCIATION MEETING-NOV. 12
The next Findlay Area Human Resource Association (FAHRA) meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 12 at The Golden Corral, Tiffin Avenue, Findlay. Topic for the November program is "Projecting a Strong Employer Brand" presented by Lisa Wojtkowiak, client relationship manager, Opinion Research Corporation.
 
In today's challenging economy, establishing and maintaining a highly engaged workforce is a requirement for success.  High-performing organizations are using employee engagement measures as a key business tool to influence and measure the impact of change. 
 
Employer branding is instrumental in recruitment and retention and this special presentation details: What is an employer brand employment branding challenges; How to measure the strength of an employer brand; and How to manage gaps between the employer brand promise and actual perceptions and behaviors.
 
Cost is $10 for FAHRA Members, $12 for non-members and $8 for students. To RSVP or for more information contact peter_palko@owens.edu.  A board meeting will take place prior to this meeting at 10:30 a.m.
 
NORTHWEST OHIO ALGAE INITIATIVE BUSINESS FORUM-NOV. 13
Research and industry collaborators or members of the algae supply chain network are invited to attend an Algae Initiative Business Forum hosted by Rocket Ventures, Launch, and the Regional Growth Partnership on November 13, 9-11:30 a.m. at Scott Park Campus on The University of Toledo campus. 
 
Hear from proponents of Ohio's new and expanding capability to intensively grow and harvest algae for conversion to biofuels, bioresins, and industrial products.Topics include: General Algae Orientation:  What and Why; Status of Biofuels:  How Algae interfaces with the status quo; Implementation of Algal Oil Production:  Ohio's role as a national leader; Wright Advanced Energy Initiative:  What and Why.
 
This business forum is open to all interested parties, but pre-registration is required.  To reserve a seat, contact David Miller at (419) 252-2700, ext. 306, or at miller@rgp.org.  Please provide the name, telephone number, and email contact for each attendee.  Please register on or before November 7, 2008.
 
NORTHWEST OHIO FLOOD MITIGATION PARTNERSHIP HOLDS FORUM-NOV. 13
You are cordially invited to attend a forum sponsored by the Northwest Ohio Flood Mitigation Partnership.
 
At the forum, Mayor Jill Techel will discuss the flood mitigation success of napa, California. The former president of the University of North Dakota, Dr. Kendall Baker, will discuss how Grand Forks, North Dakota, successfully engaged that community in responding to a devastating flood. Mrs. Toby Baker will provide a personal and community perspective on the effects of the flood.
 
Additionally, the Village of Ottawa will present the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with a $50,000 check toward the Village's Feasibility Study. Lt. Colonel Snead, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will explain the Crops' progress and Anthony P. Iriti, Northwest Ohio Flood Mitigation Partnership president, will provide an update of the Partnership's efforts.
 
The event will be held November 13, 2008 at 3 p.m. at the Educational Services Center, 124 Putnam Parkway, Ottawa, OH 45875.
 
RSVP to Leigh Esper, NWOFMP, at 567-251-3802 or lesper@floodpartnership.org.
 
MARK K INC. CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS-NOV. 13
Mark K Inc., a promotional products distributorship located in Findlay, Ohio will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary on November 13, 2008.  There will be a reception held at the Lodge at Riverbend, 4-7 p.m.   The reception is open to all Mark K Inc. friends, customers and members of GreaterFindlayInc.  The celebration will include door prizes, food and drink.  Fifteen of the promotional products industry's top suppliers will be on hand to answer questions and introduce guests to the latest techniques for incorporating promotional products into their marketing and branding efforts.
 
Mark K Inc. was founded in November of 1958 by the late Walter C. Mueller and offered approximately 50 promotional items to sell.  Today that number has exploded to more than 800,000 products that can be imprinted. 
 
Long customer relationships are the secret to Mark K Inc's. success.  Their customers include large corporations, international manufacturing concerns, universities, community and social organizations, governmental entities and small main street businesses. 
 
Mark K is a charter member of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), a trade group representing the interests of distributors and suppliers to the promotional products industry.  Over the years, Mark K has achieved recognition through PPAI's Pyramid Awards Program for successful promotions created for their customers.
 
For more information contact Mark at mark@mark-k-inc.com.
 
CAMP FIRE USA PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER-NOV. 15
Camp Fire USA will hold a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Max & Erma's on Saturday, November 15 from 8 to 10 a.m.  Tickets are $5 and can be purchased by calling 419-422-5415 or at the door.  For more information, contact Camp Fire USA.
 
2nd ANNUAL FINDLAY AREA CIVITAN ART AUCTION-NOV. 15
The 2nd Annual Findlay Area Civitan Art Auction will be held on Saturday, November 15 in the upstairs room at Waldo Peppers in Downtown Findlay. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the Auction begins at 8 p.m. Over 50 pieces of art will be donated. A cash bar and appetizers will be available throughout the evening.

Tickets can be purchased for $10. All proceeds of the event will be donated to the Blanchard Valley Center's MMRD Board as well as Special Kids Therapy. Tickets can be purchased at Main Street Deli, Main Street News or a Civitan Member.
 
For more information visit www.flagcityonline.com.

FAMILY FUN ON FRIDAY AT THE BGSU FOOTBALL GAME-NOV. 21
Gather your family & friends for the last home BGSU football game of the 2008 season at 'The Doyt!' On Friday, November 21 , 2008 come and watch BGSU vs. Buffalo. The kick-off is at 6 p.m. For reduced priced tickets follow these four steps:
 
1st Down:      Go to www.bgsufalcons.com
2nd Down:     Click on "Tickets" at the top of the main page, then >>...CLICK HERE<<  at the top of the click-through page
3rd Down:      Click on "Promotions"
4th Down:      Enter Promo Code:  GFI & click on the word "BUFFALO"
 
This special advanced online offer SAVES you nearly 50% OFF per ticket!
 
* Promotional Code is valid November 5 - November 20  
* Tickets purchased prior to November 12 will be mailed
* Tickets purchased after November 12 will be at WILL CALL on game day, available beginning three hours prior to kickoff (Photo ID required for pick-up.)
 
FINDLAY INN & CONFERENCE CENTER HOST THANKSGIVING BUFFET-NOV. 27
The Findlay Inn & Conference Center will host a Thanksgiving Buffet, Thursday, November 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in their Grand Atrium. Menu items consist of Thanksgiving favorites including turkey, Ham, pork loin, mashed potatoes, and more. Macaroni and cheese and corn dogs will be available for the kids. Cost for adults is $17.95 and$7.95 for children $7.95, free for kids 3 and under. Reservations are required. To rsvp, contact Kelsey or Tony at 419-422-5682. Credit card is required for all reservations.  Cancellations must be made by November 23, 2008. A full menu can be viewed at www.findlayinn.com. 
 
HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT / ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-NOVEMBER 2008
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)-Every Monday from 3- 4 p.m.  at The Family Center (1800 N. Blanchard Street), ROOM 111. A 12 step group for individuals and their loved ones living with both a mental health and substance abuse issue.  Call Don Illif (425-5050) or Deb T (422-3711) w/ questions.
 
FREE Eating Disorder Support Group-1st and 3rd Thursdays from 7 - 8:30p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (2330 S. Main St). Call or email Joy Anderson, LSW with any questions or concerns (419-425-8709) or findlayanad@yahoo.com (Affil. w/ ANAD - www.anad.org) 
 
Develop your Advanced Directive for Mental Health Treatment-2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. at Focus On Friends (509 Trenton Ave.). With Wanda Baughman and Jim Martin, trained facilitators.  Call Wanda at Focus On Friends (419-423-5071).
 
Celebrate Recovery worship & open share-2nd and 4th Weds. from 7-9 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Benton Ridge. A biblically based 12 step support group aimed at helping people on their recovery journey w/ their hurts, habits, & hang-ups.  Call 419-859-2000.
 
Reformers Unanimous-Every Friday, 7- 9 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church (8630 CR 140). (No meeting 10/24) a faith-based addictions program for people living with any addiction / habit.  FREE & open to the public.  Call Mike Kissell (419-427-1400).
 
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Viewing of DVD: "What Brain Do You Want?" by Dr. Daniel Amen, then a facilitated discussion with Nancy Stephani of Century Health. Tuesday, November 11, 7p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, ROOM 209. See the effects of drugs & alcohol on the brain through brain scans and learn how to take care of your brain.  Open to the public.  Call Becky Hickle(419-422-9381) w/ questions.
 
"Handling the Holidays after a Loss"-Monday, November 17, 7-8:30 p.m. at Hancock Co. Historical Museum (422 W. Sandusky St.). Part of a monthly educational series related to the grief process entitled "Journeying Through Grief".  Call Carmen (419-423-5351) w/ questions.
 
NAMI Support Group-Tuesday, November 18, 7p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, ROOM 209. Open to any family member, friend, support person, or individual diagnosed with a mental illness. Call Gina (419-429-1423), Carole (419-889-9257) or Esther (419-957-7941) w/ questions.
 
Autism Support Group-Tuesday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m. at Blanchard Valley School. For children with Autism and their parents / guardians / family.  Contact Dodi Newcomer at bnewcomer@thewavz.com w/ questions.
 
Thanksgiving Party-Wednesday, November 19, 12-2 p.m. at Focus On Friends (509 Trenton Ave. Findlay). FREE dinner open to the public.  Come celebrate Thanksgiving and see all that Focus On Friends has to offer.  Call Jenny at 419-423-5071 w/ questions.
 
Support for L.I.F.E. (Love. Inspiration. Friendship. Encouragement). Thursday, November 20, 3-4 p.m. at Focus On Friends.  Call Pastor Jim Williams w/ questions at 419-694-4435.
 
DBSA Support Group-Tuesday, November 25, 7p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (ROOM 209). Open to those diagnosed with Depression or Bipolar Disorder, their friends, family members, or supportive others.  No pre-registration required. Call Becky (419-422-9381) w/ questions.
 
Persons Affected by a Loved one's Suicide (PALS) support group-Thursday, November 27, 7p.m. at Blanchard Valley Hospital - 2nd floor Ruse Bldg. - above the emergency room. This support group is free and open to anyone dealing with grief following a suicide.  Members of the group are also available for outreach to persons not yet ready to attend group.  For more information, call Nancy Stephani  at Century Health,  419-422-3711.
 
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Group-Friday, November 28, 11 a.m. at Birchaven Retirement Village (Wenner Conference Room), Findlay. Contact facilitators Jane Sherrick (419-425-3259) or Mike Thompson (419-425-3233) with questions.  Also, contact Marty Williman (419-425-5409) for information about support groups in surrounding areas.
 
*Visit www.ohio.networkofcare.org - for more info about support groups*

**VISIT Focus On Friends Drop In Center (509 Trenton Ave.) - providing a unique mix of education, leisure, friendship and support for people living with a mental illness - we invite you to "Just Be Yourself".  Call Jenny at 419-423-5071 with questions & full activities calendar.
 
***Look for daily schedule of 12 - Step meetings (AA, NA, Al-Anon) in The Courier.  Meetings designated as "open" are open to the public.  Also, check out http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/findlayohioaa/  or call the AA hotline for Hancock & Wyandot counties: AA District 17: 888-683-9768.
 
- Questions about the above or other Support and Advocacy Services, call Gary Bright, Director of Support and Advocacy Services at Century Health (419-425-5050 off. Or 419-889-8367 cell).  Email Gary at  gbright@centuryhealth.net  to be added to this email list and get the schedule electronically each month.