Outstanding Customer Service Award

Flag City Online, Clear Channel, Gift Baskets by Design, The Trophy and Award Shop and GreaterFindlayInc.'s Ambassadors have teamed up to recognize outstanding customer service in the workplace!

Whether its business-to-business and business-to-consumer focus, customer service has a place in any organization, small or large. Take a moment to share with us who has provided you with outstanding customer service lately! The winner will be treated to lunch with five friends.

October's winner was Jane Doty of Owens Community College.  Jane was treated to lunch with five of friends at the Main Street Deli in Findlay. Congratulations to our winner and to all of the other nominees.
Visit www.flagcityonline.com to nominate someone today!

Member Press Releases
 
BLANCHARD VALLEY INDUSTRIES RECEIVES ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION
Blanchard Valley Industries recently received the ISO 9000 certification. ISO is a Quality Management System that provides customers with the tools necessary to ensure quality products leave their facility and a plan of action to address customers' quality issues.
 
BVI achieved the ISO certified to have the capability to work with the local automotive manufactures and other business that require the ISO certification. 
 
BVI is a non-profit organization of the Hancock County Board of MR/DD that provides employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. BVI employees perform a variety of jobs for area business and industry including but not limited to light assembly, inspection, packaging, and collating. In addition, BVI has recently started to offer document imaging services to the community. To meet the imaging needs of the area, BVI has the capacity to either scan documents to disk or to microfilm.
 
BVI is located at 1700 East Sandusky Street in Findlay. We are open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Brad Smith at (419) 422-6386.
 
FERGUSON CONST. CO. NEW WEBSITE FEATURES PICTURES, ARTICLES AND MORE
Ferguson Construction Company has launched its new website: www.Ferguson-Construction.com.  The website features articles and pictures of some of the more recently completed projects. In addition, a wide range of flexible construction services are listed.
 
Read about the recently completed Avetec, a new National Center for Advanced Modeling & Simulation in Springfield.  Find out why this futuristic building has gain the attention of local business leaders and Congressman Dave Hobson (OH-R) at this recent ribbon cutting. 
 
Click on the Koening Equipment Story and learn about the Koening Equipment's Administration/Learning Center, designed and built by Ferguson Construction Company to save energy and be environmentally friendly. The facility is the first in Shelby County to received a LEED Silver Certification. 
 
For more information, contact Mark J. Maag, Business Development Representative, at 937-498-2381.
 
ALLEN FILM & VIDEO OFFERS 2004 PRICES TO BUSINESSES IN NEED
Allen Film & Video, Ltd., is proud to announce that Gavin Schroeder has been appointed to oversee a new local business initiative designed to help stimulate local growth. Allen Film & Video has committed to rolling back costs of certain productions to 2004 levels for businesses affected by the 2007 and 2008 floods as well as to new businesses struggling to get started in the current economy. Schroeder will lead a three-member team, and can be reached for more information at gavin@allenfilm.com.
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TAX SEASON
Are you looking to make a big difference in your community? How about volunteering to do taxes for Hancock County residents this tax season?  The Ohio Benefit Bank, HHWP Community Action Commission, and the United Way of Hancock County are looking for volunteers to spend a little time learning about taxes and helping others who cannot prepare their basic returns or afford to pay a preparer. 
 
If you are interested, you will receive training on the Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) tax software and all of the necessary materials to help people with low and moderate incomes file their federal and Ohio individual income tax returns at no cost to them.  You will not be required to sign the returns and, while previous tax or accounting    experience is helpful, it is not necessary.  OBB sites use computers to prepare and electronically transmit (e-file) tax returns; therefore, the ability to read and a familiarity with basic computer functions is required.  We are looking for friendly, reliable people with a strong  desire to assist others.
 
OBB tax volunteers must participate in a training class.  At the end of the class, you are certified by the Ohio Benefit Bank to prepare simple tax returns using OBB software.  In exchange, you will be asked to volunteer a few hours at a local clinic site.  Our free tax clinics will be held from mid-January through mid-April, 2009.
 
For more information on volunteering, contact Erin Rodabaugh, Ohio Benefit Bank Coordinator with HHWP Community Action Commission, at 419-957-7633 or via e-mail at erodabaughcac@thewavz.com.  Local training starts soon and seating is limited.  Please call or e-mail today!
 
ARLINGTON PARK TO BE IMPROVED THROUGH TCF GRANT
The Community Foundation of Findlay- Hancock County has approved $6,310 as part of a $26,310 project for the Arlington Community Park. Matching funds are being provided by the Hancock Park District ($10,000) and Village of Arlington ($10,000).
 
Funds will be used to increase volunteerism at the park through improvement projects that will add a sand volleyball court, play equipment and shade trees near the new sportsplex. Work will begin this fall and be completed next spring 2009, utilizing volunteers from the community and other contractors.
 
Volunteers will be recruited from Arlington School students, neighbors near the park and parents of kids using the sports fields and swimming pool.
 
Arlington Park is one of the oldest village parks, formerly a roadside rest area and expanded several times with local, state and Park District help to serve south-central Hancock County.

Downtown Restaurant Tour to Celebrate Cultural Cuisine
Raising funds for United Way of Hancock County
 
"The World of Downtown " is being held on Thurs., Nov. 20, 5-10 p.m. The event is a self-guided walking tour of 13 downtown restaurants between the Main Street bridge and Hardin St. The purpose is to promote the cultural cuisine in downtown Findlay, while celebrating the community through United Way of Hancock County.

Each of the restaurants will provide one sample of their cuisine for each passport holder. Passports can be purchased for $20 each at the following locations: Morey's at 414 S. Main St., Main Street News at 501 S. Main St., Coffee Amici at 328 S. Main St., Mother Hubbard's Learning Cupboard at 219 Broadway St. , and United Way of Hancock County at 245 Stanford Pkwy. Only 300 passports will be sold.

The following restaurants will be on the tour: Morey's, Japan West, Coffee Amici, Fox's Pizza, Rossilli's Restaurant, The Gathering, Tavern at the Inn, Greek Garden, Bistro on Main, Waldo Pepper's, Revolver Restaurant, Joey Fratello's, Main Street Deli.  Some of the locations will be providing live music, as well.

Best Buy will be providing equipment to project the Live United videos on the side of the building in the Millstream Art Plaza, on the corner of Main St. and Sandusky St. Major sponsors of the event are: Best Buy, City Apparel, The Courier, Eoff Insurance Agency, Group Benefit Consultants, H&O Services, Millstream Area Credit Union, and Pry Professional Group.

The event will occur rain or shine. For more information call United Way at 419-423-1432 or visit uwhancock.org.
 
INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET AND I/O SEMINAR-NOV. 19 THRU DEC. 18
Presented by Crescent Electric Supply Company & Phoenix Contact
 
How to get a Shop Floor to Top Floor Data Advantage
Ethernet links the machine level with all company levels and the Internet. In this advanced seminar, we will discuss the hardware features, protocols, reliability, setting up networks, data collection, I/O systems and more!
 
The following topics and questions will be answered: What makes Industrial Ethernet Industrial?; How deterministic is Ethernet in Industrial Control?; How robust is Ethernet in Industrial Environments? ; Hubs versus unmanaged switches; Managed switch features; The New Industrial Ethernet Protocols; Setting up an Ethernet Control Network; Harnessing Diagnostic Data through SNMP; Extending Fieldbus Networks through Wireless Connectivity; Optimizing cost and performance of I/O systems.
 
Seminar Schedule:
8:30 A.M. EST Registration
8:50 A.M. Introduction and Welcome
9:00 A.M. Presentation Begins
12:00 P.M. Lunch
2:00 P.M. Q & A Session
2:30 P.M. Wrap-up
 
Seminar Dates:
November 19, 2008, Steubenville, OH       
November 20, 2008, Pittsburgh, PA          
November 25, 2008, Columbus, OH                                                          
December 9, 2008, Cambridge, OH
December 10, 2008, Lancaster, OH
December 11, 2008, Findlay, OH
December 16, 2008, Brooklyn Heights, OH
December 17, 2008, Lima, OH
December 18, 2008, Rossford, OH
 
RSVP to Dawn Proxmire by phone: 1-800-888-6932, fax: (419) 782-2206, or e-mail: dmprox@cesco.com.  The seminar is Free and Lunch is Provided.
 
MAYOR'S TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL TO HOLD TEEN TOWN MEETING-NOV. 20
Members of the Mayor's Teen Advisory Council will be hosting their semi-annual Teen Town Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the 3rd floor conference room of the Municipal Building in downtown Findlay.
 
All students in the 9th-12th grade who live in Findlay are welcome and encouraged to attend in order to discuss issues and possible solutions to problems they see in the community.  One of the goals of the Mayor's Teen Advisory Council is to improve Findlay and make it a better community for teens to live in. Join them so that your voice can be heard.
 
Questions regarding the Teen Town Meeting can be directed to Kimberly Bash at kbash@community-foundation.com or (419) 425-1100. 
 
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.
 
NAMIWALK INFORMATIONAL MEETING-DEC. 3
You are invited to walk in the first NAMIWALKS for the Mind of America event here in Hancock County in May 2009. The Hancock County NAMI will be one of nearly 70 NAMIWALKS held coast to coast in 2009. This WALK will be part of a nationwide program sponsored by NAMI that has two primary goals:
 
For more information, attend the special information meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6-7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2330 South Main Street, Rm. 112. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to Gina Lewis at 419-429-1423 or gl_nami@yahoo.com.
 
PIONEER TRADITIONS HOLIDAY TEA OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
Registration is now underway for Hancock Park District's annual Pioneer Traditions Holiday Tea.  The teas are scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, December 5-6 and will take place at Litzenberg Memorial Woods, 1847 Historic McKinnis House. 
 
Elizabeth McKinnis, portrayed by HPD Living History Coordinator Casey Lauger, will welcome guests to her father's home to learn about early pioneer holiday customs, hear dulcimer music provided by HPD Living History Interpreter Becky Woodward, drink hot tea and sample period tea breads.
 
Register now to save your space. Interested persons need to register by Thursday, December 4 with $6 per person, or until spaces have been filled, at the HPD office located at 1424 East Main Cross, Findlay.  Space is limited. Further information may be obtained by calling 419-425-7275 or at www.HancockParks.com.  For anyone requiring "special parking" please call the HPD office. 
 
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).
   
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.