Flag City Morning Rotary Holding Bicentennial Logo Contest
Flag City Morning Rotary, which is overseeing Findlay's Bicentennial celebration in 2012, is holding a logo design competition.  The contest is being held early so that local organizations and companies can incorporate it into promotional materials a full year before the bicentennial year.
The logo will be used online, in print, and on all branded merchandise. The logo must incorporate the heritage of Findlay which was settled in 1812. The competition is open to local artists who reside in Hancock County. All ages are eligible to enter. The contest is open only to individuals, not open to companies, clubs, or organizations. Contest committee members, judges and their immediate family are not eligible to enter the contest. 

The logo must include the text "Findlay", "Ohio" and "1812-2012". The logo must be simple enough to be reproduced clearly in a small size, such as a lapel pin. The artwork must be original with no plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringements. Paper entries must be submitted on 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of white paper and can be mailed to Red Tornado Art Gallery, 111 E. Crawford St.  Electronic entries can be created as .JPG, .TIFF, .AI, .PDF, .EPS, .PSD, but must be less than 2MB. All entries must include the entry form found at the Web site http://findlay200.com. Entry forms are also available in various locations in Findlay, including The Courier, Coffee Amici and the Findlay Hancock County Public Library.

The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2010. More information and the entry form can be found at http://findlay200.com  or by contacting Tamera Rooney, Bicentennial Committee Co-chair, at 419-722-7810.
The designer of the winning logo will receive $100, a certificate and notoriety for the design. The winner will be notified via email/phone no later than October 31st, 2010. The prize money sponsor is Red Tornado Art Productions, a local arts organization whose mission is to promote artists.

Flag City Morning Rotary which meets at 7:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Findlay Country Club, is accepting new members. Anyone interested in learning more about the club can visit www.flagcitymorningrotary.org for contact information or call 419-722-7810.

 

Findlay's CentraComm continues to grow
What began as an Internet service provider in 2001 has blossomed into one of the fastest growing tech companies in the country.

CentraComm, based in Findlay, is an IT security and service provider with clients throughout the U.S. Despite a tough economy, CentraComm has managed to land on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies three years running; it's been on the CRN list of fastest growing technology companies four years in a row.
CEO Daniel Bemis attributes that success to smart employees with a passion for customer service -- and to staying focused.

"We know what we do very well and we try to stay focused on that," Bemis says. "We don't try to be all things to all people. Another key is that we're very customer-focused. It can be a cliché, but in several cases we're literally a four-digit extension on a company's phone."

Bemis, a Monroeville native, returned to Ohio last year when he took the helm of CentraComm after serving stints at Vonage, Adelphia and CRN. At Vonage, Bemis oversaw all customer operations and inside sales as the company became the fastest growing startup in the country.

While he says the company won't add significantly this year to its 25-employee headcount, a few jobs likely will be added. At the same time, the company is taking advantage of the Ohio Third Frontier Internship Program, which helps pay the freight for students participating in the program.

"We see that as a great way to attract young talent in school and get them on-boarded at a cost that you can sustain," he says. "The other thing we believe is that as the Third Frontier helps fund existing manufacturers moving to more high tech manufacturing, that will create opportunity for us because we support those kinds of companies."

http://www.hivelocitymedia.com/innovationnews/CentraComm7_29_10.aspx
 
Sunset Canoe Float Scheduled
Bring the family out for a leisurely canoe float on the Blanchard River on Thursday, August 19, at 7pm. Certified Canoe Instructor, Stacie Roby, will demonstrate a few basic paddling strokes before heading out. Once on the water, Stacie will guide you down the river as we look for wildlife stirring in the evening light. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as you watch the sun set over the water. You will arrive back at the boathouse by 9pm.
Don't miss your chance to go canoeing one last time this summer! Register by Monday, August 16, with a payment of $10 per canoe.  Payment can be made at the Hancock Park District office using check or exact change. No experience necessary. Families and youth welcome. Minimum participant age is 4 years old. At least one adult per canoe is recommended.

Registered participants should arrive at the Riverside Park Boathouse 15 minutes early to get outfitted with equipment. Please dress for the weather. Wear water shoes or old tennis shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

For more information about this and other upcoming programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK (7275) and "Discover Your Hancock Parks". 
 
United Way Worldwide Recognizes UPS for Record $1 Billion in Giving to Communities
with the "Thank a Driver" Campaign
This summer, UPS and its employees and retirees will reach the exceptional milestone of $1 billion in total contributions to United Way since the company began its annual workplace campaigns in 1982. To show appreciation, United Way is leveraging traditional and social media across the country to thank UPS drivers during the week of August 2-6. Find out more at: http://liveunited.org/thanksUPS/.

 
"UPS is a driving force for change in our communities. The company and its employees continually raise the bar for United Way's Global Corporate Leaders and are among our most valued partners," said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide. "Reaching a billion dollars in giving is a remarkable milestone. It not only speaks to generosity that is second-to-none, it's indicative of their tireless and unwavering commitment to strengthening communities and improving lives throughout the world."
United Way has begun celebrating UPS drivers:
"Thanks A Billion" advertisement ran in the July 26 issue of Fortune Magazine to commemorate $1 billion in giving.

United Way launched http://liveunited.org/thanksUPS/, dedicated to promoting UPS employees and 28 years of contributions. Visitors can take action to celebrate all that UPS drivers deliver for their communities.
Local United Ways across the country and around the world will celebrate UPS drivers in their communities, including thanking their local UPS driver on Twitter and Facebook.

In 2009, UPS's total philanthropy reached nearly $100 million, including more than $55 million from their 2009 workplace campaign. UPS has been the top corporate giver to United Way for nine of the last 10 years. UPS employees and their families also contributed more than 1.2 million hours of volunteer service last year through the company's Global Volunteer Month and Neighbor-to-Neighbor program. UPS has twice won the United Way Spirit of America Award, United Way's highest national honor for corporate citizenship and measurable community impact.

"To my knowledge, UPS is the first company ever to have contributed $1 billion through one organization, a tremendous accomplishment both for our employees and the communities that benefit from United Way services," said The UPS Foundation President Ken Sternad. "Wherever there is a stop light or stop sign in America, there is likely a UPS driver passing by; they are part of the community, they see the needs, and they have been a key part of the $1 billion story. We appreciate the recognition that our drivers, and our company, is receiving from United Way."

UPS uses all its resources when it comes to giving back, whether it's loaning UPS executives to local United Ways, rebuilding a house in the Gulf Coast to help families still living in temporary FEMA housing after Hurricane Katrina, or donating autographed NASCAR merchandise for eBay auctions to benefit United Way. 
 
Owens Community College Introduces Northwest Ohio's First Systems Security and Information Assurance Degree Program
Area residents interested in an information security career will now have the opportunity to pursue their higher educational degree at Owens Community College as the academic institution's School of Business and Information Systems unveils a new systems security and information assurance associate degree program. Beginning Fall Semester 2010, the new academic program will be offered on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses.

The two-year associate degree program recently received formal approval by the Ohio Board of Regents and is the only systems security and information assurance academic program in Northwest Ohio.

Endorsed by the International Cyber Security in Education Coalition (IC-SEC) and the Center for System Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA), Owens' associate degree in systems security and information assurance will require approximately 65 credit hours of coursework, which includes computer concepts and applications, networking technologies, cyber crime and information security, introduction to network security, internet security administration and introduction to criminal justice, among other academic curriculum.
The new program is designed to prepare students for various employment opportunities within the information security industry. Students will develop strong knowledge in securing and maintaining computer networks, as well as identifying and responding to various security threats and vulnerabilities.  Upon program completion, individuals will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to work in entry-level or higher employment positions as network support analysts, entry or junior security analysts, network specialists, system security specialists and information security specialists, among other opportunities.

Owens' new program has met the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals as set forth by the Committee on National Security Systems and The National Security Agency. In addition to the new systems security and information assurance associate degree, the Department of Information Systems offers a certificate in network and systems security.

For additional information about Owens' systems security and information assurance program, call (567) 661-7280 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7280. 
 
River Clean-Up Day Set For August 21  Focus on Findlay's Downtown & West Sections
University of Findlay and Owens College students invite the community to join in August 21 for river clean-up work slated for areas west of Broad Avenue. The Blanchard River Watershed Partnership (BRWP) is looking for more groups this year to cover two shifts for volunteers that will work from 9 am - noon and 1 pm to 4 pm.
The 9 am team will meet and organize on River Road west at the I-75 overpass near the entrance to Findlay's Water Pollution Control Center off Broad Avenue. The 1 pm team will meet at Civitan Park, off Clinton Court and Taylor Street east of the Main Street Bridge for the Downtown clean-up. Volunteers are advised to wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get wet. Volunteers do not need to sign-up in advance, but may call for further information to 419-422-6487.

Clean-up efforts will be done by walking riverbanks and by boats being provided. Trash bags and instructions will be provided. Trucks are also being arranged to haul away collections. Dumpsters are being provided by H&O Services LLC. The event is co-sponsored by the BRWP, the City of Findlay, Hancock County Special Projects and Hancock Park District.

While tons of trash have been removed in previous river clean-ups, spring high waters have deposited debris in trees and along the banks yet to be removed. Clean-up organizers feel this is a good time for the clean-up as water levels are usually low and debris is now easily accessible. Volunteer safety and collection of debris for proper disposal are a top priority of the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership and Hancock County Special Projects Office.

The Blanchard River Watershed Partnership is a non-profit volunteer organization for promoting water quality, conservation and recreational activities in Allen, Hardin, Hancock, Putnam, Seneca and Wyandot Counties. Learn more at www.blanchardriver.com. 
 
Golfing for a Cause ProMedica UrgentCare and OccuHealth Charity Golf Outing
Fri., Sept. 3, 2010 @9 a.m.
Red Hawk Run Golf Course, Findlay
Join us for this inaugural event. This year, proceeds will support the Findlay Family YMCA city pool and youth programs. To learn about more about sponsorships, or individual/team participation, please call Andy Noel at 419-427-3105.
 
ProMedica UrgentCare and OccuHealth Back-to-School Celebration
Tues., Aug. 17 from 5 - 7 p.m.
7595 County Road 236, Findlay
Located on the NWO campus, near Menards
Join ProMedica UrgentCare and OccuHealth along with more than 10 community partners for a free event promoting health and safety through fun games, activities, crafts, and more!
The first 250 children will receive a free, drawstring book bag filled with free gifts/discount coupons from neighboring businesses.  
To learn more visit, www.nwomedicine.com.

 

   
Camp Fire USA Carnival
When: Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Where: Riverside Park Shelter 22
 (On McManness across from pool)
Cost:  Admission is FREE to all!
 
Come enjoy the Carnival fun!!  There will be games, food, and information about Camp Fire USA programs. 
 
For more information, contact the Camp Fire USA office at 419-422-5415 or e-mail Patty at PCoffman@campfireusa-nwohio.com. 
  
Hancock County Hosting Truck Roadeo & Flea Market
Event will be Pit Stop during Car Tunes on Main Community Cruise
 
FINDLAY, Oh - The community will not only be able to view vintage and specialty cars during United Way's Car Tunes on Main, but will also be able to watch truck drivers demonstrate their driving skills. The Hancock County Truck "Roadeo" will take place during the community cruise portion of Car Tunes on Main on August 21. The truck roadeo registration opens at 7 a.m. with skills contests until 3 p.m. and awards at 4 p.m. The event, new this year, will take place at The Cube, 3430 N. Main St. and is open to all truck drivers (individuals and teams) who operate the following types of vehicle: Sleeper, Tanker, and Day Cab. Participants can be single drivers, 3-person teams and 6-person teams. Drivers must be continuously employed as a truck driver by their current employer, must be in good standing with their current employer and have the proper Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for the class in which they register. Cost to enter is $25 per person.
 
First place prize is a four night stay at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV (transportation not provided.) Second place is a cash prize of $250. Third place receives a cash prize of $100. Team placements in first, second and third will receive trophies and, of course, bragging rights throughout the state of Ohio.
 
"We are very excited to add a new element to Car Tunes on Main. Truck drivers take their jobs very seriously and this competition is a great way for them to demonstrate their safe-driving skills," said Sherri Brumbaugh, president of Garner Trucking and chairperson for the new event. "We hope to attract drivers from all over region."
 
A Flea Market will also be held during the Hancock Truck Roadeo. The flea market will be held inside The Cube. Cost for a vendor table is $25, and more than one table can be purchased. Flea market set up will be from 7-9 a.m. Doors will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost to enter the Flea Market is $2 per person, $1 for children under 12 and free for children in strollers. The location will also be a Pit Stop for the community cruise being held during Car Tunes on Main. The event will include food vendors and a children's area.
 
Registration forms for the Truck Roadeo and the Flea Market are available online at http://hancocktruckroadeo.com or by contacting Brumbaugh at Garner Trucking, 419-306-0121 or sbrumbaugh@garnertrucking.com
 
Car Tunes on Main includes a community cruise from noon to 4 p.m. with pit stops all over the city, and a downtown car show from on Main St. from Lincoln to W. Main Cross St. from 5-11 p.m.  There will be a beer garden and concert featuring Tongue 'N' Groove. The event will also include a family area showcasing United Way partner agencies from 6-9 p.m. Elektric Soul will be playing from 5-8 p.m. in Latham Courtyard. The event is the United Way community kickoff and is brought to the community by United Way of Hancock County, Flag City Corvette Club and Flag City Morning Rotary. Major corporate sponsor is Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. For more information on the overall event, visit http://cartunesonmain.org or call United Way at 419-423-1432.
 
The Hancock County Red Cross B*A*S*H
The Hancock County Red Cross B*A*S*H (Barbeque And Service members Homecoming) is a fundraising event celebrating Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and Military Families. The theme of the event is based on the popular TV show M*A*S*H.