Ohio's January Unemployment Rates
Ohio's unemployment rate was 7.7 percent in January, down from 7.9 percent in December. The January unemployment rate for Ohio was down from 9.0 percent in January 2011. The U.S. unemployment rate for January was 8.3 percent, down from 8.5 percent in December.
By-County rates are not
avail. until March 9.
Ohio Shale Energy 2012: Discovering Supply Chain Opportunities
Ohio Shale Energy 2012: Discovering Supply Chain Opportunities will convene industry leaders and regional suppliers on Wednesday, April 11 at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge, Ohio for networking and learning about how to meet the needs of the growing shale energy industry.
Expert speakers will discuss the factors that are driving Ohio's booming shale energy industry and identify opportunities for new and existing businesses. Conference topics will explore oil and gas operations, business planning, preparing for realistic market entry, certification and training, logistics and distribution, and more. Companies currently in the shale energy supply chain and those interested in becoming part of it will benefit from this no-nonsense approach to growing the industry. For more information about the conference, please visit:
www.ohioshaleenergy.com
Area Agencies on Aging Achieve Superior Satisfaction Rating
Consumers gave Ohio's 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) a better than 99 percent approval rating throughout 2011. The Ohio Department of Aging released data reporting results of its consumer satisfaction survey for all AAAs. Consumers rated their satisfaction through participation in programs offered by AAAs at over 99 percent statewide.
"These survey results are a remarkable achievement," said Rick Hindman, AAA8 Director. "It is tangible evidence of how much our consumers value the supports we provide and the manner in which our network of providers deliver services to them."
Last year AAA8 enrolled more than 1,200 individuals in the PASSPORT program that affords the opportunity to receive quality care and support services in the comfort of their own homes. PASSPORT clients were supported with services delivered by nearly 80 regional providers and service dollars of over $11 million.
In all 88 Ohio counties, Area Agencies on Aging provide information and referral to local programs and pre-admission screening and assessment for people seeking long term care. They also provide care management for older adults receiving long-term care services, including the PASSPORT in-home care programs and the Assisted Living Waiver. The AAAs provide care transitions programs to keep people in their homes and communities rather than nursing facilities, and they offer elder rights, wellness, prevention and caregiver programs.
Staff certified in information and referral services are ready to answer questions, share information about options, and connect callers to the community resources and services that can best meet individual needs. To contact the Area Agency on Aging 8 call 1-800-331-2644 or go online at www.areaagency8.org. AAA8 serves seniors in Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington Counties. |
|
Ohio Civic Engagement Kickoff: March 15
Registration is now available for the Ohio Department of Aging's Civic Engagement Initiative kickoff on March 15, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation and 12 satellite locations around the state.Click here for details.
During the kickoff, attendees will hear why the state has expanded its approach to civic engagement from leaders around the state, including employers, job seekers, nonprofits and education providers. Participants at the Downtown Columbus location will also see examples of successful programs at Ohio Solution Booths and talk to the local experts behind them.
U.S. EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Webinar: Navigating the Process and Understanding the Impacts:
Part II
Hosted by Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Affairs
Wednesday, March 7 from 12-1:30 PM
(There is no registration fee for this webinar.)
Register online
Please join Ohio University for a complimentary webinar to explore how the GHG Reporting Program is affecting Ohio companies. This webinar is the second in a series of informational sessions being developed by Ohio University and will expand upon the information presented in December. The ins and outs of the program will be examined by our expert panel of speakers, including:
* Kevin Crist, Director, Center for Air Quality, Ohio University
* Bob Hodanbosi, Chief, Division of Air Pollution Control, Ohio EPA
* Sean Hogan, Senior Analyst, U.S. EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program/Office of Atmospheric Programs
* Andrew D. Shroads, QEP, Senior Air Quality Specialist/Regional Director, Sanford Cohen & Associates, Inc.
* Moderator: Michael Zimmer, Executive in Residence, Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs
This event is hosted by the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Affairs with funding from the U.S. EPA under Assistance Agreement No. XA-83492901-0. |
|
|
|
|
Buckeye Hills GIS Program Provides Reports to Small Communities
 Buckeye Hills Geographic Information Systems (GIS) staff have been presenting results from the 2011 data collection sites of Somerset (Perry), Albany (Athens), Middleport and Pomeroy (Meigs). Shown is Bret Allphin, GIS Manager presenting to Middleport.
2012 bhgis Communities Welcome!
Reservations are now being accepted for the 2012 season of the bhgis community based data collection program. The first five communities to sign up will be completed during 2012. For more information visit www.bhgis.org. For further information or for project demonstration contact GIS Manager Bret Allphin at 740-376-1028. |
|
 Buckeye Hills Revolving Loan Fund Updates
The Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) was featured recently on WTAP Fox news. Shown at left is Tina Meunier, RLF Coordinator.
The RLF continues to see business success stories and support job growth across the region. Programs like it are one of the primary economic development tools serving small businesses in rural areas. To support local loan requests, the RLF program has partnered with a variety of partners across the 8-county region to host an in-county office location and times each month.
Athens: First Tuesday of Every Month
Location: Economic Development Office: 340 West State St., Athens
Hocking: Third Wednesday of Every Month
Location: Economic Development Office: 4 E. Main Street, Courthouse, Logan
Meigs: First Wednesday of Every Month
Location: Economic Development Office: 238 W. Main Street, Pomeroy
Morgan: Second Wednesday of Every Month
Location: Economic Development Office: 242 E. Main Street, McConnelsville
Monroe: Fourth Tuesday of Every Month
Location: Monroe Chamber Office: 117 N. Main St., Woodsfield
Noble: Second Tuesday of Every Month
Location: OSU Extension Office, 150 Court House, Caldwell
Perry: Third Tuesday of Every Month
Location: Economic Development Office: 526 Mill Street, New Lexington
Washington: By Appointment
Location: Buckeye Hills Office: 1400 Pike Street, Marietta, OH
To request a brochure to learn more about terms, rates and the business requirements of Revolving Loan Fund programs, contact Tina Meunier at 740-376-1033.
 Buckeye Hills RLF Business Completes Loan
Five years ago, the owners of the Imagination Station in Malta (Morgan County) approached the Buckeye Hills Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for support in supporting the growth of making their business a reality. The Imagination Station serves as a preschool and learning center for school age children.
Recently, the owners paid off the Buckeye Hills RLF loan. In addition, they were awarded with a fifth quality award through the Step Up To Quality rating system for licensed child care centers (through Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Services).
"Thank you so much for your help in the start-up of our business. We couldn't have done it without Buckeye Hills," said owner Kendra Kuntz. "We continually try to learn more about Early Education and how we can be a positive influence on the children in the community." |
 Buckeye Hills Awarded Grant to Prevent Rehospitalizations
To Partner with Other Southern Ohio AAAs and Hospitals
The Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) has been piloting a Care Transitions service to assist patients when they are sent home from the hospital at Fairfield Medical Center and Marietta Health Systems facilities. With the receipt of the new grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, AAA8 will partner with two other Area Agencies on Aging and five hospitals to expand the program.
Ohio now has five AAAs participating in the CMS grants and is considered a national leader in this effort. Care Transitions is a program that has been tested in hospitals and proven to be effective in helping prevent folks from returning.
Targeting a 26-county region including rural Appalachia, the expanded program will work to further reduce unnecessary readmissions and achieve a reduction in Medicare costs.
The Transitions Coach works with the family to identify caregiver supports and review key needs as well as to refer to a variety of community resources. Key components also include a close monitoring of medication management, getting patients to key follow-up medical visits and keeping good records.
The Care Transitions program is supported by a grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and provided at no charge to patients.
|
|
Connect Appalachia Broadband Initiative
The Governor's Office of Appalachia in conjunction with Connect Ohio established a special initiative to address the broadband divide facing rural Appalachia. The task force, comprised of state and local stakeholders, both public and private, is committed to help the region overcome connectivity barriers and digital literacy gaps.
The Connect Appalachia Broadband Initiative Task Force intends to pull Appalachia Ohio to within state and national standards in broadband adoption within 24 months by responding to requests for assistance from community leaders, private industry, Internet providers, public agencies, and others on broadband projects. The task force will identify and coordinate resources required to facilitate the availability of affordable broadband access and drive adoption through equipment procurement assistance and free basic computer training.
The task force is administered by Connect Ohio and co-chaired by the Governor's Office of Appalachia and Chesapeake Energy. Task force committees have been selected and chairpersons have been appointed.
"Connect Ohio is honored to be an integral part of this initiative and its vital mission," said Connect Ohio Executive Director Stu Johnson. "We have assembled a terrific team of committee chairs that will be actively seeking members to further expand the expertise, influence, and resources necessary to execute our goals and improve the lives and livelihoods of thousands of disconnected Ohioans."
"I am happy to co-chair the Connect Appalachia Broadband Task Force," said Jason Wilson, Director of Governor's Office of Appalachia. "Following the mission of the Appalachian Regional Commission and Governor's Office of Appalachia, I believe the task force's work will improve the lives of Ohioans living in Ohio's Appalachian counties."
Task Force
Jason Wilson, Director, Governor's Office on Appalachia
Stu Johnson, Executive Director, Connect Ohio Project Manager
Bart Winegar, Technical Outreach Manager, Connect Ohio
Keith Fuller, Director of Corporate Development, Chesapeake Energy
Public Agencies / Legislators
Katrina Flory, Executive Administrator, Ohio Office of Information
Marianne Townsend, Telecommunications, PUCO
Jeanne Wilson - Regional Rep. - U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown
Tom Wheaton, Carroll County Commissioner
Paul Prater - Community Affairs Mgr., AEP
John Glazer - Director, TechGrowth Ohio
Joy Padgett, Dir. of Government Relations & Grants, Central Ohio Technical College
David Nadler, SVP / Chief Risk Officer, Ohio Valley Bank
Cara Dingus Brook, President/CEO, The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Ken Engstrom, Fiber Sales Manager, Horizon Telecom
Ed Kozelek, Regional VP of Govt. Affairs, Time Warner Cable - CABLE Internet Service Provider
David Weddell, CEO, Cueband - Wireless Internet Service Provider
Dave Davidson, SVP/GM of Ohio, Frontier Communications - Local Exchange Carrier
The failure to connect has significant implications on the region's ability to keep up with the demands of the digital economy. According to Connect Ohio's Technology Barriers and Adoption in Rural Appalachian Ohio report:
- 531,000 adults in rural Appalachia do not have home broadband - 124,000 report that service is either unavailable, or the speeds are insufficient in meeting their needs
- One in three children in rural Appalachian Ohio do not have broadband service at home
- One out of three households do not have a home computer in the Appalachian region
|
|
2012 Joined Hearts In Giving:Caldwell Couple Honored
First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich and the Ohio Department of Aging will honor 17 couples for their dedication to marriage and volunteerism at the thirteenth annual Joined Hearts in Giving celebration, Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the governor's residence in Columbus. With its connection to Valentine's Day, Joined Hearts in Giving honors Ohioans who have been married 40 years or longer and who share a commitment to volunteerism and community service.
"These couples embody a level of commitment that should be celebrated," said Mrs. Kasich, the event's host. "Both as devoted spouses and volunteers, these 'Joined Hearts in Giving' are role models for us all."
"Volunteers are important to so many worthy social causes all over our state, but volunteerism also allows our elders to be vital members of their communities," said Bonnie Kantor-Burman, director of the department. "'Joined Hearts in Giving' is about what happens when individuals have the opportunities and the intimate, personal support and love to grow, thrive and contribute."
The department solicited nominations for Joined Hearts in Giving during November, 2011. Those honored at the 2012 Joined Hearts in Giving reception ranged between 40 to 70 years married, 61 to 94 years old and from 1 to 65 years of volunteer service.
 John and Cathie Neuhart, Caldwell: John and Cathie Neuhart have been married 48 years. Mrs. Neuhart helped create the annual Soakum Festival, which received the annual Education Award from the Ohio Historical Society. She has worked with the Caldwell Garden Club and has been involved with the downtown grant beautification program. Mr. Neuhart has sponsored the local Punt, Pass and Kick program, and served as president of the local chamber of commerce. The Neuharts are active in their church and local and state politics.
 AAA8 Partners with Hocking Correctional Facility to Offer Disease Management Programs
The Hocking Correctional facility in Nelsonville is home to some of the state's most aged inmates. As such, the staff there realized a need for health and wellness resources to help individuals manage their chronic diseases.
A partnership with The Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) has developed Hocking's chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) and another new program to be introduced in 2012 for Diabetes Self Management.
"We started out looking for resources to help those with problems and issues with their health," said Sue Wheeler, Corrections Program Specialist at Hocking and a Master Trainer for the programs. "We have offered these programs on a voluntary basis to offenders and have found that they love it!"
Wheeler explained that the evidence-based programs help them self-manage their own disease or conditions and individuals feel like they are learning a lot. The programs are for those with conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and others. The overall goal of the programs is to enable participants to build self confidence to take part in maintaining and managing their chronic conditions.
"It is not uncommon for the students to say they went to the prison library to look up more information and come back with that research and questions," added Wheeler. "This is what we want to see happening - them taking control and becoming problem solvers and learning how to manage conditions like diet and exercise within the confines of the facility."
The classes average about ten participants and have been very well received. Wheeler also noted that the skills inmates learn meet other important correctional training needs like self-management and problem solving or critical thinking skills.
"It would be our dream to see these programs offered in correctional facilities across the state of Ohio," added Wheeler. "We are certainly using our experiences here in Nelsonville as a Pilot program to encourage program expansion because it really works."
The Chronic Disease Self Management Program and the Diabetes Self Management Program were created at Stanford University and are proven scientific programs that produce favorable outcomes. The programs are 2.5 hours a week over a six-week period. At Hocking, Wheeler works with Anna White, a CDSMP facilitator and lay leader Wendy Jordan to deliver the courses once a quarter at their facility.
"We are pleased that Hocking Correctional is such a strong partner providing programs that increase older adults' access to effective ways to better manage their chronic disease or conditions," said AAA8 Director Rick Hindman.
For more information on the AAA8 or chronic disease management resources, contact 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.areaagency8.org. |
|
|
