geauga POWERING Geauga County Businesses

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1 geauga Summer 2014 POWERING Geauga County Businesses PLUS: Western Reserve Farm Cooperative STRENGTH IN NUMBERS pg 1 CIC s 44th Annual Salute to Business & Industry pg 9 Don t Miss GGP HOMEGROWN Event pg 29

2 1 Western Reserve Farm Cooperative STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Publisher Chris Yuhasz Owner, Persistence of Vision, Inc. Editor-in-Chief Margie Wilber Owner, Write 2 the Point Contributing Writers Margie Wilber Glen Miller Sheila Roberts Kelly Donahue Design Ellen Seguin Write 2 the Point A special thanks to our partners whose financial contributions make this publication possible. 4 Powering Geauga County Businesses 6 Amish businesses abound in Geauga County 9 CIC s 44th Annual Salute to Business & Industry 10 Patients Come First at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc. 14 Meet Geauga s Personable Chimney Sweep at Merry Poppins 16 Zirkle Tech: Exceptional Corporate & Residential Computer Service 18 Economist Milton Ezrati Keynotes Geauga Growth Partnership Annual Meeting 18 Geauga Growth Partnership Expands to Offer business Consulting Service 19 Local Dealer Renovates Ford Service Area Using only Local Material 20 arthritis foundation the business of arthritis 22 GEAUGA LEARN Bringing Geauga County s rich agricultural heritage to students by bringing Students to The Great Geauga Fair 24 Jr. Fair Livestock Sale Ambassadors Geauga Medical Center 25 Great Lakes Cheese Wins 2014 World Cheese Championship Gold Medal 26 UH Geauga Medical Center It doesn t have to hurt 28 kent state knowledge rising music festival 29 Homegrown geauga GEAUGA Geauga Business articles are written and selected for their general interest and entertainment value. Authors views do not necessarily represent the policies of POV Print Communication, Inc. nor does their publication constitute an endorsement by POV Print Communication or Write 2 the Point. All submissions are subject to space availability and editing. For advertising opportunities or submissions, contact POV Print Communication, Inc. Persistence of Vision, Inc West Park Circle Chagrin Falls, OH cyuhasz@povprint.com p x222 Write 2 the Point PO Box 385 Newbury, OH margiewilber@write2thepoint.com p On the cover: John E. Skory, President, The Illuminating Company, A FirstEnergy Company.

3 Western Reserve Farm Cooperative Strength In by Margie Wilber The importance of the agricultural industry reaches the most basic level of human survival. Farmers feed our citizens. Farmers fuel the local economy and remain vigilant to preserve the environment. Farmers continually seek new methods to increase yields on an ever-changing agricultural landscape. Western Reserve Farm Cooperative plays a pivotal role in helping our local farmers achieve each of these missions. Numbers But first, let s define a cooperative. They are businesses owned and controlled by the people who use them. Cooperatives include agriculture as well as child care, credit, health care, housing, insurance, telephone and electric cooperatives, to name a few. Why are cooperatives organized? They strengthen bargaining power, maintain access to competitive markets, capitalize on new market opportunities, obtain needed products and services at more competitive costs, improve income opportunities, reduce costs and manage risk. In agriculture, there are nearly 3,000 farmer cooperatives in the United States whose members include a majority of our nation s 2 million farmers and ranchers. A farm supply cooperative engages in the manufacture, sale and/or distribution of farm supplies and inputs, including energy-related products. continued on page 2 Geauga Business Summer

4 Western Reserve Farm Cooperative Strength In Numbers continued from page 1 Western Reserve Farm Cooperative, as a farm supply cooperative, serves as a major force in helping to ensure the growth and prosperity of agriculture in Geauga County. This farmer-owned cooperative includes 680 voting, controlling members, serving approximately 20,000 customers every year. Anyone who derives an income from agriculture livestock and grain farms, vineyards, wineries, tree farms, horse stables can become a member of the Western Reserve Farm Cooperative. According to Mike Eastlake, President/CEO of Western Reserve Farm Cooperative, the Western Reserve Farm Cooperative has grown from its single-county heritage to an organization with 15 locations serving members and patrons in 10 counties. Five of these counties are located in Ohio: Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, Portage, and Trumbull; and five are located in Pennsylvania: Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Butler, and Lawrence. The Cooperative s diverse facilities are located across Geauga County. The Middlefield facility houses a lumber operation, grain silos for handling and drying grain, and a retail store. Agronomy Division The Western Reserve Farm Cooperative s Agronomy facility, located on Rt. 528 in Middlefield Township, was acquired in A bulk fertilizer plant and packaged goods warehouse were built to provide area grain producers with their needed seeds, fertilizer, and crop protection products. The Agronomy facility is open throughout the planting and growing season. The Agronomy division provides a full line of packaged and bulk seeds, packaged and bulk fertilizers, and packaged and bulk cropprotection products. It also offers a full line of services that include delivery, equipment rental, seed treatment, and custom application, as well as crop scouting and field diagnostics, Eastlake says. The Agronomy Division has experienced significant growth in product and service offerings over the past 10 years. Most notable is their custom application. What not long ago amounted to 40,000 to 50,000 acres of work is now nearing 200,000 acres, describes Eastlake. This has been driven by labor resources, government regulations, and the need to get crops planted in a timely manner. Western Reserve is handling this growth as we have a staff of Certified Crop Advisors and Certified Custom Applicators. In addition, we have equipment that is equipped with the latest GPS and VRT (Variable Rate Technology) technology that pays dividends to the local producers. The cooperative s personnel soil-sample fields using a two-acre grid system, Eastlake describes. Each sample pulled is identified with satellite coordinates. When the results of the soil tests are known, they are logged into the field records with the same satellite coordinates. This is very important as the fertility level in the soil typically varies greatly throughout each field, with portions being much better or worse than others. He continues, The same field data is also loaded into a computer onboard the cooperative s custom-application equipment. When the operator of the application equipment applies the fertilizer and lime, he or she interfaces the application equipment with the satellites while actually driving across the field applying the fertilizer and lime. The equipment automatically adjusts the rate of application to match what the computer and field records show is needed. This puts the exact amount of product where it is programmed to be needed. Petroleum Division Western Reserve Petroleum Division also utilizes technology relying on GPS and satellite coordinates for routing their delivery trucks and identifying the location of their customers tanks. In addition, Western Reserve Farm Cooperative also operates a petroleum bulk plant and retail fueling station in Burton. The facility was acquired in 2006 and was formerly known as the Burton Lumber & Fuel business. This location houses the cooperative s petroleum division office; a bulk plant that supports the cooperative s tank wagon delivery of fuels throughout the area; and a retail fuel station that accommodates walk-in customers. Eastlake says fuel was the first supply product handled by the cooperative. Their fuel customers today range from farmer members, homeowners, and commercial companies, to a variety of other fuel users. Western Reserve 2

5 Mike Eastlake, President/CEO of Western Reserve Farm Cooperative also distributes an extensive line of packaged and bulk lubricants, and we have plans to construct a new warehouse for these products at the Burton facility, adds Eastlake. Munson Country Store Western Reserve Farm Cooperative also operates a Country Store, built and opened in 2007 in Munson Township. This facility replaced one of the original facilities located on Park Avenue in Chardon. The new location provides more space to display and warehouse its extensive line of products for horse, dog, cat, and other pets, Eastlake states. There is also plenty of merchandise for yard and garden enthusiasts. A drive-thru enables our employees to actually load customers purchases as an added convenience at this retail store. Like all businesses, Western Reserve Farm Cooperative s various business divisions go through cycles that alter our gross sales, changing which are the most profitable year after year, Eastlake explains. In our recent fiscal year ending August 2013, we exceeded $100 million in sales. Currently, our Agronomy, Petroleum, and Grain operations have the greatest dollar sales, with our Lumber, Retail Stores, and Commercial Feed operations also adding significant amounts to our total. Western Reserve Farm Cooperative employs 115 full-time, 20 year-round part-time, and another 40 seasonal workers. The Cooperative is governed by a nine-person Board of Directors elected by its farmer members. Patronage dividends is a key component that differentiates cooperatives from other forms of businesses. Cooperatives return their profits to their members in the form of cash, or investments in the cooperative itself. Eastlake explains, While some might see this as an advantage for the cooperative to gain members, every industry the cooperative is involved in is very competitive. The competition may be local or operating in an area from hundreds of miles away. So, we must first earn the customer s business, and then balance the returns paid to the members with the reinvestments into the cooperative to insure it s there to meet the future needs of the members and patrons. He continues, While I do believe our members appreciate the patronage dividends they receive, I also believe they appreciate what Western Reserve is doing to position itself to serve their future needs. Western Reserve routinely issues dividends each year and has a program that also routinely redeems some of the equity that members hold in the cooperative. As long as we continue to grow, provide a return on our members investments, and serve our members and patrons, we are achieving our goal, states Eastlake. There will always be challenges in agriculture, as well as our other industries. But many of those challenges are also opportunities. The bottom line is this cooperative is built on our people, Eastlake concludes. We can have the best buildings, the newest equipment, and the latest technology, but without the people who have a vision for the future and are able to lay out a plan for that vision and execute that plan, the building, equipment, and technology are simply assets. Our success is truly based on capable people who achieve desired results. And, we re certainly proud of our staff. continued on page 4 Geauga Business Summer

6 POWERING Geauga County Businesses FirstEnergy invests $176 million in infrastructure upgrades by Margie Wilber The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company (CEI) was formed back in 1894 and has been serving customers in northeast Ohio ever since. Now part of Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE), The Illuminating Co. has almost 750,000 industrial, commercial and residential customers in six counties in the Lake Erie region. That figure includes about 40,000 total customers in Geauga County, among which are more than 5,600 commercial and industrial customers. From the president on down to the linemen in the field, the company s top priority is providing safe and reliable electric service to customers. The system-wide infrastructure enhancements we have completed over the past several years, combined with the outstanding work being done by our employees, has helped reduce, on average, the number of outages our customers experienced compared to previous years, says John Skory, regional president of The Illuminating Co. In addition, when an outage did occur it was, on average, for a shorter period of time. The work we are doing on our system will help us enhance our day-to-day service reliability and maintain our system s capability to handle future load growth. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the durability and flexibility of its electric system, FirstEnergy plans to invest about $176 million in 2014 into service reliability infrastructure upgrades in The Illuminating Co. s service territory. This represents about a $27 million increase over what the company invested in reliability infrastructure in the region last year. And the infrastructure investments are producing reliability improvements. Using the reliability metrics that are submitted to the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO), The Illuminating Co. outage figure was 1.18 outages per customer in 2011, and.96 outages in For 2013, the number dropped to.86, which Skory attributes to the reliability projects being completed throughout the region. Percentage-wise, the company made about a 10-percent improvement over 2012 results, which was about an 18-percent improvement over 2011 results. Another measurement involves the average restoration time for customers who experienced an outage. In 2011, it was 117 minutes; in 2012, 107 minutes. For 2013, the average restoration time dropped to 99 minutes about an hour and half. Percentage-wise, the 2013 results were about a 7-percent improvement compared to 2012, which was an 8-percent improvement compared to One of the key infrastructure projects completed in late 2013 was a new 138-kilovolt transmission line and substation in Geauga County, which is expected to enhance service reliability and provide for future load growth. The total cost of the project was approximately $30 million. The project was built and is owned by The Illuminating Co. s transmission affiliate, American Transmission Systems Inc. Over the last 30 years, Geauga County and parts of Ashtabula County have experienced significant residential, commercial and industrial growth. Since 1990, the number of residential customers served by The Illuminating Co. in Geauga County alone has grown about 25 percent, while average customer usage is up approximately 28 percent. More customers using more electricity necessitated the need for the new transmission line. 4

7 In Ohio, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) is responsible for approving utility transmission projects. As part of the detailed approval process, FirstEnergy submitted information showing that the new transmission line was needed to handle current and future load growth. In addition, the company submitted information showing that the preferred route for the new 138,000-volt transmission line would travel about 14.7 miles cross-county from an existing transmission line near Madison Township to a new substation that would be built on Mayfield Road near State Route 528. Ultimately, the OPSB agreed with FirstEnergy on the preferred route and granted approval for the project, which crosses portions of Madison Township in Lake County, and Thompson, Montville and Huntsburg townships in Geauga County. The new transmission line went into service in December 2013 and has enhanced the service we provide our customers now, along with giving us the ability to serve additional load growth in the future, particularly commercial development in the Middlefield area, says Doug Hogan, external affairs manager for FirstEnergy. In addition, the redundancy this line provides gives us added flexibility for system maintenance and gives us the ability to restore service faster if a large-scale weather event hits the region. Customers in Geauga County also will benefit from a smart grid pilot program that is now underway. Using a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), FirstEnergy has installed automated equipment that is designed to reduce the number of outages and reduce the outage time if one occurs. By sectionalizing various power lines, fewer customers will be affected if there is an outage. In addition, because the equipment can be operated by remote control, an outage can be fixed in minutes, rather than hours. The smart grid pilot program includes about 40,000 customers in an area bordered to the east of Interstate 271, north of State Route 422, west of State Route 44 and south of Interstate 90. Data collection and analysis will continue through June of 2015 as part of the DOE grant. While there are no large-scale, local Geauga County projects like the recently completed transmission line, the company plans to inspect and replace distribution poles as needed as part of an inspection process that is conducted on a 10-year cycle. And ongoing tree trimming and vegetation management work will continue throughout northeast Ohio, including a special program designed to proactively remove trees affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, particularly those that could fall into electric equipment and result in service interruptions. In addition to providing electricity, FirstEnergy considers itself a partner to the local business community. This commitment includes Hogan serving on many local boards, including Geauga Growth Partnership, Geauga United Way, and Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center, which serves Geauga County. He is board chairman of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School and also sits on the Legislative Committee on the Mentor Chamber of Commerce. The Illuminating Co. and FirstEnergy are strong supporters of the United Way. For the campaign, Illuminating Co. employees pledged more than $150,000 to United Way of Greater Cleveland. The company also is active with Harvest for Hunger. In 2013, employees raised more than $13,500, the equivalent of more than 95,000 meals. Over the past year, FirstEnergy has added a variety of new tools to better communicate with customers. The company has revised its website to make it more accessible via smartphone. FirstEnergy customers also can use a new free smartphone app to report outages and access important information and services related to their electric accounts. The app is available for Apple iphone and Android smartphones. Customers can use the keyword FirstEnergy to locate the apps in their online stores. In addition, customers can use FirstEnergy s text messaging service to report outages and receive updates on reported outages. To get started, text REG to (LIGHTS). Customers also can follow The Illuminating Co. on The Illuminating Co. has about 1,000 employees in northeast Ohio and serves more than 750,000 customers across 1,600 square miles of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties. Since 1990, the number of residential customers served by The Illuminating Company in Geauga County alone has grown about 25 percent, while average customer usage is up approximately 28 percent. Geauga Business Summer

8 Amish Businesses Abound in Geauga County by Glen Miller You won t see large, flashy signs outside most Amish businesses in Geauga County rather you ll notice small signs not much larger than most home-for-sale signs. And if you watch closely, you ll observe dozens posted along rural roads in southeastern and eastern parts of Geauga County. Most of these signs designate the location of a small- to medium-size workshop or store, located behind an Amish home. But, Sam Weaver s Kitchen Stove Shop, located at Newcomb Road, Parkman Township, doesn t even have a sign. I don t need one. People have known where I am for 30 years, says Weaver matter-of-factly. Weaver is the great grandson of the first Geauga County Amish settler. Weaver lives on a 129-acre farm but stopped hay farming several years ago following hip replacement surgery. He continues to rent a 40-acre pasture to nearby Amish dairy farmers. Weaver estimates 20 percent of the Amish in Geauga area are still farming. Those who do have been fortunate to inherit a farm, although many of these farmers are hard pressed to eke out a living these days, he insists. adherence to quality craftsmanship establishes a reputation that attracts customers. - Mervin and Pete Miller 6

9 Because of the economic uncertainty caused by the recent recession, many young Amish family men have opted to go into business for themselves or work for other Amish businesses. Weaver took over a family-owned cooking stove distribution and repair service after his father became ill about 31 years ago. Since then, he has spent the last three decades ordering wood-burning cooking stoves for Amish and English customers throughout the Amish Geauga Settlement. I m not unusual, claims Weaver. I d say at least half of our Amish businesses are handed down from father to son or other family members. Weaver distributes five different brands of the stoves, four of which are manufactured by Amish companies. Weaver is among several Amish stove distributors in the county, although he contends he does not compete with the others. We all work together, says Weaver. We re not cutthroat. In many cases, the Amish children slowly assume ownership of their father s business either as a gift or, in a few cases, purchased over several years, Weaver explains. But, there are exceptions, including Sam Weaver s family. Rather take over his stove business, Weaver s two sons, Sam Weaver, Jr. and Chris Weaver, each own separate businesses. Chris owns and operates Weaver Lumber, a sawmill business, while Sam Jr. is a carpenter who owns and operates a carpentry company. They have been very lucky because not everyone makes it in business, Weaver admits. You ve got to have a good, honest reputation because if a customer finds out they have been ripped off, your name goes on a blacklist. Weaver says this is one of the factors that give Amish businesses a 95 percent success rate in their first critical five years nearly twice the success rate of small English business start-ups. Among the success stories is Marsh Valley Forest Products Ltd., a Middlefield Township lumber molding company started by Pete Miller, president of Sheoga Hardwood Flooring and Paneling, Inc., located on Burton-Windsor Road in Burton Township. Miller has been slowly transferring ownership of Marsh Valley, at Old State Road, to his four children. At first, Mervin and a friend were the only two full-time employees. One of Mervin s sisters, Leanna Miller, took on a part-time role of handling accounts receivable, a job she continues from home while caring for her family. Shortly afterward, Mervin s younger brother Sam joined as vice president. He oversees safety, maintenance and front desk operations. Another sister, Christine Fisher, simply owns shares. We have a lot of competition and some very lean years, but we stuck to it and now are a growing company with 21 employees, says Mervin, president. He has learned and honed his business management skills over the last several years by attending several business seminars. He receives advice and guidance from his father who has been a major factor in Marsh Valley success. Another long-time success story is an Amish buggy manufacturing and repair business owned by Michael Slaubaugh. The shop was formerly owned and operated by his father, E.M. Slaubaugh. Located about three miles east of Middlefield near the Geauga-Trumbull county line, the newly relocated Mespo Hill Buggy shop sits back off the road and is hard to find without asking directions. I just haven t had time to put out a sign yet, says the younger Slaubaugh. We just moved here, and it s been a busy and rough winter. The elder Slaubaugh helps out when time permits. Otherwise, E.M. Slaubough is busy overseeing B & K Salvage, a small, nearby grocery store, located at 5515 Kinsman Road, offering groceries, bulk food, and health and beauty items. The secret to a long healthy life is not sitting in a rocking chair, he says with a grin. Like many Amish craftsmen, E.M. Slaubaugh learned the buggy-making trade from his father, who also owned a buggy-making business, and, in turn, taught his son. At least one grandson is also interested in apprenticing in the shop, he states with a smile. Buggy-making is a craft that requires skill, patience, practice and time, he describes. You ve got to take your time and do it right build a customer base that will come back to you for repairs and refer others customers. - E.M. Slaubough continued on page 8 continued on page 8 Geauga Business Summer

10 Amish Businesses Abound in Geauga County continued from page 7 You ve got to take your time and do it right build a customer base that will come back to you for repairs and refer others customers, explains the elder Slaubaugh. We build basic buggies but add whatever a customer wants. Among the available accessories are side view mirrors, hydraulic brakes, a pyramid-shaped reflective triangle, and a flashing LED light placed in the rear for safety. Providing good service also helped James Miller s at JMJ Enterprises, located at 1584 Nauvoo Road, Middlefield Township, grow a successful business in just seven years. An Amish entrepreneur as a teenager, Miller started Sugar Valley Maple Farm, at Chipmunk Lane, Burton Township, 20 years ago, and used his learned engineering skills and mechanical insight to grow it into a 60-acre, award-winning business. Using his skill and experience in heating stoves and fireplaces, he also opened JMJ (which stands for James Miller Jr.) in The business sells and services woodburning stoves and fireplaces. I lost money the first year, but we re getting bigger and bigger, describes James. Although this year s long winter hurt many businesses, JMJ benefited from the sale of its wood-burning stoves to heat the homes of Amish and some non-amish. I d say business was very good this year, James states. Most of the week, he is on the road installing various brands of wood-burning heating stoves while the showroom is staffed by an employee. He travels as far west as Sheffield, east to parts of Pennsylvania, and south as far as Atwood, Ohio, although he prefers to stay within about a 50-mile radius of Middlefield. Both he and his son Toby, 17, are nationally certified to install the wood-burning stoves. About 80 percent of the stoves he sells burn wood pellets compressed sawdust that looks like a rabbit food that have a high BTU rating. Although marketing is part of his wife s responsibilities, James promotes his business by advertising in local newspapers. Yet, like other Amish businessmen, he feels his best advertising is, the quality of work I do that s passed on through word-of-mouth. Technology is not allowed to invade the personal lives of Amish, who believe it s unethical to use these devices other than for business, James explains. As a result, JMJ is affiliated with non-amish who take care of the modern part of the business and the technology that is a necessity for business growth, says his wife Linda, who is in charge of advertising and marketing. Joe Miller, an Amish community leader and the patriarch behind the success of D&S Door & Window Sales, located at and Shedd Road, Burton Township, says the Amish philosophy of help people and profits will happen is the basis behind most successful Amish businesses. Mervin and Pete Miller say adherence to quality craftsmanship establishes a reputation that attracts customers and, according to Weaver, usually commands a good price. When businesses difficulties occur, the Amish replace fear with faith, a source of strength and security. Amish Business Expo Attracts 1,500 Brothers Paul and Marvin Wengerd, owners of Pine Craft Storage Barns at Madison Road (Route 528), held an Amish business exposition attended by 32 mostly Amish entrepreneurs on April 4-5. The exposition was first held in 2006 with the grand opening of Pine Craft. Five fellow Amish businessmen were invited to participate to promote their small back-road shops. The first time, we probably had five exhibitors and 100 people showed up, says Paul. This last time, we had at least 1,500 people attend. Pine Craft has experienced steady growth despite the recession. The expo further helped get the word out about small Amish businesses. We still find face-to-face contact with people more valuable than advertising, says Paul. They plan to continue to make this Amish expo an annual event. 8

11 Mal-Bar is named CIC 2014 Legacy Company. (Back left) Pete Miller, President of Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling is joined by several of his employees at the CIC awards dinner. John Bonner, owner of Great Lake Growers, is surrounded by family at the CIC awards dinner. (L-R) Steve Belman, Matt Belman, Marvin Schaefer, Brian Schaefer of Troymill Wood Products. CIC Awards Dinner CIC Hosts 44th Annual Salute to Business and Industry Geauga County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) hosted its 44th Annual Salute to Business and Industry on May 8, This year CIC welcomed three new Geauga companies to their honor roll: Great Lakes Growers, LLC of Burton Troymill Wood Products of Middlefield Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling of Middlefield MAR-BAL, Inc. was also named 2014 Legacy Company by CIC. More than 130 business leaders attended the event the largest number to attend since hosting the event. Congratulations to all awardees. (L-R) Bob Cannon, President of CIC, looks on as Brian Schaefer of Troymill addresses the crowd. (L-R) Tim Ryan and John Bonner of Great Lake Growers. Barbara Titus, Vice President of Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling, addresses the crowd. Geauga Business Summer

12 Patients Come First at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc. by Glen Miller Caring for patients always has to be your first priority. If you do that, your business will grow, says Dr. Michael Kellis, one of the founders of the 19-year-old comprehensive Chardon orthopaedic practice, Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc. The medical practice, with offices in Chardon, Middlefield and Auburn Township, offers an expansive array of services focusing on conditions and injuries that affect muscles, bones, as well as the joints of the upper and lower extremity and the spine. In 1991, orthopaedic and spine surgeon Dr. George Kellis and an associate were working at Lutheran Medical Center in Cleveland with a large orthopaedic and neurosurgery practice when they saw the need for their services in Geauga County. They decided to hang their shingle in Chardon at 320 Center Street as General Orthopaedics & Spine Surgery. After a year of steady and rapid growth, Dr. Mike, a popular Chardon sports medicine and orthopaedic physician, joined the new medical practice. 10

13 Dr. Gregory Sarkisian, D.O., orthopaedics, works with a patient. It saves patients and their insurance companies money in comparison to the cost of out-patient surgeries performed in hospitals. - Dr. Michael Kellis As the practice continued to grow, Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc. was created, and Dr. Gregory Sarkisian joined not long after completing his residency requirements. Dr. Sarkisian was no stranger to his associates, having met Dr. Mike in the late 80s as an Ohio University medical student who worked with him in his sports medicine program at UH Geauga Medical Center. I just liked working with him because he is a good teacher, says Dr. Sarkisian. When I finished my residency in 95, he asked me to join him and Dr. George (Kellis) and I did. It couldn t have been a better match. Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a podiatrist who joined in 1997, says he was attracted to Precision Orthopaedics for the opportunity to work with a multi-specialty orthopaedic medical practice. The idea of different kinds of orthopaedic physicians working as a team to help people was once considered a unique concept, although Dr. Mendeszoon says this has changed over the last decade because of declining insurance reimbursements and ever increasing administrative requirements. With all the new technological advancements in medicine, it has allowed me to be on the cutting edge of foot and ankle surgery, he explains. Five of Precision s physicians are D.O. s, doctors of Osteopathic Medicine who hold medical degrees from Ohio University College of Orthopaedic Medicine. Dr. Mendeszoon, who graduated from the Pennsylvania College Podiatric Medicine, is a DPM, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, who says he has been able to create a total comprehensive practice, providing surgical and non-surgical care for infants to senior citizens. Dr. Amardeep Chauhan, a physical medicine, specialist joined in Next, Dr. Laszlo Harmat was welcomed into the practice in the fall of 2006, adding not only his skills as a general orthopaedic surgeon but his unique abilities as an upper extremity specialist. Then in August 2007, Dr. Kraig Solak, another skilled orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine physician, became a member of Precision Orthopaedic Specialties because he wanted to be part of a vibrant private practice with a solid foundation and a great reputation. Precision provides a unique environment where physicians of several disciplines come together to provide an unparalleled service to the community, says Dr. Solak. The people that we care for are everyday, good-hearted folks with significant injuries and maladies that need to be kept functional in order to work, live and play as they wish. After many years with the practice, Dr. George Kellis left to pursue another career. Although he remains a physician, he is now Managing Director of Harbor Shipping, a shipping corporation owned by relatives in Athens, Greece. After 10 years at the Center Street location, with the quarters getting more and more cramped, the practices owners decided to build their suite of offices at 150 Seventh Avenue in Chardon. The two-story building also houses a physical therapy center and offices for Dr. Augustine Kellis, a respected ophthalmologist and younger Kellis brother. The partners converted a section of the first floor into a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center, a $4 million project. Since opening three years ago, more than 3,500 patients a year have undergone out-patient surgery in the center. Not only is the facility more convenient for patients, says Dr. Mike, it saves patients and their insurance companies money in comparison to the cost of out-patient surgeries performed in hospitals. In addition to its six physicians, Precision Orthopaedics employs more than 60 people including physical therapists, a registered nurse, athletic trainers, X-ray technologists, medical assistants, billing personnel, receptionists, transcriptionists and ancillary clerical staff. Among the staff are certified, highly educated athletic trainers health care professionals who specialize in preventing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. As part of a complete healthcare team, the certified athletic trainers work under the direction of Dr. Mike and the other physicians in cooperation with other healthcare professionals, athletic administrators, coaches and parents. Through the use of proper evaluation and rehabilitation, athletic trainers help prevent re-injury and assist in returning the athlete to competition quickly and safely, says Precision Orthopaedic Specialties Office Manager Chris Herald. continued on page 12 Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, examines a patient at the Precision Orthopaedics Middlefield offices. Geauga Business Summer

14 Patients Come First at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc. continued from page 11 (L-R) Dr. Gregory Sarkisian, D.O., and Dr. Michael Kellis, D.O., consult with one another over a patient s X-rays. By gently separating the vertebrae above and below the involved disc, the separation causes a negative pressure to be exerted on the disc creating a vacuum effect. The negative pressure can draw the bulge or herniation back within the disc space similar to an eyedropper drawing in fluid. Precision Orthopaedic s fourth location in the Eltech building, at 100 Seventh Avenue in Chardon, provides MRI scans in addition to exam rooms for patient evaluation. The medical practice has provided athletic training services for several area high school athletic teams, including Berkshire, Chardon, Cardinal, Newbury, West Geauga, Ledgemont, Grand Valley, Hawkins and even Brooklyn High School in Parma. Herald says working closely with physicians, athletic trainers form an important link in the proper management of athletic injuries, ensuring an athlete s safe return to activity. Precision also participates in physician orthopaedic programs offered by hospitals and universities throughout Ohio. Under the guidance of physicians, interns and residents are often involved in patient care as part of their medical training. the focus of the practice remains superior medical care and customer service. - Dr. Mike Kellis Costly Technology Better Serves Patients As the practice grew, offices were opened in other communities so patients don t have to commute to and from Chardon, including the Middlefield Orthopedic Center, at Kinsman Road. The complete renovated building is more convenient for Precision s Amish patients and those who come from Trumbull County. The facility even has equipment for spinal pain injections. There is also additional rental space available for other medical practices. The Auburn Township office, at E. Washington St., has physical therapy equipment and office space for physicians, in addition to DRX decompression machines, each costing $125,000. DRX technology is computer-controlled traction that painlessly decompresses damaged areas of the spine, Dr. Mike Kellis explains. We take great pride in providing cuttingedge medical treatments, along with the knowledge and experience to give patients the best outcome; treatment is tailored to each patient and their medical needs, Dr. Mike Kellis says. As part of Precision s effort to technologically upgrade patient care and administrative procedures, thousands of medical records stored in Chardon and the satellite offices have been digitized and electronically stored. Dr. Solak says this is a major change that has required significant staff effort and time, at a cost of more than $180,000. We have invested a lot in our practice because it s all part of our business, which is taking care of people, Dr. Sarkisian says. The two are intertwined. Despite the cost of the DRX, ultrasound and other technology, Dr. Mike Kellis says the equipment provides an additional way to enable our practice to provide the best outcome for each and every patient. All the Precision physicians say technology is changing the way they practice health care in the office and in operating rooms. We ve grown and gotten stronger. We have become more streamlined and more efficient. We ve had to meet the demands of insurance companies and the federal government, says Dr. Mike Kellis. Yet the focus of the practice remains superior medical care and customer service, he adds. 12

15 Despite increasing financial pressures from insurance companies, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, Dr. Mike Kellis and the other physicians say practicing medicine is still rewarding because patients never forget how we, as doctors, have improved their lives. Because of insurance and ever-increasing government mandates, more time is spent on satisfying bureaucratic requirements, Dr. Sarkisian adds. There are times it is burdensome, but we can t let that affect the quality of care we provide. Most patients don t realize all the bureaucratic hoops we have to jump through to give them the treatment they deserve. The Concussion Institute Started in 2011, Precision s Concussion Institute is geared toward mainly high school athletes, particularly football players, to determine the seriousness of a concussion and whether they can resume play. Overseen by Drs. Kellis and Chauhan, the program uses special testing to determine a student athlete s cognitive abilities prior to the start of competition. The results are kept on file. If an athlete suffers a blow to the head during practice or competition, the student takes another test. Those results are compared to the first test to determine if the student, in addition to any physical head injury, has suffered cognitively and if he should resume play. Future Expansion Planned Over the years, Dr. Mike Kellis says the physicians of Precision Orthopaedic Specialties have been at the forefront of orthopaedic surgery. They were among the first in Northeast Ohio to use minimally invasive techniques for joint replacement and are regarded as a premier center for joint replacement. Use of the latest equipment, such as digital surgical navigation systems, allows surgeons a more precise execution of major joint surgeries, says Dr. Sarkisian. Being a good physician these days is more than just fixing a patient s medical problem, explains Dr. Sarkisian. It means taking an interest in their day-to-day lives and their ability to enjoy their lives without pain. Plans call for more surgeries to be done at TriPoint Medical Center, in Concord Township, because an increasing number of patients come from neighboring Lake County, where Precision Orthopaedics is planning future expansion. The planned expansion will involve the addition of several doctors who have expressed interest in joining the medical practice and the choice of some surgeons to gradually shift their inpatient surgeries to TriPoint, says Dr. Kellis. Precision Orthopaedic Specialties has resisted buyout offers from both University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic. We basically like our independence, and we d like to retain that, Dr. Mike Kellis concludes. We take great pride in providing cutting-edge medical treatments, along with the knowledge and experience to give patients the best outcome, as treatment is tailored to each patient and their medical needs. - Dr. Michael Kellis Geauga Business Summer

16 Meet Geauga s Personable Chimney Sweep at Merry Poppins by Margie Wilber John DeSalvo, owner of Merry Poppins Good luck will rub off when I shake ands with you, or blow me a kiss... and that s lucky, too! Who can forget the loveable character of Bert in Walt Disney s film, Mary Poppins, as he sings, Chim Chim Cher-ee? Geauga County has their own loveable Bert in John DeSalvo, owner of Merry Poppins, a family-owned chimney sweep and masonry company, based in Chardon, Ohio. DeSalvo is proud of his profession and says it has been good to him and his family. That was not always true. In the 17th century, the master chimney sweep employed small boys to scramble up chimneys and brush the inside of the flue with small hand-held brushes or metal scrapers to remove harder tar deposits left by log fire smoke. These boys were apprentices bound to the trade as young as six years old usually parish children or orphans; others were sold into the trade by their impoverished families. Conditions were harsh and cruel for the boys. They slept in cellars on bags of soot and were seldom washed. Casualties were frequent with boys choking and suffocating to death by dust inhalation or becoming stuck in narrow flues. In fact, this is where the phrase, to light a fire under you, comes from. The young boys were often frightened to climb up the chimneys so it was common practice to light a small fire using straw or paper to force the child sweep to the top. But brush off the dark soot of history. Today, Geauga s personable chimney sweep at Merry Poppins enjoys a prosperous business. There is greater understanding of the dangers of flue deposits and carbon monoxide and gases from combustion, says the Merry Poppins owner. Modern chimney sweeps are professionals trained to diagnose and repair hazards along with maintenance such as the removal of flammable creosote; firebox and damper repair; crown repair; and tuck pointing or rebuilding of masonry. DeSalvo is no stranger to hard work. He began working at age 16 bussing tables at Belle s Family Restaurant in Burton. By the time the young man graduated from Burton High School, he was working there as a cook. I ve been unemployed one day since the ninth grade, states DeSalvo proudly. I started power-washing trucks when I turned 19. Around that time, my parents were having their chimney serviced. One of the guys working for the chimney company quit right at my house after a quarrel with his boss. I started working for him on the spot, DeSalvo recalls. I was never afraid of heights and enjoyed physical labor. I was interested in finding a rewarding career. DeSalvo attended masonry school as well as an OSHA course, learning the art of a chimney sweep, including chimney relines and masonry. After almost three years, he started his own company, Merry Poppins, offering fireplace and stove installs, chimney cleaning and masonry service. Over the past 20 years, he has attracted customers throughout in Geauga, Lake, Summit, Portage and eastern Cuyahoga counties. 14

17 I take the time to educate customers on the proper use of their fireplace or stove. For instance, a wood stove is completely different from a wood fireplace. - John DeSalvo, owner of Merry Poppins The hardest aspect of owning my own business is finding good workers, DeSalvo states. I ve hired people that did not share my work ethic or were not as meticulous in their work. I could not accept this attitude. I d rather do the work myself and protect my good reputation. Recently, the master chimney sweep hired his nephew David Marshall, 23. He used to hang out with me and watch since he was five years old. I m excited to have him working with me. At this David Marshall cleans a home point, it is a twoman job. When wood-burning stove in Chesterland. someone calls Merry Poppins for their chimney cleaning or service, David and I will be the people they meet, he says. When I am ready to retire, I plan to give him my business. How is business at Merry Poppins? It s great, states DeSalvo emphatically. I like the hours. I typically start at 7:30 a.m. and work until my schedule is done generally between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fall is the busiest season, but I highly recommend people schedule their chimney cleaning and service in the spring and summer months. Rather than wait three to four weeks for a fall cleaning, I can usually come within five days, and I offer $10 off during the spring and summer if they ask for the special. It also makes sense to service a chimney in the spring before you turn on your home air conditioner. Often, dust and residue from a dirty chimney will cause an odor throughout the home when the air is turned on. A chimney sweep is someone who performs four basic functions when asked to service a chimney: 1. Perform a visual inspection 2. Clean the system if enough flammable creosote has accumulated to warrant cleaning 3. Ensure the customer is up-to-date on the proper use of their heating system 4. Schedule a repair if damage is discovered. Merry Poppins will install and clean any and all chimneys. They will also pick up and deliver installs to the home. We install and service wood, gas and pellet stoves and free-standing wood stoves, DeSalvo states. I would estimate that 50 percent of my business is cleaning, 30 percent installs and 20 percent masonry work. He says one main advantages over competitors is he offers a lifetime guarantee that passes to new home buyers, and the excellent work he performs keep customers returning. I take the time to educate customers on the proper use of their fireplace or stove. For instance, a wood stove is completely different from a wood fireplace. People have a lot more control and can burn longer with wood stoves. They are much more efficient as heating sources. Most fireplaces are more for ambience than heat. I also do not use scare tactics like some of my competitors. Some go so far as to suggest the home owner will burn their house down if you don t buy additional products or services at the time of a cleaning. DeSalvo says he has approximately 4,000 customer names in his data base, which include corporate accounts like the Chagrin Valley Athletic Club. I ve dedicated my life to this work. It is my career, and I consider myself a professional. I am fully licensed and insured. I am fair and treat all my customers equally. Most importantly, I want the job done right. DeSalvo is a Certified Chimney Professional and a member of the Chagrin Valley Chapter of BNI (Business Network International) Group. It s taken me 20 years to reach the point where I want to be. I love the service aspect of my business the most meeting people and educating my customers. Nine out of 10 times, when I install, I am the one to light the first fire, the proud business owner exclaims. I ve been very lucky in business. Geauga Business Summer

18 Zirkle Tech Eric Zirkle, owner/president of ZirkleTech, LLC Exceptional Corporate & Residential Computer Service by Margie Wilber Upon meeting Eric Zirkle, owner/president of Zirkle Tech, LLC, a computer consulting firm serving Geauga County and northeast Ohio, you will immediately note, he is not a geek. Yet another stereotype shattered. In fact, the bright computer consultant will not unwittingly talk computer-eze, or arrogantly talk down to you. Instead, Zirkle represents, hopefully, a new breed of computer technology and software consultants one who brandishes his expertise, wisdom and comprehensive knowledge as a computer specialist and service technician with an engaging smile, charming personality, and spot-on professionalism. Zirkle grew up in Chesterland, graduating from West Geauga High School in He went on to earn a BS degree in science and economics from John Carroll University. 16

19 While I was attending high school and college, I worked at Fowler s Mill Golf Course, moving up the management ranks, Zirkle says. After graduating from college, I worked as the event manager and interim GM at a golf course in Detroit, Michigan. That winter, I left Detroit and went to Springboro, Ohio where I served as Assistant GM for a club there, and during the summer, as interim GM. The young man decided to get out of the golf course industry and moved back to Chesterland, where he started his own computer service company part time while working full time at a medical equipment company in Bedford. In 2009, the savvy computer specialist purchased a friend s computer business, which allowed him to work full time as a computer consultant. Zirkle Tech provides an array of services to both commercial and residential clients that include: Computer system set-up and installs Technical support primarily Windows and PC computers System upgrades Data backup via cloud Website hosting Website design Smart phone, tablet and other handheld device support Maintenance programs Online remote backup Basic computer lessons at your home or office The knowledgeable computer consultant is a Microsoft partner. This allows him to sell Microsoft products directly to clients at a competitive price. I focus primarily in serving commercial accounts but am happy to help residential clients as well, Zirkle says. Realistically, once I set up a residential work station, I shouldn t hear from them through the year. My bread and butter comes from serving corporate accounts. Zirkle Tech s corporate clients include manufacturers, law firms, dental practices, insurance agencies, real estate agencies, marketing firms, and other business and industry. What differentiates Zirkle Tech from other computer companies? I think my personal touch, says the proud West G graduate. His professionalism, solid work ethic, and excellent consumer service also help. I come to you. You don t come to me, explains Zirkle. I like to get to know my clients and enjoy interacting with them. I do not talk down to my clients, like many others in this field. I do not talk over their heads. I am also careful to explain why I am doing something so they understand. Trust is a big factor. Zirkle warns local businesses and homeowners that a destructive computer virus, called Cryptolocker, has surfaced locally in the past two years that infects computers and holds files ransom until owners pay a fee. I ve already run into it a couple times. It is a very sophisticated virus. While some free anti-viruses are offered on the internet, Zirkle cautions, You get what you pay for. You will spend $30 to $50 a month for good antivirus protection, but it is worth the cost. He also suggests making sure anti-virus software is up to date and files are backed up if a virus hits. Anti-virus packages are designed to block the virus, but nothing is fool-proof. That is why I suggest always backing up your files. Even external hard drives can be corrupted. I recommend backing up to a cloud which is more dependable and makes file retrieval simpler, explains Zirkle. I want to come out to your business or home and help. In fact, Zirkle Tech has a remote server that allows me to access your computers from my office saving time and money. - Eric Zirkle Everything changes so fast in this industry even websites are designed to run on the newer software. I recommend businesses and homeowners upgrade their systems every three or four years. Even the newer software is designed to run on higher-grade computers. If you do not upgrade, your system will run very, very slow, the computer specialist says. I am continually learning in this field. I really enjoy getting my hands on a new system and software package and figuring it out, he states with a grin. I was 12 years old when I received my first computer. At that point, I had no fear. I played around with it and, if I got into a problem, I would press the reset button and start again. Zirkle says he understands people s frustration particularly, calling a tech support line and failing to comprehend the person on the other end. I want to come out to your business or home and help. In fact, Zirkle Tech has a remote server that allows me to access your computers from my office saving time and money. If you would like to learn more about Zirkle Tech or set up an appointment, call Eric Zirkle at or him at eric@zirkletech.com. Geauga Business Summer

20 Milton Ezrati, Partner, Senior Economist and Market Strategist, Lord Abbett & Co. Economist Milton Ezrati Keynotes Geauga Growth Partnership Annual Meeting Internationally-renowned economist and author Milton Ezrati, Partner, Senior Economist and Market Strategist for Lord Abbett & Co., will be the featured speaker at the Geauga Growth Partnership s 4th Annual Meeting. The event takes place Tuesday, June 17 at Fowler s Mill Golf Club, Chesterland, from 7:30am to 10:00am. The program will focus on economic trends, workforce demograhics, and will also include a presentation on the Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) educational curriculum. Keynote speaker Ezrati is one of the most highly regarded individuals in the financial and business community. He is a recognized authority on global and domestic financial issues, including workforce demographics, employment dynamics, and the role of the government in economic growth. His unique insights and engaging presentation style will help attendees understand how today s broad economic trends impact businesses in Northeastern Ohio. Milton Ezrati s appearance is courtesy of The Wealth Care Group of Raymond James. Ezrati is a frequent commentator on national financial television, including CNBC and Fox Business News. He contributes to and is quoted in a variety of publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Barron s and the Financial Times. This event is the premier event for the Geauga business community and is sponsored by leading businesses in Geauga County and the region, including Raymond James, Fairmount Minerals, First Energy, Honest Scales Recycling, Universal Disposal, Sheoga Hardwood, Geauga Credit Union, Troy Innovative, Oswald Group, FirstMerit, Glenmede, and State Senator John Eklund. Mr. Ezrati is the author of Kawari, one of the foremost books detailing the economic changes in Japan. Just released is Ezrati s newest book, Thirty Tomorrows, which discusses aging populations and their effect on the next three decades of globalization, demographics and our way of life. Tracy Jemison, president of the Geauga Growth Partnership, states, Milton Ezrati s appearance at our Annual Meeting offers Northeast Ohioans the rare opportunity to engage with an international economic expert. We are honored to have him at our event. Registration for the Annual Meeting is complimentary and open to all. Geauga Growth Partnership Expands to Offer Business Consulting Service Geauga Growth Partnership is expanding its member services with the addition of strategic business consultant David Kraninger to the GGP team. Kraninger is a business management strategist who helps companies improve their performance by reviewing organizational structure and responsibilities, analyzing operations, developing strategic initiatives, and encouraging market-focused action. His expertise and experience provide the GGP membership with an important resource for the many challenges they face in today s business environment. His areas of focus including Organizational Development, Cost Structure and Analysis, and Sales and Marketing are relevant to virtually any Geauga County business. His services will initially be available to GGP members at no cost. David Draninger, GGP business Before joining GGP, Kraninger served as president of a subsidiary of a Fortune 500 company. He spent over 45 years in management strategist manufacturing environments, working in engineering, sales, international marketing and general management. He led strategic initiatives that focused on evaluating core competencies, improving product margins, and reorganizing businesses to reduce queue time and improve throughput. In two of these initiatives, he defined the scope and involved the services of the McKensey Company and Arthur D. Little organizations. Kraninger received a BSME from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and later pursued additional marketing and operational education from the University of Chicago and Case Western Reserve University. He and his wife, Pat, moved into Bainbridge Township 30 years ago, raised four children, and now have nine grandchildren. He has traveled the world and continues to enjoy the benefits and quality of life that Geauga County offers. Says GGP President Tracy Jemison, The mission of the GGP is help our companies grow. Having Dave Kraninger on our staff adds another tool in our toolbox to help our businesses compete regionally, nationally, and globally. To set up an appointment with Kraninger, please contact Jemison at tjemison@geaugagrowth.com or call the office at

21 Local Dealer Renovates Ford Service Area Using Only Local Material Everyone at Preston is very professional and efficient. The new service and waiting area is very convenient and comfortable. - John from Chagrin Falls While driving past the Preston Superstore in Burton, you might notice a new service area next to their Ford building. What used to be an old church is now a first class service area! The Ford Service Center offers climate-controlled service lanes with garage doors and a newly renovated service waiting area with WiFi, workstations, Flatscreen HD TV s and beverages. We know how important fast and convenient service is to our customers, says Jackie Preston Franck. By building the enclosed service lanes, we are insuring that our customers will be kept dry and warm during our harsh winter months. Jackie continues, It s essentially a one-stop shop. You can get your car checked in, enjoy the waiting area, and come back out to go over what service was provided. The parts department is also on-site if repairs are needed or accessories are added to a vehicle. John from Chagrin Falls describes, Everyone at Preston is very professional and efficient. The new service and waiting area is very convenieent and comfortable. Not only did owner Pat Preston spend over $300,000 dollars on this renovation, he made sure to only use local material and contractors. Pat knows the importance of supporting our local community. Putting money back into the local economy is what it s all about. Even the wood paneling is local maple wood from right here in Geauga County! Jeanette, from Montville, says. The new facility is great! I would defiantly recommend Preston Ford! Come check it out! We would love to show you around. Geauga Business Summer

22 The Business of Arthritis By Kelly Donahue, Communications Director Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region The #1 cause of disability in the United States is arthritis. Yes, arthritis. And arthritis is not simply a disease of growing older, an inconvenience borne by the elderly. Arthritis affects people of all ages, even infants, young children and teens. More than half of the people diagnosed with arthritis today are under the age of 65. More people in their 20s, 30s and 40s are being diagnosed the disease striking in their prime income-producing years. Arthritis is a complex, serious, progressive, painful and incurable disease. It results in a total of 67.3 million missed workdays annually that s nearly three days for each of the 45 million employees with arthritis. In Geauga County more than 30,000 people have been diagnosed with arthritis many of them are in the local workforce and desire to remain employed. The Cost of Arthritis is Staggering. Arthritis costs the United States economy more than $128 billion annually in lost wages, productivity and medical costs. Add to that the physical, emotional and psychological impact of arthritis and the disease is responsible for seriously reducing quality of life. Let s look a bit more closely at the costs of arthritis. For most states in our country, the annual cost of arthritis is more than 1 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most expensive conditions treated in United States hospitals just behind septicemia according to 2011 data, and osteoarthritis is one of the most costly conditions billed to private insurance just behind live birth. * More than 50 million Americans have been diagnosed that s one in five including 300,000 children. One in every three people with arthritis has difficulty buttoning their shirt, tying their shoes and picking up their child. By 2030 an estimated 67 million Americans will have arthritis. So, What are We Doing? The Arthritis Foundation s role in the community is three-fold. We are the go-to resource for information about arthritis. We are fighting both on the state and federal level for legislation that improves the lives of people with arthritis. And we are leading the fight for a cure to permanently end arthritis pain through research. At no other time in our history has the Arthritis Foundation been more strategically positioned to be a resource for both individuals and employers. Through educational programs delivered live or online or through mobile apps, targeted advocacy efforts and a robust research program we are making a difference today in the lives of people with arthritis, said Darby Bentoff Schwartz, Division Vice President, Northeastern Ohio. Education Locally, our efforts are enhanced by the support of valuable partners like University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. For more than eight years the hospital has cosponsored the Geauga County Arthritis Expo with the Arthritis Foundation. This annual free educational event has touched the lives of more than 2,000 county residents. The hospital has also partnered to offer two very successful fibromyalgia forums in Chardon Township. Fibromyalgia is a condition related to arthritis. Other Arthritis Foundation activities and partners in Geauga County include Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program classes at the Chardon Senior Center and the West Geauga Senior Center. Together with Geauga United Way Services and the Department on Aging, we are reaching people with arthritis who need our programs the most. Recognizing that finding a way to manage arthritis pain is one of the biggest challenges people face, the Arthritis Foundation developed a four-part educational series called Breaking the Pain Chain Together with UH Geauga, the hospital is a site for BPC series taught by Arthritis Foundation-trained hospital staff. And the Arthritis Foundation s Walk with Ease program a walk-at-your-own pace exercise program that can be done in a group setting or individually is one of the ways the Foundation is helping corporate partners have healthier, engaged employees. 20

23 Ella Snyder, 9, of Chagrin Falls Advocacy Our organization s goal is to cultivate legislative champions who will change the national dialogue about arthritis. In March 2014 families from Northeastern Ohio traveled to Washington, D.C. to the Arthritis Foundation s Advocacy Summit. There they met with Sen. Sherrod Brown s and Sen. Rob Portman s staff and had an unexpected opportunity to meet Sen. Portman at a breakfast event. They also met with Congressman Dave Joyce s (R-14th) staff. And on May 21, 2014 Arthritis Foundation advocates gathered in Columbus to learn about statewide issues affecting people with arthritis and meet with their state senators and representatives. Learn more about the Arthritis Foundation s advocacy initiatives and become an advocate at Research The Arthritis Foundation is the handsdown largest non-governmental funder of research to unlock a cure for arthritis. In 2013 the Arthritis Foundation awarded a $1 million, multi-institutional grant that could revolutionize future treatment for osteoarthritis and ignite a new era in drug discovery, as part of our research strategic goal to develop new interventions for OA. By studying anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the knee, a major risk factor for developing osteoarthritis, researchers seek to discover tools and treatments to detect and reverse OA before symptoms ever appear. Over many years arthritis research has taken place at institutions throughout Northeastern Ohio. Simply, it matters because arthritis hurts someone you probably know. And fighting for a cure is seminal. Why Does This Matter? Simply, it matters because arthritis hurts someone you probably know. And fighting for a cure is seminal. Ella Snyder, 9, of Chagrin Falls knows about arthritis pain. She was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) before her second birthday. Methotrexate, physical therapy, steroid injections into her affected joints and injections of a biologic drug have all been part of her treatment plan. Ella has been a fighter the entire way, understanding at a young age that arthritis is a part of her, but that it does not define her, said her mother, Beth. We re thankful for her health and all the support we receive from the medical community and the Arthritis Foundation. Ella is one of the nearly 1.3 million people of all ages in Northeastern Ohio diagnosed with arthritis. That s enough people to fill First Energy Stadium in Cleveland nearly 18 times! She is one of 11,500 Ohio children diagnosed. Surprisingly, more children have juvenile forms of arthritis than cystic fibrosis and juvenile diabetes combined. We are proud of the Arthritis Foundation s SAK (Supporting Arthritis Kids) Program. This program supports families of children with juvenile arthritis (JA). The SAK Program was launched in Northeastern Ohio in 2012 with overwhelmingly positive results. It s estimated that 30 families in the Greater Chagrin Valley area have a child with arthritis eligible for a SAK. The Foundation works with local hospitals and pediatric rheumatologists to identify new JA families. The families are then mailed a backpack and a parent/caregiver resource bag filled with items to help them better manage JA. SAK offers the opportunity for the Arthritis Foundation to connect with JA families at the initial stage of diagnosis, when support is most critical, and continue that support year-round. Total cost of a SAK set including children s backpack, caregiver bag and shipping averages $ The SAK backpacks are provided to families at no charge; there are two age-appropriate versions. Resources in the children s bags include a picture book that helps them cope with pain; a teddy bear heat therapy pack for joint flares; a Kids Get Arthritis, Too car magnet; and self-help aids like pencil grips. The parent/caregiver resource bag includes information specific to the needs and concerns of those raising a child with arthritis. Typical items include a free Arthritis Foundation membership; educational materials on children and arthritis; and a book, Raising a Child with Arthritis. No One is Immune to This Disease Arthritis affects every racial and ethnic group including more than 34 million Caucasians, more than 4.6 million African-Americans and nearly 3.1 million Hispanics. And every person with arthritis has a story. Many local arthritis stories are rooted in Geauga County, like Ella s. Next Steps, Literally The Arthritis Foundation s Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, just two of several annual local Arthritis Foundation fundraising events, offer opportunities not only for corporate support but for employees to volunteer or to form teams. Whether they gather to support a family member or a work friend with arthritis, teams are critical to the success of these two signature Arthritis Foundation events. Learn more about how you can get involved at For every dollar donated to the Arthritis Foundation, 82 cents goes directly to fund programs for people with arthritis or support research. Darby Bentoff Schwartz, Division Vice President, leads the Northeastern Ohio market. She can be reached at dschwartz@arthritis.org or Statistics are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Center for Biotechnology Information/National Institutes of Health (2011).* Geauga Business Summer

24 Learn Geauga by Margie Wilber Bringing Geauga County s rich agricultural heritage to students by bringing students to The Great Geauga County Fair. America enjoys a rich agricultural heritage as witnessed in these common adages and expressions: Don t count your chickens before they re hatched. Make hay while the sun shines. You can t make a silk purse out of a sow s ear. Do not let the fox guard the henhouse. Separate the wheat from the chaff. The black sheep of the family. Hold your horses. And almost from the cradle, children learn about animals, counting, friendships, and life lessons through songs and nursery rhymes like Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Mary had a Little Lamb, Three Blind Mice, The Farmer in the Dell, and 5 Little Pigs. Geauga Learn is an innovative educational program that takes agricultural learning one step further by bringing sixth graders from schools in the more populated west side of Geauga County to The Great Geauga County Fair. Students participate in classes on earth science/ natural resources, agriculture, and the history of the military, and are introduced to various animals by walking through the animal barns. I will never forget speaking to students many years back and being asked, Does chocolate milk come from brown cows? At first, I thought the young boy was joking. Then, I was shocked to realize he was serious. I immediately understood the need to offer more agricultural learning opportunities for our children, recalls Tim Grendell, Probate/Juvenile Court Judge in Geauga County. Geauga Learn was founded by then State Representative Grendell, Helen Scheuring of Hambden Township, and John Ralph of Chardon with the support and assistance of the Geauga County Fair Board, 22

25 especially its then President, Howard Bates. The program allows local students to attend The Great Geauga County Fair, where they learn about agriculture, farming, farm animals, fishing, Agriculture is the #1 business in Geauga County. trapping and our rich agricultural heritage while earning credit for a school day. - Judge Tim Grendell, Since the program s Probate/Juvenile Court inception, more than 3,000 Geauga County sixth graders have enjoyed an educational day on Thursday of The Great Geauga Fair, located at the Geauga County Fairgrounds in Burton, Ohio. The Geauga Learn program s continued success is contributed to by Sheriff Dan McClelland, Geauga County Farm Bureau, Geauga County Historical Society, Hambden Grange, and Atwood-Mauck Post 459 American Legion in Burton all having been important integral participants in the Geauga Learn program. Fair Day Since the program s inception, more than 3,000 Geauga County sixth graders have enjoyed an educational day on Thursday of The Great Geauga County Fair. Students arrive to the fairgrounds by bus in the morning and are welcomed by Judge Grendell and Mrs. Scheuring. They are then deputized by Sheriff McClelland. Next, students are separated into groups (identified by colored wristbands) and begin their rotation to a presentation on agriculture, earth science/natural resources, county history and/or military history, and a tour of the animal barns. The Hambden Grange provides a free lunch to all students. After lunch, the chicken-flying competition between Kenston and West Geauga schools in the small grandstand continues to be a highlight. Cheered on by students, the superintendents for each school select a chicken and compete for the flying chicken trophy. Two members of the Geauga County Fair Board accompany each group of students and help keep the students on schedule. Students receive a goody bag of agriculturally related items put together by Scheuring. The goodies include a free family pass for the fair, donated by Tim and Diane Grendell, and a free 4-H milkshake ticket, donated by the Geauga County Farm Bureau. Buses depart at 1:30 p.m. Tilling Truths Agriculture is the #1 business in Geauga County. Our agricultural landscape and traditional family values are what makes Geauga County such a wonderful place to live and raise a family, Judge Grendell exclaims. As it has been historically, our fair is a true agriculture fair. Other county fairs tend to be more carnival and commercial in nature. Geauga Learn brings Geauga County s rich agricultural heritage to Geauga County s sixth graders in the less agricultural part of the county by bringing those students to The Great Geauga County Fair. The goal is to continue to do so for a long time. Your chances of finding another such educational learning program tied to a county fair? Well, it would be like finding a needle in a haystack! Geauga Learn will be expanding to include other educational opportunities for children. Geauga Learn is an Ohio Nonprofit started by Judge Tim Grendell, Helen Scheuring and John Ralph. In 2013, the program was also supported by generous contributions from State Senator John Eklund, State Senator Capri Cafaro, and State Representative John Patterson. For more information or if you are interested in contributing to this outstanding program, call or johninnovativemanagement.com. This cooperative day of learning is sponsored by: Judge Tim Grendell Helen Scheuring Great Geauga County Fair Board Geauga County Ohio Farm Bureau Geauga County Commissioners Hambden Grange Geauga County Sheriff s Office ODNR - Geauga Bowmen Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District Geauga County Historical Society Senator Capri Cafaro Senator John Eklund 2014 Student Participants are 6th Graders from: West Geauga Middle School St. Anselm Elementary School Kenston Middle School St. Joan of Arc Elementary School Chardon Middle School Judge Timothy Grendell, Juvenile/Probate Geauga Business Summer

26 Jr. Fair Livestock Sale Ambassadors By Sheila Roberts, 4-H and Junior Fair Livestock Sale Ambassador. Picture this: Its Labor Day weekend at the Great Geauga County Fair. There s a line of kids trailing around the auction tent & livestock arena, adorned in crisp polo shirts, and anxious expressions. They are waiting their turn to step in the show ring to have their animals auctioned. Most of them are thinking about one thing: I really hope someone will buy my animal. The auctioneer barks out an opening bid. No takers. Then someone makes a bid and the price climbs. Another bid. Another. And then a complete stranger buys their animal. Someone they don t even know. It s the best feeling in the world. The Junior Fair Livestock Sale is a highlight of the Great County Fair for many 4-H kids. They work with their animals all summer anything from chickens to beef to lambs feeding, exercising, and giving the best care possible. Then, when the end of August rolls around, they show them at the Fair, are graded by a judge, and then take the animals to the Livestock sale. Many kids use the proceeds to cover costs of feed and supplies, and many more apply their earnings for college and other endeavors. For many, it s a real-life course in marketing & economics 101! Success for the Livestock Sale comes from getting more willing buyers to come to the sale. That s why the Junior Fair Livestock Sale Ambassadors was formed. It s a group of 4-H kids doing their best to attract businesses and individuals to the Junior Fair Livestock Sale. This group is seeking local business or civic groups (such as Kiwanis, church groups, etc.) who want to learn about 4H and Jr. Fair, and will come to your group to make a quick presenation. What s in it for you? The Livestock Sale is a great opportunity for local businesspeople to gain exposure with a captive audience. Also, it s a great chance to purchase delicious, locally-raised meat ready for in a few days cut, wrapped, and frozen. The best part you will be supporting Geauga County s young people! If you are interested in hearing a presentation from the Junior Fair Livestock Sale Ambassadors, contact Todd Montazzoli at todd. montazzoli@us.nestle.com (440) The Livestock Sale will be Saturday, August 30th at the Great Geauga County Fair, with the small animal auction at 2:30 P.M. and the large animal auction at 6:00 P.M. We hope to see you there! 24

27 Great Lakes Cheese Wins 2014 World Cheese Championship Gold Medal An international panel of expert judges has named Great Lakes Cheese New York Sharp Cheddar as the 2014 World Cheese Championship Gold Medal Winner, beating out 57 competitors from around the world in their category. Manufactured in their Adams, New York plant, Great Lakes Cheese New York Sharp Cheddar won the World Gold Medal based on flavor, body, texture and finish scoring points out of a possible 100 points. This reflects the immense effort by all our employees in the craftsmanship of making cheese, said Gary Vanic, Great Lakes chief executive officer. Our focus has always been on quality. We have an incredible team dedicated to making best-of-class products. This medal is a reflection of their hard work. The World Cheese Championship Contest is the world s largest technical evaluation of cheese and butter and is sponsored by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. Held bi-annually, the 2014 contest featured 2,619 cheese and butter entries from 22 countries. Overall, U.S. cheese makers dominated the competition, earning gold medals in 59 of the 90 categories judged. Switzerland came in second among the countries with seven gold medals. This year s contest was held March 18-19, 2014 in Madison, Wisconsin. Geauga Business Summer

28 Geauga Medical Center It Doesn t SHOULDERS, KNEES, ANKLES, AND HIPS. Post-operation therapy is available at UH Geauga Medical Center s outpatient Rehabilitation Services. If your bones and muscles aren t able to do their jobs, you don t have to live with the pain. Scott Zimmer, MD, medical director of the Orthopaedic Center at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, is an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hand, elbow, and shoulder injuries. He and his team offer a full range of surgery services, close to home. by KenMcEntee Contributing Writer After suffering multiple shoulder dislocations, Jay D Agata, an RN at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, decided that enough was enough. To prevent the bulbous end of his arm bone the humerus from coming out of his concave shoulder socket, he underwent a complex surgery to stabilize the joint. Fortunately, he was able to have the procedure done right in the familiar surroundings of UH Geauga Medical Center. This is a good example of a highly specialized procedure that we re able to do here at the state-of-the-art Orthopaedic Center at UH Geauga Medical Center, explains Scott Zimmer, MD, medical director of the Orthopaedic Center and an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hand, elbow, and shoulder injuries. We re able to do all the intricate specialties, like joint replacements, and less common procedures, like ankle replacements, closer to the patient s home. People feel more comfortable when they are close to home, where family members are able to visit. Once they have surgery, they can continue to see the same surgeons and have post-operation physical therapy right on site. That is huge after major procedures. Jay s procedure, performed by Dr. Zimmer, involved the removal of a section of Jay s shoulder bone, and its reattachment to the socket. Dr. Zimmer compares the shoulder joint to a golf ball (the humerus bone) on a tee (the socket). The newly grafted bone prevents the ball from rolling off the tee. Being a nurse, you need to have the ability to lift and move patients, Jay says. With a shoulder like that, it wasn t going to happen. After I complete physical therapy on the shoulder, I expect to have complete motion and be back to full strength. UH Geauga Medical Center has an onsite physical therapy facility for hospital patients. Jay did his post-operation therapy at UH Geauga Medical Center s outpatient Rehabilitation Services and Aquatic Center at the Geauga County YMCA, five minutes away from the hospital. At the facility, physical, occupational, and speech therapists work with referring physicians to provide comprehensive patient evaluations, treatment, and patient education using research-based technology, says Dotti Thompson, rehab manager at UH Geauga Medical Center. By using a procedure called a reverse shoulder replacement, we can restore function as well. Therapy, says John Feighan, MD, director of the Foot and Ankle Center at UH Geauga Medical Center, is an important part of treatment for patients who undergo orthopaedic surgery. For 95% of what we do, physical therapy is needed to restore function, strength, and range of motion, Dr. Feighan says. Jay says the physical therapy team at UH Geauga Medical Center has been dedicated to looking out for his best interests. 26

29 Have to Hurt John Feighan, MD, director of the Foot and Ankle Center at UH Geauga Medical Center, is part of the comprehensive, multidisciplinary team that offers an individualized treatment and rehabilitation plan for each patient. by Benjamin Margalit/Margalit Studio Outpatient Rehabilitation Services are performed at the Geauga campus. Here s how the Orthopaedic Center at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center can help get you back to enjoying life. It s not just about physical exercise, he insists. They give me advice on how to move and use my arm when I get back to work, and how to get more protein in my diet to build up my muscle mass. As an upper extremity specialist, Dr. Zimmer treats conditions that affect the arms and hands. Shoulder replacements, he says, are an option for patients with chronic arthritis in the shoulder. Unlike a knee or hip joint, a shoulder joint should provide full arm rotation. In the past, shoulder replacement surgery resulted in restricted movement. That was good for eliminating the pain, but not good for maintaining function, Dr. Zimmer says. But now, by using a procedure called a reverse shoulder replacement, we can restore function as well. Dr. Feighan, who specializes in conditions of the lower extremities, is one of the few surgeons in the area who performs total ankle replacements. For patients with arthritis in their ankles, replacement surgery may be an alternative to ankle fusion, in which a patient s ankle bones are fused together, eliminating movable joints. An ankle replacement reduces a patient s recovery time and provides a lot more mobility, Dr. Feighan explains. A patient can be unable to walk for eight to 10 weeks while the fusing is complete. With an ankle replacement, a patient is typically walking in a boot in two weeks. Dr. Feighan says many people with arthritis choose to live with the pain because of the limitations and stiffness that results from fusion. It isn t necessary to live with pain, he says. Ankle replacement is an excellent option for many patients. We re able to do all the intricate specialties, like joint replacements, and less common procedures, like ankle replacements, closer to the patient s home. Patients who have joint replacements done at UH Geauga Medical Center participate in an innovative Joint Camp, in which small groups of patients assist each other through the experience, from pre-operation to postsurgical rehabilitation. After undergoing surgery, the patients interact and work together as a group during rehabilitation. UH Geauga Medical Center s Orthopaedic Center uses a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team approach to developing an individualized treatment and rehabilitation plan for each patient, Dr. Zimmer says. Many people associate orthopaedics with surgery. That s not usually the case, Dr. Zimmer emphasizes. In fact, only about 10% of the patients I see ever get surgery. Bracing, physical therapy, and inflammatories are the real mainstays of orthopaedic treatment. As orthopaedic surgeons, we see our role as the primary care doctors of your muscular skeletal health. Prevention of injuries, Dr. Zimmer says, is better than surgery. That s why UH Geauga Medical Center s Sports Medicine team helps high school athletes across the region train properly and prevent injuries. UH Geauga Medical Center s Spine and Pain Management Center is another important part of orthopaedic services. The Pain Management Center is devoted to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of back pain and spinal conditions, in addition to other chronic and acute pains. The Spine and Pain Management Center at UH Geauga Medical Center provides comprehensive care, including physician offices, stateof-the-art X-rays, MRI imaging, physical therapy, postoperative rehabilitation, and surgery in one convenient location. Once you have surgery, you can continue to see the same surgeons and have post-operation physical therapy right on site. Whether we re working with youth or seniors, our goal is to help our patients maintain the highest quality of life for as long as they can, Dr. Zimmer says. For more information about UH Geauga Medical Center s Orthopaedic Center, you can visit the website at UHGeauga.org. UH Geauga Medical Center is located at Ravenna Road, in Chardon. Mimi Vanderhaven. Reprinted with permission Geauga Business Summer

30 Featuring Saturday, July p.m. FREE and Open to the Public Where: Kent State University at Geauga Claridon Troy Rd, Burton Join this event! 28

31 SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, September 13 Don t miss this fun festival that salutes Geauga s Homegrown people, produce and products! HOMEGROWN GEAUGA People. Produce. Products. Geauga Growth Partnership will host the second annual Homegrown Geauga on Saturday, September 13, The event will include a host of activities for Geauga residents of all ages as well as an exquisite buffet dinner for adults age 21 and over that showcases Geauga County produce and products. People. Relish the work of Chef Kimberly McCune Gibson, of Hungry Bee, LLC. She is homegrown, a Kenston High School graduate who graduated from the Auburn Career Center Culinary Program before advancing to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Chef McCune will be joined by four other local chefs including Mark Morton from Nestlé. They will create mouth-watering appetizers and hors d oeuvres for those in attendance. Chef McCune will also prepare a spectacular buffet that appeals to the eyes and senses that screams Geauga County. Produce. Farmers Market Open to the Public 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. federated Church Family Life Center Chillicothe Road Chagrin Falls, OH Admission is free More than 12 booths will sell locally grown produce. Products. Cheese products by Great Lakes Cheese and Middlefield Cheese Organic lettuce by Great Lake Growers Morning Song Gardens The Agrarian Collective Rad Foods Fresh fruits, vegetables and more through Sirna Farm and Market Artisans will display their beautiful art from hand-blown glass, photography and more. Bluegrass music by Little Old Me s Free hors d oeuvres Additional Entertainment: Tarot Ready by Vicki Pierce Kopacz Chair massages by Mary Jo Conti, certified ethical massage practitioner Green Screen photo booth Jasmine Dragon acrobatic aerial team Proceeds will help fund the GGP Career Education and Internship Program. A special thanks to our title sponsor Great Lake Cheese. The event concludes with adults 21 and older cordially invited to attend a Buffet Dinner prepared by Chef McCune using all Geauga County-grown and raised food. The surprise dessert buffet will astonish guests. Music by No Moss from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Music and Dancing to Switch from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: $100 per person with cash bar. Federated Church Family Life Center Ballroom Advance tickets are suggested by calling Marcia Owens, GGP at Attendance is limited so don t delay! Wrist bands will be checked at the door. A VIP lounge will be open to guests from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost: $125 - includes dinner and cocktails. Guests may also sample local bourbon products. Geauga Business Summer

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