OHIOCHAMBER.COM MARCH/APRIL 2017

GET INFORMED. 1 Annual Meeting May 2 Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker Lou Holtz Common sense in an uncommon degree

SHARE SUCCESS. 4 Building Ohio’s future workforce November ballot issue unworkable Resolving co-worker conflict through mediation

STAY CONNECTED. 6 Health insurance options for small, medium-sized firms The Ohio Chamber in action An Official Publication of The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Chamber employee spotlight Meet our board members Chamber expands issues to address

OHIO CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 2

The Ohio Chamber’s 124th Annual Speakers are being finalized and Meeting isn’t just one event; it’s will be announced soon. Local several events rolled into one day, chambers and their members where all of our members can come are encouraged to attend this to Columbus to hear a nationally free event. recognized speaker, network with ANNUAL MEETING SPONSORSHIPS other chamber members, recognize QUICK GLANCE the accomplishments of local The 124th Annual Meeting of the Sponsorship opportunities chambers and meet with members Ohio Chamber of Commerce is include an array of benefits, Ohio Chamber rolls out 124th of the Ohio House and Senate. at the Jo Ann Davidson Theatre from recognition in the program (formerly the Capitol Theatre) in to event registrations. For Annual Meeting. This year’s meeting is Tuesday, the Riffe Building, 77 S. High St. sponsorship information, May 2, in downtown Columbus, The event starts at 3:30 p.m. with contact Ashley Brown at Local chambers encouraged with events scheduled for our the welcoming of a new president [email protected] or to attend board members, our local chamber of the board of directors and (614) 228-4201. members and our company election of new board members. Chamber Day free; Annual Meeting members and their employees. REGISTRATION That will be followed immediately and Legislative Reception $100 by our keynote speaker, Lou Holtz, Registration is available online

BOARD MEETING a former college and NFL football through our Member Portal at The members of the board of coach, retired ESPN commentator, www.ohiochamber.com or by directors will start the day at author and motivational speaker. clicking on Annual Meeting & noon with a board meeting at the (See separate story.) Holtz will talk Legislative Reception under pricing is available for local Ohio Chamber of Commerce. about being a world-class leader in Upcoming Events on the website. chambers of commerce and their The members will have a working life, and his speech will be followed Registration cost for the Annual members for all three events — lunch as they proceed through by awards presentations by the Meeting and the Legislative Chamber Day, Annual Meeting and the meeting agenda. The meeting Chamber Action Alliance. Reception is $100. Special group the Legislative Reception. will end at approximately 2:30 p.m. so that the members can attend LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION the Annual Meeting. (Registration Immediately following the required.) Annual Meeting is the Legislative Reception at the Sheraton Hotel CHAMBER DAY CHAMBER DAY, Columbus. Everyone who attended AT THE CAPITOL the Annual Meeting is invited, Chamber Day at the Capitol is a ANNUAL MEETING AND as are all members of the Ohio special event for local chambers General Assembly. This is a great LEGISLATIVE UPDATE SCHEDULE and their members held prior to the opportunity to talk to other Ohio Ohio Chamber’s Annual Meeting. Chamber members and elected Chamber Day is 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at officials. The reception includes the Sheraton Hotel Columbus, 75 Noon – Board meeting at Ohio Chamber headquarters heavy hors d’oeuvres and an E. State St., within easy walking for members of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Board open bar. distance to the Annual Meeting. of Directors 1 p.m. – Chamber Day at the Capitol at the Sheraton Hotel Columbus for local chambers of commerce and their members 3:30 p.m. – Annual Meeting with keynote speaker Lou Holtz at the Jo Ann Davidson Theatre in the Riffe Building (same location as last year) 5:30 p.m. – Legislative Reception for all Annual Meeting attendees and members of the Ohio General Assembly at the Sheraton Hotel Columbus

WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 1 You work to develop committed employees. We all work to see better outcomes. We’ll provide the resources to get you there. We’re All for Ohio.

Working with some of Ohio’s best human resources attorneys, the Ohio Chamber built the HR Academy to help our members and the larger business community stay updated on important local and national HR issues. We continue to see strong participation in the program, garnering up to 200 participants per webinar, selling hundreds of HR Manuals and enjoying active engagement in our HR Symposium series. We are proud to offer this homegrown effort that brings together Ohio expertise and leadership.

We have many more webinars and symposiums scheduled for this year.

For more information, contact Michelle Donovan at [email protected] or (614) 228-4201.

Visit our website at www.hracademyohio.com. GET INFORMED.

ANNUAL MEETING KEYNOTE SPEAKER LOU HOLTZ

QUICK GLANCE COACHING CAREER tenure, he achieved a record of Holtz is the only coach in the 100-30-2, positioning him alongside Lou Holtz: history of college football to: Fighting Irish coaching legends. • Take six different teams to a After his departure from Notre Best known as at Dame following the 1996 season, he joined CBS Sports’ College • Win five bowl games with Football Today for two seasons as Owns career record of 243-127-7 different teams an analyst and worked with United • Have four different college teams States Filter as a customer relations New York Times best-selling author ranked in the final Top 20 poll spokesman. In 1999, he returned to the game as head coach at the Although he never inherited a University of South Carolina for Holtz has built “If what you did winning team, his 243-127-7 career six seasons until his retirement record ranked him third in victories in 2004. a reputation as a yesterday seems big, among active coaches and eighth in winning percentage, while his 12 Holtz was elected to the 2008 class motivator, a demanding then you haven’t done career postseason bowl victories of the College Football Hall of Fame, ranked him fifth on the all-time list. placing him in an elite group of disciplinarian and anything today.” just over 800 individuals who have In November 1985, he became the earned this distinction. someone who relishes Lou Holtz 27th head coach of the University of Notre Dame’s football program, ESPN ANALYST challenges and Louis Leo Holtz grew up in following two seasons at the Holtz served as a college football East Liverpool, Ohio, just up the (1984-85), studio analyst on ESPN from hard work. Ohio River from his birthplace seven at the 2004 to 2015 and has appeared of Follansbee, West Virginia. (1977-83), four at North Carolina on ESPNEWS, ESPN College relishes challenges and hard work. State (1972-75) and three at GameDay programs and After graduating from East William & Mary (1969-71). He spent SportsCenter, as well as served AUTHOR Liverpool High School, Holtz the 1976 season as head coach of the as an on-site analyst for college Holtz has authored three New attended , in the NFL. football games. York Times best-selling books. where he earned a bachelor of “The Fighting Spirit” chronicled science degree in history, played Before becoming head coach at SPEAKER Notre Dame’s 1988 championship linebacker on the football team William & Mary in 1969, Holtz Holtz speaks about overcoming season, and “Winning Everyday: A for two seasons and served as a served as an assistant coach at seemingly impossible challenges Game Plan For Success,” has been member of the Reserve Officer Iowa, William & Mary, Connecticut, by setting goals and working published in several languages. His Training Corps and as a first South Carolina and The Ohio State to achieve them, and is today most recent book is “Wins, Losses lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After University, where the Buckeyes won considered among the greatest and Lessons,” an autobiography. the national championship in 1968 speaking legends in America. graduating in 1959, he attended He has also produced three highly the University of Iowa, where he in his one season on staff. When speaking, he uses humor acclaimed motivational videos, earned a master’s degree in arts and to get his point across. One of his Do Right, Do Right II and If Enough education in 1961. With all of his coaching experience, he is best known for his work at the more famous quotes is, “Don’t tell People Care. His latest video is Do Right 20 Years Later. A popular graduation speaker, University of Notre Dame. It was your problems to people: 80 percent the Fighting Irish that gave him don’t care, and the other 20 percent he has received 14 honorary Holtz has been married to his only national championship are glad you have them.” doctorate degrees, and his career Beth Barcus of East Liverpool achievements were honored in 1998 in 1988, with a record 23-game Holtz has built a reputation for 56 years. They are the parents with the opening of The Lou Holtz winning streak that is the longest in as a motivator, a demanding of four children and live in Hall of Fame n East Liverpool. Notre Dame history. In his 11-year disciplinarian and someone who Orlando, Florida.

By Lt. Governor Mary Taylor WISDOM: COMMON SENSE IN AN UNCOMMON DEGREE Common sense isn’t as common as In the six years since and complete a business impact its name implies, something that is analysis to support the contention especially true in government. its creation, CSI has that the impact on business is necessary to protect the health Six years have passed since Gov. reviewed more than and safety of our citizens, without John Kasich and I came into office having a detrimental impact on with a mandate from the people 10,000 rules; of those, business operations and hiring. to make Ohio a more jobs-friendly state. That was a time when Ohio 61 percent have been To sustain CSI after our time in faced significant challenges, our office, my team engaged a broad economy was in free fall, families changed or eliminated. group of stakeholders and took and communities were struggling their suggestions to the legislature and small businesses were unable were strangling business and jobs to pass a bipartisan bill, SB2 of to grow and create jobs. We worked growth, we created the Common the 129th General Assembly. to turn Ohio into a destination for Sense initiative, or CSI, to reform The result provided CSI with small businesses, their employees, business investment, a place where the rule-making process and the sustained authority to make environmental advocates, laborers decision-makers could invest eliminate outdated regulations. top-to-bottom improvements in and industry associations — to and grow. We require regulators to work state government’s rule-making Continued on page 4 with stakeholders at the earliest processes. We continue to work Understanding that regulations point in the rule-making process with stakeholders — large and

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 BUILDING OHIO’S WISDOM: COMMON SENSE IN AN UNCOMMON DEGREE FUTURE WORKFORCE What to expect from the state, and how it will impact your business

In September 2016, Gov. John R. Kasich challenged his Executive Workforce Board to find ways to prepare and continuously retrain Ohioans of all ages for the jobs of today and tomorrow. The board (Photo by Jack Kustron.) Jack by (Photo includes individuals from across Ohio, representing business, education, nonprofit and labor, as well as state legislators. Kasich charged the board with Gov. John Kasich meets with members identifying the most prominent of his Executive Workforce Board at their January meeting. workforce challenges and shape our CSI program in a way that best serves Ohioans. The results recommending solutions to ensure prove we’re having a real impact. Ohio’s businesses have access to a of technological advancement. skilled and productive workforce. TEACHERS WILL ENGAGE IN In the six years since its creation, CSI has reviewed more than 10,000 Recognizing the rapid, massive ON-SITE JOB SHADOWING rules; of those, 61 percent have been changed or eliminated. And and often disruptive technological OPPORTUNITIES WITH for the second year in a row, state government introduced fewer advancement occurring in Ohio and business-impacting rules. Applying common sense helps to ensure BUSINESSES. across the nation, the board met a As part of their state licensure renewal that unnecessary red tape does not burden Ohioans and prevent number of times in 2016 to identify job creators from hiring more Ohio workers or investing in their and professional development solutions that are scalable, impactful, plans, all licensed K-12 teachers businesses. I believe in a government that is efficient, effective and backed by data and budget-neutral. accountable to the hard-working taxpayers in Ohio. will engage in on-site job shadowing The result is the “Building Ohio’s opportunities with local businesses. Future Workforce Report,” which But CSI is much more than a rulemaking process, as it represents a This will give teachers another option was presented to the governor at the change in culture and a new way for state government agencies to think to complete continuing education board’s December meeting with its about their regulatory role and its impact on businesses on a daily requirements and allow them to recommendations. basis. Our goal is to help solve problems when a business, or an entire further articulate to students what industry, is running into barriers created by government. At the meeting, the governor career options are available locally, said he was determined to not what those look like and how to For example, we recently worked with a printing press business in let the board’s work sit on a shelf. prepare for and pursue those jobs. Southern Ohio that experienced an incident that destroyed a pollution Keeping the momentum going, the Why this matters: Statewide, the control device. Given the volatility of the emissions, the company was governor included many of those Office of Workforce Transformation required to cease operations immediately, and replacing the control recommendations in his proposed hears from businesses and educators equipment would take approximately three weeks. FY18-19 Executive Biennial Budget. that graduating students are Those not in the budget will be convinced they have to move away to Our goal is to help solve problems when a included in the Governor’s Office of find a job. This program is one way to Workforce Transformation’s 2017 expose teachers and students to the business, or an entire industry, is running into Strategic Plan and implemented excellent opportunities that exist in by work groups made up of leading their communities. barriers created by government. stakeholders, state staff and subject matter experts. PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS WILL BE ALIGNED The owners expressed concern that a shutdown of this length would The efforts of the Governor’s Office WITH OHIO’S COLLEGE CREDIT jeopardize significant contracts and could potentially cost the company of Workforce Transformation and PLUS PROGRAM. millions of dollars. After stabilizing the situation and ensuring that Governor’s Executive Workforce High school students will be able the environment was protected, Ohio EPA immediately began working Board are driven by the needs to receive college credit for the with CSI and the business to identify a way to safely keep the company of business. As a reflection, completion of an approved pre- open until it could install the new equipment. Ohio EPA suggested an the underlying theme of the apprenticeship program, in addition alternative ink with a reduced emission level, and after exploring this recommendations is to better connect to high school credit, an industry- option, the company determined it would work. As a result, it was able businesses with educators to ensure recognized credential and a paycheck. to continue operations, with minimal downtime from the incident. Ohioans are receiving the preparation Why this matters: Historically, pre- necessary to be job-ready once they I am proud of the progress we have made, but there is more work apprenticeships were stigmatized enter the workforce. The following as an “alternative to college.” to be done. Ohio is well positioned to be a leader in innovation and are highlights from the board’s technology, whether we are preparing for the future of transportation This initiative will help students recommendations that will impact prepare for careers in the skilled technology and autonomous vehicles, or the expansion of drone business owners. capability beyond the line of site of the operator. trades and reinforce the idea that career technical education and LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS college education are not mutually CSI will be at the table using common sense as we lead the way. WILL APPOINT THREE exclusive, but rather a logical (and NONVOTING EX-OFFICIO more convenient) pathway to gainful BUSINESSPEOPLE ON EACH employment. SCHOOL BOARD. This is a call to action for the The above recommendations business community. By bringing represent only a small portion of the businesspeople to the table with state’s efforts in 2017 to transform educators, we can ensure that both workforce and meet the hiring needs groups have a better understanding of of businesses. The Governor’s Office the skills needed for local in-demand of Workforce Transformation and jobs and how this may be reflected Governor’s Executive Workforce in school programs to better prepare Board encourage the Ohio Chamber students for local opportunities. of Commerce and its membership to Why this matters: Better read the recommendations, which communication between businesses can be found at www.workforce.ohio. and educators will ensure gov/board, and to speak to your state communities are better prepared legislators about the importance of to equip students with skills needed to workforce initiatives to you, your succeed locally and at the speed business and your community.

4 SHARE SUCCESS.

NOVEMBER BALLOT ISSUE IS UNWORKABLE Expert study reviews proposal to appear on 2017 Ohio statewide ballot

A proposed law to change how the state of Ohio purchases prescription drugs will appear on the statewide ballot in November 2017. An expert report from Vorys Health Care Advisors (VHCA) and Health Management Associates (HMA) analyzed the proposal and concluded it would be difficult, if not impossible, to implement it. The proposed initiated statute prohibits the state from entering into contracts where the net cost of a prescription drug purchased by the state is more than the lowest price paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The proposal would dramatically change the current purchasing procedures followed by the state and would effectively terminate existing The impact on those who are covered by the proposal could be negative; the rebates and discounts. proposal could actually increase prescription drugs costs for the state because it would invalidate many existing drug discount agreements that the state has “There would be little to nothing to be gained under the act,” says Maureen negotiated for the impacted programs. Invalidating these agreements could Corcoran, president of VHCA and former Ohio Medicaid director. “Instead, also result in patients and providers having to go through a cumbersome prior the state could see increased costs in administrative functions in an effort approval process before receiving medicines, potentially delaying treatment or to comply, while at the same time losing valuable supplemental rebate even resulting in a denial of coverage for needed medicines. arrangements currently in place with drug manufacturers.” For the approximately 7 million Ohioans who use private insurance or other The VHCA and HMA report indicates the proposal is vague, with no clear coverage, including veterans and their families who receive their health care definitions necessary for implementation. In addition, the proposed statute is through the VA, the proposal would likely increase costs. According to the benchmarked to the VA, which is a closed system that does not reveal drug- VHCA and HMA report, it is conceivable that prices for nontargeted entities pricing agreements or extend its processes to other public systems. would go up, and equally conceivable that those increases could be passed along For business, the proposal attempts to impose government price controls on to consumers in the form of higher prescription drug costs. the private sector, which would set a bad precedent for the economy and could Because it is highly unlikely that the proposed statute could be implemented stifle future investments in Ohio’s bioscience research sector. by the state departments and programs that directly or indirectly purchase DEFEATED IN CALIFORNIA AND OPPOSED pharmaceutical products, Ohioans could also experience increased costs BY BUSINESS GROUPS through administrative burdens and potential lawsuits should the proposal A nearly identical version of the drug-purchasing proposal, Proposition pass and state officials be compelled to enact it. 61, appeared on the November 2016 statewide ballot in California. Prop CONCLUSIONS 61, defeated by voters 53.2 percent to 46.8 percent, was opposed by 200 The experts who analyzed the proposal came to the following conclusions. organizations representing doctors, veterans, patient groups, labor unions, business organizations and more. Every major newspaper editorial board • The vague proposal makes it unlikely that the proposed statute could urged Californians to vote no on Prop 61 because, they argued, it would be implemented. be virtually impossible to implement and could actually raise, not lower, prescription drug costs. • The proposed statute would likely fail to reduce prescription drug costs for the state programs it covers and could actually increase costs and reduce California business organizations opposing Prop 61 included the California patient access to needed medicines. Chamber of Commerce, the California Business Roundtable, the California • It is likely the proposed statute would increase prescription drug costs Manufacturers & Technology Association and a number of local chambers for veterans and their families and those who have private insurance and and business groups. Business leaders were concerned with potential for other coverage. price controls on other industries, additional government bureaucracy and litigation in the attempt to implement it, and the potential to curb life science • State agencies would need to take extreme measures in an attempt to comply research and development. with the mandate, which could also result in higher drug costs and limits on the availability of medicines for impacted individuals. THE PROPONENTS The California-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) authored the Access and download the report at http://www.voryshcadvisors.com/ proposal and initiated it in Ohio and California. AHF is a billion-dollar, global files/2016/09/2016-9-27-Report-OH-Drug-Price-Initiated-Statute.pdf. operation that offers pharmacy and clinical services, and that manages HMOs in certain areas. ABOUT THE REPORT The authors of this report were commissioned by the Pharmaceutical IMPACT ON OHIOANS AND VETERANS Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) to conduct an independent, The proposed statute would apply to state programs that serve people in Ohio, objective analysis of the likely impact of the proposed statute on the state and including those on Medicaid, in state retirement programs and in certain the people of Ohio. The analysis was generated following reviews of existing programs operated by the state, such as prisoners and the Ohio Bureau of policy, comparative analysis and a series of interviews with Ohio state Workers’ Compensation, among others. agency officials.

By Angela Hayden, partner, BGD Law RESOLVING CO-WORKER CONFLICT THROUGH MEDIATION

Conflict is a part of daily life. But disputes may achieve the desired Bob and Jim have reached an GETTING STARTED as an employer, what do you do result — resolving the conflict impasse and are refusing to work Once you have determined that when conflict among co-workers in a way that satisfies affected together. The project is very mediation may be appropriate, threatens to diminish the quality employees. important to the company, and how do you go about it? In some of the work being done, as well as the skills of both Bob and Jim instances, another employee can overall productivity? The wrong Consider the following scenario: are required to complete it. Here, facilitate mediation, provided thing is to let the conflict fester and Bob and Jim are working on a mediation could be very beneficial that person has been properly hope it goes away. It can also be project together. Bob feels like he in that it will allow both sides to trained in mediation techniques. harmful to decide the “right” result is doing all of the work and Jim improve their communication, However, the person facilitating and force that on the employees is doing far less and taking all the decrease the tension and hopefully the mediation should not be the without input or buy-in from the credit for the work product. Jim come to a mutually agreed-upon one with ultimate decision-making affected employees. believes the tasks he has taken on, resolution to their conflict. As a authority regarding the continued while smaller in number, are far company that values the work of employment of either Bob or Jim, So what should you do? In many more challenging than the multiple, both Bob and Jim, it is in its interest situations, mediation of co-worker easier tasks taken on by Bob. to facilitate this potential resolution. Continued on page 6

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 HEALTH INSURANCE RESOLVING CO-WORKER CONFLICT THROUGH MEDIATION OPTIONS FOR SMALL, as the feuding co-workers will be more concerned with winning than presenting an honest picture of the conflict and their interests in resolving MEDIUM-SIZED FIRMS it. If there is nobody within the company who is appropriate, consider using an outside mediator. Throughout 2017, we are offering REFERENCE-BASED PRICING No matter who the mediator is, the goal is to come to an agreed-upon a series of health plan webinars Reference-based pricing (RBP), resolution that both parties can live with. The underlying concepts of this with information on savings also called value-based payments, type of mediation are to have the parties develop an understanding of the opportunities for small to medium- is a unique method of funding other side’s position, to let the parties own the conflict and the resolution, sized business. These webinars will a health care plan in that it is a and to promote thinking beyond the conflict. provide information on small group bottom-up methodology rather self-funding options including level than the traditional top-down PPO Skilled mediators use a variety of techniques to facilitate resolution, and funding plans and reference-based model. Using our familiar PPO ultimately, the mediator should provide an opportunity for both sides to pricing. network model, the provider will be heard fully and to identify their interests. This can be done in a joint invoice a plan for treatments and/ meeting, in separate caucus-type meetings, or in a mixture of joint and Self-funding health coverage or procedures. The claim is repriced caucus meetings. was once only an option for large according to the PPO contract, and companies, but many carriers are now some percentage discount, or allowed Once the parties’ interests have been identified, the mediator can facilitate offering modified self-funded plans amount, is ultimately settled on as brainstorming resolutions that may serve both parties’ interests. The key designed for small groups, some as payment in full for the provider. Costs to this process is that both parties are there voluntarily and feel a sense of small as fewer than 10 employees. for the same procedure can vary from ownership of the resolution. As a result, use of self-funding in the facility to facility based on what their small group market has increased specific billed charge amount is for approximately 19 percent in the past that procedure. Mediation of co-worker disputes may achieve two years, according to an Employee the desired result — resolving the conflict in a Benefit Research Institute report. A reference-based model starts by establishing prevailing prices for way that satisfies affected employees. LEVEL FUNDING medical services using objective and Level funding plans offer savings to normative third-party data such as companies with average or better Medicare rates. A payment amount, Not all mediation attempts will be successful, of course. At that point, claims experience, and there are or allowed amount, will be calculated the company must weigh its options among letting one or both of the no unexpected or hidden costs. from that base rate, for example employees go, separating the employees, or simply living with the conflict. Companies receive premium 150 percent of Medicare rates. The Such a decision should be made in consultation with the company’s legal amounts for each coverage type, and RBP model is a step toward a more counsel, as each decision carries its own risks. that is the limit of cost, regardless of defined contribution health care plan, claims experience. In addition, in a in which companies can dictate a Further, not all employee disputes are appropriate for mediation, and year with fewer claims, unused claims forcing mediation in inappropriate situations can expose the company specific cost structure. Reference- dollars are returned to your company based prices can be applied to to greater risk. If either party does not wish to participate in mediation, or can be used to offset premium the process will not work. And in instances involving threats of violence, specific treatments or procedures, increases. Level funding looks and or can be spread over the entire plan. encouraging mediation could expose the company to liability for failing to feels like a fully insured plan, with protect an employee from an unsafe work environment. These plans are fairly new in Ohio, added features and benefits such as and interested employers should Similarly, in cases of sexual harassment, company-level mediation may not access to clinical and financial claims understand all of the benefits and be appropriate;1 once made aware of sexual harassment in the workplace, a data and the possibility of dollars potential pitfalls before making a company has the duty to protect its employees from the harassment. Thus being returned. decision. requiring an employee to mediate a harassment complaint against another PREFERRED PROVIDER In the coming weeks, the Ohio employee could expose the company to liability for failing to protect the ORGANIZATION OPTIONS complaining employee. As a result, the decision to attempt mediation of Chamber will offer free webinars Level funding plans can utilize major on our self-insurance health plan co-worker disputes should be made in consultation with the company’s carrier networks or national leased legal counsel. program. We are confident that networks, so employees have access this program can help businesses Overall, mediation of co-worker disputes should generally be considered to many providers and facilities decrease health care costs while by employers as an efficient way to resolve disputes that are detracting while utilizing the cost savings providing employees with adequate from the work performance of valued employees. associated with Preferred Provider coverage. Companies that currently Organizations (PPO). Many major work with insurance brokers are also Angela Hayden is a partner with BGD Law. Reach her at (513) 322-1900 or carriers offer level funded options, as welcome to participate. [email protected]. do third-party administrators (TPA) that lease carrier networks. Through For more information on this health 1 Mediation between the company and the complaining employee may very well be appropriate once the complaining employee has threatened to, or has initiated, an EEOC complaint or a lawsuit. our program, the Ohio Chamber is insurance program, contact Laz able to quote multiple options, with Picciano at (614) 629-0926 or various networks to choose from. [email protected].

26TH ANNUAL 12TH ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY AND OHIO EMPLOYEE HEALTH & 2017 ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY WELLNESS CONFERENCE & HEALTH CONFERENCE Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the SEMINARS Tuesday, March 21, and Wednesday, Embassy Suites March 22, at the Duke Energy Center Columbus Airport PRESENTED BY in downtown Cincinnati THE MANUFACTURERS’ For more information on these 27TH ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COUNCIL seminars, including registration PERMITTING IN OHIO CONFERENCE AND THE OHIO CHAMBER information, visit Wednesday, July 19, and Thursday, www.mecseminars.com. OF COMMERCE July 20, at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North

6 STAY CONNECTED.

2. HEALTH INSURANCE THE OHIO CHAMBER IN ACTION OPTIONS FOR SMALL, 1. 1. Chamber Choice Breakfast: Some of our Chamber Choice candidates MEDIUM-SIZED FIRMS came to our headquarters in February to discuss our legislative priorities. (left to right) Rep. Kyle Koehler, Rep. Jeff Rezabek, Rep. Steven Arndt, Sen. Stephanie Kunze and Vice President of Government Affairs Keith Lake. 4. 2. Tax Conference: Ohio Chamber Chairman of the Board Tom Zaino 3. opens the MEC Tax Conference.

3. Committee: Many of our committees met in January and February to discuss the Chamber’s legislative priorities.

4. Member Portal: Jen Osburn, Director of Finance & Administration, teaches members how to use our new Member Portal.

OHIO CHAMBER MEET OUR EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: BOARD MEMBERS Jeff McClain, director, Tax & Economic Policy

One of the most recent additions to our team, Jeff McClain joined the Ohio Chamber staff in October 2016. He previously served as Ohio state representative for the 87th District (2009–2016) and Wyandot County auditor (1982–2008). McClain We are introducing a new feature We value their contributions received his BBA-Accounting degree that profiles members of our board greatly as an advocate for business. from Tiffin University. of directors. Our first profile is of McClain and his wife, Barb, are Stewart Fletcher, vice president of How has serving on the board proud of their three adult children operations and general manager of helped you or your company? and their spouses, Riordan and Heritage Thermal Services in I was honored to be asked to serve Sarah McClain, Mallory and Chad East Liverpool, Ohio. on the chamber’s board of directors. Guined and Mackenzie and Matt Our company has a deep tradition What does your company do? Wysong. They are also blessed with of actively participating in business seven grandchildren, Norah, Harlow, Heritage Thermal Services and community organizations that Hudson, Makaria, Fiona, Arwen provides advanced, make a positive difference. The and Vienna. environmentally friendly Ohio Chamber certainly is one of incineration services for those organizations. Do you have any pets? organizations of all types that Yes, a yellow Labrador Retriever named Reesie generate hazardous wastes. How long have you been on the board? Where did you grow up? How does your company impact My service on the chamber’s board I was born and raised (and still reside) in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Ohio’s economy/benefit the began late in 2016. I look forward Who is your hero? I have two, my dad and John Wayne. Ohio business community? to working with other members What do you do when you’re not working? We help protect Ohio’s of the board as we promote jobs, I spend time with my grandchildren. environment by responsibly opportunity and progress for managing environmental liabilities Ohio’s economy. What is your favorite quote? for private and public sector “People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they organizations. Manufacturing and What are some of the latest will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou service industries of all stripes goals/objectives of your What two books do you consider a must read for everyone? can focus on their businesses, company? “The Bible” and “In the Grip of Grace,” by Max Lucado confident that we are nearby with Safety, compliance and service are solutions for their environmental our key performance indicators. Where is your favorite place to dine out? compliance needs. Monitoring, measuring and then The Steer Barn in Upper Sandusky What is your role? implementing improvements, no Where is your favorite place to vacation? matter how small, are constants Whitefish Falls, Ontario, Canada I am responsible for all operations for us. at the facility, which operates Name three of your favorite sports teams. 24/7 and provides good jobs for How has the Ohio Chamber The Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds and whatever 172 employees. helped your company achieve team my children and/or grandchildren are playing on those goals/objectives? What do you hope to gain from What are your career highlights? Membership in the Ohio Chamber Being a good husband, dad and grandpa your membership with the Ohio Chamber? offers a distinct opportunity for us to build and grow our As director, Tax & Economic Policy, Jeff McClain is responsible for The Ohio Chamber of Commerce business through the array of all Tax Committee activities at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. is a strong voice for business on services and support programs Contact him at [email protected] or call (614) 228-4201. topics ranging from changes with that are available. The chamber View his professional profile on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter at OSHA rules to taxation to health is a valued partner as we execute @JeffMcClainOhio. insurance to environmental affairs. our business strategy.

WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 7 CHAMBER EXPANDS ISSUES TO ADDRESS

As the advocate for Ohio’s businesses, explore the role the Ohio Chamber can advocated for employers’ rights to you will often hear us talk about play in helping to solve this statewide prohibit weapons on their property. “affordable health care,” “a balanced crisis. We have learned that drug usage We continue to believe that allowing and predictable judicial system,” or — whether it’s abusing prescription employers and private property owners “a competitive tax climate.” When drugs or using street drugs — is having a to prohibit weapons and firearms on addressing issues that impact business, major impact on Ohio’s workforce and their property is essential to their we follow our mission: “As the state’s our state. We’ve heard from employers private property rights and ability to leading business advocate and resource, who can’t hire much-needed employees provide a safe workplace for employees the Ohio Chamber of Commerce because they can’t pass drug tests, and and customers. As the effective date for aggressively champions free enterprise, from employers whose employees or the law approaches, we will be providing economic competitiveness and growth their family members are dealing with information to business owners as to for the benefits of all Ohioans.” drug addiction. what they need to do regarding updating company policies. While we won’t stop advocating for the As of this printing, the task force has issues above, we have been increasingly met three times and has heard from And in December, Gov. John Kasich aware that we need to be involved in a people in the mental health arena, those released a report on preparing and broader spectrum of issues – such as who deal with treatment and those continuously retraining Ohioans of all the opioid epidemic, guns on business who help curtail the distribution and ages for the jobs of today and tomorrow. property and the integration of usage of prescription and street drugs. The highlights of that report are in workforce training in K-12 education The task force has charged us to look this issue. As the year progresses, our – because these “new” issues directly at compiling an employer tool kit to Education and Workforce Committee impact the workplace and workforce. provide educational information to will be looking at ways in which the Ohio’s employers on topics from how Ohio Chamber can play a role in future Ohio leads the nation in drug overdose to recognize drug addiction to how to workforce training. deaths, with 3,050 in 2015. We also lead curtail the use of opiates by injured the nation in opioid overdoses, with the So while these issues may at one time workers. You will be hearing more highest number of deaths resulting from have been seen as “social” issues, they about this soon. synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and do affect employers. These issues can carfentanil, and had the most heroin In other news, during the lame duck impact the economic competitiveness deaths. These numbers are putting a session, the General Assembly passed and growth of Ohio businesses and thus strain on local law enforcement, the — and the governor signed — Senate deserve all of our attention, just as any medical profession, social service Bill 199, which allows employees to of our traditional issues do. agencies and even Ohio employers. keep locked guns in their cars while parked on their employer’s property. This summer, after much discussion, Since concealed carry was passed in the Ohio Chamber’s board of directors Ohio in 2003, the Ohio Chamber has decided to form an Opioid Task Force to

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OHIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING & LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION MAY 2, 2017

FEATURING RETIRED FOOTBALL COACH, #ALLFOROHIO FORMER ESPN COMMENTATOR AND AUTHOR LOU HOLTZ

Register online soon at www.ohiochamber.com then click on Annual Meeting.

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