OHIOCHAMBER.COM

MARCH / APRIL 2019

GET INFORMED. 1 Daymond John 2019’s Annual Meeting keynote speaker Legislative priorities for the 133rd General Assembly Nominees play a part in Annual Meeting

SHARE SUCCESS. 4 The wave of website ADA legislation Four key insights about ADA accommodations for employers The rise of a new drug(s) of choice Ohio EPA offers business assistance Ohio’s Common Sense Initiative

STAY CONNECTED. 6 Chamber hires three An Official Publication of The Ohio Chamber of Commerce B&B Music expands its reach Member News New Members

DAYMOND JOHN 2019 ANNUAL MEETING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

This year’s Ohio Chamber Annual he was tapped by lauded television Cuba, which represented Meeting & Legislative Reception producer Mark Burnett to join the the first time a sitting will feature Daymond John, star of cast of a new business-reality concept, U.S. president had visited ABC’s Shark Tank. Daymond will Shark Tank. Now, after nine seasons, the island since Calvin participate in a fireside chat facilitated four Emmy Awards, multiple Critic’s Coolidge in 1928. by Ohio Chamber member Linda Choice Awards and millions of dollars Hondros and will talk about building in investments, the show has become One of Daymond’s proudest his company FUBU. He will also one of the most successful business accomplishments is his provide his business expertise to three reality series of all time. Over the continued fight against companies selected from local chamber course of the series, Daymond has dyslexia. He has worked nominations. These companies will been a mainstay of the cast of Sharks with the Yale Center for have three minutes to give a business and is now affectionately referred to as Dyslexia and he sits on the advisory board of Understood.org. He pitch (on stage), and Daymond will “The People’s Shark.” CHAMBER DAY, ANNUAL provide a critique of the pitches. has embraced his dyslexia, allowing it Resolved to share his hard-learned to be a catalyst for his career as a public MEETING AND LEGISLATIVE From his wildly successful role lessons — from major successes and speaker and author. RECEPTION SCHEDULE on ABC’s smash hit Shark Tank, failures — Daymond has written As a dynamic speaker with more Noon Board meeting at the Ohio to his distinguished status as a four books. While his previous Chamber headquarters Presidential Ambassador for Global books, “Display of Power” and “The than 25 years of proven business experience, Daymond has become for members of the Ohio Entrepreneurship, Daymond has Brand Within,” were national best- Chamber of Commerce’s one of the most highly sought-after become globally recognized for his sellers, “The Power of Broke” (2016) Board of Directors relentless commitment to promoting and “Rise And Grind: Outperform, speakers in the country. He regularly 1 p.m. Chamber Day at the Capitol and supporting entrepreneurs. Outwork and Outhustle Your Way to speaks at Fortune 100 companies, conferences, universities and for local chambers and their He initially made his mark as the a More Successful and Rewarding members entrepreneur and branding expert Life” (2018) are the only New York independent businesses. Whether behind the groundbreaking lifestyle Times best-selling books from any of he’s speaking about entrepreneurship, 3:30 p.m. Annual Meeting, with brand FUBU, which has eclipsed the Sharks. marketing and branding, financial keynote speaker Daymond more than $6 billion in global retail literacy or goal-setting strategies, John of Shark Tank at the Jo Ann Davidson Theatre in the sales. From the streets of Hollis, Beyond the brands, the television his high-energy presentations give Riffe Building Queens, New York, he started a global series and the books, Daymond’s audiences relatable advice and movement from the basement of his commitment to entrepreneurship practical takeaways. Daymond 5 p.m. Legislative Reception for all mother’s house by capitalizing on has been celebrated on a global has delivered keynote speeches Annual Meeting attendees the then-fledgling hip-hop culture. level. In 2015, he was named a for organizations such as General and members of the Ohio FUBU was a key development for the Presidential Ambassador for Global Mills, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung, General Assembly at the streetwear market, which today is a Entrepreneurship and was part of an AT&T, Yale, Georgia State University, Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square $20 billion industry. exclusive group that joined President Purdue University and dozens more. Barack Obama at the Global Since then, Daymond has continued Entrepreneur Summit in Kenya. The recipient of more than 35 to challenge himself and the business In March 2016, he accompanied awards, including the Brandweek world in which he operates. In 2009, the president on his historic trip to Marketer of the Year and Ernst & Infusionsoft and has worked with Young’s Master Entrepreneur Of Muhammad Ali, the Kardashians, The Year, Daymond serves as CEO Pitbull, Stan Lee, Carlos Santana, of the brand consultancy The Shark Jillian Michaels and others. Group, which specializes in brand strategy and development, artist To register, go to www.ohiochamber. relations and talent development. com and click on the Annual Meeting Under his leadership, The Shark link in the center of the page. The cost Group has rewritten the script on to attend is $100 for Ohio Chamber how companies, brands and products members and $150 for nonmembers. can seamlessly work together to Registrations must be received yield a sum greater than their parts. by May 1, 2019. Registration The Shark Group works with a wide includes Annual Meeting and the range of businesses and brands, Legislative Reception. Sponsorship including Capital One, HSN, Forbes, opportunities are also available, and Miller Lite, Gillette, Shopify and a form is included in this issue.

WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 1 You’re creating jobs to strengthen your community. We’re creating policy to strengthen free enterprise. We’re All for Ohio.

At the beginning of each legislative session, we develop a list of Public Policy Priorities that make it clear to legislators what Ohio employers expect from them. All members and members of the General Assembly receive this publication so that we are all on the same page. The priorities that comprise this member-driven agenda underscore and emphasize the Ohio Chamber’s mission to “aggressively champion free enterprise, economic competitiveness and growth for the benefit of all Ohioans.” These priorities will guide our work for the next two years. GET INFORMED.

By Keith Lake, Vice President, Government Affairs LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 133RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

As is typical when Ohio goes through Beyond the required work on the a transition from one governor to the transportation budget and the state’s next, the new two-year session of the operating budget, the legislature has its Ohio legislature has gotten off to a own priorities. Senate President Larry rather slow start. Nonetheless, activity Obhof, of Medina, has categorized two is beginning to pick up. issues in particular as Senate priorities: Reforming drug sentences and cutting In late February, Gov. Mike DeWine state regulations. Specifically, he said unveiled his two-year transportation he’s interested in looking at sentences budget, which contains a proposed for minor drug crimes and reducing 18 cent increase in the state’s Motor some penalties, and cutting regulations Fuel Use Tax, better known as the that can interfere with business gas tax. The increase would be operations by as much as a third. effective July 1, 2019. The governor made this recommendation after New Speaker of the House Larry learning that the Ohio Department of Householder has said his goals Transportation will run out of money include reshaping the school funding for new projects and fall behind on formula, restoring prior cuts to the regular maintenance and preservation Local Government Fund and exploring of existing roads without additional whether to provide financial support new revenue. The projected shortfall for Ohio’s two struggling nuclear plants, is approximately $1 billion annually. which are scheduled to close beginning The Ohio Chamber supports efforts to in 2020. On education funding, he ensure adequate and reliable funding wants to bring about a more equitable for Ohio’s transportation system and and easily understood funding formula is carefully considering the governor’s for K-12 education that doesn’t rely so recommendations. heavily on property taxes. Work on the transportation budget Senate Democrats have been less by the Ohio General Assembly must specific, declaring that they have “a 1. Education & Workforce be completed by March 31, by which singular priority this General Assembly 2. Energy & Environment Our priorities represent time it will also have the governor’s — ensuring that every bill that passes proposal for how to fund the state’s puts workers first.” House Democrats, 3. Health Care an ambitious agenda of other operations for the next two who did not formally choose Rep. 4. Labor & Employment years. Most of the subsequent Emilia Sykes, of Akron, as the new changes that must be legislative attention during the minority leader until early February, 5. Legal Reform made to create a more first half of 2019 will be focused on have not yet shared a formal agenda. producing this new two-year budget. 6. Public Affairs competitive and business- This is typical in an odd-numbered In addition, the Ohio Chamber has our 7. Small Business year, as the state’s current fiscal year own list of priority items to pursue. At friendly environment. the beginning of each new legislative ends at midnight on June 30. 8. Taxes session, the Ohio Chamber develops a The DeWine administration is list of Public Policy Priorities in order 9. Workers’ Compensation likely to seek additional resources to make it clear what Ohio employers In recent years, working with state for priorities set forth during the expect from their state legislators. Our Taken together, our priorities lawmakers, the Ohio Chamber campaign, specifically early childhood Public Policy Priorities were released represent an ambitious agenda of advocated for and helped achieve development programs, overcoming in late February, and a copy was mailed changes that must be made to create numerous public policy victories that the drug problem and addressing to every Ohio Chamber member, as a more competitive and business- have contributed to improving the Lake Erie water quality concerns. well as to each member of the Ohio friendly environment. Among the state’s economy and enhancing Ohio’s While Gov. John Kasich — who made General Assembly. highest priorities are fixing our business climate. However, there’s lowering personal income tax rates broke and broken unemployment still more to accomplish, and the Ohio a key theme of his administration The Ohio Chamber strives to be a compensation system, protecting Chamber will — as we have for the throughout his eight years in office — member-driven organization, and these businesses from the escalating past 125 years — remain a strong voice used each of his four budgets to push priorities were developed with input costs of energy efficiency mandates, for business at the Statehouse, focus for major tax policy changes, there are from business leaders like you through making health care more affordable policymakers’ attention on further none anticipated as part of DeWine’s our eight policy committees, and for employers and strengthening the strengthening our economy and budget package. unanimously approved by our board of talent pipeline so we can successfully encouraging job creation in order to directors in December. They focus on build the workforce for both today make Ohio an even better place to do nine issue areas. and tomorrow. business.

LOCAL CHAMBER NOMINEES TO PLAY A PART IN ANNUAL MEETING

Because we have Daymond John, Only three companies from those star of ABC’s Shark Tank, as our nominated will be selected. Those Annual Meeting keynote speaker, nominated will be given two free we wanted to create our own Shark tickets to attend our Chamber Day Tank experience. and Annual Meeting & Legislative For his keynote address, Daymond Reception. will do a fireside-type chat interview Nomination information was mailed with Ohio Chamber member and to the local chambers in late February former chairwoman of our board of and nominations must be received by directors Linda Hondros. He will talk the Ohio Chamber by Monday, April about how he took a business that he 22. If you have questions, contact started in Hollis, Queens, New York Ashley Brown at (614) 228-4201 or and turned it into a $6 billion retail [email protected]. giant — FUBU. Then we have allowed That’s where the local chambers come years, as we are focusing on businesses time in the program for him to give in. We are asking local chambers to in the incubation stage. Leadership We think this interesting twist to our his professional business advice — on nominate a company that they feel will give a three-minute business pitch Annual Meeting will be exciting for stage — to three Ohio companies that is worthy of Daymond’s business about their company to Daymond on participants and attendees alike, as are just starting out. It’s our version of expertise. The companies should have stage, in front of attendees, and he will everyone can benefit for Daymond’s Shark Tank. been in business no longer than three provide free business advice. business acumen.

WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 3 MARCH/APRIL 2019

By Sam Lillard, partner, Fisher Phillips By Susan C. Rodgers, Employment & Labor Practice Group, Doolittle & Burroughs LLC FROM DRIVE-BY FOUR KEY INSIGHTS ABOUT ADA ACCOMMODATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS TO SURF-BY A recent Federal Americans employers must also train supervisors with Disabilities Act (ADA) case and managers to recognize when an The wave of website ADA litigation highlighted some of the most frequent employee has provided notice of the need continues to swell for businesses issues that employers have regarding for help because of a medical condition ADA compliance. This case, heard and what steps to take to initiate and before a federal judge, provides carry out the interactive process. guidance on what practices should be implemented to prevent or help Commendable effort to defend against ADA claims. accommodate Second, based on the Turcotte decision, In the case of Turcotte v. Comcast Comcast was able to demonstrate Cable Communications Management, commendable efforts to accommodate LCC, a New Hampshire federal judge Turcotte. Comcast’s efforts included dismissed the lawsuit of former providing leaves of absence, training, employee Brenda Turcotte, who retraining and conducting an extended claimed that Comcast violated the internal job search for a vacant position ADA when it did not accommodate to which she could be reassigned. her disability. Turcotte alleged that she suffered from a social phobia that Guidance. An employer should have prevented her from fielding a high representatives who understand the volume of incoming calls, which was an complexities of the interactive process essential part of her dispatch position. so that efforts are undertaken and documented in order to demonstrate Businesses in Ohio — and across the been derisively named “ADA drive-by Because she could not perform the ADA compliance and defend against a United States — increasingly are litigation,” because in some cases, the dispatch position, Turcotte asserted claim of failure to accommodate. experiencing lawsuits filed by plaintiffs plaintiff needed only to drive by the that as an accommodation, Comcast who do little more than surf the business to observe the deficiency. should have reassigned her to one Importance of essential internet in search of websites that are of nearly a dozen other positions job functions not compliant with the Americans with Today, a large amount of business is she applied for and claimed she was Third, as part of the interactive process Disabilities Act. The primary claim conducted online, without the need for qualified to perform. and internal job search, Comcast in these lawsuits is that the websites an individual to leave home. With this lawfully did not consider Turcotte are not accessible to individuals with change, website-accessibility cases To succeed on a “failure to qualified for vacant positions, which sight or hearing disabilities. In 2018, have evolved from drive-by to surf- accommodate a disability” claim, an had an essential function of taking a nearly 2,000 more of these website- by litigation. Many people with sight employee must establish the following high volume of inbound calls. accessibility cases were filed than in or hearing disabilities use computer three things. programs and other technology in 2017, and most expect this upward 1. She was disabled within the Guidance. The Turcotte case illustrates order to access online and business trend to continue in 2019. meaning of the ADA. the importance of an employer being website content. A typical program able to identify the essential functions The ADA is a sweeping civil rights will convert photos and text to speech 2. She was qualified to perform of jobs, both the employee’s existing act protecting people with disabilities for those with visual impairments and the essential functions of either position and positions that the from discrimination in employment, closed captioning of online music and her existing position or another employee may claim reassignment government services, transportation, video content for the deaf. To permit available position, with or without to is a reasonable accommodation. telecommunications and commercial this, business websites should include reasonable accommodation. Employers should be proactive and make facilities. Title III of the ADA and its embedded code to provide this extra 3. The employer knew of her sure their handbooks, job descriptions, regulations apply to places of public online information. disability and did not reasonably advertisement and other employment accommodation, which include accommodate it. documentation accurately reflect what businesses, commercial facilities and While the ADA and its regulations THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ADA the essential functions of the position other private entities offering services have not adopted a specific INTERACTIVE PROCESS are before receiving any request for to the general public. The ADA accessibility standard, the World Wide The Turcotte case shows the importance accommodation. Understanding the requires private businesses to remove Web Consortium has created Web a court can place on an employer’s ADA essential functions of positions will barriers to access and make reasonable Content Accessibility Guidelines interactive process. Although the ADA facilitate an effective interactive process. modifications to their services so (WCAG) 2.0, which is now the de facto standard for most website developers. does not dictate a specific interactive that the goods, services, privileges or Breakdown of the In 2016, New York City became the process that must be followed by activities provided by places of public interactive process first major municipality to require employers, courts seem to favor accommodation are equally accessible employers that undertake a good faith Fourth, in the Turcotte case, the to people with disabilities. the use of WCAG 2.0 or a successor standard for all of its government and meaningful interactive process. court found that Turcotte’s refusal Businesses also must comply with an websites. It is also the standard used The Turcotte case gives guidance of key to sign a medical release form, which extensive set of detailed regulations by federal agencies. aspects of the interactive process. Comcast reasonably requested to and guidance relating to nearly obtain information regarding her work Establish an interactive process everything, including, but not limited In the private sector, businesses that restriction, caused a breakdown in the to, the number of handicap parking do not provide web content that also Have a well-established process of interactive process. Because Turcotte spaces, Braille signage, accessible is accessible to the blind, deaf or other which the employees are aware, how was responsible for the breakdown, bathrooms, door width, counter persons with disabilities are now at risk they can alert an employer when the the court found that Comcast was height, pool lifts and, yes, even in this rising tide of new ADA litigation interactive process has been triggered permitted not to consider her for the websites. While there are extensive from online plaintiffs. Businesses that and what accommodations must be reassignment she claimed would be an regulations and guidelines for ADA use noncompliant websites are very considered as part of that process. accommodation. compliance, perhaps surprisingly, easy to identify by a growing army of An employer’s duty to accommodate Guidance. Both an employer and an there is no government agency that plaintiffs and their counsel. a disability is triggered when it is on notice that the employee is seeking an employee have a duty to participate in handles accessibility issues. Instead, However, there is some good news. accommodation. Although no special the interactive process in good faith. If the ADA allows individuals to bring To avoid this risk, compliance words are required, an employee must an employee breaks down the process, lawsuits to enforce compliance. is relatively easy. A number of provide an employer with sufficient it can prevent an employer from being Successful plaintiffs in these cases professional online services provide notice of a condition and of the liable under the ADA. Courts have found can be awarded their attorney fees, ADA website compliance checks causal link between the restriction that an employee who refuses to comply which has resulted in a lucrative legal and fixes for a relatively low cost. resulting from the claimed disability with an employer’s lawful request for industry for attorneys who often file Regardless, it is critical for businesses and the accommodation being sought. medical information regarding the hundreds of website-accessibility to take time to review and test their In the Turcotte case, Comcast had disability or accommodation can be cases each year. websites, particularly with regard established a process for employees found to have frustrated the interactive to accessibility by individuals with During the past decade or two, who sought accommodation to use process. An employer should expect an sight- and hearing-related disabilities. businesses became quite familiar with and of which Turcotte was aware. The employee to comply with reasonable By initiating these precautionary similar ADA lawsuits over a failure to court found that Turcotte failed to requests for information and participate measures, businesses can avoid comply with architectural guidelines utilize the accommodation process in the interactive process in good faith. becoming a part of this booming related to handicap parking, ramps, when she applied for five positions she litigation wave. bathrooms, pool and spa lifts and other claimed should have been reassigned Susan C. Rodgers is the Employment & Labor Practice Group Chair at the physical features. In these cases, in Sam Lillard is a partner in the to her. Her failure resulted in those business law firm of Buckingham, order to bring a lawsuit, the plaintiff Columbus office of Fisher Phillips. He claims being dismissed. Doolittle & Burroughs LLC. Reach generally must at least visit the may be reached at (614) 453-7612 or Guidance. Although a policy and her at (330) 258-6552 or srodgers@ business and actually encounter the [email protected]. barriers to access. These cases have process will assist in ADA compliance, bdblaw.com.

4 SHARE SUCCESS.

By Susan C. Rodgers, Employment & Labor Practice Group, Doolittle & Burroughs LLC By Dee Mason, Founder and CEO, Working Partners FOUR KEY INSIGHTS ABOUT ADA THE RISE OF OEPA’S OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS A NEW DRUG(S) ASSISTANCE AND POLLUTION PREVENTION PROVIDES SERVICES TO BUSINESSES OF CHOICE Many businesses hear “Ohio EPA” and Pollution Prevention (P2) Employers beware, and keep your cringe at the thought of a regulatory Assessments. Being sustainable drug-free workplace program agency coming to visit their facility; could actually save your company operations broad-focused and vigilant. they think they’re going to have to spend money. A P2 assessment provides As the headlines, government and a lot of money and jump through hoops on-site assistance to businesses by community efforts have sharply to achieve environmental compliance. reviewing their process operations focused on the devastation of opiates, these behaviors can last six to eight While it’s true that some businesses and identifying where changes can be semi-synthetics, heroine and fentanyl hours after taking the drug. Workplace are subject to several environmental made to reduce waste and associated (the opioid epidemic), other culprits safety can also be compromised for regulations, Ohio EPA’s Office of costs. They can also provide feedback are quietly taking a solid hold. much longer because of the immediate Compliance Assistance and Pollution on meeting corporate sustainability after-effects of meth use, including Prevention (OCAPP) has been working and environmental goals. Cocaine and methamphetamine are drowsiness and sleep deprivation. the second- and third-highest ranking on creating a more positive view of Encouraging Environmental drugs of abuse (marijuana is first), Users of cocaine can manifest poor or and interaction with the agency by Excellence (E3) Program. If your and each has multiple-year records impulsive decision making, frequent providing exemplary customer service company is already doing awesome of escalation. According to Quest mood swings, unusual excitement in several programs. Here are some environmentally friendly things, you Diagnostics, the leading provider of or euphoria, leaving the office ways your business may be able to should apply to be recognized for diagnostic testing services conducting frequently to use the bathroom or take participate in or take advantage of the your efforts. The E3 program has four approximately 10 million workplace phone calls, talking endlessly, often services that OCAPP provides. levels of recognition: Achievement, drug tests a year, these two substances about seemingly unrelated subjects, Free and confidential compliance Silver, Gold and Platinum. Visit our have gained major ground as the aggressiveness and paranoia. assistance. Are you worried that website at www.epa.state.oh.us/ocapp preferred drugs of choice showing up to see what benefits accompany each Whether these drugs are smoked, something your company is doing in workplace drug tests. level of excellence. snorted or injected, they each create might not be environmentally Quest documented that in 2016, a strong craving for their euphoric friendly? Are you a new business Recycling & Litter Prevention cocaine positive tests went to a effects. Because both act directly trying to sort through the legalese Grants. If you are a business, seven-year high, up 12 percent from on the central nervous system, of a permit you need? OCAPP’s community, local government or 2015 levels. And in 2017 to 2018, withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Compliance Assistance program nonprofit organization in Ohio, you it reported an additional 7 percent Medical researchers are feverishly has multimedia specialists in five could be eligible to apply for grant increase. Methamphetamine working on “cures” for meth or cocaine district offices who offer free and money to establish and implement increased 167 percent between 2013 addiction, but they have not developed confidential services such as site visits recycling, recycling market and 2017. What’s going on?! How is this a medication or vehicle that helps and assistance with reporting and development, litter prevention and happening under our noses, and why manage addiction as methadone does permitting needs of Ohio’s businesses. scrap tire recycling programs. This is aren’t we talking about it? for heroin addicts or suboxone does for Your local compliance assistance a highly competitive program, so be substance use disorder of opioids. specialist serves as a one-stop shop sure to bring your best project ideas Most of us haven’t even noticed meth for all your environmental regulation to the table. More information about and cocaine because the damage Throughout the years, there have needs and keeps you from being the grant program can be found at around the opioid problem is so lethal been other efforts to control the transferred around the agency phone RecycleOhio.gov. and the noise so loud. The death toll damage caused by these two drugs. For directory looking for answers. Recycling Directory. If your example, the government has enacted for 2017 due to cocaine was 14,446 Ohio Materials Marketplace. The company offers recycling services, get restrictions on pseudoephedrine, the and for meth 10,721. Yet the Centers Materials Marketplace is a free online added to Ohio EPA’s new Recycling main ingredient in the production for Disease Control and Prevention platform for Ohio businesses and Directory, which allows users to find of meth. Also, law enforcement and project the toll in 2017 alone for organizations to connect and find re- recycling opportunities close to them international treaties have worked to opioid-related deaths to be 60,322. And use and recycling solutions for waste by searching for the material they are limit the importation of cocaine, but opioid abuse knows no socioeconomic and byproduct materials. Since its looking to recycle. boundaries — virtually everyone has there are always avenues around such launch, the Materials Marketplace has For more information, contact the been touched by the opioid crisis. efforts. In fact, one contributing factor grown to over 900 members and has Office of Compliance Assistance and for meth coming back with such force helped save over $200,000 through However, in the workplace, Quest Pollution Prevention at (800) 329- is that Mexican cartels are obtaining virgin material substitution costs and shared that over the last five years, pseudoephedrine in mass quantities 7518 or visit our website at www.epa. we’ve seen a decline in the rate avoided landfill costs. Join today and from overseas suppliers, then “cooking” see what materials are waiting for you. state.oh.us/ocapp. of positive drug tests for opiates, it to create more potent meth than our semi-synthetic opiates and heroin. country has previously experienced. Although the counts of those dead and those needing treatment are still The bottom line is that there will astronomical, the workplace has always be a favorite drug-of-the- OHIO’S COMMON SENSE INITIATIVE apparently realized benefits from the day trying to wreak havoc on our workforces and workplaces. Once massive efforts to contain and control Are there rules or regulations that again, the mantra of Working Partners, opioid abuse, including laws to limit are hindering you from growing your “There is a single antidote that prescriptions, crack down on opioids business? Do you want to change Ohio’s workplaces can use to defend against being illegally diverted and trafficked, regulatory framework to help spur education of the public and much, any of these popular drugs and any innovation and job creation? The Ohio much more. that are coming down the pike with the next wave, and that’s to operate a Common Sense Initiative (CSI) needs your help. Another phenomenon that substance comprehensive, drug-free workplace CSI’s mission is to look at state regulations from the perspective of job creators misuse professionals talk about is program.” This practice will limit your in order to make Ohio a better place to do business. CSI is tasked with reviewing the cyclical swing a culture often exposure and manage your risk of Ohio’s regulatory system to eliminate excessive and duplicative regulations that demonstrates as it migrates to the these ever-pervasive corporate raiders. “next popular drug of abuse,” in this hinder job creation. case, moving from opioids, which are Working Partners, together with the While regulations play an important role in ensuring fair competition and painkillers creating relaxation and Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio protecting public health and safety, regulations also should facilitate economic Chamber Research Foundation and feelings of euphoria, to drugs that growth. Ohio’s regulatory process should be built on transparency, accountability Anthem BlueCross/BlueShield, has make the user feel more alert and and performance, and should hold state agencies accountable to those developed an employer’s opioid toolkit. stimulated, such as cocaine and meth. foundations as they develop and renew regulations that impact business. This may, in part, explain this swing A Dose of Reality for Employers is a from opioids to stimulants. free online toolkit to help employers Since the program was launched, CSI has reviewed nearly 15,000 state agency not only combat the opioid crisis regulations and has identified 60 percent of those regulations as potential With the prevalence of these drugs but also all drugs that come into the obstacles to job creation and economic growth. Those regulations were amended on the rise, it’s time for employers workplace. The toolkit can be accessed or rescinded thanks to more than 7,200 comments from businesses and other to take stock. There are safety on the Ohio Chamber’s website at stakeholders. The effect this public input had on changing Ohio’s regulatory risks to the workplace during and www.ohiochamber.com/opioid-toolkit. after use of these two drugs. The framework illustrates the ability of the CSI rule review process to engage behaviors of people who use meth Working Partners is a member of industry stakeholders in the development of more effective regulations. include carelessness, unreliability, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. It To subscribe to receive alerts from the agencies that affect your industry and be involvement in numerous accidents collaborates with businesses and a part of the conversation by submitting comments through the Business Impact communities to create behavioral that result in damage to equipment Analysis, go to our website at https://www.apps.das.ohio.gov/RegReform/enotify/ change in adults and ultimately or property or injury to themselves subscription.aspx. or others, inability to focus on the improve the quality of the workforce. details of routine duties or follow It can be reached at (614) 337-8200, You can also help identify areas where government hinders your ability to create directions, argumentative and taking or contact Dee Mason at dmason@ jobs by submitting your solutions to [email protected] or by calling risks with disregard to safety. All of workingpartners.com. (855) 821-8898.

WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 5 MARCH/APRIL 2019

CHAMBER HIRES THREE

The Ohio Chamber recently hired three Where is your favorite place to new employees, who took the time to dine out? answer questions about themselves so I love eating, so it really depends on you could get to know them. The first my mood. But I’d say the one place I’m is Justin Giaimo, who was hired as a always willing to go is Rooster’s. director of external relations. He most recently worked as an account sales Where is your favorite place to manager at Coventry, where he helped vacation? increase revenue for the company. His Anywhere warm with a beach Justin Giaimo Justin Zink Kevin Shimp diverse background more than prepares Name three of your favorite him to successfully work with Ohio sports teams. If you could have dinner with two Do you have pets? Chamber members. I’m really a Columbus guy — Buckeyes, people, living or dead, who would I have a cat named Nimbus. Giaimo’s favorite place in Ohio is Blue Jackets and Clipper’s. (I also like they be? Winston Churchill and President Where did you grow up? Columbus. He believes it’s an up-and- the Crew, but that’s four.) George H.W. Bush I grew up in Powell, Ohio. coming, exciting city to live in and Are you afraid of anything? loves the diversity of the people. He Not that I can think of off the top of my What do you think has been the What is your favorite part of also enjoys cooking and won the Ohio head. I used to be afraid of heights, but most significant change in society your job? Working in a beautiful office with Chamber’s staff chili cookoff. I spent two years painting houses, so I during your lifetime? incredible people who all believe got over that quickly. Technology and its impact, not only Do you have pets? in the way we communicate, but also in making Ohio a better place to do I have three lovable mutts — a lab mix, the way we behave and live our day- business Luna; a shepherd mix, Stannis; and a to-day lives The chamber also hired Justin Zink What do you do when you’re not Chihuahua mix, Gatsby. as a director of external relations. He Where is your favorite place to working? Where did you grow up? most recently worked as a partner at vacation? I’m golfing, skiing, or watching Netflix. In Rossford, Ohio, a small city outside JEZ Consulting, where he advised Key West What is your favorite quote? of Toledo that most people have driven political and corporate clients through Name three of your favorite “When in doubt, tell the truth.” through but have no idea it’s there. complex public relations, crisis – Mark Twain communications and media relations sports teams. What’s your favorite part of Browns, Cavs, Indians campaigns to ensure positive results. Where is your favorite place to your job? What is your favorite part of dine out? My coworkers. They have been very His favorite place in Ohio is First your job? Milestone 229 friendly and welcoming, which is very Energy Stadium (the Cleveland The people and the mission of the helpful when joining a new workplace. Browns’ stadium). He is a dedicated Ohio Chamber Where is your favorite place to Browns fan and enjoys going to games. vacation? What do you do when you’re not In his free time, he enjoys spending Are you afraid of anything? Charleston, South Carolina working? time with his friends and family. Heights I try to spend as much time with my Name three of your favorite wife and 6-month-old son as possible, Do you have pets? sports teams. especially with him as he continues to Yes, a nine-week-old Goldendoodle Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Finally, the chamber hired Kevin do new things almost daily. named Percy Browns and Cincinnati Reds Shimp as director of labor and legal Who is your hero? Where did you grow up? affairs. He previously worked for What is your career highlight? My dad. He taught me everything I Canton, Ohio (Jackson Township) state Sen. Jay Hottinger as his senior In 2016, I was the campaign manager know about being a good husband, legislative aide and for the Republican for Sen. Frank Hoagland, and we upset father and all-around decent, What three websites do you Senate Campaign Committee as incumbent Sen. Lou Gentile. hardworking person. visit most? deputy political director. Shimp also Tell us one thing that most people ESPN, Drudge Report and The has his Juris Doctorate degree from If we asked your family and close don’t know about you. Cleveland Plain Dealer Capital University Law School. friends to describe you in one word, As a child, I was on America’s Funniest what do you think they would say? Who is your hero? His favorite place in Ohio is Ohio Home Videos. Determined Both my parents Stadium; he’s a big Buckeyes fan and loves to go to games.

FINDING ANOTHER WAY B&B Music has expanded its reach to stay ahead of the curve B&B Music has a rich heritage that Brown says the ATM work is similar ATMs can also be a revenue generator dates back to an era when video arcade in some ways to the former model, for the owner of the facility in which the games were all the rage. Times change, but there are some very distinct machine is maintained. however, and the growth of mobile differences in how the new business technology led players to largely model functions. SEPARATION OF DUTIES abandon arcades for games they could The company is owned by Jordan’s play right in the palm of their hand. “You need a lot of checks and balances father, Evan, who serves as president, because you have a lot of cash going in and his uncle, Greg, vice president. “The money was decreasing so much, and out of the machines,” says Brown, Jordan’s brother, Brad, is the we had to find another product that who manages the company’s ATM fourth member of the leadership could serve the same people or go division. “Not only do you have to track team and handles most of the sales out of business,” says Jordan Brown, the cash, we need systems to hold our responsibilities. It’s a tight-knit bunch whose family has owned B&B Music staff accountable. The physical theft of — sometimes a little too much so. since 1957. “It was sad to see these machines is another big challenge. We games just sit in our warehouse, but operate in places where stores might “We’re all involved in managing this they didn’t really serve a purpose in not have the best security.” company, and often we struggle with our daily operation. If we had stayed separation of duties,” Jordan says. “We with it, we might not be here today.” B&B has taken steps to strengthen the all care so much, but it’s not always machines and make them harder to steal productive to be doing the same thing. A NEW BUSINESS MODEL or break into. Despite the difficulties That’s our biggest internal struggle.” In the past 15 years, B&B Music has involved, Brown says he and his family evolved from being solely an operator feel a sense of duty to continue serving The Browns have become more receptive over the years to organizational practices of coin-operated arcade games, pool a market that has provided them a “I like meeting people from different tables and claw machines. Today, 60 livelihood for so many years. that assign duties to individuals and ensure things get done. walks of life,” he says. “It’s a great percent of its revenue comes from a opportunity to learn about other division that supports and maintains “A lot of customers in urban areas don’t have access to banks,” Brown Brown is hopeful that he’ll learn even industries and both learn and share about 700 ATMs in the Greater more effective business practices ideas with other people. It’s a way Cleveland area; jukeboxes, video says. “We’re providing ATMs to people who might not have the ability through his involvement with the Ohio to get more involved in the Ohio games and air machines make up the Chamber of Commerce. business community.” other 40 percent. to drive to a bank.”

6 STAY CONNECTED.

MEMBER NEWS NEW

This year started off with two heavily MEMBERS attended educational programs Welcome new members to the Ohio developed by the Manufacturers’ Chamber of Commerce! These Education Council in conjunction companies joined the Ohio Chamber with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. between Dec. 19, 2018, and Feb. 21, In January, several of our members Former Ohio Tax Commissioner and current Ohio Chamber board 2019. Welcome! spoke at and many more attended the member Tom Zaino, current Ohio Tax Commissioner and former Ohio annual Ohio Tax Conference at the Chamber team member Jeff McClain, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Ohio 11th Hour Staffing Inc., Huber Heights Chamber President and CEO Andy Doehrel at the Ohio Tax Conference Hyatt Regency. This two-day event Boehringer Ingelheim, Dublin is the most all-encompassing tax conference in the state. resources certifications. Our first The free online employer toolkit C & N Contractors Inc., Springfield Lunch & Learn of the year will be includes a five-module course (13 to 16 Chadwell Coppus Technologies, • The Columbus Renaissance Hotel held in conjunction with the Fayette minutes per module), which gives an Fostoria was the location for this year’s Ohio County Chamber of Commerce on overview of the legal and operational Energy Conference, where again, Farmers Portable Service Inc., Thursday, March 21. The topic of issues an employer must consider Middlefield several of our members spoke and the program is Hot Topics for Small in dealing with an employee’s use of many more were in attendance. & Large Businesses, presented by opioids and other substances. The Harsh & Associates Financial Advisory attorneys Bill Wahoff and Michael modules include best practices that A Financial Advisory Practice of • Our educational programming Flowers, with Steptoe & Johnson. employers can use in their workplace, Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. continues in March with the 28th Jason S. Harsh, Toledo from how to implement a drug-free annual Sustainability & EHS The Lunch & Learn is at the Mahan workplace program, to crafting solid Holt Mechanical, Westerville Symposium. This event will take Building at the Fayette County workplace policies, to offering an place March 26-27 at the Sharonville Invotec Engineering Inc., Miamisburg Fairgrounds, with registration starting employee assistance program and much Convention Center in Cincinnati. at 11:30 a.m. and the program with more. Although each module contains Magellan Aerospace Middletown Inc., lunch starting at noon. The cost is Middletown • The 29th annual Environmental valuable information, it is not necessary $20 and reservations can be made by Permitting in Ohio Conference will that they be watched in order or in their Magog Consulting, Marble Cliff calling (740) 335-0761. take place July 24-25 at the Crowne entirety. Each module also has printable Ohio Vapor Trade Association (OHVTA), Place Columbus North. Watch your email for future Lunch resources that employers can use in the Gahanna & Learns and webinars. If you are workplace. Also included is the Dose of • The 14th annual Ohio Employee Smythe Cramer Co., Mayfield Heights interested in hosting a Lunch & Learn Reality for Employees, a similar online Health and Wellness Conference Stykemain Chevrolet Pontiac LLC, or presenting a webinar, contact training program specific to employees, is at the Embassy Suites Columbus Paulding Scott Colby at the Ohio Chamber of with a section for additional resources. Airport on Aug. 20. Commerce, (614) 228-4201. The toolkit can be found on the The Allison Group, Columbus For more information on these Ohio Chamber’s website at www. The Ottoville Mutual Telephone Co., DOSE OF REALITY FOR educational opportunities, go to ohiochamber.com/opioid-toolkit. It Ottoville EMPLOYERS www.mecseminars.com. is available to all companies in Ohio, Last March, the Ohio Chamber of Tincher’s Welding LLC, Harveysburg and we encourage everyone to use and HR ACADEMY WEBINARS AND Commerce Research Foundation, share the information. Turn Key Tunneling Inc. Columbus LUNCH & LEARNS with support from member companies Walnut Grove Country Club, Dayton Our HR Academy Webinars and Working Partners and Anthem For more information, please contact Lunch & Learns are great ways to BlueCross/BlueShield, launched A Julie Wagner Feasel, vice president Wolf Financial Group LLC, Canton learn about state and national human DOSE of Reality for EMPLOYERS: of communications for the Ohio resources laws and regulations while A Toolkit to Help Mitigate the Risks Chamber of Commerce, at (614) 228- also earning credits toward human Associated with Ohio’s Opioid Epidemic. 4201 or [email protected].

GET YOUR COMPANY NOTICED. SPONSOR!

This year’s event is on May 8 with keynote speaker Daymond John of ABC’s The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Shark Tank. If you work for, own or are an advocate for business, there are many 2019 Annual Meeting & Legislative Reception. sponsorship opportunities you may want to explore. Your support sends a strong signal that the business community stands united in working to maintain a positive Choose the sponsorship level right for you: business climate and excellent quality of life in Ohio.

REWARDS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Medallion Partner To sponsor the 2019 Annual Meeting & Legislative Full conference registrations 10 8 6 4 2 1 Reception, complete and Highlighted on the Ohio Chamber’s Web site ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ return the following: Recognition in conference materials ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ SPONSORSHIP LEVELS: Reserved seating for keynote address ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ (check one) Recognition in Ohio Chamber publications ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Platinum $10,000 Recognition on signs displayed during Annual Meeting ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Gold $6,000 Acknowledgment by program moderator ✓ ✓ ✓ Silver $4,000 Recognition in video presentation prior to keynote address ✓ ✓ Bronze $2,000 Recognition on signs displayed during Legislative Reception ✓ ✓ Medallion $1,000 Meet & Greet with keynote speaker - limit 2 people ✓ Partner $500

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PAYMENT OPTIONS: Name of Sponsoring Organization Check enclosed Invoice me

Contact Person Return completed form by mail or email to: Title Ashley Brown Ohio Chamber of Commerce Address 34 S. Third St. Ste 100 Columbus, OH 43215 City, State, Zip [email protected]

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WWW.OHIOCHAMBER.COM 7 STARTING OFF STRONG

As we move into spring, Ohio’s from three Ohio companies nominated resources that can be used to combat legislators “shower” us with proposed by local chambers of commerce. The the opioid crisis. Visit the website legislation, most of which we do not companies selected will have three at https://sharingsolutions.us. It want. By now you should have received minutes to pitch their business idea continues to be one of the most visited our Public Policy Priorities agenda. to Daymond, and he will then provide pages of our website. This piece outlines our legislative goals them with his business advice. It’s our for the current General Assembly. version of the hit show Shark Tank. We have several new staff members Our Annual Meeting starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Ohio Chamber, three of which I would like to thank the members of and will be held at the Jo Ann Davidson are profiled in this publication. Watch our eight policy committees and our Theatre in the Riffe Building. for more new staff profiles on our board of directors who contributed allforohio.com blog and future issues their voice in determining our Following the Annual Meeting is our of Ohio Matters. They all look forward priorities. These same committee ever-popular Legislative Reception for to serving our members and meeting members will weigh in on the all meeting attendees and members you at Ohio Chamber events. hundreds of bills that will be of the Ohio General Assembly. The introduced at the Ohio Statehouse reception will take place at the Finally, knowledge is power. Be sure by helping us determine which bills Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol to follow the Ohio Chamber on social we should support and which we Square. Again, we are offering special media for the latest information. Like shouldn’t, while advocating for a pro- Annual Meeting pricing for our us at Ohio Chamber of Commerce on jobs creation climate. members. To register, visit www. Facebook, follow us @OhioChamber ohiochamber.com and click on the on Twitter, follow us on LinkedIn at We have also opened registration Annual Meeting link in the center of Ohio Chamber, and yes, we are even on to our May 8 Annual Meeting & the website. Instagram at OhioChamber. Also, don’t Legislative Reception. This year’s forget our All for Ohio blog, where we event has a different twist, as keynote I am proud to report that our opioid post the latest Statehouse happenings speaker Daymond John — star of tool kit A Dose of Reality for Employers at www.allforohio.com. ABC’s Shark Tank — will do an on- has received national attention. Our stage “fireside chat,” led by former toolkit is included in the U.S. Chamber Ohio Chamber Chair of our Board of Commerce Foundation’s Sharing of Directors Linda Hondros. Then, Solutions website. This website Daymond will hear business pitches provides businesses with national

EDITORIAL POLICY POSTMASTER OHIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Articles written by guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the Please send address changes to 34 S. Third Street, Suite 100 Ohio Matters is published by position of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s position on Ohio Matters, Columbus, OH 43215 Convero key issues will be clearly stated. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce does Attn: Database Manager, 614.228.4201 • 800.622.1893 835 Sharon Drive, Suite 200 not necessarily endorse the products and services advertised in Ohio Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Fax 614.228.6403 Cleveland, OH 44145 Matters. Articles can be reproduced, but only with permission from, and 34 S. Third St., Suite 100 [email protected] 844-428-8844 • www.converoinc.com attribution given to, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. For authorization, Columbus, Ohio 43215 www.ohiochamber.com Sue Ostrowski, Managing Editor please contact Ohio Chamber Vice President of Communications Julie www.ohiobusinessvotes.com Amanda Horvath, Senior Graphic Designer Wagner Feasel at 614.228.4201. The Chamber reserves the right to FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT reject advertising based on content and does not accept advertising Julie Wagner Feasel Katie Janoch, Advertising Sales that is in conflict with a position of the Chamber. Vice President of Communications 440.250.7073 • [email protected] [email protected] Ohio Matters is a bimonthly publication for members of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Subscription cost is included with annual dues.

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Scott Colby #ALLFOROHIO 614.629.0913 | [email protected]

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