March/April Edition

Inside This Issue

Member Spotlight � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7

Ernie Dimalanta, Dimalanta Design Group

2015 Chamber Events � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8

Ribbon Cutting Spotlight � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9

Artis Senior Living of Mason

Ambassador of the Month � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9

Expert Panel - Yes! A Tax Refund� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10

Roger Cupp, CPA, Donohoo, Cupp & Associates

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Presenting the 2015 Circle of Champions Investors

©2015 Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of CommerceThe Navigator is published bi-monthly by the Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. Articles may be submitted to the Chamber Office, 316 W. Main Street, Mason, OH 45040. The Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to reject any advertisement or editorial; it does not make any representations as to opinion and facts concerning

advertising or editorials; it may edit for content and space. All rights reserved. For sponsorship & advertising information call Brooke Hiller at 513-336-0125 or email at [email protected]

Art Institute of Ohio - CincinnatiDeerfield Township

DeVry University

2015 Circle of Champions

Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce

The Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2015 Circle of Champions� Through investment in the growth and development of local business, the Chamber has the ability to create and provide programs, resources, products, services and events to foster

the growth and success of Mason-Deerfield’s thriving business community. By becoming a part of the Circle of Champions, member businesses become year-long sponsors of all Chamber programs and functions� To help increase exposure for our Circle members, the three-tiered circle

is placed on nearly all Chamber print and electronic pieces throughout the year� As we continue to build a thriving business community, we would like to congratulate the 2015 Circle of Champions for investing in the overall health of the community the Chamber serves� Thank you for

continuing to support all of the endeavors of the Chamber�

If you are interested in joining the 2015 Circle of Champions program, please contact Sherry Taylor at staylor@necchamber�org or 513-336-0125�

March 2015

www.necchamber.org 3

ContentsA bi-monthly publication of


phone: 513.336.0125fax: 513.398.6371e-mail: [email protected]: www.necchamber.org

VisionThe Chamber will be the catalyst organization that ensures Mason-Deerfield is a vibrant place to visit, live, and do business.

MissionTo advance the interests of business and make Mason-Deerfield, and our surrounding communities, a great place to live, work, visit, play, and invest.

ValuesVision: We will focus on a collaborative and cohesive approach to project our region to new heights.

Passion: We pursue our work with the highest level of enthusiasm, fueled by the strong commitment to our mission.

Excellence: We will provide leading quality to our members through high contact engagement, challenging ourselves to achieve greater results for our members, our community, and each other.

Family: We respect, trust, and support each other in an environment that embraces work-life balance.

Board of Directors and Staff � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �4

2015 Priority Outcomes � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �5

Annual Spring Luncheon Information � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �6

From The Desk of The Chair � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �7

Member Spotlight � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �7

Ernie Dimalanta, Dimalanta Design Group

2015 Chamber Events � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8

Ribbon Cutting Spotlight � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9

Artis Senior Living of Mason

Ambassador of the Month � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9

Janurary - Robert Mendelsohn, Attorney at Law

Februrary - David Scutt, Cruise Holidays of Mason

Expert Panel - Yes! A Tax Refund� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �10

Roger Cupp, CPA, Donohoo, Cupp & Associates

Community Basket Program Information � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �12

Lunch Before Leads Line Up � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �13

List of Committees � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �14

2015 BASH Information� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �15

Chamber 101 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �16

Healthcare Compliance Update � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �17

Three State Law Changes in Ohio

Welcome New Members � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �18

Advertisement Opportunities � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �18

Reinvested Members� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �19

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Courtney Allen Community Basket [email protected]

Krisie MabryMembership Engagement Officer

[email protected]

Board of Directors

Staff

Randy Kuvin, Chair Flagel Huber Flagel & Co

Dr� George Sehi, Chair Elect Warren County ESC

Chet Mastalerz, Past Chair Mastalerz Insurance Company

Arun Lai, Treasurer AXA Advisors

Dr. David Berring, Secretary Everybody’s Health

Tom Daskalakis West Chester Hospital

Nathan Decker HORAN

Mike Glen Miller-Valentine Group

Cathy Harbison Baysore’s Flower Shop

Scott Jones Graydon Head & Ritchey, LLP

Steve Morse AlphaGraphics

Brian OwensLindner Center of HOPE

David Yost Yost Pharmacy

Sherry TaylorPresident/CEO

[email protected]

Brooke Hiller Programs & Events Manager [email protected]

March 2015


Dear Valued Member,47 years have passed since a group of 7 citizens banded to form this organization. They saw Greater Mason as a city for potential growth and a leader of change and strength. We have come a very long way in 47 years. We are dense with talent, diverse in industries, and have the highest quality of life. Our goals include that as we grow and succeed, we do not lose our competitive spirit and innovative focus; that we talk about Greater Mason businesses and engage in one on one conversations with them to know how we connect them to their needs for success; that we tell our story in the public and on social media so that there is understanding of the truth of who we are.

The importance of connecting is the central role of a Chamber. That is why we are all here. We will strive to be the leader in the connection economy for this area, and we will operate with the highest level of professionalism and hospitality possible.

The Chamber embraces its role as an innovative agent of change. We encourage change that improves our quality of life. We instigate change that increases our competiveness. We value change that makes the Mason-Deerfield area a more attractive region for people to visit, live, and work.

Below are our three ongoing goals and objectives and how we plan to work for you this year. Nothing is more important than earning the continued trust of our investors, so please get involved let us know how we can help your business.

Regards,

Sherry TaylorPresident/CEO

2015 Priority Outcomes

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Presenting Sponsor- $2500 Two Available

Speaker Sponsor- $1500

Corporate Table Sponsor- $1000

Brand Sponsor- $500

Other Options

Sponsor name to be part of official title of event (“presented by”) Opportunity to staff a promotional table at the event

Sponsor logo to appear in all related print materials

Sponsor logo included on signage at registration table

Sponsor logo to appear on promotional event screens

Sponsor logo to appear in event program

Sponsor logo to appear in all electronic related materials

Sponsor logo to appear on event website and social media sites

Verbal recognition of sponsorship at the event

2 Tables of 10 with Prominent Seating

Full page feature in bi-monthly newsletter of choice

½ Page Program Ad

Opportunity to staff a promotional table at the event

Sponsor logo to appear in all related print materials

Sponsor logo included on signage at registration table


Sponsor logo to appear in event program


Sponsor logo to appear on event

website and social media sites

Verbal recognition of

sponsorship at the event


Sponsor logo to appear in event

program




Verbal recognition of sponsorship at the event

Table of 10 with prominent seating

Sponsor logo to appear in event

program




Table of 10 with Prominent Seating

½ page feature in bi-monthly newsletter of choice

¼ Page Program Ad

Verbal recognition of

sponsorship at the event

4 Tickets

Table- $450 Individual Ticket- $45

Table of 10

Annual Spring Luncheon Information

March 2015


From the Desk of The Chair

Member Spotlight Ernie Dimalanta, Dimalanta Design Group - 2014 Executive of the Year

Ernie Dimalanta, founder of Dimalanta Design Group, is a graduate from the University of Akron with a degree in Education, Ernie Dimalanta continued on and earned his Masters from Trinity University in Deerfield, Illinois. Dimalanta, also certified as a referral marketing consultant by the Referral Institute, has successfully developed and executed his own trademarked marketing methodology called, “Out-&-Out Marketing®.”

“The Chamber was integral to helping me begin to build my network in Cincinnati. When I first moved here from Cleveland in 2004, I didn’t know very many people and so the first place I turned to help me build my network was the Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. I’ve never regretted my decision. I not only established good professional relationships but I also developed good friendships. The support, encouragement, and business I’ve received over the years has helped me to grow my business to what it is today!”

You don’t have to listen too intently, nor look all that closely, to notice the accelerating economic activity in Mason, Deerfield Township, and the surrounding communities of Northeast Cincinnati - new corporate

headquarters, upscale multi-family and residential developments breaking ground, and flourishing restaurants and retail establishments. The momentum is there, and this region is poised to further establish itself as THE premier business community in Southwest Ohio.

But one thing stands in our way. We remain a community largely divided along political subdivision lines and parochial thought. When viewed from the outside, the City of Mason and Deerfield Township can each be accurately identified as a vibrant community with high per capita income, great schools, and solid infrastructure. Simply put…a great place

to live, work, play, shop, learn, AND operate a business. But there are a number of Greater Cincinnati communities that can boast the same.

The most successful businesses are those that can differentiate themselves from their competition. Likewise, for Mason and Deerfield to attract new investment and economic growth, we must be able to show how we are better than competing communities. When viewed as one unified region, the economic prowess of Mason-Deerfield is undeniable and unmatched.

That’s where we come in. The Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce is the ONLY organization dedicated solely to advancing the cause of businesses in the Mason-Deerfield region. Political subdivision lines mean nothing to us, because they mean nothing to you, our members. Our mission is to promote economic growth and activity, thereby enhancing our members’ opportunities for growth and profitability. That is best accomplished together.

I am proud to be serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors this year, leading an exceptional team of trustees’ dedicated to ensuring that this Chamber stays true to that mission. We are blessed to have an exceptional President, Sherry Taylor, passionately directing the organization in providing enhanced benefits and opportunities to our members. As the above quote succinctly puts it, success will take care of itself if we move forward together. We are excited at the opportunities that await all of us when we do just that.

Sincerely,

Randall S� Kuvin

Chairman, Board of Directors


“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” - Henry Ford

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2015 Chamber Events

EVENT

Ambassador Committee Meeting

Government Affairs Committee Meeting

Annual Awards Dinner

Chamber 101

Lunch Before Leads

Leads Exchange Meeting

Chamber Classic

Spring Event

Warren County Chamber Alliance Spring Event

Business And Social Hours (BASH)

OCCURRENCE

3rd Tuesday of Every Month

4:00 PM

TBD

November 5, 2015 5:30 PM

Monthly

February 24, April 28, June 23, August 25,

October 27

Every Wednesday11:30 AM

Every Wednesday 1:00 PM

August 3, 2015

May 21, 201511:30 AM 1:30 PM

April 8, 20158:00 AM

LOCATION DESCRIPTION

NECC Office316 W Main

Mason, Ohio 45040

TBD

Manor House Banquet and Conference Center

7440 Mason Montgomery RoadMason, Ohio 45040

Various Chamber Member Businesses that sign up

to host

Rotation of Chamber Member Restaurants

DeVry University8800 Governors Hill Drive

Cincinnati, Ohio 45249

Shaker Run Golf Club1320 Golf Club Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036

Manor House Banquet and Conference Center

7440 Mason Montgomery RoadMason, Ohio 45040

Miami Valley Gaming600 SR 63

Lebanon, Ohio 45036

NECC Office316 W Main

Mason, Ohio 45040

The Ambassador Committee meets once a month to go over member updates and provide feedback�

Stay connected with the happenings of the local government�

This signature event is centered around honoring leaders in the business community during a black-tie dinner�

BASH events are typically after hours and are a great opportunity for networking�

Chamber 101 is an orientation program that teaches members how to navigate their chamber membership� Open to new and existing members

Enjoy lunch and network with fellow Chamber members once a week at various member restaurant locations�

Network with 20-40 local businesses every Wednesday to share business information, leads, and referrals�

Enjoy a day out on the course followed by an awards ceremony� 20% of the raffle’s proceeds support the NECC’s Lou Eves Memorial Scholarship�

Join us for our Launch Luncheon, where we will discuss the direction of the NECC as well as learn about the importance of branding in business

Mr. Brian Beaulieu of ITR Economics will provide an outlook of the global, regional, and local economy�

March 2015


Ribbon Cutting Spotlight

Ambassador of the Month

The Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance were proud to welcome Artis Senior Living of Mason to the community on January 22, 2015�6200 Snider Road, Mason, OH 45040

Artis Senior Living is a 64 bed Dementia and Memory Care Assisted Living. Every aspect of their memory care community is designed with attention to the cognitive and physical limitations associated with memory loss and dementia to create a nurturing environment specifically tailored for the residents’ unique needs. For additional information, contact Jerry Craft at 513-299-7450.

“It is an honor to work with the Ambassadors who are a great group of dedicated individuals serving the NECC. I thoroughly enjoy meeting and speaking with the new businesses that have joined and (hopefully) help them navigate through the benefits of being a Chamber member.”

Robert Mendelsohn,Attorney at LawJanuary Ambassador of the Month

David Scutt, Cruise Holidays of MasonFebruary Ambassador of the Month

“I’ve been an NE Cincinnati Chamber Ambassador for a few years now, and I can testify that it’s a fantastic way to meet both new chamber members as well as continue a relationship with existing members. It’s been a positive experience that has helped me grow my business and also grow my business skills. I’d encourage any chamber member to look into Ambassador duties, I feel as if it can help you too!”

Artis Senior Living of Mason provides the finest level of memory care, comfort, and security�

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This is the time of year when we have the privilege of paying our respect to our government (Federal, State & Local) in the form of taxes. When the tax returns are completed and the bottom line

shows a refund, it seems that the correct answer has been obtained to one of the worst math problems ever! Is this really the correct answer, though?

Let’s look at a tax refund from a business perspective. Not having a tax liability is nice but managing the liability is key, especially for a small business. The amount of the tax refunded is the equivalent of an interest free loan to the taxing jurisdiction. The money could be used by the business during the year to help it become more profitable either by earning money on it or using it in operations. Refunds are also now

as they were finalized included both individual and business deductions. The individual tax items included the teacher classroom expense deduction, the state and local sales tax deduction, the tuition deduction, and the energy tax credit among others. Business returns were impacted by the extension of bonus depreciation and the increased Section 179 limits.

Donohoo, Cupp & Associates, CPAs offers a broad range of accounting, tax and valuation services for businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals. Our experienced team of professionals develop proactive strategies to meet our clients’ goals in a rapidly changing financial climate.

If you have questions or require assistance with your business in general, please contact the Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce or visit our website at www.donohoocpa.com. My email address is [email protected] and our office number is 513-576-6770.

Expert Panel

Roger Cupp, CPATax Manager

Yes! A Tax Refundtaking longer to process due to staff reductions and identity theft precautions. Each additional day is one more day it is not in the checking account working for you.

We also have to keep in mind that IRS requires taxes to be paid timely and not all at the time of filing the tax return. This may cause unnecessary expense in the form of penalties and interest. Quarterly estimates can be established at the proper level to keep IRS happy and not paying more money than necessary. Proper tax planning can also reduce the amount of overall tax due for any particular year.

Staying current with tax law changes is also important. The tax law for 2014 changed December 19, 2014, when some popular tax breaks were extended. The timing of this made planning extremely difficult because the changes were made retroactive to January 1. These restored breaks that expired almost as soon


BUSINESS EVENTSMeetings

Corporate RetreatsTraining SessionsAwards Banquets

SeminarsFund Raisers

Holiday Gatherings

OFFERINGCountry Club Setting

5 Star ServiceSuburban Convenience

On-site CateringComplimentary Parking

Audio Visual SupportWireless Internet

SOCIAL EVENTSWedding Receptions

BirthdaysAnniversary Celebrations

Rehearsal DinnersBar/Bat Mitzvahs

ReunionsSchool Festivities

Unmatched Flexibility • Culinary Variety • Numerous Hotels Nearby

Elegance with a Personal Touch!

MANOR HOUSEBanquet & Conference Center

513-459-0177 • www.manorhouseohio.com

Numerous Options:Manor House Elegance or Carriage House Rustic Ambiance

Multiple Rooms for Breakout AreasMeet & Eat Opportunities

Planning Support

11

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Community Basket Program InformationWhat is the Community Basket?The Community Basket, which isn’t actually a basket but a green, reusable, polypropylene tote bag, is a wonderful way to introduce your business to Mason and Deerfield’s newest residents. This “basket” is hand delivered to every new homeowner’s doorstep shortly after they move in to the Mason City Schools District by our Community Basket Representative, Courtney Allen. The Community Basket welcomes, on average, approximately 75 new residents to Mason each month, for a total of about 900 new residents each year! This basket includes informational brochures, promotional materials, coupons, and special deals EXCLUSIVELY from Northeast Cincinnati Chamber members.

This sounds great! How can I get involved?We are so glad you asked! To sign up for the Community Basket Program, call the NEC Chamber office at 513-336-0125 or sign up by e-mail at [email protected]. We will help you get settled into the program. The cost of participating in the Community Basket Program is ONLY $100 annually. Afterselecting the items that you would like to be placed in the Community Basket, drop them off at the NEC Chamber office, located at 316 W Main Street, Mason, Ohio 45040. From there, the Community Basket Represenative will pick the items up to be hand delivered to the doorsteps of all new homeowners in the Mason City School District. If you are unable to drop your items off, the Community Basket Representative is also able to pick them up from your office.

Wow! Count me in, but I need some help with deciding on materials. Who should I call?The NEC Chamber Community Basket Representative is Courtney Allen. She can be reached by phone at 513�319�1616 or e-mail at callen@necchamber�org and is more than happy to assist you with anything you need with the program. Thanks for welcoming our new residents and helping them find your business!

March 2015


Lunch Before Leads Line Up

March 25thDonatos

4200 G Aero Drive

Mason, OH 45040

April 1stRemezo Greek Cuisine

9956 Escort Drive

Mason, OH 45040

April 8thCarrabba’s Italian Grill

5152 Merten Drive

Mason, OH 45040

April 15thTroy’s Café

322 Reading Road

Mason, OH 45040

April 22ndCulver’s of Mason

5742 Tylersville

Mason, OH 45040

April 29thFricker’s

8850 Governors Hill Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45249

Enjoy lunch and network with fellow Chamber members once a week at various member restaurant locations�

Held Every Wednesday 11:30 AM

RSVPCall 513-336-0125, www.necchamber.org, or email [email protected].

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List of Committees

Government Affairs Committee Board Representative: Randy Kuvin, Flagel Huber Flagel

The Government Affairs Committee discusses and researches pertinent state, local and national issues to help the Chamber best represent views and opinions that are of interest to its membership. This committee suggests surveys the Chamber can send to its membership on matters at the state, local and federal levels. During election years, the committee sponsors discussions with candidates on pertinent matters. These and other matters are explored by this Committee.

If you are interested in participating in any of these committees, Contact The NECC Office at 513.336.0125 or visit [email protected].

Ambassador CommitteeBoard Representative: Mike Glen, Miller-Valentine Group

The purpose of the Ambassador Committee is to support and promote the overall goals of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. The five primary functions are promoting member participation, supporting the mission of recruiting and retaining Chamber membership, planning, implementing and participating in fundraising events, planning and hosting the Chamber annual meetings, and planning and facilitating ribbon cuttings, grand opening ceremonies, and after hour events for member businesses. Meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 4:00 PM at the NECC office.

Committee Members:Donna C. BanksDon BartonNate ByrumBonnie DenigBob FletcherMark FrederickSusannah LeitnerRobert MendelsohnAlka PanandikeAdrienne SchaadDavid ScuttDorothy StadelmannJessica Wittmer

Leads Exchange Steering CommitteeBoard Representative: Arun Lai, AXA Advisors

The Leads Exchange Steering Committee oversees the weekly Leads Exchange meeting. Members of the committee are in charge of keeping time during the 60 second commercials, and making sure there is a facilitator and a 5-minute presenter each week.

Committee Members:Vicki Hogue Sandy KuznofRebekah Leitner David Scutt

Women in Business Roundtable GroupBoard Representative: Dr. George Sehi, Warren County ESC

The Women in Business Roundtable Group is a group of Women leaders in the business community that meet once a month to discuss challenges that women in leadership roles face such as talent development opportunities, work life balance, pressure and expectations internally and externally, and finding a balance. They take these challenges and work to form leadership series and mentorship opportunities.

Committee Members:Kimberly CombsJan Edward Beth GulleyCathy Harbison Babara Hogan DeAnn Hurtado Kathy Kinane Dr. Gail Kist-Kline Tammy Laine Dr. Dana Lovell Cinda Morse Lynn Oswald Kim Sellers Karen Shadowens Pat SouthSherry Taylor Wendy L. Waters-Connell

March 2015


2015 BASHInformation

What is Business And Social Hours?Business And Social Hours (BASH) is an early evening networking event that takes place at your business. The purpose of a BASH is to provide a valuable business networking opportunity for your business as well as other Chamber members and to expose them to member business. A BASH is typically an unstructured networking event with no formal program or speaker.

What are the perks of hosting a BASH? Hosting a BASH is a huge marketing and networking opportunity for your business! By hosting a BASH, you can:

Business And Social Hourswww.necchamber.org 316 West Main Street Mason, Ohio 45040 513-336-0125

Host 40-60 Chamber members (potential clients) at your businessEducate Chamber members on where your business is locatedDisplay and/or distribute information and samples of your services and products to all the attendeesIntroduce yourself and give a brief explanation of your products and/or servicesAllow Chamber members to meet the people behind the names and logosProject a positive image of your company to the business communityMaximize your marketing funds by spending money on an event that draws potential clients INTO your business location!

How do I host one? This is your time to shine! You arrange all the details for the event, including:

Determining an optional themeHors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and beveragesPrinting and mailing the postcard invitations (Template provided by the Chamber)Securing and/or donating door prizesEvent set-up including renting any desired tables, linens, chairs, and decorations

What is the Chamber’s role? First and foremost, the Chamber is here to work as an advisor to make sure that the event is a success. Specifically for the event, the Chamber will:

Staff the registration table and provide name tags and door prize entry bowlProvide you with a list of Chamber member restaurants and caterersPromote your BASH on the Chamber website and weekly newsletterTake all advanced RSVPs

If you have comments or questions, please contact the Chamber office.

KPG Creative5155 Financial WayMason, Ohio 45040

Thursday, March 19th4:00 PM

ToursRefreshments Door Prize DrawingNCAA Basketball Tournament Viewing

April 23rdRay Depauli/Explosion Fitness

MayArtis Senior Living

JuneThe Beach Waterpark

JulyFox and Hound

Would you like to know more? Perks, how to host, the Chamber’s role and more? Please contact the Chamber office.

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Want to know how to get the most out of your Chamber membership? New and existing members are invited to attend a member orientation to learn how to

navigate the Chamber and build goals and strategies for your success.

Schedule 8:00 – 8:15 AMWelcome and OverviewErnie Dimalanta, CEO of Dimalanta Design Group 8:15 – 9:15 AMInformational Stations & NetworkingLearn more about what is included in your NECC membership

Stations include information on the Warren County Small Business Development Center, Warren County Chamber Alliance, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Dual Membership, Cost Savings Benefits, Annual Signature Events, BASH and Ribbon Cuttings, Leads Exchange, Lunch Before Leads, Various Committee Opportunities, The Compass, Online Directory, and The New Bimonthly Newsletter

9:15 – 9:30 AMClosing RemarksErnie Dimalanta, CEO of Dimalanta Design Group

*Get your business headshot taken by Nate Byrum of Historic Expressions Photography*

316 West Main Street

October 27thApril 28th June 23rd August 25th

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

RSVP: www.necchamber.com513.336.0125

March 2015


Three State Law Changes in Ohio While everyone is focusing on health care reform on the Federal level there have been three major changes on the state level in Ohio that impact employers sponsoring fully insured health plans.

1. The definition of full-time employee in the small group market in Ohio is changing from 25 hours per week to 30 hours per week. A small group employer under Ohio law is an employer with between 2 and 50 eligible employees during the previous calendar year. This change takes place for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. So if you are a small employer you will be able to exclude employees who work fewer than 30 hours per week from your group health plan. Note that this change does not constitute a “qualifying event” under COBRA, which means those employees (and their family members) that lose coverage because of the change will not be entitled to COBRA.

2. The definition of adult child in Ohio is up to age 28. The age is being lowered to age 26 for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The COBRA rules are less clear with respect to adult children who lose their health coverage because of this change.

3. The Ohio Department of Insurance has recently changed its position with respect to spousal carve outs. Previously the Ohio Department of Insurance took the position that employers could only implement a spousal surcharge. That is, the employer could charge more to cover spouses who had access to other group health plans but the employer could not exclude those spouses from the group health plan. The Ohio Department of Insurance will now allow employers to completely exclude the spouse if the spouse has access to another group health plan. It is important to note that the carrier has to approve the spousal carve out provision. In other words, you have to get your carrier to issue a policy that has the spousal carve out provision. The employer cannot implement a spousal carve out without the carrier’s prior approval.

The first two changes bring Ohio law into line with the Federal statute. That is, Federal law defines a full-time employee as one who works 30 hours per week and Federal law requires employers to offer coverage to a child up to age 26. So, again, the first two changes simply bring Ohio into line with the Federal rules. The third change allows employers that sponsor fully insured health plans the same opportunity to exclude spouses that employers with self-funded health plans have been doing for some time.

Healthcare Compliance Update

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