BusinessJournal

THE
The Regions Business Publication
June 2013

OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO

Nonresidential fixed investment in structures slips 0.3 percent in first quarter 2013
Investment in nonresidential structures actually declined in the quarter, a reflection of the fact that the nations recovery, to date, has been unable to support a sustained nonresidential construction recovery. ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. Summary Evidence that the nations economy is being fueled by consumer purchases, nonresidential fixed investment grew 2.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, with 3 percent growth in equipment and software investments partially offset by a 0.3 percent decrease in investment in structures, according to April 26 report by the Commerce Department on gross domestic product (GDP). In contrast, residential fixed investment increased 12.6 percent in the first quarter of 2013 following a 17.6 percent jump in the fourth quarter of 2012. Personal consumption expenditures advanced 3.2 percent in the first quarter with spending on goods increasing 3.3 percent and spending on services increasing 3.1 percent. The growth in real private inventories added 1 percentage point to GDP growth for the quarter after subtracting 1.5 percent from the fourth quarter. Federal government spending fell 8.4 percent in the first quarter with national defense spending dipping 11.5 percent and nondefense spending slipping 2 perSee FIXED INVESTMENT, page 8A

First quarter 2013 CBI declines 1.1 percent

NATIONS NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY REMAINS SPORADIC WASHINGTON, D.C. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) remained unchanged at 8 months from the third quarter through the fourth quarter of 2012; however, it is up 2.4 percent compared to a year ago. CBI is measured in months and reflects the amount of construction work under contract, but not yet completed by nonresidential contractors. As with the broader economic recovery, the rebound of the nations nonresidential construction industry remains sporadic and stymied by a myriad factors, including tight credit, heightened caution among private developers and public policymakers, and a still struggling global See CBI DECLINES, page 8A

INSIDE
Architecture Community Banking Elder Care Report on Van Wert 7A 4-5B 6B 7-11B

WWW.KBUILDINGS.COM
www.businessjrnl.com

1-800-758-0307

The Business Journal 405 N. Main St. Delphos, OH45833

PRSTD STD U.S. Postage PAID Delphos, OH Permit No. 21

Two great products one great company!

Two great products one great compan

Two great products one great company!

Findlay Center Relies On DSC DSCSurgery Provides Pick-up Service Service For Business for Medical, Rowmark Tapes Records
If something happened We have been working to our server, it would with the Document take us hours, ifCompany not days, for to get the Service over information back up, says five years, says Cheryl Scott Austermiller, IT Manager Cunningham, Administrator at Rowmark Inc., a Findlayof the Findlay Surgery based manufacturer plastic Center. I have to tellof you sheets for the display industry. that their customer service is As it is, if there is a problem, superior. I call Don and he is back at our plant in 15 minutes with a The Surgery Center opened backup tape. seven years ago, she explains, and we do 7,000 Don, is Don Thompson, outpatient surgeries per year. manager of Document We need to have access to Service Company, and he each those records, as visits of Scott at Rowmark once well as our business records. a week to pickup five backup tapes. Don then stores the tapes at theis DSC facility in All it takes a phone call. Findlay. The people at Document Services are very Rowmark was founded in responsive. They pull files Findlay about two decades immediately and get them ago. is a dynamic member to us.ItThey are pleasant, of the Findlay business well organized, and their community. customer service is superior. sitealso storage exceeds any She likesfar working with a calculated ROI. local company which has a solid reputation for support of Scott thinks it is important to community projects. deal with another communityminded local company, and, DSC also provides secure frankly, he likes the personal destruction for records after service he gets from Don they have been stored for Thompson. seven years and leaves is a guy with a positive attitude. It is great when you can do business with a person who genuinely cares about your company and the people there.

Take caution when a charity approaches

By Neil Winget, President Better Business Bureau serving West Central Ohio The nation has been hit with more than its share of natural and man-made disasters this year and as usual, the phony charity scavengers are not far behind. Given the recent storms in Oklahoma and other states and the tragic shooting incident in Connecticut, Americans want to help and are in a giving mood. The BBB advises caution when a charity approaches you for a donation. Businesses are usually prime targets for such requests. Here are some things to look out for when solicited for money from what I call reactionary charities. 1. Be cautious about giving online. That goes double if the solicitation comes via a spam message or a popup. Even if you find a website, this is no guarantee the charity is legitimate. In the wake of a disaster, these sites show up overnight. 2. Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Relying on social networking opinions or reviews can be problematic. Check with the BBBs Wise Giving Alliance at: www.give.org. 3. Dont believe all you hear about how much of your money goes to the victims of a disaster. If they say 100% will go to the victims, dont buy it. Any charity has costs in conducting a campaign. The BBB standard is at least 55% has to go to the cause. 4. Ask a lot of questions. Where are you located? Do you have a controlling body (board of directors, foundation, etc)? How much of my dollar goes to the cause? 5. Gifts other than money such as clothing, food, and other items, may not be a good idea. Well intentioned campaigns may ask for this, but in truth monetary gifts are more likely to be helpful. Giving and helping others is good, and Americans are very generous when it comes to giving a helping hand, but make sure it goes to the right people and place.

Committed Findlay Surgery to exceeding Committed Center your Relies On DSC to exceeding Service Foryour expectations
Medical, Busiexpectations ness Records

Intangible personal touch

If we dealt with an out-ofCustom service is superior town company, it would take hours, instead of minutes, to a tape when we need a retrieve document trail for our Making backup tapes it, he says. Don and his As a and medical facility, we are records. Their hammermill daily storing them offpeople are just a few minutes destruction process is better extremely about site is partconscious of our security away, and his service than shredding becauseis top compliance HIPAA procedure, with Scott explains. it notch. ensures that documents regulations concerning cannot be reconstructed. patient confidentiality. Many companies just DSC Then, there is an intangible send the tapes home with knows the regulations, personal touch. They provide us with very an employee, but therefor is follows the regulations service! Rowmark is an upbeat inherent and risk in that. The security, provides ustapes positive can be lost or destroyed. The company, says Scott, and with signed affidavits to that price benefit with DSC for off- Don is an upbeat guy. He effect.

A Division of Findlays Tall Timbers Distribution Center

I www.documentmanagementcompany.com I
1001 Lima Avenue

Findlay, Ohio

45840

419/422-3330

2A

TheBusinessJournal

June 2013

Findlay ranked second in top U.S. restaurant markets

Nielson Ratings Show Findlay Jumped From 99 to 2 in 2012 (FINDLAY, Ohio, May 6, 2013) In a recently released study by Nielson, the City of Findlay was ranked second in the United States in the Restaurant Growth Index (RGI), 2012 moving up from 99 and more than doubling its sales over 2011 figures. The RGI charts restaurant openings and sales to identify the nations hottest markets. Overall, the U.S. is experiencing increased competition in the restaurant industry. Nielsen tracked a $3.8 billion dip to $472.4 billion in total industry sales in 2012 and a surge in new restaurant openings 47,161. Large sales numbers posted in 2011 resulted in the increased number of openings last year; contributing to the current competitive market. The fact that Findlay has achieved such a high rating shows that our local restaurants are successful, and that we are a market ripe for continued dining growth. A Look at the Top 5 Markets: 1. Ocean Pines, Md., which includes the entire length of the states Atlantic coast, and is home to the popular vacation resort area of Ocean City. With a large influx of tourists, this market has very strong percapita restaurant sales, which is what drives the RGI score. 2. Findlay, Ohio, which has strong ties to the Toledo metropolitan area, saw its restaurant sales nearly double year-over-year. Nielsens Business Growth Index (BGI), which tracks changes in the number and size of all businesses over time, ranks this market in the top 10 nationally for overall economic growth. According to FindlayHancock County Economic Development Director, Anthony Iriti and Convention & Visitors Bureau Director, Angela Crist, much of that growth has come from recent corporate developments in the town, which is now home to Marathon Petroleum and a global tech center for Cooper Tire and Rubber Co., as 2013 RGI score. well as increased business travel and large How the Markets Were Ranked events. The RGI ranks both metro and micro 3. Liberal, Kan. saw its market more markets, where a metro area contains a core than doubled its restaurant sales from 2012. urban area of 50,000 or more population, Much like those in Findlay, businesses in and a micro area contains an urban core of Liberal have many openings, which, when at least 10,000 (but less than 50,000) popucoupled with a shortage of housing units, lation. Each metro or micro area consists of inspires visitors and temporary residents one or more counties encompassing the core to eat out more frequently. The success of urban area while integrating adjacent counLiberals semi-pro Bee Jays baseball team, ties that have a high degree of social and frequent national and state champions, also economic similarities. The RGI is designed draws to help restaurants screen markets and find more visitors to the area. attractive areas for expansion and growth. 4. Sevierville, Tenn. -Gateway to Smoky These market rankings represent underMountain Nation Park and last years #3 served areas that signal strong restaurant marketdropped to No. 4. The average sales relative to the national average. restaurant sales per person for the marThe RGI uses restaurant sales collected ket tipped $4,400 last year, but dropped to by the U.S. Census of Retail Trade and per roughly $3,600 per person this year, which capita income reported by the U.S. Census is still more than double the national aver- Bureau and updated by Nielsen. Restauage. rant location data comes by way of Nielsen 5. Boone, N.C., reached the fifth spot this through Infogroup. Sales figures conflate year, rising from No. 37 in 2012. Boone is visitors and residents of each market. So, Ferguson DAYTON BOL .25s.ai 1 11/14/12 9:21 AM a tourist destination, drawing 225,000 each smaller markets that are tourist destinations year. Its also home to Appalachian State with high transience and heavy thru traffic University, which has seen dramatic growth tend to index high. Market size should be in the last decade and ranks in the top 5 per- considered in addition to market rank in ascent for general business sessing opportunities for future restaurants. growth in Nielsens BGI. The influx of For more information and the 2013 RGI students and tourists helped drive up its Index, please visit http://www.nielsen.com.

of West Central Ohio

Volume 22, No. 6 Publisher: Donald R. Hemple Contributing Writers Jeffrey Gitomer Advertising: Donald R. Hemple
The Business Journal is mailed to the top business leaders in the 13-county region of West Central Ohio. Although information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. Information expressed in The Business Journal does not constitute a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any products. Copyright, The Business Journal of West Central Ohio, 2006, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission of editorial, photographic or other graphic content in any manner is prohibited. The Business Journal is published monthly at 405 N. Main St., Delphos, OH45833

Business Journal

THE

NEW MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES DESIGNED TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS!

The Business Journal
of West Central Ohio
C M

Contact Us Telephone Don Hemple Marilyn Hoffman Stacy Prine toll free 419-999-4762 419-695-0015 ext. 138 419-695-0015 ext. 131 419-695-0015 ext. 129 800-589-6950

available online. www.businessjrnl.com

BusinessJournal
THE

available online

OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Mail 405 N. Main St., Delphos, OH45833-1598

COMBINE YOUR PRINT ADVERTISING WITH ON-LINE STRATEGIES AND SAVE $

Dedicated to Excellence since 1920

CONSTRUCTION CO.

For information concerning news, advertising and subscription e-mail us at: dhemple@delphosherald.com or bizjrnl@delphosherald.com www.businessjrnl.com

FOR INFORMATION CALL 1-800-589-6950 Ext. 138

Ferguson Construction is an award-winning general cntractor with Ferguson Construction is an award-winning general contractor with a STAR a STAR VPP rating for safety. We have the experience and the VPP rating for safety. We have the experience and the personnel to help you personnel to help you build your construction project right the first build your construction project right the first time. If you need help with your time. If you need help with your existing building or planning new existing building or planning new construction, give us a call. construction, give us a call.

Sidney: 937-490-2381 Dayton: 937-274-1173

June 2013

BUILDING THE DAYTON www.ferguson-construction.com REGION FOR OVER 90 YEARS

Columbus: 614-876-8496 Indiana: 812-546-0333

BusinessJournal 614-876-8496 The ferguson-construction.com

3A

When you walk in empty headed, you walk out empty handed
How much of your presentation is standard?

Whether you sell a product or service, whether its simple or sophisticated, how much (what percentage) of your presentation is the way you usually present it? Void of personalization? Void of customization? Void of interaction? And all about you. What kind of presentation do you think your prospect wants? They want to know what the value is to THEM. They want to know how this fits into THEIR business or life. They want to know how THEY benefit. They want to know how THEY win. They want to know how THEY produce. They want to know how it affects THEM. They want to know how THEY profit. They want to know how easy it will be put to use in THEIR environment. And NONE of those elements exist in your standard (canned) presentation. Rats. Why are you giving a we-we presentation (all about you and how great you are), when the customer only wants a presentation in terms of them?

WE-WE Statements HERES THE REALTY: about you that boast rather When you walk in empty headthan prove. ed, you walk out empty handed. WE-WE Unfavorable IDEA: Take all the borstatements about the coming crap you were going to petition. say to the customer, and send WE-WE Comparing it to them in an email saying, yourself to the competition. Heres my presentation for the WE-WE Self serving part you could find on Google questions. What do you or on our website, so that when know about us? were together I dont bore you. WE-WE Qualifying Rather, Ill be prepared to give questions about who deyou ideas that lead to (state how cides, budget, or payment. they win). Fair enough? WE-WE Non-specific Now youre a real salespertestimonials that praise son. Now youre forced to go Jeffrey you, but give no reason in with ideas and information Gitomer why. about THEM that they can use WE-WE Excuses for their own productivity, enabout why you dont have Twitter activity joyment, use, and profit. And you now have a better than 50% or a YouTube channel (they searched for it before you arrived). chance of making the sale. WE-WE No social media recommenCAUTION: Unless your presentation is customized and personalized for the dations from customers. THEM Questions about THEM that customer AND in favor of the customer, there will be a disconnect. Their dominant reveal their history, their situation, and thought will be, this guy doesnt under- their motives their past experience, their wisdom, their opinion. True engagement. stand me and/or my business. THEM Testimonials that overcome Here are some keys to understanding whose favor your presentation is geared specific objections price and quality. THEM Any third party media that toward: supports you or your product articles or interviews. THEM Great (current) social media presence (your reputation that helps put the buyer at ease rather than on guard), including direct interaction with customers. THEM Ideas you created that they can use. Proof you did your homework. KEY POINT OF UNDERSTANDING: Features are about you and benefits are in the middle. They can be stated either way. But value is about them. And value, customer perceived value, needs to be the focus of a them-based presentation.

WARNING: Dont be defensive. I can hear you telling me that you give a customized presentation. I can hear you telling me that youre different than all the other people on the planet. And I can hear you telling me that customers love your presentation, and all about the fact you can close three out of four people once you get in front of them. I hope you can hear me say, Thats a bunch of crap! Heres how to measure your customization reality: 1. Amount of time spent on pre-call research. How well do you know the person and the company you are visiting? 2. The two great ideas you are walking in the door with will benefit them whether they buy or not. 3. The variations that you made in your presentation that adapt to their company, their present situation, their needs, their productivity, and their success. 3.5 Your knowledge of the customers buying motives are as good or greater than your selling skills. Them-based are the most difficult sales presentations of all. Marketing departments have no concept of them, and most salespeople arent willing to do the work to prepare them. Thats great news for the 5% of salespeople who are willing. Theyre easy to identify. Theyre always the highest performers and the highest earners.
Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of twelve best-selling books including The Sales Bible and The Little Red Book of Selling. He just published two new sales books, available exclusively on Amazons Kindle. Win Now! and The Sale Re-Defined. They will change the way you think and sell. His website, www.gitomer. com, will lead you to more information about training and seminars, or email him personally at salesman@ gitomer.com. 2013 All Rights Reserved. Dont even think about reproducing this document without written permission from Jeffrey H. Gitomer and Buy Gitomer. 704/333-1112

OPEN FOR PLAY

OUTSTANDING ALL GOLFERS

FOR

9 HOLE LAYOUT

Pleasant Valley Golf Course

Phone: 419-263-2037 or 800-803-3405 Fax: 419-263-2037

4152 Rd. 17, Payne, Ohio 45880

4A

TheBusinessJournal

June 2013

Commercial property prices rise above 2007 peak

Prices for U.S. commercial property last month rose above a peak reached in 2007 as low interest rates and financing availability helped increase values, according to research firm Green Street Advisors Inc. The Green Street all-property index climbed 1 percent from the previous month and is 1 percent higher than the previous record, from August 2007, the Newport Beach, California-based company said today in a statement. Green Streets index is based on its estimate of the value of portfolios of real estate investment trusts, which tend to own high-quality properties. Its likely well see more gains, Peter Rothemund, an analyst at Green Street, said in the statement. Real estate continues to be attractively priced relative to the returns on offer in the bond market. Low borrowing costs, an increase in lending and a recovering economy are helping boost demand for commercial real estate, Green Street said. Investors are buying office, apartment and industrial buildings along with malls and strip retail centers because returns are higher than for other investments, such as government bonds. Another measure of real estate values, the Moodys/Real Capital Analytics Commercial Property Price Index, was 20 percent below a 2007 peak in February, the latest month for which figures are available, according to an April 9 statement. The measure is based on repeat-sale transactions that occur in the one-month period two calendar months prior to the report.

Schwieterman joins Bee Gee Realty & Auction Co.

Bob Gamble, Broker/Owner is please to introduce Andy Schwieterman as a member of the Bee Gee Realty and Auction Co. team as a licensed real estate agent. Andy attended Hondros College of Real Estate to complete his required real estate education and then passed the Ohio real estate exam and was awarded his real estate license. Andy is very excited to begin his real estate career while working on his family farm with his dad as a herdsman. He resides outside of Montezuma. He is engaged to be married the fall of 2013 to Amanda Barhorst. He is highly professional and looks forward to serving members of Mercer County and surrounding area with all of their real estate needs. Andys life motto and mission statement is to have fun, make memories and serve other people. His positive attitude and dedication will enable him to fulfill his mission statement. Andy looks forward to your call and may be reached at 419-3050659. Bee Gee Realty and Auction Co. has over 30 years experience in selling Farm and Residential real estate. Consider Andy when you have a farm or house to sell or an estate that needs auctioned.

ANDY SCHWIETERMAN

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

Lima - Toledo

K K & L READY MIX L Brick Block Concrete

Quality service since 1957

We offer our customers the best of quality products along with courteous and knowledgeable information about our products and our industry.

24-hr Emergency Spill Response

(800) 992-5781

WE OFFER A VARIETY OF BUILDING MATERIALS K&L READY MIX OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF BRICK AND STONE TYPES
Varying sizes, shapes, colors and textures for any project!

COMPUTERIZED DISPATCH SYSTEM

Our computer dispatching system helps with both timely delivery and efficiency, thus allowing us to serve you, our customers better.

Check out our website www.kandlreadymix.com

10391 St. Rt. 15 OTTAWA

419-523-4376

419-293-2937
419-969-0548
TheBusinessJournal
300 Putnam Dr. LEIPSIC

5511 St. Rt. 613 McCOMB

419-532-3585
900 JOHN BROWN RD. VAN WERT

U.S. 224 & 115 KALIDA

24384 St. Rt. 697 DELPHOS

www.allied-environmental.com

419-692-3431

419-238-4140

June 2013

5A

Hancock Leadership Alumni Association announces awards

(FINDLAY, Ohio, May 15, 2013) The Hancock Leadership Alumni Association is proud to announce the winners of its four 2013 service awards: Mark Miller, Distinguished Leadership Award: This years Distinguished Leadership Award (DLA), recognizing exceptional community leadership, was presented to Mark Miller at Hancock Leadership graduation on May 14. Mr. Miller will also be honored with other similar recipients at the Association of Leadership Professionals conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in June. Mark, Hancock County Prosecutor, is a graduate of Hancock Leadership (97), Kent State University, and Ohio Northern School of Law. Mark has served as County Prosecutor since 2007. He has been actively involved in the community for many years. Mark serves on the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors, is Past Chair of Hancock County Republican committee, an active Rotarian, and active member of the Black Swamp Area Council Boy Scouts. He is also actively involved in the local and state bar association. He has supported the Government Leadership Academy in various ways and is an active member of St. Marks Church. Mark has received other awards including The Ohio State Bar Association District Three Young Attorney Service Award. Mark is a humble leader who works collaboratively in many venues throughout our community. Kristen Johnson, Community Leadership Award: The recipient of the Community Leadership Award is recognized as someone specific personal and/or professional leadership service which has significantly benefited our local community or state. This years award was presented to Kristen Johnson, Hancock Leadership Class of 2008. Kristen is the Magistrate in Hancock county Juvenile and Probate Court. She is the Founder and Past President of Hancock County Center for Safe and Healthy Children, has served on the boards of Hancock Christian Clearing House, Hancock Youth Leadership and Ohio Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. Kristen is also a member of the Guiding Circle Leadership committee of Handbags that Help, Glenwood PTO Treasurer and school volunteer. She participated as a 2012 member of the JoAnne Davidson Leadership Institute. Jason Parkins, Outstanding Service Award: Jason Parkins was presented with the Outstanding Service Award. This award is presented to someone who has provided specific personal and/or professional leadership service which has significantly contributed to the advancement of the Hancock Leadership Program and the Alumni Association. Jason is 2007 graduate of Hancock Leadership. He is currently the Credit Manager for Hercules Tire and Rubber Company along with being an adjunct faculty member at University of Findlay and Tiffin University. He is also co-owner of the Wolfies Group. Jason is the Past Committee Chair (two years) of the HLAA Halloween Parade, Past Chair and current Board member of the HLAA. He is also Vice Chair of the National Association of Credit Mangers, Past Board Member of Hancock County Agency on Aging, Hancock County American Red Cross, Findlay Kiwanis and Western Buckeye Chapter of Credit Unions. Brian Treece, Hancock Youth Leadership Outstanding Service Award: Brian was presented with the HYL Outstanding Service Award. This award is given to someone who has provided specific personal and/or professional leadership service which has significantly contributed to the advancement of the Hancock Youth Leadership Program. As a six-time chair of the world-renowned HLAA Halloween Parade, Brian has served as the Hancock Youth Leadership chair and has presented at Hancock Leadership sessions on Managing Effective meetings. In the community he is active with Gliding Stars and the Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Brian currently serves as the board chair of Cancer Patient Services. In his professional role, he current serves as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Resident and Greek Life at The University of Findlay, where he has worked since 2001. Congratulations to each of these deserving individuals. For more information about the Hancock Leadership program, contact director Sheri Murphy at the FindlayHancock County Chamber of Commerce at 419.422.3313, or email leadership@FindlayHancockChamber.com.

19 78

GATHERING PLACES

in wild spaces!

From fun to formal, your Zoo makes group events better. Need a boardroom setting for a small group? Theatre-style seating for many more? A perfect place for a company picnic? No problem.

TRUST EXPERIENCE TRUST COTTERMAN

www.CottermanRoofing.com

20 13

You can choose wild spaces in our Arctic Encounter, African Lodge, Indoor Theatre or Nairobi Events Pavilion. And a tasty twist with the Zoos award-winning catering and baking staff.

INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL ROOFING

otterman & ompany INC.

Minster, Dayton & Columbus (800) 713- 3190

To learn more, call 419.385.5721, ext. 6001 or visit toledozoo.org/groupsales

6A

TheBusinessJournal

June 2013

Ten reasons to use an architect for your next project

1. Design skill The number one reason you should use an architect to design your next home or extension is that architects as a rule have very extensive building design skills. To become an architect in the first place, there is an extensive education path required to be travelled. This journey typically begins with a minimum 5 year stint in University, where skills are developed and honed through repeated exposure to project after project. Each of these university projects are critically analysed upon completion, often with ruthless tenacity to ensure that the most is learnt from each experience. This intensive university training is then complemented with a minimum of 2 years real world project experience under the supervision of registered architects. All this means that by the time you engage an architect they will quite likely have at least a decade of design training to unleash on your project. A high quality design will make the most substantial difference to your project. Your building will be tailored to the environment to efficiently keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. It will be designed into the context of your land to maximise the best aspects of your site. Finally it will be sculpted to compliment your needs, wants and aesthetic taste. A high quality design will improve your everyday life. 2. Avoiding the pit falls Building a new building, or altering an existing one, is a very complex activity which carries with it significant financial risks. Procuring a new project can also take a substantial amount of time from day one in the design, to moving in to a completed building. During this long project lifespan, there are literally hundreds of decisions to be made which all have implications. There are also very many traps and pitfalls to avoid. The key to avoiding these traps is experience. Architects are well placed with their knowledge and years of experience to guide you through this process. 3. Insured, regulated and professional All architects in Australia must be registered with the Architects Registration Board in the state where the project site is located. In order to be registered, a three stage examination process must have been successfully passed and the Architect MUST carry professional Indemnity Insurance. This regulation protects the consumer from dealing with unregulated and uninsured designers. To check if a person is an architect a simple and free online search can be undertaken on the registration boards website. For projects in Victoria follow this link Architects Registration Board of Victoria www.arbv.vic.gov.au This mandatory registration provides See ARCHITECT, page 3B

Architecture

Serving clients since 1953

Need an expert electrical team to help implement your next architectural design? Trust our expertise on your next design-build project!
Sidney Office 840 S. Vandemark Rd. Sidney, Ohio 45365 937.498.2357 800.589.2357 Lima Office 2250 Central Point Parkway Lima, Ohio 45804 419.222.1109 800.589.2357 Muncie Office 3100 E. County Road 350N Muncie, Indiana 47303 765.284.1594

OH LIC #21016 www.sidneyelectric.com

TECHNICON DESIGN GROUP, INC.

Architecture Engineering Planning The Annandale Office Complex 1800 North Perry - Suite 200 Ottawa, Ohio 45875 Phone: (419) 523-5323 Facsimile: (419) 523-9441

p | 419 628.4240 w | www.garmannmiller.com

a | 38 S. Lincoln Drive Minster, OH 45865

June 2013

TheBusinessJournal

7A

Fixed investment (Continued from page 1A)

cent. State and local government spending decreased 1.2 percent for the quarter following a 1.5 percent decrease in the prior quarter. Real final sales of domestically produced outputminus changes in private invento-

riesincreased 1.5 percent for the quarter following a revised 1.9 percent increase during the fourth quarter. Gross domestic purchasespurchases by U.S. residents of goods and services wherever producedincreased 2.9

percent in first quarter after going unchanged in the fourth quarter. Overall, the nations GDP grew at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013; far short of the 3 percent economists

OHIO LOGISTICS

Over 6 million square feet in seven states.

CBI declines
(Continued from page 1A)

were predicting, but higher than the 0.4 percent posted in the fourth quarter of 2012. Analysis Todays GDP report is evidence that the nations economic growth continues to be disproportionately motivated by consumer purchases, said Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Chief Economist Anirban Basu. To the extent that businesses are participating, much of the buying momentum is not related to construction, but is more closely related to equipment and software purchases. Investment in nonresidential structures actually declined in the quarter, a reflection of the fact that the nations recovery, to date, has been unable to support a sustained nonresidential construction recovery, stated Basu. The most noteworthy aspect of todays GDP report was the evidence of shrinking government outlays at every major level of government, Basu remarked. Collectively, the slowing pace of government outlay growth subtracted 0.8 percent from first quarter GDP. In other words, had it not been for public sector retrenchment, GDP would have expanded in excess of 3 percent during the first quarter. The impacts of sequestration is likely to become more intense in the second quarter which suggests that the negative impact of government spending on the pace of economic expansion could become even more significant, stated Basu. ABC continues to forecast roughly 2 percent growth for the U.S. economy in 2013, with the implication being that at least one of this years remaining three quarters will be softer than the now completed first quarter. This also implies that the nonresidential construction recovery will remain moderate, Basu added. While ABC expects that nonresidential construction spending will advance over the balance of the year, the rate of improvement will continue to be constrained by an economy that still refuses to mount an aggressive expansion.

LOCATIONS: Ottawa, Findlay, Fostoria, Willard, 2 locations in Columbus, OH, Gas City, IN, Milwaukee, WI, Louisville, KY, State College, PA Corning/Elmira, NY (3 locations) Northern Georgia Logistics (Rock Spring), Northern Georgia (Rock Spring) Rome, Georgia

economy, stated ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. Because a growing number of projects are now in various stages of planning, the expectation is that backlog will expand moderately later in 2013, but construction volumes will be roughly flat for the balance of the year, Basu said. Certain nonresidential construction segments, such as energy generation, infrastructure, retail and lodging, appear to be doing well, remarked Basu. But, this activity alone is not enough to counter the poor performance of other construction sectors, and is unable to expand rapidly in the absence of a dynamic economic recovery. CBI Map of Regions and Backlog Months: Q4 2011 v. Q4 2012

8A

TheBusinessJournal

June 2013