FOCUS

FOCUS is a quarterly publication of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. It is distributed to Chamber members and regional businesses. Copies are available online at www.daytonchamber.org.

The Chamber is not responsible for advertisements included in this magaizine.

No article may be reproduced without the permission of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

8 N. Main Street, Suite 100

Dayton, Ohio 45402-1904

tel 937.226.1444 | fax 937.226.8254

www.daytonchamber.org

Executive Committee Officers

Chairperson

Jacqueline Gamblin, JYG Innovations

Chair Elect

Diane Pleiman, Premier Health

Treasurer

John Garrity, Brixey & Myer

President/CEO

Chris Kershner, CAE, IOM
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Editorial Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Veronica Nunamaker

Contributors

Amanda Byers, Chris Kershner, Vince McKelvey,
Christy Lynne Trotter

Charting a Course for a Strong Year-End:

Strategies for Business Success

During my tenure with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, I've had the privilege of witnessing the growth and resilience of our local businesses year after year. As we approach the year-end, it's an opportune moment for businesses to reflect on their progress and lay the groundwork for a strong finish. Here are a few key strategies that can help businesses in our community not only survive but thrive in the final stretch of the year.

•  Strategic Planning: Now is the time to revisit your business plan and set clear, achievable goals for the remaining months. Evaluate what's working and what isn't, and adjust your strategies accordingly. A well-thought-out plan can guide your decisions and ensure everyone in your organization is moving in the same direction.

•  Embrace Innovation: The business landscape is continually evolving. Embrace new technologies, processes, and ideas to stay competitive. Look for innovative ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver greater value to your customers.

•  Strengthen Customer Relationships: Building and maintaining strong relationships with your customers is crucial. Reach out to your clients, gather feedback, and show them your appreciation.

•  Employee Engagement: Your employees are your greatest assets. Engage with your team members, listen to their ideas, and ensure they feel valued. A motivated workforce can significantly impact productivity and overall business success.

•  Community Involvement: Being an active member of the local community can have a positive impact on your business. Participate in community events, support local charities, and collaborate with other businesses in the area. Building a positive reputation in the community can lead to increased brand recognition.

•  Plan for Contingencies: In an uncertain world, it's essential to have contingency plans in place. Evaluate potential risks to your business and develop strategies to mitigate them. This proactive approach can help you navigate unexpected challenges more effectively.

•  Digital Presence: In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential. Ensure that your website is up to date, engage with your audience on social media, and consider digital advertising, like in the weekly Chamber Connection newsletter, to reach a broader customer base.

•  Stay Informed: Keep an eye on industry trends, market changes, and emerging opportunities. Being informed can help you make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

•  Celebrate Achievements: Don't forget to celebrate your successes along the way. Recognizing your achievements and those of your team can boost morale and motivate everyone to continue working hard toward year-end goals.

As we approach the year-end, I encourage all businesses in our community to reflect on their progress, adapt to changing circumstances, and pursue strategies that will lead to a strong finish. By implementing these strategies, we can collectively contribute to the growth and prosperity of our region. Together, we can ensure that this year ends on a high note and that the future holds even greater promise for our businesses and our community as a whole.

Chris Kershner
President & CEO
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

To advertise, contact Josh Rose at 510-734-7028

or jrose@metromediapublishers.com

FEATURED

PREMIER HEALTH

CUSTOMER AND
COMMUNITY SERVICE

ECONOMIC INDICATORS -------------------------

12  ECONOMIC INDICATORS

VOICE OF BUSINESS -------------------------------

16  Q&A WITH BRYAN STEWART

18  UDECX: 2013 SOIN AWARD

20  EXECUTIVE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP WITH AMY LEI

26  THE EYES OF THE WORLD ARE ON DAYTON AND OHIO

30   CHAMBER MEMBER SAVINGS

CHAMBER ACADEMY --------------------------------

32  OSHA EXPANDS REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE DATA SUBMISSION

34  INTEGRATED, COST-EFFECTIVE PHARMACY BENEFITS, THROUGH CARELONRX

36  BWC BONUS & REBATES INCENTIVE PROGRAM

37  SYDNEY HEALTH APP

COMMUNITY CONNECTION --------------------

38  DOREN'S DREAM DRIVES DML INTO THE 21ST CENTURY

See our premier sponsors:

INSIDE FRONT COVER: SPECTRUM REACH

INSIDE BACK COVER: SANDY’S TOWING

BACK COVER: HOLLYWOOD GAMING

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

In This Edition

Cost of Living Index

Sales Tax Collections

Consumer Price Index

U.S. Manufacturing, Retailer, and Merchant Wholesalers Sales

Residential Home Sales

Participation Rates

Unemployment Rates

The chamber’s monthly publication, “Economic Indicators”, are compiled through a partnership with Wright State University’s Applied Policy Research Institute (APRI). The latest indicators are available at DaytonChamber.org. Below is a sampling from the July 2023 report.

Sales Tax Collections

Voice of Business

Bryan Stewart

Workforce Director for
Montgomery County Educational Service Center
(YPs and Community Involvement)

Bryan Stewart serves as Workforce Director, joining the Montgomery County Educational Service Center in 2019. He manages Dayton’s Business Advisory Council in coordination with major industry partners and 23 nearby school districts. Bryan is a Leadership Ohio Class of 2022 graduate and recently earned the Dayton Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award. Previously, he served as a Legislative Aide in the City of Dayton Commission Office. Bryan holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Dayton and a bachelor's in diplomacy and global politics from Miami University. In 2021, Stewart opened a small business, a pop-up and online bookstore specializing in science fiction. He also serves as a board member for Welcome Dayton and is an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan.

It’s strong! I used to get so excited for our local Start-Up Week because I was working for a local elected official who was all about supporting Dayton’s business community. I was able to work alongside him and learn from local entrepreneurs and business owners. Little did I know, after years of networking, it would end up directly inspiring me to both start my own business and find a role where I could also support workforce development, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy education efforts in our region’s schools.

Today’s students are tomorrow's workforce. The people running around the hallways of our schools will be building the cool companies, products, and services that we will one day enjoy! Simply put, a community can’t afford to not focus on up-and-coming talent. Young people also bring energy and optimism that allows them to ask important questions as to why things are run a certain way. It’s important to have a new generation challenging and innovating within our community and quite frankly, we need more families to set up shop here so we can sustain our vision of our region!

If the Dayton business community is serious about keeping young professionals in our community, we need to focus on housing, child care, and continuing our efforts to make a strong downtown. You look at development or projects like Levitt Pavilion, Dayton Sportcial, and the Arcade, these are in the vein of making Dayton a more interesting place to live, work, and play. We need more public and private funding to support young professional programming. In an era of varying degrees of remote work, young people are looking for places to collide and network. This isn’t always easy but by funding organizations and groups that wake up and own this every day, we will see more young professionals stay in Dayton. Through every strong positive memory built, we anchor young people to our region!

As a Legislative Aide in the City of Dayton Commission Office, I had enormous opportunities to get involved and find great mentors to help push me professionally. In this role, I was supported and encouraged to pitch a project at the Updayton Summit called The Longest Table Dayton which held over 20 community meals bringing thousands of people together to break bread and discuss Dayton’s future. At a different UpDayton Summit, we founded Project Rebound which built an improved basketball court in West Dayton through a series of public and private partnerships. The focus of this project was anchored in designing a space similar to NYC’s Rucker Park for young people to find a safe haven and develop their skills. Now, at the ESC, I run a paid high school and college mentorship and leadership program called Inside Dayton. We’ve had 10 college students go through the program and dozens and dozens of high school students from all over the region.

Our region’s leaders understand that we have to do a better job connecting young people to real, tangible opportunities in our region. Thankfully, our region works together to form an incredibly strong Business Advisory Council. This Council represents 89,000 students and through this planning vehicle, we focus on things like expanding access to great assessment software like YouScience, expanding work-based learning opportunities, and exposing students to careers via events like MFG Month.

Dayton is a place where you can build economic stability for yourself, and your family, start a business, fuel new passions, and forge an identity in a community that brought us funk, the foundations of modern hip hop, and even into the sky. Few places have as much tradition, pride, and potential. Dayton doesn’t just inspire, it fosters a future very few people can find at such a young age.

Voice of Business

EXECUTIVE
THOUGHT
LEADERSHIP
WITH
AMY LEI

Amy Lei, a global visionary and executive, played a key role in Fuyao's US success as VP of Fuyao Glass America. Ms. Lei oversees government affairs, public relations, and administration.

Before joining Fuyao, Amy served as the head of Asia business development for JobsOhio, where she helped attract foreign investment to Ohio and fostered economic development in the region. Her exceptional skills in identifying opportunities and fostering collaboration have created significant investments and job opportunities for the state.

Amy has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to community relations throughout her career, collaborating with local leaders to drive economic development. Her ability to forge partnerships across cultures and industries, driven by her passion, energy, and strategic vision, has earned her widespread respect.

She holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a Master's in Finance from The Ohio State University.

The United States plays a pivotal role in Fuyao's global expansion strategy. Fuyao serves customers on a global scale, and our American customer base exhibits robust demand, compelling us to establish production facilities in close proximity to meet their requirements.

Furthermore, our choice of Dayton, Ohio, for our North American operations was based on several key factors. Dayton's strategic location at the crossroads of Highway 75 and Highway 70 offers unparalleled access to major transportation routes, enhancing our distribution capabilities. The acquisition and renovation of the abandoned GM facility not only provided Fuyao with a strategic location but also presented an opportunity to make a positive impact on the local community. By revitalizing this facility, Fuyao Glass America (“FGA”) was able to offer thousands of unemployed local Americans good-paying jobs, enabling them to support their families. This commitment to job creation and community well-being aligns closely with the values of our Chairman Tak Wong Cho and underscores Fuyao’s dedication to both economic growth and social responsibility.

In addition, we received invaluable support and forged partnerships with local communities and various entities, including the State of Ohio, JobsOhio, DDC, Montgomery County, City of Moraine, and the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. This support played a pivotal role in our successful establishment in the region.

Community involvement holds a profound significance for FGA, with a deep commitment to social responsibility. This commitment extends into active engagement within the Dayton community, where serving the community has always been a top priority.

The Heren Foundation U.S.A., established by Fuyao Group, plays a pivotal role in these efforts by supporting various aspects of community welfare. We proudly contribute to over 30 local nonprofit organizations, enriching the lives of those in our community. Furthermore, the Fuyao Glass America Employees’ Hardship Fund has provided crucial financial assistance to nearly 80 Fuyao employees' families during times of unexpected financial hardship caused by natural or man-made disasters. Our commitment extends even further through the dedication of over 600 Fuyao volunteers who actively participate in the community, dedicating thousands of hours to valuable volunteer service for families in need.

Beyond these efforts, FGA's executives actively engage with the community by supporting and participating in various local events and initiatives.

Currently, I hold positions on the Board of Directors for several local organizations, such as the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board, Dayton Art Institute, and Dayton Airport Executive Advisory Board, among others. These activities strengthen our ties to the community and allow us to contribute to its growth and development.

These engagements have forged strong trust and mutual respect between FGA and the Dayton community, underlining our commitment to being responsible corporate citizens and active community contributors.

The rise of electric vehicles offers both challenges and opportunities for Fuyao. Our $300 million investment is dedicated to establishing a specialized factory that caters to the surging demand for coating glass in the EV industry. This strategic move mirrors our commitment to adapting to evolving market dynamics and positioning ourselves for growth in this sector. The development of large sunroof and coated glass marks uncharted territory for both FGA and the broader industry in the U.S. To meet this new demand head-on, we are currently in the process of finalizing the construction of a state-of-the-art production facility, poised to become a cutting-edge leader in the field.

The films "American Factory" and "The Last Truck" offer a unique window into the inner workings of a multinational company, shedding light on the complexities of foreign firms adapting to local culture to create mutually beneficial opportunities. These documentaries also showcase how FGA’s takeover of the GM plant played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the local community. By reviving thousands of jobs that were lost due to the closure of GM, FGA not only revitalized the local economy but also demonstrated its commitment to supporting the community.

The key to succeeding as a modern-day factory in the United States lies in embracing diversity, fostering mutual respect, and promoting collaboration. FGA exemplifies this approach, creating an exceptional working environment where Chinese and American cultures seamlessly integrate. Through collaboration and support among associates from both backgrounds, FGA has consistently improved production efficiency and earned acclaim from global customers for its reliability and quality, even in challenging times like the recent pandemic.

The biggest challenge for FGA, just like many other manufacturing companies, is finding and keeping skilled workers. Today's manufacturing jobs need special skills, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even harder to find the right people. FGA relies on these skilled workers to make cutting edge automotive glass. Solving this challenge means not only finding skilled workers but also making our company a place where they want to work, which involves working closely with our local community.

It's a big task that's crucial for our growth and success in the manufacturing world.

We are proud to be in the Dayton area because it has played a pivotal role in our journey at Fuyao. Dayton's strategic location and the community support have been instrumental in achieving our business goals. The region's skilled workforce, its rich history in manufacturing, and the strong work ethic of its residents have enabled us to thrive in the automotive glass industry. The collaborative spirit and support from local authorities have facilitated our expansion and growth, including the recent investment in a specialized factory for electric vehicle glass. Dayton's resilience mirrors our own commitment to innovation and adaptation, making it a truly fitting home for Fuyao Glass America.

The Eyes of the World are on Dayton and Ohio

By Chris Kershner

On September 18th, Joby Aviation from Santa Cruz, California announced by 2025 they will build the first full scale aircraft manufacturing facility in Dayton since Orville and Wilbur Wright established the first aircraft manufacturing facility in 1910. The Wright Company Factory located off of Rt. 35 in Dayton produced a total of 120 airplanes.

Fast forward to 2023, Dayton will be the home to the future of flight with Joby Aviation manufacturing up to 500 planes a year, employing 2,000 people and making a $500 million investment at the Dayton International Airport. In October of 2022, JobsOhio announced that the Dayton region will be leading the future of electric vehicles with a $4.4 billion Honda/LG joint venture investment and 2,200 jobs in Fayette County and now Montgomery County will be the future of electric powered air travel. Gov. DeWine, Lt. Gov. Husted and JobsOhio have carved a path for success and companies like Honda and Joby are sprinting down.

The manufacturing opportunity with Joby Aviation not only solidifies the region’s position in advanced aviation manufacturing, but it creates the opportunity for the entire region to succeed. The Dayton area higher education community and manufacturing supply chains will have the opportunity to position themselves to support this unprecedented economic growth. We have a robust workforce, adaptable higher education institutions and amazing suppliers that have trained, evolved and retooled to be meet the changing needs of our business community. That same flexible spirit will evolve and change to meet with the needs of the future of manufacturing. It’s what we’ve always done and it’s what we will continue to do as a community.

Our region knows well, that those who collaborate will succeed. Dayton has always worked well together and it is through these strategic partnerships that we are building an economic foundation for the future of our region. What has been inherent to our community is now being noticed outside of our region. Companies and employees want to be in a community that puts divisiveness aside and embraces collaborations and public-private solutions that support economic growth. This characteristic has been in the fabric of our community for decades and it is now an advantageous economic development tool that is attracting people and businesses to the Dayton region. Let’s continue to leverage the opportunity and do what we have always done best.

The eyes of the world are on Dayton and Ohio. If you’re not looking, you’re missing out.

Voice of Business

Chamber Member Savings

Your chamber membership could pay for itself – and then some. Take advantage of the buying power afforded to you as a chamber member with these valuable offers! Find more information at DaytonChamber.org.

Health Insurance for Small and Mid-Size Businesses;
Sole Proprietors

The chamber and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield have combined efforts to offer health, dental and disability insurance coverage to small and mid-sized businesses. These offerings come with competitive rates and comprehensive services from a large network of providers.

Workers’ Compensation Discounts &
Medical Management Solutions

Did you know that many alternative discounts are available to help reduce your annual Ohio workers’ compensation costs? Through the chamber’s workers’ compensation program, your organization can significantly reduce your workers’ compensation costs through a variety of alternative rating programs. Our program, administered by Sedgwick, offers you quality service and stability through the complex workers’ compensation environment.

Office Supplies

Chamber members see significant savings on frequently used office supplies at Office Depot AND free next day delivery. Employees of member businesses can also get the same great discount when they shop at Office Depot, using their chamber discount card.

Payment Processing

Does your business accept credit cards? When’s the last time you took a close look at your processing fees? There might be a better way, using new technologies that could save you significantly. Infintech offers Dayton Area Chamber member discounts, and will complete a free analysis of your current processing to see how much you can save!

Energy Savings Program

Chamber members receive an exclusive discount offer from IGS Energy. Member businesses benefit from custom pricing that could save them hundreds on their energy bills. Member employees are also eligible for custom pricing at home.

Chamber Academy

OSHA expands requirements for online data submission

Sponsored content by Sedgwick

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced it will now be requiring certain employers to submit information from their OSHA 301 - Injury and Illness Incident Report forms on an annual basis. This is in addition to the previously required information from the employer’s 300A Summary of Work- related Injuries and Illnesses form. The new information must be reported on-line by establishments with 100 or more employees in any of the designated high hazard industries listed in Appendix B to Subpart E of 29 CFR 1904.

Employers can determine if this new requirement is applicable by going to OSHA’s “ITA Coverage Application” at https://www.osha.gov/itareportapp and entering the following:

1.  State where the facility is located.

2.  If the company had 11 or more employees during the previous year.

3.  Peak establishment employment for the previous year.

4.  Whether or not the establishment is a government facility.

5.  NAICS code.

A complete list of all the high hazard industries included in this new rulemaking can be found here - https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/final-rule Examples include:

•  Steel Product Manufacturing

•  Foundries, Forging and Stamping

•  Machine Shops

•  Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing

•  Lumber and Other Construction Materials Merchant Wholesalers

•  Home Furnishings Stores

•  Building Material and Supplies Dealers

•  Warehousing and Storage

•  Healthcare

•  Nursing Care Facilities

•  Residential Care Facilities

•  Vocational Rehabilitation Services

OSHA believes providing this information will help identify establishments with specific hazards, enabling the agency to interact through outreach programs and/or enforcement. They further believe the information will allow OSHA a better way to analyze injury trends related to specific industries with the goal of reducing occupational injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

Employers can start submitting information on January 2, 2024 but must have it entered by March 2, 2024 for the 2023 calendar year. Required information from the OSHA 301 Form includes the date of injury, physical location, severity of the injury or illness, details about the worker who was injured, details about how the injury or illness occurred, etc. There are three ways the information can be submitted electronically to OSHA:

1.  Webform on the Injury Tracking Application (ITA);

2.  Submission of a CSV file to the ITA;

3.  Use of an Application Programming Interface (API) feed.

The new guideline still requires all establishments with 250 or more employees in industries that must routinely keep records to submit the OSHA Form 300A Annual Summary. All establishments required to submit information from their OSHA 300 Log and OSHA 301 Incident Report to OSHA under this rule are already required to collect and retain this information and are currently required to electronically submit to OSHA information from their OSHA Form 300A Annual Summary.

For more information on the electronic submission go to OSHA’s Injury Tracking App at https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/ and scroll down to “How do I submit my establishment data?”

To download the OSHA Fact Sheet on the new requirements, go to https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA_FS-4272_ITA_07-2023.pdf.

If you have any further questions or comments about OSHA’s new recordkeeping requirements, please contact Andy Sawan at 330.819.4728 or by email andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com.

Chamber Academy

Pharmacy

Integrated, cost-effective
pharmacy benefits,
through CarelonRx

Sponsored content by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

As a small business owner, you deserve a benefits plan that balances cost and value. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to offer The SOCA Benefit Plan. Providing access to quality care is one of the many ways The SOCA Benefit Plan is focused on improving your employees’ well-being while saving you money.

We want to make it easier for employees to stay on top of their medications, their health, and their budgets. Our integrated medical and pharmacy benefits work together to improve employee health and manage costs. We sent over 100,000 messages to Small Group employees and their doctors about gaps in their healthcare. As a result of this engagement, over 60% of employees were adherent to new medications as prescribed, while over 90% of care gaps for employees’ prescribed behavioral health medications were closed. Our coordinated care gap closures saved Small Group employees over $9 million in pharmacy savings and medical costs avoided and resulted in fewer inpatient stays and emergency care visits.1

•  Our Advantage Network has nearly 59,000 retail pharmacies nationwide.2

•  Our Rx Choice Tiered Network has nearly 70,000 retail pharmacies. 3

•  Point-of-sale rebates and a discount program for noncovered drugs, such as those for weight loss and fertility.

•  Specialty drug accumulator rules help keep plan costs down by preventing copay assistance program funds that aren’t need-based from counting toward an employee’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

•  24/7 access to pharmacy experts and digital tools.

•  Up to a 90-day supply of medicine through a home-delivery prescription or certain retail pharmacies.

To learn more, contact The SOCA Benefit Plan for a referral to a participating broker. Be sure to ask about dental, vision, life, and disability coverage available through The SOCA Benefit Plan.

1.  CarelonRx internal data for Small Group business, 2020. CarelonRx, Inc. is an independent company providing pharmacy benefit management services on behalf of your health plan.

2.  The Advantage Network, available on Link HMO plans, includes ZipDrug, personalized fulfillment of maintenance medications, and local doorstep delivery at no extra cost.

3.  The Rx Choice Tiered Network is available on PPO plans.

Chamber Academy

BWC Bonus & Rebates Incentive Program

Sponsored content by Sedgwick

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has eliminated their Destination Excellence Program and replaced it with the Bonus & Rebates Program. With this change, BWC has eliminated three programs that were offered under Destination Excellence (now Bonus & Rebates Program) and will maintain four of the programs.

•  Starting July 1, 2023, the Ohio BWC will no longer offer the following discount programs:

•  Go Green Discount: employers could receive up to a 1% rebate for paying their BWC premiums electronically.

•  Industry Specific Safety Program (ISSP): employers could receive a 3% rebate for completing 3 “loss prevention activities” throughout the policy year.

•  Policy Activity Rebate (PAR): non-group rated employers could receive a small rebate for completing 11 different credits throughout the policy year.

Under the new BWC Bonus & Rebates Incentive Program, BWC will continue to offer the following programs:

•  Lapse Free: 1% rebate for paying premiums on-time for the past 5 years

•  Drug Free Safety Program: can earn up to a 4% rebate in the basic level or 7% rebate in the advanced level

•  Safety Council: rebate is now 3% (capped at $5,000) for attending 10 safety council meetings throughout the policy year

•  Transitional Work Bonus Program: up to 10% rebate for instituting and using BWC Transitional Work Program for any lost time claim where the worker is eligible for restricted or transitional work

If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Julia Bowling at julia.bowling@sedgwick.com or phone 513-218-4062.

Sydney Health App

Integrated, 24/7 digital support

Sponsored content by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

As a small business owner, you deserve a benefits plan that balances cost and value. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to offer The SOCA Benefit Plan. Providing access to quality care is one of the many ways The SOCA Benefit Plan is focused on improving your employees’ well-being while saving you money.

With the SydneySM Health app, members can keep track of their health and benefits in one place. Sydney Health delivers industry-leading experiences that drive high-quality, affordable care. It provides a simple, guided, and intuitive experience using data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to create deep member personalization.

This award-winning app’s benefits include:

•  An engaging self-care platform.

•  Search for in-person or virtual care

•  Text or video chat with a board-certified doctor

•  Estimate and compare costs for common procedures

•  View, download, and share health records, review benefits, and check on claims

•  Store and use digital ID cards

•  Lab and pharmacy integration

•  Sync to a fitness tracker

•  Use a nutrition tracker for insight into eating habits and tailored virtual nutrition advice

•  Access personalized health and wellness resources

To learn more, contact The SOCA Benefit Plan for a referral to a participating broker. Be sure to ask about dental, vision, life, and disability coverage available through The SOCA Benefit Plan.

Sydney Health is offered through an arrangement with Carelon Digital Platforms, a separate company offering mobile application services on behalf of your health plan. ©2023

Doren’s Dream Drives DML Into the 21st Century

By Christy Lynne Trotter, Dayton Metro Library

Dayton Metro Library oversees 17 Branches across Montgomery County, plus an Operations Center and Outreach Services. Outreach Services manages DML’s Bookmobile, which is not only a necessity in terms of the Library being able to service as many patrons as possible, but the Bookmobile is an iconic staple that connects all library districts together across the U.S.

Electra Collins Doren (1896-1927) – A Library Angel on Wheels

Research reveals that the first book wagons originated in England around 1859. However, the first recorded bookmobile in the U.S. dates back to 1905, when a librarian by the name of Mary Lemist Titcomb designed a two-horse-drawn wagon that could carry up to 200 books. Horse-drawn book wagons then sprang up around the country, as word spread that libraries could deliver on their mission to serve their patrons in an even better way – by bringing the library to them. At the turn of the 20th century, motorized vehicles were introduced, and book wagons became bookmobiles, thus creating yet one more avenue libraries could use to their advantage by reaching more patrons with more resources.

As for Dayton’s role in utilizing bookmobiles, Electra Collins Doren is credited for pioneering DML’s first Bookmobile. Doren was born in Georgetown, a small town southeast of Cincinnati, just on the edge of the Appalachian region. In 1870, she moved to Dayton and pursued a career in library services. She served as Chief Librarian of the Dayton Library until 1905, and then from 1913-1927, returning after the Great Flood of 1913, to help rebuild the Library’s damaged book collection. It was between 1922 and 1923 that she organized Dayton’s first Bookmobile, which was also one of Ohio’s first. The Bookmobile was known for traveling to factories so workers could obtain reading material. Doren also created deposit libraries for workers at factories such as Delco and NCR.

One of her last acts as Chief Librarian of the Dayton Library was to oversee a building that would house the book collection from what was then the Allen School in Old North Dayton. She passed away before its completion, but on January 3, 1928, the building was named in her honor, and it became the Library’s Electra C. Doren Branch. It is DML’s oldest Branch, which is still operable and stands in its original spot at 701 Troy St. in Old North Dayton. It is also one of the few remaining public buildings in the U.S. that is named for a woman. Aside from the E.C. Doren Branch still being used today, DML’s Bookmobile remains popular with patrons all across Montgomery County.

Over the years, the Library’s Bookmobile has packed on miles and smiles. DML’s current Bookmobile drove onto the Library scene back in 2005. Through Outreach Services, the Bookmobile engages Montgomery County patrons by providing books and literacy programming. It operates year-round and visits classrooms, daycares, day camps, and educational partners. Last year alone, the Bookmobile visited almost 9,000 students from 28 schools, and it rotated 30 literacy service stops around the county. The Bookmobile also appears in parades and at various community events across the Miami Valley. Outreach Services uses the Bookmobile to reach areas where families may not have access to a nearby Branch. It delivers teacher collections to classrooms, offers storytimes and book check outs, and tracks DML’s Summer Challenge and distributes prizes.

As DML’s communities grow in diversity and population and as needs change and shift, the Bookmobile continues to remain essential. Due to its high demand, travel wear and tear can take a toll. Earlier this year, DML set out on a mission to collect funding to obtain a new Bookmobile. With a new Bookmobile, DML and Outreach Services will be able to continue offering their services, with the hope for allowing greater accessibility for children with limited mobility, and it would be able to make even longer trips out to more rural areas – thus widening the reach of DML’s resources.

Suffice to say that on any given day, the promise of a free book to read or a free storytime to hear could mean the world to any one patron. Doren solidified herself in the spirit of DML’s mission with her ambition and initiative. It’s because of her dreams so long ago that DML continues to inform, inspire, and empower, with a drive and a Bookmobile that will go far into the 21st century.