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

Diane Pleiman, Premier Health

Chair Elect

Dave McNerney, Think Patented

Treasurer

John Garrity, Brixey & Myer

President/CEO

Chris Kershner, CAE, IOM
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Editorial Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Chuck Edmonson

Contributors

Amanda Byers, Dayton International Airport Staff, Chris Kershner, Alexander Watts, Ron Duckett, Jelani Johnson and Stephanie Keinath

This is a Town Square publication created and produced for the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

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Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Digital Media Manager | Joshua Rose

RELATIONSHIPS BUILD TRUST AND COLLABORATION

Relationships are the cornerstone of the business community, acting as the foundation upon which trust and collaboration are built. Trust is essential in business transactions, and strong relationships foster environments where trust can flourish. When businesses cultivate relationships with clients, partners, and employees, they establish a sense of reliability and dependability. This trust is not only crucial for day-to-day operations but also for long term strategic planning and crisis management. In times of uncertainty or conflict, a solid relationship base can help a business navigate challenges more effectively.

Relationships drive innovation and growth. At the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce we believe that collaboration between businesses and their partners leads to the sharing of ideas, resources, and technologies that may not be accessible otherwise. When companies work closely with their clients, they gain deeper insights into their needs and preferences, enabling them to tailor their products and services more precisely. This collaborative spirit extends industry networks and professional associations, where businesses can learn from each other’s successes and failures accelerating the collective advancement for the industry.

Employee relationships are equally vital. Strong relationships between colleagues and between management and staff, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity. Employees who feel valued and connected to their workplace are more likely to be motivated, loyal, and committed to their roles. This not only reduces turnover rates but also fosters a culture of mutual support and continuous improvement. Businesses that prioritize building relationships within their teams often see enhanced performance and a stronger organizational culture.

Dayton is built on relationships, and businesses that are known for their integrity, reliability, and collaborative spirit are more likely to be respected and trusted by their peers. I encourage all of our businesses to take advantage of opportunities to build relationships and connect with your peers in the Dayton area business community. The collaborations and partnerships are what truly make our community unique.

Sincerely,

Chris Kershner
President & CEO
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 FEATURED

SPEAKING THE SAME LANGUAGE TO IMPROVE NEUROREHABILITATION

See our premier sponsors:

INSIDE FRONT COVER: KNOX MACHINERY, INC.

INSIDE BACK COVER: SANDY'S TOWING

BACK COVER: HOLLYWOOD GAMING

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

14 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

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

18  2024 CHAMBER SUPPORTERS

20  DAYTON/MIAMI VALLEY SAFETY COUNCIL ADVOCATES FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY

24  ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

28  BUSINESS VOICE CRITICAL IN POLITICS & POLICY-MAKING

32  CHAMBER MEMBER SAVINGS

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

34  CONGRESS, NOT REGULATORS, SHOULD MAKE LAWS

38  ANTHEM PARTNERRSHIP DELIVERS
INSURANCE SAVINGS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

40  AI: REVOLUTIONIZING BUSINESS

Speaking the Same Language to Improve Neurorehabilitation

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a neurological disorder that affects speech making it difficult to both communicate and understand verbal and written language. It occurs when the area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension is damaged. Most often, the cause of damage results from a brain injury associated with a stroke.

In addition, aphasia does not affect a person’s cognitive intelligence or their ability to hear verbally.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

In This Edition

Cost of Living Index

Sales Tax Collections

Consumer Price Index

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 2024 report.

Sales Tax Collections

Source: https://tax.ohio.gov/government/resources/distributions-sales-tax This is the most current data available at the time of this report.

Consumer Price Index

Statistics for the Dayton MSA are no longer available. Based on Midwest region B/C MSA Population 50,000- 1,500,000.

Source: http://www.bls.gov/regions/mountain-plains/news-release/consumerpriceindex_midwest.htm#chart1

Consumer Price Index

Source: http://www.bls.gov/regions/mountain-plains/news-release/consumerpriceindex_midwest.htm#chart1 This is the most current data available at the time of this report.

Residential Home Sales

Source: Dayton Area Board of Realtors, Dayton Area Home Sales This is the most current data available at the time of this report.

Labor Force Participation Rates

Source: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services https://jfs.ohio.gov/ocomm/index.stm
Labor force participation rates are not published for metropolitan areas This is the most current data available at the time of this report.

Unemployment Rates

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS), Labor Force Statistics including the National Unemployment Rate, www.bls.gov This is the most current data available at the time of this report.

Meet our 2024 Chamber Supporters

Investor Level:

Director Level:

•  Accuserve

•  Adare Pharma Solutions

•  Altafiber

•  Billerud

•  CenterPoint Energy

•  Charter Communications/Spectrum

•  City of Dayton

•  CityWide Development Corp.

•  Dayton Children’s

•  Dayton Freight Lines, Inc.

•  Deloitte

•  DHL Supply Chain

•  Energizer Holdings, Inc.

•  Henny Penny

•  Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway

•  Honda Development & Manufacturing of America

•  Huntington National Bank

•  Kroger Co.

•  LexisNexis

•  Montgomery County

•  Nidec Minster Corporation

•  Norwood Medical

•  PSA Airlines

•  Reynolds and Reynolds

•  Sheetz

•  Soin LLC

•  Taylor Communications

•  Trimble, Inc.

•  University of Dayton

•  U.S. Bank

•  United Church Homes, Inc.

•  Verizon

•  WesBanco Bank, Inc.

•  Western Governors University

•  Wright State University

DAYTON/MIAMI VALLEY SAFETY COUNCIL ADVOCATES FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY

By Marc Sheforgen

Since the early 1950s, the Dayton/Miami Valley Safety Council, a program of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, has been dedicated to educating area businesses about workplace safety best practices and celebrating their successes. 

“Since our inception nearly 70 years ago, our safety council has grown to be one of the largest safety councils in the state of Ohio,” said Sydney Ryan, business programming manager at the chamber who oversees the safety council. “I think it is a testament to our longstanding history in the community and ability to attract nationally recognized speakers.” 

The safety council is known for bringing together a diverse group of industry professionals to share best practices and resources.

“We have members from a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, health care and municipalities, to name a few,” said Vera Tangeman, human resources manager at Bitec and Chair of the Safety Council Steering Committee.

Tangeman and other volunteer committee members assist in identifying topics and speakers for the council’s monthly meetings.

Known as Safety Breakfast with the Experts, these meetings feature locally and nationally recognized speakers who present a variety of workplace safety topics.

“They are a great opportunity for businesses to learn best practices and share resources,” Tangeman said. “After our safety breakfasts, people will stick around and network, and that helps encourage people to go back and share with their employees. Before you know it, we have more people committed to safety.”

Another benefit of the safety council is the opportunity for member businesses to earn a rebate on their workers’ compensation premiums. This program is offered through a partnership with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

“Nearly 85% of our member businesses participate in this program” Ryan said. “It is a great benefit and return on investment for companies participating.”

In 2023 alone, Dayton/Miami Valley Safety Council members earned a total of $124,938 in rebates.

The council also hosts an annual conference, with this year being its 72nd year. The conference brought together nearly 300 safety professionals from the region and featured breakout training sessions, an exhibitor exposition, and keynote presentation. 

Winners of the 2024 Auman Award for Excellence in Safety were also announced at the conference.

“The award was created in 2022 as a way to recognize our safety members for their commitment to workplace safety,” Ryan said. “Each award application is graded anonymously and all applicants receive a rating of platinum, gold, silver or bronze.” 

The council will present an award to the top companies in three industries – construction, manufacturing and general. All applicants also will receive a detailed critique letter from the award’s namesake, Gary Auman of Auman, Mahan and Furry. Auman is an attorney with more than 40 years experience in workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health law.

“The award provides great exposure for the winners,” said Ryan. “We have 250 to 300 attendees at the conference. We also promote the winners on our social media accounts.”

Tangeman agreed, stating that the award is a tremendous workforce attraction and retention tool for companies, as it showcases commitment to workplace safety.

“It’s a great benefit for people who are looking to come work for us,” she said. ●

Economic Impact of the Logistics Industry

By: Alexander Watts

The logistics industry has a $3.8 billion impact on the Dayton region, and jobs within the sector are projected to grow by 9% through 2027. The industry's impact on the Dayton region cannot be overstated. In an independent study, St. Onge, an internationally renowned consulting firm in the supply chain management industry, ranks the Dayton region as one of the nation’s ideal locations for a distribution hub in any network configuration. With the intersection of I-75 and I-70 located just minutes north of the city, it should come as no surprise that the Dayton region is a premier location for logistics nationally.

The Dayton Area Logistics Association (DALA) is a program of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce that advocates for and supports logistics and distribution companies, their suppliers, and support services. In partnership with the Dayton Development Coalition, Jobs Ohio, and the Greater Dayton Foreign Trade Zone, DALA produced the 2024 Logistics Economic Impact Report. The report highlighted a 28% local job growth in the industry from 2017 to 2022 and over 5,000 unique job openings over the 12 months prior to the report's release, outpacing the national average in total jobs in the industry (adjusted for region size) by roughly 15%. The Dayton region’s logistics industry is projected to grow by 9% over the next five years. The top titles for job openings are CDL-A Truck Drivers and Forklift Operators.

As the silicon heartland develops its manufacturing capacity, the impact and demand for a robust logistics sector will only become more significant, and the Dayton region will be at the forefront of the conversation.

Business Voice Critical in Politics & Policy-Making

By: Stephanie Keinath

It is common when discussing politics to hear the phrases, “this is how the sausage is made” or “this is what happens behind the curtains.” Like most adages, there is always a grain of truth, but unfortunately relying on these tropes obscures the very concrete and very important role that the business voice plays in the political and policy-making process. As a constituency, business leaders and owners and the drivers of the economic engine of our country are invaluable in shaping policies that impact us all.

A big part of what we do at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce is to demystify the policy-making process for our members, and to amplify the business voice at the local, state and federal levels. One way we do this is by creating a biennial legislative agenda, outlining the policy priorities that we hear directly from the business community. Another important way we do this is by connecting business leaders directly with the officials that represent them on the local, state and national levels through a variety of events, interviews and other advocacy and education opportunities.

As we approach the election cycle of November 2024, we know that many issues and candidates will be decided at the ballot box. In Ohio, there will be a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment on redistricting. Ohioans will also vote in a very contested race for U.S Senate. Both of these issues will impact the business community, regardless of the outcome. It is critical that our business leaders stay informed, using their voice not only up to and on November 5th, but in the weeks and months afterwards, as policy is proposed and shaped by those we elect.

Every day, we talk to businesses about the challenges and opportunities that they are facing, everything from workforce retention and attraction, to regulation and economic competitiveness. We strongly believe in the positive change that can happen when business leaders have a voice in public policy. The field of politics is noisier than ever, with the 24-hour news cycle, social media, and the grueling candidate campaigns, all of which can serve as a distraction from the real work. A strong, unified business voice at the local, state and federal levels can cut through the noise and help our elected officials remain focused on the issues that matter the most to our economic prosperity. ●

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.

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.

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.

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. i3 Commerce Technology 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.

Congress, not regulators, should make laws

Congress exists to be the democratic representative body of the people and to consider, debate and pass laws.

Those are its sole intended functions.

Federal agencies, in turn, pass rules and regulations to govern how those laws are implemented.

In 2023-2024, this rule-making definition has become so blurred that rules and regulations are being passed that should be considered by Congress, as they are creating new laws and standards. When the democratic process is intentionally bypassed and federal regulators are treating the rule-making process like the wild west of lawmaking, our business community pays the price.

This government overreach, unfortunately, often leads to lawsuits costing millions in taxpayer dollars.

In April, the Federal Trade Commission issued a rule effectively banning private businesses from using non-compete agreements. By eliminating these agreements via the rule-making process, the federal government put intellectual property at risk, restricted business freedoms and impacted fair market competition. Legal challenges have been filed throughout the country, including in Texas where a federal judge ordered a stay for the plaintiffs.

Earlier in the year, the Department of Labor implemented a rule raising the minimum salary threshold for non-exempt employees from $35,568 to $43,888. And starting next year, the threshold will increase to $58,656. Again, federal regulators are passing rules that will costs businesses millions in administrative costs and hundred of hours in administrative management.

Legal challenges have been filed throughout the country. More will follow.

Because of rules like these, our business community is wasting resources battling, suing and fighting unexpected administrative burdens. Instead, our time should be focused on working with Congress to pass important laws – like the repeal of the five-year amortization requirement for the Research and Development Tax Credit, which would have a sweeping positive economic impact on businesses throughout the country.

Federal agencies are passing laws disguised as “rules.” Deliberation and debate by Congress is essential to good government. But that process is being subverted. It is not easy to pass laws in Congress, nor should it be. The House and Senate are controlled by different political parties; and now presidential politics are distracting everyone from policy work. Nevertheless, the process exists for a reason and as a federal government, regulators should find ways to respect the process instead of thwarting it. ●

ANTHEM PARTNERSHIP DELIVERS
INSURANCE SAVINGS
FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

By Marc Sheforgen

For more than 20 years, the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce’s partnership with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has provided valuable health insurance benefits to its small-business and sole proprietor members. This long-standing collaboration continues to offer substantial savings and diverse insurance options, ensuring that local businesses can access high-quality health care plans tailored to their needs.

Chamber members can benefit from a 1.4 percent discount off the rate they would pay on the Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, depending on the size of a business and the makeup of its participating employees, savings could be much greater.

The Dayton Chamber allows its members to be part of its Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA), which was created after the ACA came into play as a way for groups to qualify for better rates through medical underwriting, rather than only having access to the community rates allowed for in the ACA.

“Based on the group’s census, they can qualify for much better rates than they would receive on the ACA,” explained Kathy Shiplett, Strategic Sales Advisor for Anthem.

This structure provides financial protection and competitive rates, helping businesses save significantly on their healthcare expenses. Anthem also offers a flexible range of options for participants.

“We have a variety of plans with deductibles ranging from $500 to $8,000, including PPO and HSA options,” Shiplett said. “For some people, it’s really important that they know they have a set amount to pay every time they go to the doctor. Other people want to save on their premiums and are good with a high deductible plan. We want to be able to offer a range for everybody.”

In addition to health insurance, Anthem offers dental and vision insurance.

“Many people don’t see a doctor unless they are sick,” Shiplett said. “But there are so many conditions that can be detected through dental or eye exams.”

One of the great advantages of insurance coverage through Anthem is the company’s proprietary portal that allows doctors across disciplines to share patient information for the best holistic care.

“I think that’s really important when you’re trying to manage different conditions,” Shiplett said. “That is an absolute win.”

The Chamber-Anthem partnership also includes well-being solutions that support employees’ mental and emotional health and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program that addresses multiple life situations.

“It would cover if you are having legal issues and want to consult with an attorney,” Shiplett said. “Or if you’re having problems finding daycare or elder home care – whatever it is that’s impacting your wellbeing, there are resources in the Employee Assistance Program that can help you with that.”

Anthem’s commitment to the Dayton community is evident through its embedded presence and dedication to taking care of local businesses and individuals.

“We live and work here,” Shiplett said. “These are our people, and we want to make sure we’re taking care of them. We have the best network in the area and we ensure we’re doing right by our members. We’re going to pay those claims, and we’re going to be here tomorrow.” ●

AI: REVOLUTIONIZING BUSINESS

By: Alexander Watts

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in business operations is revolutionizing industries worldwide. AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, are enabling companies to enhance their efficiency, reduce costs, and improve decision-making processes. By automating repetitive tasks, AI allows employees to focus on more strategic and creative endeavors, thus fostering innovation and productivity. This technological shift is not only transforming traditional business models but also creating new opportunities for growth and competitiveness; globally and right here in the Dayton region.

One of the most significant impacts of AI on business is its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. Businesses can now leverage AI-driven analytics to gain insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational performance. This data-driven approach helps companies make informed decisions, personalize customer experiences, and develop targeted marketing strategies. For instance, AI-powered recommendation systems used by e-commerce platforms can predict customer preferences, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

Local information technology company, CDO Technologies, “uses artificial intelligence to analyze data for defense contracts.” stated company CEO Al Wofford. Al continued and said his “development team uses AI to identify and narrow sales opportunities to the most optimal clients.” AI is also playing a crucial role in enhancing customer service. Chatbots and virtual assistants, powered by AI, are becoming increasingly common in handling customer inquiries and providing support. These tools can operate 24/7, offering immediate responses and solutions to common problems, thereby improving customer engagement and satisfaction. Moreover, AI can assist in sentiment analysis, helping businesses understand customer feedback and emotions, which can be critical for maintaining a positive brand image and fostering customer loyalty.

Despite its numerous benefits, the adoption of AI in business also presents challenges. Concerns about data privacy and security, the potential for job displacement, and the ethical implications of AI decision-making are some of the critical issues that need to be addressed. Companies must navigate these challenges by implementing robust data protection measures, upskilling their workforce, and establishing ethical guidelines for AI use. By doing so, businesses can harness the full potential of AI while mitigating risks, ensuring a sustainable and responsible integration of this transformative technology. ●