The Van Wert Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome its newest member, Laing Family Dentistry. Dr. Robert Laing is happy to be back home as he looks forward to being engaged in the community and supporting area events and programs. As a fourth generation small business owner, he joined the Chamber to be involved with networking and community events and to support the business community. Pictured are Dr. Laing and Mark Verville, President/CEO of the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce. Photo submitted
POSTED: 05/12/22 at 2:24 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Daniel Roebuck, an actor best known for roles including Deputy Marshal Robert Biggs in The Fugitive and its spinoff film U.S. Marshals, plus television roles in Lost, Matlock and more, is coming to Van Wert Sunday, March 13 for a special showing of a 2017 film he wrote, directed, and starred in called, “Getting Grace.”
Donna Saunders, owner of the Van Wert Cinemas, befriended Roebuck at a cinema convention last year. Roebuck offered to come to her theaters in Bryan and Van Wert to present Getting Grace and to meet patrons, take photos, and sign autographs.
Roebuck will be at Van Wert Cinemas for a “Red Carpet Event” during all showings on March 13 – 12 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Getting Grace is about a teen dying of cancer who crashes a funeral home to find out what will happen to her after she dies, but ends up teaching an awkward funeral director how to celebrate life. The film is rated PG-13 and was the winner of five awards at the Northeast Film Festival.
“The film deals with the subject of the end-of-life and dying in an honest and humorous manner,” Saunders said. “We partnered with our local hospice agency here in Van Wert, CHP Home Care & Hospice, to make this a community event.”
Hospice staff from CHP will attend showings on March 13 to answer questions about the services it provides locally for people facing a terminal illness. All of the admissions proceeds from the film’s showings from March 11 – 17 are being donated to CHP Home Care & Hospice, a nonprofit, 501c3 organization.
POSTED: 03/02/22 at 9:31 am. FILED UNDER: Business
Submitted information and VW independent staff
Community Health Professionals (CHP) began delivering in-home hospice services in northwest Ohio in 1985 and hat same year, Phil and Robin Farris founded P&R Home IV Service in their home in rural Van Wert County.
The relationship between the home health and hospice agency and the home infusion service was the start of a business relationship lasting 36 years. CHP Home Care & Hospice relied upon P&R to deliver hospice medications and medical equipment with a 24-hour, local, emergency delivery response.
At the end of 2021, P&R closed its pharmacy but its medical equipment business and locations – P&R Medical Connection – remain in operation. For pharmacy coverage for its hospice program, CHP is now partnering with two local, family-owned pharmacies.
Kaup Pharmacy, based in Fort Recovery, supplies medications for patients served by CHP offices in Ada-Hardin County, Celina, Lima, Van Wert, and Wapakoneta. Okuley’s Pharmacy, based in Defiance, supplies the Archbold, Bryan, Defiance, Delphos, Paulding, and Ada-Hancock County areas. Rite Aid stores in the region are contracted for backup coverage.
“We have a lot of respect for Phil and Robin Farris and for CHP and we’re honored to be working with CHP now and carry on the tradition of fast, reliable, and local services to hospice patients and families,” Jerry Kaup, RPh, said.
Kaup Pharmacy was founded in 1980 by pharmacists Jerry and Lorri Kaup. They have worked with local hospice agencies for nearly 40 years. Hospice care is what led them into making specific medications prepared for a patient’s individual needs – a process known as compounding.
“We work with physicians to make medicines that are better for patients,” Kaup said. “In hospice, we can’t stop the cycle of life and death but if we can make it easier and help patients to pass with dignity, we’ve done our jobs.”
Okuley’s Pharmacy is a family-owned business established in 1950 by Blaine Okuley in Continental. In 1995, it was purchased by Blaine and Anita Okuley’s son, Travis, and his wife, Kieu.
They expanded the store’s services, including a compounding business that works closely with local hospices to help provide solutions for patients with issues that aren’t being addressed through traditional medications.
“We’re proud to carry on our family’s business with the third generation,” Kieu Okuley,” RPh said. “Our son Konnor joined the team full time. We’re looking forward to caring for our local communities for years to come.”
Okuley’s recently hired an additional pharmacist to focus specifically on hospice.
“Hospice fits naturally into our business,” Okuley said. “Easing pain, providing comfort to patients, keeping people at home with medical equipment; it’s what we’ve been about from the beginning.”
The new relationship between CHP, Kaup, and Okuley’s brings together the strengths of three well-established, local businesses.
“We had a great relationship with P&R for so many years and we wish them well as they continue offering quality DME services,” Brent Tow, CHP President/CEO said. “They provided our hospice patients and families with personal, prompt, and compassionate service. It’s a blessing to find partners, with impeccable reputations, who will continue those standards.”
With both Kaup and Okuley’s, Tow said patients will get medications when they need them, delivered personally within hours, not shipped overnight and delivered by a UPS or FedEx driver or left by a mailbox.
“In hospice, problems can be myriad, complicated, and change quickly,” Kaup said. “When a family is dealing with the frightening unknowns of end-of-life care, it helps when you reach out for help and get a familiar voice and a quick response.”
POSTED: 02/15/22 at 10:39 am. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff and submitted information
The Van Wert Cinemas has been under new ownership since June, 2020 and during that time, improvements have been made to make going to the movies the best experience possible, with the most notable improvement being new luxury seating.
Van Wert Cinemas is currently in the beginning stages of installing laser projectors and ATMOS sound systems in Cinemas 1 and 2. Laser projectors will offer a picture that is crisp and clear while the ATMOS sound will make moviegoers feel like they are in the middle of the action.
The updates should be completed during the first or second week of March.
POSTED: 02/15/22 at 10:28 am. FILED UNDER: Business
Submitted information
Van Wert Live is honored to present First Federal of Van Wert as a 2022 annual sponsor. First Federal is committed to the Van Wert Live mission to provide entertainment that is so good it demands a return. This $10,000 partnership goes directly to bringing the shows and keeping ticket prices low.
First Federal of Van Wert has been a valued partner of The Niswonger since its inception. The First Federal Lecture Hall of The Niswonger, located off of the lobby, welcomes thousands of guests each year through business meetings, school functions, and special events.
“First Federal is proud to be an Annual Sponsor for 2022,” Brian Renner, CEO of First Federal of Van Wert said. “We are excited about the terrific entertainment options that the Niswonger Performing Arts Center provides for the Van Wert community. It’s incredible to have so many wonderful concerts, Broadway plays and children’s shows right here in Van Wert, and First Federal is thrilled to be able to be a part of this excitement.”
Van Wert Live is located at 10700 State Rt 118 South, Van Wert, and presents entertainment at the Niswonger Peforming Arts Center, the grandstand at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, and at Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert.
Find out more information at www.vanwertlive.com.
POSTED: 02/07/22 at 9:38 am. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff and submitted information
Local residents looking for a chance to start their own business will want to consider attending the annual Entrepreneurship Fair, scheduled for Saturday, February 5, in the training room at The Kenn-Feld Group, 10305 Liberty Union Road, Van Wert.
Organizers include representatives from the Van Wert Area Economic Development Office, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Van Wert, and Rhodes State Small Business Development Center.
Anyone who dreams of starting a business is encouraged to attend this free event. Registration will begin at 8:45 a.m. that day, with a panel of local entrepreneurs scheduled to share their journey at 9 a.m. This event will also serve as the kick-off to the Business Plan Challenge.
The free Entrepreneurship Fair offers a wide variety of assistance, counseling and information to promising entrepreneurs and emerging new businesses. There will be speakers on a number of business-related topics, including “Starting Right: What’s First”, “Financing and Incentives”, and an “Ask the Experts” session where area professionals will answer questions from those participating in the event.
A special element to the fair is the announcement of the Business Plan Challenge, where individuals looking to begin a business in Van Wert County can create, submit, and present a business plan to a panel of judges for the chance to win business development funds.
Preparing a business plan allows individuals the time to put thought on paper, do the necessary research, and attend business counseling sessions offered locally by the Rhodes State Small Business Development Center.
For more information, call the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation at 419.238.2999.
All Convoy area businesses are invited to a roundtable discussion on how to attract new businesses to the village. The “Gather 2 Grow 2022” meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, at the Convoy Municipal Building. Van Wert Area Economic Development Executive Director Stacy Adam and business owner Tim Slusher will share suggestions and consult with anyone wishing to start a new business. Photo submitted
Submitted information
Shultz Huber & Associates, Inc. is pleased to welcome Logan Huff to the firm’s Van Wert office.
Huff is a staff accountant. His primary responsibilities include financial statement preparation, providing monthly accounting services, and business and individual tax preparation. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northwestern Ohio.
The firm is hiring for a variety of public accounting positions in Archbold, Bryan, Defiance, St. Marys and Van Wert. All experience levels are welcome, including recent graduates with an accounting-related degree. To learn more or to submit a resume, visit sha.cpa/career-opportunities.
Shultz Huber & Associates, Inc. is a full-service accounting, tax and business consulting CPA firm specializing in assisting businesses and their owners plan for their future and achieve their goals in an ever-changing financial and regulatory environment. Offices are located in Archbold, Bryan, Defiance, St. Marys and Van Wert, with seven shareholders and 60 employees.
POSTED: 12/22/21 at 4:24 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Unverferth Mfg. has announced the appointment of Brett Unverferth as the new Vice President of Sales and Marketing effective with the retirement of Dan Fanger on January 7. Fanger has held a distinguished 56-year career with the company.
Brett Unverferth began working in various roles at the company throughout high school and college. Upon graduation from The Ohio State University in 2000, he began his career in sales and marketing with New Holland. There, he worked in various marketing roles with increased responsibility throughout his tenure. In 2013, he rejoined the company as a territory manager covering northern Ohio. He is a grandson of co-founder Richard Unverferth.
“Brett is very customer focused with a unique skillset to continue leading the company’s sales and marketing group,” Fanger said. “His diverse experience with a large farm equipment company and additional sales experience with Unverferth Mfg. will be an asset as the company continues growing its offerings in a competitive marketplace. I look forward to watching as Brett continues building upon his grandfather’s vision to be a world-class farm equipment marketer and manufacturer.”
“We sincerely thank Dan for his career-long commitment to the company,” President Larry Unverferth said. “His leadership role in helping grow the company through new programs, products and acquisitions have contributed greatly to the company’s growth through his five decades of service. We wish Dan the best in his well-deserved retirement and we are excited to promote Brett to this important role with the company to continue leading sales and marketing efforts into the future. Brett’s industry knowledge, relationship-building experience and leadership abilities will suit him well in his new role.”
Unverferth Mfg. Co., Inc. is a family owned manufacturer and marketer of tillage, seed, hay- and grain-handling equipment along with pull-type sprayers, fertilizer applicators and agricultural dual, triple and specialty wheel products. It has manufacturing facilities in Kalida and Delphos, and Shell Rock, Iowa and operates eight sales branches in North America.
POSTED: 12/17/21 at 11:36 am. FILED UNDER: Business
Independent staff and submitted information
Straley Realty & Auctioneers Inc. announces that six of its affiliated real estate professionals have earned the 2020-2021 Presidents Sales Club awards presented by the Ohio Realtors.
Realtor Chester Straley was awarded the Award of Excellence for having in excess of $5 million in sales between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. This is a very rare award to receive in Van Wert County.
Realtors Warren Straley and Joe Bagley were awarded the Award of Distinction for each having in excess of $2.5 million in sales during this timeframe.
Receiving the Award of Achievement for $1 million to $2.5 million in sales were Jane Germann, Anne Brecht, and Cassie Bell.
Ohio Realtors officially award qualifying members the “President’s Sales Club Award” designation in four recognition levels for outstanding sales performance in the real estate industry. Ohio Realtors is the largest professional trade association in Ohio. Just over 10 percent of Ohio’s real estate professionals have attained this honor. All OAR members in good standing were eligible for the award.
POSTED: 09/24/21 at 10:29 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
