http://www.nfib.com/Keep up with the latest news, politics and events for small business in Ohio.en-usEM3 iOnwebmaster@nfib.orghttp://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37128.htmlOver the last few decades, security at home and at work has emerged as a primary concern in the minds of the general public. And since 1981, ProTech Security Inc. has been a leader in satisfying the security needs of an ever-changing market, offering customers the best protection possible.Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37103.htmlWorking outdoors is nothing new to Jonathan Frailey. Since elementary school, he has been in the grounds maintenance business, starting off with mowing neighbors' lawns to the creation of a full-time landscaping business in 1994. Now, Lawn Jon Grounds Care Inc., based out of Pataskala and serving the greater Columbus area, caters to both commercial and residential customers and offers a wide variety of services ranging from turf maintenance and irrigation to chemical applications and snow and ice control. Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37093.htmlCo-sponsored by NFIB, this program is presented as part of the National Unemployment Insurance Issues Conference. Registration for the full conference, including the Unemployment Insurance 101 program and an array of workshops presented by national experts, is available at www.uwcstrategy.org/Conferences. Registration for the Unemployment Insurance 101 program only is available using the registration form below at the discounted rate of $60. Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37068.htmlThe supporters of the so called "Healthy Families Act" were granted a legislative hearing in the House State Government Committee recently. A witness from the coalition supporting the act offered testimony in support of legislative passage promising to take the issue to the November ballot if the Legislature fails to pass it.Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37041.htmlTue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37042.htmlTue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36924.htmlThe National Federation of Independent Business today named Bill Thornton, owner of Thornton & Associates in Lebanon, the winner of the 2008 Small Business Champion Award for Ohio. Thornton, an NFIB member since 2003, has participated in the group's many opportunities for leadership and involvement in small business issues facing state and federal lawmakers. Specifically, Thornton has participated in legislative meetings about such crucial small business issues as workers' compensation policies, legal reform and taxes. Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36912.htmlA representative from Ohioans to Protect Jobs testified today in the Ohio House Commerce and Labor Committee against the proposed paid sick leave initiative saying that it is another costly and burdensome mandate that, if enacted, will cost Ohioans' jobs and make the state one of the least business friendly in the nation. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36838.htmlThe NFIB/Ohio seminars are designed for small business owners, safety and risk managers, and office managers concerned with rising labor costs, especially workers' compensation and unemployment compensation. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36815.htmlNFIB/Ohio will be partnering with the law firm of Bricker & Eckler beginning in May to educate small business owners around the state about the dangerous paid sick leave proposal referred to as the "Healthy Families Act." NFIB/Ohio and attorneys from Bricker & Eckler will outline the sick day proposal and discuss the ramifications for company leave policies should the issue qualify for the ballot and pass. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36721.htmlJoin NFIB/Ohio for a meeting on the "Impact of the Paid Sick Leave Ballot Initiative" in Toledo May 21.Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36724.htmlThe National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio applauded a recent decision by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation to reduce overall rates by 5 percent next year. The rate reduction, which will take effect on July 1, 2008, was unanimously approved by the BWC Board of Directors late last week and is the first rate reduction for private companies since 2001. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36692.htmlRead the April/May 2008 Ohio MyVOICE for details on healthcare, paid leave and activism.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36715.htmlJoin NFIB/Ohio for a meeting on the "Impact of the Paid Sick Leave Ballot Initiative" in Sidney May 14.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36716.htmlJoin NFIB/Ohio for a meeting on the "Impact of the Paid Sick Leave Ballot Initiative" in Circleville May 15.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36717.htmlJoin NFIB/Ohio for a meeting on the "Impact of the Paid Sick Leave Ballot Initiative" in Columbus May 15.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36718.htmlJoin NFIB/Ohio for a meeting on the "Impact of the Paid Sick Leave Ballot Initiative" in Greenville May 14.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36719.htmlJoin NFIB/Ohio for a meeting on the "Impact of the Paid Sick Leave Ballot Initiative" in Norwalk May 22.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36720.htmlJoin NFIB/Ohio for a meeting on the "Impact of the Paid Sick Leave Ballot Initiative" in Shelby May 22.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36722.htmlJoin NFIB/Ohio for a meeting on the "Impact of the Paid Sick Leave Ballot Initiative" in Archbold May 21.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36723.htmlJoin NFIB/Ohio for a meeting on the "Impact of the Paid Sick Leave Ballot Initiative" in Lima May 20.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36657.htmlCustom made, high quality products are the foundation for Fowler Products, Inc. Based out of Crestline, Ohio, Fowler Products has been manufacturing quality plastic extrusions for over three decades. Owner and operator Mark Fowler says it's FPI's "focus on research and development, quality control and manufacturing" that allows them to provide their customers with products that are both consistent and reliable.Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36659.htmlOriginally established as the Company in 1982, LM Engineering started out by manufacturing protective instrument and equipment cases for local musicians. Founder Joe Maluso wanted to create low-cost, high-quality "road cases" for himself and his fellow musicians in the area around Youngstown, Ohio. It was this idea coupled with unmatched customer service, a policy aptly labeled the "Zero-Risk Guarantee," that caught the attention of retail music stores throughout the region. As a result, Maluso moved his rapidly expanding business to a commercial location in 1985.Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36580.htmlThe political action committee of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business group, has announced a roster of candidates in Ohio for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. NFIB supports candidates who have pro-small business voting records and are strong advocates for small business owners.Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36563.htmlThe political action committee of the National Federation of Independent Business announced its endorsement of U.S Rep. John Boehner for reelection in Ohio's 8th Congressional District. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36526.htmlNFIB/Ohio Legislative Director Ty Pine and NFIB member Jeff Davis, owner of Scioto Landscaping, testified this week in support of a tax credit for the purchase of health insurance, a provision of House Bill 456 sponsored by Rep. Jim Raussen.Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36506.html"Mr. Chairman and members of the House Access and Affordability Committee, my name is Ty Pine and I am here on behalf of the more than 25,000 governing members of the Ohio Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business to provide a small and independent business perspective related to health insurance and the proposed tax credit in H.B. 456. I want to thank Rep. Raussen and the committee for your leadership on health insurance, and commitment and sensitivity to small business issues."Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36507.html"Mr. Chairman and members of the House Healthcare Access and Affordability Committee, my name is Jeff Davis and I am the owner of Scioto Landscaping Company based out of Columbus, Ohio, and a member of the NFIB/Ohio. I am here today to testify in support specifically to the component of House Bill 456 that provides a $1,000 tax credit to incentivize individuals without the option of employer-subsidized health insurance to purchase health insurance coverage. I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before this committee today and your work on a very serious issue for small business, the cost of health insurance."Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36488.htmlThe National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio applauded Tuesday's passage of House Bill 285 in the Ohio House of Representatives as a means of improving Ohio's regulatory environment for small businesses. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ross McGregor (Springfield), provides for the waiver of administrative fines and civil penalties in the case of a first-time paperwork violation on the part of a small business. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST