Month: September 2015

Are Your Employees Compensated Fairly?

(Submitted by Brad Bapst, Director, Small Business Development Center, OSU South Centers)

Employee compensation is a very important topic that must be monitored in any organization. If not done correctly, it can lead to many underlying issues and can eventually destroy the organization. It is important to recognize employees for what they do on a daily basis and the revenues they help generate. Sometimes leadership can fall into a pattern of compensating employees solely based on titles and credentials, not taking into account the contributions of those without the lofty pedigree. Many times these are the individuals who are driving the success! It is important for leadership to realize these contributions and make sure these employees are recognized and compensated fairly with performance and industry peers.

Take a look at some areas to consider when evaluating employee compensation in your workplace including Equity, Purpose, Accurate Data, Job Descriptions, and More Than Money at asae Resources.

Seeking feedback regarding Ohio River shipping needs

(Submitted by Hannah Scott, Manager, Ohio Cooperative Development Center, OSU South Centers)

The Ohio Cooperative Development Center (OCDC) and the International Trade Assistance Center (ITAC) at The Ohio State University South Centers are working with organizations to develop a cooperative shipping initiative in order to provide greater access to the inland waterway transportation system. The initiative intends to organize collective sourcing and purchasing for barges, including the potential for bulk and containerized cargo options, with the potential to decrease logistics costs, provide greater access to collective purchasing, facilitate supply chain integration, and foster multi-state collaborations.

In order to quantify demand for and interest in this initiative, OCDC and ITAC are seeking feedback regarding the shipping needs of the region surrounding the Ohio River. The short survey linked below seeks to gather information from businesses that ship products or raw materials as well as economic development and related organizations. Participation in the survey is completely voluntary and survey results are not intended for publication. If you’ve not already provided your input, we would appreciate your feedback!

Take Survey Now!

Meet the BizTeam featuring: Kelly O’Bryant

(Submitted by Kimberly Roush, Program Assistant, Ohio Cooperative Development Center and Business Development Network, OSU South Centers)

Director,
International Trade Assistance Center

Kelly O'Bryant - Office

1864 Shyville Road
Piketon, OH 45661
740-289-2071 x235
obryant.6@osu.edu

Education:

Certifications:
Society for Human Resource Management Certificate (in process)
Certified Business Advisor from the University of Toledo
NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional

Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences from Shawnee State University

Professional Experience:

Kelly O’Bryant is the Director of the International Trade Assistance Center, which focuses on businesses looking at starting to export their products and existing businesses that are looking at expanding into new markets.

Prior to her current position, Kelly served a variety of roles at OSU South Centers. She began as a Horticulture Assistant and advanced to Research Lab Assistant, then to Information Associate, and then on to a Business Development Team Program Coordination. Kelly also gained direct experience in the private industry as Director of Human Resources for a private local company.

Community/Personal Business Experience:

Kelly resides in Beaver, Ohio with her husband, Paul and, daughter, Paige, where they enjoy owning and operating a small hobby farm. Also Kelly recently started an online Etsy Store for her handmade arts and crafts.

Why do you think OSU South Centers is so successful?

“OSU South Centers offers innovative services and help to address business owner needs with their business growth potential in mind.” ~Kelly O’Bryant

Meet the BizTeam featuring: Ryan Mapes

(Submitted by Kimberly Roush, Program Assistant, Ohio Cooperative Development Center and Business Development Network, OSU South Centers)

Manager,
OSU Endeavor Center and
Program Leader,
Business Development Network

Ryan Mapes2

1862 Shyville Road
Piketon, Oh 45661
740-289-2071 x231
mapes.281@osu.edu

Education:

Certifications:
Certified Business Advisor from the University of Toledo
Certified Trade and Export Counselor by the Small Business Administration

Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Fairmont State College.

Professional Experience:

Ryan Mapes joined the Ohio State University South Centers as a Business Development Specialist for the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in 2008. He then assumed the role of an SBDC District Director in September of that year. Ryan more recently accepted the position of Manager of OSU South Centers Endeavor Center.

Prior to joining the staff at the OSU South Centers, Ryan spent four years as high school teacher and nearly seven years working for a local community bank. During his time at the bank, he served two years in branch management and the remaining five as a commercial lender.

Community/Personal Business Experience:

Ryan owns and operates a construction business. Having personal business ownership experience gives him a unique understanding of exactly what clients need as they work toward business success.

Ryan is a founding Board Member of the Ohio Valley Conservation Coalition, which is a non-profit land trust for the conservation of 1400 acres of land in southern Ohio.

Why do you think OSU South Centers is so successful?

“OSU South Centers services are a way for clients to gain knowledge at no cost or minimal cost. Knowledge in all areas including business, practical application gained from research trials.” ~Ryan Mapes

Carter and Dengel Win Peer Recognition Awards

(Submitted by Brad Bapst, Director, Small Business Development Center, OSU South Centers)

The Ohio Small Business Development Center held its annual conference this past month and two of our business counselors received awards. The Peer Recognition Awards recognize the extraordinary efforts of SBDC counselors and staff.

SBDC Awards Carter pic (2)

Melissa Carter won the Marketing Award for her implementation of social media and online marketing techniques for both the OSU South Centers Business Development Network and for businesses.

SBDC Awards Dengel pic (2)

Patrick Dengel won the Collaboration Award with his partnership with the University of Rio Grande. Patrick works diligently with the University of Rio Grande by utilizing their television and radio equipment to organize weekly broadcasts to showcase the businesses and partners throughout the region.

Meet the BizTeam featuring: Jennifer Dunn

(Submitted by Kimberly Roush, Program Assistant, Ohio Cooperative Development Center and Business Development Network, OSU South Centers)

Program Assistant,
OSU Endeavor Center

Jennifer Dunn - Office

1862 Shyville Road
Piketon, Oh 45661
740-289-1605 or
740-289-2071 x301
dunn.595@osu.edu

Education:

Associate of Applied Business in Business Management and Merchandising from Antonelli College

Professional Experience:

Jennifer has served as the Program Assistant for the Endeavor Center since 2011.

Jennifer serves as the Endeavor Center’s first point of contact and supports the Endeavor Center partners. She schedules conference rooms and coordinates Endeavor Center events for outside cliental and partners. She serves as the catering coordinator for OSU South Centers.

Jennifer also works with the Business Development Network team to coordinate training workshops, handle registration, and assists in data entry to report economic impacts. For the Jackson Extension Center, Jennifer serves as the conference rooms coordinator.

Community/Personal Business Experience:

Jennifer was raised and currently resides in Adams County. She attended college in Cincinnati Ohio. Then was employed in retail industry, where she gained extensive experience in management, account coordination, marketing, visual display, customer service, and sales. Jennifer has also spent several years on volunteer boards, where she handled various fundraisers, community outreach, volunteer scheduling, hospitality functions, silent auctions, and the coordinating of large events.

<Why do you think OSU South Centers is so successful?

“For an individual or group just starting out or for those that have been in business for a while, OSU South Centers offers a broad range of expertise. Business Development Specialist can simply walk clients through complicated processes.” ~Jennifer Dunn