This year has been an excitingyear for our community, makingbig strides in economic devel-opment while bridging the gapbetween the city and the cham-ber in efforts to improve the qual-ity of life in Upper Arlington.

Economic development hasbeen a priority within the city.Since 1999, the city has createdan aggressive economic devel-opment program; the Upper Ar-lington Community ImprovementCorporation (CIC) has enhancedefforts to attract and retain busi-nesses.

Upper Arlington providesmany incentives and programsto help spur business develop-ment. This also includes an ad-visory organization such asUACIC — the Upper ArlingtonCommunity Improvement Cor-poration — which provides ex-pertise and resources to add inredevelopment within and for thecommunity. “I can’t place a valueon the opportunity to share in the

economic development decisionsmade possible by serving on theUACIC,” said Becky Hajost,chamber president. These are ex-citing times and together withcollaboration and solid leader-ship, we will continue to moveforward in 2011.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2010 Giant Eagle, Market District

— The new 132,000-square-foot

Market District grocery store atKingsdale officially openedThursday, Oct. 14.

Gov. Ted Strickland, TravelChannel host Adam Richman andGiant Eagle executives gatheredat the new store to welcome pa-trons and thank all who made thefirst Market District store in Ohiopossible.

www.uachamber.org January 2011 | Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly 1

BUSINESS MONTHLYIssue 30January 2011

UPPER ARLINGTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Power to Make a Difference

Inside this issue‘Ask the Expert’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3New imcoming board biographies. . . . . 3Member’s perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Member’s focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Business briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7New Chamber members . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Upcoming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Building for the future …In addition to providing members a chance to af-

fect the direction of the Chamber, committees arean ideal way to network and develop leadership skills.Chamber committees also develop programs to in-crease member benefits, provide education, attractnew members, enhance the local business climateand improve the organization’s financial strength.“These are difficult times in our economy and weneed to be certain we have the very best people inplace to carry us forward. Through collaborationand purposeful decision making along with a longterm perspective and understanding of the past, wewill continue to excel as a community.”

— Becky Hajost, president of Upper ArlingtonArea Chamber of Commerce

DIVISION COMMITTEE CHAIR’S

2011 RESOLUTIONS:Public Relations Committee – David Peters,

NetPoint Marketing “In 2011 we will work towards continuous im-

provement in the areas of Awareness and Engage-ment. We resolve to help the UA Chamber evolve!

Through improved communication, both onlineand off, a revamped technology platform and moresocial media interaction our goal is to simply makesure that the numerous benefits of belonging to theChamber are effectively communicated to our Cham-

Top Upper Arlington business stories for 2010

Save the Date!2010 Annual Meeting and Business Expo is scheduled for 4 - 8 p.m. on Friday, March 4.

By Chris Parker/ThisWeek

The Market District features restaurant-style services in addition to groceries.

See BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE, page 2

See TOP, page 2

2 January 2011 | Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly www.uachamber.org

Market District features more than10,000 natural and organic items, 7,000international items and 4,000 uniquespecialty groceries, according to storeofficials. The store also features a restau-rant with free wireless Internet, a beerand wine store with more than 2,500wines and 600 beers and an in-storechef demonstration kitchen, among otherthings.

The new store is a milestone for GiantEagle, Market District’s parent com-pany. Strickland said the new store is a“big deal” for the Columbus and UpperArlington areas.

Whole Foods Market – Followingmonths of meetings and negotiations,members of the Upper Arlington Boardof Zoning and Planning unanimouslyapproved a final development plan forthe Whole Foods Market September20.

Whole Foods will increase the num-ber of parking spaces from 663 to 836.Store representatives say they needenough parking to allow future growthfor their business. We have a nationalretailer willing to shut down its storefor nine months,” said architect MarkFord. “That’s unheard of and a risk forthe company. We as a community haveto take a risk and let them have the park-ing.

Tree of Life Christian Ministries –Tree of Life is now the owner of the 16-acre property on Arlington Centre Boule-vard.

Despite being in the middle of a two-pronged zoning appeal process, theschool closed on the $6.5-million pur-chase from Time Warner/AOL.

The Chamber’s Business AdvocacyCommittee (BAC) will continue to mon-itor and keep members informed as thezoning process continues. “We hopewe have helped you understand the im-plications of Tree of Life’s proposeduse of the AOL site. Our City, our busi-ness owners and our other public insti-tutions have much to lose if the “siteuse changes,” said Jason Nordstrom,chair of the BAC.

Expedient Communications —Pittsburgh-based digital data manage-ment company Expedient Communi-cations plans to locate its first Colum-bus-area data center in a portion of theArlington Centre Blvd. building nowowned by Tree of Life Christian Min-istries.

Expedient plans to use the 20,000-square-foot building that sits on the cor-ner of Henderson Rd. and ArlingtonCentre Blvd. The building was the firstbuilt by CompuServe and is calledBuilding 1. The UA location is slatedto have 15 to 20 employees by the firstquarter of 2011. “They are all pretty

high-end job – engineers and opera-tions managers,” said Smith, BryanSmith, the new regional vice presidentand general manager for the UA site.“I would say the average position thereis anywhere from $60,000 to $100,000a year.”

E MC2 — Specializes in the exper-imental and analytical evaluation of thestructural integrity of systems and com-ponents made of metals, plastics, com-posites, and other engineered materi-als and manufactured using various join-ing processes. A proposal for a Ven-ture Loan/Grant was proposed and sup-ported by staff for 3518 Riverside Caspi-an II, LLC.

The expansion for this project is an-ticipated to be a fixed-asset investmentof at least $800,000 including $650,000in construction and $150,000 in ma-chinery and equipment. Additionally,this is an extraordinary tenancy com-mitment being agreed to by Emc2 whichbecomes an asset to the property goingforward. The project generates a rateof return of $3.55: $1.00 and makes10,000+ sq ft of office space more vi-able in the marketplace.

CardiOx — Medical technology firmmoves to UA and brings a total of 26employees with a payroll of $2.3 mil-lion by Dec. 13, 2013. A tax credit wasrecommended by the UACIC.

Kenexis — The UACIC also votedto recommend a forgivable loan toKenexis to build a lift or elevator at 3366Riverside Drive. Kenexis, already lo-cated in UA, plans to move to River-side because it has outgrown its currentlocation. The company will purchasethe Riverside Drive building and use90 percent of the 2nd floor. Marszal ofKenexis said he is glad his companycan stay in Upper Arlington.

16 employees are employed byKenexis and is expected to increase thatnumber to 26 by December 2013. Theforgivable loan, which would cover 80percent of the cost to install either anelevator or lift but would not exceed$50,000.

TechColumbus – Upper Arlingtonvoted to renew its $50,000 per year com-mitment as TechColumbus seeks an ad-ditional Third Frontier leverage match.TechColumbus is applying for $3.5-million grant from the Ohio Depart-ment of Development’s Third FrontierProgram, which would be matched dol-lar-for-dollar by $3.5-million raisedfrom donors and local municipalitiesand counties. Our investment is imper-ative for our economic future.

New Restaurants – Restaurants suchas: Louie’s Grill, a Spanish-fusion restau-rant, near Northwest Boulevard andZollinger Road, Royal Ginger Asian

Fusion Bistro & Carsonie’s Stromboli& Pizza Kitchen both located at theShops on Lane Avenue, Piada, an Ital-ian fast-food shop owned by ChrisDoody of Lindy’s in German Village,located on Lane Avenue, Burgers, Dogs& Fries, Orange Leaf Yogurt both lo-cated at Giant Eagle’s Market District,Cibo Restaurant and Bar, the next ven-ture for the Ciotola family located atcorner of Reed and Henderson, Gallo’sKitchen and Bar, a fusion Creole restau-rant located at Riverside & Nottingham& Park Creek Kitchen located at 2124Arlington Ave. all opened in 2010.

TREX – The number of the newrestaurants can be attributed to the city’snew policy of allowing liquor licensesto be transferred from other areas — aprocess called TREX (transfer and ex-change for economic development).

Capitalizing on redevelopment op-portunities helps keep the city both vi-brant and financially sound. A thriv-ing business climate improves our city’sability to serve all of us — residentsand businesses alike. “Many of suc-cesses for economic development havebeen highlighted in 2010, but certain-ly not all. We have the leadership andthe tools, and through collaboration andpurposeful decision making along witha long term perspective, we will con-tinue to excel as a community in 2011,”Hajost said.

Continued from page 1

Top Upper Arlington business stories for 2010

Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce

Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce2152 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Phone: 614-481-5710, Fax: 614-481-5711 www.uachamber.orgBOARD OF TRUSTEES

OfficersDon Leach ChairDavid Peters Vice Chair, Public RelationsJason Nordstrom Vice Chair, Business AdvocacyJim Hyre Vice Chair, Economic DevelopmentWilliam Ubbing Vice Chair, FinanceEdie Blough Vice Chair, Membership

TrusteesAlberta Burke Daniel CaseyBecky Converse Charles GriffithCharles Groezinger Peter HahnTony Macaluso Heidi NailWes Newhouse Doug Ryan Jamie Sisto Deborah TaylorJonathan Varner Donna Vorce Chris Widing Dr. Jeff Weaver

UAACC STAFFBecky A. Hajost PresidentKaren L. Hamilton Membership Development DirectorReg Warner Chief Financial Officer

Building for the future …ber members, prospective members and theUpper Arlington community at large. Herewe go!

Economic Development Committee – Jim Hyre, Hyre & Associates

“Undertake an enhanced role in mar-keting the community and to strengthen& identify existing businesses in collab-oration to ensure an attractive climate forall businesses.”

Retail Committee – Jon Pugh – Ship Print E-Sell

1. To conceptualize synergistic strate-gies encompassing win-win goals with-

in a matrix of self- congratulatory hom-ilies.

2. To use less jargon3. To eat everything that Emilie brings

to our meetings4. To not talk with my mouth full

Business Development – Heidi Nail

“To gain new committee members tocontribute to our growth and new initia-tives, to roll out the Business AdvisoryProgram to our members, and to start allof our committee meetings on time!”

Member Benefits & Internal Affairs– Edie Blough, Title First

1. Share the vision of networking all

businesses in the UA area2. Build business relation

Business Advocacy – Jason Nord-strom – Chase Bank Investment Services

“To continue to influence and monitorlocal issues and act as a truly unified voicefor the area business community and com-munity at large.”

Finance – Bill Ubbing – W.J. Ubbing & Associates, CPA “Successfully execute the annual budg-

et and pursue other avenues for receivingadditional revenue to achieve a sharedmission among the Chamber, the City andthe UACIC.”

Continued from page 1

To advertise in the Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly, contact ThisWeek Community Newspapers sales representative Leanne Marks at (740) 881-4900.

1. Name, title and employ-er: Don Leach, attorney andmanaging partner of the Colum-bus office of Dinsmore & ShohlLLP, where my practice focusis commercial construction andreal estate. I also serve as chairof the firm’s Construction Prac-tice Group.

2. Educational background:B.A. in political science and eco-nomics from Union College,Schenectady, N.Y.; law degreefrom the Ohio State UniversityMoritz College of Law.

3. What do you love mostabout your job: The variety ofopportunities to problem solve.

4. Where are you from: Igrew up here in central Ohio, inBexley. My wife and I are oneof the rare couples in centralOhio who both grew up here –she is a Whetstone grad.

5. What was your firstjob: Mowing lawns and trim-ming shrubbery; camp counselor.

6. What are your stress re-lievers: Spending time with fam-ily and friends, exercising andreading.

7. What do you love mostabout Upper Arlington: Thequality services and sense ofcommunity that is fostered bythe common boundaries shar-ed by our schools, library andcity.

8. What would you like tosee changed to make our com-munity even better: Trash theTurquoise! It is great to haveMacy’s in UA, but the building’sexterior is outdated and detractsfrom the new Kingsdale.

9. If you had three wishes:1. Continued good health

and happiness for our family.2. Leaders who are prag-

matic and collaborative, and wholead with both historical and so-cietal perspective.

3. Since it would be po-litically incorrect to use my thirdwish to ask for more wishes orby wishing that no one playedany music other than that orig-inating in the 1960s or 1970s, Iwish simply that everyone wouldtreat others as they would liketo be treated.

10. What did you want to bewhen growing up: After grow-ing out of my early infatuationwith being a cowboy or firetruck, I became interested inbeing a lawyer.

www.uachamber.org January 2011 | Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly 3

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Board member spotlight— chair Don Leach

Don Leach

New incoming chamber board biographies

David P. PetersNet Point Marketing LLC

David Peters is the Presidentand CMO of Net Point Mar-keting LLC, a national SearchEngine Marketing(SEO/SEM), Website Designand Web Strategy ConsultingFirm.

David’s expertise spans over20 years of experience in B2Band B2C marketing as a business owner, seniormanager and business consultant. His areas ofspecialization include:

- Search Engine Optimization- Internet Marketing Consultation- Conversion Rate Optimization- Website Usability Testing- Online Business and E-Commerce Strategy- Website Design for ROI- Google AdWords and PPC marketing- Website Conversion and Analytics- Blogging for Business- Local and Geo-Targeted Search marketing- Professional Speaking/ Training/ Workshops

David is a member of SEMPO, the AmericanMarketing Association and eMarketing Associ-ation. David’s education includes degrees fromOhio State University in finance and marketing.David and his family live in Westerville.

Daniel CaseyEntrepreneur-in-Residence,

TechColumbusDaniel Casey has over 30 years of far-reach-

ing experience leading high-performance technology or-ganizations in both corporateand entrepreneurial environ-ments. He has held senior leveloperations, sales and financialpositions at Sterling Com-merce, Goal Systems, LomasInformation Systems andUCCEL Corporation. Recently, as COO forSypherlink, Daniel played an instrumental rolein securing $3.5-million in venture capital. AsPresident and COO of AGT International, Inc.,

David Peters

Daniel Casey

See NEW INCOMING, page 6

We are excited about a newmember benefit program that cansave your business money.

The Upper Arlington AreaChamber of Commerce has part-nered with Good Energy to offeryou savings on your electricitycosts through the Good EnergyElectricity Savings Program. Thisprogram brings the power of ourmembers together to help you saveup to 20 to 30 percent or more onyour electricity costs.

“After learning that one of ourmembers, a nonprofit organiza-tion, was going to save approxi-mately $6,000 a year on their elec-tric bill, we knew instantly weneeded to make certain all mem-bers were aware of this shared op-portunity to save money,” saidBecky Hajost, president UA AreaChamber.

Deregulation and increasedcompetition in the electricity mar-ket makes it possible for busi-nesses like yours to take advan-tage of these savings. Details aboutelectricity in the Columbus mar-ket can be found on our Web siteat www.uachamber.org. All youneed to do is sign up to take ad-vantage of the program.

And, it is simple to sign up.If you use less than 400,000

kWh annually and are on one ofthe following Tariff Rate Codesshown on your bill — 202, 203,204, 206, 207, 208, 209, 214, 217,218, 219,224 — youcan calcu-late yourestimateds a v i n g sright nowo n l i n e .Then, tor e c e i v ethese newmoney-sav-ing rates,sign upwith ourp a r t n e r ,Good En-ergy, todayby faxing acompletecopy ofyour mostrecent elec-tric billwith thisenrollmentform to

614-737-5244.Questions? Call 614-285-5244.If you use more than 400,000

kWh annually, or if you are onTariff Rate Code 240, please callGood Energy at 614-285-5244 to

receive a customized quote.Additional program details are

posted on www. uachamber.org.If you would like to speak with aGood Energy program represen-tative, please call 614-285-5244.

By Alberta Burke

Orange Leaf Yogurt, located at3130 Kingsdale Center, openedon Oct. 8 in the Kingsdale Shop-ping Center. George Scott is theowner/operator and is thrilled tobe a part of the community anda new Upper Arlington AreaChamber of Commerce member.George is a husband and fatherof a new 3-month-old daughter.He attended the Scottsdale Culi-nary Institute in Arizona and is aclassically trained chef.

Orange Leaf typically offers 16flavors; however, the Kingsdalelocation offers 34 flavors that arerotated by request and demand ofhis customers. Because of

George’s culinary background, healso develops many of his owncustom flavors with a selection ofholiday and seasonal flavors. Totop off the tasty yogurt flavors, 48different toppings are available.It is a self-serve concept that fea-tures a Monday Madness specialthat offers customers an “all youcan fit into a 24-oz cup” yogurtand toppings deal.

The business was the brain-child of George and his father-in-law and is a friend and familybusiness. George looks forwardto his new chamber membership

and plans on participating in themany events offered by the cham-ber along with networking withother local businesses and beinginvolved in the UA community.The business is starting con-struction for a second Orange Leaflocation slated to open in Grand-view in March of 2011.

Upon my departure, Georgeoffered me a sample and I can tes-tify that it is one tasty treat. TheUpper Arlington Area Chamberwelcomes George and the OrangeLeaf organization to the com-munity and to the chamber.

4 January 2011 | Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly www.uachamber.org

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New member breakfast UA Area Chamber board chair Don Leach of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP welcomes bothnew and tenured members of the UA Area Chamber of Commerce as they gatheredfor coffee and danishes at the new Hyatt Place in Grandview. Chamber presidentBecky Hajost, membership development director Karen Hamilton and several keyboard members and ambassadors were present to introduce new members andinform all about benefits and opportunities available to members of the chamber.

Member’s focus —Orange Leaf Yogurt

GeorgeScott,owner andoperator ofOrangeLeaf Yo-gurt atKingsdale,invites youto visit hisstore andexperiencethe “besttastingyogurt onearth.”

Good EnergyMembers can save 20 to 30 percent on electricity

www.uachamber.org January 2011 | Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly 5

Candy Ward is the general manager and has been with MCL atKingsdale for 38 years.

Member’sPerspective - MCLRestaurant & Bakery

In Upper Arlington, the MCLRestaurant & Bakery has alwayshas been pigeonholed as the placewhere only area seniors choose todine. You’ve heard the saying “thisis not your father’s Buick.” Wellthe same applies to the updatedKingsdale eatery.

Families, both young and old,are coming to MCL because theyenjoy the family atmosphere andmostly because they enjoy goodfood, says Candy Ward, generalmanager of MCL Kingsdale.

“When I say good food, I amsaying real food,” says Ward, whohas worked at MCL for 38 of the41 years since it opened its doorsin UA.

With the recent renovations ofMCL and the Kingsdale area,Ward has noticed a change in theclientele demographics and re-ports that the renovations havebeen good for business. MCL hasits “regulars,” but many youngnew faces are appearing to enjoythe wide variety of food.

MCL has been owned and op-erated by the McGahghey andLaughner families for over 50years and is based out of Indi-anapolis. According to Ward, the

company prides itself on its hand-made, fresh baked goods as wellas kettle-made stocks and soups.MCL’s bakers arrive at 6 a.m. eachday to begin making their signa-ture pies and breads.

Families and area businessesare discovering the large and en-closed banquet area at MCL. Ac-cording to Ward, families arescheduling their holiday gather-ings and dinners at MCL for theconvenience of not having to cookor clean up.

“People then go home aftertheir meal and celebrate the daytogether,” Ward said. “We takeout the hassle of cooking andcleaning so that everyone canenjoy the day.”

MCL benefits a great deal frombeing a member of the Upper Ar-lington Area Chamber of Com-merce. According to Ward, thechamber has helped by gettingthe word out about their newchanges, by attending chambernetworking events and by host-ing chamber lunch meetings.MCL’s catering business has ex-panded and is now serving larg-er groups, such as Ohio State Uni-versity.

“We just want the area peopleand their families to come in andenjoy our great tasting food. Youngor old, there’s something here foreveryone,” Ward said.

It’s not just forGrandma andGrandpa anymore

6 January 2011 | Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly www.uachamber.org

a privately held software compa-ny, Daniel positioned its profes-sional services component for asuccessful exit.

As an Entrepreneur-in-Resi-dence for TechColumbus, Danielanalyzes complex business andlegal information to assess the mer-its and risks of potential invest-ment opportunities for the Pre-Seed Fund. He works closely withportfolio companies to ensure thatthey effectively execute their busi-ness plans, reach established mile-stones and secure follow-on ven-ture funding. Daniel is also ac-tively involved in clarifying thecapital access process for local en-trepreneurs by conducting semi-nars and providing online educa-tion.

Daniel holds a BBA in Man-agement from the University ofNotre Dame and an MBA in Fi-nance from Ohio State Universi-ty.

Wesley NewhouseNewhouse, Prophater,

Letcher & Moots, LLCD. Wesley

Newhouse isan experiencedlitigator andtransactionalattorney. Heassists many ofthe firm’sclients in theestablishmentof new business and charitable en-terprises. He has often organizedlimited liability companies, Sub-chapter S corporations, partner-ships, and 501(c)(3) not-for-prof-it organizations.

The breadth of his jury trial ex-perience extends to cases involv-ing age discrimination, disabilitydiscrimination, discrimination onthe basis of national origin, vio-lation of the Fair Debt CollectionPractices Act, violation of non-compete and confidentialitycovenants, construction disputes,personal injury claims, propertydamage claims and breach of con-tract. Newhouse has particular ex-pertise in cases involving injunc-tive relief, such as employment

discrimination, housing discrim-ination and disputes concerningnon-compete and confidentialityagreements. He has also appearedin the state and federal courts ofappeal throughout Ohio, and be-fore numerous administrative agen-cies.

A frequent author and lecturer,and an adjunct professor of busi-ness law at DeVry University,Newhouse has many publishedarticles.

Newhouse completed his un-dergraduate studies at Ohio North-ern University, where he wasawarded degrees in both businessadministration and political sci-ence with high honors in 1980.He is a 1983 graduate of the OhioState University College of Law.He serves on the board of trusteesof the Childhood Early LearningCenters, is a past president of theboard of trustees of ColumbusAfter-School All-Stars, and a pastpresident of the board of trusteesof the Chamber Music Connec-tion. Newhouse is an active mem-ber of the Upper Arlington AreaChamber of Commerce, theColumbus Bar Association Laborand Employment Law Commit-tee, the Ohio State Bar Associa-tion, the Society for Human Re-source Management and theHuman Resource Association ofCentral Ohio.

Peter HahnDinsmore & Shohl LLP

Peter Hahnis a member ofthe chamber'sBusiness Ad-vocacy Com-mittee, whichis responsiblefor developingand recom-mending to the chamber positionson business-related issues. He alsoserves as the chair of the Board ofTrustees of Kids Voting of Cen-tral Ohio, a non-partisan, nonprofitorganization designed to teach K-12 students greater awareness ofpolitical, governmental, and civicissues. Peter is an attorney withDinsmore & Shohl LLP, where hepractices construction law andbusiness litigation.

Jonathan Varner Jonathan Varner & Associ-

ates, LLCAfter years

of tirelesswork in pur-suit of helpingclients in boththe privatesector and inDemocraticp o l i t i c s ,Jonathan Varn-er sought to create a companythat would reflect his values andprinciples in life and business:hard work, attention to detail,strategy and tactics based on ex-perience and best practices, anddoing right by people. He found-ed Jonathan Varner & Associates,LLC, based in Columbus in 2007.

Varner has over a decade of ex-perience as a political consultant,organizer, fundraiser, and publicrelations professional. A past fi-nance director of the Ohio De-mocratic Party, he’s spearhead-ed a wide range of campaigns —corporate campaign management,political, grassroots, governmentaffairs, as well as community in-volvement outreach programs.He has served as the general con-

sultant for numerous state andlocal elected officials, includingthe Ohio House Democratic Cau-cus, which regained the majori-ty in 2008.

A creative marketer and strate-gist,Varner has won national “Pol-lie” Awards from the AmericanAssociation of Political Consul-tants for his work in direct mail,radio and public affairs. He isoften recognized for his contri-butions to the Democratic Party,receiving the Chairman’s Awardfrom the Ohio Democratic Partyin 2003 and the DistinguishedService Award from the OhioYoung Democrats in 2006.

James E.P. SistoPresident & COO – Value

Recovery Group, Inc.James E. P.

Sisto is an at-torney withmany years ofexperience ina variety oflegal fieldsranging fromdebt collectionto internation-al trade practices. He currentlyfunctions as Value Recovery

Group’s (“VRG”) president, ChiefOperating Officer, and generalcounsel. As president, Sisto over-sees 35+ employees in the fieldof financial services, brownfieldremediation and asset manage-ment and recovery.

Before joining Value Recov-ery Group, Sisto was Of Coun-sel with Squire, Sanders, andDempsey, L.L.P. At SquireSanders, his practice focused oneconomic development and in-ternational corporate and com-mercial transactions. He was amember of the firm’s corporate,public finance and internationalpractice groups. His practice alsoincluded representation of clientsbefore local, state and federalagencies regarding regulatorymatters as well as applicationsfor and acquisition of economicdevelopment incentives.

Sisto has served as deputy di-rector of the Ohio Department ofDevelopment, where he func-tioned as administrative leader ofOhio’s International Trade Divi-sion (ITD).

He managed and supervisedten international offices locatedin Hong Kong, Japan, Canada,Belgium, Israel, Mexico, South

Africa, Argentina, Brazil andChile.

Becky ConverseThe Forum at Knightsbridge

Becky Converse has workedin the field of aging services for28 years, but she herself has beenaging for 50 years. She startedher career working her waythrough college as a nursing as-sistant.

With a degree in art therapyand psychology, she has held po-sitions as an activity director andart therapist. She is a licensed so-cial worker as well as a licensednursing home administrator. Shehas been an administrator atLutheran Village of Columbusand the Forum at Knightsbridge.

Prior to her current position,she briefly worked for EricksonRetirement Community.

She is currently the director ofsales and marketing at the Forumat Knightsbridge.

In her free time, she enjoys sail-ing, painting, crafts, reading andgourmet cooking (a “Martha-wanna-be”). She loves time withfamily with her husband, Tom,and daughter, Hannah, and her120 lb. golden retriever, Beau.

New incoming chamber board biographies

Continued from page 3

Wesley Newhouse

Peter Hahn

Jonathan Varner

James E.P.Sisto

Riverside Eye CenterOn Dec. 3, representatives from the UA Area Chamber of Commerce, City of UA and Riverside Eye Center gathered to celebratethe opening of their new practice in Upper Arlington at 3434 Riverside Drive. Pictured left to right: Jeff Danziger (UAACC am-bassador), Duff Dyer (UAACC ambassador), Dr. Duke Dye (optometrist/owner), Glenda Smith (optician), Frank Ciotola (mayor)and Becky Hajost (UAACC president).

www.uachamber.org January 2011 | Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly 7

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Hyatt Place Columbus/ OSU Melodie Reed

(614) 280-1234www.hyattplacecolumbusosu.

com 795 Yard St.

Columbus, OH 43212Ideally situated just minutes from OSU, the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arena District, Downtown Columbus, the Short NorthShops, Palace Theatre, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus Crew Stadium and the Ohio Stadium. For the business traveler, weare within close proximity to the Nationwide Insurance World Headquarters, AEP Ohio, Abbott Nutrition, Columbia Gas/NiSource andthe Westbelt Corporate Park. This six-story hotel, with a two-story atrium, café, and lobby area, welcomes you and your guest for anevening of comfort and relaxation.

Louie’s Grill Fusion Restaurant Efrain Mijangos

(614) 670-8582 www.louiesgrillfusion

restaurant.com 3051 Northwest Blvd

Upper Arlington, OH 43221Louie’s Fusion Grill began in Hilliard in February of 2008 with a fantastic mix, or “fusion,” of tastes and cultures represented. Amongthose cultures are Mexican, Cuban, Creole and American. Our friendly family atmosphere has now moved across the Scioto to Upper Ar-lington, where we bring the same attention to quality food, service and dining experience. Make Louie’s Fusion Grill your next destina-tion for a great meal.

Good Energy Charles de Casteja (212) 792-0222

www.goodenergy.com 232 Madison Ave., Ste 405

New York, NY 10016Good Energy is an “objective” energy management consultant focused on saving customers money and increasing the value of their as-sets. Through our relationship with competitive utility companies we provide electricity supply and demand management services to cus-tomers across the country. Good Energy develops and implements aggressive and innovative savings programs tailored to the end user’spatterns of electricity consumption. Our comprehensive electricity analysis services provide customers with the information needed tomake intelligent and informed energy decisions.

New Chamber of Commerce members

Haladon Technologies, Inc Don Ribar (614) 259-7702

www.haladontechnologies.com 2669 Berwyn Rd, Ste 101Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Haladon Technologies Inc provides an affordable, effective, proactive alternative to traditional IT support for small to medium sized busi-nesses. By partnering with the premier providers of IT network support, we have leveraged Fortune 500-class IT support and made it af-fordable for the SMB client. Our tailored programs provide remote monitoring, support, and remediation, as well as, help desk and on-sitetechnical support when required. Our ActiveIT Pro offering will change the way you view IT support.

Wilson Group Communications, Inc Steve Wilson

(614) 461-1333www.wilson-group.com

P.O. Box 21877Columbus, OH 43221

Wilson Group Communications, Inc., founded in 1987, specializes entirely in corporate crisis management communications and newsmedia response training. We provide consulting and training services for organizations throughout North America. We also stage mockdisasters for clients to test their crisis management capabilities.

Member name Contact Phone/Web site Address

UAACC ambassadorsUAACC Ambassador Committee members in-

clude:Duff Dyer (Chair). . . . Willms Financial Network Corlene AdamsMarie Anthony . . . . . . . . . . . . Realtor/Jeweler

Jeff Danziger . . . . . Edward Jones InvestmentsDonna Vorce . . . . . . . . . . . . First ImpressionsGary Bast . . . . . . Gary Bast Insurance AgencyDeborah Taylor . . . . . The MacIntosh CompanyRoss Bagby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toastmasters

Jerry Schwan . . . . . . Tom & Jerry Auto ServiceMolly Pensyl . . . . . . Upper Arlington MagazineStephen Graham . . . . . . . Yard Solutions, Inc.Erica Sycks . . . . . . . . Nightingale Home CareKaren Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UAACC

Upcoming Chamber events and networking opportunities

First Thursday at Cibo Restaurant and Bar

A wonderful opportunity to connect with otherchamber members during a delightful evening withcomplimentary food and drinks!

When: 5:30– 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6Where: Cibo Restaurant & Bar, 4740 Reed

Rd., Upper Arlington, OH 43220Contact: RSVP requested, but not required.

Go to uachamber.org and register online or con-tact the chamber at 614-481-5710 or admin@uachamber.org

Free to members & their guests. Business pro-fessionals interested in joining the Upper Arling-ton Area Chamber of Commerce are also welcometo join us.

“Ask the Experts”“The Future of Business in

Upper Arlington” Join us thismonth as guest speakerMatthew Shad, City of UA,provides a special presentationto learn about economic devel-opment opportunities and “shareyour input” about programs anddevelopment that affect the areabusiness community.

When: noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12Where: TechColumbus, 1275 Kinnear Road,

Columbus, Oh 43212Contact: Pre-registration required. Go to

uachamber.org and register online, or contactthe chamber at 614-481-5710 or admin@uacham-

ber.orgRegistration fee - $15/members $20/non-mem-

bers (includes lunch)

EarlyBird Worm Hunt - ThursdayMake connections. Get involved. Come net-

work in the morning with members of the UpperArlington Chamber of Commerce! Meet new peo-ple. Maintain relationships. Generate new busi-ness. Alternates between Thursday and Fridaymornings each month.

When:7:45– 8:45a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20Where: Guernsey Bank, 3005 Northwest Blvd.,

Upper Arlington, 43221Contact: RSVP requested, but not required.

Go to uachamber.org and register online or con-tact the chamber at 614-481-5710 or admin@

uachamber.orgFree to members and their guests (purchasing

food or beverage is optional)

Afternoon Business Network Exchange

Afternoon lunch networking with 30+ local busi-ness professionals. Fun, food and connections!

When:noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.26Where: Park Creek Kitchen, 2124 Arlington

Ave, Upper Arlington, Oh 43221Contact: Pre-registration required. Go to

uachamber.org and register online or contact thechamber at 614-481-5710 or admin@uachamber.

Registration fee - $12/members $15/non-mem-bers (includes lunch), Pre-registration required

Matthew Shad

Business briefPSB Realty Advisors secures new tenant at Arlington Falls

PSB Realty Advisors is pleased to announce that a new ten-ant has signed a lease and moved into the Arlington Falls Busi-ness Park as of Dec. 1. West Town Savings Bank, MortgageLending Division has opened an office at 5003 Horizons Drive,Suite 101, Upper Arlington. PSB Realty Advisors is the brokerfor Cam Development II, the landlord.

“We are pleased that West Town Savings Bank selected Ar-lington Falls Business Park for their office location. Vacancyrates in office buildings in Central Ohio continue to be at recordhighs but the Arlington Falls Business Park only has a few suitesthat are available for sale or lease at present,” said MatthewByrne, broker for PSB Realty Advisors.

PSB Realty Advisors is a complete real estate services com-pany that offers buyer and seller representation, tenant repre-sentation, landlord representation, project management, real es-tate syndication, development and project management. The or-ganization’s mission is to exceed clients’ and investors’ expec-tations by delivering superior results through hard work, cre-ativity, dedication and local market knowledge.

Arlington Falls Business Park is located on the corner of Hen-derson Road and Riverside Drive and consists of five two-storybuildings. For more information, visit the website at www.psb-realty.com or call 614.451-1770.

8 January 2011 | Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Monthly www.uachamber.org