Hayneedle Comes to Monroe

Hayneedle is moving its distribution center to Monroe. The online retailer received a nearly $100,000 tax credit from the state of Ohio for signing a lease with Industrial Developments International for a 501,357 square-foot building at the Monroe Logistics Center. This will be the company's primary distribution center; it's 50% larger than their current primary center, which the company says will allow for future growth. The company will begin occupying the center on June 1, 2010.

“This region is ideal for consumer-direct distribution. It provides for more rapid delivery to our customers than any other region,” Tom Clement, director of logistics and distribution strategy, said in a statement.

The tax credit awarded by the state is good for six years, as long as Hayneedle remains in Monroe for at least nine years. It's estimated that the distribution center will provide at least 50 new local jobs, with potentially more to come in the future. Hiring will begin prior to the June opening. According tot he Ohio Department of Development, the company will generate a $1.4 million annual payroll. Also, the site is eligible for a 15-year, 100% real estate property abatement.

The building, which is brand new, was constructed by Atlanta-based Industrial Developments International and they will continue to act as property managers. Even so, Hayneedle staff led the site selection and development of the building, and they were represented by brokers Bob Bunton of Cincinnati and David Maenner of Omaha. The building is being submitted for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, which is a "nationally accepted benchmark that defines the standards for high-performance and environmentally responsible development." It features natural lighting; reduced energy and water usage; motion-sensor lighting; and low-emitting adhesives, sealants, and coatings.

Hayneedle began in 2002 with just three employees, under the name of NetShops. It has been recognized by Internet Retailer and Inc. Magazine as one of retail's fastest growing companies. It only changes its name to Hayneedle in 2009, in an attempt to develop multiple niche ecommerce stores. They are based in Omaha, Neb., and funded by Insight Venture Partners and Sequoia.

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2010 Monroe Citizens Police Academy

If you are a Monroe citizen who is interested in learning more about local law enforcement, the Monroe Citizens Police Academy is for you! The Monroe Police Department is currently accepting applications. This is the 13th year in a row for the Academy.

Classes begin in March and will take place every Wednesday night from 6:30-9:30 PM, at the Monroe City Building. Graduation is in early May.

Citizens will get an inside look at the day-to-day operations of the police department and receive an overview of the duties and experiences of law enforcement officers. In the past, the program has included classroom instruction, discussions, hands-on experiences, and field trips to places including the jail and the firing range. Graduates of past classes say it is an experience they will never forget.

If you are over the age of 18, you may pick up an application at the police department or call 539-9234 for more details. The program is free but class size is limited.

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Ohio's Schools Ranked Fifth in the Nation

Just weeks after Monroe High School was ranked one of the top schools in the nation, Education Week has announced that Ohio's public school system ranks as the fifth best school system in the nation, behind Maryland, New York, Massachusetts and Virginia. The publication gives the schools an overall grade of "B minus." Last year, Ohio ranked sixth and the state ranked seventh in 2008, marking steady progress.

"This report confirms what the members of Ohio's educational community have known for several years - Ohio has a strong system that is viewed as a national leader. I would like to commend the administrators, teachers, students and policy makers who have helped strengthen Ohio's education system," said Deborah Delisle, Ohio's superintendent of public instruction.

Governor Ted Strickland also commented on the accomplishment, "Ohio's schools deserve a thunderous round of applause for making continuous strides each of the past three years in the Education Week rankings. We have made quality, affordable learning a priority for our students, knowing that a modern education with dedicated teachers and relevant assessments will help prepare our children for success in the future. I believe that our comprehensive education reform plan will further strengthen Ohio's national position for years to come. I appreciate the efforts of Ohio's educators, State Superintendent Deborah Delisle and members of the State Board of Education Board for their tireless efforts to strengthen our schools so our students can compete with students anywhere on earth."

Six areas of education were examined. Ohio received the highest grade, an "A" (or third best in the nation) in "standards, assessment, and accountability." This area focuses on learning expectations, how challenging assessments are, and how they influence school accountability. It also noted that Ohio's math and science standards are being used as models for other states in the country.

51 states currently participate in the Quality Counts report but Ohio was one of the most recognized, as it works to offer quality education to students, no matter their zip code.

In other areas of the report, Ohio ranked 18th in school finance, yet still spends more per pupil than the national average. In the "Change for Success" category, which looks at "preparation, school performance, and education and economic outcomes," Ohio went down from 24th in the nation last year to 25th in the nation this year. One reason for this is the low number of children who attend preschool, as well as the low number of adults with college degrees in Ohio.

Teachers are absolutely the key to success for Ohio's students. This year, Ohio ranked 14th in the nation in the category "Teaching Profession" and was named as one of thirteen states where achievement is directly linked to teacher evaluations.

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The Red Onion Cafe is on Twitter!

It seems as though everyone from your grandmother to your favorite celebrity has a Twitter account these days, and now many small businesses are using the social media phenomenon to advertise and drive business, as well.

One such business is The Red Onion Cafe, located in Monroe, Ohio. The restaurant plans to use Twitter to advertise "nightly specials, upcoming events and more." This will help spread the word about their establishment, as well as allow customers and potential patrons to get more information.

The restaurant is located at 214 South Main Street in Monroe and they are open from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM Monday through Thursday and from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays

You can follow them on Twitter here: redonioncafe

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ODNR Urges Ohioans to Be Cautious on Frozen Water

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is urging Ohioans to use caution this winter when they are out on frozen water. Citizens should be prepared in case they happen to fall through the ice. As temperatures drop, more and more people will be out, attempting to ice fish, skate, and take part in other activities. Below you'll find some tips for handling emergencies and overall preparedness.

• Keep in mind that ice-covered water is NEVER safe.
• If you want to learn to ice fish or you are new to the sport, find a licensed guide. You can call the ODNR Division of Wildlife at 419-625-8062 or visit WildOhio.com to get a list of certified guides. Also, ask local bait shops about any known spots with dangerous ice in the area where you will be fishing.
• Never go out alone and always let someone know when you will be on the ice and when you will be returning. Always take your mobile phone wrapped in plastic.
• Make sure your life jacket or float coat is Coast Guard approved. Not only does it provide you with flotation, but it can also help protect against hypothermia.
• If you want to go sledding or ice skating, the local stream may not be the safest place but there are tons of alternatives. Check with your local metro park district to see where conditions are good for these activities. Some state parks even offer free access to designated skating areas. These include Delaware State Park in Delaware County and Dillon State Park in Muskingum County.
• Understand wind chill. Just because a thermometer reads one temperature, doesn't mean you should take it literally. The wind chill can cause your body to lose heat as though the temperatures are much lower.
• Keep two ice picks, screwdrivers or large nails with you. They will create leverage for pulling yourself out of the water and work better than your bare hands. It may also help to carry a whistle or noisemaker with you so that you may alert people when you are distressed.
• Dress in layers, paying closest attention to your head, neck, sides, and groin. These are the primary areas for heat-loss. Wool and modern synthetics work better than cotton which is slow to dry.
• Also, make sure you keep an extra set of clothing in your car or a safe, dry area.
• Avoid alcohol. Not only does it reduce your reaction time, but it lowers your internal body temperature and makes you more susceptible to hypothermia.
• Do not drive your car, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or any other vehicle onto the ice. This is extremely dangerous and most insurance policies won't cover vehicles that drop through ice.
  
  
  

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Looking for a Surveillance System? Then call 513-422-1907 for a Security Camera System in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.