Health Care Reform and Your Employees
We have heard a lot of noise about Health Care Reform, and frankly the comments are similar to global warming—where you get the message, but the information it contains is really clouded by the politics of the argument for or against it. Download this great whitepaper on "Health Care Reform: General Q&A for Employees." This may be helpful in educating your employees about the changes they may be experiencing. You are certainly welcome to share this with your staff.

Nobody likes it, few understand it many avoid it. What is it? Your business insurance. I am Robert Keogh and here at Diversified Insurance Service we try to see how our product can affect your total operation. We hope that some of the information we shared today benefits you. If you would like an exposure audit please feel free to contact me at 800-848-2788. We don’t just stop at excellent coverage and fair pricing—that should be expected. We like to help our clients avoid loss and continue business operations if they do suffer loss.

Welcome to the Chamber, our latest new member, Kay Maguire, owner of Cottage House Antiques at 10846 Waterville Street in Whitehouse.This unique shop offers antiques and keepsakes which make great gifts for any occassion, or for the enthusiast collector who is always looking for that special find!  Cottage House Antiques can be reached at 419-877-5100.

Chamber Energy Solutions LLC (CES) was formed to assist local business owners with their energy needs.  CES offers natural gas and electric savings programs; professionally managed by Palmer Energy Company, an unbiased independent energy consultant.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is eligible for the for the Chamber Energy Programs?
Chamber members are eligible for the program. Service areas for electric savings include: Toledo Edison, Ohio Edison, Cleveland Illuminating Company, Columbus Southern Power, Ohio Power, Dayton Power & Light and Duke.

What can Chamber Energy Solutions Program do for my business?
CES Electric Program can provide a discount off the generation component of your electric bill. Businesses that use more than 300,000 kilowatts may be eligible for a larger discount.
CES Natural Gas Program has historically saved 5 to 15% off the PUCO Apples to Apples comparison chart.

Are there membership or unit fees involved?
There is a small per unit fee for program administration that will be added to the supplier portion of your costs.  These fees are administered by the CES and help support your local Chamber.

How will my invoice from the utility change if I participate in CES?
In most cases, your billing will not change. GTS level gas customers will be billed separately and very large electric customers may receive separate billing from the supplier and utility.

What is my price?  How much will I save?
These are difficult to answer without knowing the details of your operational consumption pattern.   Please provide us with a copy of your latest natural gas and electric bills.  These bills can be sent by fax to 419-539-9185, or e-mail to ahoffman@palmerenergy.com .

What if I am in contract with a supplier, can I still participate in the programs?
As soon as your contract has expired, you can participate in the CES Programs.  We will work with you to help insure your inclusion in the program.  Don’t hesitate-many contracts require advance termination notice? 

Can I opt out at any time?
For the gas program, you are required to stay with the program through the months that gas has been purchased on your behalf.  Historically, we are 3-6 months out at any time throughout the year. 
For the electric program, you are required to stay with the electrical provider for the specified term of the agreement.

Company holiday gifts to employees – taxable or nontaxable
At this time of year it is not uncommon for employers to reward employees with holiday bonuses or gifts.  Just make sure you are not giving a gift that results in a tax liability for your employees.  If you are considering an item like a ham or turkey it is better  to give the actual item.  Giving a ham or turkey is not taxable.  However if you are giving a gift certificate to the employee for use to purchase that food item the gift certificate makes it a tax able gift.   Any monetary item triggers tax for your employee and more record keeping for you.  Keep it simple, if your intent is to supply the food item do just that – buy that food item and distribute them to your employees.  It also gives you a chance to have a conversation with those employees you rarely see and a little goodwill can go a long way for employee morale and productivity.

Spring Valley Business Solutions is owned and operated by Louann Artiaga and is located at 6729 Providence Street in Whitehouse.  Check out the new improved website at http://www. springvalleytax.com