Click here: Ohio Expects 1st H1N1 Vaccines Next Week NBC4i.com
Associated PressPublished: October 2, 2009
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COLUMBUS, Ohio—Officials say Ohio should receive its first shipment of H1N1 influenza vaccine next week.
The state Department of Health says the initial 61,500 doses ordered from the federal government on Friday will be given primarily to health care and emergency workers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the supply of vaccine mist should arrive in Ohio within six business days.
State health officials say in coming weeks, they expect to order vaccine shots for people in high-risk groups. They include pregnant women, children and young adults, caregivers of infants, and adults with chronic medical conditions.
The health department continues to urge Ohioans to protect themselves from swine flu through hand-washing and other measures.
Happy 4th of July 2010 !!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
NBC 4 Supports Kroger “Stuff the Truck” To Benefit Local Food Pantries
Click here: NBC 4 Supports Kroger "Stuff the Truck" To Benefit Local Food Pantries NBC4i.com
By Denise Yost Managing Editor, nbc4i.com Published: September 30, 2009
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COLUMBUS, Ohio—Kroger announced today it will host a “Stuff the Truck” food donation event on Saturday, October 3, to help feed hungry families in Central Ohio. The grocery chain will provide trucks in the parking lots of the following Kroger Marketplace locations between 8 a.m. and 12 noon for collection: 300 S. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna; 7625 Sawmill Rd., Dublin; and 3637 S. High St., Columbus.
Donations will benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and their network of food pantries.
“The approach of winter and the holidays makes October the perfect time to host a food donation event,” said Bruce Macaulay, president, The Kroger Co., Columbus Division. “In addition, Mid-Ohio Foodbank will soon open the doors to its new warehouse, which makes this an opportune time to help this organization stock its new facility.”
Hosting the “Stuff the Truck” event for the first time in Central Ohio, Kroger has set a goal to fill each truck to capacity with non-perishable foods, including canned goods and boxed products. The food pantries will also accept personal hygiene and health products such as toilet paper, toothpaste and deodorant. Customers can also make cash donations at coin boxes set up at Kroger checkout lines and at the truck.
“We appreciate the generosity of Kroger and its customers as we help feed the thousands of hungry individuals who reside within our local communities,” said Evelyn Behm, vice president, strategic initiatives, Mid-Ohio Foodbank. “We especially welcome the assistance as we move to our new facility and prepare for the increased need we see as winter sets in.”
Mid-Ohio Foodbank supplies food for approximately 50,000 meals each day. For more information about the “Stuff the Truck” food donation event or Kroger’s other food contribution initiatives—including its food rescue program—visit http://www.kroger.com.
By Denise Yost Managing Editor, nbc4i.com Published: September 30, 2009
» 0 Comments Post a Comment
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Kroger announced today it will host a “Stuff the Truck” food donation event on Saturday, October 3, to help feed hungry families in Central Ohio. The grocery chain will provide trucks in the parking lots of the following Kroger Marketplace locations between 8 a.m. and 12 noon for collection: 300 S. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna; 7625 Sawmill Rd., Dublin; and 3637 S. High St., Columbus.
Donations will benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and their network of food pantries.
“The approach of winter and the holidays makes October the perfect time to host a food donation event,” said Bruce Macaulay, president, The Kroger Co., Columbus Division. “In addition, Mid-Ohio Foodbank will soon open the doors to its new warehouse, which makes this an opportune time to help this organization stock its new facility.”
Hosting the “Stuff the Truck” event for the first time in Central Ohio, Kroger has set a goal to fill each truck to capacity with non-perishable foods, including canned goods and boxed products. The food pantries will also accept personal hygiene and health products such as toilet paper, toothpaste and deodorant. Customers can also make cash donations at coin boxes set up at Kroger checkout lines and at the truck.
“We appreciate the generosity of Kroger and its customers as we help feed the thousands of hungry individuals who reside within our local communities,” said Evelyn Behm, vice president, strategic initiatives, Mid-Ohio Foodbank. “We especially welcome the assistance as we move to our new facility and prepare for the increased need we see as winter sets in.”
Mid-Ohio Foodbank supplies food for approximately 50,000 meals each day. For more information about the “Stuff the Truck” food donation event or Kroger’s other food contribution initiatives—including its food rescue program—visit http://www.kroger.com.
No Change In Ohio’s 2010 Minimum Wage
Click here: No Change In Ohio's 2010 Minimum Wage NBC4i.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Ohio’s lowest paid workers won’t be up for a raise next year.
The Ohio Department of Commerce says the state minimum wage will see no change in 2010 because consumer prices have declined slightly in the last year. Any increases in the minimum wage are tied to rises in inflation.
The current state minimum is $7.30 an hour for most workers, though employees at smaller companies and 14- and 15-year-olds may receive $7.25 per hour, and workers who get tips may be paid a base minimum of $3.65 an hour.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Ohio’s lowest paid workers won’t be up for a raise next year.
The Ohio Department of Commerce says the state minimum wage will see no change in 2010 because consumer prices have declined slightly in the last year. Any increases in the minimum wage are tied to rises in inflation.
The current state minimum is $7.30 an hour for most workers, though employees at smaller companies and 14- and 15-year-olds may receive $7.25 per hour, and workers who get tips may be paid a base minimum of $3.65 an hour.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail
Tomasco Mulciber's Columbus plant to close
Click here: Tomasco Mulciber's Columbus plant to close The Columbus Dispatch
213 jobs will be lost at plant on Southeast Side
Friday, October 2, 2009 4:24 PM
By Dan Gearino
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Tomasco Mulciber Inc., a parts supplier for Honda, is closing its Columbus plant, leading to the loss of 213 jobs.
The company, also known as TMI, makes hand brakes, hood locks and fuel lids, among other parts. The Southeast Side plant will begin to wind down operations in November and close by next June.
"The decision to cease operations at TMI was made after months of extensive evaluations, which concluded that Tomasco could not continue operations given the current and forecasted business and economic environment," the company said in a statement.
"Our greatest concern is for our associates and their families. We will do all that we can to provide help and support to our associates through this transition."
A Honda spokesman said the automaker is looking for new sources for the TMI-made parts and expects minimal disruption to vehicle production.
213 jobs will be lost at plant on Southeast Side
Friday, October 2, 2009 4:24 PM
By Dan Gearino
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Tomasco Mulciber Inc., a parts supplier for Honda, is closing its Columbus plant, leading to the loss of 213 jobs.
The company, also known as TMI, makes hand brakes, hood locks and fuel lids, among other parts. The Southeast Side plant will begin to wind down operations in November and close by next June.
"The decision to cease operations at TMI was made after months of extensive evaluations, which concluded that Tomasco could not continue operations given the current and forecasted business and economic environment," the company said in a statement.
"Our greatest concern is for our associates and their families. We will do all that we can to provide help and support to our associates through this transition."
A Honda spokesman said the automaker is looking for new sources for the TMI-made parts and expects minimal disruption to vehicle production.
Ohio Turnpike working out E-ZPass kinks
Click here: Ohio Turnpike working out E-ZPass kinks The Columbus Dispatch
Friday, October 2, 2009 10:42 AM
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Ohio Turnpike is trying to work out bugs in its new E-ZPass electronic toll payment system.
The first day of the voluntary system Thursday had big traffic backups as the turnpike tried to figure how many lanes should be devoted to E-ZPass users and drivers paying cash. Some drivers caused delays when they got in the wrong payment lane.
Another complication was a toll increase for those paying cash.
For part of Thursday morning's rush hour, at least one busy interchange tried to alleviate the congestion by allowing both cash and E-ZPass customers to use lanes that had been set aside for the electronic tolls.
About 120,000 passenger vehicles use the turnpike on an average weekday.
Friday, October 2, 2009 10:42 AM
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Ohio Turnpike is trying to work out bugs in its new E-ZPass electronic toll payment system.
The first day of the voluntary system Thursday had big traffic backups as the turnpike tried to figure how many lanes should be devoted to E-ZPass users and drivers paying cash. Some drivers caused delays when they got in the wrong payment lane.
Another complication was a toll increase for those paying cash.
For part of Thursday morning's rush hour, at least one busy interchange tried to alleviate the congestion by allowing both cash and E-ZPass customers to use lanes that had been set aside for the electronic tolls.
About 120,000 passenger vehicles use the turnpike on an average weekday.
Retirees might get raise in 2010, after all
Click here: Retirees might get raise in 2010, after all The Columbus Dispatch
Social Security 'bonus' being debated
Sunday, October 4, 2009 3:29 AM
By Greg Burns
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
If Uncle Sam plays by the rules, Social Security will award no cost-of-living increase for next year or, very likely, the year after that.
But on Capitol Hill during hard economic times, rules are being broken all over the place. It's difficult to imagine the big spenders who bailed out Wall Street and spread around stimulus funds by the billions will be stiffing a powerful voting bloc.
Already, legislation is afoot to provide an "emergency" bonus or raise, even though the cost of living has fallen sharply by the standard measure used to calculate it.
As everyone receiving a Social Security benefit understands, it's no bonanza. But it's better than a paycheck in several respects: By law, the rates can't go down. And until now, by law, they've continually gone up.
Seniors once needed an act of Congress to get a raise. Beginning in 1975, however, increases became automatic based on a measure of inflation that factors in food, fuel and other volatile expenditures. The result has been a boost every year, ranging from 14.3 percent in 1980 to a low of 1.3 percent in 1987 and again in 1999.
The rate is set according to just three months of data: August, September and October. Last year, amid runaway gas prices, the index dictated a 5.8 percent raise, which was awarded in January. This year, prices have fallen every month, and there's no chance of the index suddenly turning much higher with one month to go before the cost-of-living adjustment is set. The Congressional Budget Office projects no annual benefit boost for 2010 or 2011.
Almost no one thinks a three-month reading accurately measures inflation. Many think the index overstates the number.
"That's the strong consensus of economists who have looked at it," said Bruce Meyer, a University of Chicago professor who studies government transfer payments. "In general, it's a good deal for seniors."
No, it's a bad deal, say New York financial adviser Louise Yamada and other critics. If the government looked realistically at what people actually buy, then inflation would be pegged at roughly 5 percent today, not less than zero, she said. Seniors, who typically spend more on health care and in some cases face a Medicare premium increase, arguably have it worse than everybody else.
A more sensible approach would involve smoothing the ups and downs by adopting a moving average that looks at several years of data.
"It's totally artificial to have no increase after an excessive increase last year," said economist William Hummer of Chicago's Wayne Hummer Investments. "Use the last three years and go from there. That would be fairer to everyone."
Social Security 'bonus' being debated
Sunday, October 4, 2009 3:29 AM
By Greg Burns
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
If Uncle Sam plays by the rules, Social Security will award no cost-of-living increase for next year or, very likely, the year after that.
But on Capitol Hill during hard economic times, rules are being broken all over the place. It's difficult to imagine the big spenders who bailed out Wall Street and spread around stimulus funds by the billions will be stiffing a powerful voting bloc.
Already, legislation is afoot to provide an "emergency" bonus or raise, even though the cost of living has fallen sharply by the standard measure used to calculate it.
As everyone receiving a Social Security benefit understands, it's no bonanza. But it's better than a paycheck in several respects: By law, the rates can't go down. And until now, by law, they've continually gone up.
Seniors once needed an act of Congress to get a raise. Beginning in 1975, however, increases became automatic based on a measure of inflation that factors in food, fuel and other volatile expenditures. The result has been a boost every year, ranging from 14.3 percent in 1980 to a low of 1.3 percent in 1987 and again in 1999.
The rate is set according to just three months of data: August, September and October. Last year, amid runaway gas prices, the index dictated a 5.8 percent raise, which was awarded in January. This year, prices have fallen every month, and there's no chance of the index suddenly turning much higher with one month to go before the cost-of-living adjustment is set. The Congressional Budget Office projects no annual benefit boost for 2010 or 2011.
Almost no one thinks a three-month reading accurately measures inflation. Many think the index overstates the number.
"That's the strong consensus of economists who have looked at it," said Bruce Meyer, a University of Chicago professor who studies government transfer payments. "In general, it's a good deal for seniors."
No, it's a bad deal, say New York financial adviser Louise Yamada and other critics. If the government looked realistically at what people actually buy, then inflation would be pegged at roughly 5 percent today, not less than zero, she said. Seniors, who typically spend more on health care and in some cases face a Medicare premium increase, arguably have it worse than everybody else.
A more sensible approach would involve smoothing the ups and downs by adopting a moving average that looks at several years of data.
"It's totally artificial to have no increase after an excessive increase last year," said economist William Hummer of Chicago's Wayne Hummer Investments. "Use the last three years and go from there. That would be fairer to everyone."
Layoff might open door to career as own boss
Click here: Layoff might open door to career as own boss The Columbus Dispatch \
Brainstorming can help uncover niche market
Sunday, October 4, 2009 3:34 AM
By Darrell Smith
McCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
Charles Gordon uses his interest in video and training in information technology to create video resumes." src="http://columbusdispatch.com/wwwexportcontent/sites/dispatch/images/oct/1004_bn_LAYOFFS_10-04-09_D3_R6F88SR.jpg">
MICHAEL ALLEN JONES SACRAMENTO (CALIF.) BEE
Charles Gordon uses his interest in video and training in information technology to create video resumes.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Charles Gordon said he has always wanted to run his own business. But the Sacramento man had a solid career in information technology and, with it, security.
"I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I was too concerned about stability to pick that up," he said.
Gordon, 37, had built his career working for financial-services companies, includ-ing Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments.
Then, in March 2008, three years into his information-technology job at CPS Human Resource Services, Gordon was laid off.
"I was completely caught by surprise," he said. "Nobody could see it coming."
A sense of security was quickly replaced by anxiety as months of interviews came and went. Frustration followed.
"I anticipated a short job search, but it got harder and harder. You're feeling like you're coming close," Gordon said. "You're told you're the runner-up, but after a while, second-best just isn't good enough."
Out of frustration, Gordon and his wife, Sara, began brainstorming with friends. Those sessions set the stage for Gordon's next move: to use his interest in photography and video to create a quick job sales pitch for any employer.
"I was discovering a solution for myself when the light went on," he recalled. "I thought, 'If I could put my elevator pitch on a 60-second video. ...' Then I thought, I could help more people than just myself. I've got to start a company."
By late January, Video Profile TV -- which makes video resumes for job-seekers -- was born. Gordon bankrolled the venture out of his 401(k) retirement fund and targeted the same job fairs where he'd been hunting for work.
"Once you make that decision to start a business," he said, "you put everything you've got into it."
Gordon is among any number of people who've forged their own road around the recession. Some are going back to school to gain new job skills; others are bolstering their chances by returning to graduate school.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement firm based in Chicago, confirms that more job-seekers are starting businesses to beat the recession.
The company reported that nearly 9 percent of job-seekers in the second quarter found jobs by creating their own -- twice as many as that of a year earlier.
Brainstorming can help uncover niche market
Sunday, October 4, 2009 3:34 AM
By Darrell Smith
McCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
Charles Gordon uses his interest in video and training in information technology to create video resumes." src="http://columbusdispatch.com/wwwexportcontent/sites/dispatch/images/oct/1004_bn_LAYOFFS_10-04-09_D3_R6F88SR.jpg">
MICHAEL ALLEN JONES SACRAMENTO (CALIF.) BEE
Charles Gordon uses his interest in video and training in information technology to create video resumes.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Charles Gordon said he has always wanted to run his own business. But the Sacramento man had a solid career in information technology and, with it, security.
"I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I was too concerned about stability to pick that up," he said.
Gordon, 37, had built his career working for financial-services companies, includ-ing Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments.
Then, in March 2008, three years into his information-technology job at CPS Human Resource Services, Gordon was laid off.
"I was completely caught by surprise," he said. "Nobody could see it coming."
A sense of security was quickly replaced by anxiety as months of interviews came and went. Frustration followed.
"I anticipated a short job search, but it got harder and harder. You're feeling like you're coming close," Gordon said. "You're told you're the runner-up, but after a while, second-best just isn't good enough."
Out of frustration, Gordon and his wife, Sara, began brainstorming with friends. Those sessions set the stage for Gordon's next move: to use his interest in photography and video to create a quick job sales pitch for any employer.
"I was discovering a solution for myself when the light went on," he recalled. "I thought, 'If I could put my elevator pitch on a 60-second video. ...' Then I thought, I could help more people than just myself. I've got to start a company."
By late January, Video Profile TV -- which makes video resumes for job-seekers -- was born. Gordon bankrolled the venture out of his 401(k) retirement fund and targeted the same job fairs where he'd been hunting for work.
"Once you make that decision to start a business," he said, "you put everything you've got into it."
Gordon is among any number of people who've forged their own road around the recession. Some are going back to school to gain new job skills; others are bolstering their chances by returning to graduate school.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement firm based in Chicago, confirms that more job-seekers are starting businesses to beat the recession.
The company reported that nearly 9 percent of job-seekers in the second quarter found jobs by creating their own -- twice as many as that of a year earlier.
Holiday-job hunt hindered by weak economy
Click here: Consumer 10 Report: Holiday-job hunt hindered by weak economy The Columbus Dispatch
Sunday, October 4, 2009 3:21 AM
By Jeff Hogan
WBNS-10TV
Christmas is just 82 shopping days away.
If you're counting on a seasonal job, now is the time to get your, uh, resume together.
A few retailers are already hiring, and many experts suggest that in this economy, people seeking temporary employment will have to be more nimble than ever.
Typically, in the fourth quarter, U.S. retailers boost staffing by up to 10 percent, thereby creating about 700,000 temporary jobs. This year, with the nationwide unemployment rate hovering near 10 percent, the demand for seasonal employment is likely to be particularly heavy.
Those who traditionally seek seasonal jobs -- college students home for the holidays, teachers looking to supplement their incomes, stay-at-home moms eager to make use of stores' employee discounts -- will find themselves competing with laid-off workers scrambling to make ends meet.
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. retailers have seen a surge in applications for seasonal positions this year, according to the Hay Group, an HR consulting firm that regularly surveys 25 of the nation's largest chains, including American Eagle Outfitters, Best Buy, Saks Fifth Avenue and Target.
Unfortunately for would-be workers, 40 percent of this year's respondents said they plan to hire fewer temporary employees than they did last year. Some chains expect to cut seasonal hiring by as much as 25 percent.
Things might not be quite as bleak in central Ohio.
Ken Lazar, local managing director for Manpower Professional, said the placement firm expects retail activity to grow in the fourth quarter. And because of Columbus' standing as a banking and distribution hub, even a modest uptick in sales could have indirect benefits for seasonal hiring in this market, he said.
Temporary workers would be needed to get merchandise into stores or, in the case of online retailing, directly into customers' hands, Lazar said. Similarly, he said, someone would have to process all the resulting credit-card transactions.
Lazar said applicants for seasonal employment should also consider the hospitality industry, which, like the retail sector, traditionally does well in the fourth quarter.
"The next three months are our busiest time of the year," said Libby Haag, general manager of the Hoggy's in Grandview Heights.
Haag said the Columbus-based restaurant and catering business just hired 15 temporary workers to handle increased traffic associated with seasonal events.
"We do a lot of carry-outs, a lot of turkeys, a lot of holiday meals for people, and we need extra help," she said. "Our catering department needs four times as much help as I do."
Even there, though, the competition for jobs might be unusually fierce this year.
Haag pointed out that one recent opening drew more than 25 applications -- the first day.
jeff.hogan@10tv.com
Sunday, October 4, 2009 3:21 AM
By Jeff Hogan
WBNS-10TV
Christmas is just 82 shopping days away.
If you're counting on a seasonal job, now is the time to get your, uh, resume together.
A few retailers are already hiring, and many experts suggest that in this economy, people seeking temporary employment will have to be more nimble than ever.
Typically, in the fourth quarter, U.S. retailers boost staffing by up to 10 percent, thereby creating about 700,000 temporary jobs. This year, with the nationwide unemployment rate hovering near 10 percent, the demand for seasonal employment is likely to be particularly heavy.
Those who traditionally seek seasonal jobs -- college students home for the holidays, teachers looking to supplement their incomes, stay-at-home moms eager to make use of stores' employee discounts -- will find themselves competing with laid-off workers scrambling to make ends meet.
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. retailers have seen a surge in applications for seasonal positions this year, according to the Hay Group, an HR consulting firm that regularly surveys 25 of the nation's largest chains, including American Eagle Outfitters, Best Buy, Saks Fifth Avenue and Target.
Unfortunately for would-be workers, 40 percent of this year's respondents said they plan to hire fewer temporary employees than they did last year. Some chains expect to cut seasonal hiring by as much as 25 percent.
Things might not be quite as bleak in central Ohio.
Ken Lazar, local managing director for Manpower Professional, said the placement firm expects retail activity to grow in the fourth quarter. And because of Columbus' standing as a banking and distribution hub, even a modest uptick in sales could have indirect benefits for seasonal hiring in this market, he said.
Temporary workers would be needed to get merchandise into stores or, in the case of online retailing, directly into customers' hands, Lazar said. Similarly, he said, someone would have to process all the resulting credit-card transactions.
Lazar said applicants for seasonal employment should also consider the hospitality industry, which, like the retail sector, traditionally does well in the fourth quarter.
"The next three months are our busiest time of the year," said Libby Haag, general manager of the Hoggy's in Grandview Heights.
Haag said the Columbus-based restaurant and catering business just hired 15 temporary workers to handle increased traffic associated with seasonal events.
"We do a lot of carry-outs, a lot of turkeys, a lot of holiday meals for people, and we need extra help," she said. "Our catering department needs four times as much help as I do."
Even there, though, the competition for jobs might be unusually fierce this year.
Haag pointed out that one recent opening drew more than 25 applications -- the first day.
jeff.hogan@10tv.com
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