TIP CLUB
Many of our members will tell you their most valuable connections started over breakfast or lunch at a Chamber Tip Club. We strongly believe in the power of these groups to spark long-term business growth and we’re excited to announce a new approach to make them even more welcoming and effective for all attendees.
We’ve launched a new Tuesday Tip Club, meeting at noon at Hot Shots Pickleball Club, with a private space, AV equipment, and plenty of room to grow (not to mention delicious food!). Each week now also includes a brief speaker (up to 10 minutes) to bring opportunity to members and fresh ideas to the group.
For those that are new to networking or new to Tip Clubs, we’ll encourage them to begin with the Tuesday group first. This allows for a more personal approach to make sure attendees get the most from their experience. Some of our legacy tip clubs will remain active, and we’ll coordinate to continue to build those as well.
If you’ve never been to a Tip Club before, or if you have and it didn’t work for you, we’d love for you to join us at noon on Tuesdays at Hot Shots for this exciting new group!
A surgeon’s hands ... made even better.
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ACTION
October 2025
Christopher Goff, Esq. Chairman
Jeff Dafler President & CEO
Darla Brown
Vice President – Marketing & Membership Strategy
Melinda McNutt Vice President – Development & Partnership Relations
Mark Prosise Vice President – Events & Strategic Initiatives
Mike Weiss Creative Director
ACTION NEWSLETTER is published monthly for the members of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. The subscription cost is $25 per year and is included in the price of membership.
Reader questions and comments are welcome and encouraged. Contents may be reprinted with credit. Address all inquiries to:
Editor, Action
Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce 222 Market Ave. N Canton, Ohio 44702 or call (330) 456.7253, or e-mail news@cantonchamber.org
Advertising rates are available for Chamber members. Advertisement does not constitute endorsement by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Networking Series
QuickConnect Luncheon
Oct. 15 at La Pizzaria
What’s New in Our Region? Get the Inside Scoop!
Where are investments landing, what’s holding projects up and what is the plan for attracting more? Hear from the insiders on what’s pending and what businesses should plan for in the next 6–18 months.
MODERATOR
Jeff Dafler Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
RESERVE YOUR TABLE TOP!
Stephen MacKenzie President & CEO, SEDB
Dan DeHoff President, DeHoff Development
This venue provides an opportunity for 3 table top exhibit opportunities. This is a member only opportunity. Showcase your services or products during the event with your personal tradeshow exhibit. Tables will be provided. Cost for an exhibit will be $50 while they last!
About the series: AultCare QuickConnect offers great networking opportunities for business leads. Join Stark County’s premier luncheon – enjoy activities, hear speakers, make connections, and savor lunch. Members can promote their business with a 30-second commercial by contributing a $15+ door prize. Contact Erica Barnes at erica@cantonchamber.org.
Andy Ziegler SVP, Commercial Team Leader, Farmers National Bank
Presenting Sponsor:
Engagement Sponsor:
OCT. 23 5:30-7:30PM
What is a Clay Shooting Event?
The Chamber Clay Classic is your chance to enjoy a unique networking experience while trying your hand at a new and exciting hobby. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a complete beginner, this event offers a relaxed, fun atmosphere to build connections and break a few clays!
Shooting tips
Train your gun on the clay pigeon as soon as it’s thrown, then pull away and aim slightly ahead of the pigeon’s flight path before firing. Keep the gun moving through your shot.
The pigeon’s flight path will remain consistent, so practice several shots with varying lead times until you hit it.
Clay pigeon
Marketing Matters
Marketing Tips for Industrial & Manufacturing Companies: Turn Capabilities into Contracts
Manufacturing drives the heartbeat of Stark County and Northeast Ohio, but too often, the innovation happening on our shop floors goes unnoticed in the community. For manufacturers looking to gain visibility, attract talent, and strengthen their reputation, Chamber membership isn’t just about attending a luncheon; it’s a marketing engine hiding in plain sight. By using effective programs, building strong partnerships, and leveraging available platforms, manufacturers can enhance their visibility and establish themselves as key leaders in the region’s growth.
From Shop Floor to Spotlight
The Chamber calendar is packed with opportunities to put your brand in front of decision-makers, including AultCare QuickConnect luncheons, Business After Hours, Safety Council luncheons, speed networking, business expos, and even golf outings. These aren’t just meet-and-greets; they’re stages to shine the light on your latest projects, share innovation milestones, and put a human face to your company. For manufacturers, consistent participation turns a business card exchange into long-term recognition and trust.
Sponsorships Are More Than Ads
Advertising in a Chamber newsletter or sponsoring a community event isn’t about logos, it’s about leadership. When your company steps up to sponsor, it signals commitment, credibility, and influence. Pair that with thought leadership opportunities, whether presenting at a Chamber program or being featured in a communication, and suddenly your brand isn’t just visible, it becomes top-of-mind.
Clicks, Links, and Local Search Power
The Chamber’s online member directory is a valuable tool for increasing your visibility. Ensuring your company is listed in the appropriate categories helps potential partners, suppliers, and customers find you more easily within the local area. Additionally, being in the directory can improve your local SEO, making your website rank higher in search results and attracting more qualified leads.
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Today
Manufacturers everywhere face the same challenge: talent. Through the Chamber’s Education Initiative and partnerships like the Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership, companies can open doors for internships, apprenticeships, and career pipelines. It’s not just about filling positions, it’s about branding yourself as a place where local talent can build futures.
Turning Employees into Regional Leaders
Strong companies are built by strong leaders. Programs like Leadership Stark County give your rising stars the chance to connect with other influencers while sharpening their leadership skills. Meanwhile, engagement with ystark! puts you directly in front of young professionals eager to see manufacturing as modern, innovative, and full of career potential. This isn’t just leadership development, it’s brand development, as your employees become ambassadors for your company across the region.
Innovation and Expansion
Every manufacturer knows that standing still is falling behind. MAGNET South provides engineering, consulting, and innovation support to help businesses refine processes, introduce new products, and stay competitive. With the Chamber’s export assistance partnership, global markets aren’t out of reach, they’re within grasp. These programs don’t just streamline operations; they open doors to new opportunities.
A Seat at the Policy Table
Regulations, supply chains, and workforce issues weigh heavily on manufacturers every day. The Chamber gives you a voice in those conversations. By engaging with advocacy initiatives and regional coalitions like the Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition, you’re not only protecting your company’s interests but also shaping the future of manufacturing in Northeast Ohio. Being visible in these discussions brands your company as a leader with influence well beyond its walls.
Community & Growth
By building relationships with fellow members, manufacturers can find trusted vendors, service providers, and partners who strengthen operations and accelerate expansion. From sourcing materials locally to teaming up with a marketing partner like UB Advertising, collaboration inside the Chamber creates a multiplier effect. Combining Chamber engagement with smart marketing guides your path from simply belonging to becoming a recognized leader, in turn driving your business’s growth.
Ready to put these Five Plays into action for your firm? UB Advertising partners with professional service providers to design trust-first marketing strategies, build reliable referral systems, and launch targeted campaigns that drive measurable growth. Let’s work together to map out a clear, results-driven plan for the rest of 2025, so you can move from ideas to signed clients faster. Contact us to get started.
MENTAL HEALTH MAT TERS
You can reach SCORE at cantonscore@gmail.com or phone 800-634-0245. You can learn more about the chapter, including upcoming workshops, at www.score.org
Seeing more clearly the path forward
Your business is doing well. You see an opportunity to expand. To do so you need an infusion of funding. You go to your bank or credit union. Do you have a business plan? If you do, take it with you. If you don’t have one and sit down with a lending officer, you might hear, “You should have a business plan. I suggest you get in touch with SCORE. They will help you create one.”
Yes, lending institutions are a major source of referrals for SCORE. If you contact SCORE and a first meeting is scheduled with one or more mentors, here is what you can expect to hear about business plans.
• We will guide you through the strategic planning process, serving as coaches and cheerleaders.
• Why should you put yourself through the process? Because it will sharpen your focus, add rigor to your thinking and spur creativity.
• The plan will give you a tool that you should use oftenand update at least yearly.
• We will provide a template that includes the essence of a strategic plan, and we will walk you through the template.
What are the elements of such a plan?
• Aspirations. These are your dreams. They go beyond the near-term objectives you establish for your business.
• Opportunities.
• Challenges - present, near term, longer term.
• Statement of situation. This includes the facts that you deem relevant to your business’s success.
• Financial situation. We will help you assess and strengthen it.
• Objectives. Be sure to emphasize ones that are measurable.
• Strategies. These are the broad how-to’s that will help achieve objectives.
• Audiences. These are your customers, prospects and other constituents who will or can influence your success.
• Audience expectations. Divining these requires crawling outside your mind and then crawling inside your audience’s minds and only then asking, “What do they expect from me?” (Many businesses don’t do this, to their detriment.)
• Messages. You want to craft ones that you believe will cause your audiences to take actions that YOU desire them to take.
• Tactics. These are the specifics that grow out of your strategies.
• Pricing. We will discuss pricing sensitivity and how you might experiment with pricing.
• Feedback. Record it - both positive and negative. Use it to update your strategic plan.
• Budget. Build a spending history. Link it to tactics. It will increase your sense of confidence and calm.
• Key performance indicators. These will help track your progress on your measurable objectives.
After a SCORE client completes a plan draft, we will review it and work with her/him to fine tune it. In the end, we want a client to see more clearly the path forward to greater success.
All American Gutter Protection Launches AAGP Exteriors Division, Introducing Permanent Exterior Lighting in Partnership with Jellyfish Lighting
All American Gutter Protection (AAGP), recently announced the launch of its new division AAGP Exteriors, expanding its services into permanent exterior lighting in partnership with Jellyfish Lighting. This innovative offering aims to deliver durable, stylish, and maintenancefree illumination solutions to homeowners across more than 22 states.
“Gone are the days of hauling out seasonal lights, stringing them up, and taking them down,” said Dennis Elliot, Vice President, “With permanent exterior lighting, we’re empowering homeowners to enjoy beautiful, year-round ambiance that’s easy to control and built to last.”
Key Features of AAGP’s Permanent Lighting System
• Customizable lighting, over 16 million color options - Choose from a wide range of preset patterns or create your own custom designs with full RGB control perfect for any occasion or mood.
• App-controlled operation - Our energy efficient lighting system uses a cloud-based app that allows you to control your programmable lighting remotely, whether you’re at home, at work, or on vacation.
• High standards in quality, aesthetics, and durability - Built to last 15–20 years, these customizable outdoor lights are designed with an estimated lifespan of 30,000 hours.
All American Gutter Protection / AAGP Exteriors
Phone: 888-323-8090
Email: jen@allamericangutterprotection.com
Website: www.aagpexteriors.com
BUS AFTER NESS HOURS
Tuesday, Oct. 28 • 5-7 PM
The 415 Group IT Campus
Mix and mingle at 415 Group, Stark County’s largest locally owned accounting and IT firm at our Business After Hours event on Oct. 28. Tour their newly opened Jackson Township office, connect with fellow professionals and expand your network! 415 Group has been named a top IT Managed Service Provider eight years running by MSP 501 and has received multiple national accounting awards from USA Today and Inside Public Accounting. Stop by their IT Campus and see firsthand what’s driving the national recognition and continued growth in Stark County!
Chamber Members: Free to attend! Plus, bring a $15 door prize to earn a 30-second "commercial" opportunity to spotlight your business (members-only benefit).
Non-Members: $15 to attend. Interested in joining the Chamber? Attend this event as our special guest at no charge! Please contact Erica Barnes to secure your spot: erica@cantonchamber.org.
Raffle basket winners for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s! Thanks to everyone who participated.
And Bev
The Alzheimer’s Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. In the United States alone, nearly 7 million have Alzheimer’s, and more than 12 million are providing unpaid care. The Association addresses this crisis by providing education and support to the millions who face dementia every day, while advancing critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. To make a donation visit alz.org.
Kim Miller Canton Regional Chamber
Mary Moore Zeneri Cruise Planners
Protch
Wednesday, November 5
BUILT ON EXPERIENCE: LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP
Join us for an evening that celebrates the experience and vision that continue to move our region forward. The 111th Annual Meeting brings together community leaders to review what’s fueling our progress as we look ahead to what’s next.
In a conversation with Walter W. Bettinger II, former President & CEO and now CoChairman of Charles Schwab, we explore how lessons learned over a lifetime in leadership can guide businesses and communities toward a stronger future.
Evening Highlights:
5 - 6 PM: Cocktail Reception
6 PM: Dinner provided by Brookside Country Club followed by Program & Awards
Featured Speaker: Walter W. Bettinger, II former President & CEO of Charles Schwab Canton Memorial Civic Center 1101 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702
DETAILS
Date: November 14th
Time: 11 - 4 PM (doors at 10:30 AM)
Location: Business and Entreprenurial
Studies Building at Stark State College
HIGHLIGHTS
Keynote Speaker: Sponsored by Schauer Group Dr. Aaron Hollis Palmer Neurosurgeon at Summa Health
Panel Discussion: Navigating the New Workplace:
• Virtual/In Person Dynamics
• Effective Communication
• Ethical AI
Small Group Breakouts:
Address: 6200 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Cost: $65 (lunch included!)
• Navigating Burnout in the Age of Hussle
• Finding your Leadership Voice
• Pitch Perfect
• Building Generational Wealth & Security
Panel Discussion: Action Steps to Thrive & Propel Your Career
Closing Speaker: Jenilee Taylor Internation Director at Toastmasters International
6pm: Stage show
5:45pm: Christmas Tree lighting with Mayor William V. Sherer II
6:50pm: Fireworks sponsored by Ziegler Bolt
Join us for holiday festivities including, entertainment, refreshments, sleigh rides, singers, dancers, fireworks and Santa! Plus: Little Roaming Railroad, Live Reindeer, SARTA Antique Trolley, 720 Market Village of Shops at the Doubletree by Hilton Downtown
Ace Roll Off Service
MEMBER RENEWALS
Alex D. Krassas Event Center
Alpine Bible Church
Altercare of Louisville Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing
Invited dba Firestone Country Club
AT&T
Berlin Heating & Cooling LLC
Whole Latte Love Cafe, Inc.
Gionino’s Pizzeria of Dover/New Philadelphia
Stark Blessing Box Initiative
Precision Cabinet Co.
Brotherhood HVAC
Brown & Associates Insurance LLC
Buffalo Wild Wings - Belden Village
Campbell Construction
Caribou Coffee
Carpenter Metal Solutions, Inc
Grasshopper Property Management, Inc.
CKP Heating & Cooling, LLC
Children’s Toy Fund, Inc. (The)
Christman Fabricators, Inc.
Winesburg Meats, Inc.
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Custom Craft Controls Inc
Red Robin
Family Medicine
Encompass Christian Counseling
Giddy’s 24/7 Fitness
DeHoff Realtors
Junkluggers of Akron-Canton (The)
QuickShot Coaching
Dirty Donkey Customs LLC
George’s Lounge
E.K. Norch Inc.
East Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council
P.J.’s Fabricating Inc.
Employers Health
Lake Cable Recreation Association
Whetstone Conference & Event Center
Fulfab Inc.
GDK & Company
Kibbe Consulting, LLC
Hartville Hardware
Hendrickson Trailer Commercial Vehicle Systems
Herzing University
HSHL Productions, LLC dba Factory of Terror
K. Palmer Insurance and Financial Services
ICAN Housing
iCRYO Canton
Integrity Accounting Service Inc.
Jamestown Container
JBJ Transport LLC
David Wolfe Design, Inc.
Keller Rigging LLC
AlterClinic Animal Care
Hillside Cabinet Company LLC
North Canton Executive Networking Group
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
Decor Built Construction Company LLC
Shapiro Restaurant Group dba TD’s Tailgate Grill
The Joint at Belden Village
King Machine & Tool Co.
Kingsway Services, LLC
L.A. Dick Imports, LLC
Lifecare Family Health & Dental Center, Inc.
Mary Moore Cruise Planners
Massillon Museum
Grass Master, Inc.
Mears Nissan, LLC
Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health
Merry Maids
Plymouth Creative Products
MPACT Collision
NickaJack Farms and The Mane Barn
North American Commercial Tire Resources
Ohio Eye Alliance - Canton
Ohio Health Benefits
Ojim Inc. dba JLR Products
Old World Classics, LLC
Olymco, Inc.
PBS Western Reserve (formerly Western Reserve Public Media)
Philosophy of Pie/Park Street Pizza
PPI Graphics & Innovative Trends
R & R Counseling Center
Robert F. Fay, CPA
Robertson’s Excavating Inc.
Sparky’s Welding and Fabrication, LLC
Cutler Real Estate - Sandy Rains
Atwood Glass, Inc.
Lift Up Balloons & Designs
Schumacher Homes, Inc.
Shultz Machine, Inc.
SMA Plastics LLC
Stark County Regional Planning Commission
Desidara
Tate Services LLC
The M. K. Morse Company
Thomas & Associates, D.D.S.
Stray Cat Digital
Earth ‘n Wood
Tri-K Enterprises
True Hire LLC
Urban Air Adventure Park
Van Nostran Young Coutts
Logivision Technologies
Village of Beach City
Wheeling Lake Erie Railway Company
Winking Lizard Tavern
WKYC TV Channel 3
Woodside Terrace Apartments
NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in September. We encourage you to patronize their businesses. If you know of other businesses that would benefit from Chamber membership, please contact Autumn Zerbe at autumn@cantonchamber.org
Alexis Building Systems LLC
justin@buildwithalexis.com (330) 365-7700
1820 N. Water St. Ext Uhrichsville, OH 44683
Autism Society of Greater Akron info@autismakron.org (330) 940-1441
580 Grant Street, Akron, OH 44311 http://autismakron.org
Citizens Bank
William.haid@citizensbank.com (330) 612-8646
3323 Kent Rd Stow, OH 44224 http://citizensbank.com
Completely Cookied
hello@completelycookied.com (330) 546-8130
5842 Middlebranch Ave NE Canton, OH 44721
Culture Lounge
eevansdub@icloud.com (234) 410-3040
331 Cleveland Ave W Canton, OH 44702
Executive Event Center (330) 203-3636
5211 Tuscawaras St. W Canton, OH 44708 http://www.executiveeventcenter.com
Heritage Signs LLC
heritagesignsllc@gmail.com 4562 SR 39 Millersburg, OH 44654
J Williams Lawn & Landscape
jaredwilliams95@gmail.com (330) 858-4529
5923 Weaver Road
New Franklin, OH 44216 http://jwilliamslawnandlandscape.com
Life Professionals
4845 Fulton Drive NW, Suite 3 Canton, Ohio 44718 1-888-574-9088, Ext. 702
LifeProDirect.com
Married for 39 years, we have 2 boys and one grandson. I grew up in Elyria, Ohio. Attended Elyria High School. Was an All-Ohio Football Player. Attended and played football at the University of Louisville and University of Akron.
I’m in my 39th year in the insurance business helping families and businesses secure their financial interests and helping insurance professionals enter the industry and grow their business.
Life Professionals markets throughout the USA with a network of thousands of insurance professionals in all 50 states that we recruit, train, and service.
We are national marketers of Life Insurance, Annuities, Medicare, and Preneed insurance related products, along with some of our unique offerings which include Roth IRA Conversion Planning, Social Security Planning, Tax-Free Retirement Income Planning, Debt Elimination Planning, and more.
Roth IRA Conversions:
We teach clients how to convert IRA’s to Roth IRA’s with no, to very low, net out-of-pocket cost.
Social Security Planning:
I am a RSSA® (a Registered Social Security Analysis), and show clients how to maximize their Social Security Retirement Income. With over 2,700 rules, Social Security is confusing. Did you know that 96% of people make the wrong selection when it comes to their Social Security and this wrong decision costs, on average $111,000 over their lifetime! We can help!
Tax-Free Retirement Income:
NEW MEMBERS
We teach our clients and implement strategies on how to create tax-free retirement income for life. These are the same strategies and products the wealthy have used for decades that most of the general public is unaware of and can also take advantage of.
Debt Elimination Planning:
We show our clients how to eliminate debt in a much shorter time than they could imagine by teaching how to be their own bank.
Walk-ins are welcome...
Legacy Auto Group, LLC
eevansdub@icloud.com (234) 410-3040
2105 Columbus Rd NE Canton, OH 44705
Love INC of Greater Holmes County loveincofghc@gmail.com (330) 473-6017
P.O. BOX 144 Millersburg, OH 44654
Minard’s Landscape and Design Minardslandscapes@gmail.com (330) 844-4298
7580 Tim Ave NW
North Canton, OH 44720
http://www.minardslandscape.com
Recharge Canton
Health and Wellness Services
Jeremy and Michelle Starcher 8328 Cleveland Avenue NW North Canton, OH 44720
330-526-6450
jeremy@rechargecanton.com
michelle@rechargecanton.com
www.rechargecanton.com
Facebook & Instagram @rechargecanton
Recharge Canton is an integrated wellness studio dedicated to helping our community recover, refresh, and recharge. With over 40+ science-backed modalities, we bring cutting-edge wellness technology to the Canton area at an affordable price.
Our services include blue, red, and infrared light therapies, PEMF, pain-blocking therapies, vibroacoustic therapy, massage therapies, sun and salt therapies, hydrogen therapy, grounding therapy, sweat and shiver therapies, and more.
At Recharge Canton, we believe that while our modern lifestyles have changed, our bodies are still designed for the rhythms of our ancestors— sunlight, fresh air, movement, and connection with the earth. Our mission is to educate and empower the community to tap into the body’s natural ability to heal, restore, and thrive.
Whether you’re seeking recovery, stress relief, or simply a boost of energy, Recharge Canton offers the tools and support to help you feel your best— inside and out.
Rogy’s Learning Place rrogy@rng3.com
(309) 696-4955
1717 W Candletree Dr. Suite C Peoria, IL 61614
Turn Hospitality
Vacation rental audits, full-service property management, and premium STR enhancements
330-409-3424
5stars@turnhospitality.com
915 Raff Rd. SW
Canton, OH 44710
330-409-3424
5stars@turnhospitality.com
www.turnhospitality.com
X (Twitter) Instagram Facebook
Turn Hospitality partners with short-term rental owners and investors to maximize profitability, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. Through tailored vacation rental audits, hands-on property management, and premium enhancements, we remove the day-to-day stress of turnovers, maintenance, and guest communication while boosting property performance.
Rooted in Canton and Akron, Turn Hospitality is more than a management company, we’re a community-minded partner committed to raising the standard of hospitality in Northeast Ohio. By combining industry expertise with local insight, we help STR owners unlock their property’s full potential while contributing to the growth of our region’s tourism and small business economy.
Our mission is simple: grow short-term rental guest experience through knowledge, leadership, and service. By creating consistency and professionalism across every property we manage, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future for hospitality in our community.
Offering Healthcare Coverage Options for Small Businesses
The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and AultCare have partnered together to offer a healthcare plan for the small business community through a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA).
The MEWA was developed to provide additional options and to help control the costs of healthcare benefits. Medically underwritten MEWA rates may provide a less expensive option than a smaller community rated plan obtained under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This plan is available for small group employers with less than 50 employees.
Product Overview
• Self-funded plan with fixed monthly payments
• Vision coverage included
• Groups are not subject to ACA community rating
For Chamber membership information, call 330-456-7253. For health fund information, contact your independent broker or your AultCare representative.
Eligible Employers
• 2-50 eligible employees
• 75% minimum participation requirement
• 50% minimum employer contribution for single coverage
• Member in good standing with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
Benefit Plan Options
• Employee health benefit plan options
• Traditional copay plans
• Dental coverage available upon request www.aultcare.com/mewa
• Health plans/health savings account (HSA) compatible
All AultCare health plan quote proposals include commission, unless otherwise specified.
The power of your TPA claims examiner relationship
Bureau of Workers Compensation –Safety Intervention Grant
As a Sedgwick TPA customer our goal is to always provide you with comprehensive and immediate service for all of your workers’ compensation claim needs. Part of that service includes a dedicated claims examiner assigned to your account who can offer a detailed plan of action to assist you in navigating the Ohio workers’ compensation system.
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) reopened the Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) on July 1, 2025 and is accepting new applications. This is great news for employers who are looking for funding to purchase equipment to help reduce or eliminate workplace injuries or illnesses. All applicants must submit a new application as previous ones will not carry over. Additionally, applicants are required to obtain three vendor quotes or one quote with a sole source justification for the proposed intervention.
The SIG is available to any Ohio private or public employer covered by the State Insurance Fund. Recipients are eligible for a 3-1 matching grant, up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each three-year eligibility cycle. As an example, the program will give your organization $3 for every $1 you contribute. Employers must work with an assigned BWC grant coordinator throughout the process and will be required to submit a one-year case study, one year after the implementation date for the intervention.
When your company experiences a workers’ compensation claim, your assigned claims examiner will typically receive notice of the claim within a few days of the filing. Their immediate goal is to complete a claim review of all documentation available so that they can notify you of any concerns with the information on file. Some of the caution signs they monitor include:
The BWC’s website contains a timeline of events and detailed information on program requirements, including:
Ø What to know before you apply
• Prior medical history to the same body part
Keep in mind there is equipment that is not covered by the SIG Program. The complete list can be found here https://info.bwc. ohio.gov. Some of the items include:
• A delay in seeking treatment
Ø SIG eligibility requirements
Ø After you apply
Ø Anti-fatigue mats
Ø Automated external defibrillators (AED’s)
• Vague or inconclusive injury descriptions
Ø Reporting and documentation requirements
Ø Certain food industry items
• Medical treatment discrepancies
Ø Application timeline
Visit the BWC’s SIG website here: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov
Ø Equipment intended to meet minimum OSHA requirements
• The injury is reported soon after a known employer discipline
Ø Passive safety/security devices
• Hobbies or extracurricular activities that could cause the reported injury
Ø PPE, back belts and wrist splints
Ø Sitting and/or standing workstation equipment
• Medical conditions that co-exist alongside the primary diagnosis (comorbidities)
Employers should contact the BWC prior to purchasing any equipment, however, the BWC has come up with a list of “Fast Track Grants”. Fast Track Grants are those in which the task(s) are high risk, and it is highly likely the intervention will have a significant impact on eliminating injuries in the future. Some of the “Fast Track Grant Equipment” includes:
Ø Bathing systems
Ø Training and training simulators
Ø Vehicle lifts
Once the validity of a claim is verified your claims examiner will develop a detailed plan of action to monitor and help move the claim to final resolution either through full and final settlement of the claim or a full duty return to work.
Ø Conduit bending equipment
Ø Floor cleaning equipment
Ø Fume extractors for welding
Ø Lift gates
Ø Lift tables
Ø Patient lifting devices
In addition to the SIG, employers can also apply for other Safety Grant Programs such as:
Ø Body Armor Grant
Ø Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grants Program
Ø School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG)
Ø Workplace Wellness Grant Program
Early communication with your claims examiner can provide clarity in the investigation process, reduce administration delays and ensure forward motion of the claim, which is a benefit to both you and your injured worker.
Ø Shrink wrap equipment
While it is an unfortunate fact that workers do get injured on the job and the majority of those claims are credible, a strong relationship with your assigned claims examiner who can review what options are available to you as the employer to mitigate time and expense in the claim is one of the best tools you have in your toolbox. Their expert knowledge of the Ohio Workers’ Compensation system can help you make informed decisions that will lead to successful claim outcomes.
All of the grant programs can be found at https://info.bwc.ohio.gov. The BWC allows for employers to participate in the SIG program concurrently with any combination of BWC’s Safety Grant Programs, which is great news! If you decide to apply, you will need to arrange for a BWC safety field consultant (safety consultant, ergonomist or industrial hygienist) to assist with the grant application. To start, you can:
Ø Request a meeting with your safety field consultant by filling out the Online Request Form, or Ø Call 1-800-644-6292 and request a consultation.
If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Dominic Potina at 614-579-4723 or dominic.potina@sedgwick.com
So, if you are looking to improve safety in your workplace and reduce injuries and illnesses, take advantage of this great opportunity from the state of Ohio!
