'Heart of Commerce' celebration canceled - Tuesday, July 21, 2009 | Courier Electronic Edition

Local News

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

'Heart of Commerce' celebration canceled

By MICHELLE REITER

STAFF WRITER

The "Greater Findlay, The Heart of Commerce and Community Celebration" planned for Saturday has been canceled because businesses would not support it with organized labor's strong involvement, Mayor Pete Sehnert said Monday.

Only three or four businesses agreed to participate, he said. The city will try to hold it next year without organized labor's help.

The program was being organized by United Steelworkers Local 207L at the Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. plant, and Sehnert recently agreed to help lead it. Union officials said it was not to be a union function.

"Basically, Findlay's a non-union, Republican area and mostly what we had were Democratic speakers and union people," Sehnert said. "It's not what I had in mind."

He said the weekend's sidewalk sale is still scheduled, but the parade and the commerce fair at The Cube won't happen.

A union leader said he was "very disappointed."

"I'm a union man, but I love my community," said Rod Nelson, president of the Findlay local. "This is a great event, and for them to bypass it just because we pay union dues is terrible. Just terrible."

The event was to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday with a parade on Main Street from Lima Street to Front Street and feature American-made classic cars, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and public officials from Findlay, Hancock County, and the region.

It was to have continued at The Cube with food and entertainment, and a showcase and sale of products and services manufactured in the region.

Last week, Sehnert blamed GreaterFindlayInc. for withholding its support, thereby discouraging area companies.

Sehnert did not mention GreaterFindlayInc. on Monday, but union representatives did.

"GreaterFindlayInc. and Tall Timbers did everything they could to sabotage our event," said Donnie Blatt, a representative of the United Steelworkers Union in Columbus, who was helping coordinate the event.

He said Democratic speakers like Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo and union leaders were scheduled to appear because the union was trying to fill the program when others made no effort to get involved.

Representatives of several Ohio manufacturers were also scheduled to speak.

Ray De Winkle, president of GreaterFindlayInc., denied his group sabotaged the event.

"It was never our event to begin with," he said. "We were asked to support it and we did what we were asked to do."

De Winkle said companies did not want to support the event because of the proposed Employee Free Choice Act, which, some say, would let workers choose whether to organize a company simply by signing cards supporting it. The law now permits a waiting period after a majority of workers call for a union election and a secret vote, a period generally used by companies to campaign against unionization.

"I do not tell our companies what to do," he said. "The companies felt this was not the right time."

He said GreaterFindlayInc. "absolutely recognizes the union's right to exist."

"That is not an issue," he said.

Still, Sehnert said unions will not be invited to help organize next year's event, but will not be excluded.

The event was the idea of United Steelworkers official Rob Greer and others in Findlay. Blatt said union leaders were clear from the start they did not want it to be seen as a union event.

"We said we wanted it to be a community event," he said. "We were just trying to do good things for the community."

He said he is embarrassed by the discrimination against unions.

Sehnert said he may have been naive not to realize there was so much animosity between unions and companies.

"Next year, I'd like to have as many businesses as possible," he said.

Reiter: 419-427-8497,

Send an e-mail to Michelle Reiter.

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23 Comments (3 pages)

Latest comments listed first.

Leo wrote:

Shame

Findlay has always been a convenient place to stop for lunch, gas, etc when driving on 75. But I will be bypassing it from now on, and encouraging others to do the same. I won't spend a dime in that town again.

Sunday, July 26, 2009 5:42:13 PM

Noah Little wrote:

To Jim Kimberlin - SHAME on Lesser Findlay Inc

Lets put the blame where it belongs - with Lesser Findlay Inc (I don't think we can call it Greater Findlay Inc after this)!

Thursday, July 23, 2009 4:30:56 PM

Kathy Ciminillo wrote:

Made In America Event

I live in Toledo but work in Lima. I drive I-75 daily. I have made purchases at Findlay Ford, Jeffrey's Antiques, several of your restaurants; I have gone to your mall to shop, and stopped at Dietsch, Cold Stone, Brinkmans, Granary, Homestead, Hutchinson and others; I have attended a class at Owens and filled up my tank many times at your gas stations. I believe I have contributed to your economy. And, if there are others like me, we have made a difference in your bottom line.

But, no more.

I will continue to drive I-75 daily but I will not stop. You see, although I am not a member of the union, I stand and support their ideals and their efforts. I have benefitted from their efforts and my life is better for it.

What has happened in Findlay is beyond belief. I certainly do not want to spend my money where it is not wanted. Thanks for the education.

A former supporter of Findlay,
Kathy Ciminillo

Thursday, July 23, 2009 4:00:47 PM

Jeff Detmer wrote:

Press Release

Here is the text of the press release that I sent to The Courier and WFIN Monday morning. WFIN did report on the release and The Courier did not.

Democratic candidate for city council Jeff Detmer asks GreaterFindlayInc. President Ray De Winkle for an apology to the workers and citizens of Findlay. Mr. Detmer Said, Greater Findlay, The Heart of Commerce and Community Celebration was designed to show our pride for the workers and companies in the Findlay area that produce world class products and services. For Mr. De Winkle to throw cold water on the celebration because of his partisan trade issue agenda is inappropriate and insulting. Mr. Detmer went on to say that GreaterFindlayInc.s mission should be to maximize the economic potential of all of the citizens of Findlay, if Mr. De Winkle cannot be supportive of the efforts of working families in our community then maybe the City of Findlay should reconsider its on-going financial support of GreaterFindlayInc..

Thursday, July 23, 2009 12:03:30 PM

Jim Kimberlin wrote:

RE: Shame on the mayor

It is hard to believe that in the 21st century such ignorance still exists. Shame on the mayor for not being strong enough to stand up for his community nor smart enough to know he is driving a wedge between unions and companies. We need to "BUY AMERICA" every day! Organized or not we cannot continue to loose jobs in the State of Ohio.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 9:26:25 PM

ashamed wrote:

unions

with ohio being at will work state unions can be beneficial.an at will state means an employer can lay you off or terminate you regardless of senority,job performance and don,t have to give reason. a friend of mine had this experience with a local company. he had worked there almost 8 yrs and was laid off with younger(age wise and less senority) and less experienced workers in the same position kept. he was full time and told he would not even be used part time,which is how his job would be covered. in the time he worked for this company he never missed a day he was scheduled,had no job performance issues,sacificed family time(nature of job)and responded when called for emergency situations. in this situation if there had been a union this person wouldn't have been laid off.unions do provide senority and some job secruity. i think findlay lost a great opportunity to showcase their bussiness resources union or not.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2:16:26 PM

Former Resident wrote:

Shari

Hey Shari, are you an administrator at Consolidated Biscuit? Because if not, you should look into their management program. It seems like it would be a good fit for you.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:48:12 AM

Noah Little wrote:

Unions Can Still Have a Place

Shari wondered why a worker gets $20 an hour to screw in a bolt. I wonder why a CEO get $5 million plus to work at a company. I understand a business owner making that kind of money. Someone who poured their money and time into building their business. Most CEO's are no different than any other employee. Looking at many of their track records, they tend to be less loyal, would leave in a second for a better paying job and failed to take any responsiblity when the business fails - it always seems to be someone else's fault. Looking back at the 50's and 60's when the USA saw the greatest growth in wealth, was also the time the unions where at their peak. Workers made great wages and the companies profited by increased sells. Yes, the unions got greedy and are a part of the loss of manufacturing jobs. But, if they do it right and partner with business, I believe all will benefit.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:09:59 AM

Betty wrote:

Shari/Unions

So...you think that the non-union factories (mostly foreign companies) are being good to their employees by paying them $7.00 or $8.00 an hour, or if their child is hurt at school and if they leave, they'll get a point and that point could cost them their jobs. Who can live off of $7.00 or $8.00 an hour? Why should they be penalized for leaving work to care for their injured child?

Or how about being injured....ON THE JOB....and the company calling asking when you're coming back. Not if you're okay, but when you're coming back. Yep, they care about their employees alright.

Yep Shari...you're right. Non-union companies are WONDERFUL!!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:09:18 AM

Doug Warren wrote:

Shari wrote:

Shari wrote:
"At one time Unions were necessary, but now we have laws, which protect employees, OSHA, FECA, FLSA, FMLA, EEOC, Civil Rights, ADA, WC, AA, privacy, violence, age discrimination, religious choice, sex discrimination, and even child labor laws."

Union members stood on picket lines in all sorts of weather and sacrificed their wages and blood to get these laws you speak of passed. The corporations and politicians didn't just wake up one day and say "I think I'll give the laborers a raise and more rights'.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:59:35 AM

VIDEO

LITTLE ROCK NINE: Jefferson Thomas, who was among nine black students initially barred by the Arkansas governor from attending Little Rock Central High School in 1957, spoke to Findlay students as part of Black History Month. The crisis was a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights.

VIEW VIDEO

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U.S. Headlines

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Ohio News

News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.

The Courier Electronic Edition

Local News

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

23 Comments (3 pages)

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