Clients & Worthy Causes

I went to the open house on Sunday for new facilities at Bethany Village (a division of Graceworks Lutheran Services, one of our clients), and I was amazed at how well-planned and beautifully constructed it was. They had a great turnout even though the warm weather could have tempted many to stay outdoors. Graceworks staff were scattered throughout the new facility to explain features and guide visitors, and they were very helpful.

Residents enjoy visiting in the new bistro.

The goal of the new space was to connect residents and provide more gathering areas. They definitely accomplished that, by creating an interior walkway from one end of campus to the other. Along the way, they have incorporated educational and exercise facilities, a bistro, shopping, and other spaces designed to draw people together into the Village Center.

I was particularly taken by another area of the new construction – the Memory Support Center. Designed for residents with Alzheimer’s disease, there are four ‘neighborhoods’ that offer experiences to stimulate recognition and safe interaction both indoors and out.

More information is on Graceworks.org, and also in the latest annual report that we worked on for them. Take a look at our case study.

The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) got a significant booster shot to their Student Research Program this week. The Air Force announced an $8.5 million award which will be used to provide internships and build the area’s tech talent pool in our colleges and universities. The ultimate goal, of course, is to keep these stars around after they graduate so they can continue to strengthen our innovative region.

According to Marcia Hutcheson, the program’s director, “We are thrilled for all the current students in the program, as well the government’s confidence in SOCHE to create new opportunities for students.”

With SOCHE as one of our clients, Bing applauds and appreciates how the 40-year-old organization makes meaningful and lasting connections between southwestern Ohio’s higher ed institutions and the region’s science and technology businesses. Not an easy task to undertake. Please join us in congratulating them on their latest win.

Read the full article in the Dayton Daily News.

Earlier this month Joe wrote a post about my involvement in the Dayton Martin Luther King Celebration. The walk was on Monday (Jan 19) and it was a great day and celebration.

My day started at the MLK Kettering and Oakwood Breakfast. After an inspiring speech and award winning artwork, it was off to the March/Rally. The weather was on our side cold but sunny.

The South quadrants’ marches were led by a local drum corps, and at the rally we heard Dr. King’s I have a Dream Speech read by all faiths.

Thank you to everyone who came out – the March was successful because of your involvement. Check out David Bowman’s post for a great video from the march/rally.

Larrell Walters, Director of IDCAST

This month’s MVHRA meeting featured Larrell Walters, Director of IDCAST, The Institute for the Development and Commercialization of Advanced Sensor Technology. (Quite a mouthful!) Our own Binger, Linda Luginbuhl, was able to attend his presentation on ‘Technology in the Miami Valley: Is it a Thing of the Past or Future‘.

In response to Forbes Magazine identifying Dayton as one of the top ten fastest ‘Dying Cities‘ in the US. Larrell’s response was resounding:

“Technology is a thing of the future for Dayton. We can survive on our innovation.”

Dayton has always been known as a city of innovation. Some examples include:

• Airplane
• Cash register
• Enigma code breaker
• The pop-top can
• And we can’t forget the Yoyo!

For a sample list of innovations, visit Dayton Patented.

Because of all this innovation, Dayton ended up a hub of industry. Our city has relied on the manufacturing and automotive industry and now that it’s gone it is time for us to move on to better poise our city for the future. We have to rely on our ability to innovate and Dayton has the technological resources to do it.

The plan started with IDCAST who brought in Dr. John Kao, author of ‘Innovation Nation‘. Dr. Kao made his statement that Dayton should feel good about the future because we have the tools to achieve any future we desire. With the business leaders, initiatives, and Dayton’s ability to continuously innovate, this statement can be realized. What innovations will you see yourself making in 2009?

“As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back…”

Binger Laura Arber, has been tasked to organize the Dayton community to march and observe Martin Luther King’s message Monday, January 19, 2009. Laura, South Quadrant Chair, is responsible for organizing one of the four groups who will march through the city and converge on Courthouse Square Downtown Dayton. Read more of the detailed message describing the event at David Bowman’s blog, who is also helping to promote the rally.

As a way to generate awareness for one of our own, we ask that you too diversify and celebrate in a walk of freedom. Take part in any events leading up to or during the march and pledge that you will march forward in all facets of your life.