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RICHLAND AREA CHAMBER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CHAMBER LINK

JULY 2021

Caleb Keller, owner of Pathify, was a semifinalist for the 13th Annual Saunders Scholars National Competition hosted by the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)

CALLING ALL RESTAURANTS! Restaurant Week is September 13-17! Sponsorships also available. Register today!

STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY

STAFF Jodie A. Perry, CCE, IOM, CCEO-AP President/CEO Phone extension 102 Patrick Clinage Executive Assistant & Sector Coordinator Phone extension 101 Lisa Duckworth Programs & Events Manager Phone extension 105 Angie Fanello Marketing & Communications Coordinator Phone extension 104 Jessica Gribben Economic Development Liaison Phone (419) 342-4159 Kathy Fox Front Office Coordinator Clint Knight Workforce Development Director Phone extension 112 Nikki Lewis Chamber Foundation Manager Phone extension 103 Barrett Thomas Economic Development Director Phone extension 111

55 N. Mulberry St. Mansfield, OH 44902 Phone: (419) 522-3211 Fax: (419) 526-6853

Letter from Jodie

Be Our Guest

Events are back! Events are back! The very first email I had to send in the COVID-era was to announce the cancellation of the Business Expo, and that ended up being just the beginning of a rush of cancellations in 2020. It took some adjustment to learn to operate in a world without events. How would people network? How would people learn? How would businesses promote themselves? Well, we adapted, you adapted and we made it through the ensuing 18 months. Something was missing, however, the connections we make! Whether it was just an informal chat after a meeting, or shaking hands at a Business After Hours, as month after month passed I quickly figured out…I missed people! I was not sure what this year would bring, but by the end of first quarter I grew cautiously optimistic that we may be able to start planning and holding events again. We started small with some smaller networking events (Networking at Noon, Lunchwise Wednesday), then held the Chamber Golf Outing. This month will see the return of Business After Hours (July 22nd at The Ohio State Reformatory), and more events are quickly following that such as the 2nd Annual Workforce Summit, an inperson Job Fair (EmployaPalooza), and our Member Appreciation Luncheon. The second half of 2021 is gearing up to be busy once again! I hope that you will spend some time reading each newsletter to figure out what might make sense for you to participate in. I know for myself that I am having to replan my schedule a bit after taking so many months without as much happening locally. Here is a good primer on some of our upcoming activities and how they might help you & your business: - Looking to make new connections? Think about Business After Hours, Networking at Noon, Lunchwise Wednesday Women’s Networking, Member Appreciation Luncheon - Looking to learn new skills & topics? Watch out for our Business Boot Camp series, the Workforce Summit, our new Lunch & Learn series, the Regional Economic Forum and more. - Looking to hire new employees? Don’t miss our in-person Job Fair – EmployaPalooza – coming in August! - Looking to stay up to date on legislative action? Watch for our Eggs & Issues, Legislative Luncheons and the Legislative Reception which will be returning soon. In short, I can almost guarantee that there is an event that can help your business. If you are still wondering which one makes sense for you, feel free to drop me a line or call our Events Manager – Lisa Duckworth for more details. We look forward to SEEING you soon! Onward!

info@richlandareachamber.com

Jodie A. Perry, CCE, IOM, CCEO-AP President & CEO Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development

STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY

New Bike Trail Signage Uses QR Codes to Point to Local Amenities Richland County Regional Planning has unfurled The B&O Community Project, a new wayfinding campaign, onto the B&O Trail. Eighteen signs dot the trail and its surrounding communities of Bellville, Butler, Lexington, and Mansfield, providing step-by-step directions to tour the areas and locate nearby businesses, services, and parks. The signs contain information about the destination, its distance in walking or cycling time, and a scan-able QR code which sends smart phone users to Google Maps directions. In the event that the route is unavailable, the code will instead direct users to pertinent information. The QR codes don’t require a special app; simply opening a phone’s camera and pointing it at the sign will scan the information. The project doesn’t aim to endorse or bolster any specific businesses, but rather to bring connectivity between users of the trail and denizens of Bellville, Butler, Lexington, and Mansfield. Destinations and tours are kept within a reasonable distance of start points, so trail goers should expect to walk or cycle no more than twenty minutes to explore amenities. The first run of signs, as a pilot program, are scheduled to last two years. For more information or questions, please contact Ricky Mitchell at Richland County Regional Planning / 419.774.5968 ext. 7873 or rmitchell@rcrpc.org.

Working from home since 1886. As its only independent bank (and long-longlong-time resident), we’re proud to call Richland County home, and the people here, family. So, stop by any time for financial support, services, or just some friendly (family) advice.

STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IS BACK! Thursday, July 22nd | 5:00pm 7:00pm Ohio State Reformatory, 100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield

Please join us for a fun night of networking at the historic Ohio State Reformatory. The Village Catering has some wonderful appetizers planned and you can enjoy a drink in what was once the prisoner visitation area!

BONUS! Come early for a 30 minute, guided tour of the Cell Block! There will only be one tour, starting at 4:45 pm, so don’t be late!

Located right in our own backyard, The Ohio State Reformatory is a historic prison built between 1886 and 1910 and remained in operation until 1990. Stroll the halls and visit the cells of some of history’s toughest criminals. See the site of the famous movies, The Shawshank Redemption and Air Force One. Whether you’re reliving scenes from classic films, hunting for the paranormal, or taking in the beautiful architecture, take a walk through history at The Ohio State Reformatory!

COST: FREE for Chamber members if RSVP is received by the end of business on July 19 ($5.00 if registration is received after this date). Non-members are welcome to attend at $5.00/person.

Is this your first Business After Hours? Join us for a New Member Mixer a half hour before the event starts, hosted by the Chamber Ambassadors.

REGISTER THREE WAYS TO REGISTER: 1) Use our events calendar at www.richlandareachamber.com 2) Call us at 419-522-3211 3) Email Lisa Duckworth at: lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Olive & Oak - Mansfield

Blueberry Patch/1285 Winery - Lexington

RYP Sponsors Art - Downtown Mansfield

Painted Cowgirl Expansion - Greenwich

STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY

The official health insurer of

entrepreneurs

You put everything you have into your business. And we put everything into creating high-quality health insurance plans for you and your employees. We've partnered with the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce and Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) to offer a unique benefit option for small businesses like yours. The multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) allows small businesses of 1–50 to join together to share costs and combine risk. This offers rate stability, savings and the same great health benefits that large corporations have. Bundle your health plan with our dental, vision or life plans for a fully integrated benefits package. Contact your broker | MedMutual.com/Richland

Congratulations to the Leadership Unlimited Class of 2020

Over 38 years later, 1000+ graduates and LU continues to go strong. Thank you to the LU Class of 2020 for the investment in their development, their patience with the program and determination to complete their program year. We cannot wait to see the impact you all will make in our community. Congratulations to our graduates: Kelly Blankenship - Harmony House Rachel Brumenschenkel - Compass Holly Christie - Mansfield City Schools Chris Clark - OhioHealth Hospitals Candace Coffman - Nationwide Children's Hospital Bo Evans - MTD Products Dennis Fox - ES Consulting Jennifer Fry - The Ohio State University-Mansfield Jill Haring - Haring Realty Christian Harris - Park National Bank Hannah Jarvis - Spherion Mid Ohio Kristi Lord - Mechanics Bank Kevyn Morehead - Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. Ashley Nash - Park National Bank Larry Phillips - Richland Source

Tammy Rearic - Gorman-Rupp Company Nichole Rogers - Directions Credit Union Erich Schroeder - J&B Acoustical Melissa Shannon - Stanley Black & Decker Kelly Shifflet - 179th Airlift Wing Command Matthew Stanfield - FiELD9: architecture Eric Stigall - Westbrook Country Club Jamie Starkey - Catalyst Life Services Edwin Tharp - Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority Michael Thoma - Kimball Midwest/Mid Ohio Youth Mentoring Mindi White - A&W Rootbeer Stand Rodney Willis - Richland Newhope Jordon Wurthmann - Purdy Construction Stephanie Zader - eXp Realty-The Stephanie Zader Team/Mansfield City Council

Congratulations!

YEA! is Accepting Applications We are currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 program year. Applications can be found at www.yeausa.org or by contacting the Chamber office. This summer we have planned multiple virtual and in-person information sessions so you and your families can learn more about this wonderful program. Each session will take place either via Zoom or at the Chamber office from 6:00-7:00 pm. The dates for each session are: Thursday, August 19th - Virtual Thursday, September 2nd - In-Person Tuesday, September 7th - Virtual

If you are interested in attending any of the sessions, please register by contacting Nikki Lewis, Program Manger. Email: nlewis@richlandareachamber.com or Phone: (419) 522-3211 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at YEA Richland.

STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY

CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY! Lunch WISE Wednesday

Assets - Starting from Scarcity or Abundance Presented by Deanna West-Torrence, Founder and Executive Director, NECIC When: Wednesday, July 21st | 11:45am - 1:00pm (lunch is served at 11:45am, program begins at 12pm)

Where: DLX Kobacker Room 28 N. Main St, Mansfield Cost: $15 (lunch included!)

Mark your calendar for the 3rd Wednesday of each month to join a group of dynamic, innovative local women for a time of powerful networking and motivation, as well as a chance to learn more about your community. This collaborative series exclusively for women is being co-hosted by the Richland Area Chamber and the Small Business Development Center at Ashland University. A longtime resident, Deanna West-Torrence found herself returning to the North End neighborhood throughout her life. Through the years, Deanna worked in many ways to better the community, from working with CHAP (Community Health Access Project), representing the 5th Ward on Mansfield City Council, serving on the Mansfield City School Board, and leading the Neighborhood Youth Corps, as well as serving on other boards, task forces, and advisory committees. In 2007, Deanna and other residents and community leaders applied their collective experience and founded the North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC). NECIC’s mission is to improve the quality of life and economic landscape of the North End Community. Deanna is the proud mother of three adult sons and an adult daughter.

FRI-YAY! Topic: Kingwood Center Gardens When: Friday, July 23rd | 12:00 - 12:30pm Where: Facebook Live Cost: FREE for Chamber members

So many exciting things are happening in Richland County! Join us in our new series, Fri-Yay!, where we will celebrate good news in our community. You won't want to miss these 30 minute, monthly updates on the fourth Friday of each month at noon. We'll hear about the great things happening right where we live and work. There is no charge and you can simply join in on Facebook Live on the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development page. Like and share the event while it is live for a chance to win a gift card!

Networking at Noon When: Friday,July 9th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm Where: Royalwood Caterers at the Life Celebration Center 117 S. Main St.Mansfield Cost: $15 / members $25 / non-members (lunch included!)

Could you benefit from building more professional relationships? Is it important for you to meet prospective clients? Do you need to stay on top of the latest industry trends? Networking at Noon the answer! Networking allows you access to opportunities you might not be able to find on your own and is important for establishing mutually beneficial connections with other professionals in our community. If these are things that interest you, join us for Networking at Noon! THREE WAYS TO 10

Sponsored by:

1) Use our events calendar at www.richlandareachamber.com 2) Call us at 419-522-3211 3) Email Lisa Duckworth at lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com

Clint Knight

Director of Workforce Development Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development Phone: 419-522-3211 Email: cknight@chooserichland.com

EMPLOYAPALOOZA

AUGUST 21st 10am - 1pm

Mid Ohio Conference Center On August 21st from 10am to 1pm, The Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development, in parternship with Ohio Means Jobs Richland County will host “Employaplalooza” at the Mid Ohio Conference Center. This event is the latest version of our regional job fair that has tradionally been held each Spring. This will be a first of it’s kind for Richland County - serving as a Celebration of New Beginnings, New Opportunities, and Recovery. Participating employers are encouraged to begin thinking about how you can make your space at this event an uplifting and exciting experience. We will be giving awards for “Most Interactive”, “Most Creative”, and “Most Festive” employer booths. Register for your spot today at www.chooserichland.com

2nd Annual Workforce Summit August 2nd 11am to 1:30pm Mid Ohio Conference Center The Richland County Workforce Summit is the place for business and education leaders to network, partner, and develop opportunities for students to explore workforce pathways. We will be discussing work based learning and how it creates a forum for new ideas and partnerships. Hear about the new Work Based Learning pathway to graduation, and how it can lead young people towards skills and habits that ensure their success in the workplace. This can lead to young people being more prepared to directly enter the workforce when they graduate from school. Special Keynote Speaker, Richie Contartesi will be speaking about the importance of being a leader by pioneering outside the box educational practices. He’s spoken to over 450 schools, and works to help adults understand the younger generation, and help the younger generation understand themselves.

NEW SKILLS MATCH TOOL ON OHIOMEANSJOBS.COM NOW AVAILABLE

The new Skills Match tool is an innovative resource on OhioMeansJobs.com that links Ohio job seekers with potential employment opportunities through the information provided on their resume. “SkillsMatch” is match-making application that connects people seeking work to businesses that are hiring. Supported by detailed data on the newly redesigned OhioMeansJobs website, this unique resource extracts job seekers’ skills from their resumes and links them to a job-match recommendation based on those skills. The easy-to-use resource allows job seekers to directly upload their resume to OhioMeansJobs.com, select the skills on their resume that they’d like matched with potential job opportunities, and watch in real-time as the tool displays which skills line up with a particular job posting. Additionally, SkillsMatch will show job seekers which skills are missing from their resume based on keywords in job postings on the site, giving them the opportunity to improve and update their resume so they can have a better chance of matching with the kind of position they are seeking.

Looking for local workforce talent? Introducing Community Opportunity Build Your FREE Business Profile Today! Community Opportunity is a free comprehensive resource for students, job seekers, and area businesses alike to connect, network, and find/share employment opportunities within our community. You will have access to local job seekers’ resumes, and you’ll also increase your organization’s visibility and community engagement at no cost to you. To build your profile, visit www.communityopportunity.com and click “Company Registration”. Questions? Contact Clint Knight, Director of Workforce Development at the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development at 419-522-3211 or email cknight@chooserichland.com

STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY

Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development

2021 Small Business of the Year Awards Nomination

To be considered for the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development Small Business of the Year Awards, the nominated business must: • • • • •

Be headquartered in Richland County Employ 250 or fewer full-time equivalent employees In operation for at least three years Have annual sales revenue of less than $20,000,000 Demonstrate an active concern for the community

To be considered for the Richland Area Chamber Small Non-Profit of the Year Award, the nominated organization must: • • • •

Be headquartered in Richland County Total budget $1M or less In operation for at least three years Must be a 501c3 organization

Eligible applicants will be judged on the following: • • • • •

Business History & Performance Staff Training & Motivation Community Involvement Customer Service Business Strategies & Goals

Eligible applicants will be judged on the following: • Collaboration with other organizations • Employee Practices • Financial Performance (diversification, income streams, rainy day fund, etc).

• Customer Service • Strategic Planning - long range

Business Nominated Contact Person/Title Address Phone email

Fax (if available)

Nominator’s Name email

Why do you think this business should be selected? (include extra page if needed)

Email nominations to Lisa Duckworth at lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com or drop off/mail to the Richland Area Chamber at 55 N. Mulberry St, Mansfield, OH 44902. Questions? Contact the Chamber at 419-522-3211 or email Lisa at lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com 11

Submit nomination by September 1st, 2021

Thank you to our renewing members! CATALYTIC LEADER / PLATINUM

CATALYTIC LEADER / SILVER

SHAPE & THRIVE City of Mansfield

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center

BOOST & EXCEL TE Connectivity

Der Dutchman Restaurant

Wm Dauch Concrete Co

BUILD & GROW E S Beveridge & Associates Inc Eagle Mark 4 Equipment Co. First English Lutheran Church Early Learning Center Innovision Automation Mansfield Motor Group Metronome Music, Inc. Metzger-Gleisinger Mechanical Inc Richland Lumber Inc

Shelby Printing, LLC Shine FM Ohio The Waterford at Mansfield Travelodge Vector Security Wallington & Bauer WOB Accountants and Advisors

ENGAGE & CONNECT AAA-Ohio Auto Club

Johnny's Mattress & Furniture SuperStore

RB Print Shop, Inc.

Advantage Marketing Inc

Kimble Septic & Porta-Pot Inc

Renaissance Performing Arts

Callahan Door & Window

Love In the Name of Christ of Greater Mansfield

Richland County Ohio Sheriff

City Grille

Mansfield Christian School

Richland Public Health

Clearfork Consulting, Ltd.

Mansfield Fuel & Food

Sallie's Wholesale Supply

Comfort Care Home Health Services

Marvin Memorial Library

Snyder Funeral Homes Inc

Cosam Contracting Inc

Matt Quinn & Company

Spire Advertising & Web Design

Haring Realty

Milark Industries

Think-Ability Rehab Services

Health Insurance Options

Miss Ohio Scholarship Program

Third Street Family Health Services - Medical

Herlihy Funeral Home

Oak Park Tavern & Restaurant

UMADAOP of Mansfield

JC Elgin Co., LPA

Pioneer Career & Technology Center

Vans Tire Pros of Mansfield

Renewals reflect paid dues received from 5/26/2021 through 6/28/2021

The Chamber is hiring!

RACED CHAMBER LINK

JANUARY 2020

Do you know someone who would be great fit for the Chamber Team? We have two open positions for which we are currently accepting resumes. See each listing below and please help us spread the word by sharing it with your friends and connections. We are excited to be expanding our team to better serve you.

Member Services Coordinator

The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development is seeking a full-time Member Services Coordinator. This position is the key staff member working with current and prospective members, managing member benefits, maintaining our member database, and organizing the Chamber Ambassadors committee. Additionally, they work with other Chamber committees, assist with events, coordinate ribbon cuttings, as well as handle the front office duties. The ideal candidate is a motivated and customer-focused team player who has demonstrated effective leadership for project management. They will be personable, outgoing, and determined; be an open-minded problem solver; and have excellent communication and relationship-building skills. They should be a self-starter with proven ability to meet goals.

Director of Marketing & Communications

The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development is seeking a full-time Marketing & Communications Director. This is a new position within the organization and will work with our existing part-time marketing staff member. The Marketing & Communications Director is an entrepreneurial individual who will lead and manage a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for our organization. This strategy will include marketing for economic development and talent attraction and will incorporate the new community brand currently being developed. The Director will oversee the Marketing & Communications Coordinator who handles much of the day-to-day Chamber program & event marketing. The Director will be the lead digital marketing strategist and ensure that our organization is fully represented in the digital space and lead our public relations efforts with the media. The position reports to the President & CEO and will work closely with other staff members and community leaders. They will work with key stakeholders including business people, elected officials, public sector employees, non-profit leaders, and other members of the community to meet the strategic goals of the organization. The ideal candidate is a motivated and customer-focused team player who has demonstrated effective leadership for project management, marketing and strategy. They will be personable, outgoing, and determined; be an open-minded problem solver; and have excellent communication and relationship-building skills. They should be a self-starter with proven ability to meet goals. Candidates should possess an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field, as well as at least 3-5 years’ experience in marketing/communications. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates for these positions should email a resume and cover letter to Chamber President/CEO Jodie Perry at jperry@richlandareachamber.com.

Community Guides Have Arrived! Do you need more copies? Hopefully you received four copies through the mail, but if you are in a high traffic location or need a larger amount of guides for any reason, please let us know! Once again, this guide has been updated to include useful information about our local community and it’s a great way to promote our Chamber members! We encourage you to use this guide and share copies with your customers, staff, family and friends - even display in your waiting area! If you would like more guides, please contact the Chamber at 419-522-3211. 15

STRONG BUSINESS, STRONG COMMUNITY

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Chamber Golf Classic at Westbrook Country Club on June 11. We dodged the rain and had a wonderul day!

Presented by

Award Recipients

Below are the results from the day congratulations to all the prize winners!

Gross Scramble - Madison Adult Career Center - Robert Peterson, Cory Peterson, Mitchel McFarland, Kaleb, Smith Net Handicap Scramble winners: 1st - Donley Ford of Shelby - Aaron Sponsler, Bryant Kucera, Tom Hoak, Joel Tanner 2nd - Freightwatch - Jon Kastran, Grayson Pittman, Josh Leady, Duncan McFarlane 3rd - Mechanics Bank - Dakota Durbin, Nick Gesouras, Taylor Bogner, Jason Painley Skins winners were First Federal Community Bank (Eagle on 14) and Jamison Well Drilling Team 2 (Eagle on 5) Proximity Contests Winners: Hole 2, Closest to the pin was Robert Peterson Hole 5, Men’s Longest Drive was Mitchel McFarland Hole 5, Women’s Longest Drive was Michele Giess Hole 7, Closet to the pin was Anastasia Stumpf Hole 8, Closet to the pin 3rd shot was Cory Peterson Hole 10, Women’s Closest to the pin was Jessi Ganson Hole 15, Closest to the pin 2nd Shot was Kaleb Smith

The Mansfield/Richland Area Education Foundation 50/50 raffle raised $610 for YEA! Thank you golfers! Our Best Dressed team was K E McCartney & Associates Inc. We hope they wear these same outfits to our Luau themed Member Appreciation Lunch in August!

THANK YOU to all our golfers, sponsors, prize contributors, and volunteers for making this event possible. This is one or our most popular events - thanks to you! Special thanks to our friends at Westbrook Country Club for doing such a phenomenal job to keep things safe and fun on your beautiful course. 16

THANK YOU TO OUR 30th ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORS Presented by

Tee-Off Tipple Bar Sponsor

Golf Gift Sponsor

Premier Sponsors

Breakfast Sponsors Hole in One Sponsor

Golf Ball Sponsor

Lunch Sponsors

UPCOMING EVENTS Lunch & Learn - How to Save Money and Time with Story-Based Marketing in Any Industry (select one session or all three) Why story is the most powerful tool in marketing + How to use story to attract more customers for ANY INDUSTRY (session 1- Sept. 9) How to build a sales funnel that grows your business (session 2 - Sept. 16) How to apply a story-based approach to advertising (session 3 - Sept. 23)

July 9 Networking at Noon (11:45a) Royalwood Caterers/Life Celebration Center July 21 Lunch WISE Wednesday Luncheon (11:45a) @ DLX July 22 Business After Hours (5-7p) @ Historic Ohio State Reformatory July 23 FRI-YAY! - Facebook Live (12p) from Kingwood Center Gardens Aug 2 Workforce Summit (10:45-1:30) @ Mid-Ohio Educ. Service Center Aug 19 Business After Hours (5-7p) @ The New Store Aug 20 Member Appreciation Lunch (11a) @ the Chamber Aug 21 Employapalooza (10a-1p) @ Mid-Ohio Educ. Service Center Sept 13-17 Restuarant Week Sept 16 Business After Hours (5-7p) @ Ohio Bird Sanctuary Oct 1 Regional Economic Forum (12-4p) @ Snow Trails Oct 26 Savor & Sip (5-8p) @ Mid-Ohio Educ. Service Center Dec 3 Small Business of the Year Awards

See inside this newsletter for more information on the above events or visit the event calendar at www.richlandareachamber.com

THANK YOU TO OUR CATALYTIC LEADER INVESTORS

ADENA CORPORATION • NANOGATE NORTH AMERICA LLC & JAY INDUSTRIES • MEDICAL MUTUAL • MILLIRON AUTO PARTS • PHILLIPS MANUFACTURING / SHELBY WELDED TUBE AVITA HEALTH SYSTEM • EDGE PLASTICS • FIRSTENERGY CORP • HAMILTON INSURANCE GROUP, INC • HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK • NEWMAN TECHNOLOGY • TEAM NEO