Celebrating our Spirit 2009

Yeah, it's tough out there. But these folks are fighters.

The Lima region has been feeling the pains of the recession, just like the rest of the country. But during such times, the spirit of entrepreneurship and the toughness of the human spirit come forth. That's certainly been the case for our region.

The annual "Celebrating Our Spirit" section, published Feb. 22 and March 1, centers on two areas:

- Meeting the challenges of today

- Moving forward

Sharing their insights with us today are plant managers from area manufacturers, financial leaders, retailers, small-business owners and even a minster. They talk about the challenges of leadership, the lessons being learned, the changes in their businesses and much more.

Then the focus will continue with other local manufacturers and businesses, along with educators and those in the health field.

We think you'll find some interesting and inspiring reading about how businesses and area residents are turning today's tests into tomorrow's successes.

Here's a sample of their responses:

How do you move your business forward?

"I'm not crawling into a shell. We're expanding right now and looking at a third location."

-   Dave Boyles, owner Fat Jack's Pizza in Lima

What are the challenges of leadership in this economy?

"There are thousands of books written on leadership. The challenge is trying to figure out what to do next when no one is telling you what to do, and then getting your employees engaged and behind whatever effort you decide is worthwhile."

 - Patrick Conrath, site director, INEOS Lima Chemicals

What lessons are we learning?

"I think if you survive in small business, being blindsided is a way of life. There are always surprises."

-   John Pack, owner of Pack Pharmacy in Lima News

   "Not to overextend. I think we've seen that in a number of ways, and not just in retail. Americans have a habit of overextending themselves in a lot of different ways."

   - Marc Bowker, owner of Alter Ego Comics, Lima

"You can't wait, you need to be on the ball. You and your plant will suffer if you don't react as quickly as possible."

- Dan Clelens, plant manager for Metokote.

"Lately, I've thought that our generation is finally being tested like generations have (been) in the past, and we don't know how we're going to deal with this."

- Daniel Hughes, pastor at The Future Church, 125 W. Kibby St., Lima

How important is communication?

"There are 200 families that we're taking care of here. If they don't hear anything, they're going to assume the worst. There's no us and them. There's no management and production. We all look at it as one company, our company. That's huge."

-   Kim Elick, general manager of Braun Ambulance in Van Wert Kim Elick

Is doing business here different than elsewhere?

"Your reputation is really important when you're working locally. If you don't treat people right, everybody's going to hear about it ... and soon!"

- Phil Buell, president and CEO of Superior Federal Credit Union

What's the most positive change you've seen?

"The opportunity to refocus, re-evaluate and optimize projects in the changing economy. This is leading to much innovation and creativity in the industry."

- Roger Hornung, Husky Refinery Superintendent

Why are you remodeling when the economy is poor?

   "I think people are looking for something better. I think when they see I'm starting to do something better to help my own community they will have a more positive outlook and I always look up to the positive."

   - Sue Ford, owner of Country Styles Beauty Salon in Spencerville since 1971

How does the current downturn compare with other challenges you've faced?

   "You have to watch your spending more every day, including our own personal spending. We work as many hours as we can ourselves. We are here 60 hours a week. We do our own shoveling, do our own plowing. We buy wholesale. It's tough working 60 hours a week here and 40 driving a truck (for other job)."

-Kelly Lange, co-owner of The Pizza Station

"In 34 years, we've overcome many challenges. This economy is certainly one of the toughest."

- Richard Schnipke, owner of the Red Pig Inn in Ottawa and Findlay

How are you using technology?

"Everybody is looking online now. They want to look at the dresses before they even come into the store."

- Diane Varno, 28, owner of The Bridal Emporium, Wapakoneta

How do you keep yourself motivated?

"Sometimes it is weary, and I admit that, but you really have to look at what you do. I've been doing this for 45 years ... It's been fun, it's been challenging, it's been kind of sad sometimes, but always it's been motivating. I get up and thank God I come to this job."

- Bev Prueter, president of the United Way of Greater Lima since 1976