Dayton trio at State of Union

The work of a Dayton manufacturer was once again highlighted in what some would say is the most prestigious chamber in the world.

Steve Staub and Sandy Keplinger, president and vice president of Staub Manufacturing Solutions in Dayton, and welder Corey Adams were guests during the State of the Union address by President Donald Trump last week.

The trio was picked to represent what Trump said is a key achievement of his first year in office: a comprehensive tax overhaul, which he and other proponents credit for injecting life into the economy.

Staub and Keplinger told Reporter Jessica Wehrman they’ve seen the results. Staub told Wehrman in the last seven months, they’ve increased their employees from 23 to 37. They were able to acquire a new building. And they were able to give employees larger than expected Christmas bonuses.

“Optimism is at an all-time high,” Staub said. “We’re hearing from our customers, from our suppliers, we have customers who have launched new products strictly because of their confidence with tax reform moving forward.”

Staub’s and Keplinger’s business served as a host for a business roundtable led by President Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. Adams told Wehrman that he credited the tax bill with giving him the confidence to buy his first home and put away a little more money for his children’s education.

Elder-Beerman last days?

It does not look good for the future of Elder-Beerman.

It’s expected this week the parent company of the local retailer, Bon Ton Inc., will file for bankruptcy. The company released plans last week that call for the closure of more than 60 stores around the United States and possibly closing its distribution warehouse in Fairborn.

Elder-Beerman was created in Dayton when the Elder & Johnston Company merged with Beerman Stores in 1962. Bon-Ton acquired Elder-Beerman in 2003 at a time when the local store had just exited bankruptcy.

Eiting Klamar honored

Congratulations to Midmark Corp. Chair Anne Eiting Klamar, who was honored with the Maureen Patterson Regional Leader Award last week by the Dayton Development Coalition.

The award is named for Maureen Patterson, who served for years with the coalition and the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Central State University President Cynthia Jackson-Hammond said Klamar has been a force for good in the Dayton region for more than 20 years. “As an executive, and volunteer, she has been a powerful advocate for our region, and for bringing health care to those who would otherwise have no access.”