The Greater Toledo Urban League Young Professionals and Greater Toledo Urban League GUILD have organized this event in tandem with the upcoming 2010 13th Annual Dinner and Centennial Celebration.

This event is free to the public and is a chance to find out more about the Urban League and our programs and services.

For more information please call (419) 243-3343 and RSVP for this event on our Facebook page.
[pullquote_right]Their competitors have taken notice and are planning similar operations changes
in the near future, this not just because its innovative, what is ed but because it makes good
financial sense. Spend less to make more![/pullquote_right] [dropcap2]A[/dropcap2]ll over this country we are seeing a wave of consolidation in real estate users
and tenants to save money. Commercial users have known for a long time that they
could improve the bottom line by locating two, three, or more food concepts at
one restaurant outlet. By cross marketing several brands they own, but more
importantly, saving money on opening additional brick and mortar stores they
achieve increased revenue without the additional expenses. For example, Yum
Foods! one of the largest corporations in the country, which owns brands like
KFC, Taco Bell, A&W, and Pizza Hut, often times opens locations with up to three
of these restaurants at one spot with drive thru access. These free standing operations
have begun to revolutionize fast food. Brands you know and food you love all in
one location. No more running around to satisfy the taste of each person in the
car, its all right at your finger tips.

Their competitors have taken notice and are planning similar operations changes
in the near future, not just because its innovative, but because it makes good
financial sense. Spend less to make more!

In other ways real estate consolidation has been an effective tool
to maximize limited resources. During our current financial crisis nationally in
the residential housing market a similar phenomenon is happening. Many home
owners who have fallen behind on mortgage payments or may be facing loss of
employment have began taking in tenants or relatives to share the cost of
utilities and other living expenses. We are seeing many colleagues use
carpooling as a method to save on gasoline. These are all very smart tried and
true ways to save money.

These words; consolidation, conservation, and cash-flow, are more important than
ever today. Businesses, individual people, and even our government all have the
same challenges of high cost and low revenue. With that in mind, the merger of
companies, banks, households, and government agencies not only makes sense, but
it has become a necessity.

[pullquote_right]Always remember that in life success is the greatest revenge…[/pullquote_right]For Northwest Ohio we could apply some of this same logic. The City of Toledo
currently has an estimated $48 million dollar deficit with no clear way to dig
ourselves out. Although I have complete confidence in Mayor Mike Bell’s
strategy, he could take this advice as well. “Look at your facilities and merge
where you can.” Of course the politics will have to be worked out, but the
savings on operating cost could reduce the deficit by millions over time. We
didn’t get into this whole over night and we probably won’t climb out by
morning. As well with Lucas County, there are many facilities and agencies that
could be consolidated to save money. Due to the age and condition of most of the
buildings occupied by the agencies supportive services, now is probably the best
opportunity to implement and consolidation and conservation strategy. By either
constructing new or rehabilitating old buildings to house the larger most
essential County service agencies, an almost immediate savings could be
realized. Through using renewable energy and green technology sources the long
term reduction in operating cost would be a direct benefit to the Lucas County
taxpayer to the tune of millions of dollars.

Through the leadership of our County Commissioners and Mayor Bell we are heading
toward increased financial stability. The strategies and techniques of
consolidation and conservation in tandem, in my opinion, are two of the ways to
begin that journey.

Always remember that in life success is the greatest revenge…

Rodney K. Neely