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Press Release Archive


Updated on February 8, 2012


A Parable... about health care

Posted on August 18, 2011

As you may know, we at THNC are looking for service provider companies. Why haven't we found a suitable health care provider? Perhaps we have not yet approached the right company. Perhaps we have not yet asked the right questions.

- - -

Ms. Jones enjoyed her shiny automobile. While out driving one day, her car began to sputter and belch thick clouds of smoke. Everytime she stopped for traffic, the engine died.

As soon as possible, Ms. Jones took her car to the garage where Joe the Mechanic examined it and determined what was wrong.

Joe called his customer to report the findings. "We know what's wrong, Ms. Jones," Joe said. "The only problem is that -- using approved methods -- there is only a 3 percent probability that we can completely repair your car. We will, of course, charge you the full cost of the repair regardless of the outcome."

"That's outrageous!", Ms. Jones exclaimed. "When I have you do work, I expect successful repairs every time. Your many years of education, training, and work experience should always make this possible!"

Joe explained to his customer that he did indeed know how to return her car to a picture of health, but he was not allowed to use the needed techniques. Joe's voice became gradually quieter and more subdued. He explained what the AMA (Angry Motorists' Assembly) and the FDA (Frenetic Drivers' Advisory) would do if they learned he had used a banned method.

Joe described horror stories to Ms. Jones. The AMA and FDA had sent hundreds of heavily armed agents to raid the business places of other mechanics accused of wrong doing.

"Their equipment was smashed, their business records confiscated, and the buildings set on fire. Families were threatened and tormented. Mechanics were taken to jail. Some were beaten and even murdered. So you can understand, Ms. Jones, why I am not allowed to use the best, most effective methods to fix your car. I can only use what they allow me to use."

- - -

As you read our parable, perhaps you remembered your last car repair experience. You probably expected a complete and thorough repair, just like our Ms. Jones did.

But... When we go to doctors and surgeons, the success rate percentages for many major illnesses are only in the single digits. Why? The answers are not simple or easy, but I'll bet you twenty dollars you can come up with part of the answer... all on your own.

As you ponder this dilemma, think about huge hospitals and clinics all across this country, staffed with highly paid people using the latest multi-million dollar devices. Think about drug companies that need protection by governments so that patients are steered toward expensive drugs described as "the only treatment known for your condition." Imagine what might happen if people began using centuries-old techniques to heal themselves. Imagine thousands of empty beds in clinics, unemployed doctors, and smaller drug companies researching remedies where natural cures were not available.

One more story to share with you... Two years ago, a friend of mine was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Almost immediately, he became a vegetarian and started using what is known as "enzyme therapy". On his most recent visit to his physician, he was declared to be "cancer free". He used a method that most doctors and surgeons don't know about and don't use. And his success was not caused by drugs costing thousands of dollars per dose.

His engine is still running well.


Fantastic Benefits Await Employees

Posted on August 1, 2011

COLUMBUS, July 29 - It's now official. THNC is a business partner of BMI FCU (Battelle Memorial Institute Federal Credit Union). As one of BMI's select employee groups (SEGs), THNC can now offer prospective employees this substantial group of incentives.

As a federal credit union, BMI provides an appealing list of benefits to employees of its SEGs. Employees that open accounts with BMI become members and will have access to car loans, home mortgages, checking and savings accounts, IRAs, certificates of deposit, holiday savings club, and a long list of e-Services. There is a loyalty rewards program that provides better interest rates based on all deposits and all loans of members within an employee's household.

"During a conversation with the manager of BMI's Westerville branch, it became clear that BMI business services were not extensive enough for THNC's needs," Jack said. "We are very fortunate that this manager suggested that THNC might, instead, be interested in becoming a business partner of the credit union."

Jack believes that THNC is honored to be a BMI business partner. BMI FCU has the size, stability, and excellent national standing to enhance the lives of every THNC employee that chooses to become a BMI member, regardless of where they live. Another benefit of being a BMI member is the policy that "once a member, always a member". This is to say, Jack continued, when people leave THNC to continue their careers, they can keep their accounts and status as members of BMI FCU.

BMI FCU has over 27,000 members with financial assets exceeding $360 million. Federal credit unions have deposits insured to at least $250,000.

"I am excited about the win-win nature of THNC's being an SEG. We are continuing to gradually and gently build an awesome work environment for people that bring their skills to THNC and ultimately to the enrichment of all that benefit from our programs."

Board Initiates Self-Training Program

Posted on July 19, 2011

COLUMBUS, July 19 - THNC's directors are teaching themselves. The board has begun an informal program to raise awareness among its members and to prepare for the added responsibilities that await the board in the months to come.

"When people tell you they've been on a board of directors," Jack said recently, "it is difficult to know what that really means. There are so many ways that boards can be run. The experience these people have had may not be what is needed for the success of THNC."

This is to say, Jack continued, that not having served on a board is not a negative. It is better to learn good quality behaviors from successful leaders than to be required to unlearn bad habits before success can occur. A hallmark of the best boards is continuous learning. Directors are always learning new skills by being given new opportunities for leadership -- and followship.

Each director has been given their own new copy of "Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization" by Joan M. Hummel. The first edition of this 152-page book was written in 1980. The book was revised by the Center for Nonprofit Management, Graduate School of Business, University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. This second edition came out in 1996.

"This is another beginning for us," Jack said. "In a time when so many books about boards are available, we need to start somewhere. Clearly, Hummel's book will lead us to other sources of information. It will help us to develope our leadership style and the skills we need for success."

More Improvements to Website

Posted on April 12, 2011; last repost June 23, 2011

COLUMBUS, April 11 - THNC's website has been overhauled to create a more professional image. This provides a large increase of information about the nonprofit and its goals.

What is different? Jack learned more about HTML, CSS, and PHP. He improved the website appearance and updated its content. Then he asked THNC's directors and advisors for their evaluations to make it better.

What has been added? Almost everything is new.

What will this accomplish? THNC needs to secure good-quality, responsible service providers. Knowing the costs of needed services will help us write better quality grant applications. With adequate levels of funding, THNC will hire employees, initiate service contracts, and begin the programs described in this website.

Who will make this happen? We have an ongoing need for motivated board members and qualified advisors. Our success will pivot on enthusiastic and talented employees. And everything we do will only have value when the public benefits from our work. THNC has big dreams. It continues by encouraging you to become involved. There is so much that needs to be done, and you may find a role that meets your requirements.

If you want to help teach, protect, and empower the public, check out our website and contact us.

Feb. 5, 2011 -- Projects to Help THNC

COLUMBUS, February 5 - Today at THNC's first board meeting for 2011, Jack described several important developments. Each represents personal growth, experience, and skills development that will help our nonprofit.

1. Liza and Jack recently completed a 2.5-year long project. Our goal was to help one of Jack's relatives with his northern-Ohio business startup. We fabricated almost 30,000 hand-made parts. And we made an important contribution to the business.

2. The "300" project culminated the fabrication project. Please see the Archives webpage of this site -- "Project Leadership Experience for THNC Director (Aug. 5, 2010)". Project creation and leadership will both help THNC.

3. Liza and Jack have just resigned as coordinators of the "Can We Talk?" special interest group, an activity for members and guests of Columbus Area Mensa. During their five-year leadership, this casual discussion group met 247 times -- almost every Thursday evening.

4. One of Jack's ongoing problems is adequate organization for dozens of THNC literature topics and personal projects. He has purchased small, U-line storage boxes and sorted these materials for stackable, easy-to-access storage. Mischief managed.

5. One last development -- Jack's dedication to writing shorter PRs. Greater brevity can do nothing but help the wordsmith named Jack.


Aug. 7, 2010 -- New Committee Begins Important Work

COLUMBUS, August 7 - THNC continues its organizational development. The third quarter meeting held this morning for THNC's board of directors was quite productive. A quorum was present so the board was able to act on several motions. This nonprofit is working to prepare itself for funding and the start of its programs.

"Functional boards are created, one motion or one planning session at a time. Until we successfully qualify for and receive funding, no one will actually know if these meetings have truly prepared our nonprofit for the work ahead," said Jack Farnlacher, acting president of the board and executive director of THNC. "The more we become prepared, the more we discover that needs to be done."

A new committee, Editing and Revisions (E&R), was approved by the board. THNC will have many documents, both printed and online, so the work of E&R will increasingly be important. Three significant documents, the Code of Regulation Bylaws, the Guidelines of Conduct booklet, and THNC's Employee Handbook version 2.2, were also approved. These documents now become the responsibility of E&R to maintain and improve as needed. The final step in the work done by E&R is filing documents for copyrights, an important component of every meaningful publication.

Mr. Roland Dartau has accepted the appointment to lead E&R. His first pick for this new responsibility on the board was Mrs. Liza Farnlacher. Both directors are excellent choices for this committee due to their interest in writing. They have brought recognition to themselves through the expression of concepts using written forms of communications. Congratulations, Roland and Liza!

In the days before the meeting, directors had an opportunity to try the board's new "Actions in Writing" protocol. This is a "green" solution to an old problem. Directors can vote from their office or home without traveling to a meeting site. It allows important votes to be taken where confidential documents are hidden in plain sight. Directors use different media and special marks of record to transmit their votes. "The greatest advantage of this technique is that casual bystanders or hackers can have these confidential documents in hand and still have no idea what's going on," Jack said. "Most importantly is having a proven method that everyone on the board knows is secure and works well."

The board continues its strategic planning sessions. "This is very difficult stuff," Jack said. "Strategic planning is hard enough when planning from one year to the next, and almost impossible to meaningfully begin when your nonprofit has no previous history to analyze and modify."


Aug. 5, 2010 -- Project Leadership Experience for THNC Director

COLUMBUS, August 5 - The executive director of THNC has just been through extentive real-world training scenarios which will directly add to his abilities to contribute to THNC.

Recently, a director asked Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC, "What have you been doing since our last (board of directors) meeting?" Over the past four months, Jack became a shop boss, quality-control inspector, recruiter, and trainer, as well as a worker. He applied a multitude of management and leadership skills. Many of these same skills will be used at THNC -- in different ways, of course.

For the past 2-1/2 years, Jack has been working in his spare time for a small business startup in northern Ohio. He fabricates small plastic accessory parts which are included by this company with each order. As the business grew, so did demands for Jack's production. Over the past 30 months, Jack has produced more than 28,000 of these parts. "The real challenge came four months ago. The company was experiencing fantastic growth," said Jack. "The partners asked me to increase my weekly output from 250 to 600 pieces. That's 300 pair each week, and it was a lot of work. We called it "The '300' Project."

To meet this challenge, Jack was told to hire workers and that the company would pay their wages. To initiate and run this project, Jack converted a one-person batch operation into a multiple person production shop which ultimately involved 12 people besides his wife Liza and himself. The scope of this project involved preparation, documentation, process design and implementation, staffing, training, quality-control, research & development, payroll, and shipping.

"There is an old saying," Jack said. "The people that get project management assignments are those that have project management experience." THNC's future success with Jack as Executive Director has been enhanced through his experiences in project management and leadership activity in this project.


Oct. 30, 2009 -- THNC Files Annual 990-PF

COLUMBUS, October 30 - It's an annual formality required by the IRS of every nonprofit organization. And it increases in importance as federal, state, and local governments become more concerned about responsible use of funds entrusted to nonprofit boards and employees. This form provides a standard for evaluation of the operation of each nonprofit.

"Until we successfully qualify for and receive funding, our 990-PF is just a formality. It is important, however, to successfully file this form and to do so on time, which we just did," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "Our fiscal year ends on June 30, and our 990-PF was mailed on time."

The IRS requires THNC to file the "Return of Private Foundation" during its 60-month probationary period. The challenge for all nonprofits is successfully interpreting the intricacies of the newer version of Form 990. The transition from the old form to the new has received much attention and has increased costs for all nonprofits.

"We hope that we can successfully meet the challenge of completing our 990s with the resources presently available," Jack said. "Navigating this long, complicated form is just one more expense item that nonprofits must budget resources to do, every year."


October 14, 2009 -- THNC Attends OANO Conference

COLUMBUS, October 14 - Two representatives of The Home Network Center attended the annual conference of the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO) on October 13 & 14. This event provides opportunities for networking; for meeting vendors that specialize in nonprofit services; and for educating, strengthening, and advancing the abilities of all that choose to attend. Representatives from many Ohio nonprofits were there, including directors, board members, and others with a wide range of responsibilities in their respective organizations. THNC is a member of OANO.

This event, held annually for the past 15 years, was a joint venture this year with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, Charitable Law Section. Keynote speaker for the luncheon on October 14 was Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.

"Each year we attend this conference, and each year we gain useful insights," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "This year this was doubly true, due to the collaborative preparations by the staff of Jennifer Williams, Executive Director of OANO and the staff of Mr. Cordray. We were subtly reminded of fiduciary responsibilities of Ohio nonprofits."

THNC was also represented by Mrs. Liza Farnlacher, a member of THNC's board of directors. Breakout sessions that THNCers attended were "Charitable Fundraising" and "Turning the Reluctant Board Member Into the Effective Fundraiser".

"We have also spoken during the conference with representatives of businesses that serve the nonprofit sector," Jack said. "These contacts may be the most valuable aspect of the conference. Their skills and background may help THNC become a better, more efficient, and more beneficial organization for our members."


August 3, 2009 -- THNC Researches Cloud Computing

COLUMBUS, August 3 - Cloud computing may provide a way for THNC to economically bring its services to the public. These ideas are coming from a white paper entitled "Introduction to Cloud Computing Architecture". It was released by Sun Microsystems' in June, 2009.

"We will offer a range of services from our website http://thnc.org/," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "Each service will rely on real-time access to a constantly changing database. A large challenge for us will be to offer the maximum level of performance for member inquiries with the smallest investment in equipment."

One of the models described in Sun's white paper is for on-demand, self-service, and pay-by-use. Instead of paying for expensive servers that sit idle most of the time, clouds charge users for the time and resources that are actually used, or "pay-by-the-sip". An important concept used here is creating self-scaling capability that meets consumer demand. Another concept is changing from a developer mentality to one of "developer/architect". This lets programmable infrastructure, virtual machines, virtual datacenters, and the power of the Internet to all be used to successfully create solutions.

"We are a very small nonprofit that hopes to make positive changes to a very large home networking industry," Jack said. "Every day we discover pieces of the puzzle that could help bring about success. This is an exciting time for THNC."


July 20, 2009 -- THNC Receives PXPOhio Shipment

COLUMBUS, July 20 - This afternoon, The Home Network Center received four boxes from PXPOhio. This shipment contained professionally prepared materials that will elevate THNC to a higher level of nonprofit representation.

These are, of course, basic office materials printed by PXPOhio. Delivered were letterhead, blank sheets, and envelopes; two-sided business cards; and greeting cards and envelopes.

"It is always a difficult decision to spend money when you're on a tight budget," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "This move, however, was an important one. It helps our nonprofit identify itself, and it helps create an illusion of success. Napolean Hill once wrote about dressing for success, and these printed items will be instrumental in turning illusion into real success, just by their presence."

This delivery by PXPOhio's courier was preceeded by Jack's visit to PXPOhio's press room for "proofing". PXPOhio keeps their costs lower by scheduling visits for customers to be in the press room at the exact time their work is to be run. PXPOhio uses state-of-the-art presses that allow many real-time changes to the appearance of the items being printed.

"We have indeed come a long way in just a few weeks," Jack said. "First there were the trade name filings of "THNC" and "THNC.ORG" with the Ohio Secretary of State. Then we created a new service mark. It's the stylyzed home outline where the "H" extends upward to become a chimney. This, too, is registered with the Secretary of State. And now, these fine printed items to help us move forward in our quest for success."


July 11, 2009 -- Printing Work to PXPOhio

COLUMBUS, July 11 - The Home Network Center has awarded its current round of work to PXPOhio. Included will be letterhead stationery and envelopes, thank you cards and envelopes, and two-sided business cards.

PXPOhio has been serving the Central Ohio area since 1971. They offer many services and use the latest advancements in printing technology. For example, theirs is a completely digital pre-press operation. PXPOhio is completely film and chemistry free and is a recipient of the GreenWorks Environmental Recognition Award which recognizes them as a leader in environmental responsibility.

"We learned a lot from these four printing companies," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "Each one knows its business but isn't necessarily proficient at explaining its requirements to prospective customers. Printers need for customers to provide suitable artwork and text. The challenge is discovering which vendor is most likely to do our work, correctly and at an affordable price. PXPOhio repeatedly showed their professionalism by suggesting face-to-face meetings that quickly provided needed answers. This method -- and great prices -- led to PXPOhio's being chosen."

All four competing companies submitted estimates, but one later changed to a no-bid. "We are still looking for partners. I learned that all of these companies, including PXPOhio, wanted to be helpful in order to earn our business, but no one was focused on a long-term business relationship," Jack said. "Perhaps this will develop in the future. Right now, we're happy with the work that PXPOhio is about to do for us."


June 28, 2009 -- THNC Submits Final Quote Requests

COLUMBUS, June 28 - Early this morning, The Home Network Center emailed its revised, final quote request to four local printing companies. THNC's purpose is to learn which of these printers -- if any -- wants to have THNC as a customer and provide this nonprofit with quality printed materials.

This search began more than two weeks ago. THNC sent basic requests to several local printers. The four companies that have responded are Able Printing Co.; PXPOhio; Quality Xpress Graphix, and Buckeye Printing, which is now part of Vectra;

These companies have been provided with artwork -- graphics and printed layouts -- for basic office materials. They have been asked to provide prices for printing stationery -- letterhead and envelopes; two-sided business cards; greeting cards and envelopes; and a multi-purpose adhesive label.

"Learning the language of the printing industry has led to this final quote request," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "We needed to discover a few basic terms such as basis size, basis weight, Pantone ink colors, and the popular types of fine business paper. We listened to everyone that spoke with us about our needs and tried to include their suggestions in our final request. Our four-page final request will save THNC money with simplified printed products. If the printers comply with instructions in the request, we'll have a number of options and will be empowered to choose those that are the best and most cost-effective for our immediate needs."

One of the lessons learned during the past two weeks involved wording found in the initial quote request. A nonprofit may need creative suggestions to move it toward success, but vendors do not always speak the language of thinking, dreaming, and imagining. The final quote request contains none of the subtle requests for assistance that was found in the first one. THNC will need to learn from its recent experiences and patiently search for creative partners. The lesson seems to be, "Printers tell customers, 'Tell us what you want, and we'll print it.' Anything more isn't printing, and it isn't what we do."

"We have certainly grown during these two weeks. We have a greater respect for the preparation behind effective products. We hope our printed materials will lead to the success THNC needs to help it bring quality home networking services to the public," Jack said. "The printed products that we are creating are one more beginning in our quest for success."


June 3, 2009 -- THNC Searches for Printing Partner

COLUMBUS, June 3 - The Home Network Center began a search for its first long-term relationship with a local printing company. THNC's purpose is to find a reliable and helpful professional company.

This search involved contacting a sampling of local printers. To date, these printers include Able Printing Co.; NOVA Print, LLC.; PXPOhio; Buckeye Printing, which is now part of Vectra; Quality Xpress Graphix, and Watkins Printing Co.

"Our hope is find a quality organization," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "We will never know as much as any of these printers do about state-of-the-art developments in the printing industry. By doing business with a printer that cares about our success, we hope to use print technology in economical and effective ways. We are searching for partners -- companies that will help us accomplish our Mission Statement through their responsible and cost-effective suggestions."

Four companies -- Able, PXP, Vectra, and QXG -- have expressed an interest in having THNC as a customer. The next step is to submit a quote request or work order for immediately needed items which includes stationery and business cards. Part of the selection process will be evaluating how printers respond to this quote request. How does a printer help new customers provide the correct order information? How will the printer nurture that customer? These will always be valuable and important experiences, because THNC will always rely on its printer partners for producing the best and most effective printed materials.

"We hope to find companies that share our attitudes about doing business in ethical and responsible ways," Jack said. "Each vendor becomes an extension of THNC, actually working to better serve our members through the methods they use with THNC employees. If a printer does not share, at least in spirit, our ethical responsibility to our members, we clearly do not have the right partner. This statement will always be true."


May 26, 2009 -- THNC Service Mark Registered

COLUMBUS, May 26 - The Home Network Center has a new logo. It has been registered with the office of the Ohio Secretary of State. This logo is now officially identified with THNC.

The purpose of creating this logo is to provide THNC with an easily recognized graphic. It will be used to expand name recognition for THNC.

"We hope that this simple graphic -- showing the letters "thnc.org" inside the stylyzed outline of a home -- will become synonymous with our name, The Home Network Center," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "By using our logo online, on printed materials, and almost everywhere that THNC appears, we hope to create name, service, and product recognition. When people see this simple logo, we want them to think (THNC) of the highest quality, most responsible services and products available for home networking information."

The logo is already being used on THNC's website. It also appears in the membership directory for TechColumbus, of which THNC is an Entrepreneurial e-Track member.

Information about companies and service marks is public information. To find the entry for THNC's new service mark, use the website of the Ohio Secretary of State. Left-click on "Business Filings", then "Search Filings", and "Business Name". Key-in the letters THNC in the Business Name box, left-click on the "Plain Search" button and on "Submit". THNC's service mark description will appear on screen.


May 21, 2009 -- THNC Applies for Service Mark

COLUMBUS, May 21 - The Home Network Center filed a service mark application today with the office of the Ohio Secretary of State. Once approved, THNC will use this logo extensively on its website and printed material.

Under the leadership of Secretary of State Jennifer Bruner, processing of applications like this one takes very little time.

"We should know by Tuesday, May 26," said Liza Farnlacher, a customer service representative with the Secretary of State. Liza also serves on THNC's board of directors.

Here is the description for the service mark that Liza created: "The words 'thnc.org' appear inside the stylized outline of the house with the top of the 'h' forming a chimney on the top of the house." The description also acknowledges that THNC disclaims any exclusive rights to ".org" .

The service mark will be displayed on signs, letterhead, website (as it is right now), publications, business cards, packaging, advertising, and expressed verbally in presentations and advertising. Research has begun to see if any similar design has been registered with the U.S. Patent Office.


May 3, 2009 -- THNC Changes Website

COLUMBUS, May 3 - The Home Network Center is using a new website proposed by Charlie Hazlett. Charlie is quite knowledgeable about the Internet and is a member of "thncers" -- THNC's Advisory Board.

The purpose of this change is to more clearly display progress and developments in the form of press releases. These press releases will appear here on the main webpage.

"We want to share our progress, although each new delopment is rather small in comparison with functioning, well-established nonprofits," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "By putting the news on our front page, we're hoping more people will easily keep track of what we're doing."

There will be an ongoing archive. Readers will be able to scan developments as older press releases are replaced with new ones. See the button near the top of this webpage, labeled "ARCHIVE".


May 1, 2009 -- "THNCer" Proposes Website Change

COLUMBUS, May 1 - The Home Network Center is considering introduction of a new website which is simpler and easier to use.

The improved website was submitted by Charlie Hazlett, a member of THNC's Advisory Board. THNC's advisory board members, collectively know as "thncers", are an ongoing source of guidance for the development of THNC.

"The old website was not really what we wanted," said Jack Farnlacher, executive director of THNC. "It was quickly put together and has been in use with the hope that a more effective website would replace it."

THNC hopes to secure funding in the form of grants to pay for the development of a suitable website. It would follow a master plan with new pages being activated as products and services become available. This plan includes introductory pages for the public; member login and member services; an extensive list of services available at no cost to members; and a retail store where everyone can purchase home network products.

When THNC memberships become available, there will be nine types in three categories. There will be a type of membership for every level of involvement. Individuals, families, home network professionals and companies will all be able to benefit. There will also be temporary memberships for people seeking answers to a few questions. All membership fees will be tax-deductible.




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