EmpowerUAmerica

Structuring a portfolio to “Win by not losing”. Confused about investing in single stocks vs globally diversified funds? The differences and pros/cons of active vs passive investing? Selling high and buying low? Joins us to learn a disciplined and unemotional re-balancing strategy and a review of “all-in” costs any investor may face. Join Rob Siegmann, partner of Total Wealth Planning, and learn about the investment philosophy he and many professional financial advisors utilize. He will talk about the Modern Portfolio approach to investing and how the approach, based on Nobel Prize winning research, structures an investment portfolio to “win by not losing” by keeping costs and risks low, while not sacrificing long term returns. Rob will discuss investment strategy to structure a portfolio and diversify across different asset classes. He will compare the use of diversified funds to stock of a single company (or multiple companies), and pros and cons of employing active managers versus a pure index (passive) approach. Since money is emotional, he’ll show how the Modern Portfolio approach aims to rebalance portfolios without emotion to capture profits and take advantage of lower priced, out of favor investment opportunities. Lastly, it’s often not what you earn, but what you keep, so a comprehensive and transparent review of all costs an investor may pay on their own, or when working with an advisor will be covered. Recorded on October 12th, 2017 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

Most of us are confused from all the conflicting advertising we have seen on these issues. Empower U will be hosting a presentation to help get through the maze. We will have experts explain their reasons for supporting or opposing. We have assembled a very distinguished panel who are well informed and will share their knowledge with us. Issue 1 – Victim Rights Initiative also known as Marsy’s Law – A law to enhance victims’ rights: Marsy’s Law for Ohio amends Ohio’s state constitution to grant victims of crime equal rights to those of the accused. The amendment updates the 1994 victims rights constitutional amendment by giving crime victims the ability to enforce their rights in a court of law if they feel have been infringed upon during the criminal justice process. Pro – Chris Albanese of “Vote Yes on Marsy’s Law” will explain why this law is necessary as victims have shared how their needs have not been met by the current laws. Con – Barry W. Wilford of Kura, Wilford & Schregardus Co, LPA will take the opposing view on this and explain the reasons. Issue 2 – Drug Price Ballot Issue: Issue 2 would require that the state, including the Ohio Department of Medicaid, pay the same or lower prices for prescription drugs as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — which currently negotiates drug prices 20 to 24 percent less than other agencies. Pro – David P. Little, Public Affairs Consultant and active in Media Relations, Speechwriting, Research, Management and Strategic Communications will explain how this initiative will save taxpayers about $400 million a year if the state pays VA prices. Con – Greg Lawson, Research Fellow the Buckeye Institute, will explain how this initiative will actually raise drug prices for the majority of Ohioans. Recorded on October 10th, 2017 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

Curt Hartman was running for judge in the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court against Karen Falter who was a Magistrate in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. The election has gone negative and there are all sorts of complaints involving “courthouse and party-insider gossip”. The latest dispute involves Falter’s campaign accusing Hartman of moving to Hamilton County 3 years ago to take a position. Curt Hartman Joins EmpowerU to discuss the contentious race and fill you in on finding by The Board of Professional Conduct regarding the case. Pete Witte is a lifelong Price Hill Resident who has been involved with the Core of the City of Cincinnati. He has never lived more than a block off West 8th Street in West Price Hill his entire life. He has served on many local boards and commissions. We will have an opportunity to speak with Pete about many important things that are going on currently in Cincinnati and Hamilton County that he is involved with. Recorded on April 9th , 2020 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

Chess is perhaps the most widely recognized and played game in the world. What accounts for its popularity? Does it really make people smart? Why don’t more women play? Does the advent of super-powerful chess-playing computer programs spell doom for the game? This class will explore these and other questions, for which the answers often seem paradoxical. Along the way we will look at the history of chess (Who really invented chess? How did its evolution reflect changes in world politics and society?), its role in history (How did chess influence the discovery of the New World? How did it almost prevent the American Revolution? Learn about some of Chess’ more interesting players. How was Chess a proxy for the Cold War?), and its status today in the world and the US. This class is for players and non-players and we are sure you will find this interesting. Recorded on October 24th, 2019 Learn about EmpowerU at empoweruohio.org

Remember: The Russians are Coming! – The Russians are Coming! What perpetrated the threat then and what dangers do we face now? Greg Lawson, is a Contributing Analyst with Wikistrat affiliation. Wikistrat is a global on-line network of over 5,000 Subject Matter Experts to help decision makers identify solutions to complex strategic challenges. Mr. Lawson will share his knowledge and expertise with us. He will walk us through the history of US-Russia relations from immediately after the fall of the Soviet Union through the rise of Vladimir Putin and the 2016 election of President Donald Trump. He will show how mistakes on both sides have led to a tragic confrontation where the threat of an existentially dangerous nuclear exchange hangs perilously in the background while Russia is also pushed into the arms of America’s #1 21st Century geopolitical competitor- China. Recorded on October 18th, 2018 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

This presentation will focus on stress and coping, especially related to Veterans. Participants will be given tools to assess their own stress level and current coping strategies. The presenter will provide an overview of the symptoms and causes of Post traumatic Stress Disorder, and how and when to seek treatment. Event will be given by, Kathleen M. Chard, Ph.D. Recorded on October 11th, 2018 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

You’ve seen it on the news and in fiction but, what is a Cold Case? Retired Homicide Detective John Newsom will guide us through the process that differentiates Cold Cases from other crimes. As you might imagine, it is much different than what is presented on television or in movies. You will learn the challenges facing detectives and CSI’s in trying to solve the most difficult cases. Probably the most common misconception-DNA analysis solves crimes-will be discussed. You’ll hear some of the things “learned” from psychics who seem to come out of the woodwork in high profile cold cases. Chief Newsom will talk about some of his cases that have been featured on CBS News 48 Hours Mystery, Forensic Files (A&E Network) and the cable show The Stranger Next Door. Recorded on Oct 8th , 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

China’s growth over the last four decades has been amazing. Since it adopted the Japanese economic development model of top-down, government-directed, corporatist, export-oriented capitalism it has grown from a poor, backward, weak nation to become the world’s #2 power. Many experts expect it to pass the US before mid-century. That is China’s official, stated goal. We have seen this act before, and it had an unexpected outcome. Japan grew very rapidly from the early 1950s until the early 1990s. It too was supposed to pass the US and become #1. But … since 1990, Japan’s growth has been about 1% per year. It has fallen way behind the US and is falling further and further behind. The causes … huge debt, stock, and real estate bubbles that burst in the early 1990s. Its model works great for decades and then fails. China has faithfully copied the Japanese economic model. It now has huge debt and real estate bubbles as well as many other problems like those of Japan before Japan’s crash. China is also a totalitarian dictatorship that lacks the free market forces and entrepreneurship it takes to become truly rich. For these reasons and others China will not pass the US as #1. Dr Tuchfarber will explain these facts and analysis in his engaging, interactive style. Some additional issues Professor Tuchfarber will address are: 1.How will the US – China trade war affect China’s future? 2.Will China get old before it gets rich? 3.Why has China’s use of the Japanese economic development model both helped and hurt the Middle Kingdom? 4.Why will the US’s long-term growth trends outpace China’s? 5.Has China nearly reached its peak? 6.What unsustainable practice, that has fueled China’s recent growth, is doomed to backfire? 7.How will its increasing totalitarianism cripple China? 8.How is US uniqueness likely to keep it #1? Recorded on October 3rd , 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

Stop the Bleed is a nationwide campaign to empower individuals to act quickly and save lives. Uncontrolled bleeding injuries can result from natural and manmade disasters and from everyday accidents. If this bleeding is severe, it can kill within minutes, potentially before trained responders can arrive. Providing bystanders with basic tools and information on the simple steps they can take in an emergency situation to stop life threatening bleeding can save lives. Research has shown that bystanders, with little or no medical training, can become heroic lifesavers. Similar to the use of CPR or automatic defibrillators, improving public awareness about how to stop severe bleeding and expanding personal and public access to Bleeding Control Kits can be the difference between life and death for an injured person. Stop the Bleed is an initiative endorsed by the American College of Surgeons, The Committee on Trauma, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and many other national organizations. From this class, you will be able to determine if an area is safe for you to proceed toward a victim to provide assistance, identify any nearby tools to assist you such as a publicly placed bleeding control kit or everyday items that can be used to control bleeding, look for and identify life threatening injuries and uncontrolled bleeding, use your hands to apply direct pressure at the site of the wound to stop bleeding, pack deep wounds with cloth or gauze to control bleeding, correctly apply a tourniquet to an injured limb to stop bleeding and keep the victim calm until help arrives. Recorded October 1st, 2019 Learn about EmpowerU at empoweruohio.org

Have you ever wanted to get involved in your Community, School Board, or Politics but didn’t know where to start or how to go about it? You’ll be amazed at what your efforts might produce. Learn from four of our area’s most accomplished activists and build yourself a path to get involved know. Ed Bell will focus on “How to Make seconds count in voter contact”. Presenting the right approach on a phone call or door knock is essential to sparking interest in an issue or candidate and allowing a conversation to begin. Ed Bell will offer helpful tips to ensure more successful contacts with voters in your community. Jeff Capell’s presentation will focus on crafting a winning message for your issue, working with the media to make sure your side of the issue is heard, and use of social media to help amplify your message. One doesn’t have to be an industry expert to battle the lobbyists and experts on the other side. Jeff will share his experience in winning battles including how he literally saving the community millions of dollars in the FC Cincinnati Debate. Kim Grant will talk about what it is like to be a Conservative and ask questions and get involved with a School Board. Her experience of being a fiscal conservative and C.O.A.S.T. Board member and serving on a School Board will be a real eye-opener for you. Nothing prepared Kim for the culture that exists within our school communities, when someone is questioning the status quo. Matt Wahlert walks you through what it was like to lead a Petition Drive in the recent Sales Tax Petition Drive in Hamilton County. 4 weeks, 38,000 signatures, no real experience. Matt has been a leader on speaking out on the pro’s and con’s of the many tax levy campaigns that seem to be placed on the ballot every day. What tools do you need to be advocate for tax reform in your local area—city, county, state? Recorded on October 2nd , 2018 Learn about EmpowerU at empoweruohio.org

Whether you are 25, 55 or 75, this session is for you. Longtime public affairs specialist Sue Denny will provide an overview of Social Security programs and benefits. When most people think about Social Security, they think about retirement. In reality, Social Security is with you through life’s journey, securing today and tomorrow. Sue will briefly discuss Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI), Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and then will open it up to questions from members of the audience. This is your opportunity to find out what you need and want to know about Social Security. Recorded on September 26th , 2017 Learn about EmpowerU at empoweruohio.org

What does it take to achieve your goals whether it is money, weight loss, etc. Learn the Six Steps for Acquiring What you Want. Steps used by the wealthiest most influential people alive at the time “Think and Grow Rich was published in 1937. In 1996 Maximizing Results LLC co-founder, Tim Burgess, was introduced to “Think and Grow Rich” by his first mentor. The mentor, a multi-millionaire entrepreneur, told Tim, an eight-grade drop-out, to get a copy of “Think and Grow Rich” and study it every day for the rest of his life. Tim saw what his mentor had and compared it with what he wanted for himself (and his family) and decided to take the advice of his mentor. Over twenty-two years later Tim continues to study the book every day, and as a result, has become recognized as a leading expert world-wide on the principles from “Think and Grow Rich.” Tim first used the principles to build a highly successful real estate business. In 2009, while doing a program on “Think and Grow Rich,” Tim met his future business partner, Al Lindeman. Then in 2013 Tim and Al co-founded Maximizing Results LLC with the intent of helping people learn and apply timeless success principles, like those found in “Think and Grow Rich.” Today they are serving people all around the world through the seminars, training programs, and coaching/mentoring services. Recorded on September 25th , 2018 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

Escaping the Horochów ghetto was just the beginning for twelve-year-old Musia Perlmutter. Alone, starving, freezing at times, and running and hiding for her life, Musia sought refuge in the forest for two years while Holocaust death camps loomed nearby. Child of the Forest is based on the true story and tribulations of Shulamit “Musia” Perlmutter, born in 1929 to Simcha and Fruma Perlmutter, and stands as a memorial to her extraordinary courage. When Jack Grossman committed to this project in 2006, he didn’t realize it would take twelve years to bring it to fruition. The journey was dotted with events such as the economic meltdown, a near-death stroke, and several other traumatic life experiences. Jack is a believer in the saying that there is a reason for everything, and he believes that in the end, this book is the culmination of aligning the perfect people at the perfect time. Child of the Forest is based on the life story of a courageous young girl who bore witness to humanity’s darkest time. When Jack faces challenges now, he simply thinks of Charlene, and it puts life back into perspective. Recorded on April 23rd , 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

Richard Cole, the last of the Doolittle Raiders died on April 10, 2019. The Doolittle Raid, also known as the Tokyo Raid, commenced on April 18, 1942. Sixteen U.S. Army Air Forces B-25B Mitchell medium bombers were launched without fighter escort from the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Hornet, led by (then Col.) Jimmy Doolittle. The Raid was a total secret to all involved and the members of the raid were chosen by volunteering for a “dangerous secret mission”. The members did not know the target destination until the planes were loaded on the ship and the raid was underway. This was to prevent any “leakage” of information about the raid. The Doolittle Tokyo Raiders were a group of eighty men from all walks of life who flew into history. They were to fly over Japan, drop their bombs and fly on to land in a part of China that was still free. Fifteen of the aircraft reached China, and the other one landed in the Soviet Union. All but three of the crew survived, but all the aircraft were lost. Eight crewmen were captured by the Japanese Army in China; three of these were executed. At 103 Richard Cole was the last living veteran. Recorded on April 16th . 2019 Learn about EmpowerU at empoweruohio.org

n 2009, Mike Wilson was frustrated with the direction of the country under the Obama Administration. His concern prompted him to spend a Sunday afternoon 10-years ago booking Fountain Square for 3 weeks out, creating a website, and starting conversations with family and friends about building an event. He had low expectations for attendance for what would become the Tea Party’s first march on Fountain Square March 15, 2009. Mike had read that morning about a few rallies that occurred the day before against the recently passed stimulus bill in cities out west. With that inspiration, the Cincinnati Tea Party was born and with the help of those family and friends (and several people that heard about the plans and got involved early)three weeks later, more than 6,000 people showed up with signs to Fountain Square to ceremonially dump tea bags and listen to speakers from all walks of life. During the three weeks leading up to the event in Cincinnati, other tea party events had been held across the nation, but this was the first to draw national media coverage and it unleashed a wave of momentum leading up to Tax Day 2009 where thousands of events were held and nearly a million people attended to advocate for three core values – free markets, fiscal responsibility, and limited government – first championed by the group in Cincinnati and adopted by national groups created to help coordinate efforts and provide resources moving forward. In Cincinnati, the tax day event was held on a cold and wet Wednesday afternoon and still drew more than 4500 people to Fountain Square for a few speakers followed by a march to City Hall to deliver a petition. For the first time, many regular people felt like they had a voice in politics and found out that participating in politics could actually be a little bit fun as they fought against Cap and Trade (and won), Card Check (and won), and Obamacare (which ultimately passed but with massive consequences to the Democratic Party). Recorded on April 15th, 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

An exploration of coffee, a brief history and the latest research into the multiple health benefits of…Coffee!” ​You will explore a bit about coffee, from its discovery to its American adoption to the latest research on this amazing beverage. It once was feared as a cause of heart attacks and strokes but the latest research has proven some surprising reversals in this now trendy, tasty and surprisingly healthy beverage. Also speaking will be Dave Gains, who is the Chief Visionary at La Terza. He will tell you a bit about the creation of the wonderful coffee you have sampled made from right here in Lockland. Recorded on April 4th , 2019 Learn about EmpowerU at emppoweruohio.org

We know Elon Musk as an inventor, innovator, engineer, and one of the smartest and most visionary entrepreneurs of modern times. He has founded or been in leadership positions in several companies, starting with the internet companies Zip2, X.com and PayPal, followed by Solar City, Tesla, SpaceX, OpenAI, Neuralink and The Boring Company. Jerry Black will briefly cover Elon Musk’s life and his many companies. However, the focus of the talk will be on SpaceX and the most audacious of Musk’s goals, to establish a human settlement on the Red Planet. Recorded on April 2nd , 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

Dementia has touched many of our lives and even left some families with damage they will never recover from. Teresa Youngstrom understands Dementia and will provide an interactive workshop to help you gain knowledge and confidence with your care. You will identify key signs and symptoms of cognitive decline related to Dementia then discuss the impact of changing sensory awareness. You might be surprised by the answer to this question, “Do they even know they are sick?” There will be hands-on training to further incorporate new coping skills to reduce agitation and promote cooperation with your loved one. The use of sedating medications will be addressed including some solutions to help us avoid these medications when possible. Ultimately you will see that we need to understand the value of consistent positive reinforcement in order to promote well-being and reduce the incidence of challenging behaviors. Recorded on March 26th, 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

The similarities are alarming, and most American’s have no knowledge or understanding of this impactful historical event. Author, historian, master story-teller and CEO, Jim Rumford is captivating audiences around the country with his true tale of historical intrigue, involving both of his great grandfathers holding divergent positions, at a time when the infamous James Duke created a monopoly on tobacco, and birthed the American Tobacco Trust. The Tobacco Wars occurred after the Civil War and was basically an epic battle between monopolies and the average person. This is highly relevant today due to the rise of mega companies like Amazon and Facebook who are dominating the middle class and destroying whole industries. Rumford’s unique perspective is shedding light on a history that’s never been talked about and revealing the behind-the scenes events that shaped our government, our economy and our nation. Is history repeating itself? Jim Rumford will boldly answer that question, and leave audiences astounded at the historical parallels to our present age. Recorded on September 20th , 2018 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

After their loss of the Presidency in 2008, the Republicans engaged in a vicious civil war over the direction of the Party … Tea Party Republicans v. Establishment Republicans. That battle raged until shortly before Donald Trump was nominated in 2016. Ironically, the end of that war and the election of Donald Trump signaled the beginning of a civil war in the Democratic Party. At the core of the new war is the battle for control of the Party between the left-wing progressives and the Democratic establishment. This battle within the Party will play out in multiple ways during the 2020 nomination contest. Not only will it be progressives v. establishment, but also women v. men, minorities v. whites, coastal candidates v. heartland, and old faces v. new. Dr. Al Tuchfarber will describe and explain these battles and the candidates that are waging them. He will also elucidate how the Party’s debate rules, primary rules, and convention rules add extra complexity to the struggle that will rage from early 2019 through the convention in July 2020. Recorded on May 2nd , 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more and empoweruohio.org

Ohio House Member John Becker will open this class and discus his new position as chairman of the Federalism Committee in the Ohio House of Representatives. Becker will speak on the Electoral College and other important topics his committee will review like Convention of the States. Is the Electoral College outdated having served its purpose, if it ever had one? Ongoing efforts both legislatively and otherwise seek to establish the election of the President of the United States by popular vote bypassing the Electoral College system. Join Mr. Mike Maharrey of the Tenth Amendment Center as he explains the function and operation of the Electoral College. How does the Electoral College fit within the American constitutional system? How will the movement to abolish the Electoral College fundamentally alter the way a President is chosen and the political relationship between the federal government and the fifty states which make up the United States of America? Recorded on March 7th, 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

Dr. Sawyer will be here to help us understand and give us some up-to date information on medicinal cannabis in Ohio. Dr. Sawyer is several physicians in our state that has a license for “Certification To Recommend” (CTR). The patient registry for Ohio is now open and patients cannot be registered if Doctor Sawyer determines they do not meet the medical criteria. He will talk about medical conditions for medicinal cannabis, the steps required to meet the criteria for the conditions being considered in Ohio at this time. This class is sure to be informative. Recorded on March 14th, 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

Judge Heather Russell’s CHANGE Court treats people caught up in the web of human trafficking as victims rather than criminals. Both local Police and Representatives are very supportive of this endeavor. Judge Russell will share a video in which Senator Rob Portman visited the court and several survivors shared their experiences with him. Learn firsthand how this CHANGE court is literally saving lives by helping rather than incarcerating those less fortunate among us! Judge Russell addresses the trauma, homelessness, mental and physical health of prostituted persons, all of whom are also fighting addiction. During the two year program, CHANGE Court graduates gain housing, jobs, self-esteem and sobriety, they re- connected with their families and reclaim their lives. Recorded on March 12, 2019 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org

This overview training for running for School Board in Ohio is designed to help prospective school board candidates, who want Ohio schools to educate the fundamentals, including reading, writing, math, history, science and critical thinking, run effective campaigns and win! At this time, there is an effort by some elements in society, including the education establishment, the media, as well as federal, state and local government officials, to impose comprehensive sex education, Critical Race Theory, The 1619 Project and other race-based theories and ideologies into Ohio classrooms starting as early as kindergarten and running through 12 grade and beyond. Countering the drive to sexualize and ideologically indoctrinate our children is an American Resurgency movement consisting of everyday Ohioans, like you and me, who are engaging with our schools to ensure a balanced and factually substantiated curriculum regarding sex education and American history are being taught. A movement which ultimately believes our schools should graduate students who are well educated, independent thinkers, seekers of wisdom and who are on their way to being productive fellow citizens. If we are going to restore our constitutional republic, leaders must rise up to run for school board in order to make a real and lasting difference in what is being taught in Ohio schools. Let us work together to demystify the ‘ins and outs’ of running for school board, and start down the road to relearn our responsibilities for sustaining a self-governing society. Chris Hicks from Clermont County, and Brendan Shea, State School Board Member will discuss and go over with us his creative Contract With The District for School Board Members. This is a document, introduced at the last State Board of Education meeting, created to help citizens hold their School Board’s Accountable–for everything. This Contract can also be used as a tool for individuals running for School Board — like you! Recorded on July 1st, 2021 Learn about EmpowerU at empoweruohio.org

The Great Escape, as it came to be known, was a mass escape attempt from the prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III located near the Polish town of Zagan. The purpose-built camp was opened in April 1942, and the Germans considered it to be practically escape-proof. The camp housed mainly British and American airmen whose planes had crashed on Axis territory. The Germans generally captured prisoners with the words ‘For you the war is over.’ However, it was the sworn duty of all captured military personnel to continue to fight the enemy by surviving, communicating information and escaping. The Germans believed that security at the new camp was so tight that it would be impossible for anyone to escape. It was realized early on that for any escape attempt to succeed it had to be well planned and organized. The Prisoners at Sagan therefore established an escape committee. Although only 3 men managed to reach safety and 50 men were murdered, the escape caused havoc among the Germans. Recorded on April 27th, 2021 Learn about EmpowerU and more at empoweruohio.org