Navigating Snowy Property Conditions in the MOV

/in /by

In mid December, it looked as though we might enjoy a record-breaking warm winter. By the end of the month, however, the typical frigid temperatures had arrived right on cue.  MOV’ers are no strangers to snow and icy conditions, but sometimes we forget to be as careful as we should as we rush from place to place. We’ve outlined a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you navigate slippery conditions.

Out and About at Properties in the Mid Ohio Valley

Make sure you wear proper footwear

If your walk to and from the building is of any significance, consider the shoes you will be wearing. Make sure they have a greater amount of traction, such as shoes with rough soles, thermoplastic rubber soles or even the convenient option of ice cleats that attach to your existing footwear.

 

Give yourself extra time

If under a time limit, plan an extra 10 minutes to your travel time. This will allow you the peace to traverse slowly across parking lots, sidewalks and slippery entryways. If possible, stay clear of areas that appear too dangerous or poorly maintained.

 

Keep your focus

Avoid distractions while walking through areas with snow and ice. Put the phone away. Avoid a conversation with a fellow employee. Make sure loads being carried are easily handled and not overbearing.

Focus your full attention on the ground in front of you, ensuring that you are cautiously navigating slippery areas.

 

Be aware of problem areas

Every parking lot has particularly difficult spots to maintain, whether it be a low area in the pavement or sidewalk, a highly trafficked area where snow has been packed down, or drainage areas from downspouts. Make sure you carefully cross these areas or avoid them altogether.

Inside can also pose a problem. Ice and snow that has melted on the smooth slippery surface of most business entrances can bring just as many dangers; as can the packed snow that may have accumulated on your shoes during your trek inside.

Again, simply take the time to be mindful of where you are walking and purpose to take extreme care.

Maintaining Properties as the Business Owner

Maybe you’re the business owner, and you take seriously the responsibility to keep your establishment free of potential hazards. Here are a few suggestions for your property upkeep during snowy conditions.

 

Pay close attention to trouble spots

As mentioned above, many properties can produce trouble areas for snow and ice maintenance. Pay close attention to low spots in the parking lot or sidewalks, as well as heavily trafficked areas with severely packed down snow.

Make sure that downspouts are not draining directly into walkways, and if no other drainage option is possible, focus more care and immediate attention on the drainage areas.

 

Clear areas frequently

Plowing and shoveling often is desirable to keep walkways well maintained. It is helpful to determine beforehand what amount of snow will warrant plowing and stick to that schedule during all downfall (during business hours).

Establish predetermined areas for piling the collected snow that will not prove more dangerous in the long run.

Of course, snow melt and salt are often necessary elements for decreasing slippery conditions. Use as needed for melting difficult icy spots.

 

Don’t forget the inside hazards

Moving inward, make sure that ample mats are spread just inside the door to catch all snow and ice. Even consider adding an extra mat during snowy conditions. Also, a simple warning sign about the slippery surface may serve enough reminder for patrons to be careful as entering.

Ultimately, as business owners, do your best to keep your property free of potential hazards, providing your patrons and employees with a stress-free experience.

 

A Real Estate Management Company in the MOV that Does it All for You

At the PM Company, we enjoy providing snow and ice management for our tenants, so you don’t have that worry. If your current property has become difficult to maintain with little help from your management company, consider the PM Company for your relocation.

We have numerous prime locations to choose from and a team of experts available to customize and renovate your space.

Look through our current available properties in the MOV or call us today for more information!

1-304-485-8000

Mid-Ohio Valley Volunteering Opportunities

/in /by

Want to Give Back this Holiday but Not Sure How?

Here’s a list of MOV volunteering opportunities for the holidays

 

An eloquent statesman and inspirational leader, Winston Churchill’s words are quoted often, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

At the PM Company we certainly enjoy our work as a real estate development company in the Mid Ohio Valley; however, an even greater joy is the opportunity to give back to others.

Yes, we view it as the right way to live, but we also give back because life is so much fuller when you give more of it away.  

Quote from Winston Churchill

Besides providing numerous health benefits, as many studies show, volunteering brings happiness and meaning.

Simply put…giving is fun! And we hope you’ll give it a try this holiday season.

Below, we’ve highlighted just a few of the local volunteering opportunities in which you can participate this year.

Consider these opportunities for your employee group, religious group or even collection of families and friends. It’s always rewarding to volunteer with others you know and love.

 

You’ll see throughout that those opportunities suitable for families with children are indicated under the “notes” section. However, always make sure to contact the organization with any specific questions you may have about ages of the children you will be bringing.

Volunteer Opportunities in the Mid-Ohio Valley

 

Parkersburg/Vienna Volunteer Opportunitiesgirl volunteering in Marietta, OH

Friendship Kitchen – meal ministry of North Parkersburg Baptist Church that serves meals for those in need throughout the year and at Christmas time

Location: 3109 Emerson Avenue Parkersburg, WV

Serving Opportunities: Christmas Luncheon for 300 – 500 people in need

Serve food and help with simple meal prep

Wrap holiday gifts going to lunch participants, monitor gift tables

Clean up after the event

Contact: Susie Meredith, 304-428-3293, susiemeredith@northpbc.org

Notes: Please contact Susie for more information and to sign up no later than December 10th. Appropriate for families.

 

Latrobe Street Mission – a mission that provides resources, opportunity, and shelter for the homeless

Location: 1725 Latrobe Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101

Serving Opportunities:

Provide a weeknight dinner for residents – Check the dinner schedule here to find an open night. Have your family work together to make a meal, or grab a few families and do it all together!

Greeting at the mission – Greet those that visit the mission with a warm smile and helpful word.

Sorting and Organizing – The thrift store is always in need of volunteers who are able to sort through the many donations received.

Contact: info@latrobestreetmission.org, (304) 893-9460

Notes: Appropriate for families

 

Salvation Army of Parkersburg – international mission dedicated to meeting human needs in any capacity possible

Location: 534-570 Fifth St. Parkersburg, WV

Serving Opportunities:

Red Kettle Campaign – Bell ringers needed! Families are welcome.

The Angel Tree Program –

Purchase clothes and toys for a specific child in need this holiday

Help distribute holiday gifts for Angel Tree program on distribution day

Thanksgiving Meal – 4 different opportunities to assist on Thanksgiving:

Food preparation: 9:00 AM (16 and over)

Serve food: 11:30 AM (16 and over)

Clean up: 1:00 PM (16 and over)

Meal Delivery to elderly: 11:15 AM – families welcome

Food Drive – Holiday food donations assist in Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner baskets as well as meals provided during the week

Contact: Shirley Grogg, 304-485-4529 ext. 203

Notes: Appropriate for families.

 

Old Man Rivers Mission – local organization providing a food pantry and meal opportunities throughout the year

Location: 703 Pike Street Parkersburg, WV

Serving Opportunities:

Food Pantry – open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, the food pantry can always use volunteer help for organizing and sorting

Weekend Meals – serving upwards of 500 families per month, the weekend meal program is always in need of volunteers

Contact: Jeanette or Bill, 304-428-6677

Notes: Opportunities may vary. Contact the mission for specific information.

 

Humane Society of Parkersburg – provides shelter, rehabilitation and adoption for homeless animals

Location: 506 29th Street, Parkersburg, WV

Serving Opportunities:

The Humane Society offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, from walking dogs to helping decorate for the holidays. For a complete list, visit their website at http://www.hsop.org/general-information

Contact: 304-422-5541

Marietta Volunteer Opportunities

Salvation Army of Marietta – international mission dedicated to meeting human needs in any capacity possible

Location: 136 Front Street, Marietta, OH

Serving Opportunities:

Red Kettle Campaign – Bell ringers needed at a variety of locations around Marietta! Families and groups are welcome. Ringing starts November 17th.

Contact: Aaron Moore, Captain, 740-417-1480 or message on facebook

Notes: Appropriate for families.

 

Washington Morgan Community Action – a non-profit community-based organization that strives to properly assess and meet the needs of Washington and Morgan Counties

Location: 218 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750

Serving Opportunities:

Secret Santa – Choose a child or family that does not have the means to enjoy gifts this year at Christmas and be a secret santa to them! You will receive a complete wish list with sizes and toys desired and be able to shop for the child or family.

Secret Santa Organizing – Help in the distribution center anytime from November 27 – December 14 as many gifts and toys will need organized and distributed.

Contact: Cathy Rees, 740-350-6126

Notes: Appropriate for families.

 

Humane Society of the Ohio Valley – providing shelter, rehabilitation and adoption for homeless animals

Location: 90 Mount Tom Road Marietta, OH

Serving Opportunities:

The Humane Society offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, from walking dogs to taking animals to nursing homes. For a complete list, visit their website at http://hsov.org/how-can-i-help/

Contact: 740-373-5959

 

Marietta Main Street – local nonprofit focused on economic development through historic preservation

Location: 100 Front Street, Suite 300, Marietta, OH

Serving Opportunities: Merry-etta Christmas Parade

Date: Saturday, November 25th

Parade Volunteers – 15-20 volunteers needed for the Merry-etta Christmas Parade. Parade starts at 6 p.m., volunteers need to be present at 3:30 p.m. and meet at the Food4Less lot in Marietta

Appropriate for volunteers 18+

Contact: Christie Thomas, 740-885-8194

Notes: Great for a group. Please contact Christie asap if interested so that she is able to prepare materials ahead of time.

 

La Musee Rose – a local nonprofit organization focused on discovering the untold story of women’s contributions to Washington County, Ohio and Wood County, West Virginia

Location: 300 Fourth Street, Marietta, OH

Serving Opportunities:

Museum Exhibit Oversight – open museum displays with a short intro on organization and exhibit during times.

When: Weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday from 10-2

Contact: Jenny Powers, powersjh1@gmail.com

Notes: This opportunity exists throughout the year. Times available must be consistent. Not suitable for families with small children.

 

Washington County Historical Society – a local nonprofit dedicated to collecting, studying and preserving all items pertaining to the history of Washington County, Ohio

Location: Marietta, OH

Serving Opportunities:

Organization and Inventory – help organize and inventory historical society’s collection

When: Weekly on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10-2

Contact: Sarah Bird, sarah.wchs@gmail.com

Notes: This opportunity exists throughout the year.

 

The Veterans Museum of Mid-Ohio Valley – local nonprofit

Service Location: Marietta Rinks 404 Fort Hammer Dr, Marietta, OH

Serving Opportunities:

Huge Outdoor Yard Sale – need volunteers to assist with all aspects of the yard sale happening at the Marietta Rinks, including sorting and organizing

Date: December 1st, 2nd and 3rd, starts at 10:00 AM on 12/01

Contact: Gloria Husk, 304-420-0332 or 304-966-2040 (cell)

Notes: A family friendly event with drinks and refreshments supplied. All proceeds for the yard sale will go to support the Veteran’s museum.

Belpre Volunteer Opportunities

Blessings in a Backpack – organization providing weekend meals for school children that do not have adequate food at home

Location: serving approximately 200 children in the Belpre school system

Serving Opportunities:

Pack a Backpack – help sort and pack weekend meals for local children in need

Donations – provide food or monetary donations for the local ministry

Contact: Amanda Purdue, 304-210-8308

Notes: Appropriate for families

 

Belpre Holiday Lights Festival – presents a series of lighted displays celebrating the holiday season, local groups and themed displays to all visitors with a self-guided driving tour of the city

Location: Belpre City Park

Serving Opportunities:

Display Construction and Set up – If you’re handy and/or creative, help is needed to set up, construct and maintain lighting displays

Donation Booth – man donation booth and hand out candy canes to local visitors

Contact: Karen, 740-423-8934

Notes: Appropriate for families

Other Volunteer Ideas for the Mid Ohio Valley

Local Churches – Most local churches have a variety of volunteer opportunities for you and your family. From holiday gift services, food drives and even holiday meals, many churches offer some sort of way for you to give back during the holidays.

Nursing Homes – Elderly individuals in nursing homes often experience great loneliness, especially during the holidays. Many opportunities exist for service to these individuals. If musically talented, consider singing fun Christmas carols. Sit and play cards with them. Deliver handmade gifts and cards. Just talk and laugh with them. It’s amazing the way their histories and stories can enrich your own life if you simply take the time to listen.

Local Arts Organizations – Both Parkersburg and Marietta offer community theaters that often need help during and after productions. Or simply consider a holiday donation to these organizations that provide opportunities for the arts within our community.

https://midohiovalleyplayers.org/

https://peoplesbanktheatre.com/support/volunteer/

http://www.actors-guild.com/

http://www.parkersburgartcenter.org/vounteer/

Donations – All of these organizations greatly benefit from monetary donations as they are nonprofits dedicated to giving, not getting. Sometimes this is the best way that you can help. Consider giving back financially this season if you are able.

Volunteermov.org – This site offers a great resource all year long for volunteer opportunities in the Mid Ohio Valley.

While we realize this list is not comprehensive, we hope it provides some direction in your search for ways to give back. If you know of more volunteer opportunities in the MOV, please share with us on facebook!

Whatever way you give back this year, we hope you find value and joy in your giving.

Go make a life, not just a living.

Share with us on facebook or twitter about your efforts with #makealife @pmcompanymov.

 

 

Blog: PMC Gearing Up for Spirit of Giving Recipients 2017

/in /by

PMC Announces Recipients for Tenth Anniversary of Spirit of Giving Effort

Jason Minnite congratulates Jeanette Flowers and Melissa Ogden, representing Faithlink.

The PM Company has announced the 2017 recipients for their 10th annual Spirit of Giving fundraising effort, to be conducted through the months of October and November. Final totals will be announced in December, when checks are presented to organizations named below.  For the tenth year, the PM Company and Minnite family have elected to forego traditional gifts to tenants and vendors with whom they do business, giving the money instead to local charities.

PMC created the Spirit of Giving Fund at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, and they invite those businesses to join them in raising funds and awareness for the designated charities.  The PM Company then matches the money raised. “This is the perfect way for us to come together with our business associates and friends, to demonstrate the spirit of the season,” said Karmyn Minnite Conley, one of the Managing Partners. “We look forward to this gift-giving all year, because we get to benefit so many important efforts.”

Spirit of Giving has donated in excess of $500,000 in the last nine years, and they hope to celebrate their 10th anniversary with their largest year ever. The goal is to raise $50,000, and match it, bringing the total to $100,000. Those interested in donating to the fund may do so by sending gifts to Spirit of Giving Fund, attn PMC, 1000 Grand Central Mall, Vienna WV 26105. Online donations may be made at www.pacfwv.com/SpiritofGivingFund.

Follow the progress of the effort at Spirit of Giving on Facebook, or on the PMC Facebook page.

Student and civic groups are also invited to participate by collecting items from Wish Lists provided by the charities. Those who would like to help may email lisa@thepmcompany.com  for more details.

 

2017 Recipients of the Spirit of Giving Fund are as follows: 

 Artsbridge, Belpre Area of Ministries, Faithlink, Family Crisis Intervention Center, Firefly – A Spark of Hope, Gabriel Project of WV, YMCA of Parkersburg, Parkersburg Day Nursery, Stout UMC Backpack Ministry, Veterans Museum of the MOV, North Place Maternity Home, Humane Society of Parkersburg SPOT Clinic, Smoot Theatre, Belpre Area Ministries, Mid-Ohio Valley Fellowship Home.

In-kind assistance  is being provided to:

MOV Multi-Cultural Festival,  Children’s Home Society of WV and  Salvation Army.

 

Spirit of Giving Supports New Agencies in 2016

/in /by

The PM Company held its annual Spirit of Giving event Thursday, December 8th, and announced the 2016 recipients for their annual fundraising effort, for a total of $60,050 to be shared among the agencies. For the ninth year, Pat Minnite, Sr. and his family elected to forego traditional gifts to tenants and vendors with whom they do business, giving the money instead to local charities.

This brings the total cash and donations distributed by Spirit of Giving to nearly a half million dollars. PMC created the Spirit of Giving Fund at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, and they invite area businesses to join them in raising funds and needed items for the designated charities. The PM Company then matches the money raised. “This is the perfect way for us to come together with our businesses and friends, to demonstrate the spirit of the season,” said Managing Partner Karmyn Minnite Conley. “We look forward to this gift-giving all year, because we get to contribute to so many important efforts.” The company has set a fundraising goal of $100,000 for 2017, in celebration of their 10th anniversary.

2016 Recipients of the Spirit of Giving are Belpre Area Ministries, Family Crisis Intervention Center, Habitat for Humanity MOV, Firefly: A Spark of Hope, Parkersburg Art Center, Faithlink, and Artsbridge. This year, for the first time, Student United Way members from high schools throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley collected canned food to donate to Belpre Area Ministries, as part of the effort.

Since 1980, The PM Company has served the Mid-Ohio Valley’s real estate development and management needs. PMC currently holds approximately a million square feet in commercial and retail properties, housing 120 tenants, as well as ownership of the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center and partnerships in several area hotels.