HFC Safety Council Schedule: 2025/2026
**Meeting details subject to change.**
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
The HFC Safety Council meets on the First Wednesday of the month from 11:30AM to 1PM. We rotate between Hillsboro (Highland), Washington Court House (Fayette), and Wilmington (Clinton) locations.
Highland: Southern State Community College, Room 107, 100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133
Fayette: The Depot on Main, 215 South Main Street, Washington CH, OH 43160
Clinton: Southern Ohio Educational Service Center (SOESC), 3321 Airborne Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177
MORE DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Sept. 10, 2025 (deviation from 1st Wednesday schedule) at Southern State Community College: Violence Prevention
Oct. 1, 2025 at The Depot on Main: Working with law enforcement
Nov. 5, 2025 at SOESC: Stigma Free - NAMI
Dec. 3, 2025 at Southern State Community College: Forklift Safety
Jan. 7, 2026 at The Depot on Main: Generational Engagement and Safety
Feb. 4, 2026 VIRTUAL: Disaster Preparedness
March 4, 2026 at Southern State Community College: From Resistance to Results
April 1, 2026 at The Depot on Main: Brad Hurtig
May 6, 2026 at SOESC: TBA
June 3, 2026 at Southern State Community College: Highland Drug Task Force
(See below for more meeting details coming soon!)
Wednesday, February 4th - Natural Hazards as Business Risk
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
12PM - 1PM
This will be a fully virtual session! No cost to attend!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP: Please submit one registration per individual attendee. Meeting access details will be sent upon registration.
Presented by: Thomas Breckel, Clinton Co. EMA
Natural disasters don’t just affect communities — they directly impact businesses, employees, and customers. In this one-hour interactive virtual session, participants will learn how Clinton, Fayette, and Highland Counties formally identify and rank their most serious natural hazards, and what those rankings mean for business operations.
Using real data from the three counties’ Hazard Mitigation Plans, this session will explain why severe storms, winter weather, flooding, and other hazards are not random events — they are predictable risks that can be planned for. Attendees will see how hazard rankings drive government investments, emergency planning, and recovery priorities, and how businesses can use the same information to reduce downtime, protect workers, and safeguard assets.
Through live polling and discussion, participants will identify their own top vulnerabilities, compare them to county-level risk data, and learn practical ways to improve resilience — from power planning and building protection to employee safety and continuity strategies.
This session is designed for business owners, managers, safety officers, and anyone responsible for keeping operations running when the weather turns bad.
Wednesday, January 7th - Generational Engagement and Safety: Building a Cross-Generational Safety Culture
Presented by: Nicholas Coia, Chief Operating Officer, Coia Safety & Consultative Services LLC
Today’s workforce spans Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Without intentional engagement, generational differences in values, communication, and risk perception can lead to disconnects in safety culture. This session provides insight into engaging all age groups to build a unified, proactive safety mindset.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Understand how each generation engages with safety
✔ Identify indicators of generational disconnect
✔ Apply actionable strategies to unify your team
About our Speaker:
Nicholas Coia is the Chief Operating Officer of Coia Safety & Consultative Services LLC, where he leads innovative safety solutions that help businesses create safer, more compliant workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in the safety and health field, including more than a decade as a consultant, he has worked extensively across both general industry and construction, guiding organizations through compliance, risk reduction, and culture change. As a recognized safety expert, Nic has presented at industry-leading conferences, including the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo, sharing insights on effective safety strategies, OSHA compliance, and building sustainable safety programs. Coia Safety & Consultative Services is committed to helping businesses proactively manage workplace safety through fractional consulting, program development, OSHA violation response, and customized training. The company’s mission is to go beyond compliance by fostering a culture where safety becomes second nature. Outside of work, Nic enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, coaching soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and staying actively engaged in community development efforts aimed at preparing the next generation for success.
Wednesday, December 3rd: Forklift Safety
Presented by: Bryan Johnson, Director of Operator Safety Training, Miami Industrial Trucks
About our Presentation:
Join us for an essential session on forklift safety, designed to help employers and safety professionals strengthen workplace practices and reduce preventable incidents. Our presenter will cover the fundamentals of safe forklift operation, including equipment inspection, load management, pedestrian awareness, and common causes of accidents.
Whether your team operates a few lifts or an entire fleet, this presentation will provide clear, actionable guidance to enhance compliance, reduce risk, and keep both operators and bystanders safe.
Wednesday, November 5th: NAMI StigmaFree Workplace
Presented by:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southwest Ohio
The NAMI StigmaFree Workplace initiative is designed to help employers foster a culture that prioritizes mental health, reduces stigma, and supports employee well-being. By engaging in this program, organizations demonstrate their commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment where employees feel empowered to talk about mental health without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Through education, awareness, and action, the StigmaFree Workplace provides companies with tools and resources to:
Becoming a StigmaFree Workplace not only benefits employees but also strengthens organizations by improving morale, productivity, and retention. Together, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported—no matter their mental health journey.
Wednesday, October 1st: Working with Law Enforcement
Presented by: Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth
Businesses struggle with making a safe workplace environment for their employees and their customers. They often employ outside consultants and implement the latest and greatest technology to increase safety only to find they failed to partner with the local law enforcement to help incorporate a new gadget that isn’t compatible locally.
Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth brings 45 years of law enforcement experience to his work in crime prevention. His long career includes service on the board of directors of the Ohio Crime Prevention Association and many years as a member of the National Sheriffs’ Association Crime Prevention Committee.
By working together, law enforcement and businesses can develop effective tools and strategies that better protect our communities and improve public safety.
Wednesday, September 10th: Workplace Violence Prevention (CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRESENTATION)
Presented by: Dr. William (Doc), Ben, and Mackenzie Kennedy; Kennedy Consulting & Training, LLC
This class is an introduction to tools we feel will help keep yourself, your workplace and your home safer. Briefly, we’ll discuss the types of workplace violence according to OSHA, before diving into our trademarked system. GUMV™ is designed to encourage the prevention of unwanted situations, focusing on breaking down behaviors into categories that make so much sense - they’re impossible to forget!
If violence prevention isn’t currently on your radar, don’t worry:
The HFC Safety Council meets on the First Wednesday of the month from 11:30AM to 1PM. We rotate between Hillsboro (Highland), Washington Court House (Fayette), and Wilmington (Clinton) locations.
Highland: Southern State Community College, Room 107, 100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133
Fayette: The Depot on Main, 215 South Main Street, Washington CH, OH 43160
Clinton: Southern Ohio Educational Service Center (SOESC), 3321 Airborne Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177
MORE DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Sept. 10, 2025 (deviation from 1st Wednesday schedule) at Southern State Community College: Violence Prevention
Oct. 1, 2025 at The Depot on Main: Working with law enforcement
Nov. 5, 2025 at SOESC: Stigma Free - NAMI
Dec. 3, 2025 at Southern State Community College: Forklift Safety
Jan. 7, 2026 at The Depot on Main: Generational Engagement and Safety
Feb. 4, 2026 VIRTUAL: Disaster Preparedness
March 4, 2026 at Southern State Community College: From Resistance to Results
April 1, 2026 at The Depot on Main: Brad Hurtig
May 6, 2026 at SOESC: TBA
June 3, 2026 at Southern State Community College: Highland Drug Task Force
(See below for more meeting details coming soon!)
Wednesday, February 4th - Natural Hazards as Business Risk
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
12PM - 1PM
This will be a fully virtual session! No cost to attend!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP: Please submit one registration per individual attendee. Meeting access details will be sent upon registration.
Presented by: Thomas Breckel, Clinton Co. EMA
Natural disasters don’t just affect communities — they directly impact businesses, employees, and customers. In this one-hour interactive virtual session, participants will learn how Clinton, Fayette, and Highland Counties formally identify and rank their most serious natural hazards, and what those rankings mean for business operations.
Using real data from the three counties’ Hazard Mitigation Plans, this session will explain why severe storms, winter weather, flooding, and other hazards are not random events — they are predictable risks that can be planned for. Attendees will see how hazard rankings drive government investments, emergency planning, and recovery priorities, and how businesses can use the same information to reduce downtime, protect workers, and safeguard assets.
Through live polling and discussion, participants will identify their own top vulnerabilities, compare them to county-level risk data, and learn practical ways to improve resilience — from power planning and building protection to employee safety and continuity strategies.
This session is designed for business owners, managers, safety officers, and anyone responsible for keeping operations running when the weather turns bad.
Wednesday, January 7th - Generational Engagement and Safety: Building a Cross-Generational Safety Culture
Presented by: Nicholas Coia, Chief Operating Officer, Coia Safety & Consultative Services LLC
Today’s workforce spans Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Without intentional engagement, generational differences in values, communication, and risk perception can lead to disconnects in safety culture. This session provides insight into engaging all age groups to build a unified, proactive safety mindset.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Understand how each generation engages with safety
✔ Identify indicators of generational disconnect
✔ Apply actionable strategies to unify your team
About our Speaker:
Nicholas Coia is the Chief Operating Officer of Coia Safety & Consultative Services LLC, where he leads innovative safety solutions that help businesses create safer, more compliant workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in the safety and health field, including more than a decade as a consultant, he has worked extensively across both general industry and construction, guiding organizations through compliance, risk reduction, and culture change. As a recognized safety expert, Nic has presented at industry-leading conferences, including the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo, sharing insights on effective safety strategies, OSHA compliance, and building sustainable safety programs. Coia Safety & Consultative Services is committed to helping businesses proactively manage workplace safety through fractional consulting, program development, OSHA violation response, and customized training. The company’s mission is to go beyond compliance by fostering a culture where safety becomes second nature. Outside of work, Nic enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, coaching soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and staying actively engaged in community development efforts aimed at preparing the next generation for success.
Wednesday, December 3rd: Forklift Safety
Presented by: Bryan Johnson, Director of Operator Safety Training, Miami Industrial Trucks
About our Presentation:
Join us for an essential session on forklift safety, designed to help employers and safety professionals strengthen workplace practices and reduce preventable incidents. Our presenter will cover the fundamentals of safe forklift operation, including equipment inspection, load management, pedestrian awareness, and common causes of accidents.
Whether your team operates a few lifts or an entire fleet, this presentation will provide clear, actionable guidance to enhance compliance, reduce risk, and keep both operators and bystanders safe.
Wednesday, November 5th: NAMI StigmaFree Workplace
Presented by:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southwest Ohio
The NAMI StigmaFree Workplace initiative is designed to help employers foster a culture that prioritizes mental health, reduces stigma, and supports employee well-being. By engaging in this program, organizations demonstrate their commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment where employees feel empowered to talk about mental health without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Through education, awareness, and action, the StigmaFree Workplace provides companies with tools and resources to:
- Build understanding and compassion around mental health challenges.
- Equip leaders and staff with strategies to reduce stigma and support one another.
- Encourage open conversations that normalize mental health as part of overall wellness.
- Implement policies and practices that foster resilience and belonging in the workplace.
Becoming a StigmaFree Workplace not only benefits employees but also strengthens organizations by improving morale, productivity, and retention. Together, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported—no matter their mental health journey.
Wednesday, October 1st: Working with Law Enforcement
Presented by: Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth
Businesses struggle with making a safe workplace environment for their employees and their customers. They often employ outside consultants and implement the latest and greatest technology to increase safety only to find they failed to partner with the local law enforcement to help incorporate a new gadget that isn’t compatible locally.
Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth brings 45 years of law enforcement experience to his work in crime prevention. His long career includes service on the board of directors of the Ohio Crime Prevention Association and many years as a member of the National Sheriffs’ Association Crime Prevention Committee.
By working together, law enforcement and businesses can develop effective tools and strategies that better protect our communities and improve public safety.
Wednesday, September 10th: Workplace Violence Prevention (CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRESENTATION)
Presented by: Dr. William (Doc), Ben, and Mackenzie Kennedy; Kennedy Consulting & Training, LLC
This class is an introduction to tools we feel will help keep yourself, your workplace and your home safer. Briefly, we’ll discuss the types of workplace violence according to OSHA, before diving into our trademarked system. GUMV™ is designed to encourage the prevention of unwanted situations, focusing on breaking down behaviors into categories that make so much sense - they’re impossible to forget!
If violence prevention isn’t currently on your radar, don’t worry:
About our Speakers:
Dr. William (Doc) Kennedy is a husband and father of two adult children. He’s a business consultant and sports, clinical, and forensic psychologist based in Wilmington, Ohio. He graduated from Wilmington College (’91), receiving degrees in psychology and mathematics. He then attended the School of Professional Psychology (SOPP) at Wright State University, graduating with his doctorate in clinical psychology in 1995. READ HIS FULL BIO HERE
A martial artist of over 24 years with multiple black belts in arts such as Japanese Jujitsu and Xing Yi Chuan Kung Fu, Benjamin Kennedy moved into the self defense space in 2017 to start bringing common sense physical protection to people who frankly didn't have 10 years to dedicate to learning a single punch. Upon starting his work with KC&T, he realized just how much nuance there is to violence, and how much important information gets left out when on the mats. While his martial arts work has taken him across the globe and has garnered him a large social media presence, his core dedication is to the education of the masses on how to protect themselves while sharing a deeper understanding of the before, during, and after of violent altercations, with the ultimate goal of avoidance and non escalation above all else.
Mackenzie has been in the world of martial arts for over 24 years, but really felt the merge of her past adventures and her future passions in the areas of self-protection, behavioral threat assessment & management (BTAM), and resiliency. As the director of programs, she writes training content and curriculums. Using her own personal life experiences, she enjoys play-testing the concepts taught so you don’t have to. Her hope is that she can show everyone she meets that these skills do more than help you stay safe or reduce company turnover - They also improve home life, they strengthen relationships, they foster self-care, they have the ability to help you have a better everyday life.
Learn more about Kennedy Training & Consulting Here
Dr. William (Doc) Kennedy is a husband and father of two adult children. He’s a business consultant and sports, clinical, and forensic psychologist based in Wilmington, Ohio. He graduated from Wilmington College (’91), receiving degrees in psychology and mathematics. He then attended the School of Professional Psychology (SOPP) at Wright State University, graduating with his doctorate in clinical psychology in 1995. READ HIS FULL BIO HERE
A martial artist of over 24 years with multiple black belts in arts such as Japanese Jujitsu and Xing Yi Chuan Kung Fu, Benjamin Kennedy moved into the self defense space in 2017 to start bringing common sense physical protection to people who frankly didn't have 10 years to dedicate to learning a single punch. Upon starting his work with KC&T, he realized just how much nuance there is to violence, and how much important information gets left out when on the mats. While his martial arts work has taken him across the globe and has garnered him a large social media presence, his core dedication is to the education of the masses on how to protect themselves while sharing a deeper understanding of the before, during, and after of violent altercations, with the ultimate goal of avoidance and non escalation above all else.
Mackenzie has been in the world of martial arts for over 24 years, but really felt the merge of her past adventures and her future passions in the areas of self-protection, behavioral threat assessment & management (BTAM), and resiliency. As the director of programs, she writes training content and curriculums. Using her own personal life experiences, she enjoys play-testing the concepts taught so you don’t have to. Her hope is that she can show everyone she meets that these skills do more than help you stay safe or reduce company turnover - They also improve home life, they strengthen relationships, they foster self-care, they have the ability to help you have a better everyday life.
Learn more about Kennedy Training & Consulting Here
