JVS held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 7:00pm. Highlights of the meeting of the JVS Board included a Graeter’s-themed address by Cheryl Phipps, Superintendent of the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD. JVS President Peter Bloch reviewed the previous year for the agency. Beth Guttman, President of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, spoke to the audience. Outgoing Baord Chairperson Robert Clayton was recognized and thanked for his service to Jewish Vocational Service, particularly these past two years while serving as Chairperson. Incoming Board Chairperson Joel S. Brant was introduced.

Mr. Brant has been on the JVS Board for the past nine years, where he has contributed his time and service in numerous ways, not the least of which involves his vast legal expertise. His practice is concentrated in the areas of taxation and business law, wherein he handles a variety of matters relating to business organizations (quite a boon to a non-profit agency such as JVS). Mr. Brant joined the firm of Katz, Teller, Brant, and Hild in 1998, and he practices in that firm to this day. Welcome aboard Jody Brant!!

Thanks to all who participated in the JVS Annual Meeting including the speakers who donated their time. We thank all who were in attendance. We also express our gratitude to Tamar Smith for her role in planning and facilitating the Annual Meeting. We all enjoyed the review of 2008 and look even more forward to an excellent 2009!