CCAO Service Corp
The County Commissioners Association of Ohio Service Corporation (CCAOSC) was formed in 1991 to develop and sponsor services that assist county government. CCAOSC is a for-profit business corporation and is a wholly owned subsidiary of CCAO.
CCAOSC provides a variety of service programs that are focused upon helping counties, all with one goal in mind – to help counties better serve their residents. These programs can help counties:
- Be more efficient with their fiscal resources
- Offer programs to improve their community
- Enhance employee job satisfaction
CCAOSC has two major service programs:
- CCAO Energy Program – helping counties manage their electric and natural gas supply contracts utilizing Palmer Energy as the Program Manager
- CCAO Workers Compensation Programs – helping counties enhance workplace safety and reduce their workers compensation premiums
We also have chosen to endorse several vendor partners who offer exceptional goods and services to our counties at preferential cost.
If you have questions regarding any CCAOSC service program, contact:
Steve Caraway
Managing Director of Enterprise and Retirement Services
(614) 220-7998
scaraway@ccao.org
- Energy Programs
- Workers Compensation
- Cyber Defense Program
- County Benefits+
- County FIRM
- Vendors
- Amazon Business
- Comm-Core
- Newsletter
Energy Programs
Workers Compensation
Cyber Assessment Program
Protecting your county from a cyber attack.
After hearing of multiple counties getting hit hard with cyber-attacks, CCAOSC has decided to launch a County Cyber Protection Program. According to Embroker’s 2025 cyber‑attack report, ransomware, supply‑chain threats, and AI‑driven attacks are among the top 3 cyber threats this year—reflecting how cyber risks remain a leading concern across both public and private sectors. Cybercrime continues its steep rise: as of Q2 2025, 84% of global organizations experienced at least one cyber‑attack attempt, with IoT‑related breaches increasing 77% year-over‑year. IoT vulnerabilities are now at the forefront: about 60% of incidents stem from unpatched firmware or default credentials, and one in three data breaches involves an IoT device . While earlier estimates suggested IoT incidents may double by 2025, current data shows a 77% uptick in 2025 alone.
Moreover, cyber detection and prosecution remain dauntingly low. The World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Risks Report noted a U.S. detection/prosecution rate under 1% weforum.org+10en.wikipedia.org+10reports.weforum.org+10—a figure likely still applicable given ongoing low rates of cyber‑crime reporting and minimal legal outcomes.
Endpoint Security Package
Protect your computers and servers by automatically updating your computer software and preventing threats in real-time countywide.
Endpoint Security & Patching becomes ever more important in the modern world. Deploy a cloud-managed EDR & Patch management system to keep your endpoints patched & protected. HGC engineers can assist with EDR & Patch management automation. Pricing is per endpoint.
- BitDefender EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response)
- Windows Patch Management
Office365 Security Engagement
Help prevent cyber incidents by increasing the security of the county’s Office365 environment. Using MFA authentication reduces the possibility of being hacked by 99%. Implementing many of the Office365 mail security features can help reduce the amount of spam and phishing that county employees receive.
Engage HGC engineers to audit and/or fine-tune the county Office365 security posture(s). Duration of the engagement depends on the size and complexity of the environment. The average Office365 Security Engagement lasts 1-2 weeks. Each engagement can be customized to the needs of the county. A typical engagement includes the following:
- MFA Setup and/or audit
- Mail Security
- Impersonation Protection
- Spam & Phishing
- DMARC, DKIM & SPF configuration
- Disable Legacy Authentication
- Conditional Access Configuration
- Advanced Threat Protection Policies
Network Security Engagement
IT projects can be complex and time demanding. Sometimes it makes sense to call in a specialist to help with the heavier-than-normal demand.
Engage HGC engineers to audit the network firewall, network switching & wireless network infrastructures to harden the security posture. Duration of the engagement depends on the size and complexity of the environment. The average Network Security Engagement lasts 2-5 days depending on the size and complexity of the environment.
- Firewall security audit & hardening
- Wired & Wireless Security audit & hardening
Business Continuity / Disaster Recovery
Most cyber incidents can be recovered by having a bulletproof Business Continuity (BC) / Disaster Recovery (DR) plan. These plans typically outline how the county will function if certain disastrous events occur. System backups are a probably the most crucial part of a BC/DR plan, and are the part most often neglected.
Engage HGC engineers to audit the BC/DR plan and infrastructure. With the rise of ransomware and complex malware packages that can hold hostage the entire county network, backups have become an even more crucial part of the Business Continuity / Disaster Recovery Plans. HGC engineers can assist in developing a BC/DR plan and/or assist in deploying the appropriate backup software to ensure county assets are protected. Duration of the engagement depends on the size and complexity of the environment. The average Network Security Engagement lasts 2-5 days depending on the size and complexity of the environment.
- Systems Backup audit and/or configuration
- Office365 Backup audit and/or configuration
General Consulting
It can be difficult to have a complete technical vision that satisfies the needs of an organization while maintaining a high-level of security and usability. General consulting engagements can assist counties analyze their current situation and create a roadmap on how to upgrade, improve and integrate their systems. General consulting engagements can also provide county administrators with additional technical manpower to assist County IT implement their existing projects.
Engage HG engineers to assist with your upcoming IT project. HGC engineers cover a wide array of specialties:
- Network Infrastructure,
- Network Security,
- Microsoft Azure/m365,
- Misc. Network or Cloud projects
- Vulnerability Assessments
- Best Practices Assessments
Licensing Store
HGC and CCAO Service Corporation have partnered together to offer competitive pricing on hardware and software licensing renewals. Check to see if your equipment and/or software packages are available in our program.
- Antivirus & EDR licensing
- Firewall licensing renewals
- Network equipment renewals
- Backup Software renewals
- VMware licensing renewals
- DUO Multi-Factor Licensing
Staying at the forefront of new technologies, vendors and opportunities as they emerge could be the difference between success or failure in County Government.
Your County deserves to be better connected. TTG will empower you to drive transformation by tying strategy and technology to County outcomes and goals. Let us take the workload off your plate with our expert level technology consulting services.
TTG is honored to partner with CCAO members to deliver reliable, accountable IT support to Ohio counties. Our services are built on white glove treatment provided by our Ohio-based Help Desk Team, ensuring every technical concern is handled with care and precision. We specialize in resolving everyday PC problems, setting up new systems, and guiding departments through the Windows 11 upgrade—while planning ahead with Windows 10 support (available until October 2025). Our competitive pricing is exclusively designed for county governments, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality.
TTG provides Co-Managed IT Support for your internal IT departments throughout the County. Our leading experts assist your existing IT team with projects, day-to-day support issues, security concerns, and more. Our leading experts can help improve your internal IT capabilities and provide support in areas where you have not been able to allocate the necessary resources and time, potentially leaving your business exposed to security vulnerabilities.
Our leading experts can help improve your internal IT capabilities and provide support in areas where you have not been able to allocate the necessary resources and time, potentially leaving your business exposed to security vulnerabilities. We offer quarterly, easy-to-read reporting that transparently communicates performance metrics and operational improvements. This clear, consistent communication builds confidence and ensures every county official remains informed. At TTG, trust and reliability are our foremost commitments in enhancing your IT environment.
TTG Highlights:
- Regular On-Site Support
- PC and Printer Network issues
- Provide More Reliable Internet Services
- Provides Microsoft Licensing at Cost
- Ohio Based Help Desk Technicians
- Network Vulnerability and Exploitation Support
- Cyber Insurance Validation
- Network Pentesting aligned with CISA standards and performed by CREST-certified professionals
- Cloud Services
- Data Migration Services
- Mobile Device Management Services
For further information or to discuss how TTG can support your county’s IT needs, please contact:
Steve Hearst
shearst@ttginc.net | 614-408-1440
To get started in protecting your county from a cyber-attack, reach out to CCAO's Tim Hoverman at thoverman@ccao.org or call him at 614-220-0655.
County Benefits +
CCAO is thrilled to launch a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of the county workforce in Ohio. County Benefits+ is a new partnership between CCAO and Aflac. Through this partnership, assisted by NACo’s Public Promise Insurance, county leaders and their employees will now have access to Ohio's premiere supplemental benefits program.
In an era where attracting and retaining talent has never been more challenging, County Benefits+ goes beyond a traditional supplemental benefits program by offering an all-encompassing solution that caters to the specific needs of both the county workforce and the leadership that support them. With the increasing costs of healthcare in America, supplemental benefits are built to help employees cover unforeseen expenses that a core medical benefit offering may not. These unforeseen medical events often add financial hardship to the lives of county employees and their families.
CCAO Executive Director, Cheryl Subler, praised the partnership “County Benefits+ represents an exciting collaboration between our organization and the largest supplemental benefits provider in America, Aflac. Members of the county workforce are asking for these supplemental benefits, and through this program, we aim to help counties attract and retain their employees. By combining our resources and the Aflac expertise, we have built a program that provides exceptional supplemental benefits to support county employees. This program was built solely for the 88 counties in Ohio and we are thrilled at the program that we have structured."
Highlights of the "County Benefits+" program include:
- Wide Range of Voluntary Supplemental Benefits: Benefits that employees can elect to offset additional costs associated with Critical Illness, Accidents, Cancer Diagnosis, Hospital Stays, Pet Insurance, ID Theft, and Life Insurance. These provide cash payments that cover expenses such as copays, deductibles, and other unforeseen expenses.
- State-wide Underwriting: Aflac has agreed to a strong state-wide plans and rates for the state of Ohio specific to county governments. This reduces the hassle of obtaining quotes and pulling large amounts of data for voluntary benefits.
- No County Costs: The benefits program is voluntary with each employee purchasing only the products they want.
- One-on-One Enrollment Support: Every county employee will have an opportunity for a face-to-face or virtual discussion with a certified enrollment counselor.
- HR Team Support: The program includes an administration, billing and payroll support feature. In addition, the certified enrollment counselors are able to assist HR teams with driving home key messages during their one-n-one consultations.
- Enhanced Communication: Communication materials and education campaigns are very easy to provide to your staff.
- County Focus: This program is built 100% for the county workforce. It is built to strengthen the benefits package your county is already offering and support your teams in the battle to attract and retain talent.
Please take this opportunity to assess the value that a new or revised supplemental benefits program can bring to your county team.
For more information on County Benefits+, reach out to Steve Caraway or Tim Hoverman.
County FIRM
County FIRM (Facility Investment Retrofit Maintenance) is a trusted partner of CCAO Service Corporation, focused on offering capital planning services and support. We provide independent third-party owner representative services to counties embarking on capital strategic planning that encompasses strategic planning and financial support. With a team comprised of experts in capital planning, facilities, county needs, funding and financing. County FIRM delivers invaluable industry knowledge to ensure the success of projects like HVAC installations, courthouse upgrades, jail improvements, and more.
Unlike vendors, County FIRM doesn't sell or install equipment. This unbiased approach prioritizes the counties' best interests while offering expert consulting services and financial/funding options. Additionally, with multiple Professionals on staff, County FIRM can work with your preferred Engineering and Architectural firms or Design Build contractors to ensure county interests are achieved and met. By combining industry insights with technical expertise, we empower our member counties to achieve the best possible outcomes in both technical and financial aspects of their capital projects and planning.
County FIRM services (Includes but not limited to):
- Capital Planning
- Funding and Financial options
- Assessment evaluation and validation
- Owner Representation and independent third-party reviews
- Technical Support – where and when needed
- Project support
- Contract Reviews
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control – Owner Advocacy
County FIRM is the “easy button” when it comes to County facility planning, development, maintenance, and project execution.
Amazon Business
CCAO Launches Free Prime Partnership with Amazon Business
The County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Amazon Business, bringing a host of exclusive benefits to all county offices and departments in Ohio. This collaboration aims to streamline procurement processes, enhance cost savings, and provide unparalleled convenience for county operations.
Key Benefits of the Program
1. Free Business Prime Membership
- All participating county offices and departments will receive a complimentary Business Prime membership (up to 100 users), valued at $1,299. This membership offers a range of benefits, including fast, free shipping on eligible items and access to exclusive deals and discounts.
2. Pre-Approved Line of Credit
- Participants will have access to a pre-approved line of credit of $10,000 or more, with the option to pay by invoice. This feature simplifies the purchasing process and helps manage cash flow more effectively.
3. Significant Discounts on Essential Products
- The program offers substantial savings on a wide range of products:
- 25% off 4,500+ office products: From paper and pens to office furniture, county offices can enjoy significant discounts on essential supplies.
- 25% off 4,000+ MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operations) products: Ensure your facilities are well-maintained with discounted prices on maintenance and repair items.
- 25% off 2,200+ IT products: Upgrade your technology infrastructure with savings on computers, peripherals, and other IT essentials.
Resources:
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations
Join the Program:
Contact Tim Hoverman at thoverman@ccao.org
Comm-Core
CCAO and Comm-Core Strategic Partnership
The County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Comm-Core, a leading innovator in IP-based hosted voice and data solutions, VoIP, and surveillance systems. This collaboration is set to enhance the service offerings available to Ohio counties, helping them better serve their residents through advanced technology solutions.
Comm-Core specializes in providing robust VoIP and surveillance systems designed to enhance communication and security operations. Their expertise will be invaluable in supporting Ohio counties in becoming more efficient with their fiscal resources, offering community-improving programs, and enhancing employee job satisfaction.
VTG is a provider that can assist with integration and services to address how a county can communicate via VoIP system as a stand-alone service or with Teams integration. The system not only addresses daily functions but more importantly using technology to assist in solving how the systems can support a county during an emergency. VTG / Comm-Core’s focus is to solve complex business challenges via use of technology.
Through this partnership, Ohio counties can look forward to accessing state-of-the-art voice and surveillance solutions that will streamline their operations and elevate their service delivery standards.
Comm-Core is a leading provider of IP-based, hosted voice and data solutions, specializing in hosted and on-premise VoIP systems, as well as advanced surveillance and security operations. Their innovative approach and dedication to solving client problems have established Comm-Core as a leader in the industry.
For more information about Comm-Core or to schedule a visit to your county, please reach out to Craig Allison, Account Manager callison@vtgus.com
Newsletter
Beginning in August 2023, the CCAO Service Corp began a newsletter for members and other interested parties. The newsletter highlights existing Service Corp programs, previews upcoming programs, and more! Past issues are archived below.
If you would like to subscribe, you can do so by filling out this signup form.
2024
Fall Newsletter
Summer Newsletter
None at this time.
Roster
Meet the commissioners, executives, and council members leading Ohio’s 88 counties and working to build a stronger Ohio.
more informationCommissioners Handbook
The Commissioners Handbook is your resource for understanding the basics of the roles, responsibilities, and powers that come with a position of leadership in county government.
more informationBill Tracker
The Bill Tracker is CCAO's list of legislation that the Association is monitoring. Each bill has a page with summaries, key information on county impact, and links to documents.
more information
