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Earth & WaterScapes Creates Peace and Serenity at the Workplace or in Your Backyard

P U B L I S H E RChris Yuhasz

Owner, Persistence of Vision, Inc.

E D I T O R - I N - C H I E FMargie Wilber

President, Write 2 the Point

C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R SMichael Broerman

Elizabeth Maier-LiuHailey Oppenlander

Paige Hosier OrvisSandy Ward

Margie Wilber

D E S I G NEllen Seguin

Write 2 the Point

Persistence of Vision, Inc.16715 West Park CircleChagrin Falls, OH [email protected] p. 440.591.5443 x222

2 E A R T H & W AT E R S C A P E S C R E AT E S P E A C E A N D S E R E N I T Y AT T H E W O R K P L A C E O R I N Y O U R B A C K YA R D

6 C R E AT I V E PA S S I O N A N D E X P E R T I S E S E T P R O D U C T I O N S T U D I O A PA R T F R O M T H E ( B R AT ) PA C K

10 I N T E R E S T A N D PA S S I O N D R I V E G O T T A G R O O V E R E C O R D S

13 W H E N I T C O M E S T O B E E R , M I L L E N N I A L S A R E K E E P I N G I T C R A F T

14 M A K I N G H I S T O R Y K E L LY K E E F E N A M E D P R E S I D E N T O F E R C

16 F O R P R O S S E R A E R I A L O P E R AT I O N S , T H E S K Y I S N O T T H E L I M I T

18 G U I D O ’ S P I Z Z A C O N T I N U E S T O E X PA N D W I T H O P E N I N G O F G E N E R AT I O N S R E C E P T I O N & E V E N T C E N T E R

20 R I S I N G T O T H E T O P G E A U G A P A R K D I S T R I C T

22 H E L P I N G T H E H O M E L E S S O F G E A U G A

25 G G P B O A R D I N T R O D U C E S N E W H E A LT H C A R E C O N S U LT A N T / B R E R E P

26 G G P ’ S H O M E G R O W N G E A U G A W A S A C E L E B R AT I O N U N D E R T H E D O M E

28 U H G E A U G A M E D I C A L C E N T E R

29 K E N T S T AT E G E A U G A C A M P U S N E W S

back cover D O N ’ T M I S S B E T H L E H E M H I L L S C H R I S T M A S L I G H T S

Write 2 the PointPO Box 385Newbury, OH [email protected]. 216.410.2395

Geauga Business articles are written and selected for their general interest and entertainment value. Authors’ views do not necessarily represent the policies of POV Print Communications, Inc. nor does their publication constitute an endorsement by POV Print Communications or Write 2 the Point. All submissions are subject to space availability and editing. For advertising opportunities or submissions, contact Margie Wilber at Write 2 the Point.

A special thanks to our partners whose financial contributions make this publication possible.

On the cover: Connie Piteo Modrak, owner, Earth & WaterScapes

GEAUGA

Geauga Medical Center

It’s hard to believe that Chris Yuhasz, owner/president of POV, and I are entering our seventh year of publishing Geauga Business Magazine. Since the onset of this business venture, we have never asked for nor have taken any financial support from our Geauga County commissioners. We undertook this project with the understanding that we would sink or swim according to the effort we put forth and the interest such a publication generated in the business community. We are pleased local business professionals have enjoyed receiving this magazine and continue to financially support it.

In “Atlas Shrugged,” Ayn Rand wrote, “What greater wealth is there than to own your life and to spend it on growing? Every living thing must grow. It can’t stand still. It must grow or perish.” She also wrote, “Live and act within the limit of your knowledge and keep expanding it to the limit of your life.” And just so, through these seven years, I have learned a great deal from the business owners and company presidents working in Geauga County. Here’s a bit of what I’ve gleaned:

It’s all about the employees

What attracts businesses to Geauga County? Well, it’s not the weather. I know, hard to believe. Time and time again, business owners and presidents exclaim their businesses came to Geauga County and continue to stay here because of the outstanding workforce available here. They list the attributes they find in local workers: dependable, solid work ethic, honest, skilled, and willing to go the extra mile. In response, most local employers offer their employees excellent incentive packages; a clean, comfortable work environment; and even, in some cases, full health care coverage for all of their employees and their families. I say, well done on both counts!

They care about the community

I was impressed to learn how many Geauga business leaders volunteer their time, talent and financial resources within their local communities, churches, schools and various charities. Whether serving as Scout leaders, attending Women Safe events, pedaling to raise money for multiple sclerosis, or helping to raise awareness about or research on diseases such as Alzheimer’s, lupus, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis and cancer, our local businessmen and women are often at the forefront, lending a hand and financial support. They compassionately and willingly answer the call.

The future looks bright

I believe the future of Geauga’s business community looks bright as local politicians take a more proactive approach toward attracting business and industry into the county; as Geauga Growth Partnership and the Community Improvement Corporation continue to strengthen the workforce through their outstanding programs and workshops; and as our national leaders begin to acknowledge the critical role of business and industry in the United States. Together, let’s strive for more civility and tolerance in our discourse as we continue to work together to strengthen our county and our nation.

Respectfully,

Margie WilberEditor-in-Chief/Publisher, Geauga BusinessPresident, Write 2 the Point

Chris YuhaszPublisher, Geauga BusinessPresident, POV Print Communications

Letter from the Editor

1 GEAUGA BUSINESS Fall 2018

EARTH & WATERSCAPES CREATES PEACE AND SERENITY AT THE WORKPLACE OR IN YOUR BACKYARD

Ahh. Peace and tranquility. We all strive for this type of environment at work and home, and Earth &

WaterScapes, Inc. can make it a reality.

In business for 20 years, owner Connie Piteo Modrak says Earth & WaterScapes specializes in the design, installation and maintenance of water features and landscapes.

“We began designing and installing waterscapes, and the company has evolved through the years into also a landscape-build firm that prides itself on building positive relationships with our client base,” Modrak explains, dressed this day in rugged workpants and a tank top as she hops down from her Chevy Silverado. “Our desire is to build outdoor spaces that heal the mind, body and soul.”

Earth & WaterScapes’ team of nine landscape designers and builders, plumbers, greenhouse professionals, water feature designers, office manager and even a “fish aficionado” comprise two crews – one skilled in landscaping and the other pond and waterfall technicians/builders.

Her business began after working years for her father, owner of Blazin Bills, in Troy. Modrak decided to open her own business to allow more flexible work hours so she could care for her son Joey, who has autism. “I wanted to keep myself working at a certain level and be there for him,” she explains through tears. “I already had to bury his twin brother Alex. Both were micro-preemies, weighing only one pound.”

B Y M A R G I E W I L B E R

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“WE USE ORGANIC FERTILIZERS AND, DUE

TO A LACK OF EFFICIENT ORGANIC WEED CONTROL,

DO A LOT OF WEED PULLING. WE MIX OLD SCHOOL WITH

NEW KNOWLEDGE.”

- Connie Piteo Modrak, owner, Earth & WaterScapes

“One day, a good friend – Tracy Pivinski, who owned Aquatic Oasis – asked if I could help her with a water garden install. I saw her knee deep in boots within a pond of water lilies and thought, ‘How beautiful,’” Modrak recalls. “I worked for her on and off for two years, then Tracy moved to Michigan and gave me her company. I cannot thank her enough for pulling me out of the dregs.”

Modrak, who earned an associate’s degree in art and a bachelor’s degree in business from Kent State University (and nearly completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice), admits she has no formal education in this current line of work. “I learned a lot from mentors, friends and family. It’s a lot of tradition carried on. As a child, my grandfather was always working in his garden,” Modrak reminisces with a smile. “He taught me so much about waterscapes and landscapes. He still speaks to me from the grave.”

Modrak says continuing education remains an important element in this trade. “My employees and I are always learning. We take ongoing classes on such topics as plant identification, drainage, pollutants, etc. and constantly earn various certifications,” she says. “I also believe we have a social responsibility to preserve

this earth. We use organic fertilizers and, due to a lack of efficient organic weed control, do a lot of weed pulling. We mix old school with new knowledge.”

“I love this work – working outside in nature. It’s pure Zen. Peace,” describes the 48-year-old businesswoman enthusiastically. “I’m often out there working alongside my crew – moving boulders, digging dirt, planting. It’s a great workout. My employees (nine men and three women) are all good people, knowledgeable, and bring diverse skills to the job. I teach them stamina, creativity and a work ethic.”

C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 4


One of her employees, of Newbury, who has worked for Modrak for two and a half years, says, “This is the best company I have ever worked for. The boss is great. She has a lot of trust in her workers. She hired me because she lost a good friend to cancer and needed a plumber. I attended Auburn Career Center and formerly worked as a commercial plumber. It’s really fulfilling putting in a waterfall or cleaning a water feature and seeing the pleased reaction of customers.”

Another employee, of Middlefield Village, concurs, “I love working at Earth & WaterScapes. It’s fun. I feel like a little kid again, playing in puddles.”

Services available at Earth & WaterScapes include waterfall and landscape design and builds, event decorating, design and installation of vegetable and perennial gardens, flower pots and container gardens, drainage and a full-scale tree service. They are also happy to maintain both waterscapes

and landscapes as needed by their customers. Earth & WaterScapes has several corporate accounts and looks forward to attracting more. They begin by visiting businesses and homes to see what space is available and offer ideas that can dramatically improve the environment.

“My customers are so glad we don’t have ‘country club’ pricing,” Modrak adds with a chuckle. Approximately 70 percent of Earth & WaterScapes’ work comes from Geauga County and 25 percent from Cuyahoga, and they are willing to go further.

Modrak says landscaping and waterscape work trends. Some years, the company does more waterscapes, and other years, landscaping work dominates their calendar. “This year has been about equal landscapes to waterscapes. We are definitely building more waterfalls than ever,” Modrak says excitedly. “We have installed at least 15 to 20 this year alone, with more coming. It’s been a banner year for us.”

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 3

EARTH & WATERSCAPES

4

One satisfied customer, Barbara Titus, vice president of Sheoga Hardwood Flooring, describes, “Connie and her team converted my 3,000-gallon pond, bog and waterfall into a small but lovely ‘pondless’ waterfall in a matter of days. It was hard, heavy work – moving over 20,000 pounds of flat rock and boulders from the deep pond to build up the new waterfall and surrounding area... and the majority of the work was done by hand. Connie never shrugs away a project as too hard or too much work. I don’t think she has those words in her vocabulary. I would highly recommend Earth & WaterScapes, Inc. for their quality work and attention to detail to ensure that you have many years of enjoyment beside the water feature you choose for your home or business.”

Reading Facebook reviews demonstrates satisfied customers, such as Dorothy Nagy, who wrote: “The creators of this unbelievable gorgeous work of earth and waterscape are extremely talented, creative and truly love the time they take

to prepare your gardens of Eden and ponds of glory. I, for one, fell in love with all the phenomenal accomplishments and hard work they put into their passion for life.”

The Earth & WaterScapes owner has deep roots in Geauga County. “As I mentioned, my family owns Blazin Bills, a community landmark. We moved to Geauga County in 1976 and have lived and worked here ever since,” Modrak states. “Geauga County is a great place to live and raise kids. We also support a lot of local charities. I believe you have to give back when given the opportunity.” A breast cancer survivor herself, she supports breast cancer awareness as well as Autism Speaks, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, local schools and more.

Modrak concludes, “The bottom line is I work hard, I play hard.” And she admits, “I’m not good with indoor plants. My sister received that gift.”

“ I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND EARTH & WATERSCAPES, INC. FOR THEIR QUALITY WORK AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE MANY YEARS OF ENJOYMENT BESIDE THE WATER FEATURE YOU CHOOSE FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.”

- Barbara Titus, vice president, of Sheoga Hardwood Flooring


Creative Passion and Expertise Set Video Production Studio Apart from the (Brat) Pack

Geauga County businesses need look no further for a company that can deliver creative, high-quality videos

like those produced by the big houses in Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago. In fact, R43 Limited may be better.

R43 digital media production studio, located at 7185 Chagrin Road, Unit A, in Bainbridge, delivers the works – creative ideas, script writing, production, creative editorial, visual effects, motion graphics and animation, and finishing – for TV commercials, corporate communications, how-to videos, social media spots, fundraising, town documentaries, interactive media, and more. And their client list leaves no doubt of their success.

R43’s work with national, state and local clients include projects for brands such as Lowe’s, McDonald’s, La-Z-Boy, Kay Jewelers, Yankee Candle, Ohio Lottery, Horseshoe Casino, Akron Zoo, Edible Arrangements, Great Lakes Theater, Classic Auto Group, Western Star, Case Western Reserve University and more. R43 welcomes work from

networks, ad agencies, corporations, nonprofits and anyone else with a story to tell and a few bucks in their pockets.

Creative. R43’s open workspace offers their creative team of script writers, producers, 2D and 3D animation specialist, editors and finishing staff an environment that screams, “Relax and Create!” In fact, the workspace was designed with their customers in mind, offering client work spaces with computer ports, large-screen monitors, a self-serve kitchen, lounge area and even a chess set and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em robot game. Just for fun.

Experienced. The three partners running the show – Billy Thomas, president and lead creative; Stacy Magee, executive producer; and Chad Liszt, VFX+Motion Design – represent more than 75 years of production and ad agency experience. Their shared passion for telling an effective, strong story while building something that looks great is evident in every video they create.


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Delivers. R43’s creative specialists utilize leading-edge production and post-production technologies. The studio continues to receive national recognition for their award-winning digital productions, but that is not enough for them. They refuse to get fat. All three partners insist, “We look at what we have just finished and immediately ask ourselves, ‘How can we make the next video even better?’”

“Our full-scale productions start with finding an ideal location, researching, writing copy, shooting, editing and finishing the piece,” explains Magee. Her career in production business management started in the film industry in L.A., then at Chicago ad agencies, and finally at EDR Media in Beachwood, where she worked alongside Thomas and Liszt.

C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 8

R43’s creative specialists utilize leading-edge production and post-production technologies

7GEAUGA BUSINESS Fall 2018

“Taking beautiful footage and crafting a well-told story through editing is what we love to do,” says Thomas, who earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from John Carroll University in 1998. “I love the challenge of the creative process.”

“We’re really an idea house that creates engaging content,” states Liszt, who earned a B.A. in graphics from Ohio University in 1994 and an M.F.A. from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1996. “We write, shoot, edit, animate, effect and produce really awesome work, and we have fun doing it.”

He continues, “We are always trying to figure out new ways to treat projects. This field is never static. There is always new technology coming out. Technology allows us to try different things and infuse our creative into it. We also have all kinds of experience on our side. As we build relationships with clients, they trust us. We have a passion—.”

“—A passion for telling stories and being creative in production,” interjects Thomas, with a grin. “We enjoy working in different realms.” (They’ve worked so long together that they seamlessly finish the other’s remarks.)

Magee says, currently, approximately 50 percent of their work comes through advertising agencies, with the remaining 50 percent coming indirectly from the end client. “We like living and working in Geauga County. Our location doesn’t hinder us; we’re still able to work on projects with national clients and directors. We looked at available downtown office space, but, frankly, we wanted to offer our clients something different. Chagrin Falls is a great place, with some excellent restaurants, where we can entertain clients. R43 is very client-service oriented. Our clients can go out, shop, have a cup of coffee while we are in production, or they can set up their computers and work here.”


“ We write, shoot,

edit, animate,

effect and produce

really awesome

work, and we have

fun doing it.” - Chad Liszt, VFX+Motion Design

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 7

(l-r) R43 partners Chad Liszt, Billy Thomas and Stacey Magee

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“I never left Russell Township. I went to school at West Geauga, and I live there now. There is a good quality of life in Geauga County, with good people. Today’s technology makes it that location is less important,” Thomas says. In his “free” time, Thomas volunteers with the Russell Fire Department and Russell EMS. “I believe in giving back to my community,” he states matter-of-factly.

R43 also does pro bono work for Flashes of Hope, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. Just try watching these videos without shedding a tear.

All three partners agree it is challenging to stay current with technology. “But that’s part of the fun,” Thomas insists. “Each day, we learn something new. There is always new technology, software, hardware coming out, but we are doing what we love to do and doing it the best we can. We hope to branch out and do more work directly with local businesses. We are a part of this community.”

For more information or to discuss a video production need, call R43 at 440.247.4343, and visit the studio’s website at www.R43Ltd.com. Maybe you can get them to tell you what’s up with the name.

9GEAUGA BUSINESS Fall 2018

How does a Geauga County resident become the founder and owner of a vibrant, Cleveland

record-pressing plant? The inspiring story of Gotta Groove Records might seem to start in 2008 when Vince Slusarz left Kinetico, a company in Newbury, and began looking into the record business. But, the story actually begins many years earlier with the interest and musical passion of a younger Slusarz.

“I’ve been into music my whole life,” Slusarz says. “I always collected records and even had a record store inside my dorm room at Bowling Green State University for a period of time.” Though Slusarz had a life-long interest in music, he never planned to open his own record-pressing company. He did, however, get involved in the record business early on by working for his future father-in-law during the summers. “He had some one-stops, which were distributors-to-retail record stores, in a three-state area,” Slusarz describes.

B Y H A I L E Y O P P E N L A N D E R

Gotta Groove Records

Interest and Passion Drive

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Slusarz’s work with his future father-in-law gave him some background in the record

industry, but starting his

own record-pressing plant was

an entirely different venture. “It’d been a

number of years since I’d done anything in the record

business,” Slusarz admits.

Despite being away from the record industry, Slusarz was able to use his skills from his former career pursuits to help start his record manufacturing company. He says his work at Kinetico gave him valuable insights. Slusarz explains, “I’m a lawyer, but besides being the in-house counsel for Kinetico, at various times I was responsible for sales, marketing and human resources, then ultimately, all of operations at Kinetico. So, I had a pretty good idea of a manufacturing operation and what it takes to get one going.”

It turns out the resources it takes to get a manufacturing operation going matter as much as the inspiration, courage and business savvy to start one in the first place. Some of the inspiration to start a record-pressing plant came from Slusarz’s eldest daughter. “I actually saw her buying some records, so that made me wonder if record sales are going up because younger kids are buying them,” he says.

After almost 25 years at Kinetico, Slusarz decided to leave and follow his passions. He describes, “After I left in 2008, I decided I wanted to start a business in manufacturing, and I wanted to do it downtown in the city. I was fortunate to find some presses for sale in New Jersey, and I bought them and moved them to Cleveland in 2009.”

Since then, Slusarz has become the proud founder and owner of Gotta Groove Records. He says what makes Gotta Groove Records unique is the company’s emphasis on smaller labels and musicians. “Our focus is on small, independent labels and the artists themselves,” Slusarz explains. “A number of plants do business with larger labels, and

those labels tend to dominate the business. We thought there was a market opportunity to concentrate on smaller, independent labels and artists who may have never done vinyl before.”

In addition to serving this important market, Gotta Groove Records specializes in every stage of record pressing. “We can do everything involved with the vinyl record process – from the lacquer-cutting, which is the first step in making a record, to plating, to pressing, and all the jackets, the art,” Slusarz describes.



“ We can do everything

involved with the vinyl

record process – from

the lacquer-cutting, which

is the first step in making

a record, to plating,

to pressing, and all the

jackets, the art.” - Vince Slusarz, owner,


C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 1 2

Gotta Groove Records owner Vince Slusarz


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Though going from Kinetico to Gotta Groove Records was a massive shift, Slusarz’s diverse skill set, determination and passion have carried him to success, with his family at his side. Slusarz has been married to his wife, Becky, for almost 39 years. The two started dating in high school at West Geauga and now have four children. Slusarz’s oldest daughter played a role in the start of the company with her interest in vinyl, and his oldest son works alongside him at Gotta Groove Records. “He had just graduated from college and was looking for a job. He came to Gotta Groove Records in the meantime and ended up staying. He’s now the production manager.”

Geauga Growth Partnership recently invited Slusarz to give a presentation, where he shared his story about Gotta Groove Records and the challenges and victories along the way. Although people are reaching out to him today, it does not mean everything was smooth sailing at the start. For all those who won’t give up on their dream, who continue to follow their interests and creative pursuits, Slusarz offers this insight: “It’s going to be harder than you could ever expect or anticipate, but it also is potentially more rewarding than you’d ever expect.”

For more information, call Gotta Groove Records at (800) 295-0171 or email [email protected].

Hailey Oppenlander will graduate from Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School in May 2019 and plans to major in American Studies at the University of Notre Dame. She hopes her future career will incorporate her love for writing.

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1 1


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From marmalade to marriage, from Hooters to Harleys, there is an ever-growing list of things millennials are “ruining.” Now

this generation has set it sights on yet another American industry: beer.. A Business Insider report shows how millennials are less likely than their parents to recommend beers like Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona or Miller Lite (which has for some reason been specifically shunned by millennials) and are, therefore, killing the beer industry. Because, you know, there are only 10 beer brands, and if we don’t like Budweiser or Heineken, then something must be seriously wrong with our generation.

In response to a 1-percent fall in beer market penetration from 2016 to 2017, Goldman Sachs downgraded Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams) from “neutral” to “sell” and Constellation Brands (Corona) from “buy” to “neutral.” As for the reasoning behind this drop in penetration, Sachs pointed to the easy target: millennials. However, when providing data to explain what it called “a shift in preferences in the younger cohorts,” the main culprit appeared to be those aged 35 to 44, who have taken a shift to wine and spirits. The data actually showed millennials’ (defined here as younger than 35) penetration in the beer market is not increasing, but also not decreasing. But when paired with the chart earlier that showed how millennials are less likely to recommend major beer brands, Goldman Sachs tried to merge the two into an insight into the millennial community because nobody knows millennials better than Goldman Sachs.

But, what is actually happening to the drinking habits of millennials is a much bigger cultural shift than going from beer to wine and spirits. It’s not because millennials don’t like beer (we do), and it’s not because they like weed more than beer compared to baby boomers (we don’t). It’s because we don’t like bad beers. All of the beers mentioned are mass-produced, name brands that can be found in most any bar in America and have been in our parents’ fridges our whole lives. We’re done sneaking Coors Lights from Dad’s 12-pack and crushing them in the woods. Now that we have finally reached 21 (a barrier many of our parents did not need to cross in order to drink), we can finally take the time to enjoy a beer. This notion would fit perfectly with data that shows how millennials value experiences over ownership. We don’t care about having 23 more Millers left after this one; we’d rather have the experience of a growler that costs the same as a case of the name brand.

The notion that millennials are killing the beer industry couldn’t be further from the truth. A much more accurate, but far less eye-catching headline would be, “Millennials Are Killing Name-Brand Beer and Are Instead Supporting Locally Owned Breweries That Otherwise Wouldn’t Exist Without Their Patronage.” But, that doesn’t roll off Jim Cramer’s tongue quite the same. A recent survey by AT&T showed that while 59 percent of millennials have never worked in a small business, nearly 50 percent of respondents aged 16 to 34 said that they would spend extra money in order to support

a small business. Compare this with 38 percent of Gen X respondents and 42 percent of baby boomers and it begins to make sense why millennials are a monolith in moving away from mass produced beer and toward small-scale craft products.

Now, why anybody would try to spin this support for the little guy as a bad thing is entirely beyond me, except for the fact that your local hometown brewery isn’t on the S&P 500. But, much the same way some skeptics in the immigration debate forget that their families were once immigrants, many market analysts and stockholders forget that Anheuser-Busch wasn’t always the titan of the beer industry it is today. When Eberhard Anheuser bought out the Bavarian Brewery in 1860 to form E. Anheuser & Co. in St. Louis, they had no brand recognition, no public stock. They had the one thing that all of the craft breweries that millennials love have: their beer. In the case of Anheuser, he introduced the lager to America, which it had previously never known until a large influx of German immigrants came to the country in the mid-1800s. But now the lager has become skunked, and after 160 years of lagers, the American youth have embraced innovations in inebriation. India Pale Ales (IPAs), fruit-flavored beer, wheat ales and a heck of a lot of hops are the new frontiers of the American beer industry.

From a business point of view, it would be foolish to take money out of beer companies because of this perceived passé status of beer with millennials. Have you ever been to a college campus? The young adults there aren’t funneling bottle after bottle of rosé down their gullets or sitting around enjoying an aged scotch, as many market analysts seem to believe. Beer still reigns supreme with millennials, and the breweries have nothing to fear as long as they are producing a quality product. It is the same argument with millennials and cable TV. Millennials are ditching cable in droves because we are tired of the same old shtick and have instead gone to streaming mediums that don’t just play “Big Bang Theory” reruns on repeat. The reason that millennials are “killing” all of these industries is that they offer us nothing new. We’ve seen our parents drinking Budweiser, riding Harleys, and watching “Friends” reruns long enough to demand better. And if those industries can’t adapt to the changing interests of the next generation of American consumers, that’s on them, not us.

Michael Broerman is a senior at Ohio University in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism with a minor in English. Born and raised on the West Side of Cleveland, Michael found his passion for writing at Saint Ignatius High School and has since gone on to work for several collegiate publications and an online startup magazine in California. He also helped found The MESS Magazine with several other journalism and business students at OU. After graduation, Michael plans to briefly resettle in Cleveland before ultimately moving to the West Coast and writing long-form journalism.

B Y M I C H A E L B R O E R M A N

WHEN IT COMES TO BEER, MILLENNIALS ARE KEEPING IT CRAFT

breweries have nothing to fear as

long as they are producing a

quality product.


Kelly Keefe made history early this year when she became president of ERC, a Highland Heights-based

company that provides HR resources, training and consulting services for organizations and businesses across the globe.

Keefe becomes the first woman to lead ERC in the Northeast Ohio company’s 97-year history. She succeeded Pat Perry, who served as president for nearly 20 years. Perry will continue supporting the leadership team as chairman. In a prepared statement, Perry said Keefe “has proven to be an outstanding leader and is prepared to continue ERC’s tradition of providing exceptional services to our clientele.”

Keefe is no stranger to the human resource company. She has been with ERC for nearly 13 years, formerly as vice president of training, consulting and coaching services. She is passionate about fulfilling ERC’s mission: “to make a positive impact every day at work, with our customers, and in the community.”

ERC helps businesses and other organizations create great workplaces by providing HR resources, training, consulting and coaching services. The company is a proud “When Work Works” award winner and hosts NorthCoast 99, a program honoring 99 great workplaces for top talent. ERC also sponsors the ERChealth insurance program.

Before joining ERC, the proud Geauga County graduate spent eight years with Deloitte at the firm’s Northeast Ohio and Chicago offices, focusing on business development for various lines of business.

“I had a great career at Deloitte for nine years, but when my son was born, I thought my only option was to stay home,” recalls Keefe. “I remember having lunch with a good friend (and current senior vice president of ERC) who suggested we job share at her company. After discussing this with my husband Matt, who has been entirely supportive of me in my career, I let ERC know that I could work 12 hours a week. They said fine. That was three children and 13 years ago. Every year, ERC President Pat Perry would tap me on the shoulder and ask if I was able to do one more project or take on one more responsibility. The timing was always right, and I was able to grow into my current position.”


MAKING HISTORY Kelly Keefe named president of ERC

Kelly Keefe, president, ERC


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“Working at ERC has always been more than a career,” the bright, dynamic businesswoman insists. “I want to make a difference in the world. My goal has always been to do the absolute best I could every day.”

Like Keefe, ERC’s corporate culture is one that continually encourages employees to be smarter and make their lives and the lives of their clients better. “At ERC, you have to love what you are doing and believe in what you are doing,” Keefe describes enthusiastically. “When you have these corporate and personal values in place, it is not just a job, but a passion to come to work each day.”

Positive messaging lines the hallways within ERC’s stunning corporate headquarters: “Employees’ families always come first.” “We believe in attracting and retaining only top performers.” “We believe in imagination.” “We believe that everyone is of equal importance at our workplace.” “We believe that a healthy workplace is a successful workplace.” “We believe in paying interns, laughing at work, taking risks…”

In addition to a great work environment and clearly defined corporate values, “family” is king. “Every work event is family friendly or occurs during work hours. I am a strong believer in work-life balance,” Keefe admits with a smile. “Life happens, and sometimes the nanny gets sick or school closes for snow days. ERC employees are welcome to bring their children to work; they are even invited to bring their dog to work.”

There is no vacation policy and no bereavement policy at ERC. “People are adults. I trust I have the right staff in place, that I know they will make the right decisions,” Keefe states. “I learned a lot from my predecessor at ERC. Pat Perry set an excellent example.”

The NDCL Class of 1993 graduate has remained active within Geauga County. She describes, “I agreed to help get the NDCL Alumni Association off the ground and then served on NDCL’s capital campaign. Later, I was asked to serve on the NDCL Board of Directors. I was the first official NDCL graduate to

be on the board and was honored to represent this group.” Additionally, a few years ago Keefe graciously served as the keynote speaker during Career Week at NDCL.

“I’ve been involved in Catholic education my entire life,” she exclaims. “My parents are a beautiful example of what philanthropy is all about. They were my first role models. However, NDCL gave me the platform and structured opportunities to give back. Service is a very important personal value. It truly is more joyful to give of my time than to not. If someone wants to meet, I try to do so. I’ve had some great people in my life who have contributed to my success. I desire to do the same. I am always looking at ways to make things better – to know that when I leave a board, organization or workplace, I will have made something better than when I found it.”

She and husband Matt have been married 17 years and have three children: Connor, Katie and Elizabeth. Like her parents, they are committed to providing their children with a Catholic education.

“I also want to give credit to the Sisters of Notre Dame,” Kelly says. “When I was younger, I enjoyed the thoughtful way that the Sisters of Notre Dame taught. They had a way of instilling their love of Mary, the students, and education into each lesson. As an adult and board member, I had the privilege of witnessing

in action their progressive and thoughtful decision-making process. I am in awe of their foresight of the future. I am confident that the plans they are putting into place today will allow our children’s children to experience the exceptional education of the Sisters of Notre Dame.”

Regarding the current debate occurring nationwide concerning the advancement of women in the workplace, Keefe has this to say: “I believe – female or male – the most qualified candidate is the best person for the job. Discrimination should not be tolerated – ever, in or out of the workplace. I would say to any woman that if you feel you do not have opportunity for advancement, go somewhere where you see a future. There are many opportunities and many organizations that will embrace you for who you are. Put your best foot forward. Be honest and kind and be true to who you are.”

“ At ERC, you have to love what you are

doing and believe in what you are doing.” - Kelly Keefe, president, ERC

MAKING HISTORY Kelly Keefe named president of ERC


For Prosser Aerial Operations, the Sky is NOT the LimitFor Phil Prosser, owner of Prosser Aerial Operations in Chardon,

the sky is not the limit. Prosser has expanded his photography services and entered the world of drones!

“I see an excellent market for utilizing drones in Geauga County – whether for use in commercial and home real estate, weddings and other family events, surveying, 3D mapping, line inspection, etc. Drone application is limitless,” states Prosser, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in English literature and philosophy from Capital University in Columbus.

“I opened my first photography studio in 1992, working from my home and often, out of the trunk of my car,” he recalls with a laugh. In 2006, the entrepreneur opened his first photography studio in Burton, before moving his studio to Chardon. Today, Prosser Aerial Operations is located on the third floor of the Eltech building at 100 Seventh Ave. in Chardon.

The professional photographer has witnessed a revolution in the photography field as the trade moved away from manual camera bodies, film and darkroom development to digital camera bodies and digital processing. He sees drones as an exciting new photography tool.

“I started using drones under the old system – 333 exemptions – which required the pilot in command of the drone to have some type of a pilot’s license in order to fly a drone for commercial use,” Prosser explains. He began flight training and earned his pilot license before the FAA relaxed regulations.

“There are still rules that govern any drone use,” Prosser states. “For instance, drone pilots are not allowed to fly in places where others cannot – like flying at night or over a crowded stadium.”


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For Prosser Aerial Operations, the Sky is NOT the Limit

“ Prosser Aerial Operations uses sophisticated drones, not toy drones, that enable us to program the drone to do robotic missions around a series of waypoints.”

- Phil Prosser, owner, Prosser Aerial Operations

“Drones have a bad name because there are a lot of people operating drones with no training. I see these incidents as accidents waiting to happen,” he warns.

“Despite their misuse, drones offer exciting opportunities for businesses and personal use,” the experienced photographer insists. “Prosser Aerial Operations uses sophisticated drones, not toy drones, that enable us to program the drone to do robotic missions around a series of waypoints. These drones have GPS, and I know exactly where they are at all times. In fact, the drone records latitude and longitude and can create a map as well as 3D imaging for customers. “

Prosser says one interesting use of his drones is with local farmers interested in crop surveillance. A drone is able to create a map of a field and covert areas to false color so the farmer can see any bad spots in the field that may have insect infiltration or are the result of poor fertilizer application.

“Since opening my first photography studio, what drives me is my desire to make a perfect image and satisfy my client,” Prosser adds. “I am happy to meet with any business or individual who is interested in using a drone to capture outstanding photographs of their facility, home or event.”

For more information, call Prosser Aerial Operations at 440.487.6205 or visit neoarialops.com.


If anyone wondered how Generations Reception and Event Center in Chesterland got its name, one need look

no further than Carmen Albino. For Albino, who is part of the third generation to carry on the family business, restaurant life is the only life he’s known. “Ever since I can remember, we were always here,” he admits. Albino recalls happy childhood memories spent at Guido’s Pizza Haven – whether it be clearing tables, serving food or dancing to music from an old jukebox in the dining room. For Albino, Guido’s is home.

Albino’s grandparents came to the United States from Italy in the 1950s. “My grandpa was a baker in Little Italy, and in 1958 he bought a little pizzeria in Euclid called Guido’s from the owner, whose actual name was Guido,” Albino recounts. A few years later, Albino’s grandfather purchased property in Chesterland and opened a Guido’s there. After subsequently closing the Euclid location, Guido’s operated solely in Chesterland, where its delicious Italian menu soon became a staple in the community.

From these humble beginnings, Guido’s services have continually expanded. “In 1989, my dad started catering. His first big party was actually my baptism,” Albino says with a smile.

In 2015, Guido’s moved into their new building at 12809 Chillicothe Road, just a few hundred feet from its previous location on Chillicothe Road. “We keep growing little by little,

but the foundation remains the same – every item made from scratch, recipes from my grandparents’ hometown, and keeping service paramount,” Albino describes.

This exciting progress continues with the creation of the Generations Reception and Event Center adjacent to Guido’s Pizza. After 30 years of off-site catering, a clear next step emerged for the business. Albino explains, “We saw a need in the area for event space. We always dreamed of having our own party center, where we could do our own catering.”

Albino says they decided to build the party center once he and his older brother decided to stay in the family business – a decision never forced upon them.

“All three of my siblings and I went to college. Education was always first,” Albino continues. “We decided to stay in the business because we enjoy working together, being with family all the time, and we all enjoy cooking. We have great customers who treat us well, and we’re so lucky to be able to treat them well, too.”

The Generations Reception and Event Center includes two distinct rooms that can accommodate a variety of banquet needs. The first room, called the Western Reserve Community Room, opened in April 2016 and can seat up to 140 guests. “It’s a nice-size room for small weddings, showers, baptisms and birthday parties,” Albino says. The room contains a large rendering of the 1860s Western Reserve and historical landmarks.

Generations Reception & Event Center

Guido’s Pizza Continues to Expand with Opening of


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With beautiful crystal chandeliers and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, the grandeur of the room in no way hinders an atmosphere of true Italian hospitality. “We wanted to keep the design classy and elegant, but not pretentious,” Albino explains. “The goal was to make a warm, inviting space that would remind guests of coming to someone’s house for a nice event.”

The next phase, a 300-person Generations Grand Ballroom, will open in fall 2019.

“We’re going to start the project within the next couple months,” Albino says. Just as his own baptism was Guido’s first big catering opportunity, his sister Nicolina’s wedding will be the first event to take place in their ballroom next fall.

This will be the second wedding in the family within two years. Albino and his wife, Gabriella, married on May 19. “She is an amazing woman, and I could not have found a more perfect companion that loves my family and our business as much as me!” he states proudly. “While we were engaged over the past year and a half, she jumped at any opportunity to help out at the business – anything from learning the ins and outs of payroll from my mom, Rosa, to preparing next-level entrees and décor for special events hosted in our Generations Reception and Event Center. She is quickly becoming an integral part of the business, and she is proud and humbled to be a part of it.”

Building Generations Reception and Event Center and expanding the business has been a great opportunity for the family. Albino describes, “It was a big learning experience for all of us. We took our time with it and really are happy with the outcome.”

While waiting for the next phase to be completed and their vision realized, you might just be able to catch Guido’s next generation dancing in the dining room.

For more information or booking inquiries, call Guido’s Pizza Haven/Generations Reception and Event Center at 440.729.9666.

Generations Reception & Event Center

“The goal was to make a warm, inviting space that would remind guests of coming to someone’s house for a nice event.”

- Carmen Albino, owner, Guido’s Pizza Haven


Rising to the TopBY SANDY WARD

Past the lodge, the fishing dock and the ponds, tucked a bit into the woods, an adventure awaits like nothing before seen in Geauga County.Raise your sights to the skies and see what you can do (if you dare) – climb a pole 32 feet and challenge yourself to eight 23-to-32-foot-long walks along wooden logs, wobbly Xs and Os and a tightrope, then leap from a platform for your 100-foot zipline finale.Geauga Park District’s new Claridon Woodlands has been a countywide destination this summer, and its ropes course is only a small piece of the reason why.More than 1,800 trips have been made toward the treetops since the course opened in May, averaging a monthly 140 during staffed hours Wednesdays through Sundays.But since April, when Claridon Woodlands officially opened for visitors, nearly 18,000 visits have been made to the park itself, according to car counters.This places the new 127-acre park among the top five visited parks in the county, behind Beartown Lakes Reservation, Frohring Meadows, Orchard Hills Park and Headwaters Park.Many visitors have just come to walk or hike, as in many parks. Three trails totaling 2.2 miles wind through a former sugarbush with mature sugar maple trees.Upper Pineside Pond is fed by a small stream and features a wildlife observation blind for viewing of resident beaver, muskrat and waterfowl, while Lower Pineside Pond has been improved for fishing with a new dock easily accessible from the parking lot and paved trails.But there is so much more unique to

Attendance figures show the new Claridon Woodlands a fast favorite

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this park than the serenity of fishing and exploring the trails.An inlet from The Maple Highlands Trail, an asphalt trail stretching the length of Geauga County, leads to another first for Geauga Park District: a pump track and single mountain bike track.A pump track is a circuit of rollers to ride by “pumping,” the goal being to ride the track repeatedly without pedaling. The connected 2,025-foot-long linear single mountain bike track features 2-foot-wide boardwalk crossings.Across the way, climbers can test their strength and strategy on a 12-foot-high, 900-square-foot freeform boulder wall, and kids can explore a Nature-based playground complete with log balance beams, a canoe sandbox, a log tunnel, a play cabin, boulders and other various climbing elements. (Parents have also been known to partake in this fun.)All of these amenities are free for Geauga County residents, but ropes cost $20 per hour for out-of-county residents. Ropes fees, schedules, physical requirements and more can be found on the Claridon Woodlands page of the Park District’s new website, www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.And then there is Judge Lester Taylor

Lodge – itself a draw.Judge Lester Taylor was a descendant of the Hyde family, one of two previous landowner families, who faithfully served the residents of Geauga County and documented the history of Claridon Twp.This namesake facility offers gorgeous picture-window views of Lower Pineside Pond, custom-made wooden furniture, a fireplace, a kitchenette, outdoor bistro sets and indoor restrooms with running water. Capacity: 99 happy guests.“As one of our nicest facilities to date, it’s no wonder that it is quickly being reserved,” said Geauga Park District Executive Director John Oros. “And it’s gratifying to see so much interest in a lodge specifically designed for larger family gatherings. We built it with residents in mind.”Indeed, the day that reservations opened, April 2, calls began rolling in before 8 a.m. and continued all day long. As of this writing in mid-September, the lodge had been reserved 186 times, the vast majority of those celebrating family events such as reunions, showers and graduations, according to survey results.Facility feedback also reiterates the positive environment that Claridon Woodlands

now provides the county in Nature. “The Claridon Woodlands shelter is exceptionally lovely,” said one Chardon resident. “We had nothing but compliments on the venue.”Even Bill Hyde, who grew up on the property, had only positive things to say after his family’s reunion for about 50 people there this August.“Our family attendees were unanimous in extolling the excellence of the design and execution of the park,” Hyde wrote. “Other visitors to the park with whom we talked also praised the park. One attendee said it is now that person’s favorite county park.“We as a family are unanimous in agreeing that our parents would be quite satisfied with the use to which the land is being used and that it is in good hands. Well done.”Details specific to reserving this lodge, including amenities and fees, can also be found on the new website under Parks, then Claridon Woodlands, then Facilities.Select Reservations to check lodge availability or to make a reservation.Dates in 2019 will become reservable December 3 online and by phone for Geauga residents and January 1 online and January 2 by phone for all others.


Helping the Homeless of GeaugaB Y E L I Z A B E T H M A I E R - L I U

Most Geauga County residents associate homelessness with large city centers – not a concern in their backyard.

Mike Farrell, however, will emphatically tell you that Geauga County is no exception.

Farrell first learned of the Geauga homeless community while going door to door in 2013 for his successful re-election campaign as Claridon Township trustee.

“I found families living in their cars in parking lots and seeking shelter elsewhere in the dead of winter and summer,” says Farrell. “Most of the homeless in Geauga County are life-long residents. They are women, men, children and elderly. All it takes is one major setback to alter the direction of these people’s lives.”

According to an analysis of the 2016 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), conducted by the Center for Community Solutions (CCS), there are pockets within Geauga Country where 25 percent of residents have incomes below poverty level, which is $24,257 for a family of four. And, to make matters worse, the county has the worst homeowner affordability in Northeast Ohio. In 2017, the median price for a single-family home was $204,600, according to the Geauga County Auditor.

In identifying the primary barriers to self-sufficiency in Geauga County, the CCS partnered with Case Western Reserve University and the United Way for six months. The collaboration included surveying Geauga County residents and local service providers, as well as discussions with dozens of stakeholders knowledgeable about poverty issues in the county.

The research results indicate one of the primary barriers to self-sufficiency is a lack of fixed-route public transit. Lack of public transportation impedes the ability to access work, child care, food and needed social services. For those individuals receiving government benefits like food stamps, work requirements must be met. Without transportation to work, those benefits contingent on employment may be terminated. Walking to work also serves as impractical and unsafe considering the rural geography of Geauga County.

For low-income residents, finding affordable housing is the second primary barrier to self-sufficiency. Rentals are scarce, and public housing options are limited in capacity, with over 700 people on waiting lists.

Without an emergency shelter in Geauga, residents are left with few options when they lose their home. Often, they relocate to emergency shelters in Lake or Cuyahoga County while they seek permanent housing. The overflow then further taxes the Lake and Cuyahoga economies and resources.

In efforts to help the homeless achieve self-sufficiency, Mike Farrell started the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission (GFRM) in 2014.

GFRM’s mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ and His Word by providing shelter to the homeless, food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, clothing for the needy, comfort for the lonely, and hope to the lost.

While there is a faith component to the organization’s mission, Farrell asserts they do not force religion on those they serve.

Mike and Dawn Farrell

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Helping the Homeless of Geauga

C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 2 4

“We do not force religion on anyone. Only God can transform each person’s soul by faith only, and grace to have eternity,” says Farrell, quoting the Bible verses from Ephesians 2:8 and Galatians 2:16.

Farrell’s deep faith and understanding of the plight of the homeless grew from his personal experience of being homeless as a child. Having personally benefited from services provided at a Mission in Florida, Farrell desires to help others in need.

“The goal for each person entering the GFRM is to guide them in achieving financial stability and becoming a productive, contributing member to the welfare of Geauga County. This is accomplished through education, counseling, prayer, access to local resources and the love of Jesus Christ,” says Farrell.

“Faith rescue missions are comprehensive programs. They not only assist individuals and families in finding emergency shelter, but they teach life skills and provide faith-based development to sustain them and allow them community re-entry,” says Farrell.

“Children are able to reside at the shelter and go to school. During the day, adults receive job and life-skill training. They learn interviewing skills and how to build their resume. In addition, enrollment in a faith rescue mission is contingency-based. Residents have responsibilities to the Mission and themselves in order to receive benefits,” says Farrell.

The GFRM is based on the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley’s model. Located in Youngstown, the Rescue Mission of Mahoning

Valley exists to help anyone who needs food, shelter, safety and a second chance.

According to their website, the Mission houses, feeds, counsels and educates hundreds each year through their residential programs, enabling them to get back on their feet and become productive again. In the last 10 years, they served more than 1.3 million meals to those in need.

“Having Mahoning Valley as a model eliminates years of work. It gives us a blueprint and the structure we need to grow,” says Blazine Monaco, President of Charity Moves, a nonprofit business development organization working with GFRM.

“They are willing to mentor us, too,” states Monaco.

While the GFRM does not have a physical emergency shelter in place, the organization has begun the process of identifying the appropriate Geauga County property to open a men’s shelter in the near future.

“ They not only assist individuals

and families in finding emergency

shelter, but they teach life

skills and provide faith-based

development to sustain them and

allow them community re-entry.”

- Mike Farrell, founder, Geauga Faith Rescue Mission

Mike and Dawn Farrell


“Shelter is just the beginning of the work we will be doing,” Farrell describes.

In 2017, GFRM helped 75 homeless people, including 12 children. Since January of this year, the GFRM has received more than 10 phone calls from people needing shelter.

“We were able to put three people in temporary housing, and we were a voice for the others in finding them the resources they needed,” Monaco says. “Unfortunately, a few who were life-long Geauga County residents were transferred to Lake County residentials because they were unable to find temporary housing in Geauga.”

“Without an emergency shelter, we are limited in the services that we can provide,” admits Monaco. “Thankfully, Geauga County agencies are phenomenal. We collaborate and do whatever it takes to serve others. There is red tape in other counties, but in Geauga, you don’t see it as much.”

Sister Margaret Friel, SND agrees the GFRM needs an emergency shelter to further help the homeless. “The Geauga Faith Rescue Mission is needed to help individuals and families get on their feet. They build relationships, provide food, and help the homeless find jobs. I pray every day they find property for an emergency shelter,” says Sister Margaret.

Friel shared a story of a homeless woman who was able to relocate to Columbus because she found a job, thanks to Mike Farrell and the GFRM. “They supplied her with rent for a short period of time and even found furniture for her,” says Sister Margaret. “The woman knew she couldn’t rely on them forever. It was a new start for her. The GFRM has the uttermost respect for the homeless and look out for them. They get to know them and discover their God-given gifts. It is not about giving hand-outs.”

The Sisters of Notre Dame, Chardon, partner with the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission each year by hosting their annual dinner gala at the Notre Dame Education Center. “I have seen some very moving presentations at the event,” says Sister Margaret. “One of the volunteers, Nathan, helps to thwart human trafficking. He tries to help people before they go that route.”

In addition to finding property for an emergency shelter, future plans for the GFRM include hiring a case manager and creating an assessment to evaluate the homeless population.

“We are hiring a case manager to align, schedule, and track outcomes of people in need of transitioning their lives,” says Monaco. “In most cases, we’ll use existing programs offered in Geauga County. People don’t always know about services they are eligible for, and they don’t always know exactly what is needed to change their situation. We will connect the dots, fill the gaps, and provide a comprehensive approach to changing their situation.”

The case manager may also be instrumental in collecting data for the assessment. The GFRM hopes the assessment will be helpful in educating the general public about the homeless population and legitimize the nonprofit organization.

“In order to educate, we must first present data and substantial evidence,” Monaco explains.

Once an assessment is completed, Monaco says she will be able to better position the organization. “It is a very competitive process, and your first impression with a foundation is the most important. If you submit a grant request before you have what foundations expect it may take two to three years before you are even considered again.”

Currently, as the only paid subcontractor, Monaco is charged with building the nonprofit’s infrastructure. All other members of the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission, including Farrell, are non-paid volunteers.

“The work Mike has done so far for this organization is phenomenal,” says Monaco. “It takes a lot of work to start a nonprofit and he has done a tremendous job.”

Farrell is quick to point out, however, that the GFRM’s success is attributed to the many individuals, organizations and churches who have contributed time, money and support.

“There are many voices, hands and hearts behind the mission. We couldn’t have done it without them,” says Farrell.

Auction items and sponsors are sought for the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission’s annual dinner gala on Oct. 6 at the Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased on GFRM’s website at gfrmission.org.

Helping the Homeless of Geauga

“ We will connect the dots,

fill the gaps, and provide

a comprehensive approach

to changing their situation.”

- Blazine Monaco, president, Charity Move

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 2 3

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GGP Board Introduces New Healthcare Consultant/BRE Rep

Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) holds business growth at the center of its mission

and has recently entered into an agreement with Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) that will enhance its ability to provide outreach and services to Geauga businesses.

As a result of this partnership with GCP, GGP will be able to enhance business retention

and expansion (BRE) visitation, with the intention of making area businesses aware of programs and services available to help expand operations, address workforce issues, and learn about offerings provided through GGP and JobsOhio.

Through this collaboration, GGP will more than double their annual company visits, targeting 40 calls in 2018. The GGP team consists of GGP president Tracy Jemison, and GGP’s BRE representative Stuart Miller.

Mr. Jemison, president of Geauga Growth Partnership, is a founding member of the organization, which was established by a group of business leaders in 2010 to enhance Geauga’s economic development. Stuart Miller is a Geauga native, a graduate of Chardon High School and has a B.A. from Malone University in Canton. He lives in Chardon with his wife, Julie.

“We greatly appreciate our partnership with GCP and leveraging ways to grow our businesses in Geauga County,” says Mr. Jemison. “We are also pleased to have the support of Stuart Miller, who is well acquainted with Geauga County and its business needs.”

GCP serves as the lead local partner for JobsOhio in the Cleveland Area, defined as Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties. The GCP, working in partnership with the GGP, JobsOhio, TeamNEO (JobsOhio Network Partner) and other public and private entities is responsible for the coordination, delivery and management of core economic and business development service activities in the Cleveland area.

“We greatly appreciate our partnership with Tracy and his team at Geauga Growth,” stated Joe Roman, President and CEO of GCP. “We know our greatest opportunity for business growth in our region is generated by the companies that already call Northeast Ohio home. We are committed to supporting and complementing the GGP’s work and all BRE efforts in Geauga County.”

Stuart Miller, GGP’s BRE representative


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GGP’s HomeGrown Geauga was a Celebration Under the Dome

It was a magical evening with sunbeams streaming through the grid of the geodesic dome at ASM International during

Geauga Growth Partnership’s 6th Annual HomeGrown Geauga fundraising event. The weather was perfect; the guests satisfied their palates with tastings from some of Geauga’s best restaurants and chefs; and there was plenty of diverse entertainment to keep people occupied.

Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) hosts this event each year to raise funds to support its highly successful Youth Workforce training programs, which are reaching students in nearly every public, private and parochial school in Geauga County with the

skills they need to enter the workforce.

The theme of these HomeGrown Geauga events has always been to focus on all things Geauga County – its people, produce, products and places. This year the event was held for the second time at ASM International.

Twelve Geauga restaurants and chefs supported the event by donating their food and services for more than 350 guests. Each served a different menu item to give guests delicious and assorted selections. Featured eateries were Blazin Bills, Burntwood Tavern, DiBlasi’s Bakery, Element 41, Sirna’s Pizzeria, Tom’s Foolery, Warren’s Spirited Kitchen, Welshfield Inn, Chef Jonathan Bennett featuring Adams Reserve Cheddar, Chefs Timothy Willis & Joe Matteucci of UH Geauga Medical Center Nutrition Services, and Chef William Davis of ICASI & Loretta Paganini School of Cooking.

Some tastings included blackened chicken tacos, grilled vegetable pesto pasta salad, tuna nachos, white garden pizza, house-made gazpacho, pulled pork and more. Select cheeses were provided by Great Lakes Cheese, and wines from Vintage Wine Distributor helped stock the full bar.

Guests were entertained by “homegrown” talent, such as GGP’s favorite band No Moss, who performed throughout the evening, and St. Helen’s Unicycle Drill Team. There was no moss gathered on these musicians as they performed many musical genres including old standards, pop, country, blues and good old rock ‘n’ roll spanning the past 50 years. A local band, No Moss has been playing together since the October of 2012.

The band features Jim Anderson, lead guitar, vocals and harmonica; Bob Walker, drums and percussion; Denise Geisler, vocals; and Bill Hanna, bass guitar.

There was magic in the air for visitors who opted to have Tarot Card Readings by Vitki, or who had an encounter with Magic Mike. “How did he know that?!” “How did he do that?!” exclaimed guests. Magic Mike, acclaimed comedic hypnotist, illusionist, mentalist, magician and balloon artist has brought his entertainment skills to more than a million people in local theatres and venues throughout the greater Cleveland/Akron area, and GGP was pleased to have him at HomeGrown. Many took home a personal caricature created by artists from Kaman’s Art. Guests were motivated to support GGP’s Youth Education programs by participating in various fundraising activities such as a silent auction and raffle, using the latest cell phone donation technology by Qtego.

Funds raised at HomeGrown Geauga benefit GGP’s Youth Education programs, developed with the mission to “Prepare Tomorrow’s Workforce Today.” These programs include Career Readiness events and Career Awareness training, Ignite Your Career event, and the High School Internship Program. The multi-faceted workforce training continuum was launched in 2012 under the leadership of GGP founding director Frank Samuel, who was passionate about preparing young people for successful careers. Since the program’s inception, when nine high school students were matched with sponsoring employers for summer internships, the programs have grown exponentially.

In 2017 alone, more than 1,400 Geauga County students participated in GGP’s Youth Workforce training programs. On average, 90 percent of students report feeling more prepared to enter the workforce; 40 percent of businesses employing interns continue that employment relationship beyond the internship period; and the internship program is making a direct economic impact on Geauga in the amount of $80,000 annually.

GGP would like to thank some of the graduated interns who volunteered their time to help at HomeGrown Geauga this year: Sofia DiCillo, Alissa Nevisson, Maggie Murray, Kaylee Klepper, Aaron Miller, Agnes Prosser, Deanna Swinerton, Sam Markel, Brendan Leininger, Ann McDougall and Anne Creagh.

B Y P A I G E H O S I E R O R V I S

GEAUGA BUSINESS Fall 201826

Geauga Growth Partnership would like to thank all sponsors who helped to make HomeGrown Geauga possible:

DIAMOND: Great Lakes Cheese

PLATINUM: ASM International; Richard & Christie Frenchie & The Frenchie Consulting Group; Kinetico Inc.; University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center

GOLD: The Arms Trucking Company; Hexpol Compounding/Burton Rubber Processing; Huntington Bank; Junction Auto Family; KeyBank; Patterson Farm

SILVER: Company 119; Covia (formerly Fairmount Santrol); Honest Scales Recycling; HR Strategies & Solutions; Kent State University at Geauga; Middlefield Banking Company; POV Solution; Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling; Chris & John Steigerwald; Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan; Waste Management

BRONZE: Mark & Sheryl Clemson; Ebert, Owen & Associates CPAs; Exscape Designs; Federal Improvement Company; Heinen’s; iSTEM Geauga; Newbury Business Park; R43 Limited; Ronyak Paving Inc. Waste Management

VALET SPONSOR: Geauga County Maple Leaf

PATRON: Bechem Lubrication Technology LLC; Dr. Patra Duangjak; Electrolock, Inc.; Geauga Mechanical; Great Lakes Growers; Hess Engineering; Tracy & Bonnie Jemison; LaTourette for Ohio, paid by State Representative Sarah LaTourette; NMS CPAs; Ondrey for Judge, Paid for by Friends of Ondrey; Representative John Patterson; Rambo for Judge, paid for by Rambo for Judge; Red Maple Inn; Spooner Inc.; United Way Services of Geauga County; Upward Solutions Coaching & Consulting; The Wealthcare Group of Raymond James; Committee to elect Chuck Walder for Auditor, Karen Walder, Treasurer; John Wilhelm

GEAUGA BUSINESS Fall 2018 27

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© 2018 University Hospitals

If joint discomfort is interfering with your life, it may be time

to consider knee, hip or shoulder replacement surgery at

University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. With advanced

joint replacement procedures that may reduce pain and

increase mobility with faster recovery times, our team of

experienced knee, hip and shoulder replacement surgeons

can get you back to living the life you love.

Most major insurance plans accepted,including Medical Mutual of Ohio SuperMed.

JOINT REPLACEMENT –for a life with less pain.

440-876-8089UHhospitals.org/Geauga

13207 Ravenna Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024

Free community event: Orthopedic DayJoin UH experts for interactive panel discussions on topics including total joint and orthopedic procedures, including the latest innovative treatments.Breakfast will be served, and registration is required.Call 216-415-6570 by Friday, October 19.

Saturday, October 279 a.m. – 1 p.m.Signature of Solon39000 Signature DriveSolon, Ohio 44139

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WWW.KENT.EDU/GEAUGA

OUR PURPOSE? YOU.26:1

Student Teacher Ratio

CAREER ORIENTED DEGREES With access to over 282 undergraduate degrees

Small class size Allows for individualized

attention from faculty and collaborative learning between classmates.

Geauga Campus 14111 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton 44021

440-834-4187

Regional Academic Center 2745 Creekside Drive, Twinsburg 44087

330-888-6400

Lake Erie

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Center TWINSBURG

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Schedule a visit TODAY!

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In Your CommunityASSOCIATE OF APPLIED BUSINESS

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ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN NURSING (ADN)

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CCPCollege Credit

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-Qualified 7th through 12th grade students

-Take college classes and earn credit for high school graduation AND college!-Apply by October 1 for Spring 2019 semester

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Persistence of Vision Communications, Inc.16715 West Park CircleChagrin Falls, OH 44023

More than 2 million lights will be used to produce animated and automated displays on the grounds of the Berkshire Hills Golf Course to create “Bethlehem Hills Christmas Lights” – a celebration of the Christmas season – for residents of Geauga County.

As Walter Miraglia, owner of Berkshire Hills Golf Course, describes, “We will be creating a Winter Wonderland that will be spectacular. The mastermind behind this idea is Rod Nagy, who has a long history of working with Christmas lights. His father

did the lights for General Electric’s Nela Park back in the 1950s.”

Bethlehem Hills will be a 1 1/4-mile drive through the golf course and will be open every day from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, beginning the weekend before Thanksgiving and running through New Year’s Day. The cost is $25 per car, but coupons for $5 off are available. Visitors will also receive a free discount book for local merchants/restaurants and a $10 off coupon for a Christmas tree.

Families and guests of all ages will enjoy viewing enchanting displays while listening to music that complements the displays via an FM modulator. While similar to Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights in West Virginia, Miraglia says this exhibit will actually use more lights.

“I have always had a dream and a passion to bring Christmas joy to children and adults. This is not a ‘holiday’ display, but a Christmas display,” Miraglia describes with a smile. He is a member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Newbury.

Put it on your calendar today!

Don’t Miss Bethlehem Hills

Christmas Lights

“ We will be creating a Winter Wonderland that will be spectacular.”

- Walter Miraglia, owner, Berkshire Hills Golf Course

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