Geauga Business Magazine, Fall 2022

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CO-PUBLISHERS

Geauga Business articles are written and selected for their general interest and entertainment value. Authors’ views do not necessarily represent the policies of the Co-Publishers, nor does their publication constitute an endorsement by POV Print Communications or Ten10 Design. All submissions are subject to editorial space availability and editing. For advertising opportunities or submissions, contact Ten10 Design.

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16715 West Park Circle Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 povcommunications.net cyuhasz@povprint.com p. 440.591.5443 x222

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Letter from the Editor

Dear Business Leaders,

Very few careers appeared accessible to women when I was a young girl: teacher, secretary, nurse, and homemaker. When I enthusiastically announced to my mother, “I want to be a writer,” she cautioned me to take typing and shorthand – “Something I could always fall back on, just in case.” Mom meant well.

With summer behind us, Geauga Business Magazine moves into our second issue with our newly assembled magazine team. We continue to broaden our scope of stories and contacts trying to bring interesting and newsworthy stories to our readers. There is a myriad of interesting things to talk about concerning our community. Great stories happening and coming!

This summer we are so proud that GBM was able to present educational scholarships to two outstanding students from Geauga Growth’s Youth Incubator Program. We asked all students in the program to be involved. They needed to submit an essay on their summer experience and design a presentation board that showcased their experiences. A group of board members from GGP reviewed the contestants and chose the winners based on their presentations and overall growth throughout the summer. We presented the awards at Home Grown this past month to Ryan McGinnis and Shannon Swinerton. Congratulations to both winners and all participants.

The good news is there are an increasing number of careers available to women today. In fact, well-known companies, like IBM and General Motors, have recently appointed female CEOs, and the trend towards women in leadership positions is on the rise. According to Hult International Business School, there are more women running Fortune 500 businesses today than at any point in the 65-year history of Fortune 500. Still, where young men are encouraged to be ambitious and assertive, women are told from an early age not to be “bossy.” Let’s change that habit.

For a growing number of women, the fastest route to success is launching their own business. Women-owned business in the U.S. have increased 74% over the past 20 years. Our start-up culture empowers women and is making the balance of career and family easier.

to help support or be involved in our program –please let us know!

This issue of Geauga Business features several women who are making their mark – Judge Mary Jane Trapp, lawyer Betsy Rader, two female pilots, a photographer, an owner of an outdoor dog sports complex, and a videographer/ musician. I hope their stories inspire other young women to reach for their dreams.

With Great Appreciation,

We have also started a web section on our POV Solution website (www.povprintingservices. com). Check under the resource section for information that helps us manage material for the publication under our resource section to help us manage material for the publication. You can scan the QR code below to get directly to the page. We have added interactivity to the page so that you can request to be added to the mailing list, submit articles and photos and view past issues. We plan to continue to build out this tool to become a valuable resource for our business community!

Business in Geauga County continues to grow, despite some difficult times in many industries. We are there watching and reporting. Hope you have a great fal!

There are many advantages of women in the workplace. A diverse workplace has shown to foster creativity and innovation. Women excel at the soft skills needed for business leadership, like effective communication, empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. Women represent huge economic power and important consumer insight. It is estimated that women contribute approximately $20 trillion in consumer spending every year, accounting for 85% of consumer purchases. However, despite this fact, only 11% of creative directors in advertising are women.

I want to point out that the scholarships couldn’t have been possible without the support of our magazine partners, so when you get a moment please thank those partners for their efforts. We are going to be reviewing the entire process this fall and hope to be able to turn our Scholarship Program into a yearly event. If you would like

Margie Wilber

Editor-in-Chief/Publisher, Geauga Business President, Write 2 the Point

Chris Yuhasz

Chris Yuhasz

Editor-in-Chief/Publisher, Geauga Business Magazine President, POV Solution

Publisher, Geauga Business President, POV Print Communications

POV Solution Staff (L-R): Chris Yuhasz and Lincoln

Just in time for back-to-school season, I think it’s appropriate that this issue of GBM has a common thread of educational preparedness, and a celebration of the next generation of our workforce and the businesses that support them. At the recent Homegrown Geauga fundraising event, held at the beautiful Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens in Chagrin Falls, Chris Yuhasz and I had the privilege of presenting two graduating high school students with well deserved scholarships for their essays about what they learned through their internships obtained through Geauga Growth Partnership’s summer Incubator program. Those winners were Ryan McGinnis and Shannon Swinerton, both winners completed their internships at Mercury Plastics.

Today’s young people are learning about adaptability and the importance of the professional pivot. In the era of virtual learning, this crop of graduates are finally going out into the world for hands-on mentorship, and

thanks to GGP’s career readiness initiatives, they’re prepared. When it comes to our work lives, resilience is key. My own educational path began with dance performance and transitioned to graphic design. While the artistic medium changed, what didn’t was my interest in having a creative outlet through my work. My pivot to entrepreneurship with Ten10 Design was born of necessity. During the 2009 recession, I had been working at an ad agency when our entire team was let go. Through networking as a freelancer, I was able to turn small design jobs into bigger branding projects, print work, and with the support from my husband Joe, promotional products and apparel. After moving our office and planting roots in Chardon in 2012, I’ve seen firsthand how organizations like the Chardon Rotary, Leadership Geauga, and GGP have helped us grow.

In this issue, you’ll hear stories of local businesses whose proprietors and employees have grown to meet the changing needs of the county (and the world), and the local nonprofit organizations who consistently lend their support. I’m so proud to live and work in a community that recognizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration, not just for its next generation, but for all.

Casey Zulandt Co-Publisher, Geauga Business Magazine CEO, Ten10 Design

Worth the Weight

You might not expect to find a local salvage yard in such a bucolic setting as the rolling green acres of Middlefield, but Honest Scales Recycling has to be the most scenic place to junk your car in Ohio. Views aside, a trip to the location on Burton Windsor Road will lighten your load and put green cash in your pocket. Honest Scales is a one-stop destination for all your recycling needs. They’ll pay for all kinds of scrap metal based on weighted market value - from aluminum cans to brass, copper, steel, and more, even old electronics.

Honest Scales officially opened next to proprietor Paul Miller’s family home in 2005. Miller had been steadily growing the business on a part-time basis since starting small in a corner of his barn in 1996, as he supported his family with a full-time job at Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling. Right from the beginning Miller saw an opportunity in salvage, and in 2001, purchased two acres, some essential equipment, and built the foundation that would become the bustling site it is today. Miller’s father doubted it could be done and told him so: “Paul, you will never fill this building.” But with the support of his wife, Sarah Ann, and son Marty, today Honest Scales has 11 employees - among them three of Miller’s nine children - Marty, and daughters, Loma Mae and Katie Ann.

Miller says that the name ‘Honest Scales’ reflects the values that define the Amish way of life: fairness, honesty, and loyalty to religious faith and community. When

weight dictates the price you’re paid, Miller knows you need to be able to trust the source. He learned that himself many years ago when he took a 100-lb loss on his very first load of scrap. From that point forward, Miller made sure his weights were accurate. “It doesn’t pay to be dishonest,” Miller says.

Recycling doesn’t just provide an essential service to the community, it is serious business to the state. To comply with government guidelines, Miller must report transactions each day to the Ohio Department of Homeland Security. In 2015, changing state laws required Honest Scales to file transactions on an online database, which was incompatible with Miller’s religious beliefs that ban the use of

“It doesn’t pay to be dishonest.”

- Paul Miller, Owner

technology. Miller needed help. That’s when Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) and its former president, Tracy Jemison, stepped in to help find a solution. Jemison helped arrange a series of meetings between Miller, local authorities, and former senator John Eklund, to find a compromise to secure data without conflicting with Miller’s religious beliefs. Today, Miller currently sits on GGP’s board, where he is a valuable peer and mentor. “After what Geauga Growth Partnership did for me, I couldn’t say no. It’s not about me - it’s about helping others.”

Honest Scales stayed open through the pandemic, and while April is always a busy month, 2020 was historically so, which Miller attributes to homebound folks taking their spring cleaning more seriously. 2021 was the biggest year on record, and the business was able to pour 692 yards of concrete to pave what was once a gravel driveway and parking lot. This year remains busy, and Miller is planning ahead for further improvements.

After 26 years, Miller has seen firsthand that one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Over the years, people have dropped off perfectly functional items that they no longer needed, and Miller saw an opportunity for more recycling. In the past, Honest Scales would hold a biannual public auction of any items that could be reused, but with more than enough inventory and space on the property to open a store to display it, Honest Scales opened the Treasure Shop in April right on site. Walk-ins are welcome to shop its collection of wares for sale, many of them antique. You’ll find a large selection of vintage bicycles, tools, furniture, signage and the vintage license plates that line the walls of the workshop. When asked what the most unusual item someone ever brought in for scrap was, Miller recalled the time a man came in with a one-person airplane built by his grandfather. The plane had not passed FAA inspection and couldn’t fly. Miller briefly considered posing the plane as if it had crash-landed into the property, but in the end, it was re-homed to a private collector for display.

Honest Scales Recycling

15535 Burton Windsor Rd. Middlefield OH 44062

If there’s one service that car owners in Northeast Ohio reliably need as muddy autumn moves into another salty winter, it’s the car wash. And now Geauga County will have a brand-new option, Willo Wash, opening this fall (expected late October).

Willo Wash was founded nearly 30 years ago by brothers Rick and Mitch Krahe, who were destined to go into business together. Back in the early 90s, Mitch had recently graduated college with a degree in finance and had a hole in his schedule, and Rick had been underwhelmed with his job in construction; it seemed like a good time to pool their resources and start fresh. Taking a pragmatic approach to entrepreneurship, the brothers found themselves drawn to perennial services that both involved soapsuds. Folks would always need a laundromat, they reasoned, but if given the choice between a clean shirt and a clean car, their personal preference was clear. The partners opened KRK Auto Wash in its premier location in Willoughby in 1994, originally overseeing a fleet of manual car wash bays. Rick’s son Ryan joined the family business in 2011, and soon thereafter, KRK opened a state-of-the-art automatic car wash system, Willo Wash

Willoughby, there that’s still doing brisk business.

With family ties to Middlefield, Mitch spent years watching the community grow as their business did, and over time KRK decided to open a second location there. Never an easy process during the best of times, the pandemic slowed down their startup efforts, but also led to key relationships that proved invaluable. Rick credits the team at Middlefield Bank and Dave Harrington (who owns Harrington Square), along with local contractors and Mayor Ben Garlich, for their encouragement and assistance. It takes a village.

Once Willo Wash Middlefield opens its doors, customers can expect a full service experience, Rick reports. “The car wash washes the cars, but we’ll have a minimum of three employees there at all times to make sure that our customers are taken care of.” Today, KRK employs 40, and will soon be adding to its roster. Unlimited wash packages will start at $19.99 and will be discounted when the wash opens.

Willo Wash will be FREE for the 1 st week upon its grand opening.

Flowers By Emily

Emily Martin opened her shop, Flowers by Emily, in Middlefield in 2015, but her petal-strewn path to entrepreneurship was first inspired by her grandfather's own professional passion for plants. By age 11 she was apprenticing for a neighbor's flower shop in Andover, and went on to get a degree in horticulture (naturally). Emily opened her first business out of her home in 2007 and built a strong customer network, partly due to the thoughtfulness and loyalty of the Amish community, who tend to send flowers for every occasion.

Every season is busy for FBE, and these days the team is made up of 10 parttime employees (and growing). Due to the fragility and scarcity of many flowers, and the expenses involved with shipping them, it became clear to Emily that she should grow her own. So, this year she planted 2,000 seedlings, a few hundred tubers, and other perennials on half an acre of her property, and now has fresh dahlias and wildflowers in stock to keep costs down for customers (several more acres to come).

If you need a gift idea and want to save time, money, and sanity—while quickly attaining hero status among your loved ones— consider Emily’s subscription service. FBE will send your recipient a bouquet, houseplant, or gift basket (choose from gourmet snacks, fruit, and candy bar arrangements) for multiple occasions throughout the year, right on schedule. Subscription options start at $50 per order and you’ll receive quantity discounts on shipping. House plants are available year-round, while hanging baskets, mums, perennial bulbs, and poinsettias are all stocked seasonally.

Need a recommendation? This team of designers has got your back. Emily stressed that she loves all plants and flowers, but when pressed for a favorite, offered that her preferred variety of rose is the unforgettably-fuchsia Pink Floyd, a classic that rocks.

Rescue Village Puts the FUN in FUN draising

I

f dogs could leave Yelp reviews, they might write things like, ‘Rescue Village saved my life’ (get it, yelp?). Not that dogs are the only animal waiting to be your new BFF at Geauga’s preeminent animal shelter, Rescue Village; there’s also cats of all ages, rabbits, gerbils, pigs, some gorgeous chickens, and even a Shetland pony out back named Teddy (to name just a few). It’s been called

a gem in the crown of Geauga County. No wonder; Upon entry, guests are greeted by a refreshingly odor-free lobby, and depending on your luck, a batch of kittens might be ready for their adoption closeup just to your right. Prepare to be overwhelmed by all the cute if you’re taking the full tour.

Rescue Village, also known as the Geauga Humane Society, was founded 48 years ago by a passionate community of humans whose common goal was making life better for animals. Today, Rescue Village operates a stateof-the-art shelter and veterinary clinic for homeless animals, a teaching facility for the community and an adoption agency. It’s also a private, non-profit, non-government law enforcement agency that upholds Ohio’s animal

anti-cruelty laws and prosecutes those who break them. At its current location on Chillicothe Rd (open since 2001), the shelter has facilitated over 9,000 adoptions in the last five years alone. Each year Rescue Village accepts hundreds of owner-surrendered dogs and cats, with cats outnumbering dogs due to the many strays, 150 so far since January. That’s just the adult cats – 566 kittens were placed last year. Boasting a 98% live release rate among dogs, cats,

“Our foster volunteers are so crucial to this work.”

- Kenneth Clarke, Executive Director

and domesticated barn animals, once an animal comes to Rescue Village, they are nursed to health as necessary, treated with care and nearly always matched with their new foster or forever home, no matter how long it takes. Most dogs and cats will spend less than three weeks waiting to be adopted, up a bit since last year when it took about 11 days (puppies and kittens will always go quicker).

Last March, Kenneth Clarke was named Rescue Village’s Executive Director. A recent Chicago transplant and native of Northeast Ohio, Clarke has spent his career in the nonprofit sector; Before Rescue Village, he last led Pritzker Military Museum & Library. Clarke’s unlikely background made him just right for the role, according to External Affairs Director Lisa Ishee: “To not come from that specific animal welfare mindset, I think has been really beneficial. He brings in such a fresh approach from all of his experience in the marketing and the development field.” Since Clarke’s arrival, Rescue Village currently engages

supporters through its user-friendly website (with adoptee profiles), a lively Instagram and Facebook community of 35,000 followers, direct mail campaigns and two big annual fundraising eventsthe Tails at Twilight Gala in June and the legendary Woofstock every September.

Woofstock (formerly known as the ‘Rescue Village Ramble and Four-Footed Festival’ until 2006), is the largest dog festival in Northeast Ohio - next year will be its 30-year anniversary. Woofstock provides many benefits for local businesses looking to support a great cause and create exposure with ad dollars in the process. This year’s fundraising goal is $125,000, with tiered sponsorship opportunities available for businesses starting at $15,000, and as low as $750. Clarke points out the benefits for sponsors: “With a $15,000 sponsorship, you know that you’re going to get in front of a lot of people. It’s a good investment for a business because, in addition to that exposure, they’re helping something great happen on a

daily basis. Our reach goes beyond the county.” The 2022 Woofstock Presenting Sponsor is AQUA DOC, and Top Dog Sponsors are DogWatch Hidden Fences, Solon Manufacturing Co., and the Wenk Family Charitable Foundation.

In addition to its financial donors, Rescue Village relies on its foster volunteers to keep up the good work. Pre-pandemic, volunteers averaged over 600, but now numbers are down to about 200. Clarke emphasizes the need. “The majority of those are our foster volunteers, who are so crucial to this work. We absolutely need that network of very generous people to take on that heavy lift to help us with our animals. We learned that even more so during the pandemic that not all the animals thrive here, as you can imagine. Getting them out of the shelter gives them a respite from the stress and the noise of the shelter, and we learn so much about them when they’re in foster care.”

When Clarke mentions a particular pitbull pup named Fern, it begs the question, who comes up with names like Pickle for a cat? “They get named by everybody and anybody,” Ishee says. “Honey had puppies and then every

puppy was named in homage to mom, like ‘Comb’ and ‘Beehive.” Or maybe what somebody had for lunch that day, but not a lot of names reserved for humans.” (Except the canine Jim I met, apparently). “Typically, adoptee names will change, but sometimes people are drawn to them because of the name, or maybe it reminds them of someone.” Indeed I know a shelter cat named Puddin, and a black cub of a dog named Bear, whose names never needed changing.

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Your AQUA DOC Team’s passion is aquatics. We love water. It is our sole focus and priority. Because of this focus, AQUA DOC is a leader in the Buckeye State and beyond, providing a range of services no other firm is capable of providing.

Lisa Ishee -External Affairs Director & Kenneth Clarke - Executive Director

IN-DEMAND PROGRAMS

We’re part of an engaging eight-campus system with two locations in Burton and Twinsburg, offering more than 20 associate and bachelor’s degrees. Many of our programs will prepare graduates for in-demand jobs in the area.

Students can also begin coursework for over 282+ undergraduate programs offered by Kent State University.

WWW.KENT.EDU/GEAUGA/MAJORS-DEGREES

Lessons in Teamwork

ESC of the Western Reserve

B

enjamin Franklin said that an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. Ohio’s Educational Service Centers reach 1.5 million students in over 60 ESC’s that support students, families, and communities across Ohio. The ESC of the Western Reserve (ESCWR) is committed to providing innovative programming and quality services to support and promote student achievement in all aspects of our educational communities within our region and state. In 2020, Lake and Geauga counties consolidated to better serve school districts, which are categorized as city (big), exempted village (medium) and local (small). (Geauga County’s six schools are classified as local school districts, which means the students number under 2,500.) A publicly elected board of nine (five from Lake county and four from

Geauga) governs the ESCWR to guide educational programs and services for students and communities.

Broadly, ESCWR provides vocational training for students across multiple counties, and runs intensive special needs programs, operates transportation for those who need access, arranges for food services, and even runs a store in Lake county called Unique Like Me, which is fully supported by students and local businesses. A big focus of ESCWR’s mission is to connect its students with the local business community through career development services and onthe-job training, as well as through the Business Advisory Councils in Geauga and Lake Counties.

ESCWR Superintendent Jennifer Felker has a formidable track record. Before

ESCWR adopted its new name in 2020, Felker had already been working as Superintendent for both Lake and Geauga’s separate ESCs. Prior to 2016, Felker had been the State Associate Superintendent for 2 years under former Governor Kasich, which followed a decade of service at Cuyahoga’s ESC. (She even has teaching experience.) Some may have been surprised by her decision to take the Geauga position since it was the smallest ESC in the state at the time, but Felker was inspired. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re large or small; I knew I could grow the county office,” she says. When the Lake board asked if she’d be open to taking on the dual role, Felker embraced the opportunity: “I’m so glad they had the confidence in me to take on another county.”

Early on in 2016, Felker partnered with the like-minded non-profit, Geauga

Growth Partnership (GGP) to create a business advisory council to foster relationships between local businesses and schools county-wide. The two organizations have collaborated on numerous initiatives like Northeast Ohio Education Association (NEOEA) Day, a national day for professional development for teachers. The relationship proved invaluable when the newly formed ESCWR got right to work in January 2020, and by March pandemic lockdowns began. Even though in-person recruitment or training wasn’t an option, area businesses rallied to make videos to talk about what they’re looking for in an employee, from soft skills (like interview prep) to technical skills. “We’ve been really creative,” Felker says with pride. “Without the GGP partnership, we would not be as strong in those initiatives. Together we are able to provide the services that were previously unavailable to our county. It’s very interesting to see how that close knit community feeling grew out of having GGP as a really strong partner of the schools.”

Employees have been in high demand since the pandemic, and employers have to be more competitive than ever before to retain them, whether that means paying a higher wage, or negotiating benefits packages that include health insurance, and the option for remote work or flexible scheduling. Felker has observed that there’s been a cultural shift away from students having a rigid focus on a long term career plan, to the idea that one might not stay in the same field over the course of their lives.

After two years of disruption and uncertainty, trends in education are emerging, too, and new data collected by state universities will be released this fall to answer the question of how things have changed. “Many juniors and seniors have not returned to programs at two- and four-year schools during the pandemic. A lot of that has to do with this turnover, especially in manufacturing, which is the leading industry within both counties,” Felker says. “A lot of students that were looking at college degrees are now going straight into the workforce, and a lot of those jobs are paying higher wages, sometimes more than to someone with a degree. There are significant opportunities for our high school students coming back to stay in the area.”

When it comes to keeping up with where student interests lie, ESCWR has programming partners across the country. Last year, Felker was inspired by an educational initiative in Florida called the Rock on the Road Academy, which implements a recording studio to teach high school students about audio production. She put out a call to area schools this spring, and received an enthusiastic reply from a team of administrators and a key teacher leader in Painesville. The studio will be up and running next year. Once complete, those students will be able to connect nationwide with others who have gone through the program.

“We’ve got to do things for students with that interest, especially for high level students in music and the arts,” Felker says. “Our schools and Auburn Career Center offer a great deal of programs, services and support for students to help them self identify the best path for them.”

No matter which path a student decides to follow, the schools are in a great position to connect them with those opportunities. Felker advises them to engage with their teachers and counselors to find the right fit, whether that means college, a specialty school, or going right into the workforce, or some combination thereof.

“Together we are able to provide the services that were previously unavailable to our county.”

- Jennifer Felker, Superintendent

GGP Youth Workforce Summer Incubator Program

This year’s program provided 18 students from seven area high schools with on-the-job training, with a chance to earn additional scholarship money by writing an essay about their experience. Over 20 host businesses across many industries are participating. Betsy Covington, GGP’s Director of Engagement, says that agriculture and manufacturing are the county’s main industries, but stresses that options are endless if you know where to look. “What we try to show the

students is that every business has a variety of different careers available to them. There are so many opportunities in manufacturing, for example – there’s the production floor, but there’s also the human resources department, a marketing department, accounting, management, engineering; there’s so many different directions the students can go.” A quick scan of participating area businesses represent careers in social services, government, healthcare, food service, real estate, entertainment,

and many more.

Admission is open to any student aged 16 or older, who is enrolled in a Geauga County school (public, private, or home-based) or is a resident of Geauga County, and can complete 120 hours of work-based learning. GGP aims to support students regardless of their pathway post high school graduation, which Glenn Bailey Jr, GGP’s Youth

Entrepreneurship (building a business), Enrollment (in further education), Enlistment (in the military), and Employment (and the compensation that comes with it). “A career path is not always set in stone - it can be fluid. What we think we’ll be doing when we first come out of high school is not necessarily where we will be for the rest of our life. Sometimes what is lost in those conversations is, what is it that you want to do, or how can we support you? It’s not just the idea of having a job to make money.”

When it comes to job training, Bailey stresses the importance of mentorship. “The difference between someone who’s your supervisor and someone who is a mentor, is really about the idea that in order to have a successful workforce development program, you have to see it as a learning environment, that there are opportunities for failure, but also a lot of opportunity for reflection as well. If you don’t give the students the opportunity to process and to reflect, then they’re truly not going to develop and grow in the way that we want them to.”

GGP is pro-Gen Z. The kids these days clearly bring a fresh perspective and tend to have an entrepreneurial spirit that transcends their first lemonade stand. “They’re always adaptable, they always try, they’re always willing, they learn pretty quickly, they come back,” Bailey says.

“We’ve really been surprised at how some of the students have been able to really jump into projects and have that resolve, and eventually, that confidence to want to make an impact. It’s a generation that certainly wants to be more connected to the work that they’re doing, not just menial tasks. And when you give them that opportunity, they’re certainly going to shine. They’re going to surprise.”

Education changed drastically in 2020, and GGP is sensitive to the challenges that students have faced these last two years, including the loss of summer work. Bailey says that the team wanted to be purposeful about getting students to engage more after so much virtual and hybrid learning. “Just as organizations had to, young people had to adapt as well,’’ he says. “I think one of the bigger challenges was that the students had regressed a little bit in terms of communication. There was a lot of focus on the digital realm, so talking on phones and connecting with people, and being out in the workforce to practice some of those skills that normally would be developed in the school setting - they didn’t necessarily have those anymore. So, there’s been a

WHO IS GGP?

Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP), a membership-based, economic development nonprofit, recognizes that no matter the size of your business, no one can do it alone. Since 2010, GGP has been helping area businesses problemsolve, strategize and network with peers and mentors for the betterment of the community. Perhaps none of the vital work GGP does is more impactful than preparing today’s youth and tomorrow’s young adults to enter the workforce, and supporting them in determining their career path, wherever it takes them. GGP fosters preparedness through a number of supplementary educational programs targeting students in grades 6-12, and plans to develop customized programs for K-5 classrooms in the future. The programs that are open to teens include career exploration open houses, workshops and coursework to prepare for interviews and presentations, and direct exposure to employers through the 8-week GGP Youth Workforce Summer Incubator Program (previously known as the GGP Summer Internship Program).

“Giving (the students) the confidence to be able to see themselves in this new environment and be successful . ”

- Glenn Bailey Jr., GGP

lot of retraining to build that mindset of seeing things through. It’s not that the students don’t have the capacity or the capability; it’s just giving them the confidence to be able to see themselves in this new environment and be successful.”

Hundreds of students have gone through GGP’s internship programs over the years, and there are too many success stories to count. Covington lists several examples of different positive outcomes: internships leading to graduates balancing college courses and part-time work; employees who continue their career with the same company for years; and science and tech-oriented young people now acting as innovators and leaders in their fields.

When asked how students make their way to the program, Covington says GGP works closely with student counselors. “Across all of the schools in Geauga county, the counselor is really the first person and the primary lead for the students; they’re tracking their graduation plans and really their progress throughout.” Parents can see promotions for all GGP’s youth programs through their child’s school or by reaching out directly. GGP is

always looking for new partners to broaden student horizons. This year Key Bank provided financial wellness and literacy training, and the national personal development program, Telos, offered additional life coaching. “Ultimately, we want to give them the same experience that we’re going to give adults,” Bailey says.

Every successfully completed Incubator Program ends with a final celebration where students give a presentation about their experience. GGP invites host businesses, parents, family and community members, and gives the student the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned. This year program awarded two $500 Youth Workforce Scholarships, one to Ryan McGinnis and the other to Shannon Swinerton for winning the essay contest. Students wrote about what they learned from their work experiences–successes and challenges–and how it compared to their career interests and preconceived notions going in. Ultimately, it’s about how it changed them, or at least their perspective about their own potential. It’s called Geauga “Growth” for a reason.

For questions regarding GGP’s Youth Workforce Programs contact: Betsy Covington, Director of Engagement bcovington@geaugagrowth.com www.geaugagrowthpartnership.com

Spotlight on Tori Holt

One of last year’s Geauga Growth Partnership’s Youth Workforce Summer Incubator Program participants is Tori Holt, 18, who is currently employed by Ohman Family Living, which serves seniors in three senior living communities and specializes in post-hospital recovery. Tori went to Chardon High School, where she excelled academically. “My counselor at school, Mrs. Blackburn, told me about the program and thought I might be interested in it. You needed a certain GPA and I didn’t have a job at the time,” Tori says. Having grown up the daughter of a nurse, Tori felt drawn to healthcare. “It’s in my heart; I need to be taking care of people and that’s definitely something I got from my mom.”

Tori started the program at the end of her junior year and began working at Ohman Family Living at Briar in Middlefield, Ohio, on June 30, 2021. She credits GGP with walking her through how to feel comfortable at the interview, which really helped. Tori embodies the ideal Incubator student profile. She showed initiative from the beginning. At Briar, she started as a hospitality assistant, which involved assisting residents with basic needs–making beds, providing water, or helping residents to dining halls. She felt happy to be there, but knew she could provide further assistance. “I wanted to be able to do more for the residents, so I asked if there was a way that I could move up in the ranks,” Tori says. She credits her mentors on the nursing staff who offered support by helping Tori arrange to take a 76-hour course known as the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), the precursor to taking the Ohio Health Department’s test to become a State Tested Nurse Assistant (STNA).

Tori speaks highly of the Briar staff development nurses and administrators,

particularly Natasha Vanac. “She walked me through getting ready for the STNA test. There’s a written component, and you have to physically demonstrate that you know the skills, and if you miss three steps in the process, you automatically fail. It’s a difficult test; it’s stressful; it’s time consuming–everybody talked about it. She knew I was super nervous, so she made sure that I got to come in for extra training, and she just made me confident about it. And I went in and I destroyed that test; I did great on it.” Tori has been working as a STNA since December and is now enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the Kent State University branch in Burton.

Tori says she’s learned a lot from her first job, where she has already received meaningful exposure to acute care nurses, respiratory therapists, pulmonologists, and hospitalists. She’s also learning a lot about herself. “I didn’t know that I was going to be this workoriented, or that I’d enjoy going to work. I realized that the only thing you have to do to be a good employee is just show up and try. If you do those two things, you’re going to be successful.” When asked what skills she brings to the table, Tori is ready with an answer: “I definitely feel like I’m reliable. If you see my name on the schedule, I will be there for my people.”

On her plans for the future, Tori says: “I absolutely love my job right now—my residents are my family—but I’m not sure because there’s so many different fields of nursing.” For now, Tori plans to continue her work at Ohman Family Living at Briar

after finishing her studies.

Andy and George Ohman, co-presidents of Ohman Family Living, entered into a partnership with GGP because of their strategic priority in helping youth “Prepare the Workforce of the Future.” “We couldn’t be happier to have partnered with GGP to fill a great need within our business and to help a student ascertain their career calling,” says Andy Ohman. “We continually strive to find the best and most compassionate caregivers for our residents, and Tori, at the very beginning of her career, is exceptionally driven and wonderfully caring. We have been impressed with her dedication.”

Tori’s advice for other young people just starting out in a new career exploration through GGP is to be open, attend all meetings, and keep your eye on the purpose of the work. “Everyone at GGP is great,” Tori says. “We worked really well together, considering we didn’t know each other going in. One thing I learned from them is that no matter where you’re going to work, you’re going to have to work as a team with people you don’t know. Listen to what everybody has to say and take notes, because this stuff will seriously help you with your future.”

Tori feels sure her future is in the medical field because it motivates her like nothing else. “When I’m at work, I focus on my patients rather than everything else that’s going on around me. I’m definitely excited to see where this all takes me.”

“It’s in my heart; I need to be taking care of people and that’s definitely something I got from my mom.”

Essential Behavioral Health Programs Delivered in Geauga County

Geauga County is primarily rural, which poses many significant challenges for those experiencing mental illness or addiction. A few barriers that are detrimental to those needing life-saving behavioral health support are transportation, isolation, and homelessness. To confront these barriers, we provide a broad spectrum of programming, including many home and community-based services to adults, children, and families. Our team annually offers mental health and addiction treatment services to over 4,000 clients.

Our services emphasize addressing behavioral health needs across the entire lifespan of children, teens, adults, and the elderly. We focus on family, friends, and community

support networks as a feature of planned services, with a specific emphasis on a recovery perspective in our treatment approach to mental illness and substance use disorders. An understanding of and sensitivity to cultural influences and diversity characterize all services.

Same-Day Access to Care is available, and walk-ins are accepted during business hours. Individuals will leave with the necessary resources to cope with whatever they face until they have their first appointment with a clinician. COPELINE, a 24-hour mental health and addiction crisis hotline, is available to all Geauga County residents at 1-888285-5665 at any time. Ravenwood Team members chair the Geauga

County Suicide Prevention Coalition by providing prevention strategies to anyone in need, and actively participate in the Opiate HUB which is comprehensive treatment for those struggling with opioid addiction.

During the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, a need was expressed.

Ravenwood Health jumped into action with more intensive crisis support services and the ability to deliver care in new and proactive ways, including Telehealth. Out of this has come the ability to provide both hybrid in-person and ongoing Telehealth Services. We strive to be responsive to our clients’ community needs and specifications. It is our goal to enhance the ongoing client experience.

Active steps include:

• Ensuring all staff members are trained in and practicing trauma-informed care.

• Ensuring that staff provides high-quality care.

• Exploring and implementing services that best fit our client’s needs.

• Ensuring services that promote equity and inclusion.

Ravenwood Health embraces the concept of a Recovery Oriented System of Care. While we provide traditional services, such as psychiatry and counseling, we also offer other essential services such as employment, housing, and social recreation. Combined, this provides needed services designed to facilitate our clients’ recoveries:

• Supported Employment

• The John Murray Center (Social / Recreation for Adults)

• Recovery Housing

• Specialized Housing Program for adults and children experiencing significant behavioral health concerns.

Our clinical and administrative team, including full and part-time employees, has grown to about 180, with an annual budget of nearly $12 million. Ravenwood Health accepts private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and self-pay clients. A sliding-fee scale is available to qualified Geauga County residents. We are a nonprofit organization receiving funding from the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, the United Way Services of Geauga County, and many other foundations, corporations, and individuals. Because of our very generous community, we can provide everyone with mental health and addiction services, regardless of their ability to pay.

For nearly six decades, we continue to hear from friends and family who have been positively impacted by our programs, whether personally or by someone they know. We are proud to have the opportunity to serve this wonderful community and look forward to another 56 years in Geauga County.

Making an Impact

Ravenwood Health has recently been awarded participation in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. A new three-digit dialing code – 988 – has been designated, and is available to everyone across the United States, beginning on July 16, 2022.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained responders that are part of the existing network. Our organization is within this network of clinical providers, and will receive these calls, ready to listen, understand, provide, and connect, clients as necessary. 988lifeline.org

The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005 and has been proven effective. It’s the counselors at local crisis centers who answer the Lifeline every day. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.

Marsh Valley’s Legacy of Excellence

Marsh Valley Forest Products LTD is renowned for its custom millwork, another Middlefield-based and Amishowned small business making a big impact on the design industry, not just locally, but globally. The lumber manufacturer’s custom cabinetry, countertops, flooring and moldings (aka moldings) can be found in such illustrious locations as the US Embassy in Japan, and the celebrated Hunting Valley home of art philanthropist Scott Meuller, which is being bequeathed to the Cleveland Museum of Art. Marsh Valley has been serving local carpenters, builders and contractors, along with the general public, since 1998, and its name has become synonymous with quality.

The business began with the insights of Pete Miller, whose woodworking career began in 1967 with the Hardwood Lumber Company. In 1982, he became the active founding member of Sheoga Hardwood Flooring, where he served as President for 38 years until 2020.

In 1986, Pete partnered with William W Byler and formed a small trim and molding operation, Will Mill Forest Products, on State Route 608. Pete’s son Mervin shared a love of woodworking and joined his father there in the late 80s. By the late 90s, Pete’s commitment to the flourishing hardwood flooring operation consumed most of his time, and the Will Mill Forest Company partnership dissolved. Mervin’s experience and interest in the molding business continued, and Marsh Valley Forest Products was established in 1998 with him in the driver’s seat.

In 2006, Pete’s son, Sam, came aboard after 8th grade graduation, as is customary for Amish boys, and joined the team of about 10 at the time. Before he was old enough to run the heavy machinery, he learned a lot about different species of wood while stacking lumber. Today Sam runs the business with Mervin, operating as Sales Manager. Starting out with

6,500-square-feet of floor space, today the business is operating with over 46,500 square feet (including the production floor, office and showroom), and is equipped to produce the best quality wood products available. Today Marsh Valley sits on eight acres and currently employs a team of around 40 talented craftsmen.

A tour of Marsh Valley reveals a wellorganized blur of activity where safety comes first, and modern amenities like a coffee nook and new breakroom keep employees happy. Because the manufacturer is off-grid, a 750-horsepower natural gas engine generates power to hydraulic motors that power all the equipment. Marsh Valley utilizes in-house grinders in order to custom make tooling to match any design profile for specialized moldings. Wood moldings make up the core of the business, followed by an interior/ exterior trim package. Everything is sanded by hand. No part of the wood

isn’t used: Marsh Valley sells two semi loads of sawdust shavings every week for use as beds for horses, but the walnut sawdust must be housed in a separate silo because walnut shavings are toxic to horses.

Marsh Valley keeps 18 species of American wood in stock so orders can be fulfilled as quickly as possible (typically two weeks plus shipping time). As interior design trends change, so do the top selling woods. Poplar is always popular for painted finishes. Sam has all types in his house, but he especially likes the character grade of white oak. He’s not alone, it’s been a bestseller for over 10 years, partly for its ability to withstand the elements better than other woods; white oak makes for a good exterior door. While red and white oak have been dueling for top seller status for decades, Sam sees the market trending back toward red. “White oak has always been a bit more expensive than the red, and prior to 2009, red oak was the people’s choice. Then for years everyone was choosing white. Now that white oak has more than doubled in price in the last four years, red oak is coming back.”

Lumber prices tend to change depending on the demand for new housing or renovations, and by now consumers have learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to the limits of the supply chain. (At the moment the price of poplar is up 25% from what it was pre-Covid.) The recession of 2008 hit the business hard, but Sam points out that with difficult times came the wisdom to weather them. “We learned to be more diversified with the product line instead of solely focusing on wood moldings, and started branching out into different regions,” he said. Marsh added wood plank countertops and butcher blocks, and began shipping all over the United States.

The pandemic created new challenges in March, 2020, when the lockdowns began, and Marsh Valley was forced to contend with higher shipping costs. Not knowing what the future held worried

Sam, since they had just recently laid the foundation for a new 24,000 square foot addition to the space. The steel had already been ordered, so they decided to focus on finishing it. With Covid-19 safety precautions in place, Marsh Valley opened back up as soon as they were able to find they were busier than ever. Sam attributes that to the housing boom and the high-end customers that furnish those homes with a lot of custom woodwork. “People were at home more, so they had time to look around and notice home improvements they could make. A countertop or an island top can be simple to replace.”

Marsh Valley’s business philosophy is built on respectful customer service to all their customers, at every price point, which leads to relationships with vendors who return for multiple jobs. Sam attributes their success to word of mouth and referrals. “We have found that if we treat the carpenter with respect and get him what he needs, then he’ll go to the customer and tell them to get

your product from Marsh Valley.” They don’t do any formal advertising and don’t have a dedicated website.

Sam seems to love his work at Marsh Valley, and generally embodies the demeanor of a person too blessed to be stressed; Life is good. “We’ve had a lot of support from the community and have a great team,” he says. “And, obviously we wouldn’t have what we have today without the blessings of our Creator.”

The 9th annual Chardon Brewfest returned August 13th, 2022. With 25 Ohio-owned brewers and over 1,500 guests, this year’s Brewfest was one of the most successful yet. Guests were able to enjoy 52 types of beer, our local Chardon restaurants, pretzel necklaces, and live music entertainment including headliner and local band Risk Factor. Many thanks to our several local business sponsors and over 80 volunteers who have turned the Chardon Brewfest into the great event that it is today. This event was also able to give support to the Chardon Rotary, new Chardon High School Weight Room, Geauga County Special Olympics, and other local businesses.

PARTICIPATING BREWERIES

Goldhorn Brewing Co., Cleveland

Sibling Revelry Brewery, Westlake

Voodoo Brewing Co., Cleveland Heights

The Brew Kettle, Middleburg Heights

Blue Heron Brewery, Medina

Flying Pig Brewing Co., Easthampton, MA

Double Wing Brewing Co., Madison

Forest City Brewing Co., Cleveland

Cornerstone Brewing Co., Berea

Pulpo Beer Co., Willoughby Mentor Brewing Co., Mentor

Crooked Pecker Brewing Co., Chagrin Falls

Garrett’s Mill Brewing Co., Garrettsville

Lock 15 Brewery, Akron

8th Day Brewing Co., Chagrin Falls

Numbers Brewing Co., Lisbon

Homestead Beer Co., Heath

Lager Heads Brewing Co., Medina

Thirsty Dog Brewing Co., Akron

Working Class Brewery, Cleveland

Masthead Brewing Co., Cleveland

North High Brewing Co., Columbus, Ohio City, Beachwood

Columbus Brewing Co., Columbus BrewDog, Columbus and Cleveland

Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland

Market Garden Brewery and Nano Brew Cleveland, Cleveland

Eleventhree Brewing Co., Chardon

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT ART SHOW

Geauga Park District rebranded its annual summertime art show to add more NATURE to its theme, and the resulting event held August 7 at The West Woods was a huge hit! Attendance exceeded 1,300 during the six-hour show. Activities included interactive booths, live music, naturalist-led hikes and live animals, while juried artists inside and out displayed and sold their wide variety of handmade items. Thanks to all of you who came out with your families to celebrate Nature in art and support local artists.

METZENBAUM CENTER GOLF OUTING

The 15th Annual Metzenbaum Center Golf Outing returned after a two-year hiatus to the beautiful greens of St. Denis Golf Club on June 18th. The fundraiser hosted 26 teams and raised positive awareness for both Geauga DD, known as the Metzenbaum Center, and Maple Leaf Community Residences. As part of the commitment to help people live, learn, and earn in our community, proceeds from the outing will be used to benefit all people in Geauga County with developmental disabilities, Geauga DD, and their partner providers. This includes the Maple Leaf Community Residences and their efforts to provide quality, safe and affordable housing to people with disabilities. Geauga DD believes in building a caring community where people of all ages are integrated, accepted, and achieved. Thank you to everyone who supported the outing and also this vision.

NEWS FROM

LEADERSHIP GEAUGA

The Spring Heritage Class Graduated June 1, 2022

The spring 2022 Heritage Class, comprised of retirees from distinguished careers in Finance, Engineering, Government, HealthCare and the US Military, explored engagement possibilities in our community during their 7-week program (April 20-June 1). Behind-the-scenes exposure to speakers and locations helped the class develop several project opportunities, including connecting Youth with intergenerational mentor, modestly priced housing and Veterans Services. Pictured left is the Heritage class on Agriculture Day. The Leadership Geauga Heritage Program is supported by The Cleveland Foundation.

Congratulations Graduates of the Youth Institute!

On June 24, 65 family and friends gathered in St Mary’s Banquet Hall to celebrate the Youth Institute graduation. The room was full of stories and laughter as the students shared with those in attendance some of the highlights from their Institute experience where lifelong friendships were created. Local schools were represented as follows:

Chardon: Skylar Duval-Lewis, Josephine LoCoco, Aidan Murthy, Joseph Sensibello

Homeschool: Annalise Klein

NDCL: MaryLucy Currier, Leo Finish, Finn Matheney, McKenna Morgan, Alexandria Nevison, Grace Ostrosky

West Geauga: Emerson Gruly, Brianna Weaver Congratulations

Abbey King, Geauga Co. Probate/ Juvenile Court

Amy Bevan, Dept. of Defense, Marine Corps Installations Command

Ashley Bell, Kinetico

Becky Ohlsen, Lake Health

Brandon Moore, Junction Buick GMC

Christina Goodall, Hopewell

Constance Scheanon, DeJohn Funeral Home

Dawn Damante, UH Geauga

Donald Corsaro, BARTH Industries

Dr. Julie Evey, Kent State University

Geauga

Janna Klein, Company 119

John Lateulere, Redwood Living

Martha Rapinz-Miller, Middlefield Care Center

Minna Zelch, Self employed

Nora Sindelar, Geauga Park District

Pam McMahan, Geauga Co. Auditor

Patrick Culliton, Geauga Co. Public Library

Ric Blamer, Geauga Airport

Rick Weikart, Geauga Co. Engineers Office

Robyn Gillett, Hemly Tool Supply Inc.

Sheila Bevington, Geauga Co. (Elected Offical)

Shelley Lewis, League of Women Voters

On June 3, the Class of 2022 welcomed their families and guests as they celebrated graduation from the Signature Adult Program. We are so excited to have these amazing individuals join our alumni family.

Kimberly Carter, NAMI Geauga

Laura Bartchak, Harriet Tubman Movement

Lisa Milgate, Geauga Co. Job & Family Services

Marla Zwinggi, Zwinggi Creative

Sr. Judith Bucco, Sisters of Notre Dame

Susan Parker, Artemis Property Ventures LLC & HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum

Ted Bunton, Troy Chemical

Tyler Moses, The Arms Trucking Co.

(L to R) Ralph Burr, Charlie McGibony, Carole Drabek, Ruth Cavanaugh, Terry Holland, John Alan Lafler, Ken Fogle, and Gloria Freno.

HomeGrown Geauga was an incredible event and Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens provided a beautiful location to connect with colleagues and friends. Guests enjoyed the remarkable spread of food, drinks, and marvelous entertainment. Geauga Growth Partnership truly appreciates the generous support of the Youth Workforce Development Programing that this event helps to fund.

GGP would like to thank all who sponsored the event, especially Great Lakes Cheese and Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens for serving as the Presenting Sponsors. Thank you to everyone who played a role, including those who attended, for making this the most successful HomeGrown Geauga event EVER!!