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February 3, 2012
New Members February 3, 2012
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91.3 FM – The Summit – WAPS-FM
65 Steiner Avenue
Akron, OH 44301
330-761-3095
Tommy Bruno, Justin DeAngelis, Joey Harper,
Jim Chenot
www.thesummit.fm
Public Radio Station – All Music
Data, Lan, Voice Communications, Inc.
7641 Bear Swamp Road
Wadsworth, OH 44281
330-334-4519
Joe Kozma
We offer highest quality communications cabling,
telephone system services & more for commercial
businesses. Estimates are always free & we offer
a lifetime warranty on cable parts & labor.
Dan Toussant & Associates
4911 Leigh Avenue NW
Canton, OH 44709
330-966-8789
Dan Toussant
www.dantoussant.com
Contingent search recruitment services, Professional & Managerial
in Accounting, Finance, Manufacturing, Engineering, Sales & Operations.
Provide HR Compliance services.
Sponsor – Brian Harr
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Posted by Karen Whitaker
on February 3, 2012 at 12:31 PM
in Member News |
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February 1, 2012
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January 31, 2012
President's Message - Debra Lynn-Schmitz
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YEA – Young Entrepreneurs Academy
John Gorsek (Gorsek and Co., C.P.A.) completed his eleven weeks as instructor. Tom Krueger with Ebner Furnace will instruct for the next eleven weeks.
Our YEA students have started meeting with their mentors. Mentors are meeting with each student business for 1 ½ hours per week for seven weeks. The students are working on their business plans and the mentors are giving them one-on-one support in the classroom. Our mentors for YEA are:
Ed Gonzales – Pilot Signs & Designs
Mike Rao – The Growth Coach
Chris Evans – Plastipak Packaging
Eric Shaffer – First Merit Bank
Mark Williams – Williams on the Lake
Mark Dolan - Sandridge Food Corp.
Delmar Jones – Jonsey’s Classic Cleaners
Seth Kujat – United Way of Medina County
We are still seeking volunteers and investors for the YEA program. Graphic Designers will work with students to develop logos and business cards. Graphic Designers will donate 5-10 hours of design time and a one-time visit to class. We are looking for seven graphic designers. We are also looking for six volunteers to assist in developing their basic websites. Web Developers will donate 10-20 hours in addition to a one-time visit to class. If you or someone you know is willing to assist in this valuable program, please send me an email at exec@medinaohchamber.com.
ANTHEM DISCOUNT
The Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce offers healthcare discounts through Anthem BlueCross/Blue Shield. You can contact your local agent to discuss this. There was some confusion when the City of Medina joined another Chamber in December in order to get healthcare benefits discount through another healthcare provider. If you have any questions on this, please call the Chamber office.
NEW BOARD MEMBER
The Chamber Board of Directors welcomes Eric Shaffer, President of FirstMerit Bank for the Medina Market. Eric joined the Board after Mike Miller resigned to take a new position in Atlanta. We wish Mike our best and thank Eric for taking on this important role in our organization. Mike Miller was our Vice-Chair for Member Services. Mark Williams with Williams on the Lake has agreed to take that role for 2012.
RECREATION CENTER DISCOUNT
Did you know Chamber member businesses and their employees can save 20% on a membership at the Medina Community Recreation Center? If you are interested in this program, please call or email the Chamber office for your confirmation letter to take to the MCRC to register.
VOLUNTEERS
Have you been looking for a way to get more involved in the business community? The Chamber has opportunities that will help you promote yourself and your business. We understand that your own business comes first; however, we also understand that volunteers in the Chamber have an opportunity to promote themselves and their business through visibility and recognition. If you are interested in a volunteer role with the Chamber – from helping to plan and implement our programs to our golf outing to an Ambassador for the Chamber’s mission and values, drop me an email and we can talk about what role will work for you.
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Posted by Tina Gienger
on January 31, 2012 at 2:59 PM
in Board of Directors |
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Chairperson's Message - Valerie Rapp
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It is Sunday afternoon, January 29th, and as I reflect on the past two days spent in Dublin, Ohio with the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and ex-officios, our annual retreat has been one of renewed commitment to the our membership and organization. The Chamber Board spent Friday afternoon and Saturday morning on intense training and review of our strategic goals set forth in 2011 and, while many goals remain for 2012, new objectives have been created for the coming year. As confirmed, the Board’s evaluation of 2011 achievements has validated the Chamber’s success based on its focus of educating and serving our investors. Through a process starting with objectives, then strategies, the Board has set high, achievable goals in its efforts for economic development, business advocacy and membership services. Those goals are driven by committed individuals who place the success of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce and the success of its members as their top priority.
To describe the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce Board Members and its ex-officios; “Incredible” is the first word that comes to mind. It consists of intelligent, well educated individuals representing a diverse background ranging from an attorney, to bankers, CPAs, insurance professionals, manufacturing, production and wholesalers, health care providers, personal service business owners, restaurant and catering services, and a business owner in e-commerce and development. Combine that with their involvement through their civic, community and schools; and they become a class of people with immeasurable qualities of exceptional character and expertise. Thank you to all those board members who took their personal time away from their families and businesses to spend 1 1/2 days, at their own expense, to work free for you, the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce membership.
As a member of the Greater Medina Chamber, I would encourage you to please take a moment to revisit the Chamber’s website at www.medinaohchamber.com. When was the last time you took a look at what your chamber has to offer you as a member? Act as if this is your first visit to the site and take the opportunity to refresh your memory. The next time someone asks, “Why should I belong to the Chamber?,” the answer is there. The Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce website is an excellent resource providing dates on upcoming events and meetings, information based on facts, and most importantly, business names, addresses, and contact numbers of the our current membership. Remember the next time you are looking for a product or service or reference, start with your membership first. These are the businesses who have invested in our local community by showing their support through the Greater Medina Chamber. Your loyalty to other members will in turn drive their loyalty in return. Also, please consider becoming an active partner by participating in a Greater Medina Chamber’s “Business After Business” event and attending other education programs. The Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce is interested in the success of your business and works hard to provide reliable facts and many avenues of contacts and connections to assist in the economic growth of your business. And lastly, let’s not forget the capable and professional Chamber staff members who are working hard on your behalf. They are committed to making Medina a great place to live and work and are there to assist you. By placing a personal call to the office, it can open a wealth of knowledge beneficial for both you and your business.
Here is to a safe, healthy and prosperous 2012 for all.
Respectfully yours,
Valerie L. Rapp
Chairperson of the Board for 2012
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Posted by Tina Gienger
on January 31, 2012 at 1:29 PM
in Board of Directors |
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January 27, 2012
New Member - January 27, 2012
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S.A. Comunale Co., Inc.
2900 Newpark Drive
Barberton, OH 44203
330-706-3040
Chris O’Connell
www.sacomunale.com
Full array of fire protection & mechanical services including design,
installation & maintenance services for fire protection, alarm detection &
special hazard systems. Mechanical construction services for HVAC,
plumbing, process piping & design build applications
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Posted by Karen Whitaker
on January 27, 2012 at 12:44 PM
in Member News |
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January 13, 2012
New Members January 13, 2012
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Thing’s To Move, Inc.
6985 Bear Swamp Road
Medina, OH 44256
330-334-1950
Nadine Perry
www.thingstomove.com
Heavy hauling of oversize construction equipment & large machinery.
CleanSlate Creative
5216 Redford Drive
Brunswick, OH 44212
330-220-9138
Leah Karagiannides
Crafting of brand & communications strategies, technical &
creative writing, graphic design, web development, public
relations, media planning & buying.
Dermatologic Surgery Center of Northeast Ohio
1133 Medina Rd. Suite 100
Medina, OH 44256
330-239-4350
Dr. Jennifer L. Popovsky
Dawn M. Ricker
Dr. Popovsky is a fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon. Our practice
specializes in Mohs Micrographic, Dermatologic & Cosmetic Surgery
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Posted by Karen Whitaker
on January 13, 2012 at 12:30 PM
in Member News |
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January 4, 2012
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January 2, 2012
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December 31, 2011
President's Message - Debra Lynn-Schmitz
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Happy New Year! Thank you, to our members, our Board and our volunteers for your support and work on behalf of the Chamber and our community.
On the Chamber’s organizational chart the members are at the top. That is a little different than a usual business chart. That means that the Chamber members own the organization. Although we have up to 20 Board Members and Ex-Officio’s that develop the strategic plan and oversee our fiscal circumstances, and we have staff at the Chamber office, we rely heavily on our volunteers to help us carry out the mission. We have many members that have been actively involved over the years in a number of projects and programs the Chamber has conducted. This year, however, recognized four very special volunteers/leaders that have gone above and beyond in their volunteerism in 2011.
The first “shout out” goes to our Golf Chair for the past five years. Mike Warner, Sr. with WarnerTech.Net, LLC joined the Chamber in 2003 and since 2006 he has chaired or co-chaired our golf committee. The Chamber’s Golf Outing is our largest fundraiser and the golf committee puts in considerable time and energy to making it a success. We know that we compete with so many golf outings in the community but our golf outing has been going on for about 50 years. Each year Mike has reviewed the details of our golf outing and assisted in helping us find ways to keep our outing fresh and fun. Mike has even included his family, representing two other Chamber members, Michael Warner, Jr. with Warner Technology, Inc. and Kathy Warner with Warner Communication, LTD. Over the past five years our golf outing has raised over one hundred thousand dollars to support the Chamber’s Mission. Thank you, Mike.
The next volunteer has been a member since 2009. Kathy Breitenbucher, Managing Partner of The Pedestal Group, came on the scene as a Chamber volunteer immediately after joining. Kathy has been Chair of our Program Committee, an Ambassador, a speaker in our technology series, and has an incredible attendance record at our events. Kathy has brought new and fresh ideas to our Chamber programs and has helped us recognize new opportunities on behalf of our members. Thank you, Kathy.
The next two members are Board Members but this year they went above and beyond their Board responsibilities to implement the new Young Entrepreneur’s Academy or YEA! Jani Davis recognized an opportunity on behalf of Westfield Insurance to participate in a youth education program. In this case, YEA is educating students and helping them create their own business over the course of the school year. Westfield Insurance stepped up to be our Premier Sponsor, making the program a reality. Thank you, Jani.
Chad Wilson, with Rapid Marketplace and Chad Allen Consulting, is also a key volunteer in the success of YEA! Chad immediately seized on the opportunity for the Chamber to connect with the High School and stepped in as Champion for the program helping to raise money, recruit volunteers and participating in the YEA sessions. Chad will be helping to fill in as an instructor and help coach the students throughout the program. Thank you, Chad.
And, last but not least, I would like to thank my team at the Chamber office. Many people think our job is about lunches and shaking hands. They may not be aware of the work the Chamber staff does to make it look so easy. Karen Whitaker has been with the Chamber for almost 30 years. Susan Murawski has been with us 16 years, Tina Gienger for 5 years and Becky Parkhurst for almost a year. The staff is responsible for helping carry out the day to day operations as well as the strategic plan established by the Board. You will see one or more of them at all of our events and they are always happy to greet you whether it is in the office, behind the registration table or moving around the room at an event. So, thank you Karen, Susan, Tina and Becky.
I look forward to working with all of our volunteers and leaders in 2012.
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Posted by Tina Gienger
on December 31, 2011 at 2:55 PM
in Business News |
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December 28, 2011
Chairperson's Message - Valerie Rapp
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The commitment to the concept of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce continues as we approach 2012. It is a true pleasure to serve as your Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the upcoming year. We, the board, are looking forward to a great year despite our unique economic climate. The economy is slowly getting better and, although there will be challenges; our 2012 business plan has been set in motion with big things to come.
I still pinch myself wondering, “How did this happen!” But how could it not? I am holding one of the unique honors in the Medina Chamber’s history. My husband, Rob, held the same role in 1999, under the title of President, making us the first married couple to serve but mine is as Chairman/Chairperson of the Board. As a resident of Medina for 36 years, and depending on who you talk with, I am a newbie to Medina when it comes to his family. Rob’s Great, Great Grandfather came to the county in the 1870s and we actually lived in his Great Grandfather’s farmhouse which Robert Lance purchased in 1914. Chamber wise, we have a history there too. Sid Lance, Rob’s Grandfather, and Fred Greenwood (step father) were both recipients of the Chamber Hall of Fame award and Fred served as President in 1963.
For the past 4 years, while serving on the board, I have learned from the experts with so much more experience than I. These well-informed, knowledgeable individuals make up the Greater Medina Chamber’s board and ex-officios that live and work in our community. They are continually educating themselves not only at the local level, but on state and federal issues as well. As members, the board of directors is working on your behalf to stay informed and is dedicated to the success of your Chamber. As 2012 Chairperson of the Board, it is my allegiance to continue that success for our Chamber as well.
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our past Chairman, Dave Mueller. It has been an honor to observe and learn from him over the past year and, with his guidance, our Chamber has been in goods hands. This secure, stable environment will remain because of his commitment and his professional leadership. My objective is to continue the momentum he started during his reign. Dave’s expert qualities and efforts which he applies in his business have been reflected in the dedication he has for loyal service to the Greater Medina Chamber. He, as well as the Chamber board, believes in the importance of supporting locally owned businesses that employs local people and is committed to our community. Thank you, Dave. The Chamber looks forward to your contribution as you remain as our past chair.
As a member of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce, I would encourage the business community to stay informed and make sure you are heard. Please introduce yourself to our board members when you attend a membership meeting. Pick up the phone, email, or write a letter to share your thoughts, ideas and concerns so they might be taken back to the full board for discussion. We, the board, are here to help educate, advocate for local businesses, and support economic development. If you do not participate, how is the Chamber or the board able to represent your interests? I look forward to serving the membership of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce community and extend my wishes to all for a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Valerie Rapp
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Posted by Tina Gienger
on December 28, 2011 at 3:12 PM
in Board of Directors |
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December 9, 2011
New Member December 9, 2011
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Sushi on the Roll
985 Boardman Alley
Medina, OH 44256
330-661-0600
Ken Oppenheimer
www.sotronline.com
Our quality product is recognized as the
pinnacle of excellence for taste, freshness,
consistency & value for the money. SOTR
Also caters large events & offers Chef on-site services.
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Posted by Karen Whitaker
on December 9, 2011 at 2:47 PM
in Member News |
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