LorainCounty.com Business Insights

In episode 100 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Dr. Marcia Ballinger , President of  Lorain County Community College (LCCC) . She discusses the college's comprehensive efforts to provide affordable, innovative education and career opportunities to students and the local community.  Lorain County Community College has been a pioneer in creating 'learn a...

In Episode 99 of the LorainCounty.com Insights Podcast, host  Ed Skimin  speaks with,  Jim Ziemnik , Director of the  Lorain County Metro Parks ⁠.  He provides an in-depth overview of the organization, its history, and its impact on the community.  Since its inception in 1957, Lorain County Metro Parks has grown to manage over 11,000 acres across 35 different parks and facilities.  Jim discusses h...

In episode 98 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Christopher J. Pataky , the Executive Director of the  Lorain Palace Theatre . He shares insights into the historic and cultural significance of the theatre.  Christopher discusses the theatre's diverse programming, historical architecture, continual maintenance efforts, and the crucial role of community suppo...

In episode 97 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Bret Fisher , CEO of  Achieve Credit Union . Bret discusses the organization's history, core services, and community impact initiatives.  He shares his journey from a traditional banking background to leading Achieve Credit Union, highlighting the differences between credit unions and traditional banks.  He al...

In episode 96 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Bill Hudnutt , Publisher of  The Chronicle Telegram  and President of  Lorain County Printing and Publishing . He shares insights into his role, the stories behind the Chronicle Telegram, and challenges faced in the newspaper industry.  Bill discusses the history and evolution of the company, which has been family...

In episode 95 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Tiffany McClelland , the Executive Director of the  Lorain Port and Finance Authority . Founded in 1964, the Authority focuses on driving economic development through waterborne commerce and waterfront access.  Tiffany elaborates on the unique role and special powers of the Port Authority compared to other local e...

In episode 94 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Jim Miller , Executive Director of the Lorain County Port Authority . Jim provides an in-depth overview of the organization's mission and projects.  Founded in 2001, the Lorain County Port Authority focuses on enhancing transportation, economic development, housing, recreation, government services, education, cul...

In episode 93 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz , Director of the  Lorain Public Library System . Anastasia offers an in-depth discussion about the diverse services and programs offered by the library across multiple communities in Lorain County.  She emphasizes the library's focus on literacy, community partnerships, and evolving ro...

In episode 92 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Darryl Q. Tucker , Managing Editor of  The Morning Journal . He provides an inside look at the operations, responsibilities, and community engagement of the Morning Journal.  Darryl discusses the history and coverage area of the newspaper, his daily activities, the decision-making process for story coverage, and t...

In episode 91 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Gary Tollett , owner and president of  WOBL-WDLW Radio Inc. Gary discusses the origins of WOBL dating back to 1971, the role of local radio in serving the community, and the day-to-day operations involved in managing a local station.  He highlights their commitment to community service, providing a platform for lo...

In episode 90 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Patricia O’Brien , Executive Director of  The Stocker Foundation . Patty provides an in-depth overview of the foundation's history, mission, and grant-making strategies. Established in 1979 by Beth K. Stocker and her daughters, the Stocker Foundation continues a legacy of gratitude-driven philanthropy. She dis...

In episode 89 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Mark Adams , the Health Commissioner of the  Lorain County Public Health Department .  Mark provides a detailed overview of the department's various divisions, such as community health, environmental health, and emergency preparedness.  He shares insights into his leadership philosophy, the importance of commu...

In episode 88 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Dave Blevins , Director of the  Lorain County Workforce Development Agency . Dave discusses the agency's role in serving various segments of the population, including youth, adults, dislocated workers, and veterans.  He highlights the importance of building relationships with local employers to forecast future...

In episode 87 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with Lorain County Commissioner,  Jeff Riddell . He discusses his vision for the county's future, key initiatives, and the importance of strategic planning.  He shares insights into economic development efforts, including the ambitious 1000-acre mega-site project aimed at revitalizing local manufacturing.  Commissio...

In episode 86 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Michael Shaikh , author of “ The Last Sweet Bite ”. He discusses his journey from growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, to documenting human rights abuses in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Myanmar.  Michael talks about how his multicultural upbringing and personal experiences shaped his career in human rights.  He s...

In episode 85 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham  of  Lorain City Schools . He discusses his background, the character of the school district, and the priorities and initiatives currently in focus, including tackling chronic absenteeism.  Superintendent Graham highlights the importance of creating a nurturing and safe school enviro...

In episode 84 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Tammy Bertrand , Executive Director of  Family Planning Services . Tammy provides an overview of their organization, which has been serving the community since 1969. She discusses the wide range of services they offer, such as birth control options, cancer screenings, and overall physical exams, particularly for u...

In episode 83 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Paul Baumgartner , Executive Director of the  Lorain County Free Clinic .  Paul provides an insightful overview of the clinic's history, services, and mission.  The clinic has evolved to serve uninsured and underinsured individuals in Northern Ohio.  Paul discusses the various healthcare services offered, from...

In episode 82 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Superintendent Dr. Glenn Faircloth  and Treasurer and CFO,  Cory Thompson  of  Lorain County Joint Vocational School (JVS) . They provide a deep dive into the unique characteristics, priorities, and achievements of the JVS.  They discuss the critical role JVS plays in workforce development, collaboration with loca...

In episode 81 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Roger Dorsey , founder and president of  Good Knights . He discusses the nonprofit's mission to provide beds to underserved children, veterans, and seniors in Lorain County.  Roger shares his personal story that inspired the creation of Good Knights, the impact the organization has had since its inception in 2...

In episode 80 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Superintendent Roxann Caserio  of  North Ridgeville City Schools . She discusses the unique character and ongoing growth of the district.  Superintendent Caserio highlights the construction of a new state-of-the-art high school and maintenance facility as key developments, emphasizing the promise they bring for th...

In episode 79 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Dr. Alexander Zolli , wellness advisor at  Lorain County Community College . He shares his extensive experience and contributions in the medical field. Dr. Zolli discusses the pilot program he initiated at the college under Dr. Marcia Ballinger's directives, aimed at providing clinical insights to health scien...

In episode 78 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Superintendent Michael Zalar  of  Avon Local Schools . Superintendent Zalar discusses the unique qualities of his school district, the focus on student-centered education, and the importance of community support.  He outlines his strategic plans for the district, which include updating the master facilities plan a...

In episode 77 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Chelsea Freeman-Yates , Executive Director of the  Children and Families First Council of Lorain County . Chelsea provides an insightful overview of the council's mission, structure, and services.  She discusses the council's collaborative efforts to tackle barriers faced by multi-system youth and their fa...

In episode 76 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Superintendent Joelle Magyar  of  Avon Lake City Schools . Superintendent Magyar shares her perspective on what makes the district unique and discusses various initiatives and priorities.  She highlights the construction of a new middle school, addressing students' mental health post-COVID, supporting teachers...