LorainCounty.com Business Insights

In episode 75 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  John Baumgartner , writer and director of “ Beneath the Light ”.  In part 2 with John Baumgartner, he delves into his extensive 25-year career in filmmaking and acting. John discusses his early projects in Vienna and Los Angeles, and moving through his experiences in various films, TV shows, and significant indust...

In episode 74 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  John Baumgartner , writer and director of “ Beneath the Light ”.  In part 1 with John Baumgartner, he discusses his extensive career in Los Angeles and his return to his hometown of Lorain, Ohio, to create his latest film, 'Beneath the Light.'  The film, a psychological supernatural thriller, is set in the iconic...

In episode 73 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Mayor Jack Bradley  of  The City of Lorain . Mayor Bradley discusses the city's unique character, emphasizing its diversity and industrial history.  He outlines current initiatives aimed at economic development, including the cleanup of brownfields and waterfront redevelopment.  Mayor Bradley addresses the cit...

In episode 72 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Mayor Rocky Radeff  of  The City of Sheffield Lake . Mayor Radeff shares insights about the unique character of the city, emphasizing its family-friendly environment and numerous amenities like parks, paths, and access to the lake.  He outlines his administration’s key priorities, which include communication and r...

In episode 71 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Mayor Scott Jones  of  The Village of South Amherst . Mayor Jones discusses the importance of transparency and the significant infrastructure improvements underway.  He reveals new technology initiatives, such as online water billing and AI integration for better service delivery.  Mayor Jones shares his approach...

In episode 70 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Cliff German , President and CEO of  German's Villa Enterprises . Cliff discusses the evolution of the business from primarily hosting weddings to a diverse array of events including fundraisers, celebrations of life, and more.  He shares insights on how the business adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by shi...

In episode 69  of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Mayor Mark Spaetzel  of  The City of Avon Lake . Mayor Spaetzel shares details about his vision for Avon Lake, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, economic development, and maintaining a safe environment.  He highlights the city's commitment to family-friendly amenities, excellent schools, and low taxes.  He...

In episode 68 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with Mayor Bob Markovich  of  The Village of Sheffield . Mayor Markovich offers a detailed overview of the unique character, challenges, and aspirations for the village.  He discusses the importance of maintaining robust safety services and attracting non-smokestack businesses to ensure economic growth driven primarily...

In episode 67 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Mayor Gary Kincannon  of  The Village of LaGrange . Mayor Kincannon shares his deep-rooted connection to the village, having lived there for most of his life, and provides a unique perspective on what makes LaGrange special.  He discusses the challenges and priorities of his administration, such as infrastructure...

In episode 66 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  speaks with  Carole Klingler , CEO and Founder of  LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation .  Carole shares her journey of founding the organization and the inspiration behind it.  She discuss LIFE's unique weekly memory cafes that integrate music, art, exercise, and peer support, enhancing the quality of life for individual...

In episode 65 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Mayor Kevin Corcoran  of  The City of North Ridgeville . Mayor Corcoran discusses the city's safety measures, economic development strategies, and key priorities for health and infrastructure.  He highlights the city's growth, community amenities, and collaborative efforts with local and state entities.  M...

In episode 64 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with William Cromling III, co-chair of the board and one of the owners of  Ross Environmental Services . Bill discusses the company’s role as a leader in the destruction and incineration of industrial waste materials. He provides insights into the company's operations, its evolution since 1949, and its commitment to...

In episode 63 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with Franco Gallo, superintendent of the  Educational Service Center  of Lorain County.  They discuss ESC's vital role in supporting local school districts through shared services, professional development, and cost-saving initiatives. Franco shares insights on the history of ESC, its evolution, and its collaborativ...

In episode 62 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Mayor Bryan Jensen of The City of Avon. Highlighting key priorities like maintaining parklands, managing economic development, and addressing infrastructure needs, Mayor Jensen reflects on the balance between growth and preserving community character. He also touches on the challenges faced by small businesses, the i...

In episode 61 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Sister Mary Berigan , co-founder and executive director of  Blessing House . She discusses the essential services provided by Blessing House for children and families in crisis—anchored on three key concepts: help, healing, and hope.  Sister Mary shares the story of Blessing House’s founding, her journey of faith,...

In episode 60 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Mayor Kevin Brubaker  of  The City of Elyria . He discusses the city's unique character, diversity, and key initiatives focused on economic development, safety, and neighborhood revitalization.  Mayor Brubaker shares insights into the city’s growth, including new business opportunities, housing projects, and c...

In episode 59 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Brian Stack , President of  Stack Heating and Cooling . Brian shares the history of the business, which was founded in 1976 by his parents, its expansion into various services like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, and its recent move to a new location during the COVID-19 pandemic.  He highlights the importance of t...

In episode 58 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Rachel Rieth , General Manager of the  Emerald Event Center  and Residence Inn in Avon, Ohio.  Rachel offers an in-depth overview of the event center's facilities, which include 6,700 square feet of flexible event space, various room types, and exceptional amenities like an indoor pool and fitness center.  She dis...

In episode 57 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Shaina Duffy , owner of The Phoenix Counseling Center .  They discuss the various mental health services provided by the center, including telehealth, EMDR therapy, and counseling for issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma.  Shaina shares her journey in starting the center, the current trends in mental health...

In episode 56 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  interviews  Dr. Shauna Matelski , President and CEO of the  Lorain County Community Action Agency .  Dr. Matelski discusses the agency's history, its initiatives aimed at combating poverty, and the importance of community partnerships.  Key programs covered include the energy assistance programs, a food produce center, yo...

In episode 55 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host  Ed Skimin  speaks with  Margarita Padua , President and CEO of  Leadership Lorain County .  Margarita discusses the organization's mission to foster lifelong leaders and civic engagement, highlighting the Signature Class program and summer internships for college students.  She shares her personal journey to becoming the President a...

In Episode 54 of the ⁠⁠LorainCounty.com⁠⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠⁠ Ed Skimin⁠⁠  speaks with  Alicia Foss , President and CEO of  Neighborhood Alliance . Alicia discusses the importance of building trust within the community and the adaptability of their programs to meet varying needs. Alicia also shares insights into the challenges of funding, community stability, and affordable housing in Lorain...

In Episode 53 of the ⁠⁠LorainCounty.com⁠⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠⁠ Ed Skimin⁠⁠ speaks with Rob Swindell , Executive Director of Black River Audubon Society . Rob discusses his organization’s efforts in bird and wildlife conservation, environmental education, and advocacy within Lorain County. He provides an overview of the Society’s history and his personal journey from bird enthusiast to executi...

In Episode 52 of the ⁠⁠LorainCounty.com⁠⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠⁠ Ed Skimin ⁠⁠ speaks with  Parris M. Smith , the President and CEO of the  Lorain County Urban League . Parris provides an in-depth look at the organization and its mission to support African Americans and underserved individuals. She outlines the three primary pillars of the League: education and youth development, economic empowe...

In Episode 51 of the ⁠⁠LorainCounty.com⁠⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠⁠ Ed Skimin ⁠⁠ speaks with  Victor Leandry , the Executive Director of  El Centro de Servicios Sociales . Victor shares insights on the extensive work of El Centro Lorain, a community organization focused on serving the predominantly Puerto Rican and larger Latino community in Lorain, Ohio.  Victor discusses the organization’s histo...