LorainCounty.com Business Insights

In Episode 26 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Anthony Coleman , President of the Lorain County Senior Network . Anthony discusses the Network's mission, services, and monthly meetings that connect businesses and nonprofits serving seniors. Anthony shares the rising demand for senior services driven by an aging population and his personal journey in...

In Episode 25 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Lisa Hutson, Director of ONE Lorain County . Lisa discusses the organization's core focus areas: - Business Attraction, - Business Retention and Expansion, - Site Development, and - Workforce Development. Lisa also explains ONE Lorain County's funding sources, measuring success, and the importance of...

In Episode 24 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Ryan Aroney , President and CEO of United Way of Greater Lorain County . Ryan talks about the organization's evolution from a traditional funding model to a community impact approach. He discusses the collaborative efforts across various sectors to tackle complex social issues, as well as the direct serv...

In Episode 23 of the  LorainCounty.com  Business Insights Podcast, host  Ed Skimin  talks with  Rob Duncan , the Director of  Community Development for Lorain County . Rob talks about the holistic approach of the department in supporting local businesses and communities. He covers the four key areas of the department: stormwater management, planning and zoning, community housing, and economic deve...

In Episode 22 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Julie Cruz-Blair , President and CEO of Leadership Lorain County . Julie discusses the organization's mission to foster community leadership through its signature class and summer internship programs. She highlights the benefits of these programs in retaining local talent and shares success stories and a...

In Episode 21 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin interviews Mike Longo , Director of the Lorain County Workforce Development Agency . Mike explains how the agency supports career development, offers training resources, and collaborates with numerous community partners to meet the workforce needs of our county. The conversation also touches on support for dislocated w...

In Episode 20 of the  LorainCounty.com  Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin interviews Cindy Andrews , President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County . They discuss the Foundation's mission to connect people who care with causes that matter, highlighting initiatives like 'Connect to a Cause,' which has raised over a million dollars for local nonprofits. Cindy deta...

In episode 19 of the  LorainCounty.com  Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Dawn Calvert , Assistant Safety Service Directory for the City of Elyria . Dawn talks about her role with the City of Elyria's Economic Development Department and provides an overview of the initiatives aimed at redeveloping and revitalizing the City and the downtown area. She shares insights into the...

In episode 18 of the  LorainCounty.com  Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Ben Norton , President and CEO, of Buckeye Community Bank . Ben talks about the origins and evolution of Buckeye Community Bank since its founding in 1999, highlighting their commitment to serving small and medium-sized businesses in Lorain County. He provides insights into Buckeye Community Bank’s unique...

In Episode 17 of the  LorainCounty.com  Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Matt Mishak , the Managing Attorney of Mishak Law . The episode delves into Mishak's personal journey, the firm's commitment to leveraging technology, and how these efforts are addressing the underserved legal needs in the community. Matt discusses how his firm incorporates advanced technology to i...

In Episode 16 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Jon Hyman , a shareholder and director at Wickens Herzer Panza .  Jon talks about navigating the intersection of law and business growth, providing an overview of Wickens Herzer Panza’s comprehensive services for small to mid-sized businesses, from business acquisitions to litigation.  He shares insights on...

In Episode 15 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with John Sonnhalter from SCORE Cleveland. John talks about SCORE Cleveland's role in supporting small businesses and non-profits through mentoring, webinars, and workshops. With a rich history starting in 1964 and a network of over 10,000 volunteers across 250 chapters, SCORE Cleveland has significantly impa...

In episode 14 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Kevin Woidke , Client Executive at OneDigital . Kevin talks about how OneDigital positions itself as a full workforce strategy consultant, offering a comprehensive suite of services including insurance, 401k and HR consulting. Kevin shares insights into the unique approach OneDigital takes to employee benefi...

In episode 13 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast,  host Ed Skimin talks with Ted Esborn, Community Development Director, of the City of Avon Lake.  Ted talks about the formation and evolution of the Avon Lake Community Development Department, including its planning, zoning, and economic development divisions.  He shares insights into the services and programs aimed at supporting bus...

In this episode of LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Cathie Leimbach, the founder of Agon Leadership. Cathie discusses the changing trends in leadership, highlighting the importance of building trust, promoting collaboration, and making employees feel valued. She touches on the shifting attitudes of younger employees and shares strategies for tackling leadership...

In Episode 11 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast , host Ed Skimin talks with Beth Gantz , Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Lorain County Community College . Beth talks about the extensive support and resources that the SBDC provides to small businesses, including free coaching, workshops, and seminars. As a small business owner herself, Beth shares her uni...

In Episode 10 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with Tracy Green , the Vice President for Strategic and Institutional Development at Lorain County Community College .  Tracy discusses the college's role in talent development and its strategic partnerships with business and industry. She shares about the college's comprehensive support services, includ...

In Episode 9 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with David "Rocky" Campana, owner of Campana Insurance . Rocky discusses emerging trends in employee benefits, the impact of Affordable Care Act on small businesses and innovative solutions to overcome challenges related to high insurance costs. Rocky also suggests ways for small employers to expand the...

In Episode 8 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with Monet Roberts, the Executive Director of the Elyria Community Partnership. They discusses the crucial mission of her organization in revitalizing Elyria by enhancing the city downtown and improving community life.  She also explains their initiatives which include hosting events, supporting local businesses,...

Main Street Lorain - Building Vibrant Communities In episode 7 of the Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with Max Schaefer , the Executive Director for Main Street Lorain. They discuss the ongoing revitalization of downtown Lorain, the role of Main Street Lorain in this effort, and the unique partnerships and community engagement driving this transformation. Additionally, Max shares...

Demystifying Legal Complexities in Business: A Conversation with Phil Truax of Truax Law Group In this insightful episode of LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin catches up with Phil Truax, founder of  Truax Law Group . Phil discloses the importance of understanding legal complexities in today's business landscape, underlining the need for robust contracts and updated emp...

Business Insights with Teresa Gillis: The Evolution and Impact of Main Street Amherst In this episode of LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin interviews Teresa Gillis, the Director of Main Street Amherst . Teresa talks about the evolution of Main Street Amherst and its mission to support and promote the entire city of Amherst. She elaborates on the benefits provided to its me...

Adapting to Digital: A Conversation With Nate Woodward, President of Bodnar Printing Company In Episode 4 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin interviews Nate Woodward, President of The Bodnar Printing Company . They discuss how the print industry has adapted in response to digital advancements, the importance of tangible marketing materials, and the changing sales pro...

Revitalization and Advocacy: A Chat with Jenny Arntz of Main Street Wellington In episode three of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin interviews Jenny Arntz, the Executive Director at Main Street Wellington. Main Street Wellington was created in 1998 with the primary objective of revitalizing Wellington's downtown. Now, the organization has expanded its agenda to in...

LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast: Ep.2 - Interview with Tony Gallo In this episode, host Ed Skimin interviews Tony Gallo, the President of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce. Tony details the key role the Chamber plays in supporting local businesses and boosting economic development in the county. He talks about the benefits of being a Chamber member, major events held by the Chamber...