LorainCounty.com Insights

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 unique perspective on the entrepreneurial journey and the important role of the SBDC in fostering community connections and business growth.

Business Support Services from Lorain County's SBDC

00:04 Introduction and Guest Presentation

01:10 Overview of the Small Business Development Center

02:11 Funding and Cost of SBDC Services

02:35 Value and Impact of SBDC on the Community

03:15 Unique Aspects of SBDC and Its Services

03:48 Adjustments and Changes in SBDC due to COVID-19

04:57 SBDC's Clientele and Success Metrics

06:30 Personal Journey of Beth Gantz

07:04 Beth's Accomplishments and Future Goals

08:00 Contact Information and Conclusion

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, including customized training programs, recruitment assistance, and leadership development. 

Tracy also sheds light on the strategic vision of the college and its four cornerstones: education, economic development, community and cultural development. She talks about future trends and how the college is adapting to changes like microelectronics, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence. 

Tracy highlights the college's achievement of rapid response to the pandemic's acceleration of major trends. 

Tracy also shares her more than 28 year journey at the college. From a first-generation college student to her current leadership role.

Education, Economic Development, Community and Cultural Development

00:02 Introduction and Overview

00:15 Role of Lorain County Community College in Talent Development

00:34 Strategic Vision and Cornerstones of the College

00:45 Adapting to Trends and Future Directions

00:55 Tracy Green's Journey at the College

01:13 Conversation with Tracy Green

01:26 Overview of Lorain County Community College

03:09 Customized Training and Partnership with Business and Industry

04:05 Value of the College to the Community

05:25 Future Trends and Adaptation

06:56 Unique Aspects of Lorain County Community College

07:52 Tracy Green's Personal Journey and Achievements

12:26 Future Goals and Aspirations

13:30 Getting More Information

14:13 Conclusion and Sign Off

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 their benefits packages to attract and retain employees at nominal costs and speaks on specialized programs and strategies beyond just medical insurance.

Rocky outlines the services his company provides including helping clients with claims processing, understanding insurance plans and providing educational support. The consulting side of Campana insurance also aids companies with staff in multiple locations or states.

Shaping Employee Benefits for Financial Sustainability

00:03 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:04 Emerging Trends in Employee Benefits

02:19 Expanding Benefits Packages for Small Employers

03:25 Adapting to Rising Medical Costs and Insurance Premiums

05:05 Beyond Medical, Dental, and Vision: Other Beneficial Programs

07:21 About Campana Insurance: Differentiating Factors

08:59 Clientele and Services of Campana Insurance

09:39 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

09:53 Podcast Wrap-up and Future Episodes

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, a housing project and downtown murals. Monet emphasizes the importance of community involvement in creating a vibrant Elyria. 

She also provides insights from her unique personal journey that led to her leading Elyria Community Partnership. 

Elyria Community Partnership - Revitalizing Elyria

00:01 Introduction and Overview

00:52 Monet Roberts: The Executive Director of Elyria Community Partnership

01:00 The Mission and Objectives of Elyria Community Partnership

01:36 The History and Evolution of Elyria Community Partnership

02:15 Services and Activities of Elyria Community Partnership

02:58 The Role of Elyria Community Partnership in Business Development

03:40 Elyria Community Partnership's Housing Initiatives

04:38 Creating Vibrancy in Downtown Elyria

06:02 Funding and Support for Elyria Community Partnership

06:59 Measuring Success at Elyria Community Partnership

07:48 Monet Roberts: Personal Journey and Goals

10:40 Getting Involved with Elyria Community Partnership

11:51 Conclusion and Final Remarks

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 how his journey from growing up in Lorain to becoming actively involved in the community after returning from college. Furthermore, they highlight the work of Main Street Lorain in promoting small businesses, supporting community beautification projects, and facilitating educational workshops for residents. Finally, Max emphasizes the significance of volunteers and community members in driving the positive changes in downtown Lorain.

00:02 Introduction and Welcome

00:07 Max Schaefer's Role in Main Street Lorain

00:52 Ed Skimin's Personal Connection to Lorain

01:09 Conversation with Max Schaefer Begins

01:14 Max Schaefer's Role and Main Street Lorain's Mission

01:36 Formation and Structure of Main Street Lorain

02:59 Main Street Lorain's Area of Focus

03:41 Partnerships and Collaborations of Main Street Lorain

04:15 Benefits of Partnering with Main Street Lorain

05:59 Community Benefits and Projects of Main Street Lorain

08:23 Max Schaefer's Journey to Main Street Lorain

11:58 Max Schaefer's Achievements and Future Goals

13:45 How to Connect with Main Street Lorain

13:56 Conclusion and Farewell

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 employee policies, especially in the era of remote work. Phil explains the consequential impact comprehensive legal knowledge can have on the growth of a business and discusses emerging legal trends local owners should be mindful of. Phil also takes us through his journey that led to the establishment of Truax Law Group, shares his pride in the firm's growth and community support, and his approach towards maintaining a work-life balance through coaching and travelling.

00:03 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:57 Understanding Legal Complexities in Business

01:25 Emerging Legal Trends in Business

05:52 Importance of Robust Contracts and Employee Policies

08:52 The Journey to Founding Truax Law Group

11:22 Balancing Work and Personal Life

13:51 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 members, spanning from promotion on their website and Facebook page, to inclusion in weekly Main Street live sessions. She also discusses how Main Street entities in Lorain County collaborate and share ideas to promote growth. Teresa Gillis emphasizes the importance of individual memberships and volunteerism within the organization, encouraging local residents to be involved. Lastly, she shares personal insights about her journey and why she enjoys her role as the Director of Main Street Amherst.

00:04 Introduction to the Podcast

00:15 About Main Street Amherst

01:48 Benefits of Being a Member

02:21 Promoting Businesses and Events

03:22 Collaboration with Other Main Streets

04:10 Individual Membership and Volunteering

04:48 Teresa Gillis' Journey to Main Street Amherst

05:45 Getting More Information about Main Street Amherst

06:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 process. They talk about Bodnar's transition to their current site which boosted employee morale and business credibility. Looking forward, they examine the future of the print industry, the growing need for direct mail, packaging, and signs.

00:02 Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:53 The Importance of Printed Materials in the Digital Age

01:35 Adapting to Digital Advancements in the Printing Industry

03:05 Ensuring Quality in High Volume Printing Jobs

03:28 Changes in the Sales Process Over the Years

04:13 Expanding Business Reach Beyond Local Boundaries

04:50 Impact of Relocation on Business Operations

05:30 Future of the Print Industry and Adaptation Strategies

06:22 Nate's Professional Journey and Connection with Bodnar Printing

07:24 Balancing Work and Personal Life

07:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 include community events, local business support, and promoting the spirit of Wellington. Arntz and her team not only promote local businesses but also provide training, networking opportunities, and resources. Main Street Wellington hosts large local events such as the Patriots Band Concert and the Gazebo Garden Walk, offering fun and affordable activities for the community. Arntz encourages individuals in the community to get involved to keep their downtown thriving.

00:03 Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:52 Origins and Evolution of Main Street Wellington

02:17 Jenny Arntz's Journey to Main Street Wellington

03:10 Understanding the Structure of Main Street Wellington

04:06 Benefits of Being a Partner with Main Street Wellington

05:18 Community Involvement and Events by Main Street Wellington

06:05 The Need for Individual Support and Volunteers

06:44 What Makes Wellington Unique

08:16 Closing Remarks and Podcast Wrap-up

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 such as the business expo, and how the Chamber responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tony also shares the Chamber's strategic move towards reestablishing the 501c3 public-private partnership to improve economic development, while sharing his journey that led him to his position at the Chamber and the accomplishments he is proud of.

00:03 Introduction and Background

00:58 The Role and History of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce

01:53 Benefits of Chamber Membership

02:24 Community Impact and Economic Development

03:52 Major Events and Initiatives

05:10 Behind the Scenes: Chamber Operations

06:01 Tony Gallo's Journey to the Chamber

10:57 Accomplishments and Future Goals

12:45 Connecting with the Chamber

13:22 Conclusion and Contact Information