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 community-focused activities. 

He also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with local schools, community colleges, and other mayors to support workforce development and enhance livability. 

Revitalizing Elyria: A Conversation with Mayor Brubaker

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:10 Character and Uniqueness of Elyria

02:37 Key Priorities and Initiatives

03:16 Economic Development and Resurgence

07:19 Neighborhood Livability and Safety

09:48 Workforce Development and Education

11:17 Collaboration with Leaders and Partners

13:01 Challenges and Opportunities

17:07 Personal Background and Motivation

19:58 Leadership Style and Principles

21:30 Hobbies and Personal Interests

22:27 Connecting with the Community

23:08 Conclusion and Farewell

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 their training program, effective marketing strategies, and maintaining strong relationships with community inspectors and clients. 

Brian also discusses personal aspects such as his background, future goals for the company, and hobbies like boating and spending time with his family.

Brian Stack Discusses Growth and Community Involvement at Stack Heating and Cooling

00:00 Introduction and Community Focus

01:42 History and Evolution of Stack Heating and Cooling

02:16 Products and Services Overview

02:42 Service Area and Commercial Work

03:06 Marketing and Unique Strengths

03:46 Team Alignment and Community Engagement

04:30 Measuring Success and Industry Trends

05:12 Navigating Codes and Inspector Relationships

05:49 Opportunities and Competition in Lorain County

06:24 Family Business Dynamics

06:36 Personal Background and Leadership

07:36 Future Goals and Hobbies

08:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 discusses the key role of staff in delivering seamless events and the importance of client satisfaction in defining success. Rachel also touches on the center's involvement in the local community and shares insights into ongoing industry trends and challenges. 

Additionally, she reflects on her career growth, the strong team culture, and her vision for the future of the facility.

Behind the Scenes at the Emerald Event Center with General Manager Rachel Rieth

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Rieth and the Hospitality Industry

01:46 Overview of Residence Inn and Emerald Event Center

02:58 Events and Unique Features of the Venue

03:17 Ensuring a Seamless Experience

06:09 Community Involvement and Technology

06:56 Rachel's Background and Achievements

09:17 Future Goals and Personal Interests

09:42 Conclusion and Contact Information

10:04 Podcast Outro

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, and how Phoenix Counseling Center supports both clients and clinicians. 

The episode also delves into how clients can overcome hesitancy in seeking therapy and the significant impact of building strong therapeutic relationships.

Insightful Conversations: Mental Health Services with Shaina Duffy of Phoenix Counseling Center

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:37 Meet Shaina Duffy: Owner of Phoenix Counseling Center

01:56 Services Offered by Phoenix Counseling Center

03:11 Understanding EMDR Therapy

05:23 Defining Success in Mental Health Counseling

10:13 Challenges and Trends in Mental Health Services

14:15 Shaina Duffy's Background and Inspiration

16:21 Future Goals and Personal Insights

18:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

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, youth mentoring programs, and the longstanding Head Start program. 

She also delves into the agency's funding sources, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of community support. 

Lorain County Community Action Agency: Fighting Poverty and Building Partnerships

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:36 Meet Dr. Shauna Matelski

01:52 History and Mission of LCCAA

02:30 Programs and Services Offered

04:21 Community Impact and Partnerships

05:37 Funding and Success Metrics

06:37 Challenges and Opportunities

07:58 How to Support LCCAA

09:18 Dr. Matelski's Journey and Achievements

11:05 Future Goals and Personal Insights

11:40 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 and CEO, the organization's funding sources, and her vision for the future. 

Margarita also talks about the importance of community involvement, the impact of their strong alumni network, and how their leadership programs address community needs.

Developing Leaders for Lorain County: An Interview with Margarita Padua, President and CEO of Leadership Lorain County

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:35 Meet Margarita Padua: CEO of Leadership Lorain County

02:23 Signature Class Program and Its Impact

03:40 Summer Internship Program Insights

05:17 Funding and Alumni Engagement

08:19 Community Needs and Class Projects

12:34 Margarita's Personal Journey and Vision

20:28 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 County. 

Additionally, she talks about her personal journey, including her initial interaction with Neighborhood Alliance as a parent of a child with special needs, which led her to her current role. 

Alicia reflects on her proudest accomplishments, including the financial stabilization and growth of the organization, and emphasizes the significance of their dedicated team. 

Empowering Communities: An Interview with Alicia Foss, President and CEO of Neighborhood Alliance

00:00 Introduction to Alicia Foss and Neighborhood Alliance

00:40 Overview of Neighborhood Alliance Services

02:31 Building Trust with the Community

03:17 Importance of Neighborhood Alliance in Lorain County

03:58 Partnerships and Funding

05:33 Volunteer Programs at Neighborhood Alliance

06:19 Defining Success and Current Trends

08:29 Challenges in Community Stability

09:24 Alicia Foss' Personal Journey and Leadership

11:01 Achievements and Inspirations

13:28 Hobbies and Personal Interests

14:29 How to Connect with Neighborhood Alliance

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 executive director. 

Rob highlights the impact of bird-watching apps on the community, the challenges faced in wildlife preservation, and the diverse programs, including the renowned Bluebird program. 

Additionally, he delves into the economic and mental health benefits of birding, the society’s various partnerships, and future goals for the organization. 

Exploring Avian Conservation with Rob Swindell: Insights from Black River Audubon Society

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:09 Overview of Black River Audubon Society

01:08 Programs and Conservation Efforts

01:43 Impact of Bird Watching Apps

02:18 Unique Bird Sightings

02:39 Challenges in Bird Conservation

03:41 Community Importance and Economic Impact

05:17 Educational Programs and Partnerships

06:21 Funding and Organizational Trends

09:18 Personal Background and Journey

10:59 Future Goals and Aspirations

11:24 Hobbies and Personal Interests

12:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 empowerment, and civic engagement and outreach. 

Parris discusses how they provide services ranging from afterschool programs to housing assistance. She emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local organizations, the challenges specific to Lorain County, including funding and transportation, and her personal journey leading to her current role.

Empowering Communities: Inside the Lorain County Urban League

00:00 Introduction to Parris M. Smith and the Lorain County Urban League

00:48 Overview of the Lorain County Urban League's Mission and Services

01:19 Education and Youth Development Initiatives

02:42 Economic Empowerment Programs

05:22 Civic Engagement and Outreach Efforts

07:45 Key Partnerships and Collaborations

09:47 Defining Success and Addressing Challenges

13:01 Funding Streams and Financial Support

14:00 Parris M. Smith's Personal Journey and Inspirations

18:47 Balancing Work and Personal Life

21:05 Connecting with the Lorain County Urban League

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 history, its various departments providing health, youth, and community development services, and the significant impact it has had, including their unique 2-1-1 contract for United Way and mental health and cancer navigator lines. He also covers their financial challenges, triumphs like their successful capital campaign, and his vision for future community projects. 

Victor’s personal story of community organization from a young age and his dedication as a social worker highlight his passion for community service.

Victor Leandry on El Centro's 50 Years of Community Impact and Future Aspirations

00:00 Introduction to El Centro and Victor Leandry

01:07 Overview of El Centro's Services and Impact

01:15 Community Health and Supportive Services

03:15 Youth Services and Representative Payee Services

05:05 Community Development and Collaborations

05:53 El Centro's Role in the Wider Community

08:13 Funding Challenges and Strategies

11:31 Opportunities and Challenges in Lorain County

14:56 Victor Leandry's Background and Journey

16:53 Proudest Accomplishments and Future Goals

21:04 Personal Interests and Closing Remarks