LorainCounty.com Insights

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 shifting to meal preparation and catering, and highlights the importance of resilience, community involvement, and a family-oriented work culture. 

Additionally, Cliff talks about his extensive involvement in Vermilion's community and schools, his background in sports, and his personal philosophy on success and dedication. 

This episode offers a rich perspective on what it takes to sustain and grow a family business through changing times.

Preserving Legacy: Cliff German on 41 Years of German's Villa Enterprises

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:18 Podcast Introduction and Sponsors

00:42 Interview with Cliff German Begins

02:12 The Evolution of German's Villa

02:55 Adapting During COVID-19

04:00 Diversifying Services and Community Involvement

05:38 Challenges and Resilience

07:20 Personal Insights and Community Engagement

13:21 Advice for Event Planning

14:38 Cliff German's Community Involvement

19:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

19:58 Podcast Closing Remarks

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 delves into Avon Lake's approach to housing development, its collaboration with local schools, and efforts to enhance public safety. 

Mayor Spaetzel also talks about the reimagining of the former coal power plant into a mixed-use lakefront asset and the importance of public access to the lake. 

He emphasizes the strong collaboration among lakefront communities and shares his personal journey in public service, his leadership style, and what recharges him outside of City Hall. 

Insights from Mayor Mark Spaetzel: The Future of Avon Lake

00:00 Introduction to Avon Lake's Community Spirit

00:11 Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment

00:32 Vision for Avon Lake

00:58 Emerge's Move to Avon Lake and Community Support

02:03 Avon Lake's Unique Character

03:34 Key Priorities and Initiatives for Avon Lake

05:11 Economic Development in Avon Lake

06:44 Housing Development and Community Balance

07:58 Collaboration with Avon Lake City Schools

09:13 Public Safety and Community Involvement

10:46 Resident Concerns and Infrastructure Challenges

12:37 Reimagining the Former Coal Power Plant

15:51 Regional Collaboration Along the Lake Shore

17:10 Background and Journey

18:46 Accomplishments and Future Goals

21:56 Leadership Style and Influences

23:11 Hobbies and Personal Interests

23:50 Connecting with the Mayor and Conclusion

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 by income tax from local employees. 

The Mayor also shares plans to enhance village amenities, such as connecting neighborhoods with sidewalks, expanding athletic spaces, and potentially building a recreation center. 

Further, the Mayor delves into his transformative leadership style, aimed at fostering a culture of growth and efficiency among village employees. 

Sheffield Village: Insights and Vision with Mayor Bob Markovich

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:34 Meet Mayor Bob Markovich

01:01 Economic Development in Sheffield Village

04:06 Community Amenities and Aspirations

07:47 Challenges and Vision for Growth

18:08 Mayor Markovich's Leadership Journey

25:59 Personal Insights and Family Life

28:11 Conclusion and Podcast Information

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 improvements, housing development, and job growth. 

Mayor Kincannon also emphasizes the collaboration with local schools and other community leaders and talks about his leadership style influenced by his background in education.

The episode also touches on his personal life, hobbies, and what's ahead for the Village of LaGrange.

Insights with Mayor Gary Kincannon: Growth, Community, and Leadership in LaGrange Village

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:33 Meet Mayor Gary Kincannon

01:39 La Grange Village: History and Community

02:37 Infrastructure and Development Priorities

03:48 Housing and Growth Management

05:40 Community Concerns and Traffic Issues

07:00 Collaborations and Partnerships

10:21 Mayor Kincannon's Background and Leadership

13:38 Hobbies and Personal Interests

14:28 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 individuals with dementia and their caregivers. 

Carole highlights the use of validation therapy, impactful stories from the program, the crucial role of volunteers, and the organization's future goals. 

LIFE aims to provide a supportive and welcoming environment, mitigating the isolation often experienced by those affected by dementia.

Creating Dementia-Friendly Communities: A Conversation with Carol Klingler

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:39 Meet Carol Klingler: Founder of LIFE

01:55 Understanding LIFE's Memory Cafes

04:37 The Impact of Validation Therapy

06:07 Community Education and Support

07:47 Personal Stories of Transformation

11:16 Volunteer Opportunities and Funding

14:50 Carol's Journey and Vision for LIFE

19:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

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. 

Mayor Corcoran also shares personal insights about his background, leadership style, and approaches to engaging with residents. 

Tune in to learn about the achievements and future plans for one of Ohio's safest cities.

Conversations with Mayor Kevin Corcoran: North Ridgeville's Growth, Priorities, and Vision

00:00 Introduction to North Ridgeville

01:45 Character and Unique Features of North Ridgeville

02:40 Key Priorities and Initiatives

03:42 Economic Development Strategies

06:12 Housing Developments and Quality of Life

07:17 Community Concerns and Feedback

08:05 Collaboration with Schools and Other Entities

10:55 Mayor's Background and Achievements

13:17 Future Goals and Leadership Style

14:38 Hobbies and Connecting with the Community

15:55 Conclusion and Podcast Information

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 safety, compliance, and community involvement. 

Bill also shares personal anecdotes about his journey within the company, the challenges they face in the industry, and the importance of skilled trades. 

Listeners also learn about Ross Environmental competitors, industry trends, and the company's future opportunities.

Ross Environmental: Innovation and Leadership in Industrial Waste Management

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgements

00:37 Guest Introduction: Bill Cromling of Ross Environmental Services

01:46 Company Overview and Services

03:40 Industry Trends and Challenges

05:41 Community Involvement and Legacy

06:29 Personal Journey and Leadership

08:30 Future Outlook and Advice

09:27 Hobbies and Personal Interests

09:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 collaborative partnerships with businesses and other ESCs.

The conversation also covers future challenges like AI in education, Franco's leadership journey, and ESC's goals for continuing to serve the educational community. 

Supporting Education in Lorain County: Insights from Franco Gallo, Superintendent of the Educational Service Center

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:33 Meet Franco Gallo: Superintendent of ESC Lorain County

02:02 The Role and Services of ESC Lorain County

03:35 Cost-Saving Initiatives and Shared Services

05:37 History and Evolution of ESC

10:05 Funding and Financial Management

11:26 Challenges and Opportunities in Education

14:10 Collaboration with the Business Community

18:52 Franco Gallo's Leadership Journey

24:51 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 importance of partnerships with other community leaders, and his commitment to preserving historical sites and enhancing local amenities.

Jensen emphasizes the significance of transparent communication and the role of faith and community service in his leadership.

Future plans include significant infrastructure improvements and continued collaboration with educational institutions to benefit the community.

Mayor Bryan Jensen on Avon's Growth, Challenges, and Future Plans

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment

00:33 Meet Mayor Bryan Jensen

01:38 Avon's Unique Character and Growth

02:08 Economic Development and Infrastructure

03:26 Balancing Growth and Quality of Life

07:06 Regional Collaboration and Community Success

08:33 Challenges and Future Goals

14:15 Personal Insights and Leadership

18:42 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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, and the impactful difference the organization has made over the past 20 years. 

Blessing House acts as a crucial support system offering temporary residential care, mentorship, and advocacy for families overwhelmed by emergencies. 

The conversation highlights the organization's collaborations, funding sources, and the critical need for community support. 

Additionally, Sister Mary discusses her background, the role of faith in her work, and personal anecdotes illustrating the long-term positive effects on the children served by Blessing House.

Providing Help, Healing, and Hope: Sister Mary Berigan on the Mission of Blessing House

00:00 Introduction to Help, Healing, and Hope

00:17 Welcome to the Podcast

00:38 Introducing Sister Mary Berigan and Blessing House

01:47 The Mission and Services of Blessing House

03:13 The Founding Story of Blessing House

06:01 Impact Stories from Blessing House

09:36 Collaborations and Community Support

11:09 Volunteer Opportunities and Funding

13:00 Challenges and Future Vision

14:31 Sister Mary's Personal Journey and Faith

17:26 Conclusion and Contact Information