LorainCounty.com Insights

In Episode 31 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Mike Doran, candidate for Lorain County Recorder.

Mike discusses his motivations for seeking reelection, his focus on improving office efficiency through technology, and how his policies benefit local businesses. 

He also discusses his experience in the role, his approach to customer service, and the challenges of implementing new systems like credit card processing. 

This episode is part of the 2024 Candidates Spotlight series, aimed at providing an additional way to learn about local leaders running for office.

Disclaimer: LorainCounty.com and parent company Emerge Inc. have professional relationships with some of the candidates and some of our team members are personal friends of some candidates.

To ensure fairness

Visit LorainCounty.com/election for a list of all local candidates and issues. On election night, November 5, be sure to visit LorainCounty.com for real time election results.

Mike Doran - Candidate for Lorain County Recorder

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:37 Disclaimer and Fairness

01:13 Meet Mike Duran

02:03 Priorities and Benefits for Local Businesses

03:34 Technology and Innovation in the Recorder's Office

05:59 Adapting to Trends and Implementing Credit Transactions

07:45 Defining Success and Customer Service

09:30 Mike Duran's Background and Accomplishments

11:57 Personal Interests and Hobbies

13:10 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

16:02 Conclusion and Podcast Information

In Episode 30 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Dawn Walther, candidate for Lorain County Recorder.

 Dawn discusses her motivations for running, her plans to increase accessibility through digitization, and her commitment to modernizing the office. 

She also shares her extensive background in office management, and community service, along with her personal interests in hiking, birding, and kayaking.

This episode is part of the 2024 Candidates Spotlight series, aimed at providing an additional way to learn about local leaders running for office.

Disclaimer: LorainCounty.com and parent company Emerge Inc. have professional relationships with some of the candidates and some of our team members are personal friends of some candidates.

To ensure fairness

Visit LorainCounty.com/election for a list of all local candidates and issues. On election night, November 5, be sure to visit LorainCounty.com for real time election results.

Dawn Walther - Candidate for Lorain County Recorder

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:36 Disclaimer and Fairness

01:16 Meet Dawn Walther

01:45 Priorities and Responsibilities

03:40 Technology and Modernization

06:10 Personal Background and Experience

07:01 Community Projects and Achievements

09:33 Hobbies and Personal Interests

10:09 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

11:28 Conclusion and Podcast Information

In Episode 29 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Brenda Buchanan, candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives, 54th District.

Brenda talks about her motivations for running, her experience on the local school board, and her main priorities, including preserving public education, supporting trade schools, and advocating for workers' rights. 

She also discusses the role of technology, the growth of Lorain County, and her commitment to community involvement. 

This episode is part of the 2024 Candidates Spotlight series, aimed at providing an additional way to learn about local leaders running for office.

Disclaimer: LorainCounty.com and parent company Emerge Inc. have professional relationships with some of the candidates and some of our team members are personal friends of some candidates.

To ensure fairness

Visit LorainCounty.com/election for a list of all local candidates and issues. On election night, November 5, be sure to visit LorainCounty.com for real time election results.

Brenda Buchanan - Candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives, 54th District

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:36 Disclaimer and Fairness

01:20 Meet Brenda Buchanan

02:13 Main Priorities and Public Education

02:55 Impact on Local Businesses

03:41 Technology and Future Trends

05:45 Personal Background and Career

07:40 Hobbies and Personal Interests

08:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

09:33 Conclusion and Podcast Information

In Episode 28 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Kellie Deeter, candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives, 54th District.

Kellie talks about her journey from a nurse anesthetist to a political candidate, her dedication to healthcare reform, and her vision for rural healthcare, agricultural support, and energy needs. 

She also shares her insights on property tax reform, regulation, and business development. 

This episode is part of the 2024 Candidates Spotlight series, aimed at providing an additional way to learn about local leaders running for office.

Disclaimer: LorainCounty.com and parent company Emerge Inc. have professional relationships with some of the candidates and some of our team members are personal friends of some candidates.

To ensure fairness

Visit LorainCounty.com/election for a list of all local candidates and issues. On election night, November 5, be sure to visit LorainCounty.com for real time election results.

Kellie Deeter - Candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives, 54th District

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:39 Disclaimer and Fairness

01:15 Meet Kelly Dieter

01:38 Kelly's Motivation and Journey

04:14 Policy Priorities and Goals

05:11 Impact on Local Businesses

06:03 Technology and Innovation

06:36 Defining Success

07:31 Personal Background and Accomplishments

08:43 Hobbies and Personal Interests

08:54 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

10:17 Conclusion and Podcast Information

In Episode 27 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Nicolle Bellmore Pierse, Executive Director of Lorain County Office on Aging.

Nicolle discusses the extensive services provided by the Office on Aging, including:

Nicolle also shares her career journey and love of books.

Aging Successfully with Nicolle Bellmore Pierse

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:07 Meet Nicolle Bellmore Pierse

01:25 Overview of Lorain County Office on Aging

01:56 Key Services for Seniors

06:46 Community Impact and Benefits

08:30 Funding and Success Metrics

09:39 Future Trends and Adaptation

11:05 Nicolle's Career Journey

15:49 Personal Insights and Hobbies

16:40 How to Connect with the Office on Aging

17:41 Closing Remarks

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 the senior care industry through Care Patrol.

Connecting Senior Service Providers: Insights from Anthony Coleman

00:00 Introduction to Podcast

00:53 Meet Anthony Coleman

01:06 Overview of Lorain County Senior Network

01:57 Monthly Meetings and Member Benefits

03:10 Impact on the Community

06:07 Anthony's Personal Journey

06:14 Care Patrol and Its Mission

09:15 Balancing Work and Personal Life

12:42 Connecting with Lorain County Senior Network and Care Patrol

14:10 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 collaboration for regional economic growth.

She shares her background, personal goals, and interests. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of establishing ONE Lorain County.

Economic Development through Collaboration

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:13 Meet Lisa Hutson: Director of ONE Lorain County

01:52 The Four Pillars of Economic Development

03:08 Collaborative Efforts and Community Support

04:30 Funding and Community Impact

06:05 Challenges and Success Metrics

08:41 Lisa Hutson's Background and Personal Insights

10:33 Connecting with ONE Lorain County

10:59 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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 services provided by United Way, such as the Lorain County Free Tax Prep program.

Ryan also highlights the benefits for local nonprofits and businesses, emphasizing the organization's commitment to economic development, education, health, and community building.

He also shares a little on his background and what led him to his current role at United Way.

Transforming Community Support: United Way of Greater Lorain County's Impact and Vision

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:07 Meet Ryan Aroney: President and CEO of United Way

00:20 United Way's Evolution to Community Impact

02:35 Direct Services: Lorain County Free Tax Prep Program

03:36 Collaborations and Benefits for Nonprofits

04:14 Engaging with the Business Community

05:34 Impact on the Community and Economic Development

06:59 Defining Success and Measuring Progress

07:32 Adapting to Trends and Challenges

08:15 Ryan Aroney Journey to CEO

13:10 Personal Interests and Work-Life Balance

13:44 How to Connect with United Way

14:16 Closing Remarks

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 development.

Rob highlights various services provided to local businesses, such as business retention and expansion visits, connection to state and regional economic organizations, and access to resources like financial incentives and land information.

Rob also shares his background, accomplishments, and future goals, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to developing Lorain County.

County-wide Community Development: A conversation with Rob Duncan

00:00 Introduction to LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast

01:22 Meet Rob Duncan: Director of Community Development

01:28 Overview of Community Development Services

01:51 Supporting Local Businesses

03:47 Stormwater Management and Zoning

04:09 Community Housing Initiatives

04:37 Collaborating with City Economic Development Directors

05:43 Holistic Approach to Community Development

07:32 Measuring Success in Community Development

08:15 Future Trends and Adaptation

09:26 Rob Duncan's Background and Journey

10:29 Accomplishments and Future Goals

11:34 Personal Interests and Hobbies

11:58 Conclusion and Farewell

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 alumni contributions.

She also highlights success stories, alumni contributions, delves into challenges of maintaining engagement, and the importance of collaborations.

Julie shares a little on her background and how attending the Difference Maker's Gala lead to her current position.

Cultivating Community Leadership: A Conversation with Julie Cruz-Blair

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:07 Meet Julie Cruz-Blair

01:45 Overview of Leadership Lorain County

02:10 Signature Class Program

02:43 Summer Internship Program

03:35 Success Stories and Alumni Impact

04:32 Challenges and Collaborations

05:22 Getting Involved with Leadership Lorain County

06:20 Funding and Scholarships

07:03 Measuring Success

07:58 Future Trends and Adaptation

08:52 Julie's Journey to Leadership Lorain County

11:41 Personal Insights and Hobbies

12:09 Conclusion and Farewell