So many of our members are out there doing great things!
Congratulations to all of our businesses that won Fox 8 Hot List
Erie Coast Customs & Collision 1st place in Best Body Shop - Patty Rolko & Mike Apelons
Little River Pet Resort 1st place in Pet Boarding - Timothy Tringshes
Equinox 1st place in Hair Salon - Dave Maldonado
Gibbs Butcher Block 2nd place in Best Butcher Block - Jim Dixon
Fortunate Fido 3rd place in Best Pet Training - Ginger Alpine
Michelle's House of Style 3rd place in Best Hair Color - Michelle Mescan
Sundae's in the Park 3rd place in Best Pizza - Diana Hill - out of 158 shops, largest catagory
One of the owners, Doris Young was interviewed on CBS after the Presidents State of the Union Address. Katie Couric anchors a special webcast immediately following President Obama's speech. Other guests that were interviewed include 'Game Change' authors Mark Halperin & John Heilemann, Valerie Jarret, Mo Rocca, and more!
Great Lakes Truck Driving School in Columbia Station was recognized for its positive impact on the local community as the winner of the Growth Capital 2009 Economic Development Achievement Award. The award was announced at the Growth Capital 27th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner in Cleveland, Ohio. It is given to the company that has helped the regions’ economy by raising productivity and incomes. The winner must also create a high level of employment and job quality for area employees.
Great Lakes Truck Driving School has experienced continuous growth since opening its doors in July 2008. The school has added 30 employees, a heavy equipment training division, and more than doubled the student training areas.
James and Doris Young, owners, operate the school according to its mission statement “Our success is measured in direct proportion to the success of our students. Our goal is to provide quality instructional programs in a student-centered culture built on respect, encouragement, and continuous support; while empowering students with the foundation for a lifetime of success.”
The school was also nominated in December ’09 by the Columbia Area Chamber of Commerce for the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, a national award from the United States Chamber of Commerce.
Great Lakes Truck Driving School is located on a 10.7 acre lot just a few miles west of Strongsville. A 9000 square foot building houses classrooms and offices. The lot has a large CDL skill practice area complete with the only shifting track available to truck driving students in the region. A work zone has also been created for future heavy equipment operators to practice real-life work situations.
Plans for the future include expansion of current facilities, a computer lab available for students, and National Accreditation.
The school’s start up was funded with an SBA 504 loan through Wayne Savings Community Bank of Wooster, OH and Growth Capital Corporation of Cleveland, OH.
Columbia Chamber of CommerceBRIGHT STARS 2009 Recognized Independence, OH—The Chamber Bright Stars for 2009 were recognized on Thursday, October 29that the semi-annual board meeting of the Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) at the Cadillac Ranch on Public Square in Cleveland, Ohio. Almost 50 Chambers of commerce across northern Ohio nominated a person from their chamber as their “Bright Star,” to recognize a chamber member who has “made a significant impact on the chamber through membership, retention, sponsorship, economic development, operations and/or education.”Each Bright Star is an active chamber member for no less than two years and is likely to be an unsung hero or a dedicated behind-the-scenes volunteer. There were 30 Chamber Bright Stars that were introduced by Jessica Forsythe, Bright Star Chair and Chairman of the Western Lake County Area Chamber of Commerce and included 20+ year volunteers to newer members, each of whom has given freely of his/her time, working hard for their chambers without any expectations. This is the second year for the Bright Star Awards, and again has given an opportunity to recognize these volunteers among their peer groups, as chamber representatives, board members and spouses were also in attendance. The Chamber Bright Stars received a plaque and trophy in addition to this public recognition.Kathy Berkshire, NOACC Chairman was pleased that this opportunity allowed the chambers and their communities to give these “Bright Stars” the thanks they deserve for everything they do to help their chambers succeed. James Wright of Wright’s Catering in Columbia Station, Ohio was in attendance to accept his award. There was a reception following the Bright Star presentations.All the Bright Star photos and more information will be available soon at www.noacc.org/brightphotos.html
