2021
BRIGHT STARS
13TH ANN UAL
Douglas P. Braun Dan Chambers Kevin Collins John Copic Dan Creed Michael Daso Lori Drugan Joanne Elchert Billie Federer Dan Forthofer Nicole Gardner SheAnna Garner Bob Golding David Grace Bud Hagy Bob Harris Joseph Hayberger Debi Heiks David Hershey Penny Horton Jackie Huggins-Jones Brian Huston Lisa Hutson Margaret “Margie” Karl Pastor Tim Kraus Suzy Marquis Michelle Massoudi Jason May Tonya Peto Cathy Poznik Laura Radcliff Lou Radivoyevitch Michelle Ryb Jim Sasak Jonathan Schneider Angee Shaker Dr. Charles Smialek, Ph.D. Andrea Sutton Vini Ventura Todd Wearsch Patty White Megan Yoshizawa
An Evening with the Stars NOACC HONORS VOLUNTEERS FROM ACROSS NORTHERN OHIO FOR THEIR DEDICATION.
I
t is no secret that the ever-changing atmosphere of the last year-and-a-half has been very difficult for most individuals and businesses in many different ways. However, the one thing that remains constant is the resolve and dedication of so many people who volunteer in their communities. “Now, more than ever, is the time to encourage and celebrate volunteerism in our communities, especially our chambers of commerce.” says NOACC President and CEO Cindy Holzheimer. “Volunteers are the heart of every chamber. Whether they serve on a board of directors, committee, event staff or even make calls for event donations, they are the unsung heroes.”
The 13th Annual NOACC Chamber Bright Star Awards, sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, held Oct. 28 simulcast at Signature of Solon and the Neeley Center at Terra State Community College in Fremont, celebrated amazing chamber volunteers with a special evening of recognition.
Holzheimer adds, “I would personally like to thank every chamber rock star, staff member and volunteer for their tenacity and dedication to the chamber of commerce industry over the last 18 months and applaud them all for not only keeping their own doors open, but also keeping their communities thriving. Thank you.”
NOACC, an association of over 125 chambers from northern Ohio established in 1995, is dedicated to helping chambers and chamber professionals through dynamic resources and cost-savings solutions for chamber-member businesses. Visit noacc.org for more information.
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Member Spotlights MEET LOCAL CHAMBER MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.
Douglas P. Braun
Michael Daso
CHAMBER: Geneva
CHAMBER: L akewood
L akeview Federal Credit U nion
Area Chamber of
Commerce
Equitable Advisors LLC
Commerce
Chamber of
Nicole Gardner
Bud Hagy
CHAMBER: Willoughby
CHAMBER: West
L akeH ealth
Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce
Doug has been on the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce board since January 1988 and the treasurer since November 1988. He is professional, trustworthy and works diligently for the best interest of the chamber.
Mike leads by example. His enthusiasm to volunteer, sponsor, attend, promote, recruit and serve the organization inspires others to get more involved in the chamber.
Nicole is a very bright young woman who has co-chaired the annual Artsfest for the past four years. She brings fresh, smart ideas in many aspects to make the Artsfest better each year.
Dan Chambers
Lori Drugan
SheAnna Garner
Gallery of Framing
Chambers Funeral H omes CHAMBER: North of
Commerce
Olmsted Chamber
Dan, owner of Chambers Funeral Home, is always there. Wherever there is a need, you will find Dan. Dan supports many local organizations, including the chamber of commerce.
Kevin Collins O rwell Tools P lus
CHAMBER: Grand
Valley Area
Chamber of Commerce
Kevin volunteers as chamber president, greets new businesses, attends community meetings, sits on many committees and volunteers all of the time.
R ussell R eal Estate
CHAMBER: Fairlawn
A rea
of
Lori is a longstanding loyal member of FACC and gives every effort not only to promote the chamber, but also to utilize her membership to the fullest. Lori has generously donated her time toward committees and the board while continuing to be a successful business owner in the community.
SheAnna serves on the chamber’s ambassador committee and goes above and beyond with member retention and attending events. She is a past Ambassador of the Year winner and was integral in helping the chamber purchase its new office building.
Chamber Volunteer
CHAMBER: S eneca
CHAMBER: B ryan
R egional
Chamber of Commerce
Commerce
Billie Federer
Chamber of
Each and every day, John is a tireless advocate and promoter of the Euclid Chamber of Commerce, Euclid businesses and the city of Euclid.
Dan Creed M ega-B yte Computer Services CHAMBER: P ymatuning
A rea Chamber of Commerce Dan is an active, reliable and supportive member of the chamber, as well as other organizations. He also serves on the chamber’s board.
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BRIGHT STARS 2021
Chick- fil-A Mayfield
CHAMBER: Mayfield
of
Commerce
Bob Golding Daavlin
Joanne Elchert
Collinwood P ublishing CHAMBER: Euclid
Sandusky County
Commerce
Chamber of Commerce
Joanne has been a loyal volunteer for more than 10 years. She is always behind the scenes that makes every event the chamber puts on successful.
John Copic
CHAMBER: C hamber of
of
Commerce
Area Chamber
David Grace
Billie has been a bright star for MACC from the moment she agreed to be on the board of directors. She continues to give of her time and staff to ensure MACC’s success.
Dan Forthofer
CHAMBER: Fairview
of
Commerce
of
Shore Chamber
Bud raises funds by organizing marathons for many worthy causes, including the chamber. He is a pillar of the community, and the community and chamber are a better place thanks to Bud Hagy.
Bob Harris
Harris Commercial /R esidential CHAMBER: M inerva
of
Commerce
A rea Chamber
Bob volunteered many hours and invaluable expertise overseeing construction of a much-needed handicap-accessible bathroom in the chamber’s Roxy Theatre. He coordinated architects and contractors and monitored expenditures and quality.
Park Chamber
David and his classmates purchased and reinvented the historic Gunselman’s Tavern into the iconic hot spot it is today. Winner of the best burger in Cleveland, Gunselman’s Tavern also raises funds to support many local causes.
Leadership Erie County CHAMBER: Erie
Commerce
County Chamber of
Joe is the epitome of true leadership, community heart and involvement, not just educating but really teaching the community’s youth. Joe believes in the worthiness and capabilities of people and community.
Debi Heiks
Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County CHAMBER: Oak
Harbor A rea Chamber of Commerce
Debi has served on the chamber’s board for 15 years, helps with everything the chamber does and is the current board president. She has a passion for the chamber and community and will do anything for Oak Harbor!
Lorain County Community College CHAMBER: North
Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce Dan has displayed excellent leadership qualities in every project he leads. Dan has taken on the project for the chamber’s new website and maintains its everyday existence. He has been a loyal board of directors member for several years.
Commerce
Joseph Hayberger A rea Chamber
Bob volunteers for almost every event, donates to almost everything and is a past chamber president. He also supplied members with much appreciated support during COVID-19. Gunselmans Tavern
B istro 83
‘
David Hershey
WCC: Weaver Commercial Contractor CHAMBER: O rrville
of
Commerce
A rea Chamber
Serving as the chamber’s board chair in 2020 required catalytic leadership, and the Orrville Chamber found that in Dave. He delivered a hybrid event experience for the 2020 Chamber Awards program, championed outdoor Chamber Coffee Connections and, most significantly, led the Membership Investment Taskforce to transition to a resource based membership model for 2021.
Lisa Hutson
CHAMBER: Warrensville
CHAMBER: L orain
B reaking Chains Inc.
The Proficient O ffice
CHAMBER: R ocky
R iver Chamber Commerce Penny serves as a
member of the board, but she means more to the chamber than her role as secretary. She has exceeded responsibilities assisting with unique challenges that the organization faced throughout the pandemic.
Heights
A rea Chamber of Commerce
SBDC at LCCC
Pastor Tim Kraus County
Chamber of Commerce
Conneaut Church of Christ CHAMBER: C onneaut
A rea Chamber of Commerce
Jackie is certainly a bright star. Her commitment to the chamber is demonstrated through her growth and participation in the chamber throughout the years — from member to committee member to board member. Jackie’s input to the chamber is invaluable.
Lisa was a critical partner with the chamber on the Small Business COVID-19 Grant Program, Minority Business Directory, Eat, Drink & Win Restaurant Promotion and other Lorain County economic development initiatives.
Tim never says no. He attends all chamber events unless he is doing missionary work or something for his church. Tim always has a kind word for everyone he meets.
Brian Huston
Margaret “Margie” Karl Margaret T. K arl, Attorney at L aw
CHAMBER: B rooklyn
Genoa Bank
CHAMBER: G enoa
of
Penny Horton of
Jackie Huggins-Jones
Commerce
A rea Chamber
Brian is a likable leader who rallies the chamber and community to get things done. His dedication has made Genoa a better place for everyone.
CHAMBER: O lmsted
Commerce
Chamber of
Margie is the first to volunteer for anything needed. Her leadership on the chamber’s events committee has allowed the chamber to expand its reach and impact through programming.
Suzy Marquis
B rooklyn City School District
Commerce
Chamber of
Suzy initiated a program several years ago called Brooklyn Cares to help families in need. She sponsors Adopt a Bookbag, where families receive school supplies. During the holidays, she also sponsors Adopt a Family to help families with gifts and food.
CONGRATULATIONS BRIGHT STAR AWARD WINNERS!
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Michelle Massoudi
Tonya Peto
CHAMBER: E astern
CHAMBER: C hagrin
Cyrus Massoudi State Farm Insurance
L ake County
Chamber of Commerce
Mimi Magazine
Valley
Chamber of Commerce
Michelle stepped up and took the lead on the chamber’s Putt-Putt Tournament when sponsorships were slow coming in, and she knocked it out of the park. Her “I’ve got this” attitude propelled the event to success.
Tonya goes above and beyond helping the office staff, serving on the membership committee, recruiting new members and promoting the chamber to everyone she meets.
Jason May
B obby Jones CSF
State Bank
CHAMBER: L ima /A llen
County
Chamber of Commerce
Jason has been a superior advocate for the chamber. He serves on multiple committees, volunteers at events and puts forth a lot of effort and ideas. The chamber values his hard work and dedication greatly.
Cathy Poznik CHAMBER: Twinsburg
Commerce
Chamber of
Cathy is always the first to volunteer her time and efforts and is the last one to leave. Her selflessness is one of a kind.
Laura Radcliff
Edward Jones Investments CHAMBER: A urora
Commerce
Chamber of
Lou Radivoyevitch
Jim Sasak
CHAMBER: H eights -H illcrest
CHAMBER: M iddlefield
RAD Graphics
R egional Chamber of Commerce
Miracle Farm H orse R escue
Commerce
Chamber of
Lou is the chairman of the marketing committee, facilitates the monthly Coffee & Connections program that he created and is a board member. Lou is a big-picture thinker and is very passionate for helping small business owners.
Jim is the center for activities and entertainment for the chamber’s annual Merry Middlefield event and did a fantastic job selling scholarship raffle tickets.
Michelle Ryb
CHAMBER: C hardon
B uyrite O ffice Products
CHAMBER: B eachwood
Commerce
Chamber of
Michelle is a bright star because she goes above and beyond to support the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce. She participates and has supported the chamber for many years.
Jonathan Schneider H untington National Bank of
Commerce
A rea Chamber
Jonathan, chamber president and longtime member, has shown exemplary dedication to the chamber organization, serving as board chair. He has significantly grown the chamber’s car show during his tenure.
Laura’s presidency on the chamber’s board took effect six months early, but she accepted the challenge with a great attitude and ran the board with a new executive director for two-and-a-half years without a hitch.
We salute
Nicole Gardner on being named a
2021 Chamber Bright Star and all of the award winners.
Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
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BRIGHT STARS 2021
HRCC Congratulates their Bright Star,
Lou Radivoyevitch
for his time, talent, & great sense of humor!
Angee Shaker City of Solon
CHAMBER: S olon
Commerce
Andrea Sutton Chamber of
Todd Wearsch
Chamber Volunteer
CHAMBER: Streetsboro
of
Commerce
Chamber
Angee goes above and beyond for the Solon Chamber of Commerce in her role as a board member and as chair of the workforce development committee. She leads by example for the chamber.
Andrea’s positive attitude and willingness to help with many unknowns, including developing new initiatives during a pandemic, was instrumental in keeping the chamber and board on track in 2020.
Dr. Charles Smialek, Ph.D.
Vini Ventura
CHAMBER: Parma
CHAMBER: N ordonia
Parma City School District of
Commerce
A rea Chamber
Charlie is very active and supportive of the chamber and works tirelessly for the benefit of the students at Parma City School District.
North Summit Lions Club
Hills
Chamber of Commerce
As a newly retired police officer, Vini has thrown himself into the world of volunteerism, and the chamber is better because of it. No job is too big or too small — he does them all with a laugh and a smile.
D uraclean R estoration & Cleaning Services, Inc. CHAMBER: N orth
of
Commerce
Coast Chamber
Todd, owner of Duraclean in Avon, has always supported causes in the community. Todd works tirelessly to support the chamber, including funding the chamber’s college scholarship fund.
Megan Yoshizawa H oward Hanna
CHAMBER: B erea
Commerce
Chamber of
Megan has been an integral part of the chamber the last five years. She is often first to show up for an event and the last to leave. Her leadership has helped the chamber grow tremendously.
Patty White
CHAMBER: G reater
Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce Patty is a fantastic and dependable volunteer. She leads the chamber’s advocacy and finance committees and serves as treasurer. She has brought a refreshing dedication and attention to detail to the chamber.
Congratulations to Lorain County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Bright Star
LISA HUTSON DIRECTOR, SBDC AT LCCC Lisa is a significant partner to the County Chamber, but during COVID-19, her alliance proved to be invaluable in supporting our local business community. Lisa helped us raise over $300,000 in grant dollars distributed to 144 different Lorain County small businesses. Through the #LorainCountyStrong and “Eat, Drink & Win” promotions, our partnership promoted local retail stores and restaurants. Lisa played a critical role in establishing the on-line Lorain County Minority Business Directory as she has always been an advocate for historically underrepresented businesses. Lisa is proud mother to her daughter Avery, an attorney in Cincinnati, while Lisa and her boyfriend Brian are “fur parents” to dogs Allie, Arlo & Hank and Seamus the cat!
Congratulations to Bright Star
LISA HUTSON from the Lorain County Chamber Membership Committee members!
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