14th Annual NOACC Chamber Bright Star Awards

McIvor

BRIGHT STARS

Thank You for Volunteering

NOACC HONORS VOLUNTEERS AND CHAMBER LEADERS FROM ACROSS NORTHERN OHIO FOR THEIR TIME AND DEDICATION.

As the world moves into a postpandemic phase, we are all trying to return to our regular vacation schedules, visiting family and getting back to chamber of commerce net working events. Our time is limited, and how we choose to volunteer has changed, too. With most companies still experienc ing staff shortages, sending employees to events for the day has also been challeng ing. The NOACC Chamber Bright Star Awards celebrate those who have given their local chambers of commerce their precious time and industry expertise, as well as service to their local communities.

“People have a lot of options when it comes to their free time these days,” says NOACC president and CEO Cindy Holzheimer. “Volunteering with your local chamber of commerce not only gives back to your community, but the social contact

of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your psycholog ical well-being.”

The 14th Annual NOACC Chamber Bright Star Awards, sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, held Oct. 20 and simulcast at LaCentre in Westlake and the Neeley Center at Terra State Community College in Fremont, celebrated over 50 amazing chamber volunteers with a spe cial evening of recognition.

Missy McWhorter, executive director of the Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce

and NOACC board chair adds, “As we navi gate through the new norm in the chamber and business world, I would like to share my admiration for our chambers and their members for continuing to utilize those im portant benefits that are offered, as well as continuing to build those vital relationships to grow their businesses and memberships. Hats off to this year’s Bright Stars for their devotion to providing value within our chambers. We appreciate your allegiance to volunteering your time, efforts and energies towards making your chambers amazing.”

NOACC, an association of over 130 chambers from northern Ohio, established in 1995, is dedicated to helping chambers and chamber professionals through dynamic resources and cost-saving solutions for chamber-member businesses. Visit noacc.org for more information.

Solutions that work.

Member Spotlights

MEET LOCAL CHAMBER MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

Robbie Anderson

State Farm Insurance

CHAMBER: North Olmsted Chamber of Commerce

Robbie has served on the NOCC board for eight years. He is the first to volunteer for any cham ber event or project. Robbie is a born leader.

Mary Bond Volunteer

CHAMBER: Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Mary is the volunteer chair of the Taste of Lakewood committee and always goes above and beyond. This year we were short-staffed leading up to the event. Mary stepped up and worked tirelessly alongside our staff to help prepare for the event. Mary’s positive attitude, organizational skills and high energy contributed directly to the success of the event.

Christopher Carraher Volunteer

CHAMBER: Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce

Christopher is a dedicated volunteer who goes above and beyond to support and sing the chamber’s praises to all. He’s a consistent presence through membership committee, ribbon cuttings and networking.

Amy Cover

Farmer & Merchants State Bank

CHAMBER: Archbold Area Chamber Amy currently serves as the president of our chamber board. Just this year, she has led initiatives to revamp the executive committee structure of the board to streamline decision-making and idea implementation. She was also instrumental in creating com mittees for our board that focus on events, marketing and com munications and sponsorships. Amy is committed to making the Archbold Area Chamber one of the best in Northwest Ohio, and we are extremely grateful for her leadership.

Sheila Custer

Send Out Cards

CHAMBER: Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce Sheila has been an active mem ber and ambassador since 2012. She goes above and beyond to recruit, engage and welcome members. Sheila also volunteers at events and sends out cards to new members.

Bob Earley

Rockin’ on the River

CHAMBER: Lorain County Chamber of Commerce Bob started the renaissance in downtown Lorain with the ROTR concert series, proving to visitors and residents alike — if you build it, they will come.

Kristin Endsley

City of Orrville

CHAMBER: Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce Kristin graciously stepped up as board chair when the 2021 chair had to resign due to a job change. She also serves on the chamber finance committee and is very supportive of our mis sion to be the essential resource for our members.

Eric Faulds

Galion Town Money Saver

CHAMBER: Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce Eric is a positive leader in the community and works tirelessly to promote our small businesses and the chamber benefits. His energy is amazing.

Douglas Fender

CoreCivic

CHAMBER: Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce Doug always puts the chamber and community first. He brings such fresh ideas, and not only shares his time, but delegates his staff to help as well. He has really upped our game.

Amy French

OEC

CHAMBER: Richfield Chamber of Commerce Amy served as our chamber president for two years and was an exemplary leader. A very hands-on president, she helped plan and/or participated in all our events.

Larry Funk

Northshore Properties

CHAMBER: Oberlin Business Partnership

Larry’s enthusiasm for Oberlin is infectious. He served for more than 20 years in roles from board presi dent to “anything you need” volun teer. His legacy includes leading a downtown renovation project.

Michael Goddard

Crawford Insurance Agency

CHAMBER: Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce Mike has been on the board of di rectors since July 9, 1997 and served as president in 2002 and 2003. He chairs and serves on several com mittees, attends all chamber events and is always very supportive.

Doug, Mandy, Piper and Finn Hanna

Anderson & Vreeland/ First Presbyterian Church CHAMBER: Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce All four members of the family participate heavily in two of the chamber’s major summer events. Whatever needs to be done, members of the Hanna family, including the kids, pitch in.

Dave Herwerden

WestPoint Wealth Management

CHAMBER: Berea Chamber of Commerce Dave has been an outstanding leader for our chamber, serving as president the past two years. His contributions helped in growing membership and developing new programming in support of the community.

Peter Hill

Pymatuning Fabrication Lab

CHAMBER: Pymatuning Area Chamber of Commerce Pete is always available to help not only with chamber events but in the community. He is al ways searching for new ways to do things to improve something that is happening and expand our membership.

Tina Horn

Key Bank

CHAMBER: Louisville, Ohio Area Chamber of Commerce Tina is the face of our chamber and our biggest advocate. She em bodies the spirit of volunteerism and community involvement and is passionate about the success of our area businesses.

Lisa Hovanec

Retired CHAMBER: Aurora Chamber of Commerce Lisa is a long-time chamber/ board member who can pretty much recite our bylaws. She is always coming up with new and exciting ideas to help raise money for the chamber.

Bill Hricovec

Tom’s Country Place

CHAMBER: North Coast Chamber of Commerce Bill has served on the NCCC board of directors for 12 years. An nually, Tom’s Country Place hosts our four-mayor luncheon, along with numerous other events.

Jim Hull

Summit Glove CHAMBER: Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce Jim masterminded a car show bringing more than $25 million in rare automobiles to Minerva’s downtown and raising more than $10,000 for the historic Roxy The atre, funding major renovations.

Tara Isbelle

Huntington National Bank - Madison CHAMBER: Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce

Tara attends chamber events, is an active board and committee member and cares deeply about chamber goals and initiatives. She gives freely of her time and is a champion of our golf outing.

Jason Jacobs

O'Neill Health Care

CHAMBER: North Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce Jason has given his constant attention to making sure our chamber of commerce remains successful. Jason has been on our board of directors for several years, our golf event chairman and North Ridgeville’s president of city council.

2022 Member Spotlights

Dr. William (Bill) Kegerize

Genoa Family Eye Care

CHAMBER: Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Kegerize has served our chamber for many years and continues to do a great job by volunteering countless hours and assisting with many events and activities. He is a past cham ber president and a member of many chamber committees.

Dr. Kegerize is an outstanding business owner in Genoa and an invaluable member of our cham ber and community.

Wayne Lawrence

Weiss Movers & Storage

CHAMBER: Warrensville Heights Area Chamber of Commerce

Wayne is a visionary, provides guidance, is knowledgeable, fair, honest, a mentor, generous, enthusiastic, a good listener and respected. He is also a wonderful motivator and friend.

Rebekah Lombardo

Andrako Insurance Consultants

CHAMBER: Fairview Park Chamber of Commerce

Rebekah is kind, thoughtful and professional. She is always the first to step forward and offer assistance. Her enthusiasm for the Fairview Park business community — and chamber of commerce — is infectious.

Brad Lubinger

Town Planner & More Than Pens

CHAMBER: Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce

Brad shines not only as a stellar board member but as an active chamber member who utilizes his membership by continually growing his business.

Joe Malacky

Two Men and a Truck CHAMBER: Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce

Joe goes above and beyond and is always one of the first to volunteer — even filling in last minute for our executive director at an event.

Courtney McIvor

McIvor Insurance Agency

CHAMBER: Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce

Courtney leads our golf outing committee and, despite the health challenges she’s faced, continues to promote the cham ber and refer new members. She always offers support in any way she can.

Matt Metyk

LaBella Associates

CHAMBER: Mayfield Area Chamber of Commerce

Matt recently joined the cham ber and took the lead to host our board meetings at his office. He is the co-chair of our important program committee and has worked at tons of events, such as breakfast networking meetings, after-hours events and special events. We are certainly a better chamber because of Matt and his efforts. As a part of one of our member city’s board of zoning appeals, Matt has kept the chamber at the table for city events and initiatives.

Abigail Mikesell

Good Samaritan Society - Arlington

CHAMBER: Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce

The first person to volunteer for any event, Abigail genuinely believes in the chamber mission and always represents us in a professional and personable way.

David Nedrich

General Motors - Retired

CHAMBER: Parma Area Chamber of Commerce

Dave has been dedicated to our chamber for more than 20 years. He goes above and beyond in his role as senior advisor to help the chamber succeed.

Traci Paponetti

The Lubrizol Corporation

CHAMBER: Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce

Traci, board chairwoman, designed our strategic plan tem plate, chairs the Turkey Bowl (a bowling extravaganza that draws 250 members), helps lead our workforce development commit tee and updated our business and student scholarship applications.

made easy. Payroll

easy. Payroll

Process Payroll with ease and confidence.

Process Payroll with ease and confidence

Easy to

Easy to use

You’ve got enough headaches. Heartland Payroll +HR makes things simple with a payroll solution that is straightforward and user friendly. You’ll be up and running in no time!

Support when you need it

Local partner

24/7

You can access your payroll and employee information online at any time and anywhere, along with a variety of helpful tools. Process payroll when you’re ready.

Fair, transparent pricing

Heartland isn’t out to surprise you with unexpected fees and changes. Our pricing is competitive, simple and reliable so that you always get the value you need.

Process Payroll with ease and confidence.

Local partner

Complete solution

There’s lots of payroll processors out there, but your association chose Heartland for a reason.

ADAM BEBA

When you have questions, we have answers. You’ll also have a single point of contact so that you won’t have to explain your business every time you call.

Meet with a local Heartland advisor who will listen to your needs and help you with a custom solution.

Easy to use

You’ve got enough headaches. Heartland Payroll+HR makes things simple with a payroll solution that is straightforward and user friendly. You’ll be up and running in no time!

Support when you need it

When you have questions, we have answers. You’ll

HR can be complex and confusing, but with the Heartland Info Center and Support Center, you can find forms and guidance to help you cut through the noise. And with ondemand advisors, you’re never left to struggle alone.

Great Lakes Region Division Manager Heartland

Local partner

+1 216.544.2322 M adam.beba@heartland.us A Global Payments Company

Meet with a local Heartland advisor who will listen to your needs and help you with a custom solution.

Fair, transparent pricing

Heartland isn’t out to surprise you with unexpected fees and charges. Our pricing is competitive, simple, and reliable so that you always get the value you need.

Erica Phillips

D&S Automotive Collision & Restyling

CHAMBER: Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce

Erica assisted with our website rebuild, chairs the fundraising committee and works extensively on our car and bike show. She generated the chamber gift certif icate program. Erica is generous and always positive.

Karin Reale

Goosefoot Acres - Home of Dandy Blend

CHAMBER: Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance

Karin goes above and beyond her responsibilities as a board member and chamber champi on sponsor. She sits on various committees, is generous in her donations and works to bring new members to the chamber.

She also volunteers for our chamber at the state level by sit ting on the Ohio Chamber Small Business Council.

Emily Roach

Kingston of Sylvania

CHAMBER: Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce

Emily is our 2022 volunteer of the year. Emily volunteers for everything she can, not just for the chamber. She helps coordi nate the farmers market and a plethora of other community events. A week doesn’t go by without seeing Emily coordinat ing an event on our community social media pages.

Jackie Robertson

Dieco

CHAMBER: Solon Chamber of Commerce Jackie recently joined our board in 2022 and has gone above and beyond in being an active member on multiple committees and helped us rejuvenate our programs committee. She also helps at all programs and events.

2022 Member Spotlights

Kathy Romito

Western Reserve Hospital

CHAMBER: Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce

Currently serving as board chair, Kathy lives, works and plays in Cuyahoga Falls. She is always proactive in the chamber and community, offering support, enthusiasm and encouragement wherever needed.

Jolene Sabo

City of Northwood

CHAMBER: Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce

Jolene attends and offers to vol unteer at almost every chamber event. With our chamber having a unique footprint spanning two counties, Jolene has been a great resource helping make intro ductions to local businesses in Northwood.

Dan Sage

Machor Sage Insurance

CHAMBER: Middleburg Heights Chamber of Commerce

Dan has served as a consum mate advocate for the chamber. He is and has been an active board member. He has been a consistent volunteer at chamber events, and he helps foster many positive relationships.

Cherie and Manny Salazar

Ottawa County Pest Control

CHAMBER: Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce

Cherie and Manny Salazar have been involved with the chamber for more than 13 years. Cherie serves on our board, and they both help at every event we do. They are both there from setup to cleanup, and Manny is also our town Easter Bunny. We really don’t know what we would do without them.

CONGRATULATIONS

BRIGHT STAR AWARD WINNERS!

2022 Member Spotlights

Cheryl Selby

Grand Valley Public Library

CHAMBER: Grand Valley Area Chamber of Commerce

Cheryl attends every meet ing and is always the first to volunteer and donate for the community and the chamber.

Matt Smith

RadioActive Electronics

CHAMBER: Middlefield Chamber of Commerce

Matt is always ready to gener ously volunteer his time and experience with the newest technology for chamber and community events.

Joe Spooner

Spooner Inc.

CHAMBER: West Shore Chamber of Commerce

Joe serves on the WSCC board of directors. Not only is Joe a team player, his leadership and drive have brought the WSCC to its highest level.

Brian Szabo

Szabo Apparel Co.

CHAMBER: Vermilion Chamber of Commerce

Szabo Apparel is a veteran-owned business, and Brian actively sup ports fellow businesses through B2B promoting. He also designed a fundraising event for Maxton Soviak, a Navy Corpsman who passed away on Aug. 26, 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan, supporting Operation Allies Refuge.

Kristopher Toth

Toth Painting Solutions

CHAMBER: Brecksville Chamber of Commerce

Kris has led our chamber as president for the last three years during an unprecedented time for our small business communi ty. Kris personally worked with our chamber staff to ensure that our members were supported with resources and information throughout COVID-19.

Christopher Truax

University Hospitals Beachwood Medical Center

CHAMBER: Beachwood Chamber of Commerce

Our chamber operations simply couldn’t function without Chris. Serving as treasurer for the past two years, he has been an invalu able member of our team who truly cares about the success of our organization.

Jodi Turk

PowerMax Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

CHAMBER: Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce

Jodi actively participates in HRCC, showing up to webinars and events, always making time in her busy workday. She promotes HRCC to the community and is a great ambassador.

Jim and Deanne Wade West Main Street Winery & Brewery

CHAMBER: Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce Jim and Deanne Wade are incredi bly smart, kind, giving and selfless business owners. They are always willing to do their part, and they go above and beyond.

Steve Wild Cox Communications

CHAMBER: Olmsted Chamber of Commerce

As fundraising committee chair, Steve has gone above and beyond with the annual golf outing. That event is by far our biggest fundraiser and simply wouldn’t be possible without Steve’s help.

Mike Yeagle

Yeagle Farms

CHAMBER: Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County

Mike is our longest-standing volunteer at the chamber. He was nominated to the board in 1981 and has since been a valued and committed member of the Ag Committee. He single-handed ly takes care of our 20-plus ag billboards throughout Sandusky County and is always willing to help whenever needed.

In 2015 Bob Earley brought Rockin’ on the River to downtown Lorain and nothing has been the same since! Restaurants, bars, and shops have opened on Broadway along with investment in a new streetscape, signage and even a hotel. Friday nights in the summer attract people of different ages and different backgrounds from all over Northeast Ohio to Black River Landing to hear bands, catch up with old friends and enjoy the most amazing river and lake views. Bob and his wife Sandy sparked a renaissance where it was most needed, and it continues to burn brighter every year. Thank you Bob Earley, we hope to keep Rockin’ along with you for years to come!

Congratulations to Lorain County Chamber of Commerce 2022 Bright Star Bob Earley Rockin’ on the River

“Congratulations Bob Earley on being chosen as a Bright Star...it’s something we have known all along”

Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA) has teamed up with Anthem to offer a self-funded solution for small employers and sole proprietors.1 The SOCA Benefit Plan is a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) that lets small employers and sole proprietors join together to share in the overall claims risk. By being part of a large, self-funded pool, they receive financial protection backed by Anthem’s stop loss coverage.