LorainCounty.com Insights
Conversations with the people shaping life in Lorain County. Hosted by Ed Skimin, this podcast highlights stories and insights from business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators, government officials, and community organizers. What started as a business-focused show has evolved into a celebration of the people driving progress across the county. Each episode is short, focused, and filled with real-world perspective from those making a difference. Have a guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@LorainCounty.com.
Episodes
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 hou...
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 Ma...
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 ...
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.
Carol...
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 ...
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 invol...
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 ...
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...
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 organizat...
In episode 60 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Mayor Kevin Brubaker of The City of Elyria.
He discusses the city's unique character, diversity, and key initiatives focused on economic development, safety, and neighborhood revitalization.
Mayor Brubaker shares insights into the city’s growth, including new business opportunities, housing projects, and community-focused activities.
He also emphas...
In episode 59 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Brian Stack, President of Stack Heating and Cooling.
Brian shares the history of the business, which was founded in 1976 by his parents, its expansion into various services like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, and its recent move to a new location during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He highlights the importance of their training program, effective marketing ...
In episode 58 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Rachel Rieth, General Manager of the Emerald Event Center and Residence Inn in Avon, Ohio.
Rachel offers an in-depth overview of the event center's facilities, which include 6,700 square feet of flexible event space, various room types, and exceptional amenities like an indoor pool and fitness center.
She discusses the key role of staff in delivering ...
In episode 57 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Shaina Duffy, owner of The Phoenix Counseling Center.
They discuss the various mental health services provided by the center, including telehealth, EMDR therapy, and counseling for issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Shaina shares her journey in starting the center, the current trends in mental health, and how Phoenix Counseling Center suppor...
In episode 56 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin interviews Dr. Shauna Matelski, President and CEO of the Lorain County Community Action Agency.
Dr. Matelski discusses the agency's history, its initiatives aimed at combating poverty, and the importance of community partnerships.
Key programs covered include the energy assistance programs, a food produce center, youth mentoring programs, and the longstandin...
In episode 55 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with Margarita Padua, President and CEO of Leadership Lorain County.
Margarita discusses the organization's mission to foster lifelong leaders and civic engagement, highlighting the Signature Class program and summer internships for college students.
She shares her personal journey to becoming the President and CEO, the organization's funding sour...
In Episode 54 of the LorainCounty.com Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with Alicia Foss, President and CEO of Neighborhood Alliance.
Alicia discusses the importance of building trust within the community and the adaptability of their programs to meet varying needs. Alicia also shares insights into the challenges of funding, community stability, and affordable housing in Lorain County.
Additionally, she talks about her...
In Episode 53 of the LorainCounty.com Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with Rob Swindell, Executive Director of Black River Audubon Society.
Rob discusses his organization’s efforts in bird and wildlife conservation, environmental education, and advocacy within Lorain County. He provides an overview of the Society’s history and his personal journey from bird enthusiast to executive director.
Rob highlights the impact ...
In Episode 52 of the LorainCounty.com Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with Parris M. Smith, the President and CEO of the Lorain County Urban League.
Parris provides an in-depth look at the organization and its mission to support African Americans and underserved individuals. She outlines the three primary pillars of the League: education and youth development, economic empowerment, and civic engagement and outreach.
...
In Episode 51 of the LorainCounty.com Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with Victor Leandry, the Executive Director of El Centro de Servicios Sociales.
Victor shares insights on the extensive work of El Centro Lorain, a community organization focused on serving the predominantly Puerto Rican and larger Latino community in Lorain, Ohio.
Victor discusses the organization’s history, its various departments providing healt...
In Episode 50 of the LorainCounty.com Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin speaks with Julie Chase-Morefield, President and CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.
Julie discusses the organization's mission, programs, and the impact of their work in Lorain, Erie, Huron, and Crawford Counties.
Julie explains the various services Second Harvest provides, including partnerships with local schools and healthcare f...
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