Recognizing those who improve our communities
On behalf of everyone at Medical Mutual, along with our co-founding partner, Smart Business, we welcome you to the 20th annual Pillar Awards for Community Service.
For two decades, we have honored many great companies and organizations whose employees have gone above and beyond to invest their time and resources in supporting our community. At Medical Mutual, we strive to live up to that responsibility in everything we do and have a strong commitment to improving Cleveland and the communities that we serve.
One of the Pillar Awards that will be presented is a special honor given to a company whose employees best exemplify the values of Medical Mutual’s own Employee SHARE Program. SHARE stands for serve, help, aid, reach and educate.
What started as a small committee of generous employees more than 21 years ago has grown to become the heart and soul of Medical Mutual’s charitable giving effort. Today, through employee-led volunteer projects, SHARE committees in each of our business resource groups and our new volunteer paid-time-off initiative, every one of the company’s 2,400 employees has the opportunity to engage in numerous community events each year.
It’s truly an honor to be in the company of such outstanding organizations that exemplify the theme of “improving the communities we serve” by encouraging a charitable environment and directly supporting the communities in which they live and work. On behalf of Medical Mutual and Smart Business, we congratulate all our 2017 Pillar Award recipients.
Rick Chiricosta
Chairman, president and CEO
Medical Mutual of Ohio
www.medmutual.com
Pillar Award Honorees
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Carlos Hungria, COO
www.bendix.com
Social responsibility is deeply rooted in the corporate values at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, says Jeff Griffiths, executive director at HandsOn Northeast Ohio.
“We have been fortunate to partner with Bendix since 2013, when we became the volunteer center out of the United Way of Greater Lorain County,” Griffiths says. “In that time, we have seen directly a commitment to employee volunteerism.”
In 2017, Bendix engaged employees in wide range of projects through its partnership with HandsOn Northeast Ohio. This included work benefiting the Friendship Animal Protective League, Valor Home of Lorain County and Ohio Veterans Homes.
There was also an environmental commitment made by the company’s internal Green Team, which drew volunteer support for Cascade Park in Elyria, where Bendix is based. In addition, Bendix hosted a volunteer fair for its employees to learn about and connect with local organizations in need.
Through the leadership of COO Carlos Hungria, Bendix also connects its corporate values of safety and expertise in science, technology, engineering and math to engage local students in Elyria.
Bendix is a community leader in giving back and engaging in corporate social responsibility efforts that are thoughtful, strategic and provide for increased employee satisfaction with external, targeted results. This has enabled the company to build a strong partnership with organizations such as HandsOn Northeast Ohio and the United Way of Greater Lorain County. ●
Bravo Wellness
James Pshock, founder and CEO
www.bravowell.com
Bravo Wellness takes great pride in each unique step James Pshock takes toward serving the community the company calls home. He has shown his team what leadership looks like even when no one is watching. And he has demonstrated his commitment to this effort by continuing to lead while grieving the recent loss of his dear friend, mentor and father, Richard Pshock.
James Pshock founded Bravo Wellness in 2008, and continues to serve as CEO. As a visionary with a deep understanding of wellness regulations, he has developed and executed an innovative business concept to address an underserved niche market. He is a passionate and energetic entrepreneurial leader with more than 26 years of experience in employee health and benefits.
Bravo Wellness demonstrates diverse industry and functional expertise with a tenacious commitment to providing exceptional service and value. It leads to growing market share, as well as volunteerism and generous giving within Greater Cleveland.
There are six core values Bravo team members strive to follow each day: Serving others, doing what is right, tenacious problem solving, seeking and applying knowledge, and supporting each other and building community.
It’s all part of the effort to make a difference. That message is further reinforced through a company-wide competition called Bravo Games. This series of fundraising Olympics was borne out of Pshock’s desire to help others and have fun while doing so. ●
Ganley Auto Group
Kenneth Ganley, president and CEO
www.ganleyauto.com
Ganley Auto Group and Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio began partnering eight years ago to promote the Komen Northeast Ohio Cleveland Race for the Cure. Ganley wanted to do more to support breast cancer survivors and assist them in their fight against the disease.
In addition, the company was touched on a personal level through its own employees who were fighting breast cancer.
Led by President and CEO Kenneth Ganley, the company swung into action. The business rallied behind all breast cancer survivors in Northeast Ohio, as well as their families, and began supporting the Race. This included fundraising, participation and the contribution of gifts to survivors on race day.
In each year of Komen Northeast Ohio’s partnership with Ganley, the company has put together a gift package for each survivor attending the Race for the Cure to provide them with a memorable day of celebration for another year of survivorship. In 2016, Ganley stepped up its commitment by agreeing to become the Power of Pink Sponsor for October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Ganley took a key leadership role through both sponsorship and participation in Komen’s Pink Tie Guys and Pinktacular Gala events. Pink Tie Guys, a men’s fundraising event to support women’s health in Northeast Ohio, has raised almost $250,000 in its first four years of existence and attracts the most influential pacesetters in the Cleveland area. ●
JOANN
Jill Soltau, president and CEO
www.joann.com
JOANN debuted a new look and logo this summer, but its core mission remains the same: to inspire the creativity in everyone.
Led by President and CEO Jill Soltau, the fabric and craft retailer has aligned with several national organizations that represent communities in need of assistance in the areas of education, health and support for service members and their families.
One of the strongest partnerships is with Kids In Need Foundation, through which JOANN gives back to children and teachers at both a local and national level. The impact of this work can be seen across the country and in Cleveland.
In the past few years, JOANN has given more than $150 million in school supplies to KINF through its store discard program. Each of the company’s 870 stores across the U.S. works with a KINF affiliate to donate clearanced-out supplies to a regional resource center, or to a local underserved school or organization, such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
JOANN also raises funds through coin box collections in all stores each summer. The funds collected go toward covering costs for teacher supply boxes each year, as well as toward the KINF Second Responder program, which helps classrooms recover after natural disasters like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Education for all is critical and JOANN is committed to furthering that effort both locally and nationally. ●
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
Matt Kaulig, CEO
www.leaffilter.com
LeafFilter Gutter Protection, led by CEO Matt Kaulig, has thrown its support behind both local and national philanthropic organizations. Kaulig’s involvement with the local community has empowered the company’s employees to give back. And with 43 offices and over 1,500 employees across the country, the sentiment has spread nationwide.
LeafFilter establishes projects in the communities in which it operates either by working with local organizations or by developing relationships with the community. For example, Kaulig is a founding member of Santa PICsU, a nonprofit that gives to children and families in traumatic situations. The LeafFilter team works with the Pediatric Intensive Care Units to find children and parents who are most in need of the healing power of giving.
The Santa PICsU organization has two annual events that focus on raising money for those in need. At the most recent Christmas in July barbecue, the LeafFilter team raised more than $100,000 that went toward funding weigh beds for Akron Children’s Hospital, as well as a complete renovation for the PICU waiting room.
LeafFilter also supports Akron Children’s Hospital’s Walk for Babies, and its generous donations have had an incredible impact on the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.
The company’s generosity also extends to local organizations, such as Hudson Youth Football and Cheerleading, and Keep Akron Beautiful, as well as national organizations like the Make-A-Wish and Marine Corps Scholarship foundations. ●
Lorain County Community College Foundation
Marcia Ballinger, president
www.lcccfoundation.org
The Lorain County Community College Foundation, headed by President Marcia Ballinger, supports the mission and vision of LCCC, working with it to further strategic priorities and partner with many community agencies in Lorain County and the region.
The foundation allocates over $700,000 annually in support of students, funding initiatives such as the MyUniversity program, which offers students the opportunity to graduate high school with both an associate degree and a high school diploma free of charge, with scholarship funds provided to finish a bachelor’s degree at LCCC.
Students Accelerating in Learning helps low-income, first-time, full-time college students focus on their studies by providing personalized career planning advice, free tuition, food gift cards, textbook vouchers and college tutoring services.
To help the college provide lifelong access to quality programming, the foundation supports The Stocker Arts Center at LCCC, a top performing arts venue to which it has allocated more than $150,000 for 2017-2018. It also supports The Academy for Lifelong Learning that offers non-credit programming for those ages 50 and older.
To further innovation as a means to create new jobs and grow the regional economy, the foundation supports the Innovation Fund Northeast Ohio, which provides pre-seed funding and expert industry advice to entrepreneurs in the region. The fund has provided $12.06 million through 225 awards to the region and generated $339 million in follow-on funding. ●
National Automotive Experts
Kelly Price, CEO
www.naenwan.com
National Automotive Experts’ approach and philosophy regarding community service starts with the belief that it is incumbent upon the company to help people grow and prosper. By helping those in need with the gifts God has given, it helps many become happy, healthy humans.
A few years ago, National Automotive Experts’ CEO Kelly Price set the goal of donating $1 million to the Cleveland Christian Home. That goal has been surpassed and she’s still going.
The company has donated its time and financial support to the Cleveland Christian Home in many areas. National Automotive Experts have provided school uniforms, put a new roof on its building, provided Christmas gifts to more than 40 children, and helped prepare for the holidays by wrapping, sorting and purchasing gifts every Saturday and Sunday in December.
The company supports the Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation by sponsoring an entire program that helps less fortunate children get counseling, support and guidance. This aims to set them on the path toward leading productive lives and help get them accepted into some of the best colleges.
This year, the company volunteered during the Cleveland Christian Home Walk and Run for the Kids, and collected and shipped disaster relief items to hurricane victims.
In addition, the company has provided financial support for organizations that include Megan Littlejohn Foundation, Safe Nest and Susan G. Komen, among others. ●
Nestlé USA
Jeff Hamilton, president, Food Division
www.nestleusa.com
For Nestlé USA, one key area of focus in Cleveland has been supporting youth to engage and educate them on healthy living and sustainability.
Through its Adopt-a-School program, Nestlé has proudly sponsored Barack Obama Elementary School in Maple Heights and Andrew J. Rickoff Elementary School in Cleveland for more than 20 years, providing mentorship and monetary donations each year. Nestlé employees act as positive role models and aid in increasing academic achievement and motivation for long-term impact on more than 1,000 children in the Greater Cleveland area.
Jeff Hamilton, president of the Food Division for Nestlé USA, has led Nestlé’s Cleveland team in community engagement, volunteering at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and leading Nestlé financial contributions to support the food bank’s work.
For the past three years, Nestlé has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to sponsor its National Fitness Competition. On a local level, Nestlé’s Solon campus and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland have come together for this bi-annual National Fitness Competition, engaging hundreds of youth and dozens of Nestlé volunteers.
Nestlé employees have also been generous with their financial contributions. Last year, through its Community Care Campaign, employees contributed over $200,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland and Nestlé’s Adopt-A-School program. These funds were matched at 100 percent by the Nestlé USA Foundation. ●
Oatey Company
Neal Restivo, CEO
www.oatey.com
Oatey Company, a 100-year old, fourth generation family-owned business based in Cleveland, manufactures and distributes more than 6,000 products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries.
Operating on the premise of delivering quality, building trust and improving lives, the latter principle applies not only to its internal associates, but also to their families and the community.
Oatey, led by CEO Neal Restivo, serves the community in many ways. The company encourages its senior leaders to serve as board members for nonprofits. Additionally, it provides significant financial support and volunteer hours to a number of Northeast Ohio organizations, including nonprofits and workforce development agencies.
For example, Oatey supports United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland and has been a proud partner of UCP of Greater Cleveland for more than 20 years. For 15 years, its Cleveland manufacturing operation has employed adults who are enrolled in the UCP program, and more than half of the UCP/Oatey workforce has been with Oatey for more than 10 years. The company currently employs 22 UCP associates.
The company also supports the United Way of Greater Cleveland and is a United Way Pacesetter company that annually conducts a golf outing to raise money for the organization.
Additionally, the company aids refugee/newcomer resettlement agencies, including Catholic Charities, the U.S. committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Building Hope in the City and US Together. Oatey currently employs more than 50 refugees in Cleveland. ●
The Sherwin-Williams Company
John G. Morikis, CEO
www.sherwin-williams.com
Over the years, The Sherwin-Williams Company and the American Cancer Society have become incredible partners. Because of its generosity, the American Cancer Society has raised funds to provide programs and services to cancer patients and their families, and life-saving research.
Two Sherwin-Williams employees, Jason Woods and Elizabeth LiBassi, lead the way through their work with the American Cancer Society.
Woods is a member of the American Cancer Society’s Greater Cleveland Volunteer Leadership Council and is an active member of the planning committee for the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, the finish line for which was the company’s Breen Technology Center.
In 2016, LiBassi was crucial to the success of Sherwin-Williams’ Relay For Life of Downtown Cleveland, as well as its Pan Ohio Hope Ride. She served as the Sherwin-Williams captain to a team of over 70 members at the Relay For Life event and rode her bicycle for a full day of the Pan Ohio Hope Ride with the Sherwin-Williams team, which together helped raise $10,000 each year for the society.
Sherwin-Williams, its CEO John G. Morikis and its employees have continued to grow with the American Cancer Society. Over the last six years, Sherwin-Williams and its employees have participated in Relay For Life events, the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events, and have donated through payroll deduction campaigns, matching gifts and corporate giving. ●
Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year Award
Sheila Dunn, president and CEO
Easter Seals Northern Ohio
www.easterseals.com/noh
Sheila Dunn has spent nearly a lifetime advocating for children and adults with disabilities, taking on roles that range from camp counselor to president and CEO at Easter Seals Northern Ohio.
She has testified and met with Ohio’s elected officials about issues that impact services for seniors and those with disabilities. She engages the board and staff at Easter Seals to do the same and make their voices be heard.
In her 25 years in Northern Ohio, Dunn has put more than 650,000 miles on four cars. Fortunately, Dunn tends to do her best thinking behind the wheel. The advent of technology makes taking notes and driving a real help to keep up with her busy schedule.
Initially, she worked in Northeast Ohio’s 12-county area. However, 11 years ago, a merger occurred between the northeast and northwest affiliates to create a new territory that covers 27 counties.
The merger presented a challenge in terms of advancing the capacity of the new, larger organization. Worn out technology, dilapidated office environments, too many staffers and $1 million in debt faced the board and staff.
With hard work by both groups and generous philanthropy available to attack a number of these issues, the debt was solved by 2015. By creating new services and revenue streams, keeping costs controlled and engaging employees, a new way forward was created. ●
Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year Award
Rick Krivanka, executive director
Jesuit Retreat House
www.jrh-cleveland.org
Rick Krivanka stepped into the role of executive director at Jesuit Retreat House in 2014. He brought a level of passion and enthusiasm to the job that has been felt by the nonprofit agency’s staff, says Daniel B. Cotter, a financial consultant at AXA Advisors, LLC.
JRH is the first and longest-continuing location in the U.S. that provides retreats for laity, clergy and the religious. To better serve more people, as well as offer concurrent programs, Krivanka was able to move forward on a new addition that had been envisioned by three past executive directors and more than 50 board members. The construction project was dedicated in September. Further renovation will be done to the existing building, which is more than 60 years old.
One of the reasons Krivanka works well with his staff is his use of appreciative inquiry, which helps to shape conversations and meeting processes. He leads his staff in a daily huddle to pray for the people being served, as well as for staff intentions, to express gratitude and to make needed connections on the work of the day or the upcoming week.
Krivanka constantly reaches out and brings in participants from all over the country to be inspired by the journey that people experience on JRH’s grounds and facilities. His humility and compassion for the cause establishes leadership in his every action. ●
Medical Mutual SHARE Award
Frantz Ward LLP
Christopher G. Keim, managing partner
www.frantzward.com
Frantz Ward LLP is proud of its community and places significant value on sharing its talent and support with dozens of nonprofit community and trade organizations.
The firm’s attorneys and professional staff give their time and resources through pro bono work, by serving on boards, making charitable contributions, attending and sponsoring charity events, and by volunteering to help those in need.
Within the past 12 months, the firm has had an impact on approximately 200 nonprofits, and sponsored and attended 66 events that included a formal lunch presentation, dinner gala, a walk/run and a corporate spelling bee. Frantz Ward attorneys often bring clients as their guests to expose a broader audience to the nonprofits and their efforts. Several of its attorneys also serve as chair or co-chair of these types of events.
Frantz Ward, headed by Managing Partner Christopher G. Keim, has contributed over $200,000 during the past year for these types of sponsorships. Many attorneys also contribute personal funds to the organizations.
In addition to serving on boards, the firm’s attorneys devote countless hours to cases and counsel pro bono.
The firm’s junior associates participate in the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s 3R Program, which helps foster an understanding and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution, as well as share important information about how students can achieve their goals beyond high school. ●
From the hearts of our Pillar Award sponsors
The sponsors of the 2017 Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service support the program because they believe in its mission — to recognize the critical tie between the for-profit and nonprofit communities.
Here is a little bit about each of this year’s sponsors:
Huntington
www.huntington.com
At Huntington, we’re grateful for the opportunity to give back. We invest our time, talent and resources where we live and work because together we make our communities stronger.
Our corporate mantra, “Do the right thing,” is the foundation for everything we do. This common thread is woven into the products we offer, the level of service we provide and the way we support our local communities.
We focus our contributions and our volunteerism in the following areas:
■ Supporting small businesses, job growth and economic vitality.
■ Providing affordable housing and ongoing community investment.
■ Improving financial education.
■ Helping meet critical needs.
We work with state and local governments, nonprofits and other organizations that serve our communities. The result is stronger, safer communities where everyone has access to a better quality of life. We do encourage our colleagues to participate in community service and to donate to causes. Understanding that each individual’s ability to give varies, our message to colleagues is that every little bit helps.
The gift of time can mean so much to those in need. Through coordinated efforts, we can bring opportunities to the attention of our colleagues and provide an easy method to sign up using Volunteer Match. Colleagues can use this online system to search for individual volunteer opportunities as well.
Every charitable cause offers value to our community, and that makes the decision process extremely difficult.
We prioritize requests according to those causes that fall within our areas of focus, as identified above. We then analyze which organizations drive results, and thereby provide the greatest impact for the community.
The benefits of giving are often returned tenfold. Helping those in need is not only personally rewarding, but increases the vitality of the community. As the community strengthens, growth follows.
Our Lady of the Wayside
www.thewayside.org
Philanthropy is an extension of the very best version of ourselves. The simple act of reaching out to help can become an exponential force for good — especially when an entire community joins together.
Our Lady of the Wayside applauds the 2017 Pillar Award honorees as we celebrate Northeast Ohio at its finest.
Certainly, the children and adults with developmental disabilities Wayside supports have benefitted tremendously from the countless resources and confidence invested in our mission by professional partners such as Medical Mutual, Smart Business, Shamrock, The Cleveland Indians, The Cleveland Cavaliers, Blue Technologies and Northwest Bank.
Their generosity — and the generosity of the community at-large — inspires Wayside to further its vision to a level of excellence befitting such kindness. It’s the best kind of collaboration — with each organization valuing the other’s strengths and combining their respective good work to create good will.
As a sponsor of The Pillar Awards, Our Lady of the Wayside is thrilled to have the opportunity to demonstrate our heartfelt gratitude to the corporate philanthropic community, and honored to stand in support and admiration of our nonprofit colleagues. Congratulations all!
BMW of Westlake
www.bmwofwestlake.com
At BMW of Westlake, our charitable efforts are a way to share our company’s success with the community in which we work together.
Our philosophy has always been to contribute to those organizations within our community that we feel can make the biggest difference for their intended recipients.
We have a long-standing relationship with charities that has lasted more than 30 years. During that time, we’ve seen how our contributions have impacted the people and the community around us by helping further each organization’s mission.
Employees at our dealership are often encouraged to donate their time and resources to strong charitable causes. Leading by example, we have been heavily involved with Susan G. Komen — donating a portion of each car sale to Komen of Northeast Ohio this year and participating in the Cleveland Race For The Cure.
We also contribute to other charities such as The Cleveland Browns Foundation, Crime Stoppers, the Kidney Foundation of Ohio, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Prayers From Maria and Blessing House.
As a successful business grows, we feel it’s important to give back. It fosters a mutual bond and respect that helps strengthen our relationship with our community and we are happy to do so. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees.
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org/neo
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergency by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, the Red Cross is always there in times of need.
We aspire to turn compassion into action so that:
■ All people affected by disaster in Northeast Ohio, across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope.
■ Our communities are ready and prepared for disasters.
■ Everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products.
■ All members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed.
■ In an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.
The values that are essential to our continued success are compassion, collaboration, creativity, credibility and commitment. They drive how we accomplish our goals and conduct ourselves to execute and achieve our humanitarian objectives.
Every 8 minutes, the Red Cross provides hope and comfort to people affected by disasters. A Congressional Charter charges the Red Cross to carry out a system of national and international relief in time of peace, and to devise and carry out measures for preventing those calamities.
But the Red Cross does not receive a regular appropriation from Congress for disaster relief. We rely on the generosity of the American public to support nearly 100 percent of our disaster relief activities. This includes responding to three home fires, on average, every day in Northeast Ohio.
The Northeast Ohio Region serves 22 counties and their 4.5 million residents by preventing, preparing for and responding to emergencies 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
Blue Technologies
www.btohio.com
Blue Technologies considers it a privilege to help the communities in which we work and live, reinforced at the top by President Paul Hanna, a 2015 Starlight Guardian Humanitarian Award honoree. He advocates that good fortune should be appreciated through the spreading of goodwill to others.
This conviction permeates our culture, motivating our employees to contribute their time and resources to a number of charitable causes.
Particularly dear to Blue Technologies’ heart are those organizations dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children – notably OhioGuidestone, a nonprofit dedicated to the development, physical, and mental health of more than 30,000 individuals and families living at or below the poverty line.
Partners since 1996, we are proud to serve as the lead sponsor for the organization’s annual Golf Club and Classic. The 2017 event raised a record-breaking $205,000 to support OhioGuidestone’s services and emergency scholarships for desperate families in need, bringing the total raised from this event in excess of $2.7 million.
Our employees also collect a large number of items to donate to OhioGuidestone’s annual holiday drive, and we sponsor an annual holiday party that serves more than 300 clients of the organization’s inner-city programs with food, games, music, entertainment and gifts for every child.
Blue Technologies proudly gives more than $100,000 annually in donations to various other organizations, as well, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Bellefaire JCB, Children’s Development Center, Cleveland Cavaliers Youth Foundation, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Cornerstone of Hope, Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, Hattie Larlham, The Gathering Place, Our Lady of the Wayside and Project Love.
HW&Co.
www.hwco.com
The civic engagement that exists between Northeast Ohio’s nonprofit and for-profit communities is legendary and has been instrumental in building the city we call home.
Since our inception in 1990, HW&Co. has had a passion for helping nonprofit organizations achieve their mission, and for-profit clients realize their goals.
We are so proud to be part of a community where there is such a dynamic, synergistic relationship between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. HW&Co. joins the throngs of local companies who consistently support area nonprofits.
We wholeheartedly believe we have a responsibility not only to the clients we serve, but to our fellow citizens as well. We encourage and support every staff member’s involvement with causes of their choosing, and we financially support scores of charities throughout the year. In order to be a responsible corporate citizen, we believe it’s necessary to invest time, talent and treasure.
HW Nonprofit Advisors is comprised of CPAs, providing audit and accounting, tax and advisory services and are fully versed in the needs of nonprofits. Members of our team dedicate their personal time and efforts to many nonprofit organizations so they truly understand the personal, organizational and financial mechanisms behind the mission statement.
At HW&Co., we believe that conversations change everything, and we’re always ready to talk.
LaCentre Conference & Banquet Facility
www.lacentre.com
LaCentre believes in paying it forward and we are happy to frequently partner with various organizations as sponsors. We approach philanthropy as giving of one’s self and we gave back to the community in the following ways in 2017.
We facilitated a special dinner with the children of Ohio GuideStone and worked hand in hand to teach them how we plan events for our clients including the menu, centerpieces, room layout, audio visual needs and exceptional service. The children had a wonderful time and so did we.
We also welcome Baldwin Wallace students every semester for event planning training and continuing education. And through College Now, we have the opportunity to mentor students in the local hospitality business as well.
The LaCentre team is thankful for having the privilege to participate in giving back to the community through these projects.
LaCentre would like to thank you. We thank you for your commitment, creativity, servant’s heart and high standards. It is your generosity and willingness to go above and beyond to help members of our communities that make the greater Cleveland area such a great place to work and live. We’re proud to be a part of making it happen with you.
J3 Clothing Company
www.J3clothing.com
With a collective 70 years in the men’s retail industry, we have redefined how the men of Northeast Ohio shop for premium clothing.
Our expertise and innovative approach allows us to create a personalized and comfortable shopping environment for our clients and friends where the clothing is most suited to their needs.
We offer anything from off-the-rack items, custom suits, formal wear, seasonal favorites, personal essentials and everything in between. Our goal is to build relationships with our clients so that we get to know you personally, not only what you wear.
Whether it’s time to update your business attire, you’re heading to a special event, going on vacation or need a seasonal wardrobe transformation, we can fulfill every request.
Our incomparable, world-class service, combined with the area’s most unique collections, differentiate J3 Clothing Company from any other men’s store. Our flagship location in Moreland Hills features the best and most respected brands. With a state-of-the-art tailor shop on site, each piece of clothing always fits perfectly. And, with our strategically placed lounge area, every visit guarantees you’ll catch a game, conversation and/or cocktail.
Experience our one-of-a-kind retail and style destination. We can’t wait to see you. Jack Madda, JB Dunn and Joe Paster
Hughie’s Event Production Services
www.hughies.com
Hughie’s Event Production Services has been Cleveland’s live-event design and production resource since 1953. Hughie’s believes in giving back to the city where it all began and the area that we’ve called home for 60 years.
Hughie’s is a full-service event production company and worldwide supplier of high-definition video projection equipment, concert quality audio systems, intelligent moving lights, staging systems, decor and more to satisfy all your presentation and special event needs.
Convero
www.converoinc.com
Engagement doesn’t happen overnight. It is the result of a long-term commitment by your organization to connect with and invest in the wants and needs of your target audience.
Convero develops content marketing programs that increase engagement and performance. Our five-step process delivers detailed plans — from strategy and planning to execution and measurement — for organizations across a wide range of industries, including banking and finance, health care, higher education, manufacturing and associations.
