Geauga Growth Partnership Holds Annual Business Meeting

Monica Bricker-Thompson
Geauga Growth Partnership

Geauga Growth Partnership’s (GGP) Annual Business Meeting was a wonderful success, with over 170 local business owners, government officials, and community partners in attendance. The meeting took place on Wednesday, April 12th at 7:30 am, and was filled with engaging conversations and insightful presentations. One of the highlights of the event was the discussion with Mark Schweitzer, Senior Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Attendees were able to gain valuable insights into economic trends and predictions of the business landscape. Breakfast catered by Versare Café & Market was a delicious treat! Overall, the event was a great opportunity for networking and learning.

Kimm Leininger, President and CEO of GGP, proudly introduced the new GGP logo. The logo, designed by Ten10 Design provides GGP with a modern, clean look, while remaining consistent with the organization’s core values and mission.  GGP’s Board Chairman, John Epprecht, led the 13th Annual Business Meeting.  Mr. Epprecht, Co-Owner of & Retired from Great Lakes Cheese, informed attendees of organizational updates and specifically addressed the success GGP has had in maintaining the following roles in the community since 2011: a trusted advisor, an effective advocate, and a productive facilitator.

Maggie Carpenter, a member of the Geauga Growth Partnership staff enlisted with the National Guard, is preparing to deploy in May. Thomas Queen a representative of Congressman Dave Joyce’s office presented Ms. Carpenter with a proclamation and a United States flag that was flown over the State of Ohio Capital building.

Mr. Rich Frenchie presented the Frank Samuel Distinguished Service Award to Mr. Jim Patterson for dedicating his life to continuing to grow Patterson Fruit Farm. He has served our community, the State of Ohio, and our Nation in a variety of ways. Mr. Patterson has strengthened our community through his engagement on numerous boards, including Geauga Growth Partnership, University Hospitals, and The Ohio State University. Mr. Patterson was presented with a one-of-a-kind crafted award curated by Jason Wein of Cleveland Art, Marsh Valley Forest Products, and Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling.

Bass Khoury, of MAGNET presented the Third Annual Excellence in Manufacturing Award to Great Lakes Growers. Great Lakes Growers, located in Burton, is the premier hydroponic grower of lettuces and herbs and was recognized for significant success in smart manufacturing processing and workforce development activities. Dom Mann Productions (https://www.dm.productions/) created a video to highlight Great Lakes Growers achievements. Link here:  https://youtu.be/njfn7uojQ2s

Kimm Leininger concluded the meeting with a look toward the future, presenting the organizations plans for 2023 and beyond as GGP continues to fulfill the mission to enhance the economic climate in Geauga County by attracting new business, supporting existing businesses, and preparing the workforce of the future.

GGP would like to thank the 200+ Members and the community for an outstanding 2022 and we invite you to continue to grow with us by sponsoring and/or attending HomeGrown Geauga on August 3, 2023.

GGP would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting the Annual Business Meeting:

• Gold Sponsors: ERIEBANK, Honest Scales Recycling, TeamNEO, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center;
• Silver Sponsors: Key Bank, The Middlefield Banking Company, Mihalic Associates & Auctioneers, POV Solutions, Sheoga Hardwood Flooring and Paneling, Inc.;
• Bronze Sponsors: Advantage Capital, Beaches and Dreams Travel Company, Company 119, Kent State University – Geauga, McCaskey Landscape and Design, Montville Plastics and Rubber, Q Audio Visual, The WealthCare Group of Raymond James; Thrasher, Dinsmore and Dolan;
• Awards Sponsors: MAGNET and The Frenchie Group.