LorainCounty.com Insights

Ed Skimin, Co-founder LorainCounty.com and Emerge Inc.
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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.

  1. E71: Mayor Scott Jones - The Village of South Amherst

    2D AGO

    E71: Mayor Scott Jones - The Village of South Amherst

    In episode 71 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Mayor Scott Jones of The Village of South Amherst. Mayor Jones discusses the importance of transparency and the significant infrastructure improvements underway.  He reveals new technology initiatives, such as online water billing and AI integration for better service delivery.  Mayor Jones shares his approach to community partnerships and his commitment to improving residents' quality of life through various events and projects.  He also touches on personal motivations, leadership philosophy, and future plans, highlighting his dedication to making South Amherst a better place for all its residents. Mayor Scott Jones: Transforming South Amherst through Transparency and Technology 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 Meet Mayor Scott Jones 01:43 Transparency and Infrastructure Initiatives 02:32 Technology and Community Services 03:53 Community Partnerships and Resident Concerns 05:43 Events and Community Engagement 07:54 Challenges and Future Plans 11:16 Personal Background and Leadership Style 16:33 Conclusion and Contact Information

    18 min
  2. E70: Cliff German - German's Villa

    4D AGO

    E70: Cliff German - German's Villa

    In episode 70 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Cliff German, President and CEO of German's Villa Enterprises. Cliff discusses the evolution of the business from primarily hosting weddings to a diverse array of events including fundraisers, celebrations of life, and more.  He shares insights on how the business adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to meal preparation and catering, and highlights the importance of resilience, community involvement, and a family-oriented work culture.  Additionally, Cliff talks about his extensive involvement in Vermilion's community and schools, his background in sports, and his personal philosophy on success and dedication.  This episode offers a rich perspective on what it takes to sustain and grow a family business through changing times. Preserving Legacy: Cliff German on 41 Years of German's Villa Enterprises 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:18 Podcast Introduction and Sponsors 00:42 Interview with Cliff German Begins 02:12 The Evolution of German's Villa 02:55 Adapting During COVID-19 04:00 Diversifying Services and Community Involvement 05:38 Challenges and Resilience 07:20 Personal Insights and Community Engagement 13:21 Advice for Event Planning 14:38 Cliff German's Community Involvement 19:11 Conclusion and Contact Information 19:58 Podcast Closing Remarks

    21 min
  3. E69: Mayor Mark Spaetzel - The City of Avon Lake

    6D AGO

    E69: Mayor Mark Spaetzel - The City of Avon Lake

    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 housing development, its collaboration with local schools, and efforts to enhance public safety.  Mayor Spaetzel also talks about the reimagining of the former coal power plant into a mixed-use lakefront asset and the importance of public access to the lake.  He emphasizes the strong collaboration among lakefront communities and shares his personal journey in public service, his leadership style, and what recharges him outside of City Hall.  Insights from Mayor Mark Spaetzel: The Future of Avon Lake 00:00 Introduction to Avon Lake's Community Spirit 00:11 Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment 00:32 Vision for Avon Lake 00:58 Emerge's Move to Avon Lake and Community Support 02:03 Avon Lake's Unique Character 03:34 Key Priorities and Initiatives for Avon Lake 05:11 Economic Development in Avon Lake 06:44 Housing Development and Community Balance 07:58 Collaboration with Avon Lake City Schools 09:13 Public Safety and Community Involvement 10:46 Resident Concerns and Infrastructure Challenges 12:37 Reimagining the Former Coal Power Plant 15:51 Regional Collaboration Along the Lake Shore 17:10 Background and Journey 18:46 Accomplishments and Future Goals 21:56 Leadership Style and Influences 23:11 Hobbies and Personal Interests 23:50 Connecting with the Mayor and Conclusion

    25 min
  4. E68: Mayor Bob Markovich - The Village of Sheffield Lake

    AUG 22

    E68: Mayor Bob Markovich - The Village of Sheffield Lake

    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 Mayor also shares plans to enhance village amenities, such as connecting neighborhoods with sidewalks, expanding athletic spaces, and potentially building a recreation center.  Further, the Mayor delves into his transformative leadership style, aimed at fostering a culture of growth and efficiency among village employees.  Sheffield Village: Insights and Vision with Mayor Bob Markovich 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:34 Meet Mayor Bob Markovich 01:01 Economic Development in Sheffield Village 04:06 Community Amenities and Aspirations 07:47 Challenges and Vision for Growth 18:08 Mayor Markovich's Leadership Journey 25:59 Personal Insights and Family Life 28:11 Conclusion and Podcast Information

    29 min
  5. E67: Mayor Gary Kincannon - The Village of LaGrange

    AUG 20

    E67: Mayor Gary Kincannon - The Village of LaGrange

    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 growth.  Mayor Kincannon also emphasizes the collaboration with local schools and other community leaders and talks about his leadership style influenced by his background in education. The episode also touches on his personal life, hobbies, and what's ahead for the Village of LaGrange. Insights with Mayor Gary Kincannon: Growth, Community, and Leadership in LaGrange Village 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:33 Meet Mayor Gary Kincannon 01:39 La Grange Village: History and Community 02:37 Infrastructure and Development Priorities 03:48 Housing and Growth Management 05:40 Community Concerns and Traffic Issues 07:00 Collaborations and Partnerships 10:21 Mayor Kincannon's Background and Leadership 13:38 Hobbies and Personal Interests 14:28 Conclusion and Contact Information

    15 min
  6. E66: Carole Klingler - LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation

    AUG 18

    E66: Carole Klingler - LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation

    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.  Carole highlights the use of validation therapy, impactful stories from the program, the crucial role of volunteers, and the organization's future goals.  LIFE aims to provide a supportive and welcoming environment, mitigating the isolation often experienced by those affected by dementia. Creating Dementia-Friendly Communities: A Conversation with Carol Klingler 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:39 Meet Carol Klingler: Founder of LIFE 01:55 Understanding LIFE's Memory Cafes 04:37 The Impact of Validation Therapy 06:07 Community Education and Support 07:47 Personal Stories of Transformation 11:16 Volunteer Opportunities and Funding 14:50 Carol's Journey and Vision for LIFE 19:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

    20 min
  7. E65: Mayor Kevin Corcoran - The City of North Ridgeville

    AUG 15

    E65: Mayor Kevin Corcoran - The City of North Ridgeville

    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 about his background, leadership style, and approaches to engaging with residents.  Tune in to learn about the achievements and future plans for one of Ohio's safest cities. Conversations with Mayor Kevin Corcoran: North Ridgeville's Growth, Priorities, and Vision 00:00 Introduction to North Ridgeville 01:45 Character and Unique Features of North Ridgeville 02:40 Key Priorities and Initiatives 03:42 Economic Development Strategies 06:12 Housing Developments and Quality of Life 07:17 Community Concerns and Feedback 08:05 Collaboration with Schools and Other Entities 10:55 Mayor's Background and Achievements 13:17 Future Goals and Leadership Style 14:38 Hobbies and Connecting with the Community 15:55 Conclusion and Podcast Information

    17 min
  8. E64: Bill Cromling III - Ross Environmental Services

    AUG 13

    E64: Bill Cromling III - Ross Environmental Services

    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 involvement.  Bill also shares personal anecdotes about his journey within the company, the challenges they face in the industry, and the importance of skilled trades.  Listeners also learn about Ross Environmental competitors, industry trends, and the company's future opportunities. Ross Environmental: Innovation and Leadership in Industrial Waste Management 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgements 00:37 Guest Introduction: Bill Cromling of Ross Environmental Services 01:46 Company Overview and Services 03:40 Industry Trends and Challenges 05:41 Community Involvement and Legacy 06:29 Personal Journey and Leadership 08:30 Future Outlook and Advice 09:27 Hobbies and Personal Interests 09:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

    11 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ed Skimin, Co-founder LorainCounty.com and Emerge Inc.
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ed Skimin, Co-founder LorainCounty.com and Emerge Inc.
  • Show Website
    LorainCounty.com Insights