1 day Ago By By WARREN DILLAWAY [email protected]
HARPERSFIELD — It was an evening of celebration for area business and community leaders as Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County hosted the 35th Best of the County Awards at on Tuesday night at SPIRE Academy. James Mayer, president of the Growth Partnership board of directors, set the tone for the evening, sharing stories of past Best of the County dinners. GPAC Executive Director Greg Myers thanked the more than 60 businesses that are members of the private organization that works to promote the county to companies and industries across the United States.
“Your unwavering support allows us to celebrate the very best in Ashtabula County,” he said. A video celebrating the improvements of platinum sponsor Ashtabula Regional Medical Center played at the dinner. ARMC CEO Leonard Stepp detailed the construction of the hospital’s new tower, and the fact that it is the 120th anniversary of the hospital.
Myers said companies connected with Growth Partnership have invested $367 million in capital improvements, adding 220 new jobs and retaining 780 more. “That is a pretty chunky number for a small county like Ashtabula County,” he said. Four awards were presented at the dinner.
The Conversation Station, an after-school program in Orwell, received the 2024 Community Leadership award. The award was presented by Kate Reedy, a member of the Northeast Ohio Regional Airport Board. She said Pat and Gary Hunter have worked with passion to help children for a quarter-century.
The organization is hosting a celebration on Oct. 26 to commemorate the many years of helping children. Gary Hunter thanked the many people who have served on the group’s board of directors.
“At the end of the day, it is not what we have or what we accomplish, but what we lift up,” he said. The NEO Fund received the Business Growth Award for its work in helping entrepreneurs find ways to succeed. Kelly Sposito, executive director of the organization, said working together is important, and thanked the many people attending the banquet who helped her as a business owner.
Community Counseling Center received the Workforce Development Award for its Supported Employment program, which helps people recovering from mental health issues and substance abuse problems. The program has seen 70% success rate for program participants during the nine years of its existence. CCC President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Bolino credited his staff for the hard work in helping people thrive in employment situations.
“It takes all hands on deck to deliver the services,” he said. The final honor of the evening, the Business Excellence Award, was given to JCI Contractors. The business has been deeply involved with two major hotel projects in the county and many other projects.
Charlie Borsukoff, president of JCI Contractors, thanked all of the company’s clients, employees and family members that made the work possible. “This award belongs to all of you,” he said..
