The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Chardon Area Chamber hands out honors
The Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce acknowledged the outstanding contributions of several individuals, organizations and businesses at its Annual Meeting March 13 at Legend Lake Golf Club.
The annual scholarship winners also were announced.
The 2017 Legacy Award, given to recognize lifetime achievement, was given to attorney and Chardon area developer Jerry Petersen.
A native of Chester Township, Petersen received his degree from the Ohio State University College of Law. Sworn into the bar in 1966, he spent the better part of two years in Logan, Ohio. By late 1967, though, the siren song of Geauga County called him home.
“That year marked the beginning of Petersen’s more than 50 years of private and public service to the citizens of Northeast Ohio — service that continues today at Petersen & Petersen, where he is partners with his son, Todd, and daughter-in-law, Susan,” said Chamber President-Elect Jim McClintock.
Petersen served as Geauga County prosecutor from 1967-1973. During that time he maintained a private practice and opened a construction and development firm with his youngest brother, Steve.
In 1980, he launched Petersen & Ibold, a partnership with Dennis Ibold that lasted for 37 years. As the firm grew, Petersen continued with his building and development, finding success even in the tough early 1980s economy.
Things took a quantum leap in 1987 when he, Steve, and three partners created the Burlington Group. The group purchased 2,700 acres that stretched from 426 South Street to the Munson Fire Department. The purchase included Chardon Lakes Golf Course — all of what is now Bass Lake Preserve — and numerous other tracts of land.
“He’s developed in nearly every township in Geauga County, and practiced in courts throughout our great state, but if you’ve had the pleasure of raising your family anywhere that includes the words ‘Burlington’ – Burlington Oval, Burlington Green, Burlington Woods, Burlington Glen, Burlington Ridge – or have an address that includes Tall Pines, Pinehurst, Beechnut, Clearfield, Britton Lane, River Road, Epping Trail, Falls Road, Quartermaine Circle, Blue Heron Trail, Pheasant Court, Hidden Glen, Bentwood or Fern Way, then know that Jerry had a hand it, and for that he is incredibly proud,” McClintock said.
Also recognized were Phil and Annette Smith, owners of First Light Home Care, as the 2017 Business Persons of the Year.
Annette Smith decided to open the business, located on Chardon Square, after working in the corporate world and then being a stay-at-home mom.
“She had two criteria – to find something that would allow her to give back to her community and to be a good employer,” McClintock said. “She did just that in 2011 by opening her own home health care franchise.“ In 2014 she was joined by her husband Phil. They continued to build their business while considering another dream, to open an assisted living place on their own. They noticed the Chardon Motel was for sale and quickly worked to make that vision a reality. The motel was completely redesigned and renamed the Thistle House, an independent living facility slated to open in April which will have room for 24 seniors.
“As stated in their nomination, they have replaced a known eyesore in Chardon – the Chardon Motel – with a beautiful new care facility for seniors seeking assisted living in town,” McClintock said. “That’s a double win for the Chardon area.”
The Chamber presented its 2017 Business of the Year award to Company 119, a digital marketing and website design agency located in Chardon.
The company is owned by Christian Klein and Nathan Winne who formed
the business in 2004. Since then they have received numerous awards including being named to the 2016 Lake/Geauga Fast Track 50 as a number one emerging company.
“While they have received much recognition for award-winning designs, innovative marketing campaigns, and business growth, they remain committed to serving the needs of small business owners and non-profit organizations right here in Chardon,” said Chamber Board President Jonathan Schneider who presented the award.
The Chamber next recognized the local chapter of NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) as its 2017 Organization of the Year. Accepting on the agency’s behalf were Executive Director Jenn Bartone and NAMI Board member Dr. Philip Junglas.
McClintock told the crowd that while NAMI has been in the community for over 10 years, it has recently undergone a transformation.
“In 2017, because of the increased interest in this organization, there has been tremendous growth in its programs and partnerships and an increase of more than $125,000 in grants and funding,” he said. “That money is directly re-invested into the
local economy through the numerous services they provide to the Chardon and Geauga County community.”
Among its many achievements, NAMI has taken the lead in revitalizing the suicide prevention coalition, is rolling out a new program for U.S. veterans known as the Home Front, and provides Teddy bears for first responders to give to children experiencing trauma.
Next Schneider presented the 2017 Maple Leaf Award to Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. Accepted by President & CEO Melanie Blasko, the is given individuals or organizations which have gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving the Chardon area community,
“Since its beginning in 1971, this organization has earned a solid reputation for its effective outpatient and residential treatment programs addressing alcohol and substance abuse,” said Schneider. “Working closely with the community and social services agencies, their clients continue to achieve success rates significantly higher than the national average for longterm sobriety.”
He noted that in addition to operating a men’s recovery house, the group educates area high school students on prevention and the dangers of abuse.
Also during the evening,
the Chamber recognized high school seniors Madeline Caldro and Cameron Peters, who each won a $1,000 college scholarship from the Chamber.
Madeline, the daughter of David and Julie Caldro of Chardon, attends James A. Garfield High School. She plans to use the funds to study marketing at Kent State University.
A student at Chardon High School, Cameron is the daughter of Amie and Edward Peters of Chardon. She plans to study visual communications design at Kent State.
The meeting also included recognition of the 2018 Chamber board of directors.
In addition to Schneider and McClintock, they are Erica Phillips of D&S Automotive, DD Coley of Consumer Tire, Julia Dolsen of Shiffler Equipment Sales, John Eltzroth of Effectium, Ford Fram of Equis Financial, Dr. Michael Hanlon of Chardon Local Schools, Debbie Mack of Lawyer’s Title of Chardon, Marci Mondello-King of Marci’s Hair on the Square, Diane Moore of S.A.M. Landscaping, Cathy Peters of PuroClean of Western Reserve, Rob Petrie of Home Savings, Dr. Tad Roediger of Roediger Chiropractic, Debbie Tarr of Vocational Guidance Services and Steve Yaney of the city of Chardon.