Who We Are
History
Geauga Growth Partnership was established as a private economic development nonprofit partnership, inspired by nearby Ashtabula Growth Partnership and Greater Cleveland Partnership.
It was during a Geauga Economic Leadership (GEL) breakfast meeting at Kent State University Geauga Campus in November 2008, when guest speaker Joe Mayernick, executive director of Growth Partnership of Ashtabula County, caught the attention of area business leaders. Feeling the impact on Geauga businesses from the 2008 economic recession, 25 business and civic leaders met that day to strategize creating a nonprofit that could help Geauga businesses thrive.
Some of the players in the room that day were Frank Samuel, who had been Science and Technology Advisor to the Governor of Ohio from 2000-2007, Geauga County Commissioner Tracy Jemison, Middlefield Bank VP Jay Giles, then University Hospital Geauga Medical Center President Richard Frenchie and others who had a vision for a county-wide business-led economic development organization.
Funded by a start-up grant from the Cleveland Foundation Lake-Geauga Fund, Geauga Growth Partnership was founded in 2010. The goal was to set up programs and processes to enable business growth and prosperity, building upon the County’s remarkable assets. The vision: Leading Business Growth in Geauga County.
Mission
Geauga Growth Partnership’s mission is to enhance the economic climate in Geauga County by attracting new business, supporting existing businesses, and preparing the workforce of the future.
Leadership
Geauga Growth Partnership is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of Geauga County business owners, executives and community leaders.
The staff consists of a team of experienced professionals.
Kimm Leininger, President & CEO
Monica Bricker-Thompson, VP of Operations
Maggie Carpenter, Youth Workforce Program Manager
Kristine Frankenberry, Director of Development
Julie Gorenc, Director of Engagement
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors represent a wide variety of Geauga businesses and community organizations.
Chairman: John W. Epprecht
Vice President, Great Lakes Cheese
Vice Chairman: John C. Steigerwald
At-large
Secretary: Richard J. Frenchie
Principal, The Frenchie Group
Treasurer: Stephanie Ronyak
Controller, The Arms Trucking Company
Elizabeth Bunton
Owner, Troy Chemical
David K. Ford
Vice President, The Federal Improvement Corporation
Jay P. Giles
At-large
Jason Glowczewski
Chief Operating Officer, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center
Lee Imhof
President, Troy Chemical Industries
Bridey Matheney
Partner, Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan
Paul Miller, Honest Scales Recycling, Inc.
Renee M. Nied
Consultant, Economic Development, First Energy Corporation
Matthew Nipper
Senior Vice President – Commercial Market Leader, KeyBank
Diane Popovich
President, Solon Manufacturing
Tracie Roberts
Montville Plastics & Rubber
John Solich
Senior Lender, Middlefield Banking Company
Angela Spalsbury
Dean and Chief Administrative Officer – Kent State Geauga
Bonnie Troyer
Principal, HR Strategies & Solutions