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 in Munson Township.
The annual scholarship winners also were announced.
2017 Legacy Award
Attorney and Chardon area developer Jerry Petersen was recognized for lifetime achievement.
A native of Chester Township, Petersen received his law 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,” chamber President-Elect Jim McClintock said.
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 Petersen.
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 St. to the Munson Township 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.
2017 Business Persons of the Year
Phil and Annette Smith, owners of First Light Home Care, decided to open a business 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, Phil joined Annette in the business. They continued to build 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 that 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.”
2017 Business of the Year
Christian Klein and Nathan Winne formed Company 119, a digital marketing and website design agency located in Chardon, 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 Jonathan Schneider, chamber board president.
2017 Organization of the Year
While the local chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has been around for more than a decade, the agency recently has 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 — Home Front — for veterans and provides teddy bears for first responders to give to children experiencing trauma.
2017 Maple Leaf Award
Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers was recognized for having 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,” Schneider said. “Working closely with the community and social services agencies, their clients continue to achieve success rates significantly higher than the national average for long-term sobriety.”
In addition to operating a men’s recovery house, Schneider noted the group educates area high school students on prevention and the dangers of abuse.
Scholarship Winners
Madeline Caldro and Cameron Peters each won a $1,000 college scholarship from the chamber.
Caldro, the daughter of David and Julie Caldro, of Chardon, is a senior at James A. Garfield High School in Garrettsville. She plans to use the funds to study marketing at Kent State University.
A Chardon High School senior, Peters is the daughter of Amie and Edward Peters, of Chardon. She plans to study visual communications design at Kent State University.
2018 Chamber Directors
The meeting also included recognition of the 2018 chamber board of directors.
In addition to Schneider and McClintock, the directors 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; Michael Hanlon, superintendent of Chardon 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 Bank; Tad Roediger, of Roediger Chiropractic; Debbie Tarr, of Vocational Guidance Services; and Steve Yaney, of the City of Chardon.
