Cleveland Indians Business Breakfast
Breakfast with the CLE Indians front office.
Build A Winning Culture
People matter. Relationships matter. That was the secret 150 guests heard about at the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce’s business breakfast featuring the Cleveland Indians front office. Guests listened as Paul Dolan, owner/CEO and Carter Hawkins, Assistant General Manager was peppered with relevant questions from the emcee, Bob Dibiasio, Cleveland Indians’ Public Affairs Senior Vice President.
Though there were some burning questions asked and answered about certain key players and their contracts, the over one-hour long presentation focused on common business themes that all companies face.
Integrating technology for advanced analytics but maintaining a balance with the old guard and a healthy respect for experience helps to keep the team tops on many stat charts. Implementing new techniques in an open and honest format has helped to retain many key employees for several years.
Understanding the life cycle of both players and front office staff helps to set realistic goals on retention in both areas. Though being a fan of the game never leaves you, there is still a balance to be weighed on star players versus long term success. The Indians are not an organization that will sacrifice long term excellence for other short term goals. A business must be willing to make hard choices, even if it means parting ways with great people. Understanding the mission and end goal helps to clarify answers when facing difficult decisions.
The crowd was happy to again hear the news of manager Terry Francona’s contract extension. Retention of an inspiring key employee is nearly priceless. When asked when Tito would like to get the message out about his contract news, his top priority was his players and not his own good PR. It was a great example of leadership and his dedication to the players that leave it all on the field for him.
The Cleveland Indians organization exists in a realm filled with headlines and trials in the court of public opinion. At the core of their operations is still sound business practices and a belief in people that motivates staff to show up daily. (Even if it might be the day after a game 7 loss after a long rain delay.)
The Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce is grateful to the Indians front office for taking the trip to Medina to share a message the resonates with all business, big and small: culture matters.
We’d like to thank our sponsors:
Huntington Bank
Westfield Insurance
Rico Equipment
Carlson Financial
USA Mobile Drug Testing
Photography by Mark Hunter Photo
EmpowHER 2019
Our 7th annual women’s business conference!
empowHER
A Day in the Life of Empowher:
Empowher 2019 is in the books and it was one for the ages! We are forever grateful to our committee, our sponsors and all of our guests for making the day such a success. Thank you to Westfield’s Blair Center staff for assisting in making the day great.
The day opened with a social hour and a networking mix and mingle. Guests were tasked with locating the two other missing parts of their pattern puzzle. When located, the newly formed teams of three discussed superhuman powers, vacations and three commonalities among the group. Attendees were able to:
1. Make new connections
2. Learn something new about someone they already had met
3. Help identify super skills within other people
The lucky winners took home gift cards and cute mugs from The Book Store.
The morning speaker was Stephanie York from Hennes Communications. She provided an eye-opening and entertaining presentation on communicating effectively in times of crisis. Highlighted takeaways include; tell the truth, tell it first, tell it all and tell it fast. No matter the size of your business or the situation you find yourself in, lead with the truth and control the story. Courage in the face of crisis will have a lasting effect on the outcome of the situation.
Attendees of the event were also treated to a taste of Corporate Yoga, courtesy of Heart Song Yoga Studio. After a delicious and healthy lunch, guests were encouraged to refocus energies via yogic breathing and light stretching at their chairs. The room was perfectly quiet as hands were held over hearts for a moment of appreciation in the moment before attention was directed back to the continuing program.
With renewed focus, Retired Rear Admiral June Ryan of the U.S. Coast Guard was introduced to the stage for the closing keynote. This highly interactive session had people up and moving, testing their brain limits, and rethinking the power of positive thoughts!
Thank you to the event sponsors:
Westfield
Medina County Women’s Journal
Crystal Clinic
Cuyahoga Community College Brunswick University Center
Huntington National Bank
AI Root
Apex Dermatology
Armstrong
Eyedeal Graphics
Heartsong Yoga
Liberty Residence
Maximum Potential Chiropractic
Nature’s Touch Wellness Center
Westfield Bank
