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
Understanding Commercial Leases
Important things to know before you sign.
Leasing commercial space is much different from renting an apartment or condo. Not only does the commercial space house your business, but your business’ success or failure can also be affected by the terms of your lease. Before you sign anything, make sure you and your landlord agree with the basic terms including the amount of rent, the length of the contract and the configuration of the actual space.
One way commercial leases differ from the residential lease is that they are not subject to most consumer protection laws that govern residential leases. Also, most commercial leases are customized for each landlord, so you need to review them very carefully. These leases are usually long term and always binding; but, since these leases tend to be customized for each landlord, there is some flexibility and ability to negotiate. Each tenant will have special needs due to the nature of their unique businesses.
Some things to consider before you sign the bottom line are:
• Can your business afford the monthly rent? Also, what length are you comfortable signing? A five- or ten-year lease might be great to lock in a certain lease rate for a longer time. However, what if your business grows faster than you expected and you outgrow the space before the lease is up? Shorter-term leases (three- to five-year leases) with renewal options might often be a safer way to go.
• Do you need to make any changes or modifications to the space (generally call buildout)? Maybe your business needs to add offices, raise a loading dock, add data lines, or add a kitchenette. Who is going to pay for those changes or upgrades – you or the landlord? Make sure all those changes are listed, either in the lease or on an addendum, and who is paying for each item.
• What about ADA laws? Do those affect your business or the space you are considering to lease? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all companies that are open to the public or that employ more than 15 people must be accessible to the disabled. Again, make sure that you and your landlord agree about who is paying for any required modifications, such as adding a ramp or widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs.
• Does your lease allow you to put signage up? Moreover, if so, are there local restrictions as to signage design and location?
• In a multi-tenant building, can the landlord lease to other businesses that are similar to yours?
• Who pays utilities and is each unit separately metered?
• What other costs are required outside of the rent?
• What insurance coverage does the landlord require you to maintain?
• Also, are there monthly CAM charges to pay? CAM charges are Common Area Maintenance charges such as landscaping, snowplowing, outside lighting, etc. that are shared by all the tenants in a building.
There are also more critical items that need to be spelled out in a lease.
You want to make sure there is a determined length of the lease (also called the lease term) - when it begins and whether there are renewal options. The rent should be in writing including any annual increases (also called escalations) and how they will be computed. So it should be established where your rent includes insurance, property taxes, and maintenance costs (called a gross lease); or whether you will be charged for these items separately (called a net lease). The security deposit should be listed and what are the conditions for returning the deposit.
One item that is often missing from a lease but it very important to understand is what is the exact space – suite number, square footage, and any common areas – that you are leasing. If any improvements are made to the space, who owns the fixtures when the lease is over? And, one significant, and a potentially expensive item, is who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the HVAC system. It is common for a tenant to have a cap on what they have to spend to maintain or repair the HVAC.
A few other considerations would be if you as the tenant have a right to assign or sublease to another tenant. You will want to make sure that any options to renew, or possibly expand your space are spelled out.
Termination and disputes are things you generally want to avoid but are still important in a lease. If a disagreement occurs, it should be decided if they are to be mediated or arbitrated instead of going to court. If you or your landlord choose to terminate the lease, details on if and how that occurs, including notice requirements and any penalties should be listed.
As you can see, a commercial lease has lots of moving parts and should be taken very seriously for you and your business.We always recommend for you to make sure all of your business advisors (attorneys, accountants, partners, etc.) have a chance to review the lease before you sign.
Michelle Masica, Real Estate Agent & Consultant
Best of the Chamber
This year’s Best of the Chamber!
YUMMY!
This year’s Best of the Chamber was a delicious adventure to say the least. Thanks to Maria Hostetler from Nagy’s Collision Centers for capturing some of the moments!
Thank you to the following participating restaurants:
Medina Creative Coffee
Gridirne Cookery
Weymouth Country Club
A Cupcake A Day
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buehler's Fresh Foods
Panera Bread
Bunker's Grill
Cocoa Gourmet Artisan Chocolates
17 Public Square
Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar
Sandridge Food Corporation
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
New Website Excitement
Introducing the BRAND NEW chamber website!
WELCOME
The Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce you to our new website. It has been about 5 years since we last overhauled our site, so we were long overdue. As you navigate through the new site here are a few features we suggest you check out:
· Member Benefits page: Here you can learn how to increase your visibility, save money through a variety of savings programs, and explore opportunities to participate within the chamber.
· Events page: Never miss an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. This section of the website will keep you informed of all upcoming Chamber activities.
· Directory: Think chamber members first. If you or someone you know needs a referral to a particular service, check our directory. Find a fellow chamber member and reach out and make a connection.
We are looking forward to many signature events in 2019 like the 7th annual EmpowHer Conference and our always sold out annual golf outing. This year, we are also pleased to present a very special business breakfast with Chris Antonettii and Paul Dolan of the Cleveland Indians. We also think you deserve a vacation, so be sure to visit the Ireland Group trip information page on the website as well.
You can expect no interruption in our always popular standing member events like Chamber Chat, Eggs & Expertise, Safety Council, Networking WOW!, monthly member lunches, Business after Business, Young Professional gatherings and more.
While you are cruising through the new site, it would be the perfect time to log into your Business Profile and make any changes necessary to your business. Has your business recently moved? Have your team members changed? Is your business description accurate? Take a minute to link your social media information to your profile while logged in.
Finally, don’t forget about posting Hot Deals and Job Postings through your account. This is a member benefit provided at no cost to you and a great way to advertise new product specials, chamber member discounts, and unique offerings.
We are grateful to Mark Hunter for his assistance and patience throughout the new website build. If you should happen to come across any errors on the site, please know they are ours and not his. We appreciate any feedback that you care to share. Never hesitate to contact the office with any questions, comments or concerns regarding your chamber membership.
Chamber Chat
Make connections in a casual environment.
SUPERCHARGE YOUR FRIDAY
Chamber Chat is a casual networking group that meets the last Friday of every month at the Chamber office.
Start your Friday with a cup of coffee and some casual conversation. What's on your mind, what are you excited about, what are you worried about? All things that we may discuss in this Friday morning motivating conversation!
The group discussion focuses on what is good and what your goals are. Find some accountability partners in this relaxed setting.
Missed our last meeting? Check out this video snapshot of the morning, courtesy of Mark Hunter Photo.
Chamber Chat is located on the second floor. Have trouble with steps? Call us ahead of time to arrange accomodations 330-723-8773.
Affiliate Opportunity
Gain access to exclusive programing!
Affiliate Membership Opportunity
with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce
In celebration of their 125th anniversary, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is partnering with their statewide chamber network to offer an affordable and value-driven membership. This one-year Affiliate Membership is offered to companies with 99 or fewer employees when combined with a local chamber membership. As an affiliate member, you will gain access to exclusive programming and pro-business advocacy that help make your business thrive.
To take advantage of this offer, CLICK HERE
Winter Board Retreat 2019
Focused and energized for the year ahead.
WINTER BOARD RETREAT 2019
The beautiful view at Krabill Shelter
The Greater Medina Chamber Board of Directors spent a full day evaluating, planning, and engaging at the annual winter retreat. The event was hosted at Medina County Parks Krabill Shelter.
The day began energetically with a session facilitated by Bruce Hendrick of Building Trust, LLC. A big thank you to board member Denise Testa and The Medina County University Center, for making Bruce’s presentation possible.
Groups report back to Bruce on their breakout results
2019 Board president, Michelle Masica, led the afternoon session with a focus on goal setting after providing a delicious lunch of salad, lasagna, and bread sticks.
Committee chairs led individual planning sessions for each targeted area including:
Marketing: chaired by Maria Hostettler of Nagy’s Collision Centers
Member Services: chaired by Mark Herwick of Homestead Insurance
Young Professionals: chaired by Ted Klimczak of Rea & Associates
Product Partners: chaired by Rick Davidson of Community Energy Advisors
It was a wonderful way to get focused and energized for the year ahead. As always, the board’s goal is to manage the organization to help business grow. We are excited for all the great things upcoming in 2019 and look forward to furthering the Chamber’s mission and watching all business succeed.
Annual Holiday Party
The 2018 Annual Holiday party was a wonderful time!
FELIZ NAVIDAD
What a wonderful way to celebrate this past year. We were pleased to host nearly 200 guests at Medina Country Club to enjoy some networking, holiday games and prizes.
Thank you to our event sponsor: Nagy's Collision Centers and to all of our generous center piece sponsors.
Wishing you and yours a Merry and Bright Holiday Season and the best of everything in 2019!
- Jaclyn Ringstmeier