Excellence in entrepreneurship

SANDUSKY — The Erie County Economic Development Corp. highlighted many businesses and entrepreneurs worthy of recognition during its annual awards ceremony Tuesday at Cedar Point. Here are the winners: Entrepreneur of the Year Award • What: Also known as the Business Pioneer Award, it recognizes individuals, companies or organizations that have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, outstanding business inspiration and ambition. • Who: Mark Schnieders, CEO and president of Stride Mobility and Safe Harbor Insurance Agency; and Julie Schnieders, corporate compliance and quality assurance officer • Rationale: "They have created two growing businesses with great synergy and grown the two companies from the bottom up in Erie County. They have recently invested $2.1 million in a new 14,000-square-foot facility along Sawmill Parkway in Huron, which will have all new corporate offices for their 22 employees, a retail showroom and an indoor maneuverability course and simulated bedroom, bathroom and kitchen." Pivot of the Year Award • What: It recognizes one company's remarkable response to incredible change during the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic and business ramifications. • Who: Katie Korobkin, chef and owner of Sweet Potato Catering • Rationale: "While many local businesses should be applauded for the hard work and constant adaptation in the unusual circumstances of last year, Katie stood out with a significant deviation in both her products and service delivery while staying true to the quality and client focus she is known for." Visionary Leadership Award • What: It recognizes outstanding efforts in economic development, a leader whose visionary contributions have broken social, political or economic barriers, thereby opening doors and setting a new course for Erie County. • Who: Beth Maiden, executive director of the Erie County Community Foundation • Rationale: "Community stewardship is core to the Erie County Community Foundation's identity. Under Beth's leadership, the foundation has doubled its assets and thereby its grantmaking, which addresses community challenges and opportunities. For an organization that's existed for 25-plus years, they showed remarkable adaptability in the face of COVID-19, establishing new flexible grant opportunities for nonprofits facing increasing needs for their services." Deal of the Year Award • What: It recognizes a business that values Erie County as a strategic location. • Who: Mike Grayson, Ardagh Manufacturing director, and he is joined by economic development partners Shawn Starlin, senior project manager with Team Northeast Ohio and Matt Lasko, Huron city manager, who worked with the Erie County Economic Development Corp. to recruit and support this company in their site decision-making process. • Rationale: "This is the largest single project in Erie County in more than a decade based on Ardagh's $411 million commitment in new machinery and equipment and building expansion and improvements. Erie County will benefit greatly by the economic injection, hundreds of jobs committed and, most importantly, the values the company lives by." Lifetime Leadership Award • What: It is presented to advocates who have made extraordinary contributions toward the vision of a vibrant Erie County over the course of their career. They have exemplified dedication, integrity and honorable service to our community. • Who: Steve Poggiali, former director of Erie (County) Regional Planning • Rationale: "Steve has recently retired after 17 years with Erie County and 30 years in local public service. With his role in planning, Steve has been behind the scenes facilitating and administering many key infrastructure and business developments in our community." Talon Flohr Young Professional of the Year Award • What: The Young Professional of the Year recognizes individuals under the age of 45 for outstanding contributions, engagement and commitment to a brighter future in Erie County. • Who: For their roles on the Minority Business Empowerment Team co-chairs Blake Harris, entrepreneur and Sandusky city commissioner; Jarvis Cole-Caston, business teacher with Sandusky City Schools; and Spencer Patterson, entrepreneur and co-owner of Fancy Me Boutique. • Rationale: "In just one year with the vision of our award winners, the Minority Business Empowerment Team was established and has already connected with hundreds of current and aspiring women and minority entrepreneurs in our area. The team has contributed to $55,000 of targeted grants and startup scholarships and engaged with the school systems to promote pathways to diverse student bodies. Blake, Jarvis and Spencer have quickly established energy and momentum towards creating greater access to opportunities for our area's diverse residents and youth." • More: "This year, our community unexpectedly lost Talon Flohr, a special individual who embodied the spirit of this award, and, in his honor, this year and going forward, the Erie County Economic Development Corp. will award the Talon Flohr Young Professional of Year award to deserving individuals. In his too-short years with us, Talon worked tirelessly to build a better home and community for all of us, first as a Sandusky Schools student and then a Sandusky city employee, driving neighborhood improvements and engagement, particularly among youth. We are honored to have Talon's parents and family here with us this evening."