News

Chamber Member Spotlight: Horizon Education Center

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Horizon Education Center this month – a long-standing leader in high-quality early care and education. For over 46 years, Horizon has been dedicated to serving children and families, preparing them for life through innovative and supportive educational programs.

A Legacy of Care and Education

Founded in 1978 by Mary Smith, Horizon Education Center began with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide a safe and engaging environment for children who were left unsupervised after school. What started as Horizon Activities has since grown into a thriving nonprofit organization, now serving children aged 6 weeks to 14 years across 16 locations in Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties. Horizon offers a variety of programs, including preschool, a robust Kindergarten Readiness curriculum, early care, and after-school educational programs.

As a mission-driven nonprofit, Horizon ensures that all families—regardless of income or location—have access to the highest quality care and education. With partnerships spanning organizations like the Lorain County United Way Collaborative, Constellation Schools, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), and Pre4Cle, Horizon is committed to making a lasting impact on the community and its future leaders.

Key Initiatives and Accomplishments

• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Horizon participates in this federal initiative, ensuring that eligible children enrolled in their programs receive nutritious meals and snacks, contributing to their health and development.

• 2025 Goals: Horizon’s commitment to excellence continues as they aim to provide the best programs for low- and moderate-income families, rebuild their workforce, improve services, and maintain financial stability.

Summer Camp Registration Now Open!

We are excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Summer Camp Program is now open! This fun and educational 10-week program will run from June 9th to August 15th, offering a variety of project-based learning activities, field trips, and themed weeks. This year's theme is "Super Heroes in Training!", making it a great opportunity for children to learn, grow, and have fun in a supportive environment.

How You Can Get Involved

Horizon Education Center is open Monday through Friday, from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information or to learn about enrollment, please contact their administration office at (440) 779-1930 or visit their website at horizoneducationcenters.org.

We encourage you to support Horizon's mission and learn more about the incredible work they are doing to serve our community’s children.

Thank you for being a part of our Chamber, and let’s continue to uplift and celebrate organizations like Horizon Education Center that make a difference every day

Register Now

2025 NATR Flyer_.pdf

Come join us for an exclusive Open House at Superior Spine Care on February 19th! ️

Bring a friend, relax, and discover how we can support your spine health.

RSVP today to reserve your spot! [RSVP link]

We can't wait to see you there!

#SuperiorSpineCare #OpenHouse #HealthAndWellness #SpineHealth #RelaxAndRejuvenate

Pending Items That Affect Businesses

As of January 7, 2025

Lorain Road Resurfacing

Contracts for resurfacing Lorain Road from Sterns Road to Canterbury Road will be made in 2025. No time table is currently established for the work. The project may include bike paths, median strips and other innovations that are intended to make the street inviting to bicycle enthusiasts and to beautify the road. I do not know if water and/or sewer work is included. Business access problems will occur.

Ordinance 2024-62 - Passed

This ordinance creates a new zoning category called Planned Development. The new zoning district can be used for parcels currently zoned single residential and/or residential office. It would allow greater flexibility from current restrictions imposed by the current Code.

Ordinance 2024-94 - 1st reading, in committee

This ordinance will regulate food trucks. The primary purpose is to establish the days and the length of time a food truck can be on site and to better define what products a food truck may not sell. Council is taking a realistic approach to the on-site regulations as there are many different purposes for a food truck to be on a particular site.

Ordinance 2024-121 - 3rd reading

This ordinance authorizes the cooperation of the City with the County to resurface Dover Center Rd from Butternut Ridge Rd to Mill Rd. I do not know if the City wants to include sewer and/or water line work. Business access problems will occur.

On December 3, 2024, join us in celebrating Giving Tuesday by supporting Horizon Education Centers. We’re dedicated to providing young children with safe spaces to grow, learn, and thrive, and we’re proud to have the support of volunteers and partner companies who help enhance our facilities. A key part of our mission is offering scholarships to qualified students, making early education accessible to all.

This Giving Tuesday, take a moment to donate to the Mary Smith Scholarship Fund. Your contribution is tax-deductible and directly transforms a child's life.

Thank you for your generosity and for supporting Horizon Education Centers. We wish you and your family a joyful, healthy holiday season!

Donate Today

In light of the recent storm and its impact on our community, we understand that many of our local businesses are facing new challenges. To support you in navigating these hurdles and preparing for future disruptions, we’re excited to share a valuable resource from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Introducing the "Small Business Readiness for Resiliency" guide, a comprehensive toolkit designed to help businesses like yours build resilience and recover more swiftly from unexpected events. This guide offers practical strategies and actionable insights tailored to strengthen your business operations and safeguard against potential disruptions.

We encourage you to explore this guide and integrate its recommendations into your business practices. Preparedness is key to resilience, and this resource is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate challenges effectively.

You can access the "Small Business Readiness for Resiliency" guide directly through the following link: Readiness for Resiliency Program

Thank you for being an integral part of our Chamber community.

From the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost:

I am resending our publication on recovering from a natural disaster and how to protect yourself at a vulnerable time.

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Publications-Files/Publications-for-Consumers/Disaster-Recovery-Flyer

Our hearts are with you and your communities. Please stay safe.

Lorain Road Corridor Study - in committee

This ordinance asks Council to "adopt" the Lorain Road Corridor Study.

Limitations on Thrift Stores - in committee

Thrift stores can't be closer to another thrift store, pawn shop, second hand store or resale shop then 3,000 feet lotline to lotline. They must be located in a shopping center and can't exceed 25% of the leasable space of the shopping center. Outside donation boxes are prohibited. Based on the definition that is to be added to the Code, the problem is merchandise obtained by donation and sold at a price below reasonable market value.

Creates New Section of Zoning Code for "Planned Development" - 1st Reading

The development can include residential and business uses. The development can be located in any zoning district including residential. The development can offer types of densities of development not available under current sections. The development can use a creative approach intended to encourage flexibility, innovation and creativity in site and development design. The Planning & Design Commission can not deny the application if it is in compliance with the "intent" of this Section as stated in Section 1157.01.