Did you know that five Honorary Consuls representing Sweden, Belgian, Germany, Spain and France call Geauga County home? And what might a consulate do for you?
Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP), continuing to build collaborations for the benefit of Geauga businesses, arranged a gathering on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at Punderson State Park Manor House for Geauga economic development and other business leaders to meet with honorary consulates of Germany and Sweden in Ohio to exchange ideas and resources.
GGP Board Chair John Epprecht (CEO for Great Lakes Cheese) introduced Honorary Consuls Dianna Thimmig representing Germany and Michael L. Miller for Sweden, to guests who included Geauga County Commissioner Walter “Skip” Claypool, Community & Economic Development Director Anita Stocker, representatives from Chardon and Middlefield, and members of Geauga Growth.
Consulate Thimmig, a Geauga County resident since 1968, explained her role as a “conduit” or “public servant” or a local ambassador of sorts, who transfers information from the country she represents (in her case Germany) with U.S. citizens in Ohio. She helps answer questions of cultural, business and educational concerns for businesses locally and abroad and for delegates traveling into the area.
To illustrate, if a U.S. business needs to enter into a contract with a foreign country, the legal requirements for document certification from one country to another are not always compatible. Germany, for example, does not recognize the U.S. Notary Public. The Consulate office can help you draft and certify that contract.
Michael Miller, Honorary Consul for Sweden, has lived in Geauga since the early 70s and laughed when he said the “Honorary” Consul is distinguished from other levels of consuls, such a consul-general, in that the honorary consul is a volunteer position. Therefore, many honorary consuls are either retired from careers or otherwise employed.
The gathering included a round-robin style of sharing, where the various economic development representatives spoke about the services offered by their agencies.
“Zoning has improved in Geauga County to accommodate businesses for building sites, permitting and financial assistance,” said Anita Stocker. The community & economic development department of Geauga is interested in making it easy for businesses to move here.
Walter “Skip” Claypool stated that Geauga County is a very “collaborative community environment. Everyone wants businesses to succeed.”
Steve Yaney, Chardon Planning & Zoning Inspector, and Chardon City Manager Randy Sharpe informed consuls about the many improvements in the city, which should attract businesses.
Leslie Gambosi, Economic Development Director, and Dan Weir, City Manager from Middlefield, gave an overview of the many improvements and industrial growth in their village.
There was much discussion about the importance of a strong workforce. Tracy Jemison, President of Geauga Growth Partnership, explained the high school internship and career readiness programs offered through Geauga Growth Partnership. Consuls informed the group that some countries offer a fully-funded internship program for college students, making it possible for them to temporarily work in other countries at no cost to the host businesses.
Those around the table agreed the exchange of ideas will prove beneficial for all parties, serving as an open door for collaborations to come. John Steigerwald, Vice Chair of GGP Board of Directors and CEO for BECHEM Lubrication Technology summed it up well when he stated, “Having a conversation like this helps us realize just how short the line is.” GGP continues to seek opportunities to bridge gaps and build collaborations.
For more information visit www.geaugagrowthpartnership.com, contact info@geaugagrowth.com or call 440-564-1060.
