Mercury Plastics, Ed Babcock Recognized
More than 200 Geauga County businesspeople and officials sat down together for an early breakfast and to hear the director of the Ohio Department of Development speak at the 15th annual Geauga Growth Partnership business meeting March 19.
More than 200 Geauga County businesspeople and officials sat down together for an early breakfast and to hear the director of the Ohio Department of Development speak at the 15th annual Geauga Growth Partnership business meeting March 19.
Nearly every seat was filled at the Generations Event Center in Chester Township when Lydia Mihalik took the podium, declaring her department supports small business and wants to help all organizations create new jobs and retain valued workers.
She cited two local businesses who have benefited from ODD’s assistance.
“Across Ohio, we are making sure businesses have the tools and resources they need,” Mihalik said, adding the department provides a lot of small business loans.
“Whether you run a diner or a tech start-up, we’re here to help you grow,” she said.
That includes developing pathways to employment through programs like that of GGP — where students are exposed to many opportunities in the workplace — and building a pipeline to grow a skilled workforce, she said.
“It’s not just about filling jobs, it’s about changing lives and giving every Ohioan a chance to meet their dreams,” Mihalik said. “We are your partners. We want to work with you.”
GGP’s five-year strategic plan, introduced by Angela Spalsbury, Kent State University Geauga dean and a member of the GGP preparation committee, outlined a vision for Geauga County as a hub for advanced manufacturing, education and sustainable growth.
Key priorities include establishing a business innovation hub to foster entrepreneurship and accelerate business growth, expanding career pathways and workforce training, investing in critical infrastructure improvements to support local businesses, addressing workforce skill gaps and enhancing talent retention, and strengthening organizational sustainability through diversified funding and philanthropy efforts.
Infrastructure improvement, including electricity, broadband, housing and transportation, will support community growth and industrial development, Spalsbury said.
That plan builds on the successes GGP saw in 2024, said Kimm Leininger, organization CEO and president.
“We’re doing exactly what we set out to do 15 years ago,” she said. “Things get done by a team of people.”
Last calendar year, the GGP hosted 199 events, engaged 3,224 individuals through its programming and partnered with TeamNEO and the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network to advance on its goals, Leininger said, emphasizing its growing influence on local businesses and workforce development.
“I have witnessed employees advancing into new roles, business owners reclaiming their time and passion for their work and companies expanding in ways they never imagined,” she said.
Business retention and expansion remain a top priority, ensuring local companies stay connected to the resources they need to grow and thrive, and being committed to offering innovative programs to keep members informed on critical industry trends and economic opportunities, Leininger said.
GGP and the MAGNET honored Mercury Plastics LLC with the excellence in manufacturing award, recognizing its contributions to innovation and industry leadership in Northeast Ohio.
Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Middlefield, Mercury Plastics specializes in thermoplastics solutions for industries such as automotive, medical, plumbing and construction, according to a video shown during the awards ceremony.
Since its acquisition by Masco Corporation in 2017, the company has expanded operations across three advanced manufacturing facilities, housing two of the largest electron beams in North America to drive material science advancements.
“This award recognizes Mercury Plastics’ commitment to innovation, precision and continuous improvement,” Leininger said. “Their cutting-edge technology and workforce investment strengthen both our local and regional economies.”
Christian Klein, GGP board member and managing partner at Company 119, presented the Frank Samuel Distinguished Service Award to Ed Babcock, owner of Junction Auto Family, for his exceptional leadership and contributions to economic and community development.
A founding member of GGP, Babcock was dedicated to supporting local organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, Foundation for Geauga Parks and WomenSafe. His leadership has earned him the TIME Dealer of the Year Award and the Leadership Geauga Emerald Leader Award.
GGP Chairman John Epprecht congratulated Babcock.
“The first time I met you, I was 17 years old and you sold me my first car — only my dad had to sign for it,” Epprecht said, adding the Babcock family has been in Geauga County for three generations.
Urging members to introduce youth to the work environment, he recalled students from an eighth grade class telling their board of education how much they enjoyed their trip to the Great Lakes Cheese facility.
“Youngsters’ enthusiasm starts at a very young age. You can’t just start talking to kids (about career choices) when they are 18 years old. You’ve got to start when they are younger so they can appreciate things they see as they grow,” Epprecht said. “Figure out ways to open up your organizations so you can work with local school districts and bring some of those kids into your facility. It will pay dividends in the future. It’s a lot of fun — and your employees will love it.”
