A little fanfare and a big donation to the Chardon Schools Foundation accompanied the grand opening of the new Kinetic by Windstream retail location at 205 South Hambden Street in Chardon Sept. 13.
A little fanfare and a big donation to the Chardon Schools Foundation accompanied the grand opening of the new Kinetic by Windstream retail location at 205 South Hambden Street in Chardon Sept. 13.
Susan Schraibman, regional president, said the celebration of the new branch — located in the old Chardon telephone company building — demonstrates Windstream’s commitment to the city.
A $1,000 donation to CSF also emphasized their support and was gratefully accepted by CSF President Dave Jevnikar.
Jevnikar said Windstream has reinforced the work of the foundation for the past 15 years by providing telephone and internet services to the CSF for their annual auction.
“They’ve been the deal for all our technology,” he said. “We appreciate that, let alone the check today.”
For over 30 years, the foundation has helped fund educational grants to teachers in Chardon Schools and provides about $20,000 in educational enrichment grants annually.
Schraibman said the Chardon office will provide a place for the public to come with questions or to pay bills or pick up equipment, but it is also a place from which representatives can engage with the local community.
Prior to its opening, the closest Windstream branches were in Hudson, OH and Meadville, PA.
“The last 18 months have certainly reminded us how important it is to have reliable internet (service),” Schraibman said. “My son reminds me every day he needs it for his Xbox.”
Schraibman added high-speed internet is important for access to school work and for those working from home, a message echoed by Chardon Mayor Dan Meleski.
“I’ve been working from home since March 13 of last year,” he said. “When the service wasn’t available, you can’t even work, right? So it’s interesting how far we’ve come in a society and to be able to have so many people working (from home).”
Meleski said the city appreciates the investment Kinetic is making in Chardon, including the jobs brought to the city.
Schraibman said there are currently three openings for technicians.
Representatives from city offices included Jeff Smock, who sits on Chardon City Council, and Community Development Administrator Steve Yaney. Melissa Ricco, executive director of the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce, also congratulated Windstream on bringing the new office to the city.
State Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur said internet service has been a big challenge for the 99th district.
The new location is a benefit to more than Chardon, since people from places like Rock Creek, where she grew up, won’t have to make an hours-long round trip if they need face-to-face service, she said.
“The benefit of having this retail operation in Chardon, is going to be … reliable internet available on a regular basis,” Fowler Arthur said, adding the internet has increasingly become a part of everyday life.
Shawna Cossin, regional field marketing operations consultant, said Kinetic by Windstream is also running a back-to-school campaign during September. Members of the public are asked to nominate their favorite certified or accredited teacher and one nominated teacher per state will win a $1,000 classroom grant.
Those interested in nominating a teacher can visit the new office or call 440-285-5494.
