Winners of the Euclid Chamber of Commerce Awards 2019

Large Business of the Year: 

BWX Technologies

BWX Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of nuclear components and fuel to the United States Government. They provide technical support, management and site services to assist governments in the operation of complex facilities and environmental remediation activities. BWXT supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry. In 2018, BWXT announced a major expansion in Euclid. As their slogan goes, “BWXT is People Strong and Innovation Driven!”

Small Business of the Year: 

Mama Catena’s

Founded in love and all things delicious, Mama Catena’s survived the unthinkable after a kitchen fire destroyed this Euclid cornerstone business. Not only did they rebuild better than ever, they managed to earn the esteemed award of “Cleveland’s Best Sinful Dessert” for their Cannoli Cake. Join us in honoring this family as they celebrate their comeback and 30th year in business!

Organization of the Year: 

Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Campus

The Transportation Innovation Center is an expansion of the original Cuyahoga Community College CDL Training program that was first established in September of 2008. The need for more CDL Drivers continues to be in high demand, along with other Transportation Industry related job training. The development of this new center is an opportunity to better support not only the population and economy of the City of Euclid, but also the greater Northeast Ohio job training needs. The new Transportation Innovation Center will continue to offer CDL Training and it will soon be offering Warehouse & Logistics Training, to better help support thousands of job opportunities at the new Amazon Distribution Center in Euclid.

Business Person of the Year:

Charlie Sims

Charlie is the President and Dealer Principal of Sims Buick GMC in Euclid. His “old fashioned” car dealer style of always putting his customers first has earned him not only excellent customer retention but the “Mark of Excellence Award” from General Motors for exhibiting the highest standards of sales excellence, employee education, and customer satisfaction! You can find Charlie is at the dealership six days a week, truly enjoying greeting old friends and meeting new customers. Charlie has served on the Euclid Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for over a decade.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Rich Lea

Rich is being honored for his lifetime commitment not only to the Euclid business community but healthcare community as well – and it is a commitment that far transcends merely running the operations of Euclid Hospital. Rich was an integral part of the Euclid Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for many years and has served on the board of other community groups. We are grateful for his dedication and leadership within our business and health communities and while we all miss him, we wish him well in his much-deserved retirement.

Young Professional of the Year:

Dr. Kari Cunningham, Panther Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Kari is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and owner of Panther Pediatric Dentistry.

She graduated Valedictorian from Euclid High School in 2002 and later attended the University of Pittsburgh where she received a full academic scholarship. Dr. Kari is excited to return and establish her first pediatric dental practice in her hometown. Dr. Kari is honored and overjoyed about this new season in her career as a practice owner and is excited to continue building lifelong relationships with her patients and her community.

Bluestone Award: 

Rick Case Honda

The Rick Case Automotive Group, founded in 1962, has been serving Northeast Ohio for 57 years. Rick Case Honda  is owned and operated by the wife and husband team of Rita and Rick Case. With 17 dealerships, the Rick Case Automotive Group has forged an irrefutable reputation as one of the country's leading automobile dealers. Last year,  Rick Case Honda- Euclid, continued their commitment to Euclid by investing in and expanding their service department to better accommodate their customers.

Bluestone Award:

Good Cause Creative, Pamela Turos

After spending 15 years in social work serving a variety of health care and nonprofit organizations, Pam transitioned into a new career in freelance writing. While providing communication support for several Cleveland area nonprofits, Pam instinctively sought out collaborations with other highly-experienced professionals who wanted to use their talents in a more inspiring way. In October 2016, Good Cause Creative was launched. Pam’s creative problem-solving skills and passion for social justice combine to empower clients, such as Cleveland Transformation Alliance, Women's Recovery Center, Lorain County Free Clinic, Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, Waiting Child Fund/Kinnect Ohio and 30 Days to Family Ohio. She is also a member of the 2018 cohort of the Cleveland Neighborhood Leadership Development Program and community manager at The Green House co-working and office space, where Good Cause Creative is located. She lives with her husband and 3 children in Euclid.