Leaders can be found everywhere. The impact they have is far reaching — and they’re found in every pocket of Northeast Ohio.
The Business Hall of Fame inductions started in 1996 as a Bicentennial project with the city of Cleveland. It was a hit with the community, so we’ve continued inducting leaders in the business sectors every year.
But we started to see a connection between our inductees — they all noted the importance of the relationships between businesses and the community. And they know that leadership extends beyond the boardroom. Indeed, the growth and success of our region depends as much on the leaders running our communities, non-profit organizations and government entities as it does our corporate citizens.
We are inspired by the volume and diversity of great work being done in our community. So this year we have added the Community Leader of the Year Awards. These awards have made a real impact in the categories of arts, education, public service/government, health care, diversity and inclusion and environment and sustainability.
Read on to learn more about our honorees’ contributions to the business world and our community.
Business Hall of Fame
Dan Conway, co-founder, Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Pat Conway, co-founder, Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Pat Perry, chairman, ERC
Community Leader of the Year
Fred Bidwell, executive director and CEO, FRONT Exhibition Co.
Lee Friedman, CEO, College Now Greater Cleveland
Randell McShepard, vice president public affairs and CTO, RPM International Inc.
Joan Papp M.D., medical director and program coordinator, Project DAWN
Joel Ratner, president and CEO, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress Inc.
Brian Zimmerman, CEO, Cleveland Metroparks