Mary Dula thanked Bob Oborn for leading Kent Elastomer in supporting the expense of five residential rooms at the Akron Ronald McDonald House. 

 

Linda Trevorrow is thankful for her double monitor set-up on her dining room table.  Now ... to work on software matters --- much more difficult than hardware challenges!!

 

Bob Oborn happily announced that C.J., their puppy, is at training camp for two weeks.  

 

Dick Hall attended a golf outing at Silver Lake and was very impressed the way the Club's employees handled social distancing, masks and serving the food safely.  Let's hope we can meet again SOON at our Clubhouse!!

Bill introduced our speaker, Don Schjeldahl, founder of North Water Brewing Co. (101 Crain Avenue, Kent, at the northwest corner of Kent's recently branded "Mill District").  He had a long career with the Austin Co. in Cleveland and is now a consultant sharing economic development strategies with clients.  His strong interest in craft breweries led him to his present, five-year project.  

 

Don explained that skilled, dependable labor is the most important factor for a business' choice of location in a well-run community.  A healthy downtown area is also desirable, especially if the downtown has undergone a renaissance.  A strong healthcare system, outstanding schools, and a vibrant arts culture are attractive partners for business investment.

 

Healthy communities embrace the craft beer movement and the establishment of craft breweries, as well as other wonderful renewal projects like coffee shops.  Don and his business partners look forward to the celebrated opening of their new brewery in Kent.  This group of local brewers and beer lovers is dedicated to creating a safe and friendly venue for families and adults to meet, share stories, sample food from local restaurants, listen to great local music, and view works from local artists while drinking world class craft beer. The brewery will NOT be a college bar!