What We’ve Been Up To Recently

Hi! This is Jason Ziga. You might see me around the Facebook Dealer Group every now and again. We usually keep the blog all about you, but thought you might enjoy a peek into the world of Transfer Express.

I am thankful for how much we have done to be an active member of our community.  In just the past 18 months, we have taken it to new levels.  By doing this, we have seen our organization grow in presence and in being recognized as a top place to work in Northeast Ohio.

What I find most satisfying in becoming a top place to work is to see how personally rewarding many of these activities and charitable efforts are to our employees.

The joy and happiness I see from them while serving the community makes me realize how important our people feel in giving back to those who need it the most.

None of this would be possible without you, our valued customers. Here are some of the exciting things we’ve been able to accomplish:

• 2016: Visit from U.S. Congressman David Joyce (R) to see manufacturing progress and investment in future technologies.
• 2016: Created Helping Hands – Philanthropy Committee – goal is to give back to the community; aim to volunteer mostly in Lake County and surrounding areas
  • Walk to Remember to benefit Hospice of Western Reserve (2 years) – this year we were one of the top fundraisers
  • Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
  • Local Beach clean-up – went to Headlands one morning and cleaned beach
  • Planted trees at Holden Arboretum
  • Food drive for End 68 Hours of Hunger (program that collects and donates food to kids on the free lunch program for use on the weekends)
  • Adopt a Family program (last year – 3 families)
• Sept. 2016: Think Manufacturing Career Expo in Lake County – showed high schoolers the options of working in manufacturing environments in the area.
  • We were also the tote bag sponsor, so all participating companies have a bag with our logo.
• Nov. 2016: Volunteered with YOU (Youth Opportunities Unlimited) – helped high schoolers create resumes
• 2016: Volunteered at Auburn Career Center for competition day – evaluated resumes, judged academic decathlon type event.
• 2016: Career Fair at Cleveland State University – for new college and grad school graduates
• 2016 – We partnered with Ohio Means Jobs, a state government agency, in placing people in meaningful jobs.  They also provide training, resume services, recruitment, etc.
• Spring 2017: Partnered with Lakeland for Interns in Graphic Design. Placed one and had her work with us through graduation.
• 2017 – Partnered with Deepwood Industries to help find employment for those with developing disabilities whom were high functioning.
• 2017 – Painesville Schools reached out and Andy Curtiss volunteered to come in to their school system in the capacity as a Career Councilor. The program had Councilors, who were essentially managers from local organizations, come in and spend time with at risk children in low-income families. On the surface, the program was meant to help give kids ideas for directions they could take careers. On a deeper level, however, we were more Mentors meant to spend time with kids who needed exposure to other adults besides their Teachers. Conversations sometimes centered on “what I want to be when I grow up” and other times focused on “here’s what’s going on in my life”.
• Oct 2017 – NorthCoast 99 Winner – Named one of the best 99 places to work in Northeast Ohio.  We were also given an award for having the best Leadership and Development Program in all of Northeast Ohio.
• Oct 2017 – Fast Track 50 Winner – Given to the fastest growing companies in Lake County, OH.  Also won in 2016.
• Oct 2017 – Visit from member of the Mentor City Council to understand what we do and how he can help us.
• Nov. 2017: Mentor High Career Expo
• Nov. 2017: Nominated for Evolution of Manufacturing Award – Pending decision to see if awarded.  However, this award is for being a modern, high tech manufacturing facility.
• Nov. 2017: PPAI Pyramid Award winner in the Supplier Star Competition
• Nov. 2017: Recognition from Ohio Representative Ron Young for being a premier organization in Northeast Ohio.
• Leadership Lake County participants – Matt Cook (2016), Andy Curtiss (2017), and Jason Ziga (2018) – This organization provides leadership development programs in community based settings.  The goal is to develop and engage existing and future leaders in pursuit of civic and economic excellence in the local community.
• We currently have 2 people involved with Community Builders, which is a branch of Leadership Lake County to provide entry level management leadership tools and community outreach.
• We recently hosted the Junior Leadership Lake County class, which was approximately 50 local high school students.  These students were able to learn about what we do, take a brief tour, and also learn how to develop/promote a brand.
• Every quarter since 2016 we donate all of our extra clothing items to the St. Philomena: Wittman/Ozanam Center Clothing Bank
• Donated 50 Cinch sacks to Little Annie’s Hope Train—an organization that provides blessing bags to the homeless in Lake and Cuyahoga Counties

We’re very excited for 2018. We have been working on TWENTY ONE new things – some of which have already been announced and some upcoming launches that you’re going to love.

We couldn’t be more grateful for your business and support.