Braun, Cool Machines, Kaufman honored

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Van Wert City/Ohio State University Extension Economic Development Group honored local businesses and talked about positives in the local economy during its 10th annual dinner and awards event on Tuesday.

Cindy Leis, Van Wert economic development director, provided highlights from the past year, while special recognition was given to Cool Machines Inc. as the Small Enterprise of the Year and Braun Industries, as the Large Enterprise of the Year.

Vantage Career Center Superintendent Staci Kaufman, who is also the outgoing Economic Development Advisory Group chairperson, was honored as the 2014 Volunteer of the Year.

Cool Machines and Braun, which both moved their operations from other communities to Van Wert, show that Van Wert has the power to attract new business to the community.

Kim Braun, Braun’s third-generation CEO, accepted on behalf of her company, while founder Dave Krendl accepted the award on behalf of Cool Machines.

Both companies moved operations here from other communities: Braun from Oakwood and Cool Machines from New Haven, Indiana.

Phil Braun, the second-generation CEO who brought the company to Van Wert, often noted that it was the amenities and quality of life found in Van Wert, as well as its development and government cooperation, that brought the premier ambulance-maker to Van Wert.

Krendl has also praised the cooperation he received from the local community in bringing his company to Van Wert.

Also Tuesday evening, Mayor Don Farmer also provided remarks on the past year’s economic development positives, while also honoring outgoing development assistant Darlene Myers for her impact on local community development.

Leis, Mayor Farmer and Kaufman also noted the importance of existing companies on future economic development, while keynote speaker Mark Barbash, executive vice president for the Ohio Community Development Finance Fund, who talked about the qualities needed by a community to be successful in economic development, also noted that it’s usually a regional link to existing community businesses that enables future development.

Sponsors of the event, Central Insurance Companies, Citizens National Bank and Van Wert County Hospital, were also honored for their decade of support for the city economic development office.

In closing, Kaufman passed the gavel to new co-chairs Dennis Staude and Pat Ryan.