Media Contact: Jeanne Schmotzer, (216) 698-2010

Cuyahoga County, Ohio – C. Ellen Connally, Cuyahoga County Council President announced at the January 11, 2011 Council meeting the appointment of Jack Schron, Jr to Chair the Council’s Economic Development Committee and David Greenspan to Chair the Rules, Charter Review, Ethics and Council Operations Committee. “These initial appointments highlight Council’s recognition of the importance of ethics and economic development in the new government,” said Ms. Connally.

Mr. Schron will also serve as the Council’s representative on the County’s Charter-mandated Economic Development Commission. Mr. Schron brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. As President of Jergens, Inc., he was instrumental in the company’s growth and its commitment to building its manufacturing/distribution center in Cleveland’s once blighted Collinwood Rail yards. Mr. Schron is also the co-founder of the internet educational company Tooling University, soon to move into new headquarters in the Midtown Corridor.

Appointed by both Governors Strickland and Taft, Mr. Schron served eight years on the Clean Ohio Council, which focuses on cleaning up formerly abandoned/Brownfield sites throughout the state. He was elected vice-chair of the Council, helping set the tone for positive redevelopment state wide. Mr. Schron has also served on local non-profit boards which emphasize economic development, such as Wire-Net and MAGNET. “I look forward to taking on the economic development committee leadership and intend to use the significant assets of our county to rebuild the power of our economic engine,” said Mr. Schron.

Dan Brady will serve as Economic Development Vice Chair. Committee members include Mike Gallagher, Dave Greenspan, Julian Rogers, Chuck Germana and Ellen Connally.

Mr. Greenspan’s appointment to Chair the comprehensive Rules, Charter Review, Ethics and Council Operations Committee reflects his interest and expertise in ensuring that Cuyahoga County government operates in an open, ethical and transparent manner. Mr. Greenspan’s particular interest in Ethics and government operations stems from his experience as an inaugural member of the City Council of Sandy Springs, Georgia. In 2007, that city received the “Certified City of Ethics” designation from the Georgia Municipal Association. The award recognizes cities that adopt and implement key ethical principles and model ethics ordinances. During his campaign, Mr. Greenspan proposed a county ethics code, part of which was used by the transition workgroup in making its ethics recommendations. He also recommended creation of an Inspector General position, which has been adopted by the County Executive. Mr. Greenspan noted: “This Council Committee will do everything possible to restore citizen faith in Cuyahoga County government.”

Dale Miller will serve as Rules Vice Chair. Dan Brady, Ellen Connally and Sunny Simon will sit as Committee members.