Category Archives: News

The Ross companies announce senior management changes

It’s the end of an era at the Ross companies.

Gary Vidmer, longtime executive vice president of sales and marketing, has announced his retirement. Over the past 15 years, Vidmer admirably served as the overseer of sales and marketing efforts in six territories in the Central and Eastern United States plus a national account program. His tenure dates back to 2006.

“Like all who have had the privilege of knowing Gary, I’ve learned so much from him,” CEO Jim Larson said. “He has readily given of himself so as to make all of us and our company better.

“We appreciate his leadership, and are thankful for his loyalty, dedication, and hard work,” Larson said.

Vidmer is from Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Bucknell University and studied financial analysis and marketing at the University of Michigan.

Scott Wesp, director of legacy sales, will become the vice president of sales. Wesp will also be responsible for the Technical Service and Logistics departments, as well as oversee the TSS line of business.

Wesp has served the Ross companies since 2014, although his extensive sales and management experience dates back to 1994. A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics Management.

“We are thrilled to have someone as experienced and talented as Scott and will work closely with him to make the transition seamless,” Larson said.

Ross Foundation provides grants to Eaton Twp. Fire & Rescue

 

The Ross Foundation recently provided two grants to the Eaton Township Fire Department.

The first was used to purchase six sets of ballistics gear, which included ballistic helmets with eye protection, bulletproof vests and related medical equipment. Fire officials are among the first to respond to emergency scenarios, and the gear serves as an added layer of protection should the unthinkable happen.

The second grant provided a new air compressor for filling compressed air tanks. The Ross companies have enjoyed a robust relationship Eaton Township Fire Department over the years. This dates back to when founder Bob Ross purchased a truck for the department in the mid-1960s.

The gear was formally presented to the township at an Eaton Township Trustee Meeting.

And the Design-An-Ad Competition Winners Are…

This spring, the Ross companies participated in The Chronicle-Telegram’s “Design and Write 2021.”  For the Design-an-Ad portion, K-12 students were asked to design advertisements for participating local businesses. Fifth graders Jett Sikora and Addie Kauffman from Midview East school took top honors. These ads appeared in April 2021 in print and online in the Chronicle-Telegram.

Design-an-Ad submissions are made possible through the
C-T’s Newspaper, Internet and Education departments. The purpose of this department and project is to nurture future newspaper readers, to promote literacy and civic awareness, to foster kid-safe Internet opportunities, and provide a voice for Lorain County’s youth through in-paper and on-line content.

The Ross companies are glad to support this activity, and the learning and growth of our local youth. Goals of this project include promoting skills in the visual arts,  communications and professional development in our Lorain County youth.