Donor Partners
The Campaign team, including Dr. Paul Brown, Pamela Jira, the Campaign Co-chairs and other stakeholders have been making visits to potential donors. Please see below for a list of donors who committed to the Campaign. 
You may also view a complete list of early donors (last updated March 2012).
Naming Opportunities
See up-to-date floorplans and naming opportunites for the Advanced Science and Technology Center in Zanesville and the Cambridge Campus.
Featured Donor
U.S. Bank Invests in Southeast Ohio Through Building a Vibrant Community Campaign
The fifth largest commercial bank in the nation, U.S. Bank and its employees put communities at the forefront of their charitable endeavors as demonstrated by the corporation’s mission, “putting the power of US to work for you.” Continuing in its commitment to strengthen the communities in which it serves, U.S. Bank Eastern Ohio has invested in Zane State College’s Building a Vibrant Community Campaign.
“U.S. Bank is a very community-minded bank,” said Jeffery East, Regional President, Eastern Ohio Region. “We realize the importance of education in building a viable workforce and improving the quality of life in this region.”
“U.S. Bank’s investment in the College’s Building a Vibrant Community Campaign will truly make a difference in the lives of southeast Ohioans,” said Dr. Paul Brown, president of Zane State College. “We are proud they are partnering with us to help make this region an economic success.”
Guernsey County native East, who is active with The Guernsey County Foundation and the Community Industrial Association, has a keen interest in promoting economic development in the area. “I am proud that U.S. Bank is giving back to a community that has been so good to us. Partnering with Zane State College will enhance our organizations’ joint efforts to create economic opportunity in this region so this community can continue to grow and prosper.”
To date, Zane State College has received nearly $10.5 million for the Building a Vibrant Community campaign. Among the Campaign’s initiatives is to build an education center at the College’s Cambridge Campus. The building is projected to break ground in 2012.
Other Featured Donors
The Community Bank
Grant and Pat Hafley - coming soon
Ray and Betty Hecker
Huntington National Bank
Rob Joseph and Jack Joseph
Kessler Sign Company
John and Marta Knight
Raymond and Jean Larrick - coming soon
Nicolozakes Family
Corley and Melodie Thomas
Ben and Tim Thompson
Ridge Tool
Jack and Stephanie Youngs - coming soon
ACI Services, Inc.
It is good business to train your employees so they can do the best job possible. It’s even better business to train the area workforce so there is a large pool from which to choose future employees. Norm Shade, president of ACI Services, Inc., subscribes to ensuring there is a trained workforce to keep his business thriving. As a result, his company has given a lead gift to Zane State College and now has a named classroom in the new Cambridge building that will be erected as a result of the Building a Vibrant Community Campaign.
"This is where we operate. This is where we live," Shade said when explaining why his company chose to make the investment. "We have a sense of duty to the community."
Acquired by the late Jack R. Youngs in 1999, ACI provides manufactured products, engineered solutions and performance software for large industrial reciprocating compressors. Although a large percentage of ACI’s clients are in the western U.S., Canada, and throughout the world where oil and gas are produced, transported or used, the majority of the company’s 55 engineers and other highly-skilled employees work in Cambridge. Others work in Kansas City and Houston.
Shade, who has been at ACI’s helm since 2004, has a clear vision for the company and his vision includes growth. "People make a business." Shade said. "Our challenge is to develop people who can carry on the company’s legacy."
"Our business is very specialized," Shade continued. "Initially, we had to go outside the area to find the skills we needed. But in the last couple of years, we’ve been able to find more local people that can meet our requirements. Zane State College has been a source of talent for us. We currently have three employees who are graduates of Zane State College. We realize it’s important to have a pool of smart, educated people to draw from. We recognize it’s important to have good facilities to provide that pool."
The Community Bank
For more than 100 years, The Community Bank has prided itself on providing dedicated service to southeastern Ohio communities. In fact, it is because of this dedication that Bank leaders wanted to give back to the community through Zane State College’s Building a Vibrant Community initiative.
"We must invest in the future of this area by providing a solid post-secondary education," said Michael Steen, The Community Bank President. "Zane State College has a proven track record of increasing the base of knowledge and experience for employees of local businesses."
"The Community Bank’s message to their customers is that they are ‘tried and true’ and we couldn’t agree more," said Dr. Paul Brown, President of Zane State College. "They have been a significant supporter of the College for many years, including hiring some of our graduates. We are proud to say that we can always count on The Community Bank—just as the community can count on them—to step up and do their part to advance our community."
"Southeast Ohio is characterized by strong values, beautiful topography, proud citizens, and charitable successes," said Steen. "As a true local bank, we are proud to do what we can to build a more vibrant community in the areas we serve.
Betty and Ray hope that by endowing a scholarship, they will ensure that other students do not have to delay college like Betty had to do. “I am impressed with the administration at the College and with the curriculum,” Ray said. “We were glad to establish something that will go on and help students forever.”
Huntington National Bank
Huntington National Bank has invested in Zane State College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), making the bank the first corporate supporter of this resource for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The SBDC provides educational and support services free to clients who employ up to 500 employees who are trying to expand or start their businesses. "Huntington Bank is committed to helping the community rebound from the recession," said Francine Swiger, Community President and the Business Banking Team Leader for Zanesville and Muskingum County. "We know that small businesses create more than 66% of all new jobs and are the engine of the economic recovery. Zane State College’s Small Business Development Center is one of the best resources in the area for small businesses as they seek the most cost-effective and innovative ways to grow."
"Collaborating with forward-thinking companies such as Huntington Bank is critical to the success of our Building a Vibrant Community initiative," said Dr. Paul Brown, president of Zane State College. "Huntington’s investment in the SBDC represents our shared commitment to helping southeast Ohio become a thriving, economic success."
The SBDC has helped many business owners achieve positive outcomes. Lynn Abrams-Spilker, who opened a business specializing in taxes in 2001, sought the services of the SBDC after her fourth year in business. Abrams-Spilker worked with Center director Cindy Voorhies to write a business plan and saw her business grow to seven times its original size.
"Without the SBDC and their group of volunteers many small business owners would be lost," said Abrams-Spilker, who now volunteers her time to help other SBDC clients. "Many times, entrepreneurs lack the funds necessary to hire the services they need to get their businesses off of the ground. They also lack the expertise needed to embark on a new business venture. The SBDC provides that expertise and knowledge at no cost to the consumer."
John and Peggy Whited, owners of Viking Enterprises, LLC, concur. Peggy, an alumna of Zane State College, was delighted to turn to the College as a resource for her Cumberland rental facility. "The SBDC was truly instrumental in helping us establish our long term goals," said Peggy.
The SBDC also helped Zanesville resident Jim Stafford solidify his goals. With the help of the SBDC, Stafford developed a business plan for his forest management consulting company and obtained loans for equipment and software. Now, Stafford’s business has grown to the point that he employees a full-time technician and seven part-time employees and has purchased an office building. "The SBDC helped me get all the things I needed to get up and running," said Stafford.
Huntington Bank, which as committed $4 billion for small business lending, has added 150 bankers across their markets to help small businesses and made loans to more than 1,500 businesses in Central Ohio. They are the 4th largest Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in the country and the No. 1 SBA lender in Ohio. "This was a natural partnership for Huntington because we share Zane State’s small business commitment," said Swiger. The SBDC is an important and effective asset for southeast Ohio for which we should all be grateful and proud."
Rob Joseph and Jack Joseph
For four generations, the Josephs have built Muskingum Iron and Metal Company into a thriving enterprise. The keys to the family’s success are tried and true: fairness; fast, friendly service; and honesty. Traditional values such as these, along with a strong belief in the importance of education, have led co-owners Jack and Rob Joseph to do what they can to ensure southeast Ohio experiences the same healthy growth their business has experienced. One step has been to contribute to the Building a Vibrant Community initiative.
"I’d like to see the quality of life in Zanesville increase," said Rob Joseph. "One reason we got involved in the initiative is because it will help the quality of life here."
"Education provides continuity for the area," brother Jack Joseph agreed. "It attracts businesses to the area because they know there is a trained workforce."
The Josephs made a significant contribution to the Advanced Science and Technology Center planned for Zanesville, which is one of four goals that comprise the Building a Vibrant Community initiative. Additional goals include building a high-tech educational facility in Cambridge that will transform the city by increasing the skills and knowledge of the area’s labor force; providing additional scholarships through the creation of an endowment; and enhancing the College’s technology, labs, and instructional equipment to ensure graduates continue to meet the evolving needs of area employers.
The Joseph’s investment has helped the College mark a major milestone as it reached more than $8 million in contributions for the initiative, half of which will go toward its planned new buildings in Cambridge and Zanesville.
With over 100 workers employed in Zanesville, Columbus, and at Cambridge Iron and Metal—including the additional employees they acquired through their purchase of the Bloomer Candy Company in December, 2009—the Joseph brothers understand the critical need for trained workers. "People might think we have unskilled workers but that’s not the case," Jack continued. "Our workers are skilled in computerized equipment. If someone is not educated, we consider them a safety risk."
When scrap steel arrives at Muskingum Iron and Metal Company’s 42-acre site, it is sorted and segregated to the proper size and chemistry. Scrap copper and aluminum materials are also processed to meet mill specifications. In this age of being mindful of the environment, there is a 74% energy savings by recycling scrap metal versus melting iron ore. This benefits companies such as AK Steel, the Timken Company, and Burnham Corporation by reduced raw material costs.
For a family that has handed its business down through the generations, it is not surprising that the Joseph’s place a great value on keeping the area attractive for the area’s young people. "Having adequate education keeps our children nearby," said Jack. It creates an opportunity for a bright future."
Kessler Sign Company
A sign at the entrance of Kessler Sign Company reads, “The best sign people in America walk through this gate.” Founder Bob Kessler and his brothers are helping others achieve their best by investing in Zane State College’s Building a Vibrant Community initiative.
“My brothers and I believe that the better educated people are, the better they can do in life,” said Kessler about his family’s decision to invest. “This area provides a great opportunity for anyone who wants to raise a family, have a good business, and find quality people to work in that business. With outstanding opportunities to study advanced science and technology from one of the country’s best two-year colleges, it will be even more so.”
A Zanesville native and a graduate of Zanesville High School, Kessler studied graphic design at Ohio University-Zanesville before being called to pitch for the New York Mets. Even with an exciting career as a professional ball player, Kessler’s passion for design prompted him to make signs during the off seasons. After leaving baseball in 1979, he embarked on a full-time career as a sign maker—founding Kessler Sign Company and working alongside his brothers, Rodger and David, to create one of the nation’s premiere outdoor advertising and sign companies.
“Through their innovation and dedication to customers, the Kesslers have been helping local businesses grow for almost four decades,” said Dr. Paul Brown, president of Zane State College. “It’s gratifying that these leaders, who are so integral to the fabric of southeast Ohio, should join our campaign to build a more vibrant community.”
Kessler and his brothers have chosen to name a lecture hall in the planned Advanced Science and Technology Center in Zanesville. They envision enriching and generating income for the area by attracting renowned lecturers to Zanesville.
“I’ve seen great changes in Zane State College over the years that have raised both the image of the College and the image of the area, said Kessler. “I’m convinced the Advanced Science and Technology Center will do even more to attract people, businesses, and financial opportunities to southeast Ohio.”
John and Marta Knight
“I honestly cannot remember a time when something this big and this exciting has happened in Guernsey County. With the new comprehensive college, Cambridge will actually become a college town! Students who might not have pursued going to college before will now have greater access to affordable, close-to-home educational and training opportunities. As a member of this community, I can’t think of anything more exciting or important than that.” John Knight, Chairman and CEO, The Fabri-Form Company and Campaign Co-Chair
Last spring, employees, stakeholders, and members of the community gathered at The Campus Center on May 25, 2010 and the Willett-Pratt Training Center on May 26, 2010 to celebrate the public announcement of the Building a Vibrant Community campaign. John Knight, Chairman and CEO of The Fabri-Form Company, addressed guests and discussed why he and his wife, Marta, are supporting Zane State College.
“Zane State College is Building a Vibrant Community and I am proud to help,” John said. “The College has a plan to achieve four initiatives and, clearly, they are each critically important to our community. But—I have to confess—the plan to create a comprehensive college in Cambridge resonates particularly strong with me. In my role as President of Fabri-Form, I recognize how important the training opportunities are to area businesses. Southeast Ohio will certainly be more vibrant with significantly expanded training and educational opportunities provided by a comprehensive campus in Cambridge. That is why I was compelled to contribute to the campaign by purchasing naming rights for one of the Cambridge campus classrooms. I am proud for my family name to be associated with both Fabri-Form and Zane State College for they both are progressive organizations that deliver quality service. Further, I believe that other businesses in our communities will prosper with the world class education, training, and support services that Zane State College has to offer.”
NicolozakesFamily
It is perhaps the hands-on approach Jim Nicolozakes and his brothers have perfected in their family business that has made Jim such a perfect fit for Zane State College’s board of trustees. Jim has served the College—which prides itself on its "personal touch" philosophy when working with students—for nearly 25 years after being appointed to the board first by Governor Dick Celeste and then again by Governor George Voinovich.
Jim, along with his brothers and cousin, owns Nicolozakes Trucking and Construction Company. The company specializes in clearing land, constructing sites, and completing other invaluable services for businesses relocating to or moving within the area.
For Jim, keeping people in southeast Ohio versus watching them move away to find employment elsewhere is an important priority. His family has been in the area since his grandfather immigrated from Greece early in the last century and it "pains" him to see people move away due to lack of opportunity.
"A lot of our customers use the College to train their workers and supervisors and to keep up with OSHA regulations," said Jim. "I hear all the time that they are happy with the services of the College. That makes things good for us, because our business is here to serve other businesses. If the College keeps businesses here and keeps them competitive, we’re all for that."
As business owners whose company contributes to the economic well-being of the region, Jim, Billy J. and Dean found making a gift to the Building a Vibrant Community initiative an easy decision. "Zane State College helps grow the economy by attracting industry and leading the way to a better standard of living," said Jim. "A fully operating college campus will be welcoming to new business and industry and the existing businesses that occupy the D.O. Hall industrial park."
Corley and Melodie Thomas
Corley Thomas, co-owner of Thomas LumberTown, proudly assures customers that they are working with a company that is committed to the community. Demonstrating that same commitment in their personal life, Corley and Melodie Thomas have endowed a scholarship at Zane State College.
“Zane State College is a community college,” Corley said. “I see the scholarship as an investment in the community.”
“I see it as a way of helping someone,” Melodie added. “It is an investment in the next generation and the generation after that.”
Zanesville natives who are about to celebrate 43 years of marriage, Corley and Melodie have raised two children—Monica and Matthew—and are following in Corley’s father’s footsteps of giving back to the community. Ray Thomas was so entrenched in the community that he co-founded two Foundations—the Zane State College Foundation and the Muskingum County Community Foundation in 1984 and 1985 respectively. In addition, he and his wife, Eva, endowed the Raymond and Eva Thomas Scholarship at Zane State College in 1986.
“We have made contributions to my alma mater, Miami University, and to the Naval Academy where our son attended, but we don’t drive past those institutions every day,” Corley said. “Zane State College is local and a lot of graduates stay in the area. It is an investment in the community that will go on after we are gone."
Ridge Tool
Leaders at Ridge Tool were so enthusiastic about supporting Zane State College’s initiative to create a full-serve Cambridge Campus that President Fred Pond and Director of Customer Service & Distribution Warren Steiner drove in from the company’s northeast Ohio headquarters to present the check.
“Quality of life is very important to us” said Pond. Zane State College is a significant asset for our employees and their communities. We believe that educational opportunities are vitally important and wanted to demonstrate our commitment to Zane State’s important mission.
Founded in Elyria, Ohio in 1923, Ridge Tool Company has maintained a distribution center in Cambridge since 1995. A wholly owned subsidiary of Emerson, the company develops, manufactures, and markets RIDGID® hand and power tools worldwide. Zane State College’s expanded Cambridge Campus will be visible from the company’s front windows.
“Zane State College’s training programs have provided us with the opportunity to significantly increase the knowledge-base and skills of our employees for the last 15 years,” said Brian Shanahan, senior operations manager at the Cambridge facility. “The training has contributed to [the distribution center’s] start-up and our sustained business.”
“’We are proud of the strong relationship we have developed with Ridge Tool over the years,” said Dr. Paul Brown, president of Zane State College. “The best way we can show how much we value their significant commitment to this community is by providing the training they need to remain competitive in their industry.”
Proud to be able to stamp, Made in the U.S.A. on their products, Ridge Tool takes their investment in America seriously. Indeed, evidence of Ridge Tool’s commitment to the community is visible all around the company’s distribution center at the D.O. Hall Industrial Park. Plaques and trophies recognizing the company for community service are displayed throughout the lobby and main conference room.
“Zane State College is meeting the needs of America by providing the training today’s businesses require,” said Pond when explaining the company’s decision to invest in the College’s Building a Vibrant Community initiative. “Ridge Tool requires training for state-of-the-art equipment. Our employees operate four or more $800,000 machines at once. The skill set needs have changed from the way we were running things 30 years ago.”
“Campuses have to be integral to the community they serve,” continued Pond. “The new Zane State College campus gives Ridge Tool the opportunity to have employees with the right training. It casts a nice glow to everything around it. People want to be a part of those types of communities.”
Shanahan concurred. “People drive by the Zane State College campus every day on their way to work,” he said. “They are going to look at the new building and say, ‘Isn’t that great—I want to go there and expand my education.’”
Ben and Tim Thompson
Wendy’s franchise owners Ben Thompson and Tim Thompson look no further than the restaurant’s slogan--"Quality is our Recipe"--as their inspiration to ensure southeast Ohioans have access to a quality education. The brothers have contributed a lead gift to Zane State College’s Building a Vibrant Community initiative so new businesses will be attracted to the area.
"I am excited about the Advanced Science and Technology Center because it will give people employable skills," said Ben Thompson, president of the franchise operation which employs over 1,000 people. "I don’t care what line of business you’re going into–the ability to work with technology and systems is important."
"I believe the College helps attract employers to the area." Tim Thompson, chief operating officer for the franchises, concurs. "An educated community attracts economic development," he said. "When people are provided with opportunities in their own community, we all benefit."
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