Business roundup: Delta Media predicts housing demand will rebound this year
Real estate leaders expect housing demand to increase and the economy to improve this year, according to an independent study by Delta Media Group.
The Jackson Township-based company provides real estate software, such as the digital marketing platform DeltaNET. Its Delta Real Estate Leadership Survey conducted in December polled over 130 brokerage leaders from firms that, collectively, handled more than 65% of all home sales nationwide in 2023.
Two in three leaders ― 66% ― predict that housing demand will increase this year, compared to one in three who were optimistic about last year. About 53% also expect the national economy to improve this year, whereas the majority last year was pessimistic with only 49% anticipating growth.
“The Delta survey once again reveals real estate leaders’ confidence in the economy increases the closer it is to home,” Michael Minard, CEO and owner of Delta Media Group, said in a prepared statement. “They are much more confident about their local economy than their state, U.S. or global economy."
Leaders were asked to rank their confidence in the local, state, national and global economies compared to last year. Their confidence decreased in that order ― from more confidence in local economies to less confidence in the global economy.
“Leaders have little confidence in the global economy," Minard added. "Only 3% were more confident of the global economy today versus a year ago, with 57% less confident. Forty percent said their confidence remained unchanged."
Sephora coming to Belden Village Mall
Sephora, a multinational retailer of cosmetic products, will open this fall at Belden Village Mall.
The new store will be adjacent to the North Mall entrance, according to an announcement by the mall. Sephora-trained beauty advisers will offer assistance with products and personalized consultations.
“Sephora has built a phenomenal reputation and following in the beauty industry, and we are thrilled to welcome this highly sought-after brand to Belden Village,” Mike Walsh, senior general manager at Belden Village, said in a prepared statement.
The store "is the perfect complement to our well-established retail mix," he added, and construction is expected to begin soon. It should open in early fall at 4230 Belden Village St. NW.
Lake Township Chamber honors community leaders
The Lake Township Chamber of Commerce will present its 2023 Leadership Awards at a banquet to honor six recipients in the business and greater Lake Township community.
The event is Feb. 27 at the Hartville Kitchen. The awardees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of chamber members, according to the announcement.
"The slate of award recipients this year is a great representation of the businesses and organizations that make our Lake Township community so unique," chamber President Chip Weisel said in a prepared statement. "The way that each of these recipients gives back to our community reflects the collaborative spirit that truly defines Lake Township."
The awards and recipients were:
Outstanding Business Professional ― Dr. Robert Miller of Hartville Family Eye Care.
Outstanding Young Professional ― Katijo Makin, owner of the Innovative Therapy Center.
Community Impact ― The Christ Foundation.
Educator of the Year ― Sean Miller at Lake Center Christian School.
Community Betterment ― Larry Jenco for renovations to a commercial building in downtown Hartville.
Legacy Award ― Craig Wellspring, owner of Hartville Elevator Co.
Schauer Group opens offices in Alliance, Akron and Cleveland
The Schauer Group, a risk management firm based in Canton, has expanded its Northeast Ohio footprint with offices in Alliance, Akron and Cleveland.
“At Schauer Group, our purpose statement is to help people, companies and communities thrive," President and CEO Joseph D. Schauer said in a prepared statement. "We define our success not only by our business metrics but by our impact in the community. Our new offices will not only help us better serve our clients but also will give us more opportunity to be a true partner in championing and giving back to those communities.”
In addition to the Millennium Centre office led by Schauer in downtown Canton, the group now has offices in the KeyBank building in Alliance, Bounce Innovation Hub in Akron and the U.S. Bank Centre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. The office leaders are Associate Vice President Matt Griffin in Alliance, Akron Market Leader Brandyn Neal in Akron and Executive Vice President Bryan Schauer in Cleveland.
The firm offers business insurance and risk management advice to clients nationwide. The regional offices are expected to support local clients and aid in the recruitment of talent.
“Our strategy always has been to recruit and retain Northeast Ohio’s best and brightest and empower them to do excellent work,” Aimee Belden, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in a prepared statement. “By offering more choice when it comes to office environment, and by offering office locations that are closer to some of our region’s top universities, we are excited to expand our talent pool and keep growing our dynamic team.”
Afia Wealth Management opens local office
Afia Wealth Management, which was founded in Westlake, has opened a second office in Jackson Township.
Co-founder Brandon Clemens, who is originally from Perry Township, said his family's move from Cleveland back to Stark County prompted the office in Belden Village Tower. It opened about three months ago at 4450 Belden Village St. NW, suite 301.
Afia Wealth Management provides a variety of financial services, such as tax and estate planning. Clemens said the bulk of the firm's clients are entrepreneurs or families in the manufacturing industry.
He is primarily operating from the Jackson Township office while co-founder John Siuda is leading the Westlake office.
Longtime Mercy Hospital chairman retires
Jack Gravo, who has been chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees for the past decade has stepped down and will be succeeded by Tom Paumier.
Gravo served on the board for 13 years, according to the hospital. He held several positions during his tenure, including treasurer and finance committee chair, and helped transition the hospital after the Cleveland Clinic took ownership in 2021.
“Mr. Gravo has been a steadfast leader for our hospital, both before and after its transition into the Cleveland Clinic," Timothy Crone, the hospital's south market vice president, said in a prepared statement. "His insights and knowledge have contributed greatly to our work and we are fortunate he is staying on the board as his time as chairman concludes.”
Professionally, Gravo retired as president and CEO of FirstMerit Mortgage Corp. in 2007 with 37 years of experience in administrative, financial and business operations. He is a director emeritus at Walsh University and has belonged to numerous community organizations.
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn X: @kbyerREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Delta Media predicts more housing demand, Sephora at Belden, Schauer
