Garfield Heights Hosts Second Annual Business Breakfast Focused on Growth and Partnership with Chamber

On July 18, 2025, business leaders and stakeholders gathered at the Garfield Heights Civic Center for the Second Annual Garfield Heights Economic Development Business Breakfast—an energizing morning dedicated to business growth, regional collaboration, and opportunity.
The event, presented by the City of Garfield Heights Economic Development Team, the Ohio Department of Development, and the Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce, drew a full room of local entrepreneurs, business owners, and economic development professionals.
Janice Tubbs, Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City, opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and setting the tone for a morning centered on progress and partnership.
Mayor Matt Burke emphasized the city’s commitment to strengthening ties with local businesses and introduced the city’s growing partnership with the Cuyahoga East Chamber of Commerce. He noted this collaboration will help support existing businesses, attract new investment, and boost the local economy.
Representing the Cuyahoga East Chamber, Executive Director Steve Petti spoke about the unique value of chamber membership, especially at the local chapter level in Garfield Heights. He outlined the many opportunities available to member businesses, including marketing, networking, educational resources, and a regional support system that works together to fuel business success.
Vaughn P. Johnson, Deputy Director for Economic Development at the Cuyahoga County Office of Small Business, highlighted the County’s strategic efforts in business retention, expansion, and attraction. He also shared information on gap financing programs available for both real estate and operating businesses, emphasizing the County’s ongoing support for entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies.
The event concluded with insights from Chief Monica Womack, head of the Minority Business Division at the Ohio Department of Development, who detailed the many programs and services available to support emerging, minority, and disadvantaged businesses. Her message centered on helping these enterprises scale, access markets, and create jobs, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusive economic growth.
As the morning wrapped up, attendees left with new resources, stronger connections, and a shared sense of momentum for the future of business in Garfield Heights.
Want to learn more about how the Cuyahoga East Chamber can support your business in Garfield Heights? Visit cuyahogaeastchamber.org or connect with your local chapter today.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Other CuyEast News
If you enjoyed reading this, then please explore our other articles below:
How to Rebrand Your Business for Success
Your business’ brand encompasses your positioning, values, personas, and messaging. If you feel like you are not connecting with [...]
First Federal Lakewood Advocates for Businesses with CuyEast Chamber Sponsorship
First Federal Lakewood's Chalana Williams First Federal of Lakewood (FFL) is known to be a dedicated community [...]
Get to Know New Member: Employment Collaborative of Cuyahoga County
An "untapped workforce." That is what the Employment Collaborative of Cuyahoga County (ECCC) likes to call the talent pool [...]
Warrensville Heights welcomes new Step Forward Neighborhood Opportunity Center
Step Forward, a nonprofit serving Greater Cleveland for the last 55 years, has expanded its operations to Warrensville Heights. [...]