As we reflect on 2025, we want to express our sincere gratitude for everything we accomplished together at the Portage County Safety Council. This past year was truly a year of transition and reset—one that required adaptability, collaboration, and resilience as we navigated new policy changes and several professional transitions. Yet, with all that being said, I’m blown away once again as I reflect on this year!

We’re especially thankful for our steering committee. In 2025, five committee members transitioned into new professional roles, and four dedicated members proudly and enthusiastically remained—each contributing in meaningful ways that helped guide our Council forward. Your commitment and leadership made all the difference during a year of change.

As we turn our focus to 2026, we’re energized and excited. We have great things planned and are confident the year ahead will be even stronger, more impactful, and full of opportunity. Thank you for being part of this journey—we can’t wait to build on this momentum together.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead!

2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Events: Hosted or supported 15 in-person safety-related training events. Two of my favorites were our very first ever PPE Fashion Show in January and our 2025 Annual Safety Awards in May.
• Hall of Honor: Launched the Hall of Honor which recognized & inducted 6 individuals who have served for 10 or more years on the Steering Committee and/or who have made a significant contribution to the Portage County Safety Council.
• Podcasts: Downloads reached 19.6k and reached over 81 nations! We also partnered with the Ohio BWC to create podcast previews for 8 Ohio Safety Congress breakout presenters.
• Committee: We added 3 new Steering Committee members.
• Giving Back: We collected non-perishable food donations at our November & December meetings to benefit the Center of Hope and Kent Social Services. In addition, when there’s full trays of catering leftover from our monthly meetings, we immediately donate and deliver it to the Center of Hope to help those in need.

IN THE WORKS FOR 2026:

• Free QPR Suicide Prevention Training (winter 2026)
• OSHA 10 (spring 2026)
• First Aid, CPR, AED (fall 2026)
• All-new newsletter that will include event info, pictures, important program updates (e.g. attendance spreadsheet) and safety tips & resources all in one email a month.
• Fresh podcast interviews with experts and safety pros from around the region and across the nation.

*All plans/events are TBD and subject to change.