CLEVELAND ¨C The Cleveland Guardians, in collaboration with PNC Bank, announced the winners of a new local program to support area small businesses for the 2025 season. The ¡®Going to Bat for Small Business presented by PNC¡¯ initiative highlights Greater Cleveland-area businesses that have made a positive impact within the community. In its inaugural year, nearly 400 businesses applied through an online application.
The program, which is a first for the Guardians franchise, intends to give small businesses a boost by leveraging the team¡¯s powerful platform to promote the selected companies. A committee of local business and community leaders served as judges and selected winners based on the positive influence each business has had on its respective community and the expected impact that the marketing support will have on each organization.
A list of the selected businesses is as follows:
All City Candy is a 6,000 square-foot candy store packed with thousands of sweet treats, from nostalgic favorites to gourmet chocolates and unique confections. Located in Richmond Heights, the business¡¯ mission is simple: ¡°make the world a sweeter place, one piece of candy at a time.¡± It has built a successful business with a fun, interactive shopping experience where customers can explore, sample and rediscover the candies that make them smile.
R.L. Cole Enterprise, Inc. has over two decades of experience in the ground transportation of building materials across Greater Cleveland and its surrounding areas. With a strong reputation for reliability and efficiency, the company is committed to delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of construction, infrastructure and utility projects.
The Crispy Chick is a community-driven business dedicated to serving high-quality, fresh, and flavorful meals in a welcoming environment. It was founded with the vision of bringing affordable, made-from-scratch food options to their local neighborhood.
Robert P. Madison International is a legacy architecture firm that embraces both its rich history and a future driven by innovation, mentorship and community impact. RPMI specializes in Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning, bringing award-winning expertise to a diverse range of projects.
Terranean Spices, Spreads, & Snacks is a food manufacturing company specializing in authentic Lebanese seasonings and snacks. Their signature products include handcrafted seasoning blends and crispy authentic pita chips, bringing bold, aromatic flavors of the Middle East to American homes. With products available in 1,500 stores nationwide, with an additional 1,000 expected by April, Terranean is rapidly growing as a trusted brand for authentic Lebanese flavors.
Founded in 2021, Wraparound Experts is a growing small business dedicated to helping children thrive mentally, emotionally and academically. The business delivers specialized services that make a meaningful impact for children, families and schools, placing skilled and compassionate professionals -- such as intervention specialists, school psychologists, mental health counselors and therapists -- into schools, working together to support students in every aspect of their lives.
Each of the winners of the Going to Bat for Small Business presented by PNC program will receive a specialized Guardians marketing package, including in-park signage, radio, social media and website recognition.
¡°We were thrilled with the participation we saw and the amazing applicants we received from the Greater Cleveland area,¡± said Tim Salcer Cleveland Guardians senior vice president, sales & service. ¡°Our winning businesses all do a great job of propping up our community and making impactful change, and we are ecstatic to honor them alongside PNC and provide them with resources to continue to grow their companies.¡±
All six businesses will be recognized year-round on the Going to Bat for Small Business webpage, here.
¡°The first year of our collaboration on this program with the Guardians is already a massive success. The applications we received from companies across Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake and Lorain counties reinforces what we¡¯ve long known ¨C that our region is home to a vibrant small business community,¡± said Pat Pastore, PNC regional president for Cleveland. ¡°Every day across the market, PNC bankers and advisors are hard at work providing financial solutions that help small business owners operate, expand and scale their companies. We salute these small businesses as these entrepreneurs grow and strengthen their brands.¡±
In addition to the specialized marketing packages, each winning business will participate in a pre-game ceremony at Progressive Field and receive a mascot appearance at their company locations.