By KATIE SAXON

Wadsworth Post editor

Wadsworth city officials accepted a $160,000 donation check from Soprema Inc. during a Sept. 5 open house at the company's new training facility.

The donation will assist in funding the construction and furnishing of the future senior center, which will be housed inside the new community center and high school complex. Due to the level of the donation, the new senior center will be known as the Soprema Senior Center and Cafe.

Prior to the check presentation, several speakers addressed the crowd, including Beth Workman, council member and director of marketing for Soprema, Richard Voyer, vice president of Soprema, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci (R-16th district) and, standing in for the mayor, Wadsworth City Council President Tom Palacek.

Workman welcomed everyone to the open house and introduced several guests, including the later speakers. In addition, she encouraged everyone to tour the new training facility, which is one of five current Soprema training facilities in the United States. The facility features five bays of simulated rooftops. Contractors wishing to use a Soprema product are certified for application and installation by attending training courses at the facility, thus improving the quality of application and assuring that all Soprema products meet expectations.

Following the introductions, Voyer addressed the crowd noting the importance of the Wadsworth training facility and Soprema's presence in the community. He emphasized the need for innovation and growth in North American business, including Soprema.

Next, Renacci spoke and highlighted the need for continued economic growth and the impact that businesses like Soprema have on local communities throughout the 16th District by supporting economic investment, job growth and community projects.

"It's great to be back home in Wadsworth. This is a great community and Soprema is a great community citizen... I appreciate everything that Soprema is doing for the region and for my district," Renacci said.

After the Congressman's speech, Workman announced the company's recent donation of $160,000 to the future senior center and presented the check to several city officials.

Palecek thanked Soprema for its donation and continued support in Wadsworth. Accepting the check on behalf of the city were Palecek, Chris Easton, director of public service, Harry Stark, assistant director of public service and Nancy Likens, director of the Wadsworth Center for Older Adults.

"Soprema has really solidified its position as a true community partner with this donation and everyone at the city and the senior center is very appreciative," Easton said.

In addition to Soprema's donation, the city is also conducting a capital campaign for other portions of the community center and high school project. Naming rights and other opportunities are available to interested donors based on the level of donation. C. Allen Nichols, director of the Wadsworth Public Library, is heading the capital campaign and can be reached by e-mail at allen@wadsworthlibrary.com or by phone at 330-335-1299 with questions about the capital campaign and donation opportunities.