Mark A. Ballard, Sr. is a highly respected African American entrepreneur, community leader, and music industry executive from Lorain, Ohio. Born and raised in Lorain, Ballard has built a legacy as the “quiet force” behind numerous social services and initiatives that make Lorain County a better place to live, learn, and work . He is widely regarded as an astute businessman, visionary, and servant-leader who leverages his faith and talents to uplift his community

This morning we’re honored to sit down with a true Lorain legend: Tony Giardini.Tony has spent over 40 years as a top-tier attorney and driven force behind Lorain’s economic Main Street Lorain Development/ Lorain Growth. As partner at Giardini, Poplar & Mason, he’s spearheaded transformative commercial real-estate projects—most notably the Lighthouse Village shopping center, the Harborwalk residential community on the Black River, and the iconic Shipyards Event Center in the old industrial shipyard.But Tony’s impact extends well beyond property. A longtime member and former chair of the Lorain County Democratic Party and the Board of Elections, he’s been a steady voice in civic leadership since at least 1997. He’s also active on Main Street initiatives, championing downtown revitalization and urging public-private investment to boost local growth.Whether drafting contracts, fighting for fair elections, or raising a glass to a stronger Lorain, Tony’s blend of legal prowess, entrepreneurial spirit, and community heart is what makes today’s bar talk one for the books

We’ve got a very special guest in the house—someone who’s been shaking up the system, asking the questions most are too scared to. She’s a fierce journalist, a fearless truth-teller, and the founder of Mean Street News… please welcome Katty Beyer to the mic!Katty’s been on the front lines of some of the most important grassroots stories in Ohio—digging into injustice, exposing corruption, and giving voice to those who’ve been silenced for too long. And tonight, she’s here to talk with us about the Ohio 4 case, the power of independent journalism, and what it takes to bring truth to light.