When Ralph Jones founded Wooster Glass Company in 1947 and Medina Glass Company in 1963, a major component of of those endeavors was community support. Business leaders have often commented how the late Ralph Jones shared the success of his companies generously with the community. Because Jones grew up poor in the Cleveland area, he understood what it was like to have to go without things. Because of this, he was a strong supporter of the community, especially through the youth baseball programs.
“One thing I believed in was community service,” Jones said. “If the community has been good to you, you should, in return, leave something to the community.”
Medina Glass has given back to the community over the years. The company actively supports the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Medina County, the Rotary Club of Medina, Cleveland Clinic-Medina Hospital, St. Francis Xavier Church, local youth sports teams, and many other charitable organizations and community events.
This legacy of giving back continues today with President Kathy Long, Jones’ daughter, and the leadership at Medina Glass.
Jones understood communities, like baseball teams, had their home-run hitters. But, they also need those who can come in and hit singles and doubles in order to drive in runs and win the game. While not everyone would be able to give back the same amounts, the expectation set by Jones is that people will give something back, in return.
“My father always said if you’re lucky enough to live in a community that’s good to you, you have to give back,” Long said.
“Our livelihood comes from the community,” Vice President Pat Neyhart said. “It behooves us to give back to it.”
One of the reasons why Jones didn’t have a problem with giving back to the community was, “I’ve never seen a Brinks truck follow a hearse to the cemetery.”