Bella Donna Salon & Spa Honored with John F Clair Award

At the Tuesday, February 21 Painesville City Council meeting, Mary Jo Miller from Bella Donna Salon and Spa was presented with the 2023 John F. Clair Economic Development Award for her longtime commitment and investment in the Painesville community.

 

Miller has been a leading entrepreneur in the Painesville community for over 37 years, purchasing 150 Main Street 25 years ago. She faced the challenges of starting and running her own business at a time when support for women entrepreneurs was not always there. Her keen business sense allowed her to be profitable and competitive even during challenging times, developing a modern and attractive salon through investment in the renovation and preservation of her historic building in Downtown Painesville.

 

Miller serves on the boards of many community organizations over the years including the Chamber of Commerce, the Cosmetology Board of Auburn Career Center, Extended Housing, the Painesville Community Improvement Corporation, and the Downtown Painesville Organization where she was a past president. She also chaired event committees of the Western Reserve Junior Service League, raising over $200,000 which went back to the community. She also helped raise funds needed for the Painesville Police Department to start a bicycle patrol unit in the downtown.

 

“Mary Jo Miller’s dedication to running a successful business, her vision and leadership, her tireless volunteerism, and her continued investment in building a better community truly embody the spirit of the award, which is why she was selected from this year’s group of nominees,” said Susan Crotty, Painesville Economic Development Director.

 

About the John F. Clair Award

Painesville’s John F. Clair Award honors former City Councilman John Clair (1987-1999) who was a leader and visionary in the community and was passionate about the retention and expansion of the Painesville business community. Each year, Painesville’s Economic Development Department collects nominations for a local business or organization that demonstrates the value of balancing business with community service, and shows a commitment to the growth of the Painesville community.

Painesville City Council Vice President Jim Fodor, Jan Clair, Mary Jo Miller, Heather Clair and John Clair