Noreen Koppelman-Goldstein – Making a Positive Difference in Beachwood by Donna L. Robinson “ I hope that my community involvement, work ethic and effective communication skills with colleagues, friends and family provide inspiration and guidance, and are examples of how to give back and make a difference in our community.” These words were spoken by Noreen Koppelman-Goldstein, a proud 25-year Beachwood resident. Noreen chose Beachwood as her home because of its beauty, location, services and civic pride. “Although I was born in Cleveland and grew up in Shaker Heights, I lived in Port Washington, Long Island, New York from 1974 to 1991 before returning home to become involved in our family business, MidWest Materials Inc., in Perry, Ohio. “When I moved back, I fell in love with The Village,” she added. “I feel safe living in a gated community and love the services that Beachwood and The Village offer. Noreen’s community involvement began when she accepted a position on the Jewish National Fund board. Now a 20-year board member, she served as vice president and chair of the Women for Israel Committee. She was also honored as “Woman of Valor” by JNF and will take on the role of president of the Northern Ohio Region in October. She became interested in Israel in the 50s when her close cousin made Aliyah. Since that time she has made numerous trips to Israel though JNF and has learned much about the problems in Israel, particularly the water shortages. Her family, through JNF, has donated funds to build reservoirs. Israel is also building desalination plants as well as developing alternative water sources to alleviate the shortage. Today Israel, through its alternative water source, has a surplus of water, and through its water summits, is a world leader in helping other countries conserve their water. She hopes to continue to support developing programs to educate others on water conservation. Through individual meetings with interested members, she hopes to discuss their ideas and how they might like to be involved in furthering JNF’s projects. Noreen has also been a supporter of the Mandel Jewish Community Center's Cleveland Jewish Film Fest and its Book Festival, both of which she describes as wonderful community programs. “By supporting these programs, I hope they will continue to be offered in our community since they add so much to our culture,” she says. The Koppelman family has also played active roles to benefit both Montefiore and Menorah Park through Tai Chi classes and water-based Ai Chi classes. They also helped to support the Weils Memory Care Pavilion at Montefiore and have supported programs at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Philanthropy is very important to her and she encourages others in the community to become more involved. “I always remember my family’s being involved in philanthropy – especially the Jewish Federation of Cleveland (JFC) and Jewish National Fund (JNF). They gave generously when asked to support various projects. My dad was always picking up the various Israeli leaders at the airport when they arrived in Cleveland. We have specifically been involved in the JFC Cemetery Preservation Project. My grandparents, aunts and uncles were buried at Lansing Cemetery. We have been encouraging the Jewish Federation to take a major role in overseeing the care of Lansing Cemetery for many years as Lansing was in such poor condition. We were very thankful to hear that the rabbis who had authority in Lansing and other cemeteries approved that JFC oversee the maintenance of these cemeteries. Our family has supported this endowment fund and we hope others will also contribute to this cemetery preservation campaign. There is wonderful satisfaction in giving back and knowing that one’s work has helped to build a better future for the community.” Noreen shared, “I graduated high school when most women went to college to become teachers or nurses. I became an elementary school teacher and a reading specialist. My parents attended a seminar in the 80s at which the speaker said, ‘Don’t forget about your daughters. They can also take over the family business. After finishing law school in New York, I accepted my parents’ invitation to become part of the family steel company, MidWest Materials, Inc., where I’ve been president since 1995.” Noreen is very passionate about what she does and uses her law degree in her position at MidWest Materials, Inc. Being president for the past 20 years has been an exciting challenge during which time Noreen witnessed growth and increased sales. In 2015, Midwest Materials was named recipient of the ‘Family Business Achievement Award’ from ‘Smart Business Family Business Conference,’ and Mayor Merle S. Gorden and City Council proclaimed Saturday, September 22, 2012 as Noreen Koppelman-Goldstein and Midwest Materials Day in the City of Beachwood. Asked if she knew she would be part of the family business while attending law school and how she felt about moving back to Cleveland to accept her position, Noreen replied, “At the time I was accepted into law school, my family hoped that I would move back to Cleveland and apply this knowledge in the family business. When I returned to Cleveland from New York in the 90s to become part of the family steel company, I was delighted to find how exciting Cleveland had become. If I wanted, I could be involved in community activities 24/7. I am blessed that all my children have also come back to Cleveland and treasure the special time with my grandchildren. I hope that by giving back through philanthropy, I encourage my family to also participate with me in various organizations. Not only has my life been enriched by giving back to the community, but I hope that through philanthropy I can help build a better future.” Noreen’s ongoing passion for learning and new experiences encouraged her to continue her education. After attending 24 Beachwood Buzz n October 2016