Chamber Luncheon - March 2023

Join us for the March Chamber Luncheon, sponsored by Kemper Cognitive Wellness, as we welcome guest speaker Bob DiBiasio, Sr. Vice President Public Affairs at Cleveland Guardians.

In 2022, Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team ushered in a new era as the Cleveland Guardians. Led by the club’s Brand/Strategy group, this is the fifth name in the 123-year history of the franchise as a member of the American League. Join Bob DiBiasio, Sr. Vice President Public Affairs as he discusses the behind-the-scenes process involved with changing a 100-year old brand.

Discussion topics include:
    When is rebranding right?
    What makes for a successful rebrand?
    What is best way to launch a rebrand effectively?

Meal selections are:
- PRETZEL-Crusted Chicken
- CRACKER JACK Salad [ham optional]
- Thai PEANUT Shrimp Stir Fry 

Meet our guest speaker, Bob DiBiasio:
Bob DiBiasio is in his 44th season with the Cleveland Guardians and his 45th in Major League Baseball in 2023. He started w/the Guardians in 1979 as Assistant PR Director; named PR Director in 1980; Vice President of PR in 1988. The Lakewood, OH native was promoted to his current position in 2011. His lone season away from the Guardians was 1987 when he served as PR Director for the Atlanta Braves.
 
DiBiasio serves as President of Cleveland Guardians Charities. He is the President of the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. Is a member of the Board of Directors of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation, the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation and the Baseball Heritage Museum at League Park.
 
DiBiasio is the host of “At The Ballpark w/Bobby D” – which features stories of the colorful personalities and memorable moments at both Cleveland Stadium and Progressive Field. It airs pre-game every Sunday on the Guardians Radio Network. In 1999, Bob was the recipient of the prestigious Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence in Major League Baseball, as well as being inducted into the Lakewood High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. In 1986, DiBiasio was named the Public Relations Director to the Sports Illustrated Dream Team.
 
DiBiasio graduated from Lakewood High School in 1973. He earned degrees in journalism and education from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1977. While at Ohio Wesleyan, Bob was sports editor of the school paper “The Transcript”, the student Sports Information Director, and did color on OWU football and basketball broadcasts. DiBiasio also played one year of basketball and two years of baseball at OWU. In 1978, he earned his Master’s Degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University and started a stint as Assistant Sports Editor of the Fremont (OH) News Messenger before joining the Cleveland Guardians.
 
Bob and his wife, Penny, reside in Solon, OH; they have two adult children-daughter, Julie (Matt Schaefer), and son, Patrick (Liz, and grandson Max).