President Obama visits Summer Garden Food - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

BOARDMAN, Ohio - President Obama's first stop in The Valley Friday morning was to Summer Garden Food Manufacturing in Boardman.

A crowd greeted the President as he pulled up to Summer Garden. Although the event was not open to the public and roadways leading to the company were blocked off, many still found their way and watched from a distance.

"I see people on the roof," shouted 8-year-old Saunise Moore while watching security.

Moore watched with excitement as the Secret Service swept the area. For her and other children in the crowd the day was meant to be a lesson.

"Seeing how important it is to come together as a community, to support your President," said Dewayne Cooper.

Ron Santengelo has been working in the production line at Summer Garden for nearly three years. He was one employee who had the opportunity to meet the President.

"I never thought just a guy like me would meet the President," said Santengelo. "Never thought it would be possible."

"He truly wanted to see the factory and see how everything worked," said Summer Garden President and CEO Tom Zidian.

Summer Garden produces Italian style foods. They pride themselves on using clean energy technology. Through a government stimulus package, they were able to add energy saving technologies that have reduced their energy cost by more than 18% each year. In addition, they've seen a 50% revenue growth for the past three years.

"He asked me about the people and what contributed to our growth," Zidian said. "I told him it was having great people and great products."

The company continues to grow. They plan to add about 50 full time workers within the next three years and more than 100 in the next five.