Amber Gardner, owner of The Clean Team, has been named Philanthropist of the Year by the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce in July 2026. The recognition highlights her contributions to community service through the cleaning company she founded in 2020, particularly its support for local families, youth programs, and cancer patients.
Gardner established The Clean Team after relocating to Port Clinton from Iowa with her three sons. The business provides residential and commercial cleaning services across the Lake Erie area. Its partnership with Cleaning For a Reason allows the company to offer free cleaning services to individuals undergoing cancer treatment. This initiative aligns with broader community efforts to support those facing health challenges.
The award from the chamber underscores the role of local businesses in addressing community needs. Gardner’s work extends beyond standard cleaning operations to include participation in programs that benefit families and youth in the Port Clinton region. Her leadership has helped integrate philanthropy into the daily operations of the small business.
“Receiving this recognition was overwhelming because it represents so much more than me. Every opportunity we’ve had to serve local families, support youth programs, and help cancer patients is rooted in our belief that business should make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Amber Gardner, owner of The Clean Team.
The Clean Team offers a variety of cleaning services tailored to residential and commercial clients. Residential options include scheduled cleanings for homes, while commercial services cover businesses such as offices, salons, daycares, and churches. The company also handles vacation rental turnovers, tenant transitions, post-construction cleans, and specialized deep cleaning projects. Technicians focus on thorough, reliable work that meets client expectations.
“Having personally experienced cancer and chemo treatment, being able to provide free cleaning services to patients through Cleaning for a Reason is deeply personal to me and something our entire team takes pride in,” continued Gardner.
The Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce presents the Philanthropist of the Year award to individuals who demonstrate significant commitment to community betterment. Gardner’s selection reflects sustained efforts to use her business platform for positive local impact. This includes collaboration with nonprofit organizations and direct support for residents facing difficult circumstances.
The Clean Team maintains a focus on professional service delivery while participating in initiatives that contribute to community well-being. Employees are trained to handle diverse cleaning needs with attention to detail. The company’s involvement in philanthropic activities complements its core operations and supports the chamber’s goals of fostering a strong local business environment.
Gardner’s experience with cancer treatment has informed the company’s approach to its partnership with Cleaning For a Reason. The program has provided practical assistance to patients by addressing household cleaning needs during treatment periods. This service forms one component of the company’s broader community engagement activities.
Local business owners like Gardner play an important role in the Port Clinton area by combining commercial activities with civic contributions. The Philanthropist of the Year recognition acknowledges this balance and encourages similar involvement from other enterprises. It also brings attention to the ways small businesses can address specific needs within their communities.
The Clean Team continues to operate in the Lake Erie region with an emphasis on quality service and community ties. As the company marks this award, it reaffirms its commitment to the principles that have guided its growth since 2020. Gardner’s leadership exemplifies how business activities can intersect with efforts to strengthen the surrounding area.
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For more information about The Clean Team, contact the company here:
The Clean Team
Amber
419-341-4280
info@thecleanteamportclinton.com
1848 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH 43452
