CLS/Duro Story
Our Story
In 1977, fresh out of college, Charlie joined the family business, beginning his journey as a salesman at Duro Bag. His dedication and sharp business acumen quickly impressed his father, who appointed him President of Duro Bag at just 27 years old — marking the start of a transformative era for the company. Tragedy struck in 1987 when Charlie’s father, S. David Shor, passed away. At the age of 33, Charlie became Chief Executive Officer, facing multiple challenges: his own battle with epilepsy, fierce competition from the plastic industry, and financial pressure from lenders. Thanks to the crucial support of Fifth Third Bank, Charlie guided Duro Bag through these hardships and toward remarkable growth.
Under Charlie’s leadership, Duro Bag became the world’s foremost paper bag manufacturer, pioneering innovation in the industry. Among the company’s many achievements were:
- the first grocery bag made from 100% recycled material
- the first tear-proof shopping bag crafted from DuPont’s Tyvek material
- custom-designed bags for Tiffany’s, Hallmark, and other renowned retailers
Duro Bag also acquired 17 competing paper bag companies, and its success earned it a place in The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Top 100 Private Companies — remaining in the Top 10 from 1988 to 2014. In 2014, Charlie made the strategic decision to sell Duro Bag to Hilex Poly Co. LLC, enabling the buyer to expand its recycled product portfolio while allowing Charlie to focus on his growing philanthropic work.
Charlie’s lifelong battle with epilepsy deeply shaped his mission and compassion. Following a kidnapping attempt and his early rise to leadership, his seizures intensified — motivating him to create the Charles L. Shor Foundation for Epilepsy Research in 2002. Since then, the foundation has donated over $1,000,000 to institutions such as the University of Cincinnati, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, becoming one of Ohio’s leading private foundations. Through this work, Charlie has advanced research into neurological conditions and deepened understanding of seizures and brain function.
While epilepsy research remains a core focus, Charlie’s philanthropy extends across many causes. Both the Charles L. Shor Foundation and Charlie personally have supported institutions including Northern Kentucky University, the Cincinnati Zoo, and other community initiatives. In 2017, he made a lasting impact as the founding donor of “Charlie Shor Park” at Aleh Negev — a rehabilitation village in southern Israel for children and adults with disabilities. Charlie’s life stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and compassion, reflecting his dual legacy as a pioneering businessman and a dedicated philanthropist whose generosity continues to change lives around the world.
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Our impact begins with understanding — and grows through action.