2024
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS CELEBRATION PROGRAM GUIDE “Building Our Future Together” February 7 | Vol.46
Presenting Sponsor
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Table of Contents
01 ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS CELEBRATION AGENDA
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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN & OUTGOING PRESIDENT
2024 BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
GCACC PROGRAMS & EVENTS
VOLUNTEER & SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES
GC CHAMBER FOUNDATION
CHAMBER BY THE NUMBERS
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
SPIRIT OF THE CHAMBER
HEARTLAND BANK HEART OF THE CHAMBER
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25
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BEST PLACE TO WORK- SMALL
BEST PLACE TO WORK - LARGE
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT
05 PAST PRESIDENTS
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO/ MEET OUR STAFF
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07 17
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Welcome toBoard the 2024ofAnnual Meeting 2024 Chamber Directors and Awards Celebration
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Presenting Sponsor
OPENING CEREMONIES Grove City High School NJROTC Color Guard Presentation of the Flag Kevin Teaford, Pledge of Allegiance 2023 Voice of Grove City Winner Isaac Young National Anthem
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2023 IN REVIEW 2023 GCACC Financial Update Nick Connaughton, Chair of Finance Creative Mobile Interiors 2023 GCACC Update Shawn Conrad GCACC President & CEO
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2023 GC Chamber Foundation Update Marjorie Brant, GC Chamber Secretary Brant Law Office
INDUCTIONS & NEW BEGINNINGS GCACC Board Induction & Passing of the Gavel Larry Titus -2001 GCACC President, Air Quality Solutions GC Chamber Foundation Induction Christine Houk, City of Grove City City Council President & Houk CPA
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE GCACC Strategic Plan Chris Moscato 2023 GCACC President
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WELCOME Invocation Scott Vandergrift, Former GCACC Board Member Welcome & Introductions Shawn Conrad, GCACC President & CEO
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CITY OF GROVE CITY UPDATE Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage Mayor of City of Grove City & Second GCACC President Ohio Magazine Best Hometown Award Presentation
6 2023 AWARD WINNERS
Ambassador of the Year Spirit of the Chamber Heartland Bank Heart of the Chamber Best Place to Work (Small) Best Place to Work (Large) Business of the Year Lifetime Achievement
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Closing Statements Katie Fleming,2024 Chairman of the Board KL Home Team at Howard Hanna
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2024 Board &ofCEO Directors LetterChamber from the President ‘BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER’ The GCACC Board, staff, multiple Focus Groups, industry experts, and advisors spent most of 2023 listening to our members, researching, exploring, planning, and developing our Strategic Plan – the document that will guide us into our future, and will ‘Futureproof’ Chamber and Community leaders for years to come. Be sure to visit our website, follow us on Social Media, and read our E-Magazine, Newsletter, and business newspaper to keep informed, and to learn about the ways you can get involved in building the future of our Chamber and our Community. On behalf of the Board, staff, and 750 members of the GCACC: CONGRATULATIONS to our 2023 award winners: Business of the Year - TOSOH Best Place to Work – Small -Stepping Stone Child Care Best Place to Work – Large - TOSOH Heartland Bank Heart of the Chamber -Creative Mobile Interiors Spirit of the Chamber – Izzy Benjamin Ambassador of the Year – Lenny Frazzitta
Shawn Conrad GCACC PRESIDENT & CEO
Our first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award goes to our very own Marilyn Reiner. For over 20 years Marilyn has served the GCACC and the City of Grove City and we couldn’t be more honored to present her with this very special award – we love and appreciate you, Marilyn!!! Read more about all our award winners in our Annual Program Meeting Guide, in our February edition of Chamber Business Connection, and in our business newspaper, Grove City Living, and make it a point to stop by these amazing member businesses and say congratulations!
Shawn Conrad
Meet Our Staff
Marilyn Reiner
Heather Brokaw
Kaziah Conrad
EVENT MANAGER
EVENT OPERATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER
MEMBERSHIP SERVICE AND MARKETING SPECIALIST
Magazine Created and Written By: 2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
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2024 BoardofoftheDirectors Letter Chamber from the Chairman Board Dear Members, I am excited to serve you as the 2024 Chair of the Board for Grove City Chamber of Commerce. My hope is to continue to work together for a thriving business community. Together, I believe we can all work to continue making our city a place where businesses want to grow. In the coming months, I look forward to engaging with you and learning from your experiences. Building strong partnerships is important to me, where every member, regardless of their size, feels heard and supported. I am committed to making a positive impact and offering my support to the amazing staff at the Chamber. My biggest goal for this year is leading the younger generation, ensuring they thrive and want to stay in our city. Your support and ideas matter, and I thank all of you for being involved with the Chamber.
Katie Fleming
Sincerely,
Katie Fleming
Letter from the Outgoing President It has been a distinct honor to serve as the Chair of the Board for the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce in 2023. I am delighted by the significant strides we have made over the past year to reinforce the Chamber's longstanding commitment to sustainability. A particular point of pride is the successful development of the Chamber's inaugural strategic plan, a foundational document that will guide our efforts in the years ahead. To garner valuable perspectives, we conducted four focus groups moderated by the experienced and former Board member, Scott Vandegrift. Additionally, a Board retreat, expertly facilitated by Chamber specialist Frank Kenny, played a pivotal role in validating our recommendations. In the upcoming months, we will take proactive measures to establish metrics and goals, ensuring that the initiatives undertaken this year endure. The Chamber remains dedicated to hosting essential community events, including a noteworthy addition in 2023 – the Meet the Candidate Forum for City Council and Mayoral candidates. This forum emphasized economic and business development, reinforcing our commitment to advocate for our members and to ensure their top-of-mind status among elected officials.
Chris Moscato
This success would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our passionate staff. A heartfelt thank you to Shawn, Marilyn, Heather, and Kaziah. I eagerly anticipate the continued privilege of serving both you and our community in the years to come. Sincerely,
Chris Moscato 03
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2024 Chamber Board of Directors Chairman of the Board Katie Fleming
Thank you to our 2023 board!
Chair of Finance Nick Connaughton
KL HOME TEAM AT HOWARD HANNA
CREATIVE MOBILE INTERIORS
Chairman Elect 2025
Chair of Government Affairs
Mellissa Forte
Jeffery Buskirk
HEARTLAND BANK
JEFFERY BUSKIRK & ASSOCIATES
Immediate Past President
GC Chamber Foundation President
Chris Moscato
Greg Dawkins
Individual
Individual
Ed Fleming
Amanda McCullouch
Shepherd Insurance Partners
Mount Carmel Health Systems
Nikki Fleming
Brenda Newman
The Marcus Project
Individual
Lenny Frazzitta Huntington Bank
Carol Riffle
Cathy Frederick
Andrea Ruede
ServPro
Mid-Ohio Food Collective
OhioHealth
Brittany Hannigan TOSOH
2024 Chamber Foundation Board of Directors President
Vice President
Secretary
Greg Dawkins Individual
Frank Herman Columbus Prime Realty
Marjorie Brant Brant Law Office
Treasurer
Tami Washington
Cindy Walker
Jeff Guminey
Individual
Individual
Dawn Lowther
Matt Rogers
Christy Yoak
WesBanco Bank
Dignified Home Loans
Valmer Land Title
Park National Bank
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2024Chamber Chamber Board of Directors Past Presidents 1978 TINEY MCCOMB 1979 RICHARD “IKE” STAGE 1980 CHARLES HIRTH 1981 JOE HULL 1982 JON SHRUM 1983 TED WOLTEMATH 1984 LES BOSTIC 1985 DAVID BRIGHT 1986 KATHY FAHY EDWARDS 1987 RAY KIDNER 1988 TOM SHRUM 1989 GREG SKINNER
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1990 GARY SIGRIST 1991 JIM SCHIMMOLLER 1992 BOB BOWERS 1993 MARY LOU GIOVANELLI 1994 SHEROL SAXTON MULLIGAN 1995 RENNIE MOLINO 1996 GARY LEASURE 1997 STAN SMITH 1998 WARREN GARD 1999 MIKE WINE 2000 SCOTT MCCOMB 2001 LARRY TITUS
2002 LARRY KNOLL 2014 ROBERT BRIGHT 2003 GAYLE SOWERS PINEX 2015 GREG DAWKINS 2004 TIM HARRIS 2016 CAROLINE SHROYER 2005 R. JEANI LEIDECKER 2017 MICHAEL YIP 2006 SCOTT MOLINO 2018 SHIRLEY SPELLMAN 2007 TINA BADURINA 2019 LISA ZEIGLER 2008 JAMIE WIEGING 2020 WAYNE COAKLEY 2009 JOHN DUNN 2021 ED FLEMING 2010 JEFF GUMINEY 2022 LISA ZEIGLER 2011 RON SEYMOUR 2023 CHRIS MOSCATO 2012 DARLENE MURPHY 2013 ALLEN HOUK
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
WE ARE OFFICIALLY A AAA APPROVED SHOP!
GCACC Programs & Events
SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Training Leaders Locally and beyond! The Southwest Community Leadership Program gives members of the community the chance to get an in-depth education about the community and its resources while developing skills necessary to be successful community, public and business leaders. Meeting once per month for 9 months, this program includes classes on the History of Grove City, Governmental Issues, Education, Leadership Styles, Team Building, Leadership in Public and Community Service.
2022-2023 SWCL GRADUATING CLASS WITH MAYOR STAGE
WE:LEAD- Women Empowered: Leading, Educating and Developing
GROVE CITY AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Grove City Area Young Professionals
The Chamber’s WE:LEAD Program is a year round program providing opportunities for women in business to grow professionally and to learn how to lead others. Networking events such as Coffee and Connections , Sip & Pour, and the Summer Sip and Learn, create opportunities to get to know one another’s .The highly anticipated Annual Women’s Business Forum brings presenters and women of all career levels from around central Ohio together for a day of learning, sharing and refreshing. For more information please contact heather@gcchamber.org.
The Grove City Area Young Professionals is a group of up and coming professionals 40 and under who live and/or work in the Grove City area. We work to help build a thriving community through community service, our development series “Learn with Leaders”, and networking events. Members of this group are dedicated to improving themselves and the community around them. For information please contact heather@gcchamber.org
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
SUCCESS IN :60 Members supporting members. Success starts with connections! No matter the topic- marketing, branding, security, finances, HR or legal matters, our member presenters always bring he info that supports their fellow GCACC members. Networking and connections are an added plus. If you would like to be a sponsor, presenter or an attendee, contact Shawn at shawn@gcchamber.org.
Grove City Chamber Farmers‘ Market The multi award winning GCACC Farmers’ Market runs from mid May through Mid September each year. Nestled in Grove City’s quaint historic Town Center, Over 20,000 visitors from Central Ohio and beyond come to shop our vendors and our local merchants. We excitedly await our newest edition to the market- Mothers’ Day at the Market, Coffee with a Cop, the mid summer Chef Challenges and our favoriteThe Chief‘s Challenge. A portion of the proceeds from this event go to support the Grove City Food Pantry.
Boo Off Broadway Chamber Open Whether you’re a regular on the course or your more accustomed to mini-golf, this event is for you. Prizes, traveling trophies, delicious food, your favorite beverage carts and some pretty incredible auction items await you at their year’s Chamber Open. For information teach out to heather@gcchamber.org. With limited spaces available, set your team up for success! This event helps support Buddy Ball.
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
This Chamber event is the spookiest family fun you’ll ever have . Ghosts and goblins of all sizes, come out to collect candy and goodies from over 70 Chamber businesses, visit with real firefighters, paramedics and police officers and enjoy food trucks galore. There are Ghostbusters and princesses & superheroes on site to take pictures with and to keep things from getting too spooky. Parents have the opportunity to mingle with local businesses and get some goodies of their own. A portion of the proceeds from this event goes to support Kids’ Get Cancer Too.
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GCACC Events
Arts in the Alley Arts and Music Festival One of Central Ohio’s longest running Arts festivals, hosted by your very own Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, turns 45 in 2024! Over 100 artists and art vendors set up their tents in the heart of historic Grove City for a 3 day weekend of fun, music and art. Five specialty art show competitions including Craft, Fine Art, Photography, Youth Art and Quilt bring incredible talent to the forefront of tens of thousands of visitors. Kids; Fun Street offers ‘make and take’ art and craft projects to little ones in hopes to nurture a love for art. The Voice of Grove City along with high school bands and show choirs perform on the Heartland Bank Stage throughout the weekend as the draw of delicious goodies like fried bologna sandwiches, popcorn, corn dogs, fried cheese, pizza and lemon shake ups bring people from near and far.
Arts in the Alley Community Parade People line the curbs of Broadway and Columbus streets as early as 6:00 am on the 3rd Saturday of September in preparation for the a long standing Grove City tradition of Arts in the Alley Community Parade. Thousands line up to see marching bands, antique cars, horses, dancers and tumblers, dignitaries, amazing floats and a stilt walker or two! Starting at Broadway and Southwest Blvd. this mile long parade goes all the way down to Columbus Street. In 2024 the Arts in the Alley Parade will celebrate it’s 35th anniversary!
The Voice of Grove City The Arts in the Alley vocal competition is ringing in our ears. Talent from all over the region submit their videos and from those, finalists are selected by our esteemed judges. The finalists sing their way through Saturday of Arts in the Alley weekend to the enjoyment of judges, onlookers, family and the community. Our winners have gone on to see success in their careers and have come ack to support the Chamber by singing at events and offering their expertise to the Voice Judges panel. A wonderful addition to the Arts in the Alley weekend, celebrating 5 years in 2024.
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
Volunteer with us! Throughout the year, the Chamber has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, from serving on a committee to helping at one of our community events. Help make your hometown a better place by supporting over 760 local business members and advocating for your community. This volunteer experience will offer the opportunity for individuals to take part in events and network with fellow professionals in the area, all while making a difference! Need volunteer hours for school, religious, or extra-curricular purposes? We can help with that! Active volunteer opportunities will be listed below as they become available. For more information on how to get involved, please send an email to our Event Coordinator at heather@gcchamber.org. Please specify the event at which you'd like more information about, and you will be added to our volunteer contact list.
SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce is comprised of over 760 business members. Our composition is a diverse makeup of large manufacturers, logistics and warehousing companies, nonprofit organizations, retailers, restaurants, and small businesses with only 1 or 2 employees. We consider sponsorship opportunities to be an important piece of our member benefits package. We have taken each of our events and have developed sponsorship opportunities for every size, type, and business budget. If you are interested in learning more about getting your name recognized in the community through Chamber sponsorships, please call (614) 875-9762 or please scan the QR code. Working for our members for over 45 years has allowed us to be creative and to create a variety of wonderful opportunities for members to sponsor live, virtual and hybrid events where you can reach your target audience and make an impression!
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2024 Chamber Board of Directors Chamber Foundation
2023
About Us The Grove City Chamber Foundation was established in 2012 by a group of volunteers from the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce. The passion of these individuals ignited the robust organization that stands today. The Chamber Foundation provides access and support to educational opportunities to chamber members, their employees, families, and affiliates.
To date the Chamber Foundation has awarded over $168,000 scholarships to over 266 area students. The Grove City Chamber Foundation has three categories for scholarships. • Renewal Scholarships. Students that are currently enrolled in a post-secondary program whose primary residence is within the South-Western City School District attendance area, or anyone who has previously received a scholarship from the Chamber Foundation • High School Seniors. Graduating High School Seniors residing in the South-Western City School District attendance area • Chamber Affiliate. Employees and family of Chamber Member businesses To learn more about our scholarships, applications, deadlines or to offer support Chamber the Foundation please visit www.gcchamberfoundation.org
2023 Chamber Foundation Recap 2023 was another successful year for the Chamber Foundation! This year we passed the $168,000 mark in scholarship dollars awarded. Once again we awarded scholarships to graduating High School Seniors, Renewal, and Chamber affiliates scholarships. Thank you to Chris Gourley, Char McFarland and Sue Ross for their service and time on the Grove City Chamber Foundation board. The community’s support was especially vital to the Foundation’s success. We added additional fundraising opportunities with an online merchandise store and continued to sell Silverbridge Coffee at the Grove City Chamber Farmers’ Market. Coffee is available to purchase year round our website. Starting May 11th, 2024 you will be able to purchase your coffee in person at the Chamber Farmers’ Market .
Keep up with the Foundation @gcchamberfoundation info@gcchamberfoundation.org
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2023 SPONSORS Platinum Sponsor: • Grove City Smiles Gold Sponsors: • Credit Union of Ohio • KEMBA Financial Credit Union • Meyers Jewelers
2023 FALL FOR THE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER The annual Fall for the Foundation Fundraiser at the Aladdin Shrine Center, was held on October 20, 2023. Our delicious buffet dinner was catered by Metro and Tracy Carter provided music throughout the evening. The hilarious Michael Kent closed out the evening filled with music, laughter, and food. The 50/50 winner this year was Tim was A special thank you is extended to our Platinum Sponsor for the Fall for the Foundation, Grove City Smiles. We also want to thank our sponsors, guests, and donors that helped raise over $28,000 for scholarships that will be distributed in 2024. Lastly, we want to say a THANK YOU to all who attended, donated to our silent auction, and/or volunteered their time to make this such a special fundraiser.
**Your sponsorship allows us to continue providing education scholarships to our community. Our Fall for the Foundation Fundraiser is a great way to support our ongoing scholarship programs. Sponsor with your business, purchase a corporate table or join us and buy tickets for your family, friends & neighbors!
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
Silver Sponsors: • Franklin County Banking Center • Wesbanco • OhioHealth • Monterey Care Center Bronze: • Buckeye Pawn Shop • Capital City Mechanical • Gary Gabriel Family • Fire Systems Professionals • Servpro Copper: • Schoedinger-Norris Funeral Services • TOSOH • Tami Washington Friends of the Chamber Foundation: • Cruise Planners • Caroline Shroyer • Danielle Hobson • Precision Jewelers • Morley Parren Bright Insurance • Moses – Mouser & Associates Corporate Tables: • Columbus Building Services • Electro-General Plastics Corp • Franklin County Banking Center • Heartland Bank • Jeff Buskirk & Associates
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2024 Chamber Board of Directors Chamber by the Numbers 740
36,000
Active Members
Employees Represented
Chamber Weekly Connections published
20,000+ VISITORS
108 artists proudly displayed and sold
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during our 18 week multi award-winning
Our Publications
52
Issues of the Chamber Business Connection
Farmers' Market
Issues of Grove City Living newspaper
2,600+
Grove City Area Young Professionals
72 Golfers hit the greens for a shot at the trophy and
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Hosted exciting networking opportunities
Over 7,000 Chamber Directories distributed in 2023
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Thousands of spectators lined streets to enjoy over 100 entries in the Arts in the Alley Community Parade
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Weekly Connection Subscribers
their artwork and wares to over 35,000 visitors, tourists and locals who filled the streets of historic Town Center
Multiple presenters brought their knowledge and insight to nearly 100 women in business during our 11th annual WE:LEAD forum, featuring our first ever panel discussion
Nearly 6,000 Trick-or- treaters scooped up candy provided by our largest number of local businesses ( over 70 ) in our Town Center at the 3rd Annual Boo Off Broadway
Saw its largest number of contestants sing their way to the semi-finals, bringing the largest crowd we’ve ever seen
Over Volunteer Hours were generously donated by Chamber Members and their associates
To date has awarded over$168,000 scholarships to over 266 local students.
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2024 Chamber Board of Directors We’re reaching the people you want to reach... WEBSITE VIEWS
729,752
Events (565,647)
Directory (116,852)
Member Sign-Up Page(16,495) Info Requests(15,837) Jobs (9,405) News(3,783)
Coupons (1,430)
Marketplace (236) Weather (67)
JOB SEARCH Page Views(933) Searches (4,129)
By Category(976) By Keyword( 3153 )
MEMBER PAGE VIEWS
SOCIAL MEDIA STATS Reach
25,000 Monthly
Likes
11,000+
Follows
10,155
Member Page Searches (83,393) Listed in Results (242,463) Links to website (4,274)
MEMBER PAGE HITS Page Hits (77,251)
Search Hits (223,153) Linkouts (3,981)
Facebook reaches 99,293 from
01/01/2023 - 12/31/2023
ONLINE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Category Searches (18,687)
Alphabetical Searches (6,995) Directory Searches (30,323) Keyword Searches (4,641)
49,827 Facebook Reaches
from 01/01/2023 - 12/31/2023
EVENT CALENDAR
Searches (535,296 )
5,254 digital views 1,000 in person
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
ho of T us
ds an
Views (25,206)
Ten s
BREAKDOWN
of dollars saved by GCACC businesses through Chamber savings and discount programs
... Let us help you make the connection! 14
www.roofsbywarren.com 5-Year Work Warranties Military & Senior Discounts
Over 30 Years Experience A+ BBB Rating
2024 Chamber Board Ambassador of the Year of Directors 2023 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR- LENNY FRAZZITTA Lenny Frazzitta is someone that you’re going to want to get to know. While Lenny is a bit newer to the GCACC scene he has already made an indelible and valuable mark on the Chamber and the community. Lenny is the VP of Regional Business Banking Relationship Manager for Huntington Bank. He moved to Grove City a number of years ago after having lived in several places along the East Coast. What brought him here, you might ask; Beulah Park horse racing! Lenny spent more than 13 years as a jockey, racing and winning in Ohio, Kentucky, and throughout the racing circuit. Lenny quickly fell in love with all things Grove City and when injuries took him out of racing, it was a quick decision to stay in Grove City Lenny has one daughter, the love of his life, and spends much of his free time playing hockey and not to lose his connection to horseracing, he still owns several racehorses.
When Lenny joined the Chamber, he immediately connected with the staff to find out how he could get involved. Lenny joined the Ambassador team, the Benefits Committee, and the Marketing Committee, and this year we are excited to welcome Lenny to our Board. Lenny is passionate about helping people and in particular, he loves working with new businesses and is a master at connecting people. As an Ambassador, Lenny does exactly what he’s good at – he makes connections. He connects people and businesses with the Chamber and with each other, and through those connections, he provides solutions. Thank you, Lenny, for sharing your gifts, talents, and time with the Chamber, and congrats on earning Ambassador of the Year!
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2024 Board of Directors SpiritChamber of the Chamber
2023
2023 SPIRIT OF THE CHAMBER - IZZY BENJAMIN The Chamber is honored to present our ‘Spirit of the Chamber’ Award to Izzy Benjamin. Many of you will know Izzy from Heartland Bank where she works as a Universal Banker, or from her previous place of employment, WesBanco. You might recognize her as a volunteer at the Farmers’ Market, Arts in the Alley, the Gardens at Gantz, the Chamber Foundation, Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and at events all around town. Izzy also works as a parttime event coordinator for ‘Storybook Assistance’. There certainly isn’t much downtime for this young lady – if she isn’t working, volunteering or serving somewhere in the community, she is dabbling at painting or following her passion of reading. The criteria for the Spirit of the Chamber Award is: ‘The person who best exemplifies the mission and values of the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce’. It certainly didn’t take long for Izzy’s name to rise to the top of our candidate list; Izzy is truly the representation of that definition. Izzy tells us that when she was in high school, she was known as the ‘nice’ one, the one who always had an ear to listen and a caring, compassionate heart that would bring comfort. Not much has changed since elementary school. Izzy describes herself as ‘pretty goofy’, but also a person who genuinely loves and cares about people. She attributes her kind character and giving personality to her parents and her family who she tells us ‘Modeled those attributes every day.’ Izzy will tell you that she doesn’t do anything because she has to, she does the things that she does because she wants to. Izzy wants to see the GCACC Young Professionals Program grow, to continue to serve the community by volunteering and offering herself to those who have a need. We have had the pleasure of working with Izzy for many years and we know without a shadow of a doubt what her superpower is – it’s building, nurturing, and growing relationships. And as a representative for the GCACC isn’t that the perfect match? We certainly think that it is – thank you Izzy for being you and for sharing yourself with the Chamber and with our community.
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2024 Board of Directors HeartChamber of the Chamber HEARTLAND BANK HEART OF THE CHAMBER - CREATIVE MOBILE INTERIORS The Heartland Bank ‘Heart of the Chamber’ award was established in 2016 to honor and recognize a Chamber member business that exemplifies the mission and values of the GCACC. This year’s winner now sits alongside past winners who have brought undeniable value to the community, the Chamber, and to those with whom they work each day. Please join us in congratulating our 2023 Heartland Bank Heart of the Chamber Award winner, Creative Mobile Interiors. Welcome to this prestigious family of businesses. Grove City can comfortably boast that we are home to some of Central Ohio’s most amazing businesses. Some large, some small, some highly recognizable, some less well known, but all contribute to the amazing community of Grove City. One of our superstar businesses just happens to be the Chamber’s 2023 Heart of the Chamber Award winner, Creative Mobile Interiors (CMI). Specializing in unique vehicle interiors, you may have seen their projects featured at local parades and car shows, or at their facility right off I-71. CMI was started by Owen Connaughton in 1999. Working in the custom vehicle conversion industry for many years, Owen stepped out on his own to start a business based on his spoken mission: ‘To never sacrifice quality and operate with the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, and passion for our work which allows us to exceed our client’s expectations and sets the standard in our industry.’ If that driving standard doesn’t reflect the mission and value of the GCACC, I’m not sure what does. When the Connaughton and CMI families lost Owen to a sudden illness in 2013, the loss was deep and palpable – but greater, was the desire to honor Owen and his legacy by pushing through. And that’s exactly what they did. Owen’s wife Stacey took over as CEO and appointed Chief Engineer, Josh Gifford, as the new President. Together, they and every employee at CMI, including Owen’s son, Nick Connaughton who serves as CMI’s controller, rededicated themselves to CMI’s mission and grew even stronger.
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2024 Chamber Board of Directors The talented designers, engineers, and craftsman who work on the conversions and customizations have an average tenure of 14 years, with several being with the company 20 years or more. Building on Owen’s vision, Stacey, Josh and Nick maintained a culture of pride, compassion, community involvement, charitable giving and fun. Designing and building highly customized conversions for businesses-large and small, non-profits, adventurers, families, and celebrities - including restoring Johnny Cash’s tour bus, which is on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - CMI loves the challenges and excitement that come with each unique project. CMI was acquired by Airstream last year, but the work continues – holding to Owens’ standards of service, quality and integrity. Something must be working; CMI has been featured the Travel Channel’s ‘Extreme RVs’, and DIY Network’s ‘Man Caves’ – just to name a few - and they are looking forward to potential expansion as a result of the acquisition. Nick Connaughton has been on the Chamber Board and the Executive Committee for several years and holds the position of Chair of Finance. Thank you CMI for your contribution to our community and our Chamber of Commerce, you are a beacon of light in our community, and we are honored to present the 2023 GCACC Heartland Bank Heart of the Chamber Award to you.
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
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Best Place To Work - Small
In a community of countless businesses, large and small, with thousands of employees working each day, childcare – available, safe, affordable, high quality, excellent, childcare is a critical and vital component to the success of those businesses and our community. The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce is very proud to announce the winner of our 2023 Best Place to Work – Small Category (under 50 employees), is Stepping Stone Child Care. Congratulations to owners and sisters, Ghaida Aqel and Maysa Aqel and to their staff, team, and families. This small business with a big vision and an even bigger heart opens its doors each day to over 65 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Each member of this dedicated staff is CPR Certified, and First Aid Certified, and has passed multiple background checks. While Stepping Stone is designed as more of a daycare than a traditional school, every child, from the youngest baby to the oldest, is taught by an expert teacher who must follow a detailed, specialized, structured curriculum created and designed for their age group. Ghaida, educated in HR and Business Management, and sister Maysa Aqel impart the vision to their staff of 15 teachers, a facility assistant, a cook, floaters, and other part-time team members and continue to encourage and support them In late 2020 and early 2021, they began to search for a facility, but it seemed that every door was closed to them – too big, too small, not zoned for childcare, too expensive, and on and on. When the location on Stringtown Road opened, they jumped on it, and with a few more twists and turns, the rest is history. This family loves Grove City and they love what they do. Ghaida says that as she looks back, everything seems very clear – things work together, and everything happens for a reason. This very successful sister team is selftaught and continues to embrace the idea that if you want something and you work hard, follow your dreams, and be patient, it will happen for you. Isn’t that a life motto that we would all love our children to follow?
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2024 Board of Directors BestChamber Place to Work - Small When asked why they think they won this very special award, Ghaida said ‘We take care of our team, good pay and benefits, a safe, clean place to work and we treat them like family. Same thing for all the children and their families – we are all family. We get together outside of work, have regular potluck’s, and we laugh, cry, and encourage each other. The vision for the future is pretty clear; continue to maintain our reputation for excellence, grow the business by word of mouth, fill the daycare to compliance capacity, don’t take too many things too personally, and possibly consider additional locations. If you want it summed up, this female-owned and all-female staff will tell you that it’s ‘All about love and Girl Power all the way’!
“The Friendliest Jewelry Store in Grove City”
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2024 2023 Chamber Best PlaceBoard to Workof- Directors Large
2023
One of our newer award categories, Best Place to Work, (Large and Small categories) will be given to the business receiving the most votes in their category from the public. For the second year in a row, the winner in the Best Place to Work – Large Employer category is… Tosoh! The Tosoh philosophy is quite simple yet impactful – the people matter most. Tosoh has created undeniable value through its focused efforts to blend traits and values effectively and successfully from both American and Japanese cultures. Through this effort, they have created a blended work culture and environment that values people above everything else. Each employee is recognized and treated as an essential piece of Tosoh’s vision, knowing how their jobs fit into working toward organizational goals. Through onboarding, training and access to cutting-edge manufacturing technology and state-of-the-art laboratories, Tosoh is a workplace that employees want to join, but most importantly, stay. The leadership team at Tosoh knows that each employee is a valuable brand ambassador, and they live by this great motto: “We don’t ask our people to promote us, we treat our employees right and trust that they will give their honest opinion.’’ Congratulations to our dear friends at Tosoh, we’re proud of you and happy for you!
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2024 Board of Directors 2023Chamber Business of the Year
2023
“If you were to ask us, “If we had a magic wand that would allow us to pick Tosoh up and place it anywhere in the world, where would we put it?’ Our answer would be that we would not move it. Tosoh loves Grove City and is happy to be here and stay here” Located on Gantz Road, Tosoh is a humble business that quietly and generously supports multiple nonprofits, local businesses and the Grove City community. As a Japanese-owned company, Tosoh has created undeniable value through its focused efforts to blend traits and values effectively and successfully from both American and Japanese cultures. Through this effort, they have created a blended work culture and environment that values people above everything else.
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Tosoh’s local roots go back to 1988 when they occupied their first Grove City location next to City Hall. With rapid growth and anticipated additional growth, Tosoh moved to its current location on Gantz Road in 1991. Expansion after expansion has brought them to the size they are today, with about 350 employees and a massive and well-respected footprint in the manufacturing technology space. With Intel and Samsung as two of Tosoh’s biggest customers since the 1980’s, they are looking forward to more growth in the coming years.
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2024 Chamber Board of Directors
2023
When the Tosoh leadership team was asked why they thought Tosoh was voted as Business of the Year, the answer was quick and unanimous – the people. Above all else, the employees are the most essential piece of the big picture at Tosoh. Their employees know the end goal at Tosoh, and how they fit into the path to get them there. A substantial percentage of Tosoh’s workforce is from Grove City. When Tosoh employees have great work experience, they talk about that experience with people in their circles and the word about Tosoh being a great place to work spreads organically. Leadership at Tosoh truly values employees, taking the time to get to know them and their families. Most importantly, Tosoh values its employees’ input and takes them very seriously, supporting them and their teams greatly. In addition to a healthy work culture, Tosoh’s substantial benefits help attract and maintain great talent. Some of the benefits of working for Tosoh are tuition reimbursement, stability and access to cutting-edge manufacturing technology and state-of-the-art laboratories. These benefits blended with a culture of family, safety, stability, respect and support makes Tosoh a place where employees want to come, and most importantly, stay. In addition to growing its employees, Tosoh hopes to grow its already superior intern program by reaching students from the community who are in college, high school or local trade schools that are looking to learn about manufacturing. Tosoh will be a strong partner in the GCACC’s Manufacturing Day this year. Tosoh would like to give a big thanks to the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Grove City, Grove City Council, Grove City Division of Police, Jackson Township Fire Department, the Turkey Wattle and Arts in the Alley for providing opportunities for employees and the company to serve and give. In closing, Tosoh America President Jan Top and Tosoh SMD President Joe Buckfeller said, “If you were to ask us, “If we had a magic wand that would allow us to pick Tosoh up and place it anywhere in the world, where would we put it?’ Our answer would be that we would not move it. Tosoh loves Grove City and is happy to be here and stay here.”
Congratulations to our 2023 Business of the Year, Tosoh.
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
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2024 Chamber BoardAward of Directors Lifetime Achievement
2023
In this world, we can divide people into two groups - the ‘Givers’ and the ‘Takers’. While we will find ourselves in each of those categories during different times in our lives, those who stand faithfully in the ‘Giver’ line make the world a much better place. Today we celebrate someone who has enriched and blessed countless lives by a direct or indirect encounter with our favorite ‘Giver’ and the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner – MARILYN REINER. Marilyn will be quick to let you know, along with her trademark wink and smile, that while she’s worked for the Chamber for a very long time – she’s not as old as the Chamber building. She has worked in multiple capacities; parttime administrative assistant, office coordinator, bookkeeper, AP, AR, receptionist, member services, newsletter creator, restroom cleaner, gardener, snow shoveler, and master problem solver - just to name a few! Most of us know Marilyn through her work as Events Manager for the GCACC. She has attended and managed nearly every Farmers’ Market for the past 20 years – that’s around 360 Saturdays – arriving at 6:30 am and never leaving before 1 pm. While Arts in the Alley lasts just one weekend per year, the hours devoted to preparing for the event, the Parade, the Shows, the vendors, concessions, and entertainment are nearly immeasurable; spending the night in the Chamber office in preparation for the Community Parade has become a cherished annual tradition. Whether working for the Chamber, serving as a charter Lioness with the GC Lions Club, playing the organ at her church, or serving as the GCACC staff liaison to the Chamber Foundation, the WE:LEAD Program, or leading the SW Community Leadership Class, Marilyn always displays character, integrity, drive, and dedication, to Grove City and the GCACC. Her sense of humor and infectious laugh brighten the lives of all who know her.
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2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
2024 Chamber Board of Directors
2023
Please take the time to congratulate Marilyn on this very special and very well-earned award. Her passion, love, and loyalty put her firmly in that ‘Givers’ space, reserved for those who love and encourage others.
Marilyn; you have led us, taught us, and modeled character and integrity to us. You have, and will continue to serve the Chamber and Grove City and no one is more deserving to receive our Lifetime Achievement Award than you. We love you!
Fun Facts About Marilyn One of her first jobs was working for Neil Armstrong‘s dad Was the first ever recipient of the Spirit of the Chamber award She had led 21 Chamber Presidents to date Marilyn is famous for her New Years Ribs and makes a mean Rob Roy Marilyn has hosted a golf outing in the snow Marilyn has worked over 2,496,000 minutes for the Chamber
2024 GCACC ANNUAL MEETING
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