BUSINESS CHAMBER
DECEMBER 2019 | VOL. 3, ISSUE 13
CONNECTION
MIXING SCENTS & COMMUNITY An interview with Zach, owner of The Chandler, a new “pour your own” candle shop. THE CHANDLER PROCESS Share in the experience of making a candle at The Chandler.
LOCAL CATERING FAVORITES
CHAMBER NEWS
FROM COLD STONE CREAMERY TO PIADA ITALIAN FOODS, WE GIVE YOU THE INSIDE SCOOP FOR HOLIDAY CATERING
Letter from the Director Member Spotlight Member Anniversaries
GROVE CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION DECEMBER 2019
CHAMBER NEWS New Member Spotlight
7
Mixing Scents & Community
10
Chamber November Recap
9
The Chandler Process
13
Small Business Saturday Tips
9
Local Holiday Catering
13-15
Franklin University Spring Enrollment Announcement
9
REGULARS
CITY DEMOGRAPHICS
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Letter from the Director Encouraging note from Director, Shawn Conrad.
Population: 41,495 Median Age: 39.7 Population Over 18: 78% Population Over 65: 16% Number of Households: 15,977 Average Home Price: $190,530 Median Income Per Household: $68,207 Number of Businesses: 1,455+
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Member Recognition Welcome new and celebrate current members.
Want to learn more baout the demographics of Grove City? Visit: GroveCityOhio.Gov/about-us-and-tourism/community-information
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THE CHAMBER GIVES BACK WINTER GEAR DRIVE Give a helping hand this season to those in need. Now through December 1st we're taking new and gently used winter wear. Donations will go to children in the South-Western City School district. If your business would like to participate please contact us at 614-875-9762 or grovecityareayp@gmail.com 4 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION DECEMBER 2019
YOUR CHAMBER Chamber Business Connections is published monthly by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce with revenue from member dues, advertising, and sponsorship. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the content in this publication, by any method or purpose whatsoever, without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Only chamber members can advertise in Chamber Business Connection. To plan advertising contact the chamber.
Letter from the Director Your Board President
Board Members
Lisa Zeigler
President Elect Wayne Coakley
VP at Large Kay Anderson
VP at Large Peggy Mosher
VP at Large
Greg Dawkins Shelley Davis Marc Fleming Dan Havener Allen Hocker Heather Miller Peggy Mosher Trent Soles
The close of another year. A time when many of us reflect on what the year held and what we have accomplished. Some of us feel energized by the prospect of what the new year might hold and even though a date is just a date, we just tend to view things differently when the calendar changes. I remember something that my Mom taught me when I was little – ‘If you can’t do ‘it’ – whatever ‘it’ maybe, today, then you won’t do ‘it’ tomorrow. I didn’t really understand that little tidbit of wisdom until I was older but it certainly has proven itself to be true. Whether your ‘it’ is eating more veggies, spending a little less, saving a little more, less screen time – if you can’t make the change today – you probably won’t do it tomorrow.
Ed Fleming
VP of Finance Charlene McFarland
Your Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce cares about you, your business, your employees and our community and we don’t want another day to go by without you learning about and utilizing your membership benefits.
Past President Shirley Spellman
Whether it’s group savings on BWC and health insurance, BIG savings through our education partners at Franklin University and others, scholarship opportunities for you, your employees and your employees’ families or getting your name out into the community - TODAY is the day to give us a call.
Staff Executive Director Shawn Conrad Events Manager Marilyn Reiner Administrative Assistant Heather Brokaw Marketing and Communications KatBro Consulting Ltd.
The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, our Board of Directors and staff wish you, your family and your employees a very wonderful holiday season and a happy and prosperous new year. Whatever your dreams are for 2020 – let your Chamber partner with you to make it happen – if you don’t do it today, will you really do it tomorrow?
Happy Holidays from Your Chamber! CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION DECEMBER 2019 | 5
RECOGNIZING MEMBERS
CELEBRATING YEARS WITH GCACC
1
First Presbyterian Church of Grove City Massey’s Pizza Sports Bar & Grill
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Grove City United Methodist Jeff Guminey
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Franklin County Banking Center
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
THE AWESOME COMPANY
COMFORT INN SOUTH
COLUMBUS GROVE CITY ELKS
The Awesome Company is a design and printing studio based in Columbus, Ohio. It was founded with a simple, powerful idea: awesome is everywhere. If you need a kick of optimism and you believe in the awesome power of autism, you’ve found your people and your custom apparel partner. It’s time to celebrate what makes us unique in our own awesome way. We carry a curated selection of our client favorites and also have access to thousands of t-shirt options in a variety of styles, colors, and brands including; Bella + Canvas, Tultex, American Apparel, Alternative Apparel, Next Level Apparel and many more!
At Comfort Inn® in Grove City, just off Elks Lodges bring so much more to their Interstate 71, you can enjoy a cozy place to communities than just a building, golf rest just across the interstate from Pinnacle course or pool. They are places where Golf Club and 15 minutes from downtown neighbors come together, families share Columbus. Our friendly staff are always willing meals, and children grow up. Elks invest in to help you make the most of your visit to their communities through programs that the. We’ll help you have a great start to the help children grow up healthy and drugday with a free, hot and healthy breakfast free, by undertaking projects that address featuring our famous waffles. We offer free unmet need, and by honoring the service WiFi throughout the hotel, so you can keep in and sacrifice of our veterans. Columbus/ touch on your phone, tablet or laptop. In our Grove City Elks Lodge #37 welcomes all business center, our fax and copy machines visitors to our lodge. Club room is open give you the tools to do what needs doing. At weekdays 2:00 - 9:00 PM (11:00PM Comfort Inn, we’re dedicated to making sure Friday nights), Saturdays Noon- 11:00 PM. your trip is the best that it can be. Sundays 12:00- 6:00 PM.
3400 Southwest Blvd Grove City (614) 440-8545 theawesomecompany.com
4197 Marlane Drive, Grove City 614) 808-4536 choicehotels.com/ohio/grove-city/comfortinn-hotels/oh432
2140 Sonora Dr, Grove City (614)875-2375 https://www.elks.org/lodges/ContactUs. cfm?LodgeNumber=0037
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Remax Revealty Brenda Wooden
Keller Williams Premier Realty, The Pompey Group
Classic Plumbing, Inc. The Antry Team at Saxton Real Estate
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CHAMBER NEWS Chamber November Recap November-In-Review Just as our lives don’t slow down for the holidays, neither does your Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce. We had plenty of events and ribbon cuttings to keep us busy, sometimes even on the same night! Not wasting any time, the first Sunday of the month was Victorious Living’s ribbon cutting for their new location. This new location will give them even greater opportunities to serve their church family and community at large. The Chamber hosted our annual fall social event for WE:LEAD. Zassy’s Taproom was an excellent location where attendees enjoyed appetizers, drinks, and of course social time. This was another great opportunity for WE:LEAD to support its charitable partner, The Refuge. Not far away on the same night, Keller Williams Premier Realty had their grand re-opening and ribbon cutting at their Columbus Street location. The room was filled with well-wishers and employees celebrating this business milestone.
Keller Williams Ribbon Cutting
WE:LEAD Fall Social at Zassy’s Taproom
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Past Presidents Luncheon
For as busy as November was, we found time to round up many of our past Chamber board presidents for a luncheon. It was a wonderful gathering filled with the sharing of wisdom, ideas, and experiences. Amazing things happen when past presidents get together. But, we still weren’t done with exciting business moves and ribbon cuttings. EPCON Communities held its groundbreaking for their new community on November 15. The celebration continued on to Plank’s to mark this next chapter for our community. Along the way, businesses began final preparations for their holiday rushes, whether food, retail, or another service or product. Our various catering Q&A pieces in this edition will give a little insight into the food and catering side of these final preparations. We close out a busy month and enter another as our December calendar begins to fill with events ranging from Chamber 101, Ambassador training, and more ribbon cuttings.
Franklin University Spring Enrollment Announcement Registration has already begun for Spring 2020 enrollment with Franklin University. But, why should you, as a Chamber member, care? It’s a Chamber benefit! Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce members and employees of member businesses can enroll in and attend Franklin University with a 20 percent tuition discount and free textbooks! This applies to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs. Franklin’s degree offerings are continually expanding; the one “perfect for you” might now be offered! Classwork can be done online, which allows for schedule flexibility to begin, continue, and complete a degree. Franklin also allows for a generous amount of credits to transfer for all types of degrees. Spring 2020 semester may not begin until 2020, and it’s only November, but those interested should act now to have the best pick of course options, and to have everything taken care of before the holidays approach. For more information, visit the following links: Program page: www.franklin.edu/grovecitychamber or Program introductory video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC82niv3FMY
Whether you are a brand new to the Chamber or a long time member, this free program will show you how to make the most of your membership! A light breakfast is always provided.
Join us December 18th 2019, 7:30 - 9:00 Location: Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce 4069 Broadway Grove City, OH 43123 Pre-registration is encouraged. Register at: https://grovecitychamber.chambermaster.com/ eventregistration/register/2751 For more information about this event visit: https://business.gcchamber.org/events/details/chamber-101-12-18-2019-2751?calendarMonth=2019-12-01 CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION DECEMBER 2019 | 9
FEATURED
Mixing Scents and Community
hen a change of career was in order for Zack Royal, candle making has proved to be just the ticket for the former flight attendant.
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The travel and exciting pace of flight attendant life wasn’t taken for granted, but Zack knew he was missing out on life lived in one place. One place in particular he felt he was missing out on was Grove City. Even though he had been a resident for a few years, he said he felt as though he didn’t know the city at all. But, any change of career has its turbulence as Zack discovered the challenges of entering into a new career, and eventually decided being his own boss, owning his own business, was the right path. He discovered candle making kits and after a failure, set out to perfect this art. But, it wasn’t just about the act of candle making and perfecting the science. It soon became about the experience, and how it could bring people together. 10 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION DECEMBER 2019
As wine and paint parties grew in popularity, Zack said he was able to take advantage of that success and put his own spin on it with candles. He hosted candle making parties in his home, and eventually expanded out into gathering spaces at restaurants, ultimately with three goals in mind: “Let’s drink, have fun, and make candles!” Zack genuinely never dreamed of having a space to call his own, but when driving by the current Broadway storefront when it had a ‘for rent’ sign, he chased after the opportunity and was ultimately able to move in and establish The Chandler.
“Let’s drink, have fun, and make candles!”
Now with a place for candle making to call home, The Chandler serves as much more than a ‘candle shop’. This new gathering space has built a community aspect loved by patrons. One of the world’s oldest creations, the art of candle making, is new again. Patrons even take a step back in time and disconnect. “People put down their phones and interact,” he remarked. Even strangers will get to know each other as they are intrigued by the scent combination someone else is creating. Personal interaction takes over and friendships are created in addition to candles. Private events, such as birthday parties or work outings, can be held at the back work space, where one big table brings people together just the same as a dinner table. Just as patrons gather together, Zack has gathered together a core team of employees each with their own unique skillset. Billy serves as Chief of People—handling everything from administration work to HR and communications. Hannah is a Lead Chandler and is typically leading the candle making workshops. Angela is also a Lead Chandler, but is more geared toward the group events. As Zack began his venture of turning candle making into an experience, the focus was on socializing and making candles. The focus is still there, but refined to “connecting people through fragrance and community”. It’s a time to turn back to an older art, put down the phones, and enjoy those around us. The Chandler Candle Co. offers group candle pouring, hosting of events, or just stop on by to enjoy over 80 scents to create your custom candle. Check out more info at thechandler.co/
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FEATURED The Chandler Process Our visit to The Chandler wasn’t just an interview, we tried our hands at candlemaking too. It’s a simple process most anyone can do. The step-by-step sheet certainly helps! First, I smelled all the sample candles or, at least the ones that caught my attention… that would be a lot of smelling otherwise! Up to five scents can be selected (think of it as a ‘first round’ of smelling…) and listed. I came in with an idea of what kind of scent I’d like to have, which helped eliminate some scents that were good, but probably wouldn’t blend together for what I wanted on this trip. Once I selected five, I was presented with oil bottles for the scents and five tester strips. I labeled the strips and then added a few drops to the other end (Pro Tip: keep all of your scents in the same order or you might mis-label one…). With the strips and drops, you’ll either think you’re at the Macy’s test counter, or back in Chemistry class. Believe it or not, I’d prefer the second… After the test strips are scented, start smelling and ‘cross smelling’ by waving two or three together to see what your future candle could smell like. This might be easy, or it might be tough to decide. I ended up with the first combination I smelled (almond biscotti and caramel pumpkin swirl… yes, so very fall). Once you’ve settled on your two-three oils, you’ll mix them up in a small container, smelling along the way for just the right ratio (for example, I went heavier on the almond). Once that is mixed up, you’ll pour the hot wax and then the oils into the mixing container to whisk together. If you’re adding a color, this is time to add color. With everything mixed up, pour into your selected container and—you’ve got a candle. Well… almost… The candle will need at least an hour, maybe two, to set up and the expert chandlers (aka, candle making extraordinaires) make sure the wick is set and centered. Continue to hang out with friends, or explore some neighboring shops while your candle sets, return, and hurry home to test out your new creation.
The Chandler | 4040 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123| (614) 594-2288 | thechandler.co
Holiday Catering Q&A with Cold Stone Creamery ‘Tis the season for office parties! We caught up with Emily Zhong with Cold Stone Creamery here in Grove City to learn about how Cold Stone can help make a party merry and bright. Q: What catering specials are you offering this holiday season? A: Signature Creations/Create Your Own (up to 3 mix ins) • $5-Like It, an 18% discount from retail price • $5.50 - Love It, a 17% discount from retail price • $6 - Gotta Have It, a 15% discount from retail price Sundae Bar It is $5/person with up to 20 ice cream flavors and mix ins to choose from and the servers, set up, clean up, provide spoons, napkins, and cups provided Q: How many days before an event should an order be placed? A: We do not have a minimum amount of notice since it varies by each party.
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Q: If you deliver, what is your delivery radius, or the area you can deliver to? A: We can deliver within a 20 mile radius of Grove City, OH Q: What do you wish customers/potential customers knew or understood before they contacted you? A: We have a dairy free option as well as a no-sugar added option. We
HOLIDAY CATERING Holiday Catering Q&A with The Garden Bar We caught up with Michele from the Garden Bar to find out what deals they had in store, and her best tips for making sure it is, indeed, the most wonderful time of the year! Q: What catering specials are you offering this holiday season? A: 15% off $100.00 or more Q: How many days before an event should an order be placed? A: Two Days Q: If you deliver, what is your delivery radius, or the area you can deliver to? A: $5.00 fee in the 43123 zip code. $15.00 in the Columbus area and surroundings. Q: What do you and your team love about catering during the holiday season? A: We love helping to make their holiday event a great success, offering fresh, quality food that their staff is sure to love. As well as taking a load off those preparing the event by delivering and setting up the food therefore they can focus on other elements of the party. Q: What are your top three holiday party planning tips? 1. Know your guest list... How many are attending? 2. Know your timing‌ Are they expecting a time to eat/meal or are they expecting a time to mingle (figure food/appetizers)? 3. Enjoy the moment! Holiday planning can be stressful, don’t forget to breath and enjoy the people around you.
3989 Broadway Suite 100, Grove City, OH 43123 (614) 594-3989 thegardenbar.cafe
make all of our ice cream and ice cream cakes in-house and can customize your next ice cream cake! We also have ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cupcakes and ice cream pies to choose from. Q: What do you and your team love about catering during the holiday season? A: We love that we get to be a part of your holiday fun! Whether that be with your family, co-workers, and/or friends; we understand that this is when you get to spend quality time with the important people in your life, and we would be honored to play a part of those memories. Q: What are your top three holiday party planning tips? A: We have three tips 1. Have customized individual orders. 2. Reduce work and stress of holiday party preparation where you can so you can spend quality time with those you care about. 3. Have Cold Stone at the table!
1776 Stringtown Rd, Grove City, OH 43123 (614) 883-1710 coldstonecreamery.com/stores/21719
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CHAMBER NEWS CONT... Chamber Foundation Affiliate Scholarship: Deadline Approaching! Giving Strength to Tomorrow’s Business Leaders Through Education The Grove City Chamber Foundation provides a variety of scholarship opportunities for a variety of educational opportunities. Typically, scholarships are associated with college or some sort of higher education, but the Chamber Foundation Affiliate Scholarship isn’t limited to just college. The Affiliate Scholarship is intended for employees or family members of a GCACC-member business. But as mentioned above, it can cover education fees not labeled as “college”. It could be used to take an online continuing education course. It could be applied toward fees for a professional development conference. It could be used for a singleday professional seminar or webinar. If the purpose is education, this scholarship could be applied.
2018 Scholarship Recipients
But, first an employee or family member would need to apply. The next deadline, which is the last of 2019, is December 16. The application is available at the Foundation’s scholarship website: gcchamberfoundation.org/scholarships/. Select the Affiliate Scholarship and follow the directions to submit.
4 Easy (and Affordable) Ways to Show Customer Appreciation Showing customer appreciation is more important than ever, as customers have more ways to browse and shop than ever before. Customers are always asking us how they can stand out from the crowd and show their customers that they are really appreciated. Here are 4 easy and super affordable ways to do just that. 1. Send a Handwritten Note It may sound old school, but sending a handwritten note is unique in today’s digital world. 2. Give Free Stuff Everyone loves something for nothing. Provide an upgrade for free, a discount on a bill, and all just because, or send them a gift card encouraging customers to come back to your shop. 3. Knowledge is Power – Share it! Communicating with customers and showing your expertise can get you noticed. Whether it’s through an email newsletter, a blog, via Facebook or Twitter, or in person, customers love to learn useful information about what they’re buying. 4. Make Them Feel Like a VIP Make your frequent, loyal customers feel even more special by giving them the VIP treatment. Try setting up a VIP customer appreciation program. These four tips will help your customer to feel engaged, empowered and completely appreciated.
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HOLIDAY CATERING CONT... A: We love taking some of the hustle and bustle out of people’s plans for the holidays. Not having to worry about the food for your upcoming catering meeting and or social holiday party allows that person to enjoy more of their holidays. Q: What are your top three holiday party planning tips? 1: Don’t over commit to a point where you do not enjoy your holiday functions and parties.
Catering Q&A with Piada We caught up with Nicole, the catering manager for Piada-one of the Chamber’s newer members. She shared Piada’s catering specials and her tips for a holly jolly holiday. Q: What catering specials are you offering this holiday season? A: Piada is offering a Holiday package that feeds 25-30 guests. It is 4 pans of each of our pasta recipes, one pan of grilled chicken, one pan of grilled steak, 2 side salads, 10 chocolate chunk cookies, 10 salted caramel cookies, 10 fudge brownies (gluten free), free delivery and 5-$10.00 Piada gift cards with every package purchased till December 31st. This retails for $389.99. Q: How many days before an event should an order be placed? A: We like to have 24 hour notice but can accommodate those last minute pop up meetings that require catering. Q: If you deliver, what is your delivery radius, or the area you can deliver to?
Don’t try to be Martha Stewart. A great way to plan for a party is to have guests bring their favorite small plates/appetizers and you can provide the drinks, desserts and main dish by ordering out for those items. Piada offers great pasta dishes with choices of proteins that will add affordability and enjoyment to any dinner party. 2: Less is best and leads to decline in stress. Holidays are meant to spend time with family and friends. We don’t want to spend our time planning, organizing, cooking, cleaning and then be too tired and stressed to enjoy this beautiful season. Piada offers delivery and set up of all our catering menu packages. No need to run all over town getting everything. 3: Catering budgets for office parties can be small but an office can plan a potluck by the staff bringing their favorite side dish and some staff bringing their favorite dessert and the company can provide the main dish. Our Piada Box offers an assortment of hand rolled Piadas and allows the company to stay in budget and provide a fabulous main dish for the party. Happy Holiday from all of us here at Piada Italian Street Food!
4139 Buckeye Pkwy, Grove City, OH 43123 (614) 808-4200 mypiada.com/catering-menu
A: We delivery 20 miles in all directions from each of our stores. We have 9 stores in Columbus so we cover a lot of area. Our delivery fee is $25.00 but we offer free delivery with you first catering order. Q: What do you wish customers/potential customers knew or understood before they contacted you? A: Just that We at Piada are here to take care of your catering needs and having a live person to take care of you benefits all aspect of the ordering process. Their best choice was to choose Piada and we will take care of the rest. Q: What do you and your team love about catering during the holiday season?
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