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March 20, 2022 - GROVE CITY LIVING - PAGE 1
Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce To create a positive environment for the development and success of business
Business of the Year Of the many awards presented at the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting, only the Business of the Year award is chosen by popular vote from the community. Voters used an online ballot form where there could vote by naming their choice for Business of the Year and even provide their feedback and other positive comments. This year had a great voter turnout which produced votes for many different businesses. The top three finalists in order of finish were: Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Pinnacle Pets Play & Stay, and Beulah Park. Continue to reading to learn more about the top three and their unique roles in the Grove City community.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective: 1st Place
Voter comment: “Mid-Ohio Food Collective is a pillar in this community and continues to create positive change for all of our neighbors.” As another voter comment put it, MidOhio Food Collective (MOFC) is more than just a food pantry. Engaging entire communities, MOFC is in the unique position where they serve community members, but also rely heavily on other community members to provide their services effectively. Having been part of the Grove City community since 2009, MOFC utilizes all community outreach and engagement opportunities so they can best reach those who need served, and those who are in a position to serve. To date, more than 3,000 Grove City community members have volunteered over 75,000 hours! “Mid-Ohio Food Collective could not feed our hungry neighbors without the support of our devoted volunteers,” said Tim White of MOFC. MOFC was met with its greatest challenge yet as the pandemic settled in nearly two years ago in March 2020. With life, school, and jobs unstable more individuals and families sought the services of Mid-Ohio Food Collective than perhaps ever before. And, in the beginning it seemed that community could support community. “At the start of the pandemic, our local communities showed up in force to volunteer,” Tim said of volunteer support from late March to early April 2020. Stay-at-home orders then called for a change of plans as volunteers stayed home and Ohio National Guard members stepped in to fill those roles. But even from home, the support was still felt through kind social media posts, financial donations, and the eagerness to come back to volunteering. “They cheered us on and expressed their
gratitude for our work,” Tim said. “Once we were able to have volunteers back in the building, they worked alongside the troops to help us meet the increased need for food.” The National Guard members completed their service with MOFC in Summer 2021, but as food needs remained, and still remain, high so does the need for volunteers. Previously voted as a top volunteer experience, volunteers are making their way back but more help is always needed to fill the assorted volunteer shifts. Those interested can visit: mofc.org/get-involved to learn more. MOFC is honored to be a finalist for Business of the Year, and they are grateful for the outpouring support they have received and continue to receive from the GCACC, the City of Grove City, and the Grove City community. Because of this support, they could continue their mission of feeding those in need during one of the most critical points of MOFC’s existence. Because of the community’s support, they can lead the charge in serving others.
Pinnacle Pets Play & Stay: 2nd Place
Voter comment: “They offer great service and you can tell they have a passion for taking care of my dogs as if they were their own.” Some of our greatest companions in life have four legs and wet noses, and Pinnacle Pets is here to provide local and loving care for our canine companions. Built literally from the ground up, great attention to detail went into creating Pinnacle Pets so they could best serve their two-legged and four-legged clients. “We focus on a high level of customer attention,” said Steve Robinette of Pinnacle Pets. Services offered by Pinnacle Pets include boarding, daycare, grooming, and training. The grooming salon is certified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pinnacle Pets strives to exceed industry standards in all aspects of care. Grooming and training services can even occur during daycare or boarding services. “You can leave your dog with us while you are on vacation and have our certified trainer work with them on basic obedience or help address a specific behavior,” Steve explained of the services offered. Their customer base keeps them going, quite literally during the peak of the pandemic, through continued support and appreciation. In addition to the voter comment featured at the beginning, many shared lengthy stories about Pinnacle Pets’ outstanding service and even how their pups know where they’re going and are excited to get there. Pinnacle Pets enjoys being active in the
Grove City community, from doing business local to supporting local school programs and non-profits, and participating in events where they can engage with fellow pet lovers and dog owners. Pinnacle Pets works closely with Speak for the Unspoken Dog Rescue by providing kennel space and training discounts. Steve said they continue to explore ways to grow the business and serve the community. One opportunity or service is already up and running. Pinnacle Pets is now offering a Puppy Playcare service where puppies or younger dogs can gradually learn to handle, and enjoy, daycare and even grooming. “They learn important social skills that help them to move into larger playgroups,” Steve said. For new puppies and ‘pandemic pups’ who grew up only knowing life at home with their human(s), this could be a beneficial step for pups and ‘pup parents’ transitioning to a more pre-pandemic work and travel lifestyle. Pinnacle Pets is honored to be among the finalists for Business of the Year, recognizing that they are one business among hundreds. “We work with many local businesses and know the quality of the competition for this recognition,” Steve said. “We are humbled to be nominated.”
Beulah Park Living: Third Place
Voter comment: “The impact that Beulah Park Living will have on the Grove City Community is monumental.” Beulah Park has been considered a Grove City ‘staple’ for generations and while looks and specific purposes may change, Beulah Park Living is on a mission to be a ‘staple’ to the community for generations to come. “Beulah Park was a gathering place and a Grove City community point of pride for decades,” said Sarah Backiewicz, Beulah Park Director. As Beulah Park’s 99th year is marked, Beulah Park Living is proud to offer a “place, park and product” for all. With the Columbus Street Connector infrastructure project, Beulah Park Living residents (and their guests) are able to easily frequent businesses in Grove City’s Town Center creating positive economic impact and an overall spirit and sense of community and belonging. Other infrastructure projects will continue to advance community engagement and connection. The welcome feeling isn’t reserved just for those who live within Beulah Park–just as the Beulah Park of before was welcoming to all, Beulah Park Living aims for the same. Sarah said the feeling is alive, even if not always easy to put into words:
Photo by Jeffrey Tadlock Photography
Matt Habash, CEO of Mid-Ohio Food Collective, accepts the Business of the Year Award.
“We so often hear that there is a real — almost palpable, feeling at Beulah Park Living that is opening, welcoming, inclusive and available.” She attributes this feeling to the planning, location, history, and the people of Beulah Park and Beulah Park Living. Thoughtful planning, excellent people, a winning location and a priceless history have blended together for a community and sense of community worthy of Beulah Park’s winner’s circle. And while much has been accomplished with Beulah Park Living, much is still to come in 2022. Sarah shared many details still to come this year. A new Columbus Street archway and other infrastructure projects, including trails and roadways, are on the list. The Park at Beulah Park will finish Phase One and move along into Phase 2. More housing options, which leads to more residents, are on the way in addition to the availability of commercial and retail spaces. Commercial and retail tenants are being sought and announced as able. Beulah Park will celebrate 100 years in 2023, and celebration plans are underway. Community outreach and connection has been a goal for Beulah Park Living since the beginning, with joining the GCACC one of the first steps. Sarah said it was fitting to be a finalist for an award chosen by the community given the community support all along. “Being a finalist for Business of the Year is an honor and recognition that we share with all of you.”
PAGE 2 - GROVE CITY LIVING - March 20, 2022
Heart of the Chamber goes to service department
The City of Grove City’s Service Department was recognized with the Heartland Bank Heart of the Chamber Award at the recent Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. The larger-scale, in-person events held by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce require countless hours of work before the event opens to the public. But, without the work of the City of Grove City’s Service Department those larger events, such as Arts in the Alley, would remain dreams and plans on paper. From logistical plans, to street closure set-up, to clean up and tear down, the Service Department provides the physical work and planning assistance to ‘pull off’ a successful event. Service Department-GCACC work and correspondence is a year-round effort–once one event is done, it’s on to the next! While some events have more of a logistical focus, Arts in the Alley is an all-hands-on-deck situation using all divisions within the department to complete countless tasks before the big weekend. Throughout the weekend, close to a dozen Service Department members will be on hand for the event to make sure everything is as flawless as possible. “We take great pride in ensuring that visitors can enjoy this event safely,” said Jenifer Pfeiffer on behalf of the Service Department. With many different events around Grove City in a typical year, the Service De-
partment has numerous opportunities to let their community, and for some their hometown, shine. Department members find satisfaction in completing another successful event, knowing they’ve done their part to provide a safe and enjoyable environment. On behalf of the Service Department, Jenifer has great pride in sharing that the Service Department was recently awarded Full Accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). Photo by Jeffrey Tadlock Photography She said it’s a prestigious honor Cindy Fitzpatrick and Joe Weber of the city of Grove considered the “Hallmark of City Service Department accept the Heartland Bank Professionalism” among public Heart of the Chamber Award from Chamber Events Coworks departments throughout ordinator Marilyn Reiner. the United States. The path to achieving accreditation involves a multi- gistics, manpower and experience that it year self-assessment, driving the Service takes to make Grove City events go off Department to objectively analyze hundreds seamlessly lies in the hands of our friends of internal policies and procedures to verify and partners at the City of Grove City Servand recognize compliance with APWA’s rec- ice Department.” Jenifer said Service Department memommended management practices. The bers are honored to be recognized and have APWA then rigorously evaluates the Department and its application to determine if their behind-the-scenes work noticed… accreditation status is warranted. The dis- though the department has a different take tinction is currently held by only six other on being noticed than others may have. “We often define success as not being noagencies in Ohio and 202 in North America. The Chamber Staff said this of their grat- ticed because it means that the support and itude for the Service Department, “The lo- services we provided met our partner's and patron's expectations.”
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Ari Galloway-Hicks, winner of the 2021 Voice of Grove City competition, opens the chamber’s annual meeting with the National Anthem.
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March 20, 2022 - GROVE CITY LIVING - PAGE 3
e Chamber Celebrates
The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the successes of 2021 with its Annual Meeting held in late February. 2021 saw a return of most of their events to a ‘normal’ in-person format, including the return of the Voice of Grove City, a new addon to their annual Arts in the Alley festival that took place in September. To mark the occasion and share her talents, Voice of Grove City winner Ari Galloway-Hicks opened the Annual Meeting festivities with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Ari, age 14, is a local high school student who won the multi-day vocal competition with more than two dozen other talented competitors. During the passing of the gavel portion where the Chamber recognizes its board members, retiring Board President Ed Fleming officially passed along presidential duties to 2022 Board President Lisa Zeigler. The board for 2022, in addition to Zeigler and Fleming, includes: Shelley Davis, Nick Connaughton, Rachel Kutay, Greg Dawkins, Kay Anderson, Dylon Sparks, Chris Moscato, Trent Soles, Lynn Weita, Katie Fleming, Lisa Graves, Wayne Coakley, and Heather Miller. The Chamber presented their annual awards to various members and community partners. Those awards included: Spirit of the Chamber-Greg Dawkins, this award is given to the person or company that best exemplifies the mission and values of the GCACC and has in some way improved the Business Community in Grove City. Heartland Bank Heart of the ChamberCity of Grove City Service Department, this award was named after the first Heart of the Chamber Award winner; this very special award is presented to the company that has made a generous contribution to the work of the Chamber Ambassador of the Year - Bill Warren: this award is selected from local business men and women that choose to be a representative of the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce within the community. Volunteer of the Year - Jim Norris: the Chamber has so many local volunteers that make such an impact at their events and this year they added this new award to begin honoring someone that truly gave their heart and soul to GCACC. Last but definitely not least, the Business of the Year award went to Mid-Ohio Food Collective. There is nothing more exciting to the Chamber than highlighting our members and local businesses. The Business of the Year Award is one of their favorite opportunities to do exactly that; they bring the community together to identify their favorite business and we get to celebrate along with them. The Business of the Year is selected entirely by the people of our community and was an honor for the Chamber to give it to an organization that makes such an impact on the community. The Chamber is looking forward to an exciting and productive 2022. The calendar is already filling up with their annual events, and new workshops and gatherings that are tailored to members’ business needs and in-
Thinking about selling your home? Photo by Jeffrey Tadlock Photography
Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shawn Conrad at the 2022 GCACC Annual Meeting.
terests. In particular, May will be a big month for the Chamber! First up in May will be the month-long celebration of A Taste of Grove City. The new format established during the pandemic highlights a different type of food for 1 week. Themed weeks are: Burgers/sandwiches, pizza, sweet treats, and Best of Grove City. Participating diners will join their choice of restaurant in-person or for carry out and enjoy a variety of specials and specialty dishes. Details are still under construction, but eager diners can follow along on the website (www.gcchamber.org/tasteof-grove-city/) or follow the Chamber on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram: @gcchamber. May will also mark the return of the annual Farmers’ Market to Town Center. May 14 will be the first Saturday of the market. Vendors will return with their local goods and early-season produce and then later in the summer the traditional summer produce vendors will join the fun. The WE:LEAD Women’s Business Forum makes its return to its usual May placement after two years in October. This year the May 18 event will mark the 10th year for the Forum. WE:LEAD’s goal is to bring together women from various businesses and industries, while the Forum allows for networking opportunities and the chance to recharge and refocus within their professional, and even personal, lives. Registration is now open and more can be learned on the website: https://www.gcchamber.org/womens-business-forum/ Looking to learn more about the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, how you could get involved or how it could benefit your business? Visit us online at gcchamber.org or give the office at call at (614) 8759762 and our staff would love to chat about opportunities.
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Longtime Chamber memBut anyone else looking to catch ber and Farmers’ Market volup with Jim should arrive just unteer Jim Norris was as early as he does–once the recognized as the Volunteer of Market is up and rolling, he’s on the Year at the recent Annual to his next Saturday morning Meeting for the Grove City stops! Jim is retired from Hirth NorArea Chamber of Commerce. One of the Chamber’s most ris and Garrison, which is a challenging volunteer roles to founding member of the Gove fill is the 6:30 Saturday mornCity Area Chamber of Commerce ing Farmers’ Market ‘set up’ and a multi-time sponsor of the Photo by Jeffrey Tadlock Farmers’ Market. Jim said his position. Jim Norris is glad to Photography assume the early arrival role overall volunteer work picked up as he considers himself an Jim Norris accepts Vol- in retirement in 2014 and he and early rise–he doesn’t mind. unteer of the Year Award. his wife can be found in service The Chamber Staff considers to others throughout the commuJim one of their “superstar volunteers,” and nity. They make the rounds of food pantries it’s easy to understand why. For years with- and other service organizations because as out fail, Jim has been waiting at the Cham- Jim said, “everyone can use assistance.” He estimated his Farmers’ Market servber garage every Farmers’ Market Saturday, ice began in 2016 or 2017, but “it’s been a no matter the weather or circumstances. Every Saturday morning from May number of years” nonetheless. Sometimes through September; cold, rainy, hot — Jim is it’s not about the number of years, but how there. He carries and transports all of the the years were spent, and Jim packs a lot of Markets signs, barricades, and tents from volunteer hours in! the Chamber garage to the Market location When it comes to encouraging others to and to the streets of historic Town Center volunteer with the Farmers’ Market, or and sets them up. If there’s a cooking other events or causes across the commudemonstration Jim leads the charge and nity, Jim believes in setting the example. He makes sure that all of the equipment from said that he will tell others that if he can do the Chamber garage gets to the George it, they can too. But in encouraging new volEdge Music Pavilion and is set up and ready unteers, words written or spoken can someto go for the guest chef/chefs. times only go so far. Jim said his early arrival also allows him As Jim said, “The more you lead by exto meet the vendors as they arrive where ample speaks volumes.” they can chat and he can learn their stories.
Ambassador of the Year
At the recent Grove City Area delivered. He wants to deliver inforChamber of Commerce Annual mation and be available to the memMeeting, Bill Warren of RevLocal bers to which he is assigned. “I always look for ways to highwas recognized as the Ambassalight and communicate value to them dor of the Year. Through work schedules and a as a Chamber member,” he said. pandemic, Bill Warren remained Bill believes in leading by examdedicated to the Grove City Area ple when it comes to setting a model Chamber of Commerce, and nofor other Chamber Ambassadors to tably for this award, the Chamfollow. With current ambassadors, ber’s Ambassador Program. he is able to work with them through Collectively he has served as an any communication hiccups or frusambassador for three years. Bill Photo by Jeffrey Tadlock trations that may rattle motivation. Photography said he stepped back when his Meanwhile, he also keeps an eye out Bill Warren re- for the next great addition to the amwork travel schedule picked up, but then dove back into his ambas- ceived the Am- bassador team. sador duties…during a pandemic. bassador of the “If someone is interested in beBill made use of nearly every Year Award. coming more involved in the Grove form of communication to engage City business community and meetwith fellow Chamber members, and his fel- ing local businesses I tell them to become an low Chamber ambassadors. He reached out ambassador,” he said. via email with special templates and The Chamber Staff said, “Bill always dropped off copies of the directory and busi- finds an opportunity to encourage and inness cards. But also made use of an ambas- spire the Ambassador Team as well as the sador’s top tool to connect that went into Chamber staff. Bill is one of a kind and we hiding for a while–an in-person visit. are very grateful to have him as a member “I re-engaged (with the ambassador pro- of the GCACC and as a member of the Amgram) in Oct. 2020, so we were coming out bassador Team.” of the ‘quarantine’ at that point and people Bill loves being involved with the Grove were open to meeting in person for the most City and Grove City business community. part,” he said. He said, “I am very flattered and honored Bill understands that since not everyone with this recognition and looking to concommunicates the same way, some fine-tun- tinue to give back to our local businesses ing is required to make sure the message is and the community.”
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March 20, 2022 - GROVE CITY LIVING - PAGE 7
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Small Business Payroll and Tax. Greg Dawkins with his Spirit of the Chamber Award.
Photo by Jeffrey Tadlock Photography
Spirit of the Chamber At the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, longtime Chamber member Greg Dawkins was recognized with the Spirit of the Chamber Award. In his over 10 years (and counting) of involvement with the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, Greg Dawkins has worn many hats. He’s served on numerous committees, has been a board member, is a past Board President, and is currently the Chamber Foundation President. Greg’s involvement with the GCACC began in 2007 when he owned a small business in Grove City. Like many, he started out as an event volunteer and his involvement quickly grew to serving on the board and committees. “To be able to serve, to help others and to play a small part in making each organization better keeps me involved,” he said. Greg is quick to assist most any aspect of the Chamber, but in recent years he could be found investing countless hours into the Grove City Chamber Foundation, the ‘charitable arm’ of the GCACC. His involvement began in 2016 and hasn’t wavered as he leads the Foundation in supporting education and funding scholarships for local students. The Foundation was officially established in 2013 and to date has awarded over $125,000 in scholarships to local students. Local students range from area high school students pursuing post-high school educa-
tion, and students returning to the classroom seeking to obtain certificates, complete degrees, and gain the experiences to further their careers. In many cases, the students are Chamber member employees seeking education to further their careers within their Chamber member employer. Greg sees it as a privilege to play a role in the mission that is educating that many students seeking many educational paths in our community. He said that through education and by furthering education “we build a stronger community and in turn a stronger business community.” “When you see the how our recipients are becoming those leaders it is hard not to be excited about the Foundation,” he said. Greg credits his own parents for setting an example of volunteerism for him to follow as he grew up watching his mother and father involved in their favorite organizations, and give freely of their time to their community. He is also grateful for those who have mentored him along the way in his Chamber and Chamber Foundation involvement. As for others becoming involved with the GCACC or the Chamber Foundation, Greg sees that everyone has something to bring to the table. Everyone has a unique voice, which gives them power to make a difference. “Very few things are more rewarding than when we are able to help make a difference.”
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