Chamber Business Connection, Vol 7, Issue 2

BUSINESS CHAMBER

APRIL 2022 | VOL. 7, ISSUE 2

CONNECTION

And the Winners Are...

A Reflection of the Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration

Chamber News

Letter from the Director Member Spotlight Member Anniversaries

Business of the Year Awards Recharge, Revive, Refocus The importance of women coming together Grove City Division of Police Chief Butsko Retires

New Column: HR Essentials!

Upcoming Events: A Taste of Grove City, We:Lead & Farmers Market

GROVE CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GCCHAMBER.ORG

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2 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022

@ GroveCityOhio

IN THIS ISSUE: Member News

10

HR Essentials

20

Chamber News

13

And the Winners Are...

22

National Business News

14

Business of the Year

25

Highlights

15

We:Lead The Importance of Women Coming Together

16 CHAMBER DESK

CITY DEMOGRAPHICS Population: 42,400 Median Age: 39.7 Population Over 18: 79% Population Over 65: 17% Number of Households: 16,197 Average Home Price: $189,268 Median Income Per Household: $74,451 Want to learn more about the demographics of Grove City?

Visit: GroveCityOhio.Gov/about-us-and-tourism/community-information

5

Letter from the Director

Encouraging note from Director, Shawn Conrad.

9

Member Recognition

11

Local Chamber News

Welcome new and celebrate current members.

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 3

10th Annual Women's Business Forum

Join us for our Annual We:Lead Women's Business Forum bringing women in leadership to share their expertise, knowledge, and advice to this wonderful networking opportunity.

MAY 18, 2022 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM ALADDIN SHRINE CENTER

This event is open to the public, all women in business in Central Ohio. Bring a friend, a colleague, or even your staff and join us as we hear insight from local women in business and leadership in the Grove City area.

Come enjoy conversation, break out sessions, lunch, networking and a little fun...

Keynote

Misty Lee Johnson CEO/Owner Repurposed, Renewed and Restored

Jen Kelley, PHR, SHRM-CP My Business Resource

To learn more about WE:LEAD and the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce visit gcchamber.com

Christie L. Engler SPHR,SHRM-CP Director of Client Services, Consolidated Employer Services

Rachel D.K. Finney Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Humane

Deanna Stewart President, Mount Carmel Foundation

Dr. Ellie Scott Owner, Stringtown Animal Hospital

YOUR CHAMBER Chamber Business Connections is published bi-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.

Your Board Lisa Zeigler President

Kay Anderson

Shelley Davis 2023 President Elect

Wayne Coakley

Nick Connaughton VP Finance

Lisa Graves

Ed Fleming Immediate Past President

Chris Moscato

Rachel Kutay VP at large

Letter from the Director Spring is blossoming in Central Ohio and so is everything at your GCACC! There are so many opportunities available right now and the big question is… where are you going to plug in??

• Will you be getting your business’ name out in the community through a sponsorship during Taste of Grove City…

• Will you be attending a POWER HOUR where you’ll learn about BWC premium savings or how the SWCSD Career Academy can help with your staffing concerns, or how to get the most impact our of your marketing…

• Will you and your team be joining us for the 10th WE:LEAD Women’s Business Forum…

• Will you be stopping in at one of our upcoming Grand Openings to say congrats to a new business owner…

• Will your business name be in front of 1,000 visitors per week for 18 weeks at our multi award winning Farmers’ Market this spring and summer…

Katie Antry Greg Dawkins Heather Miller Lynn Weita

If you haven’t found the perfect place to plug in, give us a call and we’ll help you decide! Have a great spring and I look forward to seeing you at one of our many upcoming events or programs.

Trent Soles Dylon Sparks

Staff Executive Director Shawn Conrad Events Manager Marilyn Reiner Administrative and Events Coordinator Heather Brokaw Marketing and Communications KatBro Consulting Ltd.

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 5

DAV I D T O D D 61 4 -3 0 9 - 9 6 0 0

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PACKAGE #1 MAXIMUM IMPRESSIONS 4 full page ads. You'll receive 1 full page ad in 4 issues of the GCACC Business Connection.

4 newsletter ad placements AND a one 3-part social promotion series with link back to your business FB or website

$1099 (value of $2600)

PACKAGE #2 POPULAR PACKAGE

2 full-page ads. You'll receive 1 full-page ad in 2 issues of the GCACC Business Connection.

2 newsletter ad placements AND 4 featured social posts (throughout the year) with link back to your business

$779 (value of $1100) TARGET PACKAGE

1 full page ad 1 half page ad 1 newsletter ad

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MINI PACKAGE Additional Packages

2 half page ads in our bi-monthly e-magazine and 1 newsletter ad

$199 S

Ask us about our GCACC event sponsorship opportunities

C o n t a c t u s a t M a r k e t i n g @ g c c h a mCHAMBER b e r . o r g BUSINESS t o d a y ! CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 7

Celebrating Anniversaries

RECOGNIZING MEMBERS

ONE YEAR: Grace & 62 Boutique

Stepping Stone Childcare Edward Jones B Dynamic Healthwear Hiit Factory Mid Ohio Strategic Technologies TC Knife SCO District Studio 614 OrthoNeuro Groove City Kids Music Beulah Place

FIVE YEARS: Heinzerling Community

WOW! Internet Cable and Phone Meadow Grove Transitional Care The Refuge, Inc. Manbevers Construction

TEN YEARS: Town Money Saver Grove City TWENTY YEARS: Mount Carmel Health System

8 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

EAGLE WAREHOUSE & LOGISTICS

CRUISE PLANNERS

MEN’S REFINERY A locally-owned barbershop, Men’s Refinery offers more than the basic haircut with their statement of “cut, groom, relax”.

They offer a full range of services. Haircuts, beard grooming, color, waxing, hot lather neck shaves, steam towel shampoos, mini facials and more. Open seven days a week and with evening weekday hours, Men’s Refinery can fit into almost any busy man’s schedule. Find them just off of Stringtown on Parkmeade.

Whether you’re ready to hit the open water and sail to tropical islands, or prefer to keep your feet on dry land, Cruise Planners is ready to help you plan your next vacation or oncein-a-lifetime travel experience. In addition to handling the hassle of planning and booking travel, the Cruise Planners team can also provide new travel ideas and inspiration, and connect travelers with special deals or discounts.

This local, family business is ready to cater to any and all logistics-related needs, including warehouse storage, shipping options, and customer solutions.

Eagle Warehouse & Logistics’ aims to fit their services to your business, not the other way around, and is ready to serve businesses of all sizes and products of many types. They can offer free logistics, transportation, and load consultations to introduce you to their services.

¾ Õ Ô

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4036 Parkmeade Dr. Grove City 614-991-4485 mensrefinery.com

David Todd, Franchise Owner 614-309-9600 toddtravel.com

4001 Gantz Rd., Grove City 614-873-8400 eaglelogistics.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS H&R Block Breck’s Paving Gateway Lakes Apartments (HPI Gateway Lakes) Globe Life: Liberty National Division, The Everett Agencies of Ohio Just Paint It! GEICO Action Industrial Services NSNA— Nippon Seiki North America (NSOH) Forge Biologics

Friends of Anthony Caldwell Huntington Bank Rebecca Fair Men’s Refinery Georgesville Square Nutrition Humphrey Home Group- Red 1 Realty Smoothie King Eagle Warehouse and Logistics Make Paper Digital

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 9

IMPROVING THE PROSPERITY OF THE COMMUNITY THROUGH EDUCATION AND PERSONAL GROWTH. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO CONTINUE PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY. Buy tickets to our Annual Fundraiser Dinner & Show Dinner * Dancing * Silent & Live Auctions * Raffles

Save the Date: October 21, 2022 | 6:30-10:30

Buy apparel, blankets & more through our online store.

tinyurl.com/gccfshop

Support us with your everyday online shopping with Amazon. Add us as your Amazon Smile Charity

tinyurl.com/gccfsmile Participate in our

New Annual Let's Wreath Fundraiser.

Donate a Wreath & Buy one for your home or business

gcchamberfoundation.org/wreath-it

10 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022

MEMBER NEWS New Benefit Just Added!

Thanks to our friends with Hilton here in Grove City, we have an exciting new benefit to share with our members—an $89 flat rate on your local Hilton-chain hotel! This is a generous benefit that we hope members make great use of whether for a personal night out of the house or hosting out-of-town colleagues.

Ok, we’ve got you interested, so here’s the steps to use it: 1) Visit Hilton.com and enter “Grove City, OH” as your destination city 2) Select your dates 3) Select the special rate option 4) In the corporate rates/accounts box enter Code: 3284091 5) Select your $89/night property (“Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce” will display above the view rates button) and finalize booking Stays using the exclusive Chamber Member code will still earn Hilton reward points for those who are members.

We would also advise hanging onto the above code, but it’s on our benefits webpage, where you’ll find all of your other great membership benefits: https://www.gcchamber. org/member-benefits/

Grove City Division of Police Chief Butsko Retires Grove City Division of Police Chief Richard Butsko held his final day in leadership, and celebrated his retirement on March 5 after nearly three decades of service to the City.

Chief Butsko was joined by many friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate with a reception.

Butsko joined the Grove City Division of Police in 1992, and in 2018 assumed the duties as chief. He is also a veteran of the US Marine Corps.

Beginning March 6, Grove City Safety Director Kevin Teaford began service as Interim Police Chief. Teaford has over 35 years of experience in law enforcement, including service with the Ohio Highway Patrol. With the OHP he served as Lieutenant Colonel and Assistant Superintendent, responsible for all Ohio highway patrol operations.

The GCACC is grateful for the partnership and friendship with the Grove City Division of Police and wishes now-retired Chief Butsko the best in his next chapter. We look forward to continued partnership with the Division and wish Interim Chief Teaford all the best in his newest role.

Here are a few photos from Chief Butsko’s retirement ceremony and celebration.

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 11

NEWS The Grove City Chamber Farmers’ Market will make its return on Saturday May 14.

Once again, shoppers can look forward to displays of vendors with a variety of produce and locallyproduced goods. The spring portion of the market (running through mid-June) will feature earlyseason produce in addition to tasty food products ranging from sweets to meats and maybe even some dog treats.

The summer portion of the market beginning in mid-June is when shoppers can begin to see summer produce favorites arrive in addition to the other food products. Fan-favorites sweet corn and melons typically arrive by July and toward the end of the market’s run in September we might even see pumpkins and gourds to usher in the fall season. Ohio’s wild weather can impact the growing season and when we see our favorite produce, so let’s all hope for favorable growing conditions.

Market vendors are currently signing up and being confirmed. We can’t wait to share who will be joining us this year, which can found on our Farmers’ Market website: https://www.gcchamber.org/farmers-market/ We’ll update this page periodically during the Market’s run so shoppers have an idea of which vendors will be participating.

Once again the Market will be set up in the ample parking lot just off of Park Street in between Broadway Station and the Library and also line Park Street and on the West side of Broadway!. While this is our third year set up in this area, we hope you’ll help us spread the word to any friends who haven’t joined us in a while.

Interested in being a sponsor or a vendor? We’d love to have you on board!

Visit our website to learn more: www.gcchamber.org/farmers-market. We can’t wait to see everyone out at the Market next month!

Look for the return of our very popular cooking demonstrations and chef challenges where you can learn to cook like a pro.

Coming this summer on the George Edge Pavillion.

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NEWS Exciting news from our friends at telhio Credit Union To better serve Ohio with the most up-to-date approach to financial services, Telhio Credit Union is now offering members appointment banking and early deposit (early pay) for checking accounts.

Telhio’s new appointment banking system gives members the opportunity to schedule virtual, over-the-phone, or face-to-face meetings with relationship bankers. Whether persons are interested in joining the credit union or are members looking for a new account, loan, or other service, meetings can be scheduled online for any Telhio branch location.

In addition to appointment banking, Telhio Credit Union now offers early deposit to all personal checking account members. This is a free service and members are automatically enrolled in early deposit with their checking accounts.

“These value-added services were created to help people live an easier life. In an industry that is so technology driven, offering appointment banking gives customers the peace-of-mind they need when it comes to their money,” said Leslie Bumgarner, CEO of Telhio Credit Union.

“Offering early deposit also gives our members the freedom to access their hard-earned money soon rather than later. Both services are beneficial and rewarding.”

For more information on Telhio’s new appointment banking or early deposit services, visit telhio.org.

4 weeks of yummm...

We’re getting ready for another four weeks of yum with this year’s A Taste of Grove City kicking off on May 1!

The Schedule We’ve got four different weeks lined up, they are as follows: May 1-7: Burger & Sandwich Week May 8-14: Pizza Week May 15-21: Sweet Treats Week May 22-28: Best of Grove City Week The Restaurants Restaurants can participate in as many of the four weeks as they would like, which means some might have a new special every week for all four weeks! Each restaurant will have some sort of deal or special for the week, and is eligible to win the “Best of” award for the week. Given the variety of week themes, and the known variety of our area restaurants, there is going to be a lot of good eating in May! Yes, we know you probably read the headline thinking “who’s participating?”, but you’ll have to stay tuned for that one! Participants are still signing up as we write this, so be sure you’re following along on social media, reading the newsletters, and dropping by our website to keep up with participating restaurants as we announce them. Visit: https://www.gcchamber.org/taste-of-grove-city/ How this Works Just like last year’s A Taste of Grove City format, to participate you’ll dine directly with the restaurant of your choosing (in person or many offer carry out). As previously mentioned, there will be plenty of specials and we’ll have a way for you to vote for your favorites. If you really, really loved your experience, the restaurants will appreciate a 5-star review on platforms such as Facebook or Google Reviews.

Want to do more than eat?

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Still thinking about participating as a restaurant? We’d love to have you be part of this year’s event!

Visit https://www.gcchamber.org/taste-of-grove-city/ to see the specials, participating restaurants, and sponorship opportunities.

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 13

NATIONAL BUSINESS NEWS U.S. Small Business Administration and Public Private Strategies Institute Announce Launch of New Engagement Series, Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) announced the launch of Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community (BBA Resource Community), a new engagement series geared toward connecting America’s 32.5 million small businesses with critical resources and information about the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to support entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses are at the heart of the Biden-Harris Administration’s economic agenda as we know they power our nation’s historic economic growth and job creation,” said U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “The SBA is proud to launch Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community, to help highlight opportunities on the horizon thanks to President Biden’s commitment to increasing competition, rebuilding our supply chains, and investing in American ingenuity. The BBA Resource Community will be an important tool to help enhance the Small Business Administration’s larger effort to ensure that entrepreneurs in rural and urban communities across America have the resources they need to capitalize on this historic moment for economic development and generate growth for their businesses, communities, and families for generations to come.”

Through the BBA Resource Community, respected leaders from small businesses, economic development, and other sectors will headline briefings and training. In addition, this new initiative will also feature a series of free briefings and trainings to help small businesses access tools and resources and help them learn about new opportunities available thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). The BBA Resource Community will also provide opportunities for small business owners to expand their networks and connect with key stakeholders that are critical for business success.

“The small business landscape has been transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic and rapid changes in our economy, and small business leaders need the most up-to-date information and resources to continue to grow, innovate, and thrive,” said Rhett Buttle, President of Public Private Strategies Institute. “Through Building a Better America: A Small Business Resource Community, the Small Business Administration and Public Private Strategies Institute will convene experts from across government, business, and advocacy to provide small business leaders with critical training and resources, as well as updates on new opportunities for small businesses.”

Visit https://www.ppsi.org/buildbetteramerica to view a full schedule of the future webinars

14 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022

HIGHLIGHTS The Gift of Your Time Spring is a great time to get back out into the community and give back in person by volunteering.

The Grove City community is filled with volunteer opportunities, so we invite you to check out our list of non-profit members and see who you might like to help out: https://business.gcchamber.org/list/ category/non-profit-organizations-309 Below we have three groups or opportunities who are in definite need of volunteers.

Grove City Chamber Farmers’ Market: That’s right, we’re looking for volunteers for our 2022 market!

Commit to just a couple hours of your Saturday and enjoy getting a first look at the weekly market vendors (and early market arrival, too!). We usually need help getting everything set up (this is early), making sure the market flows smoothly (this is during the market), and then cleaning and packing everything up at the end (this is great if you need a little extra Saturday morning sleep). We’ll have a sign up available online at www.gcchamber.org/volunteer or you can call the office: 614-875-9762.

Grove City Food Pantry: The Grove City Food Pantry located on Columbus Street here in Grove City can always use additional hands in helping our neighbors and following through on their mission that no family should go hungry. They continue to take care of individuals and families who have impacted by the pandemic, in addition to emergency assistance in case of events such as a house fire. Volunteer opportunities may continue to vary based on pandemic operation regulations, but the Pantry would love to hear from you—give them a call at (614) 871-2588, or visit their website: https://www.grovecityfoodpantry.org/ Mid-Ohio Food Collective: Our Business of the Year winner has been serving record numbers of individuals and families over the past two years, which means all hands on deck! MOFC has volunteer shifts that are ideal for individuals, small groups (such as families or small work groups), or larger groups such as your entire department or work team. Times also vary to fit into almost any schedule. Many of us are familiar with their Grove City location, but MOFC has other locations around Central Ohio meaning more chances to give back to the community, and chances to involve friends and co-workers from other parts of Central Ohio. Learn about their opportunities at their website: https://mofc. org/get-involved/#volunteer-with-us Whether you choose to volunteer with one of the three above opportunities, or find another one, we’d love to see the good work you and your team are doing in the community! Tag us in your photos on social media using @gcchamber on Facebook or Instagram!

Would you like to see your Chamber Member non-profit organization in the Chamber’s spotlight? Email marketing@gcchamber.org with your member group’s name and a short paragraph telling us about the group and how fellow Chamber members can get involved with your group.

Julia Bowling, Sedgwick | April 6, 2022 | (12pm-1pm) An Overview of Workers’ Compensation You just had an injury at work …. Now what do you do? Who does what? How will this impact your premiums?

Please join us to learn how your involvement can impact the outcome and the resources available to you.

Julia Bowling, Business Development Manger- Sedgwick Julia Bowling is a Business Development Manger with Sedgwick and has been in the workers’ compensation industry nearly 25 years. Those years have included responsibilities with the Third Party Administrator (TPA) and Managed Care Organization (MCO) where she worked directly with employers. In her current role she is the liaison between Sedgwick and professional associations and chambers. Prior to the workers compensation industry, she worked in sales and marketing in the health insurance industry.

Julia is on the steering committee for multiple Safety Councils, membership committees, and an active member in National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Julia believes strongly in quality customer service understanding that for most individuals workers’ compensation is not a daily activity or concern. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Go Vols!

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 15

WOMEN’S BUSINESS FORUM The WE:LEAD Women’s Forum celebrates its 10th anniversary next month with the May 18 event at the Aladdin Shrine Center.

For ten years, the Forum has been the ‘main event’ for the Chamber’s WE:LEAD program which aims to connect women in business with each other, and connect them with the encouragement and tools to make great strides in their goals.

This year’s event will run from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Light breakfast and lunch are included in addition to other light refreshments. Come “solo” if you’d like (or, don’t let that stop you from coming!), but invite all of your fellow women in business friends and colleagues from the Central Ohio area. Have a woman business friend or colleague visiting from out of town on May 18? They’re welcome to come, too—come one, come all! Click here to register for WE:LEAD With a theme of “recharge, revive, refocus” for 2022, the Forum will bring together women from all sorts of backgrounds to share in a day that will recharge and revive professional lives and even personal lives. Six area women from an assortment of professions, leadership positions, and experiences will join us as speakers.

This year’s speakers are: Deanna Stewart, Rachel Finney, Jennifer Kelley, Christie Engler, Dr. Ellie Scott, and keynote speaker Misty Johnson. All six shared their thoughts on the importance of women coming together and supporting each other, and some of their best tips around the theme of recharging. Read on to meet them and see what you can look forward to at this year’s WE:LEAD Women’s Forum!

DEANNA STEWART PRESIDENT, MOUNT CARMEL FOUNDATION Presenting: “Invest in Yourself: You’re Worth It!” This presentation shares top ten ways to invest in yourself and covers both professional and personal ways of how to support your total well-being.

Why is it important that women gather together for events such as the WE:LEAD Women’s Forum?

Women play a critical role in our society, representing 51% of the US population and earning more than 57% of four-year college degrees.

While progress has been made, there is still significant work that needs to be done to enable women to take their place in the board room, in the C- suite and/or running their own businesses. There are compelling reasons to push for this type of equity—it makes all of us stronger AND it is the right thing to do. Consider the following: • Stronger Businesses: Women hold 26.5% of Board seats for the S&P Fortune 500. Companies that had more than 3 women on their Board had a 66% higher return on capital • Greater Entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurs fuel the economy. Women-owned business employ more than 9 million people and generate $1.6 trillion in annual revenue • Thriving Communities: Today women earn 83 cents for every dollar a man earns and the numbers are even lower for women of color.

Ninety prcent of every dollar a woman earns goes back into families and communities, versus 30-40% for men.

Women helping women is an important way to help one another grow, develop and succeed. It’s extremely helpful for women to have a place to connect others who are facing similar challenges and opportunities.

The WE:LEAD Women’s Forum provides a great space for women to connect, learn and grow.

Tell us what excites you about being a speaker for this year’s WE:LEAD Women’s Forum.

I’m always energized by the opportunity to connect with other women to share ideas, best practices and lessons learned. The Chamber has put together a strong agenda of speakers with interesting and relevant topics. While I hope the perspective I will share is helpful to attendees, I’m also personally looking forward to meeting new leaders and gaining insight into a variety of different topics.

In staying in line with the event theme of “recharge, revive, refocus”, what are three ways you recharge yourself when feeling overloaded or on “low battery”?

While this has always been important, it’s critical now given the stresses and pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m definitely a “work in progress”, following are things that I do to recharge, revive and refocus: 1. Exercise! It really makes a difference in my ability to manage stress, maintain a positive attitude and show up with my best self, at home and at work.

2. Meditation and mindfulness: I am a devoted “yogi” and practice meditation regularly 3. Making time to hang out with my friends and family.

I get my energy from other people and socializing is something I’ve really missed the last 2 years. I’ve been working on making this a priority in my schedule!

Deanna Stewart’s 30+ years of experience as a senior executive in both private and not-for profit sectors provides her with a unique skill set that includes strategic planning, fundraising,

marketing and financial management expertise. Over the past 15 years she has raised more than $800 million to support health, education and basic services in central Ohio. Deanna is currently the President of the Mount Carmel Foundation where she leads all aspects of Foundation management including oversight of a $142 million endowment. As a faith-based organization, Mount Carmel serves as a healing and transformative presence in our community with special emphasis on care for the poor and underserved.

Deanna has also led fundraising teams at United Way of Central Ohio and The Ohio State University.

Deanna spent nearly two decades with AT&T starting as a frontline Fortune 500 salesperson and rapidly progressing to lead sales, marketing and business unit teams. As part of her leadership on a $15 billion Federal Government contract, Deanna oversaw the Bell Labs team responsible for design and management of a highly sophisticated integrated national network. She was an 8-time winner of AT&T’s Gold Award.

Deanna is regularly sought after to serve on national planning teams. Currently she is a member of Trinity Health’s Strategic Philanthropy Council and has served on United Way’s National Millennial Engagement Team and OSU’s President’s Council on Women.

Active in the Central Ohio community, Deanna is a Trustee on the Leadership Columbus Board and a member of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council and the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. She is also a member of WELD, an organization that she helped found and where she served as President for three years.

Deanna earned her MBA in Marketing from George Washington University, her Bachelor of Science in Business from Longwood University and she is a graduate of AT&T’s Leadership Development Program.

RACHEL FINNEY CEO, COLUMBUS HUMANE Presenting: “The Power of Perspective: Finding the Silver Lining When It’s Raining Cats & Dogs” Sometimes a set-back is really a remarkable path forward.

This is a story about shaping our best possible future by changing the lens through which we view our challenges.

Join Rachel D.K. Finney, CEO of Columbus Humane, for an inspiring look at how she and her team leverage adversity and make the best of difficult situations by shifting perspectives.

Conquer any challenge from catastrophic flooding to feline overpopulation with a journey to the bright side.

This session creates an opportunity to consider the “up side

of down.” Finney, a self-proclaimed “advantage-ist” teaches the audience to consider the advantages of experiencing hardship and the good that can come from otherwise bad situations.

Attendees will receive an advantage inventory and a reflection activity ready for immediate use.

Why is it important that women gather together for events such as the WE:LEAD Women’s Forum?

Thriving in today’s world truly takes a village. When women come together to create community, we learn from one another and can leverage our collective strengths to maximize our impact. Everyone wins.

Tell us what excites you about being a speaker for this year’s WE:LEAD Women’s Forum.

I enjoy sharing my story with others and helping an audience extract the advantages from difficult life experiences. I’m looking forward to connecting with the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce members.

Without ‘spoiling’ your talk but staying on topic and in line with the event theme of recharge, refocus, what are three things you or your team do to recharge your batteries when you’re in the middle of the storm?

There are no shortages of “storms” in nonprofit work, so we have lots of practice with perseverance. It’s our job to think about quality of life for animals and people, both. I think our success stems from being able to recognize signs of stress and fatigue in ourselves and in others. That awareness helps us advocate for wellness for everyone. We talk openly about how we’re doing and what we need to stay well.

Rachel’s Bio: Rachel D.K. Finney is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator with 19 years of experience in animal sheltering and 23 years of experience in nonprofit management. Finney has degrees in nonprofit management, psychology, political science and sociology from Indiana University.

She began working in animal welfare as the Executive Director of the Union County Humane Society in Marysville, OH and currently serves as the CEO at Columbus Humane in Columbus, Ohio. Before her animal welfare career began, Finney served in leadership roles at Junior Achievement of Central Ohio and with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association.

In 2015, Finney was recognized as Small Nonprofit CEO of the Year

by Columbus CEO magazine and in 2013, she was recognized as one of the youngest ever “Forty Under 40” award winners. Finney is a regular guest lecturer for nonprofit management, human resources and veterinary medical students at The Ohio State University and frequently delivers motivational and leadership keynotes and workshops on “The Power of Perspective” and topics including “Decision-Making for Animal Outcome, Care and Treatment,” “The Logistics of Drama in the Workplace,” “Successful Volunteer Management in Animal Shelters,” and “Recognizing and Reporting Signs of Animal Abuse and Neglect.”

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 17

WOMEN’S BUSINESS FORUM Rachel describes herself as an “Advantageist,” or one who finds the advantages in difficult experiences. She writes regular blogs and runs TheAdvantageist.com.

Finney operates under the philosophy that we should “never be afraid to do the right thing.” She shares her home with her husband, 2 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats and 5 fish.

JENNIFER KELLEY MY BUSINESS RESOURCE Presenting: “Reframing Shame” Exploring the idea that women in particular interpret and respond to “failure” as a deep, dark secret – a shameful thing - that no one can ever know about. Why do we do this?

How does this undermine who we really are? How does this impact the current and future generations of women leaders?

We’ll talk about not only how, but why we need to give ourselves permission to tell our story, and to encourage vulnerability – knowing your story may very well be someone else’s survival guide.

Why is it important that women gather together for events such as the WE:LEAD Women’s Forum?

It is so vitally important for women to support each other; and while I think this happens informally in our daily lives, the idea that there is a formalized space and forum to remind us of the importance of this serves to renew the message that even at our lowest points, we are never alone.

Tell us what excites you about being a speaker for this year’s WE:LEAD Women’s Forum.

So many things! I am excited to meet and connect with new friends; and I am really looking forward to hearing the stories from other women and learning from their experiences.

Without ‘spoiling’ your talk but staying on topic and including our event theme of recharge, refresh, what are three tips for recharging ourselves as we come out of that failure moment and work to continue onward?

1. Focus on what is in your control. Those moments of failure make us feel as though everything is out of our hands. And while there are many things beyond our control, focusing on those things that we do have power over – for example, our reaction to a situation – is a great step as we move forward.

2. Recognize that failure distorts how you view your abilities.

Surround yourself with people and situations that remind you who you really are, and all the amazing things you are capable of – never let an isolated incident define you.

3. Eliminate the word “perfect” from your vocabulary. Perfect doesn’t exist – if it did, then why do pencils have erasers?

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Shift your thinking away from trying to meet this unattainable threshold defined as perfectionism; focus on striving for excellence instead.

Jen is a seasoned Human Resources expert who excels at establishing rapport and relationship building within a multitude of industries, including education, manufacturing, construction, distribution, and professional services. Jen is experienced in supporting strategic HR initiatives to help companies improve performance, using practical methodologies and approaches to deliver efficient programs to accomplish business objectives. Jen has her MBA from The Ohio State University, is PHR and SHRM-CP certified and is a Notary Public.

CHRISTIE ENGLER DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES, CONSOLIDATED EMPLOYER SERVICES Presenting: “Navigating Difficult Conversations” As a small business owner or HR practitioner, you have a lot of conversations. Often with business owners and high-level leaders.

Daily with employees.

How do you manage the convo when the subject turns difficult? If you’ve ever had to introduce a major policy change or initiate a tough discussion with a leader, this session is for you!

Learning objectives: 1. Identify difficult conversations in the workplace 2. Learn how to approach situations while maintaining your strategic position 3. Gain resources and tools to assist in successful outcomes Why is it important that women gather together for events such as the WE:LEAD Women’s Forum?

Women have to support women, particularly in business. It is wonderful to see an event dedicated to the progression of women in the workplace. I also feel it’s important for women to have a place to gather with others to share ideas and learn from others.

Tell us what excites you about being a speaker for this year’s WE:LEAD Women’s Forum.

This is my first year at the event, so I am very excited to be a part of it. I am looking forward to engaging with members and learning more about the organization.

Without ‘spoiling’ your talk but to stay within the subject of communication, could you provide us three quick tips for communicating effectively in the workplace—difficult topic or not?

Three quick tips – act quickly, be direct, assume positive intent.

Christie Engler is an HR practitioner with over 15 years’ experience in the field. Christie has worked with hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses, primarily in the outsourcing space. Her areas of specialty include employee relations, employment law and compliance, training and development, coaching, process improvement, risk management,

and payroll and benefits administration. Christie is the graduate of The Ohio State University and the Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University. She has earned the SPHR and SHRM-CP certifications.

Christie is a member of SHRM. Christie lives in Columbus, Ohio with her wonderful husband, James, and their two daughters, Avery and Emily. She spends a lot of time at Orangetheory Fitness and is a fanatic of Ohio State football.

DR. ELLIE SCOTT STRINGTOWN ANIMAL HOSPITAL (OWNER), CURLY GIRL VET (INFLUENCER)

Dr. Scott has previously participated as a public speaker at Ohio University Lancaster Campus Business Management Technology course guest speaker (2006), Bank of America Small Business Lending Guest Speaker (2006), Ohio State Fair Veterinary Information Speaker (2010 through 2016), Farm Science Review Veterinary Information Speaker (2007 through 2010), Grove City Women’s Business Forum (2021)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: MISTY LEE JOHNSON CEO/ OWNER REPURPOSED, RENEWED AND RESTORED

Presenting: “From 3 to 33, growing your team while maintaining culture and quality” Dr. Ellie Scott will share her experiences and knowledge for creating a foundation of healthy soil that will sow the seeds of strong, happy team members. Fostering fun, systems, and support by planning ahead are only a few of the ways to grow without sacrificing quality.

Yep, you read that right. Fun is the most important ingredient!

Keynote Title: “Yes you CAN!” Why is it important that women gather together for events such as the WE:LEAD Women’s Forum?

It is my experience in life and in business that when women connect things change, progress is made and ideas come to life!

Why is it important that women gather together for events such as the WE:LEAD Women’s Forum?

Women lift each other up. Along my journey I struggled to find the resources to be a successful business owner until I found the camaraderie of women. The triumphs, struggles, ideas, and support of women are an invaluable resource that only occurs when women come together to share with each other.

Tell us what excites you about being the keynote speaker for this year’s WE:LEAD Women’s Forum.

I love encouraging women! I am so honored to have the opportunity to share how life has taught me to see obstacles as opportunities and giving up is not an option. You may need to press pause but you have it in you to keep going! Some of my greatest victories in life have come out of my darkest hours.

Tell us what excites you about being a speaker for this year’s WE:LEAD Women’s Forum.

Sharing with others and enhancing someone else’s path lifts me up and provides me joy. I love sharing the anecdotes that have made me successful and hopefully will spare others from experiencing those less-than-ideal pitfalls that I stumbled across.

In keeping with the event’s “recharge, revive, refocus” theme, what are three tips you could share with our e-magazine readers for refocusing on the goal or path forward toward our goals or objectives?

Wow! I could go on and on. My top 3 tips are the same ones I give to my children who each own their own businesses:

“Fun is the most important ingredient!” is the closing line of your presentation description. Without ‘spoiling’ your talk, but keeping fun in mind (along with the event theme of recharge, refresh), could you share three tips for recharging fun, joy, and comradery in the workplace?

1. Let go of what doesn’t make you happy. Embrace change.

2. Celebrate what you did better today than yesterday.

3. Find your happy place and visit it, in person or in your mind, daily.

Ellie’s Bio: Dr. Scott has a Doctorate degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine 2001. Her credentials include: • President Caloosa Veterinary Medical Association 2002 Caloosa Veterinary Medical Society, Lee County Florida • Purchase of Stringtown Animal Hospital 2004 • Ohio Veterinary Medical Association “Power of 10” participant 2006 • Emerging Leader Entrepreneurial program graduate Franklin University 2018

• Time tells NO lies. Don’t let history tell you you should have started sooner. Start now.

• Choose your friends wisely, your circle matters. What are you hearing from your closest friends? Surround yourself with those who will tell you “no” if necessary.

• Fruit out of season is dangerous. Your time will come. In the meantime humble yourself and learn from those who are where you want to be.

In my own life, when faced with the need to recharge, revive and refocus these 3 tips have kept me focused on the journey and not just the desired end.

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 19

HR ESSENTIALS

HR Basics: What Every Employer Should Know

by Rachel Kutay from My Business Resource A question that I have been asked repeatedly throughout my career is what does HR do? The HR department can seem like a mystery; sometimes helpful, sometimes scary, but all too often not well understood.

The function of human resources is to manage the employee life cycle – everything from staffing, training and development, compensation, safety and health to employee relations. Effective HR professionals must have a wide skill set and knowledge base, with regular education and training on wage and hour law, discrimination, recruiting, managing employees, safety and health, leave laws, health care reform, benefits administration and a multitude of other federal, state, and local regulations.

In every organization, large and small, there is a responsibility to protect the company from liability and to implement fair, legal, and consistent employment practices. Ignorance is not bliss in HR! Below is an introduction to a few HR Basics that every business should know: I-9s: Every employer in the U.S. must ensure proper completion of Form I-9 for each individual hired in the United States. The Form is used to verify (1) the identity of the person hired, and (2) that they are authorized to work in the United States. The employee must present acceptable documents showing evidence of who they are and their work authorization, and the employer has to determine whether those documents seem to be genuine. The employee must provide these documents after they’ve accepted a job and no later than the first day they work, and the employer is required to complete the form within three business days of the employee’s start date.

Wage and Hour Laws: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards.

This is the law that classifies employees as exempt or non-exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements. To be exempt from these requirements, certain professional, executive, and sales jobs can be exempt if they satisfy three tests: the salary-level test, the salary-basis test, and the duties test.

What does that mean? Exempt employees must earn a weekly salary that meets the minimum requirements. This minimum threshold has in the past and will continue to change, so a business must continually monitor their pay to satisfy the test. Additionally, the employer must pay the full salary in any week the employee works, regardless of how many hours the person worked. Finally, the employee’s primary job duties must meet certain criteria set out in the law.

Discrimination Laws: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Equal Pay Act (EPA), the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) are key federal laws that prohibit employers from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, age or genetic information. These laws also prohibit retaliation against people who complain of or report discrimination or participate in an equal employment opportunity (EEO) investigation.

These laws prohibit discrimination in all aspects of the pre-hire and employment relationship including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, promotions, demotions, job transfers, compensation, training, discipline, benefits administration and terminations.

Even if you don’t work in HR, owners, supervisors, and managers have a responsibility to understand and comply with the above laws and company policies.

Best practices for managers are to know and understand your company’s policies and procedures, respond to employee complaints as soon as possible and demonstrate your willingness to listen to complaints and be as objective as possible about what you hear.

Need more HR information? Reach out to Rachel at rkutay@mybusinessresource.com 20 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022

Visit columbusceo.com/newsletters to sign up for the Columbus CEO Insider newsletter, as well as emails about nomination programs, surveys and events.

GUEST MODERATOR

1-2 P.M. APRIL 7

Kate McGarvey

Diverse Leaders in Law:

How to Fight Racism Pro Bono

executive director, Ohio State Legal Services Association PANELISTS

Michael Battle

partner and pro bono chair, Barnes & Thornburg

Yaz Ashrawi

member, Frost Brown Todd

Janay Stevens

From legal programs that help Black business owners to tackling inequality in the criminal justice system, here are ways Columbus attorneys are fighting racism—and how you can help.

partner, Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease

Diane Menashe

partner, director of litigation training and pro bono activities, Ice Miller

COMING UP IN MAY

Columbus CEO will present its 10th annual program celebrating the Top Workplaces in the region. For 2022, the magazine is honoring more than 70 companies.

The winners were chosen based solely on surveys of thousands of employees conducted by Philadelphia-based Energage, a workplace research firm that runs Top Workplaces programs across the country. To be considered, companies must have at least 50 employees in central Ohio.

The 2022 honorees will be featured in the May issue of Columbus CEO.

For advertising information call Columbus CEO at 614-540-8900 or email advertise@columbusCEO.com.

To subscribe visit columbusCEO.com.

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 21

ANNUAL MEETING

Ari Galloway-Hicks, winner of the 2021 Voice of Grove City competition, opens the event with the National Anthem. Photo Credit: Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

Left-Ed Fleming, 2021 GCACC Board President, passes the gavel to incoming 2022 Board President Lisa Zeigler. Photo Credit: Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

Grove City Mayor Stage provides remarks during the GCACC’s Annual Meeting. Photo Credit: Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

And the Winners Are...

The GCACC celebrated the successes of 2021 with the Annual Meeting held in late February.

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 semifinalists.

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 Chamber-City 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 given to the volunteer Ambassador who has made an impact on membership thorugh visits, communication and relationship building.

Volunteer of the Year-Jim Norris, the Chamber has many local volunteers that make such a tremendous impact at their events and this year they added this new award to begin honoring someone that truly gave their heart and soul to the community through their volunteer work with the 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 to give it to an organization that makes such an impact on the community.

Read on to meet our many award winners and their unique contributions to making the GCACC and our events such a success! ❱❱❱❱ JIM NORRIS, VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Jim Norris accepts his Volunteer of the Year Award from Chamber Executive Director Shawn Conrad. Photo Credit: Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

One of the Chamber’s most challenging volunteer roles to fill is the 6:30 Saturday morning Farmers’ Market ‘set up’ position. Jim Norris is glad to assume the early arrival role as he considers himself an early rise—he doesn’t mind. The Chamber Staff considers Jim one of their “superstar volunteers”, and it’s easy to understand why. For years without fail, Jim has been waiting at the Chamber garage every Farmers’ Market Saturday, no matter the weather or circumstances.

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Every Saturday morning from May through September; cold, rainy, hot – Jim is there. He carries and transports all of the Markets signs, barricades, and tents from the Chamber garage to the Market location and to the streets of historic Town Center and sets them up. If there’s a cooking demonstration Jim leads the charge and makes sure that all of the equipment from the Chamber garage gets to the George Edge Music Pavilion and is set up and ready to go for the guest chef/chefs.

Jim said his early arrival also allows him to meet the vendors as they arrive where they can chat and he can learn their stories. But anyone else looking to catch up with Jim should arrive just as early as he does—once the Market is up and rolling, he’s on to his next Saturday morning stops!

Jim is retired from Hirth Norris and Garrison, which is a founding member of the Gove City Area Chamber of Commerce and a multi-time sponsor of the Farmers’ Market. Jim said his overall volunteer work picked up in retirement in 2014 and he and his wife can be found in service to others throughout the community. They make the rounds of food pantries and other service organizations because as Jim said, “everyone can use assistance”.

He estimated his Farmers’ Market service began in 2016 or 2017, but “it’s been a number of years” nonetheless.

Sometimes it’s not about the number of years, but how the years were spent, and Jim packs a lot of volunteer hours in!

When it comes to encouraging others to volunteer with the Farmers’ Market, or other events or causes across the community, Jim believes in setting the example. He said that he will tell others that if he can do it, they can too.

But in encouraging new volunteers, words written or spoken can sometimes only go so far. As Jim said: “The more you lead by example speaks volumes.”

BILL WARREN, AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

Bill Warren, winner of the Ambassador of the Year Award. Presented to him by previous Ambassador of the Year Brandi Newland.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

Through work schedules and a pandemic, Bill Warren remained dedicated to the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, and notably for this award, the Chamber’s Ambassador Program. Collectively he has served as an ambassador for three years. Bill said he stepped back when his work travel schedule picked up, but then dove back into his ambassador duties… during a pandemic.

Bill made use of nearly every form of communication to engage with fellow Chamber members, and his fellow Chamber ambassadors. He reached out via email with special templates and dropped off copies of the directory and business cards. But also made use of an ambassador’s top tool to connect that went into hiding for a while—an in-person visit.

“I re-engaged (with the ambassador program) in Oct. 2020, so we were coming out of the ‘quarantine’ at that point and people were open to meeting in person for the most part,” he said.

Bill understands that since not everyone communicates the same way, some fine-tuning is required to make sure the message is delivered. He wants to deliver information and be available to the members to which he is assigned. But, no matter the mode of communication that works, his message is the same: “I always look for ways to highlight and communicate value to them as a Chamber member.”

Bill believes in leading by example when it comes to setting a model for other Chamber Ambassadors to follow. With current ambassadors, he is able to work with them through any communication hiccups or frustrations that may rattle motivation. Meanwhile, he also keeps an eye out for the next great addition to the ambassador team. “If someone is interested in becoming more involved in the Grove City business community and meeting local businesses I tell them to become an ambassador,” he said.

The Chamber Staff said, “Bill always finds an opportunity to encourage and inspire the Ambassador Team as well as the Chamber staff. Bill is one of a kind and we are very grateful to have him as a member of the GCACC and as a member of the Ambassador Team.”

Bill said he loves being involved with the Grove City and Grove City business community, and the many opportunities to meet, encourage and support local businesses.

He said, “I am very flattered and honored with this recognition and looking to continue to give back to our local businesses and the community.”

HEARTLAND BANK HEART OF THE CHAMBER AWARD: CITY OF GROVE CITY SERVICE DEPARTMENT 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

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 23

ANNUAL MEETING 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 Department 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.

Cindy Fitzpatrick and Joe Weber of the City of Grove City Service Department accept the Heartland Bank Heart of the Chamber Award from Chamber Events Coordinator Marilyn Reiner. Photo Credit: Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

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). She said it’s a prestigious honor considered the “Hallmark of Professionalism” among public works departments throughout the United States.

The path to achieving accreditation involves a multi-year self-assessment, driving the Service Department to objectively analyze hundreds of internal policies and procedures to verify and recognize compliance with APWA’s recommended management practices. The APWA then rigorously evaluates the Department and its application to determine if accreditation status is warranted. The distinction is currently held by only six other agencies in Ohio and 202 in North America.

The Chamber Staff said this of their gratitude for the Service Department, “The logistics, manpower and experience that it takes to make Grove City events go off seamlessly lies in the hands of our friends and partners at the City of Grove City Service Department.”

Jenifer said Service Department members are honored to be recognized and have their behind-the-scenes work noticed… though the department has a different take on being noticed than others may have. “We often define success as not being noticed because it means that the support and services we provided met our partner’s and patron’s expectations.”

SPIRIT OF THE CHAMBER: GREG DAWKINS In his over ten 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 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.

Greg Dawkins with his Spirit of the Chamber Award. Photo Credit: Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

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 education, 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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BUSINESS OF THE YEAR GCACC Annual Meeting, Business of the Year Awards 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.

Matt Habash, CEO of Mid-Ohio Food Collective, accepts the Business of the Year Award on behalf of MOFC. Photo Credit: Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

food.”

MID-OHIO FOOD COLLECTIVE: FIRST 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, Mid-Ohio 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

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: SECOND 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

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION JUNE 2021 | 25

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: “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.”

26 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022

EXCLUSIVE offer for members of the Grove City Chamber of Commerce Get noticed with an ad in both print and digital advertising, in the new Grove City Chamber Community Guide!

Dear Chamber Member: The Grove City Chamber of Commerce and chamber member, NovoPrint USA, Inc., will be collaborating on a new community guide publication for 2022-2023.

The 2022-2023 community guide will reflect our growth and showcase our beautiful, progressive community! We are on the leading edge of business, education, health care, transportation and economic development. This guide is a great tool to communicate information about your business to residents, other businesses and visitors to our community.

As an advertiser, your business will reach thousands through a low-cost-per-view advertising and will be positioned as a community leader and a community supporter.

In addition to printed distribution, this guide will also be available in digital form, hosted online by NovoPrint. It will also be showcased on the Chamber’s website. This digital copy will give your business added views, more exposure and further extending your advertising message. View the previous publication here: http://www.novoprint.com/grovecityohezbook.html Lori DeLaus will begin sales in person in March 2022, however if you want to reserve space now please call Lori at 585-7373655 or email her at lori@novoprint.com. Save the date and get your business noticed and keep it successful!

Thank you for your continued Chamber support.

Warm Regards,

Shawn Conrad

Executive Director • Grove City Chamber of Commerce

Lori DeLaus,Vice President of Business Development (585) 737-3655 : lori@novoprint.com

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION APRIL 2022 | 27

WANT TO SEE YOUR BRAND IN THE E-MAGAZINE? As a member of GCACC you are offered discounted advertising within the chamber produced publications; our Business Connection E-Magazine, Business Weekly Connection e-newsletter, AND our social media channels. We are already reaching your target audience in the Grove City and Central Ohio area.

OUR REACH 20,000+ SOCIAL REACH MONTHLY

5,000+ WEBSITE HITS MONTHLY

Ad Placement Pricing & Sizing Full Page Inside Front Cover | 8.5x11 | $300 Full Page Inside Pages | 8.5x11 | $200 Half Page | 8.5x5.5 | $150 1/3 Page | 2.83x10 | $100 Quarter Page | 4.25x5.5 | $75 1/6 Page | 2.83x4.5 | $50 Artwork is due by the 20th of each month.

Banner Ads Now Available on our website starting at $300! (free 1st ad design)

1,700 + WEEKLY SUBSCRIBERS

Artwork Requirements: Please submit in .jpg or .pdf format For print ads please submit artwork files in 300 dpi, CMYK and embedded fonts format.

For digital ads please submit artwork files in 72 dpi, RGB format Word documents will not be acceptable Ads sent in are subject to final approval by the Chamber Business Connection magazine editing staff Looking for help with your ad artwork?

Contact our marketing agency for discounted ad creative prices. Katbroconsulting.com