Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Business E-Mag Summer 2020

BUSINESS CHAMBER

SUMMER 2020 | VOL. 4, ISSUE 5

CONNECTION

It's Summertime CHAMBER NEWS Member Highlights and Letter from the Director Member Spotlight Member Anniversaries

Summertime with Darby Creek Flowers Experiences of a Lifetime, Randy & Connie Wegener are in the Experience Business

How to Communicate with Your Customers During These Changing Times

GROVE CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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It's Summertime CHAMBER NEWS Communications Your Customers Need Right Now

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Farmers’ Market Virtually a Success

12

A Walk on the Flower Side

14

10

Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Experiences of a Lifetime, Travel

16

REGULARS

CITY DEMOGRAPHICS

5

Letter from the Director Encouraging note from Director, Shawn Conrad.

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

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Member Recognition Welcome new and celebrate current members.

Want to learn more about the demographics of Grove City?

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

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION SUMMER 2020 | 3

Thank you to the Sponsors of the Spring 2020 GCACC Farmers’ Market Cream of the Crop Sponsor Mount Carmel Sunrise Sponsor Hirth~Norris~Garrison Farm to Table Partner WesBanco Bank American Eagle Mortgage Leavitt Group Midwest ~ Smith, Molino & Sichko Insurance Farm to Table Supporter Coldwell Banker King Thompson ~ Kay Kaho Grenade Marketing Heartland Hopyard 62 Houk CPA Mayor “Ike” Stage ReMax Revealty ~ Brandi Newland

YOUR CHAMBER Chamber Business Connections is published monthly by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce with revenue from member dues, advertising, and sponsorship. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the content in this publication, by any method or purpose whatsoever, without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Only chamber members can advertise in Chamber Business Connection. To plan advertising contact the chamber.

Letter from the Director

Your Board President Wayne Coakley President Elect

Board Members

Ed Fleming

VP at Large Peggy Mosher

VP at Large Trent Soles

VP of Finance Allen Hocker

Chamber Foundation President

Dan Havener Heather Miller Kay Anderson Shelley Davis Wayne Kintz Katie Antry Laura Haines Amy Ankerson Frank Herman

As you read through this issue of Chamber Business Connection you may sense an underlying theme of ‘Experience’. Each of us have ‘experienced’ the pandemic in very different ways. Some people tell me that their lives haven’t been disrupted very much other than some minor inconveniences and they are getting through fairly well.

I have talked with others who are trying to manage the responsibilities of their job from home while learning to homeschool children of different ages and grade levels.

There are businesses that are beginning to see a glimmer of light at the end of this dark and uncharted tunnel – while others are still searching for that speck of light. Sadly there are many who have experienced the pandemic through a hospital or a nursing home and who have lost a loved one.

Greg Dawkins

Past President Lisa Zeigler

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

Our healthcare workers and our first responders have experienced the pandemic in ways that only they can understand.

Yes, our experiences have been different but we share the reality that we’ve have all been through it together.

If I were to sum up my personal experience through the pandemic, ‘together’ is the word I would use. Individuals, families, neighbors, communities, villages, towns, cities, our nation and the world have been forced to walk through this together and although we have been separated, we’ve absolutely done it together.

Whatever your ‘experience’, please know that we care about you and your business and we are here for you.

-Shawn

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RECOGNIZING MEMBERS

CELEBRATING YEARS WITH GCACC

1

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Centers of Ohio

NovoPrint USA

Supreme Touch Home Health Services Corp

The Awesome Company

Cardinal Pressure Washing LLC.

Dragon Donuts

KatBro Ltd

Cintas Corporation

Falcon Heating and Air

Moses & Mouser, MD’s, Inc.

Jay-Car Construction Company, Inc.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Candlewood Suites The Flag Lady’s Flag Store PM Title

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McKnight & Hosterman Architects, Inc. Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

Columbus Heating & Ventilating Co.

Gregory Electric, Inc.

H2 Health

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5

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

BEULAH PARK Beulah Park is a New Urbanism 220-acre master planned community redefining the art of living with a place, product and park for all ages.

Whether you find your home at The Paddock at Beulah Park, Beulah Place, The Courtyards at Beulah Park, Danbury on Beulah Park, Town House Living or a Putle community, there is something for everyone. Selections include custom home lots, luxury apartments, and town homes.

To learn more and discuss New Urbanism post-pandemic, Beulah Park will be joining us June 2 for a Zoom call, click here to register.

3811 Southwest Blvd Grove City OH 43123 614-228-5775 beulahparkliving.com

JEFFREY TADLOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

COLUMBUS SPRINGS

Jeffrey Tadlock Photography is based out of Grove City, Ohio and serves the Grove City and Columbus area. Jeffrey’s areas of focus include: headshots, business and personal branding photography (including product photography), events, and real estate and architecture. Jeffrey was also the 2019 Arts in the Alley Grove City Easel Award winner, and his work can be seen in a variety of places around town.

Columbus Springs is a local leader in mental health and addiction treatment. We want to applaud their response to the pandemic as they continue to work with current patients/clients, while having their virtual doors open to help new patients seeking mental health help as a result of the pandemic. That said, they offer both on-site and online programs including a remote program that is tailored to, and named, Coping with COVID.

Jeffrey will share his photo expertise, and how you can take photos like a pro for your business, on June 4 in a Zoom call. Click here to register.

To learn more about their programs, and the state of our mental health in a pandemic, Columbus Springs will join us for a Zoom call on June 16. Click here to register.

(614) 808-4786 jeffreytadlockphotography.com

2085 Citygate Drive Columbus Ohio 43219 (614) 954-7028 columbussprings.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS R&R Lawn Care Lisa Lelux, Realtor at Key Realty

Compass Travel/Memorable Milestones Weddings & Events

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION SUMMER 2020 | 7

CHAMBER NEWS

Communication Your Customers Need Right Now Stacy McPhillips of Pencil Point Marketing sent us some great marketing tips as we headed into shutdown mode back in March. Now that doors are reopening and customers returning to our businesses, we reached back out to Stacy to provide us with some tips and advice for communicating with customers in this latest season of life.

What’s it like to be a consumer now?

Still pretty unclear. We’re still in a position of not really knowing what’s going on out there. These are all questions we’ve asked at my house in the past few weeks.

• “Is that restaurant open?”

• “If I go to the dentist, do I need to wear a mask?”

• “Are we allowed to go to the park?”

• “When is my stylist going to call me!?”

So, what do consumers need from us right now? INFORMATION! 6 Questions Your Customers Probably Have On an ongoing basis, customers want to know key information about your business.

Communicate frequently. (Remember that the shelf life of a social media post is only 24 hours and if you sent an email last week, no one’s thinking about it this week.)

1. Are you open?

2. When are you open?

3. How can I buy from you?

4. What measures are you taking to ensure my safety?

5. What should I know before I show up to your business?

6. What should I do once I get to your business?

Consider the following places to set expectations and communicate with your customers.

• Physical signage (like banners, sidewalk signs, yard signs, door posters, floor stickers) • Website • Google My Business (GMB) • Social media profiles, posts, and groups (like Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin) • Nextdoor • High-traffic third-party sites (like Yelp, home advisor, Thumbtack) • Email • On-hold messaging/voicemail message

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And - this is super important create a checklist wherever you are communicating so that you can change that communication as your business information changes. Don’t update your hours on your GMB profile, but forget ever to change them back.

Next question: How do consumers want to be communicated with?

Well, I think they want us to lighten up a bit! Check out this chart below.

See - consumers want the facts - what are you selling, and how can I buy it? But they also want some levity. Things that are entertaining or funny are compelling right now. And maybe they want to know a little more about your business values, and why you’re making the choices you are.

Just remember - you’ve got this! When in doubt, put yourself in your customers’ shoes (or ask a few customers!) and communicate accordingly. R Feel free to catch up with Stacy at: stacy@pencilpoint.marketing

The Masked Volunteer We aren’t sure if they can sing, although on The Masked Singer, the tv competition show which inspired this contest, that’s also questionable at times! But we do know our masked volunteers are hard-working community members who give up their Saturday mornings to help make the Farmers’ Market pickup happen. We’re grateful for all of them and would be very appreciative for any future volunteers who join our crew.

To put it plainly, we’re having a contest. In short, the goal is to correctly guess the names of our masked volunteers. Every three correct guesses equals one entry into a drawing for a gift card. Throughout June on Facebook, we’ll add additional volunteers, and additional clues.

We thought we’d start simple with three faces (or, masked faces) many of you will know even though it might be some time since you’ve seen them (with that in mind, place a Farmers’ Market order just to go see them!). Again, more clues and more faces will be added to the mix soon on social media, but for now, we present our ‘opening round’ of competition:

Happy Guessing...

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CHAMBER FOUNDATION

Foundation Scholarship Recipients The 2020 recipients of Grove City Area Chamber Foundation scholarships have been notified and it’s time to recognize them! These high school students represent South-Western City School District high schools, in addition to a variety of academic and extra-curricular activities and interests.

“We continue to have a high number of nursing, business, and engineering fields of study,” Greg Dawkins, Foundation President, reported.

Greg also explained the application process and noted that students’ personal information is redacted and applications are identified by a number. This allows the selection committee to focus on need and merit presented in a particular application and can vote based on those criteria.

More than $10,000 was awarded to high school and affiliate recipients, and over $11,000 has been awarded by the Foundation in 2020. This brings the current running total awarded since 2013 to $102,300. A huge thank you is extended to all who have supported the Foundation; the six-figure mark is a significant milestone.

We intend to keep growing the number of scholarship dollars awarded, but we’ll need your help. As noted before our annual Fundraiser Night has been pushed back to October 2, but that just gives us more time to stir up more excitement for an excellent night out, including that this year’s entertainment is Dan Swartout. Mark your calendars to join us Friday October 2 at the Aladdin Shrine Center. Click here for more information!

The school year closed out much differently, especially for the Class of 2020, than anyone expected or anticipated. Greg also provided us with some encouraging words for students and a note of thanks to teachers.

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EDUCATION “We are proud of all the 2020 graduates and grateful to the teachers who help to mold and advance their students to help them fullfill their dreams whether that includes college or a technical path.”

And now, our scholarship recipients: Credit Union of Ohio recipients: Rachel Binion Kar’lyn Kelley Wesbanco recipients: Morgan Reed Adeline Wheeler Mt. Carmel recipients: Katlyn Dreyer Chloe Clark ToolTex recipient: Jack Foley Remaining 2020 High School recipients Makayla L. Miller Kennedy Fulks Russell Zhu Kari Lamb Emily Creasap Angelina Mosely Lindsay Donaldson Andrew Renninger Annabella Rose Briggeman Anais Fernandez Sydney Stoll Maria Rossi Affiliate recipients: Camryn Rush Hailey Kimmel Schools the recipients plan to attend include: The Ohio State University, University of Miami, Miami University, Youngstown State University, Columbus State, Pennsylvania State University, University of Cincinnati, Otterbein University, Malone University, Ohio University, University Of Findlay, Bowling Green State University, University of Alabama, Capital University, John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace.

The next scholarship deadline will be July 1 for affiliate scholarships and renewing scholarships. Click here to learn more and for application details. R

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FARMERS’ MARKET

Farmers’ Market Virtually a Success Team work and quick actions allowed the Grove City Chamber Farmers’ Market to move to a virtual platform that would fall within acceptable health guidelines brought about from COVID-19 challenges.

Vendors were eager to sign up and submit their information, while behind-the-scenes work took place in everyone’s home offices. Many vendors are now reaping the rewards of the adaptation. Events Coordination Marilyn Reiner shared that the market has been well-received both in number of customers and positive feedback sent her way.

Because rules and regulations are constantly changing, Marilyn noted the importance of having market plans that are fluid and adaptable. In her role she is “trying to anticipate all the issues, the ‘what if’s” as plans for a ‘normal’ summer market are explored. The goal is to be able to bring vendors back in some capacity later in the summer.

There is still plenty to be learned and worked through as Marilyn mentioned taking along her rolling tape measure to the next pick-up to experiment with marking off spaces and visualize the amount of space required. ‘Plenty of space’ might be the only definite to work with at the moment. Markets in other towns and even states that have returned to a ‘live’ format are also being explored to see what can be learned from them, and what may or may not work for Grove City.

Even as live market options and plans are being entertained behind the scenes, Marilyn encourages customers to keep thoroughly checking the Market vendor website as newcomers can and will be added. One vendor to join soon will be offering gluten-free pasta.

Communication has crucial, but also tricky, to the team work required to pull off the Market. Instead of bringing everyone together for a meeting in the conference room, everyone is now at their home offices and communicating digitally.

But through it all, there’s a common goal that many have set for their work and personal lives and Marilyn echoed it: “Trying to maintain as much normalcy as possible!”

To virtually browse the market vendors and then place an order with them, visit: gcchamber.org/2020-farmers-market-vendors

IT’S AS EASY AS 1...2...3

SHOP VENDORS

ORDER & PAY

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PICKUP ON SATURDAY

LOCAL

GCACC Spring 2020 Virtual Farmers’ Market Customer Information SAFETY/SOCIAL DISTANCING PRACTICES The following practices are in place in recognition of recommended safety, social distancing rules and practices pursuant to State and County Health regulations. This allows our market to function with safety in mind for all involved.

CUSTOMER PROCEDURES STEP 1 - Go to the Chamber website at www.gcchamber. org/farmers-market and click on the blue button “SHOP & ORDER ONLINE” to view the list of participating vendors, their products/produce available that week, contact information and order deadline.

STEP 2 - Contact the individual Vendors that you want to buy from and place your order. Purchase from as many Vendors as you would like and pay each Vendor by way of their individual payment method. No payments can be made at the Market!

STEP 3 - On Saturday go to the Drive Thru Market Entrance on west Park Street. You will be asked your last name and will be given directions to the table/ area designated by the first letter of your last name. A Chamber volunteer will place your order(s) in your vehicle as directed, (place in trunk or rear seat). Orders will not be handed to you and cannot be put in other bags.

You will be asked if you have dairy or meat orders. If so the volunteer will get them for you and place in your vehicle.

You will follow the exit signs to leave the Market.

Customer Benefits • Continue to enjoy local farmers’ market vendors while avoiding crowds and practicing safe distancing.

• Buying local means that food is not being transported over state lines or shipped from another country.

• Limits number of people handling items.

• Constant source of locally grown / home prepared goods.

CUSTOMER ORDER PICKUP IS SATURDAYS 8:15 AM- 11AM CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION SUMMER 2020 | 13

FEATURED

A Walk on the Flower Side

by Sarah Hann

A

unique visitor experience, and business, is in full bloom at Darby Creek Field and Flowers.

Becky Moehl, along with mom Judy Roush and the rest of the family, will begin welcoming visitors to their Orient-area flower farm on June 13. The outdoor experience allows visitors up close access to the flowers and the opportunity to select a plant to take home and replant. But like most plants, the business didn’t grow to full bloom in a single night.

The Beginning Word came out that a favorite flower farm of Becky and Judy’s would be hosting their final summer. How else would a mother-daughter duo enjoy the final summer of a favorite Ohio destination?

“Let’s take a road trip!” Judy announced when recalling the day. The duo traveled down to the Greenfield, Ohio area farm but instead of returning with memories, photos, and perhaps a few flowers… they returned with the idea of buying all the plants.

At home near Orient on the family farm, there would be plenty of room for the flowers to flourish. Becky and Judy could dive into a new business adventure as each had left the professional workplace.

The Business The business was able to be built off of Becky’s experience in agriculture and her interest in all things horticulture, landscape, and plants.

“I didn’t need to be retired anymore!” Judy told us with a laugh and a smile.

“We know how to grow things!” she said of their family heritage in plant agriculture.

But, the business move on paper was easier than the process of bringing 22,000 plants from Greenfield to Orient. Over the course of one-and-a-half months, they made five trips to the Greenfield farm, each time with around 20 people to assist. Proper identification had to be assigned and maintained on the plants and for the last piece to the tricky puzzle… they had to wait for the opportune planting time (this point was echoed by the fact our Zoom interview call took place on a rainy day when no garden or field work was possible).

With family along and already involved in working the farm, it was easy to get the whole family involved in bringing Darby Creek Field and Flowers to life. And while there is strength in numbers, there can also be challenges. Becky and Judy pointed out that any family business challenges arise from adding more people rather than Becky and Judy not being on the same page. But working the family farm allows them all to be together across the generations, right down to the five granddaughters Judy pointed out.

“We know how to grow things!” she said of their family heritage in plant agriculture.

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With a family farm already in business, it became important to develop a distinct name and even brand for the flower farm.

As Judy explained, they “wanted an identity separate from the seed farm.”

IT’S SUMMERTIME Naming discussion went back and forth with family and friends, perhaps a time where bringing in many voices made things complicated. Eventually ‘Darby Creek Field and Flowers’ was chosen to reflect the farm’s Big Darby Creek location. Even the individual fields were given names, with the inspiration coming from a Columbus Zoo trip.

In addition to the flower farm, Becky offers some landscaping services and noted the native planting side is growing. Native plants would be plants native to Ohio and can do things such attract butterflies or other benefits to our Ohio ecosystem.

Working in agriculture was nothing new for Becky, something that was new would be marketing a business, especially online. Becky pointed out that it was a “whole new world” and even though she had worked in agriculture business before, marketing was someone else’s task. Now she was the owner of a flower farm that isn’t a green house and is also not a flower shop; it’s an outdoor floral experience.

The Experience Darby Creek Field and Flowers gives visitors the rare opportunity to explore flowers as they are in the field, and choose which one(s) will go back home to their own flower beds and gardens.

“It’s not a green house,” Becky explained of a customers’ experience. “(They) dig the flower and transport it to their own home.”

With 13 fields and roughly 850 varieties, there are plenty of floral options. Many visitors will want to take in the colors and country air, and some enjoy the photography opportunities presented, including Becky’s own photographer friend.

Judy pointed out that it’s a great to educate and inform those not as familiar with flowers, fields, or farms the care for the land and what goes on outside of the city. Being only ten miles outside of Grove City, it’s a quick trip a colorful place with a slower paced, casual experience. And while many will return to town with flowers and plenty of instructions, Becky and Judy know they’ll take home one other thing: “The experience of coming to a rural area.

Darby Creek Fields & Flowers Here’s a quick run-down of the basic information in you’re interested in visiting Becky and Judy’s flower farm destination this summer!

Location: 11500 Darby Creek Road, Orient (this is just south of Orient) Open dates: Fields will be open June 13- August 1 Everything is outside and the paths are gravel, so we advise on watching the weather and choosing your footwear wisely.

Want to follow along or have a question?

Visit darbyflowerfields.com for all the way to reach out to Becky and Darby Creek Field and Flowers.

GARDENING TIP: “FLOWER TRANSPLANT” Unlike most perennials it is okay to transplant daylily’s during bloom ( June & July) as well as Spring, Summer and Fall. The Daylily has a very hardy rhizome root system that is durable and will live through a transplant to new soil. Daylily’s will grow and multiply every year. Between years 3- 5 you will want to divide and separate the flower to maximize bloom!

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION SUMMER 2020 | 15

BUSINESS

Experiences for a Lifetime

Sampan on Mekong River Tributary

Randy and Connie Wegener are in the experience business.

Their travel agency, RCW Vacations, was born out of travel itself. As Randy explained, they had been on a cruise, struck up a conversation with another traveler who was a travel agent herself.

“The more we talked, she said give me a call if you are interested and I can help you start your own travel agent business,” Randy said. “Years later after thinking what I am going to do when I retire, I remembered her.”

He called the woman in 2013, while still working full-time, and by this point as the saying goes, the rest is history.

Randy himself has a history for a fascination with geography and a curiosity for the world beginning as child when he would study maps.

The US Army supplied Randy with his first taste of travel and life outside of Ohio when he first departed for basic training and then to Vietnam. When he returned to college he had the opportunity to travel around Europe as a class tour.

“So, sold my car and for one month traveled all over Europe with a group of 40 all for $1000,” Randy explained. He was hooked.

Fast forward to the 2010s and Randy is still traveling the world, now with Connie along with him, while they make plans and arrangements

“So, sold my car and for one month traveled all over Europe with a group of 40 all for $1000,” Randy explained. He was hooked.

Positano Amalfi Coast Italy

Oregan Vineyards

so that others can explore the world with less hassle. 2020 has put a damper on travel (see our supplemental story with Randy’s thoughts on the current state of travel and traveling safely), but it hasn’t taken away the joy of memories or the hope of future trips. Randy is still adding to his bucket list!

Travelers of all ages bring their ‘bucket list’ trip ideas and goals to Randy and Connie who help bring those dreams to life. Some come with just destination ideas and a budget, and others bring along a few more details. Many are simply overwhelmed by all of the options.

“The internet has vast amounts of information which can be overwhelming,” Randy remarked. “I help narrow down the choices geared to the client.”

For clients struggling to make decisions, Randy will offer his top three options based on the information brought to him, such as destination or budget. He’s also able to help clients find that new vacation destination that is slightly out of their ‘normal’, such as a jump to an all-inclusive resort destination, and in the end everyone has been happy.

16 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION SUMMER 2020 Dalat Gardens Dalat Vietnam

TRAVEL Satisfied clients, having done the job well, brings Randy the satisfaction of a boss praising an employee, but he also had a more familial take on it: “Many of my clients could be my children,” he explained. “As a parent you do anything to help them succeed. Now and then your kids give you a compliment and that sticks with you.”

But whether it’s his trip or someone else’s, Randy speaks to the experience. Experiences naturally vary by destination and culture or activities taken in, but experience can also vary by travel party.

Recently he and Connie have traveled as a party of two more often, allowing them to meet more travelers and have a completely different experience than with family or friends.

Take lots of pictures and soak up the memories, he explained of his personal habits and what he encourages of others.

‘Travel memories last a lifetime.”

Alyeska Mountain Alaska

The Pandemic’s Impact on Travel Before we dove into Randy’s experiences and passion for travel, we actually caught up with him about the global pandemic’s impact on the travel industry and his thoughts on where we go from here (perhaps literally where we can go) as an industry expert. We’ve broken down his thoughts and, yes experiences, by sub-topics.

The Shutdown Like the rest of the world, Randy and his clients watched the news including the news regarding the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Sadly the cancellations began to roll in, whether it was a client making the first move or the supplier (the cruise line, resort, etc.) making the move. Randy and Connie’s anniversary trip to Cancun was among the cancellations. As for re-booking? Everyone opted for the refund option to avoid any re-booking stipulations.

Good Communication Randy has kept in close contact with clients, not only regards to the status of an upcoming trip, but also to keep spirits up. He hopeful notes via email and has no shortage of great photos to share on Facebook, in addition to other videos. He’s letting clients know he and Connie are here for them when they’re ready.

Ready… or not?

Randy anticipates his clients will be ready to venture back out into the world in 2021; 2020 still holds many unknowns for so many destinations. He is optimistic of the travel deals to come by late fall.

Randy made note of Black Friday deals… so those old memes saying “For Christmas I’m a size 5-night, all-inclusive resort” might come back into play!

For those ready sooner than others, he notes that everyone in travel has high sanitary standards in play (though he added sanitation has always been a priority), and that he has also seen an increased interest in travel insurance. But much of it will come down to confidence: “All the positive news will help, but it comes down to confidence in the system,” Randy shared. “Travelers just have to trust all will go well and nothing happens.”

Rudesheim Overlook the Rhine

El Dorado Maroma Mexico

When You’re Ready Even if someone is just ready to dream or figure how much money they need to save back, Randy and Connie are ready to chat! Their services are of no additional cost and customer satisfaction and experience is number one. They’re ready to take away the stress of planning, present options within your budget, and be your ‘go-to’ person for situations such as now. Randy normally loves face-toface travel chats, but he is just a phone call away. Reach out to them first by visiting www.rcwvacations.com Writer’s Note: When catching up with Randy about the state of the travel industry, he did do some ‘name dropping’ of destinations that do or do not have re-opening plans. However, in the time between our online chatting and writing this article—plans for destinations are changing again, so we’re omitting those mentions to avoid confusion. It’s truly a fast-changing world out there so if travel is in your immediate future we advise research and good judgment! R

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION SUMMER 2020 | 17

BUSINESS

Meet Compass Travel and Memorable Milestones Weddings & Events When ‘experience’ comes to mind, things such as travel soon follow in the conversation. With this in mind and experience becoming a theme in this magazine, we caught up with one of the newest Chamber members, Compass Travel and Memorable Milestones Weddings & Events. Partnered together, the two brands will be able to provide one-stop shopping from a flawless event to a fantastic getaway. In fact, the partnership just began on June 1!

Shannon Aliff let us know her top five facts someone should know about Compass Travel and Memorable Milestones Weddings & Events.

1. Memorable Milestones offers full service, partial and day-of planning for any couples’ needs.

2. Their talented and attentive coordinators boast an incredible eye for detail, impeccable organizational skills and excellent customer service.

3. Did you know that you’re paying to use a travel agent whether or not you actually use one? Commissions are paid to us by the hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, etc. which are already included in the price you pay, even if you book online on your own! We don’t charge fees for most of our vacation planning services.

4. We’re available on evenings and weekends to fit your schedule.

5. We offer a high-tech, customer-friendly travel booking process, including an iPhone/Android app.

Learn more about Compass Travel and Memorable Milestones Weddings & Events and how to reach out to Shannon by visiting memorable-milestones.com

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Opening June 13th DARBY CREEK FIELDS AND FLOWERS

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION SUMMER 2020 | 19

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce + Franklin University Par tnership The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Franklin University to provide the following educational benefits:

Tuition discounts on associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree and certificate programs.

SAVINGS:

PROGRAMS:

•

Free textbooks

•

20% tuition discount on all programs up through the master’s level

Franklin University offers a variety of programs through the Ross College of Business, College of Arts, Sciences & Technology, College of Health & Public Administration and the International Institute for Innovative Instruction.

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce employees and members can combine tuition discounts and free tuition deferment with their employee reimbursement.

Take Advantage of the Savings Today!

Apply: franklin.edu/apply-grovecitychamber Verify Employment: franklin.edu/verification Learn More: franklin.edu/grovecitychamber Questions? Contact: Mary Beth Bertrand, Senior Partnership Account Manager CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION SUMMER 2020 | 21 | 614.947.6716 marybeth.bertrand@franklin.edu

To place an ad, contact the chamber office at marketing@gcchamber.org

ADVERTISE

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