GCACC E-Mag Winter Edition Preview

BUSINESS CHAMBER

WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020 | VOL. 4, ISSUE

CONNECTION

CHAMBER NEWS Member Highlights and Letter from the Director Capital City Cakes is on Netflix!

Foundation Scholarship Deadlines Home 2 Suites Special Member Discount

LOCAL Eldorado Scioto Downs makes the largest donation to the Chamber Foundation in it’s history

BUSINESS

Hometown Dollars was a hit! $All the funds were purchased and spread across our community businesses.

The Chamber takes Arts in the Alley Virtual!

Great locally made gifts and art available at the Arts in the Alley Marketplace

GROVE CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020

Love the giver more than the gift.

-Brigham Young CHAMBER NEWS A Neighborhly Gift Arts in the Alley goes Virtual!

10 12

Art & Kids Activities at Home

15 16 17

Art for Sale Comes in Many Forms

13

A Message from the Mayor

Locals Express Art on Sidewalks

14

Seasonal Shopping in Your Neighborhood

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

6

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 WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020 | 3

HERE FOR GROVE CITY’S BEST HEALTH

Grove City Methodist Hospital (Located behind Target)

© OhioHealth Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. FY21-37248. 10/20.

Jackson Pike

71

Target

Stringtown Rd Buckeye Pkwy

To learn more about the ways OhioHealth cares for Grove City, visit OhioHealth.com/GroveCity.

270

Parkway Centre Dr

The OhioHealth Grove City Methodist Hospital campus includes 24/7 emergency care, heart and vascular care, and primary care from OhioHealth Physician Group.

It’s just another way we’re bringing your best health within reach.

H

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.

Your Board President Wayne Coakley President Elect

Board Members

Ed Fleming

VP at Large Trent Soles

VP of Finance Allen Hocker

Chamber Foundation President Greg Dawkins

Past President

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

Lisa Zeigler

Letter from the Director Without a doubt it’s been a tough year, for businesses, for families, for our community and for our nation. We at the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce are happy to be able to bring a little glimmer of light through two of our projects.

First, our new ‘Grove City HomeTown Dollars Gift Certificate’ program. The program, funded by the City of Grove City and administered by the GCACC is easy and a win-win for everyone!

For every dollar you spend on ‘Grove City HomeTown Dollars Gift Certificates’… you get two(2). Visit our website www.gcchamber.org to order your certificates.

The program has far exceeded our expectations and by the time the funding is exhausted, we will have infused $100,000 back into our local economy, supported our local businesses, and doubled the spending power of shoppers.

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

At the same time, we are hosting the 41st edition of Arts in the Alley and the very first Arts in the Alley Home Edition! Please visit artsinthealley.gcchamber.org to visit the vendors, see the shows, and enjoy the entertainment and Kids Fun Street.

It is our mission to support and strengthen our local businesses and we hope that by doing that we will bring that glimmer of light to our community.

We hope that you can find many things to be thankful for this season – we are thankful for you.

Shawn Conrad Executive Director

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020 | 5

RECOGNIZING MEMBERS

CELEBRATING YEARS WITH GCACC

1

Re/Max Revealty Brenda Wooden Classic Plumbing, Inc. KW Premier Realty The Pompey Group

The Antry Issacs Team at Saxton Real Estate

Safe Check Home Inspections, LLC Joslyn Law Firm

10

TSG Advice Partners Foot & Ankle Physicians of Ohio ZANZIS

6 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020

5

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

AIR QUALITY SOLUTIONS Air Quality Solutions has been a familyowned heating and cooling business since 1983, when founded by Lowell Titus.

They’re committed to getting the job done quickly and correctly while providing premium residential and commercial equipment and exceptional service. They also offer 24/7 emergency services. Air Quality Solutions is also a leader in hiring and employing veterans as they were recognized with a Platinum Medallion for Hiring Heroes by the US Department of Labor.

Air Quality Solutions is also participating in the new Hometown Dollars program.

3873 Broadway, Grove City (614) 871-4144 aqsohio.com

MR. SOUTHERN FLAVA

SANDERSON AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

Mr. Southern Flava is a new family-owned take-out, delivery, and catering restaurant.

We provide delicious southern homemade food for Grove City and the surrounding area. Our meats are smoked with the finest cuts of pecan, wild cherry, and applewood.

Our rubs and barbeque sauces are made by the Pitmaster, Neal Newsome. All of our sides and desserts are made from scratch.

They are available for curbside pick-up and delivery, with an online order option available.

Mr. Southern Flava is also participating in the new Hometown Dollars program.

Sanderson Automotive Service knows and believes that our vehicles are more than just four wheels and a motor—they’re what we need to complete essential activities, so they ensure your vehicle receives the quality repairs and services it needs. With ten years of business all in Grove City, and owner Mike’s 30 years of experience, Sanderson Automotive Service is ready to serve you. They also recently moved to a new location, now at 4353 Broadway.

Sanderson Automotive Service is participating in the new Hometown Dollars program.

4086 Broadway, Grove City (carry-out in rear of building) (614) 594-2200 mrsouthernflava.com

4353 Broadway, Grove City (614) 277-8020 sandersonautomotiveservice.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Mojo on Broadway Tommy’s Jerky Outlet Sublime Roofing Kindred Collective

Skylarks Toys & Comics The AR Advantage at Key Realty Grove City Nutrition Holistic Charms

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020 | 7

CHAMBER NEWS

Capital City Cakes has made their Netflix debut! See Sue and Gary in Netflix’s Original Sugar Rush Christmas Season 2, now available for streaming.

Follow Capital City Cakes on Facebook @CapitalCityCakes (You might just see some behind-the-scenes scoop!)

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce members now have a special booking code to receive a discount at Home 2 Suites/Tru

by Hilton here in Grove City.

Located at 1750 Buckeye Place Receive an extra 12% off the lowest published rate.

Use Code: 3284091 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lckgchthome2-suites-grove-city-columbus/

Don’t forget that the Chamber Foundation’s final 2020 scholarship deadline for an Affiliate Scholarship is December 16! Use this link to apply: gcchamberfoundation.org/scholarships/

This fall, Air Quality Solutions received the HIRE Vets Platinum Award from the US Department of Labor. The HIRE Vets Medallion is the only federal-level award recognizing outstanding achievement in employing veterans.

8 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020

CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020 | 9

COMMUNITY

A Neighborly Gift Community involvement is the name of the game for Eldorado Scioto Downs as they recently made a $10,000 donation to the Grove City Chamber Foundation.

This marks the largest single donation made to the Foundation since its beginning in 2013. This is also the first donation or interaction of any kind between the Foundation and Eldorado Scioto Downs. But just because this is the first interaction between the two doesn’t mean Eldorado Scioto Downs is a stranger to the community. They’re anything but that.

“Grove City is home to many of our guests and team members so we wanted to be established as a neighbor and not just another business,” said Amy Ankerson, Director of Marketing, via email.

Being a Chamber member was a gateway of sorts to working with the Foundation.

Eldorado Scioto Downs has supported, and continues to support, Chamber events, while team members have found individual ways to be involved such as with the board.

Eldorado donated food during the pandemic shutdown to MidOhio

But as Ankerson said of being a neighbor, Eldorado Scioto Downs is on a mission to be more than just another business, but to be part of the fabric of the community. They also take the importance of education seriously.

“As a community, as an individual, as a business, we all have a responsibility to the inspiration and success of everyone and everything within,” Ankerson said. “We strive to be part of that influence for personal and professional development.”

Another part of that neighborly effort is to feel like home. Just as a good neighbor might strive to make their home inviting and welcoming for company, so is true of Eldorado Scioto Downs.

“Eldorado started as and continues to operate as a family business so our organization is built upon the premise of ‘family style service’,” said Ankerson. “Our goal is that every guest feels welcome, comfortable, and safe so we can be their home away from home!”

The Chamber and the Foundation aren’t the only community initiatives of Eldorado Scioto Downs. They have been known to jump in to contribute around the community for a variety of efforts and activities. But the latest initiative Ankerson spoke of is one familiar and close to the Chamber’s heart: supporting local businesses.

“As a community, as an individual, as a business, we all have a responsibility to the inspiration and success of everyone and everything within,”

Eldorado too weathered the spring shutdowns and now in a position to support other local businesses, they have a plan in place: “Through several giveaways, our prizes include gift cards for local merchants in an effort to keep economic stimulation redirected within the community,” said Ankerson.

Just as we’re happy to have Eldorado Scioto Downs in the community, Ankerson said Eldorado Scioto Downs is happy to call this Central Ohio community home, and they’re even looking to what might be next: “We continue to explore opportunities to be a fundamental cornerstone for our neighborhood.”

Want to check out or keep up with Eldorado Scioto Downs and their hospitality and entertainment offerings?

First, we suggest visiting sciotodowns.com where they’ll have up-to-date listings of their hours, including that of their restaurants.

Next, keep up with them on social media: Use @SciotoDowns on Facebook, and @ eldoradoscioto for Instagram and Twitter.

10 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020

Eldorado donate pizzas & desserts to Hamilton Township first responders for Make a Difference Day

FEATURED EVENT

Goes Digital

A

rts in the Alley may not be able to fill the streets of Grove City’s Town Center, but it can and will fill up a new corner of the internet.

Arts in the Alley Home Edition officially launched on Saturday November 14 with as many usual festival elements as possible. The shows have gone virtual, vendors have set up online storefronts and entertainment acts will be available at the click, or tap, of a button.

Visitors, and potential show participants, will start their Arts in the Alley Home Edition experience by visiting artsinthealley.gcchamber. org This is where show entries can be made and essentially where all of the fun begins from shopping with vendors to viewing musical acts.

The Home Edition will last longer than the usual two days. Show voting will run from November 22- December 6, while other elements will be available until at least December 31. This will allow for a longer showcase period for artists and entertainers, and both vendors and shoppers alike can enjoy a shopping period that lasts through the holiday shopping season.

But as many festivals were in jeopardy of complete cancellation this year, Arts in the Alley never faced the “if” it would happen, but rather the “how” it would happen.

“You can’t just drop an event that is as deeply loved by the community as Arts in the Alley, one that has been a staple, a foundation and is synonymous with Grove City for 41 years,” said Shawn Conrad, Executive Director of the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, which puts on Arts in the Alley. “We never thought about cancelling it, we just had to figure out how to do it.”

With the Home Edition show taking to the ‘streets’ of the internet, the reach is essentially limitless and could be enjoyed by those well beyond Grove City and Central Ohio. In a year where many hope to stay afloat or maintain, Arts in the Alley is in the unique position to potentially grow or lay groundwork for future growth while still

maintaining its origins. Conrad hopes it’s an occasion of being able to pair tradition with change and growth.

“It is our hope and goal that this year’s event will strengthen the event by reminding people of how important our traditions are,” Conrad said. “Taking into consideration the element of surprise, we hope that people will be excited and interested to see what we’ve done and will be anxious to see what future Arts in the Alley events will look like.”

Just as it always takes the community to put on Arts in the Alley, this year is no different. Many sponsors have stepped up in support of the Home Edition, which as of press time include: Heartland Bank, OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Grove City, City of Grove City, The MacIntosh Company—Monterey and West Park, The Goddard School, Cintas, Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs, McDonald’s, Jackson Township, Hirth Norris Garrison, Converse Electric, and Morley Parren Bright Insurance Agency.

Heartland Bank returns again the presenting sponsor as the festival. For Heartland Bank and the McComb Family, playing an important role in Arts in the Alley isn’t just a nice community gesture (though it is). The McComb family, as in Tiney and Helena, were among the founders of Arts in the Alley and the McComb family has maintained the ties with Heartland Bank sponsoring, and a special show award that honors Helena’s love of flowers.

Encouragement and brainstorming toward a digital show platform was also among this year’s contributions to Arts in the Alley.

There’s also been a lot of midnight oil burning, as events coordinator Marilyn Reiner put it, to bring this Home Edition of Arts in the Alley to life. Conrad pointed out that Reiner along with GCACC admin assistant Heather Brokaw have been key in pulling everything together to keep the tradition alive. All three women expressed their love of the annual event, but Brokaw might have said it best: “You should always be excited for Arts in the Alley, it is a Grove City Tradition!”

12 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020

The Show Must Go On....

Arts in the Alley organizers were sure to keep this piece that celebrates and promotes a variety of art from artists near and far. When developing the online platform, the ability to host the shows online was a must-have.

“The foundation of Arts in the Alley is after all – the Art,” said Shawn Conrad, Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “Art of nearly every genre and by people of all walks of life.”

Shows for crafts, fine arts, photography, quilts, and youth art will be available for creatives to submit their entries online using the web address: artsinthealley. gcchamber.org Each show will have its own set of rules (available online as well), though artists looking to enter can expect to submit at least one photo of their work (or ‘the’ photo in the case of photography), fill out the online entry form, and pay the show fee via credit card.

As always, visitors will have the opportunity to browse the pieces though this time can be done from the comfort of home, on a lunch break or virtually anywhere.

Visitors won’t be the only ones who can come from all over as artists (and vendors for that matter) have access to the Central Ohio show.

“Because we are on a global platform this year, we hope to see an expanded footprint of artistry and artists,” said Conrad.

Musical Soul, SALE PRICE $80.00 Purchase Contact Details:Neal Luron email: nclshooter@gmail.com

But browsing isn’t all visitors to the online show will be able to do. This year, all shows will include a People’s Choice category, which Chamber events coordinator Marilyn Reiner sees as another way to show an artist support, and that the community is supportive of art. “(It) let’s people know their art, their talent, is appreciated,” Reiner said.

Just like in years past, the Helena McComb Award will be presented to one overall winning entry which showcased flowers. This award is presented in honor of Helena, one of the founders of Arts in the Alley, and her love of flowers. The award is presented and chosen by the McComb family and does not require a special entry. Any entry into any of the shows which includes flowers will be automatically considered.

Winners are already being selected and now is the time to vote “Peoples Choice”, so make sure to log on and check it out. Art is also available for purchase, a great idea for a holiday gift this year! Here are a few of the unique and thoughtfully created pieces submitted.

The Skeptic, SALE PRICE $400 for 20x30 framed metal. Smaller prints available email: danica@pouka.com Ohio’s Response by Number SALE PRICE 3,000 Purchase Contact Details:Judi Young email: judi@ whoopdeedoodle.com Purchase Contact Details:Dennise Hunt email: creative64@ rocketmail.com

Driving To Flagstaff, SALE PRICE $100 - $330 Purchase Contact Details:Judi Young email: judi@whoopdeedoodle.com

https://artsinthealley.gcchamber.org

FEATURED EVENT

Spirit of Arts in the Alley Moves to the Sidewalks Arts in the Alley may not be held in the city streets this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s not on neighborhood sidewalks and driveways.

As part of Arts in the Alley Home Edition, the Chalk Art Challenge was created as a weekly activity for kids, and kids at heart, to channel their inner artist right at home.

According to Heather Brokaw with the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, the chalk art contest has been in the works for a couple of years but now was the time to bring it to life.

“We wanted to bring art home to people and contribute positively to the community during a not- so fun- time,” said Brokaw. “We feel like this helps for people to find another way to connect with Arts in the Alley and Art even if you’re not downtown on Broadway on the third full weekend in September.”

For five weeks beginning in early October, a new theme was announced each Saturday morning on Facebook and Instagram accounts for the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce (@gcchamber). Drawings included the contest hashtags (#AAChalkChallenge 2020 or #AAChalkChallenge2020Kids) and were posted to a social page by the following Wednesday. Winners are selected by judges and receive a gift card to a local business.

The all-social media format is also new to Arts in the Alley but makes for fun connections and conversations over clever artwork. Neighbors near and far are able to ‘like’ their favorites and leave comments of praise or encouragement for the artists.

Themes such as seasonal fun or cartoon characters have allowed locals to get creative and let their imaginations loose. A popular technique with the kids has been to create an artwork scene where they can also include themselves for the full effect, such as swimming in the ocean.

“It’s just a great way to bring some positivity to the community from your driveway,” Brokaw said. “I have seen some really great interactive chalk art.”

While Ohio weather is always questionable, the variety of weather fall brings has been a challenge at times when it comes to finding a dry bit of driveway to draw. Participants have managed to make due with what they’re given and make art in chilly weather or semi-damp sidewalks. Summer weather would be ideal, which is why the Chalk Art Challenge could, as Brokaw put it, ‘definitely’ become a usual component of Arts in the Alley.

“It has been so much fun seeing what individuals have come up with,” she said. “How cool would downtown Grove City look with all the vendor booths and chalk art on the sidewalk?”

Like any Arts in the Alley, it wouldn’t get far without sponsors. A generous thank you goes to Converse Electric, Morley Parren Bright Insurance Agency, and the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio for jumping on board in support of this new contest.

The five themes included: summer fun, cartoon characters, Halloween, flowers and animals, and Thanksgiving. Use #AAChalkChallenge2020 or #AAChalkChallenge2020Kids on Facebook or Instagram to search for and view all entries.

14 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020

BUSINESS

Fun For All Without Leaving Home Arts in the Alley Home Edition is bringing fun and entertainment right to the living room.

From entertainment acts available as video online, to Kids Fun Street (virtual street, but real fun) everyone in the family will have something to do to engage in the arts. Entertainment and activities will launch on November 14 and be available through the end of the year at: artsinthealley.gcchamber.org Kids will have plenty to do on the virtual Kids Fun Street which will offer nearly everything a typical Kids Fun Street has at Arts in the Alley. Videos created by Crosslink Community Church members and volunteers will lead kids in a variety of arts and crafts activities.

Supply lists will be provided, but most materials should be readily available at home.

Just as Kids Fun Street also includes safety activities and presentations by local first responders, similar content will also be available. Marilyn Reiner, Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator, said there will be a video from Jackson Township Fire Department covering aspects of fire safety and getting to know a firefighter. There are plans for additional safety-minded videos as well, such as one from the Grove City Division of Police, to provide a well-rounded fun, yet educational, experience. A special thanks to the City of Grove City for sponsoring this year’s virtual Kids Fun Street.

Shifting over to entertainment, a variety of musical acts are lined up to provide pre-recorded ‘mini concert’ videos on the Heartland Entertainment Stage. Reiner said the videos can be enjoyed anytime and are of course suitable for the whole family. Videos will be 20-30 minutes in length which is shorter than a usual concert but adapted to typical video viewing length.

An assortment of local artists will be featured, including an assortment of musical groups from the local schools, and even a return from some of last year’s Voice of Grove City participants.

“Our finalists have been invited to participate in the event this year and we are excited that several will be bringing their amazing talents to our platform,” said Shawn Conrad, Executive Director of the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Voice of Grove City is still on a ‘hiatus’ of sorts but rest assured Arts in the Alley visitors haven’t heard the last from newest addition to the festival. Just like the rest of the festival, it’s not a matter of ‘if’, but more of a ‘how’ it will be presented in the future.

“Virtual or live, I can tell you that the Voice of Grove City is now an important part of Arts in the Alley and isn’t going anywhere soon,” said Conrad.

With enough entertainment and activities to fill many hours, families will have plenty to do all from the comfort of home this holiday season. ✰

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION LATE FALL 2020 | 15

FEATURED EVENT A word from the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Board President…

Since the pandemic has challenged the way we all live, work, and play, I find that I keep going back to a quote I have posted on my desk that reads “where there is a shift, there is a gift”.

And as much as we would love to fill the Downtown streets of Grove City as we have in the past years, we as a Chamber have had to “shift” the way we put on events and I couldn’t be more proud of the way our staff and board has come together to execute the this, our signature event, in a different way.

It would be easy to simply postpone and cancel Arts in the Alley, but that is not how this board and staff operates.

I can’t tell you the amount of Zoom meetings, and hours of thoughts and dream sessions that have been had over the past several months to make this year’s show a reality.

Our sponsors have stepped up and made it possible for us to put this event on as we needed to invest in an online platform to manage our event. Thank you sponsors!

I feel strongly that when we are able to gather in the streets again, that this “gift” of an online virtual show will be such a valuable added piece that will only add greater value to our vendors, sponsors and community for years to come.

Baskets & Boughs

Wayne Coakley GCACC Board President

z https://basketsnboughs.com e 740-983-0111 f facebook.com/basketsnboughs

A Message from our Mayor The great American poet, author and civil rights activist Maya Angelou once said, “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”

The Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce has emerged as the leader in establishing amazing ways to tackle the challenges brought on by COVID-19. First with their steadfast commitment to holding weekly Farmers’ Markets, business events and now the online format of Arts in the Alley – Home Edition.

For over 40 years, the event has brought our community together and attracted thousands of people to the City.

Understanding the importance of its annual tradition, an incredibly thoughtful approach was taken by the Chamber to bring as much of the 2020 event to Grove City and the region as possible.

This year’s Arts in the Alley – Home Edition is a perfect example of how abandoning “normal” can reveal just “how amazing you can be.”

Congratulations to the Chamber for yet another successful, creative approach to tackling such a difficult challenge.

Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage

16 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020

Enamels by Linda Lerum @ Lille0802@yahoo.com e 614-260-6390 f Enamels by Linda Lerum

Seasonal shopping with Arts in the Alley A variety of vendors are ready for shoppers to shop ‘til they drop all from the comfort of their home.

For Arts in the Alley Home Edition, vendors from near and far will be featured on the show’s virtual platform, artsinthealley.gcchamber. org. A variety of arts and crafts—ranging from woodworking, ceramics and even sweaters and scarves, can be purchased online from the comfort of home beginning on November 14.

“I am excited to shop in my sweats for the holidays and still support local,” said Heather Brokaw Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce admin assistant, and one of many working to put together Arts in the Alley Home Edition.

Instead of just two days of shopping September, shoppers will have from November 14 to December 31 to browse and purchase. With the longer time frame, there are a few new benefits—ones beyond shopping from the couch in sweats.

Marilyn Reiner, Chamber events coordinator, explained that vendors will be able to add new items or create new specials over the course of the time frame. Shoppers will want to visit more than once to check back for those potential additions. There’s also a strong chance of additional vendors added after the Nov. 14 launch date making for another reason to browse often.

Reiner also provided a few tips for browsing the digital shopping platform once it goes live. Similar to other online shopping sites, this one will allow for searching for a vendor/artist by name, and sorting by categories or types of products. It can even sort by price range which can help when shopping for gifts within a certain budget or dollar value.

Chamber team members noted that the ability for vendors to sell, and shoppers to buy, at the beginning and through the holiday season factored into the date selection for the entire Arts in the Alley Home Edition event. It’s also an answer to a question the Chamber office often receives when it’s gift-giving season.

“We get a lot of calls in November and December with people asking for names and contact information for vendors, because they saw something in one of our vendor booths that they must get another for a gift,” Brokaw said. “This will help people with that and also give buyers, and vendors, additional opportunities to reach a broader audience for that unique gift this holiday season.”

Hinton Apiaries

Wilson’s WoodShop

@ hintonapiaries@gmail.com f Facebook.com/Hinton.apiaries

@ dansemail44@gmail.com z www.wilsonswoodshop.com e 614-871-0089

Piggy’s Woodwork @ jimpignatelli@gmail.com z www.etsy.com/shop/piggyswoodworks e 614-642-3001 f facebook.com/piggyswoodworks

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020 | 17

LOCAL

Hometown Dollars was a Hit!

“Double your money and support our community” was the goal of the new Hometown Dollars program, and with all of the $50,000 in funds sold out already weeks before the giving holiday we are escatic to say the least!

A combined effort between the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grove City, the Hometown Dollars program was designed to keep Grove City’s money local, give consumers more buying power, and boost small, local businesses.

“Double your money and support our community” was the goal of the new Hometown Dollars program.

How It Worked Officially created by City Ordinance C-47-20 (which can be found on the City’s website), consumers can double their money by buying a gift certificate for a specific, participating local business. For example, $20 spent will have $40 of ‘buying power’ and when redeemed by the business, $40 will be received.

This is not only much-needed support for businesses and consumers alike, but is introduced just in time for the holidays. The certificates make great gifts or

a way to stretch the office carry-out holiday lunch budget a bit farther (twice as far, actually). A variety of locally-owned retailers and restaurants have joined and continue to join the program (we have included a list of participating members as of the publication deadline).

But, certificates aren’t just for food, sweatshirts, or home goods.

Select personal or home services are also eligible to participate such as auto, HVAC or even dental services. While those can make great gifts as well, those are also common bills that add up, making for another occasion where doubling the money a big help.

While Hometown Dollars certificates will typically be available in smaller dollar amounts, select participating businesses will have larger dollar values available to line up with what could be a common bill or amount spend at that particular business.

Businesses continue to sign up to participate even as we write this article, and certificate sales are already off to a booming start with some businesses beginning to see the positive impact already.

The Business’ View

Check out some Q&As with some of our Hometown Dollar participants— why they’re excited to participate and what’s a great way to use a certificate with them!

The Garden Bar Tell us about your business, such as your industry, location, etc.: We are locally-owned and enjoy creating an atmosphere for the community to meet with friends, family, or work. We provide WiFi, indoor dining, patio seating and also delivery. We offer catering for events and businesses. We are a juice and smoothie bar and serve a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. We also offer gluten free, keto, vegan, and vegetarian options. Our motto is “fast food doesn’t have to be junk food”.

Q: Why did you sign up?

To help the community get more for their money during these tough times.

Q: What might be an ideal way to use a Hometown Dollars certificate with your business?

Promote for gift ideas, help families with saving money

18 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020

for lunch or dinner. Also businesses can use to help with their events.

Mojo on Broadway Tell us about your business, such as your industry, your location, etc.: We’re a retail store at 4094 Broadway Q: Why did you sign up?

A: This is a great program to support our local Grove City businesses.

Q: What might be an ideal way to use a Hometown Dollars certificate with your business?

A: You can use it to buy local high school spiritwear and other clothing items in our store.

Precision Jewelers LLC Tell us about your business, such as industry, location, etc.: Located at 2752 London Groveport Rd. Grove City Q: Why did you sign up?

A: It’s an amazing idea to help out the small businesses Q: What might be an ideal way to use a Hometown Dollars certificate with your business?

A: Christmas gift, jewelry repair, birthday and anniversary gifts.

Tommy’s Jerky Outlet Tell us about your business, such as industry, location, etc.: Our outlet located at 3461 Broadway features over 50 different varieties of all-natural jerky, as close to homemade as you can find.

We have taken ordinary jerky to a whole new level with our wealth of flavors and variety of meats. We have a wide range of spice levels, from our lightly sweet Tender Teriyaki to our blazing Diablo flavor, ensuring that all jerky lovers can find a flavor they enjoy.

Other Hometown Dollars Participating Businesses These businesses joined us this year for the program if you were not able to buy certificates we encourage you to still check them out as you complete your holiday shopping.

Warrior Spirit Karate www.warriorspiritkarate.com Mr Southern Flava www.mrsouthernflava.com Cultivate www.cultivateworks.org Mojo on Broadway facebook.com/MojoOnBroadway Tommy’s Jerky https://tommysjerky.com/stores/grove-city/ Sanderson Automotive Service www.sandersonautomotiveservice.com/ Grove City Brewing Company www.grovecitybrewery.com Plum Rum Winery www.plumrunwinery.com

In addition to traditional beef jerky, we also cure exotic and wild game meats including kangaroo, salmon, alligator, and elk to create a wider variety of textures and flavors. We also carry some similar snacks like old-fashioned smokies (beef sticks), Gourmet Hot Pepper Bacon Jam, Roasted and Deep Fried Peanuts, Sea Salt Pita Chips, and Kettle Corn. Q: Why did you sign up?

A: A chance to help the Chamber and show that small businesses matter!

Precision Jewelers www.precisionjewelersllc.com/company/locations/

Q: What might be an ideal way to use a Hometown Dollars certificate with your business?

A: A chance to add a great healthy appetizer for your next favorite sports game, a gift for a loved one on Christmas, or even on a holiday like Thanksgiving or New Years Eve when family and friends get together!

Heritage Cycles www.heritagecycles.net/

Daily DENTAL & Bracesbar Tell us about your business, such as industry, location, etc.: We are a dentistry.

China Bell Restaurant and Event Center www.chinabellrestaurantcolum-

Q: Why did you sign up?

A: We love supporting our community!

Q: What might be an ideal way to use a Hometown Dollars certificate with your business?

A: Patients can use it for products, or gifts for friends/family!

grove-city-jewelry-store/ The Garden Bar www.thegardenbar.cafe Daily Dental and Bracebar https://bracesbar.com Farm Table on 62 https://thefarmtableon62.com/ Air Quality Solutions https://www.aqsohio.com/ Grove City Nutrition www.facebook.com/GroveCityNutrition/ Dannettes Floral Boutique www.dannettesfloralboutique.com/ Planks on Broadway https://grovecityohiobarandrestaurant.com/ Dragon Donut Shop https://dragondonutshop.com/ bus.com/ Zamarelli’s Pizza Palace www.zamarellispizzapalace.com/ Skylark Toys and Comics www.facebook.com/GroveCitysCoolestStore/ Meyers Jewelers www.meyersjewelers.com/ Lilly’s Kitchen Table https://lillyskitchentable.com/ CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020 | 19

20 | CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020 | 21

YOUR FAVORITE

PLACE TO PLAY! HOT NEW GAMES

Experience the thrill of winning on more than 2,400 of the newest, cutting-edge games!

EXPERIENCE THE SUITE LIFE

Relax at the Hampton Inn & Suites featuring 118 rooms, an indoor saltwater pool, event space and easy access to Eldorado Scioto Downs.

BEST FOOD. BEST BREWS.

Enjoy award-winning brews, mouthwatering burgers, wood-fired pizza, family-style service and so much more!

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-589-9966 for help.

6000 SOUTH HIGH STREET, COLUMBUS, OH 43207 SCIOTODOWNS.COM . (614) 295-4700 |

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION WINTER HOLIDAY EDITION 2020 | 23