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March 20, 2022 - GROVE CITY LIVING - PAGE 1
Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce To create a positive environment for the development and success of business
Business of the Year Of the many awards presented at the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting, only the Business of the Year award is chosen by popular vote from the community. Voters used an online ballot form where there could vote by naming their choice for Business of the Year and even provide their feedback and other positive comments. This year had a great voter turnout which produced votes for many different businesses. The top three finalists in order of finish were: Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Pinnacle Pets Play & Stay, and Beulah Park. Continue to reading to learn more about the top three and their unique roles in the Grove City community.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective: 1st Place
Voter comment: “Mid-Ohio Food Collective is a pillar in this community and continues to create positive change for all of our neighbors.” As another voter comment put it, MidOhio Food Collective (MOFC) is more than just a food pantry. Engaging entire communities, MOFC is in the unique position where they serve community members, but also rely heavily on other community members to provide their services effectively. Having been part of the Grove City community since 2009, MOFC utilizes all community outreach and engagement opportunities so they can best reach those who need served, and those who are in a position to serve. To date, more than 3,000 Grove City community members have volunteered over 75,000 hours! “Mid-Ohio Food Collective could not feed our hungry neighbors without the support of our devoted volunteers,” said Tim White of MOFC. MOFC was met with its greatest challenge yet as the pandemic settled in nearly two years ago in March 2020. With life, school, and jobs unstable more individuals and families sought the services of Mid-Ohio Food Collective than perhaps ever before. And, in the beginning it seemed that community could support community. “At the start of the pandemic, our local communities showed up in force to volunteer,” Tim said of volunteer support from late March to early April 2020. Stay-at-home orders then called for a change of plans as volunteers stayed home and Ohio National Guard members stepped in to fill those roles. But even from home, the support was still felt through kind social media posts, financial donations, and the eagerness to come back to volunteering. “They cheered us on and expressed their
gratitude for our work,” Tim said. “Once we were able to have volunteers back in the building, they worked alongside the troops to help us meet the increased need for food.” The National Guard members completed their service with MOFC in Summer 2021, but as food needs remained, and still remain, high so does the need for volunteers. Previously voted as a top volunteer experience, volunteers are making their way back but more help is always needed to fill the assorted volunteer shifts. Those interested can visit: mofc.org/get-involved to learn more. MOFC is honored to be a finalist for Business of the Year, and they are grateful for the outpouring support they have received and continue to receive from the GCACC, the City of Grove City, and the Grove City community. Because of this support, they could continue their mission of feeding those in need during one of the most critical points of MOFC’s existence. Because of the community’s support, they can lead the charge in serving others.
Pinnacle Pets Play & Stay: 2nd Place
Voter comment: “They offer great service and you can tell they have a passion for taking care of my dogs as if they were their own.” Some of our greatest companions in life have four legs and wet noses, and Pinnacle Pets is here to provide local and loving care for our canine companions. Built literally from the ground up, great attention to detail went into creating Pinnacle Pets so they could best serve their two-legged and four-legged clients. “We focus on a high level of customer attention,” said Steve Robinette of Pinnacle Pets. Services offered by Pinnacle Pets include boarding, daycare, grooming, and training. The grooming salon is certified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pinnacle Pets strives to exceed industry standards in all aspects of care. Grooming and training services can even occur during daycare or boarding services. “You can leave your dog with us while you are on vacation and have our certified trainer work with them on basic obedience or help address a specific behavior,” Steve explained of the services offered. Their customer base keeps them going, quite literally during the peak of the pandemic, through continued support and appreciation. In addition to the voter comment featured at the beginning, many shared lengthy stories about Pinnacle Pets’ outstanding service and even how their pups know where they’re going and are excited to get there. Pinnacle Pets enjoys being active in the
Grove City community, from doing business local to supporting local school programs and non-profits, and participating in events where they can engage with fellow pet lovers and dog owners. Pinnacle Pets works closely with Speak for the Unspoken Dog Rescue by providing kennel space and training discounts. Steve said they continue to explore ways to grow the business and serve the community. One opportunity or service is already up and running. Pinnacle Pets is now offering a Puppy Playcare service where puppies or younger dogs can gradually learn to handle, and enjoy, daycare and even grooming. “They learn important social skills that help them to move into larger playgroups,” Steve said. For new puppies and ‘pandemic pups’ who grew up only knowing life at home with their human(s), this could be a beneficial step for pups and ‘pup parents’ transitioning to a more pre-pandemic work and travel lifestyle. Pinnacle Pets is honored to be among the finalists for Business of the Year, recognizing that they are one business among hundreds. “We work with many local businesses and know the quality of the competition for this recognition,” Steve said. “We are humbled to be nominated.”
Beulah Park Living: Third Place
Voter comment: “The impact that Beulah Park Living will have on the Grove City Community is monumental.” Beulah Park has been considered a Grove City ‘staple’ for generations and while looks and specific purposes may change, Beulah Park Living is on a mission to be a ‘staple’ to the community for generations to come. “Beulah Park was a gathering place and a Grove City community point of pride for decades,” said Sarah Backiewicz, Beulah Park Director. As Beulah Park’s 99th year is marked, Beulah Park Living is proud to offer a “place, park and product” for all. With the Columbus Street Connector infrastructure project, Beulah Park Living residents (and their guests) are able to easily frequent businesses in Grove City’s Town Center creating positive economic impact and an overall spirit and sense of community and belonging. Other infrastructure projects will continue to advance community engagement and connection. The welcome feeling isn’t reserved just for those who live within Beulah Park–just as the Beulah Park of before was welcoming to all, Beulah Park Living aims for the same. Sarah said the feeling is alive, even if not always easy to put into words:
Photo by Jeffrey Tadlock Photography
Matt Habash, CEO of Mid-Ohio Food Collective, accepts the Business of the Year Award.
“We so often hear that there is a real — almost palpable, feeling at Beulah Park Living that is opening, welcoming, inclusive and available.” She attributes this feeling to the planning, location, history, and the people of Beulah Park and Beulah Park Living. Thoughtful planning, excellent people, a winning location and a priceless history have blended together for a community and sense of community worthy of Beulah Park’s winner’s circle. And while much has been accomplished with Beulah Park Living, much is still to come in 2022. Sarah shared many details still to come this year. A new Columbus Street archway and other infrastructure projects, including trails and roadways, are on the list. The Park at Beulah Park will finish Phase One and move along into Phase 2. More housing options, which leads to more residents, are on the way in addition to the availability of commercial and retail spaces. Commercial and retail tenants are being sought and announced as able. Beulah Park will celebrate 100 years in 2023, and celebration plans are underway. Community outreach and connection has been a goal for Beulah Park Living since the beginning, with joining the GCACC one of the first steps. Sarah said it was fitting to be a finalist for an award chosen by the community given the community support all along. “Being a finalist for Business of the Year is an honor and recognition that we share with all of you.”