Upcoming Chamber Events
- YP Lunch with a Leader: Mayor Ben Stahler 03/29/2023Learn More
- First Thursday Coffee: NEW LOCATION! Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop 04/06/2023Learn More
- YP Casual Lunch: The Flying Pepper 04/14/2023Learn More
Member of the Month Spotlight
The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters
October 2022
What started as a hobby with eBay sales, soon became a full-time brick-and-mortar. The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters
is now a must-stop shop in Logan County. The Depot features gifts, novelty, and boutique items. Also located inside
The Depot is Indian Lake Outfitters, which offers outdoor gear and equipment.
"Some customers joke that we have everything inside our little space and if you can't find it here,
then you probably don't need it anyways," said owner Brenda Moots.
After testing its model at a local flea market, Indian Lake Outfitters took the leap and located to Downtown Lakeview in
2012. Soon enough, The Depot emerged as a second business in 2014. The town was quiet and many of the storefronts were empty.
It was a goal to bring more excitement to the town.
"When people say it takes a village, they're not kidding. We've been surrounded by so many folks that have encouraged us,
educated us, taught us lessons, pulled us through, pushed us along, and loved us," Brenda said.
Owner Brenda Moots has always lived in Logan County and her family has had several other business ventures in the Indian
Lake area over the last 60 years. The Depot started at its location on East Lake Street in downtown Lakeview by default to fill
an empty storefront. After two previous locations for Indian Lake Outfitters, it found its permanent location inside the Depot in 2016.
The Depot offers space for local vendors, makers, and hobbyists to sell their wares without the
added overhead expenses or
staffing. Vendors can pay a minimal monthly booth rent and stock their space inside The Depot.
"After receiving so many amazing support emails and information on how to work through the unknowns and still exist during the
pandemic, we rejoined the Chamber in April of 2020," said Brenda.
If you have not had a chance to check out The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters in Downtown Lakeview, it is a must-stop. The Depot
even features a "Tiny Museum" full of Indian Lake history and memorabilia for the public to enjoy for free. The building where the storefront
is currently located was once home to Uncle Ben's 5 and 10, where The Depot still uses the original shelving.
The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters are always hiring and accepting applications for smiling faces and bubbly personalities.
They are located at 115 E. Lake St, Lakeview. Check out their website www.thedepotlakeviewohio.com and www.indianlakeoutfitters.com.
Congratulations to The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters on being named the October 2022 Business of the Month.
2021 Stars In Business Award Winners
Todd McCormick - Max Evans Tourism Award Winner
This award is presented annually by the Chamber and Visitors Bureau Council to a person who exhibits hospitality to visitors and tourists in our community and for tirelessly working to promote Logan County attractions.
Todd McCormick is the Curator/Director of the Logan County Historical Society/Logan County History Center. He has held this position since 1998. Since becoming curator/director at LCHS, Todd has overseen the historic renovation of the 1906 Orr Mansion and helped with the creation of the Logan County Transportation Museum. Todd served as President of the Ohio Local History Alliance in 2017 & 2018 and has presented numerous sessions at OLHA regional and annual meetings. He has served on the Logan County Visitors Bureau Council since 1998 and has a B.A. in History from BGSU & a M.A. in Public History from Wright State.
Community Health & Wellness Partners - Non-Profit of the Year Award Winner
The Non-Profit of the Year award is given to an agency that shows dedication to improving lives and strengthening our community.
Community Health & Wellness Partners came to life through the vision of 17 caring individuals within the community in June 2012. The vision for the organization was to support citizens in Logan and surrounding counties with affordable healthcare, serving anyone and everyone without economic or social barriers.
Community Health & Wellness Partners offers a full range of medical care services at three locations: Bellefontaine, West Liberty and Russells Point. They are the first to open a local school-based health center located at West Liberty-Salem Local Schools. Another location in Urbana is expected to open in the summer of 2022. CHWP also purchased a mobile unit that will deliver health care services throughout the community in the future.
Jessica Simmons - Young Professional of the Year Award Winner
The Young Professional of the Year Award is given to an applicant who has devoted time to improving the quality of life of others through civic and community service and is actively developing leadership skills and demonstrating growth towards future goals.
Jessica is a 1999 graduate of Bellefontaine High School and a two-time graduate of The Ohio State University. She recently celebrated her 10th year with Ameriprise, earning the title of Vice President, and also has her Certified Financial Planner designation and credentials as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.
Community involvement is a high priority for Jessica. She is involved with Rotary, Discovery Riders & Windmill Productions, the Community Improvement Corporation loan committee, the Young Professionals steering committee, the United Way Million Dollar Roundtable committee, and United Way Women United, to name a few.
Four Acre Clothing Co. - Emerging Business of the Year Award Winner
The Emerging Business of the Year Award is presented to a business who exemplifies a unique business idea, marketing approach or management style that have contributed to its growth and success.
The Four Acre Clothing Co. had always been a dream for Rodney and Andrea Wrocklage but finally came to fruition on December 8th, 2017. With help from their friends and team at Hi-Point Graphics, Rodney & Andrea created a brand that is built around quality and comfort.
Their journey began in the backroom at Peachtree and continued on to makers markets all cross Ohio. Their first debut was at the Dalton Union Winery on June 30, 2018 and then they secured their home at 102 South Main Street on February 22, 2019, plus 10 other wholesale locations. The Four Acre Clothing Co. continues to be a fan favorite in the local community as well as at markets and festivals all over the state of Ohio.
Thompson, Dunlap & Heydinger - Small Business of the Year Award Winner
The Small Business of the Year Award is presented to an independently owned Logan County business that is financially strong and profitable and has shown a history of growth.
Over the past 55 years, Thompson, Dunlap & Heydinger has grown from 3 lawyers into west central Ohio’s preeminent law firm with 5 offices and more than 30 team members. TDH has constantly provided outstanding service to its clients with a commitment to community service. TDH has volunteered their time and talents to countless community causes, like coaching youth sports and leadership on various boards and campaigns and uses the slogan: Local lawyers. Local leaders. This is evident that they have fully embraced the concept of “you get back what you give.”
Erwin Insurance - Integrity in Business Award Winner
The Integrity in Business Award is presented to a business that is recognized for providing quality service with honesty and probity to the Logan County Community.
Erwin Insurance Agency was established in 1960 by the late Bob Erwin. His strong work ethic and the trust and loyalty of friends and clients led him to achieve the distinction of being the top
Nationwide agent in the United States in 1977 and 1978. Son Jeff Erwin joined the agency in 1983, and daughter Linda Erwin-Hutchins followed in 1988. After Bob retired in 1997, Jeff and Linda assumed operation of the Erwin Insurance Agency. Bob’s legacy of being genuine, honest, and always doing the right thing lives on in the agency he established over 60 years ago and in the ones who operate it today. Their clients’ needs and their goal to provide exceptional service are what guide them every day. Bob’s daughter Cheryl Erwin joined the agency in 2003 and Tisha Young joined in 2011. They are proud to support and live in the community they work in and look forward to serving Logan Co. and beyond for many years to come.
Randy Marker, CEO of Marker Inc. - Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is given to an individual who has made a significant investment and impact on Economic Development in Logan County. The award winner exhibits an innovative spirit and willingness to take risks to provide products, services and employment opportunities for our community.
Randy studied engineering at The Ohio State University & earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Texas Tech. in 1984, he joined his brother-in-law, Pat Ellis, in the family construction business. Under Randy’s leadership and vision, Marker has grown to become one of the largest construction firms in Central Ohio, and now includes their affiliate, Marker Development.
Randy is known at Marker for being a visionary
leader – for always pushing the company and its associates to think differently, grow their talents, and challenge themselves. Randy credits their client, community, and associate-centered culture with attracting and retaining their high-performing staff of 150 associates. Though the organization is 65 years old, it still feels like a startup in many ways because Randy is always dreaming about the next thing that will help the organization grow and differentiate themselves from others. Randy is an entrepreneur at heart and has contributed so much to Logan County and to his organization.
Rick Hatcher - The Richard J. Rupp Leadership Award Winner
The Richard J. Rupp Leadership Award is given to an individual who has made a significant impact in Logan County with his/her outstanding leadership skills. In addition, they are recognized for their commitment, vision and dedication to our community.
Rick certainly has cared for and invested much into Logan County beyond his standard work hours. He has volunteered and served in countless capacities over the years including: the Mary Rutan Hospital Board and Mary Rutan Health Association Board (2009-present), BHS Athletic Boosters and BHS Hall of Fame Committee (1992-present), St. Patrick’s Church Building & Grounds Board (2008-present), Logan County Land Bank (2016-present), YMCA Board, Logan County Chamber Board, the Milroy Foundation, and continual service as a volunteer baseball and softball coach for 25+ years.
Because of Rick’s natural affinity to selflessly care for his family and invest in people, his positive impact on Logan County is hard to quantify. Much of Rick’s work has taken place quietly behind the scenes as he never looks for credit or praise. One thing is certain, his family, business, and community legacy are profound as he has touched the lives of athletes, families, and countless residents in Logan County with his leadership and community focus.