Logan County Chamber of Commerce News - Logan County Chamber of Commerce

Hi Point Graphics

6/2/2023

In 2013, Rodney Wrocklage was on the search for quality screen printed apparel for his business. Unable to find exactly what he was looking for, due to either quality or accessibility issues – he took matters into his own hands. After a small investment and some trial and error, Rodney started doing his own screen printing. Soon, he was selling more screen printed t-shirts than the products he originally embarked on this adventure for. This was the creation of Hi-Point Graphics. A couple years later in 2015, Rodney’s future wife Andrea joined the business and he says “things only went up from there!” Hi-Point Graphics became the first printer locally to offer an online ordering platform. Soon after, they purchased their first automated press and continued to bring in supporting processes to increase in-house offerings. Hi-Point Graphics members received a Graphics Pro 2021 professional certification and recently received a People’s Choice Award for Screen Printing at a Spring Expo.

A New Leaf Florist - May Business of the Month

5/3/2023

New Leaf Florist Gifts

A New Leaf Florist began 25 years ago when coworkers Jennifer Miller and Scott Green dreamed of opening their own flower shop. One day, Jennifer stopped at a flower shop in Sidney that she frequently visited. There happened to be a closed sign on the door, announcing an auction for that weekend. Jennifer immediately called the owner and shared with them how she wanted to open her own place – which led to her buying all the contents and a way to start her dream. The trouble now was finding a place to go… Jennifer had many realtors helping her look for a place to open her new shop and she was thankful when Dava Royer found something. The old Jamison’s Drug Store was “the perfect location,” located in the heart of downtown Bellefontaine at 111 North Main Street. Jennifer and Scott were finally able to turn their discussions of “turning over a new leaf” and A New Leaf Florist was opened.

A New Leaf Florist provides gifts and flowers for all occasions. They carry extensive lines of jewelry, body care, unique home décor and gifts. They also provide the area’s largest selection of memorial tributes. It is very important for Jennifer and her team to go the extra mile for their customers, especially when it comes to funeral work. Their funeral work takes priority (and is top notch), as they know this is a last tribute to a loved one and they believe in doing the very best to represent each and every one. The team listens intently to what their customers specifically ask for – whether it be a favorite sports team, a special hobby or job or something they really love – and makes sure their work perfectly represents each loved one. This is especially important in our local, close-knit community because this loved one could have been a friend, a customer or even a fellow business person.

A New Leaf Florist Roses

In addition to Jennifer (owner & designer) and Scott (main designer), there are a few other team members. Skip Wiford helps in the office and with delivery and is known as a “Jack of all trades.” Tony Ganson, Vaughn Arthur and Bobby Morrison are the delivery drivers. Jennifer shares that delivery drivers are usually always needed, and it is a rewarding job because you can easily put a smile on someone’s face. A New Leaf Florist has been proud to be a part of the growing Downtown over the past 25 years! In the beginning, long time business owner Freda Taylor shared with Jennifer some advice on how to be successful – which was “no business will make it if you (the owner) are not present.” She added, “no one will run your business like yourself.” Freda visited A New Leaf Florist 10 years later and happily congratulated them with a goal of “now try for 20!” A New Leaf has been voted “#1 Florist & Gift Shop” by Best of LoCo and celebrated their 25-year anniversary last month! Jennifer shares that her husband and whole family have been a huge help throughout this journey! To contact the A New Leaf team, you can call (937) 592-5333. To stay up to date on information, you can follow them on Facebook or their website.

A New Leaf Florist staff

Please join us in congratulating A New Leaf Florist on being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce May 2023 Business of the Month! Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 14 so make sure to check out A New Leaf Florist if you’re still looking for that special gift.

West Ohio Tool Company - April Business of the month

4/13/2023

West Ohio Tool Co. is a small family run business doing big things in Logan County! Starting as a tool sharpening business, Kerry and Kim Buchenroth began "Buck's Sharpening" out of their garage in 1989. With expanding services and customers, the business eventually outgrew the garage, a remodeled chicken coop/storage building and a steel building that was built on their property. By 2000, the Buchenroths moved to a new building at the Indian Lake Industrial Park and became known as what it is today: West Ohio Tool Co.

In 2019, Kerry had some health challenges, so Kaci (Kim & Kerry's daughter) and her husband, Rea stepped in to manage the company. Kaci had more than two decades of hands on experience. Kerry stayed on as a trusted advisor but unfortunately passed in 2021. Kerry’s vision combined with he and Kim’s work ethic, problem solving, customer service and dedication that built West Ohio Tool Co. lives on more than 30 years after clearing the initial space in their garage. Today, they are not only family owned still, but also 100% woman owned since Kim and Kaci are the current owners. Recently, West Ohio Tool was recognized as the cover story of womLEAD magazine and have certifications pending for WBENC, WOSB (Women Owned on the federal level) and Small Business.

Calvary Christian School

2/1/2023

Calvary Christian School (CCS) opened in the fall of 1979 under the leadership of Calvary Baptist Church Pastor Earl Decker and School Administrator Larry McFadden. The school began with 25 students across kindergarten through 4th grade, and a staff of three full-time and three part-time teachers. Over the first 30 years, CCS’s average enrollment was between 100 and 200 students, and expanded the grades served through 8th grade. Since the beginning, CCS has operated out of Calvary Baptist Church and benefited greatly from the kindness of the church - including having operating deficits covered by the church budget. As enrollment gradually grew, School Administrator John Taylor crafted a vision to expand into high school education to provide a full primary education experience for students. Through Administrator Paul Green and current Administrator Ryan Hyde, the school has experienced sustained enrollment growth and now forecasts a significant opportunity to increase enrollment in future years. Growth has been especially robust under the leadership of Mr. Hyde, who has guided the school through accreditation with the Ohio Department of Education (2021), managed the Covid crisis and brought the Ohio High School Athletic Association to the sports program (2022). By the 2021 school year, it became evident that Calvary Christian School had outgrown the facility capacity at Calvary Baptist Church. Enrollment had grown to 336 students, with trends showing more future growth! In partnership with Calvary Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Willetts, their Board and the Administration and Board at CCS, the decision was made to empower CCS to develop a new, state-of -the-art education complex. Calvary Baptist Church graciously gifted 40 acres of land plus some expenses for the CCS development, where their new building on County Road 9 is located. The story of CCS is that of a school that has steadily grown over decades, building a strong culture and differentiated education experience, and now is maturing into a robust institution that delivers a top-tier academic, athletic and social experience for families and students in Logan and surrounding counties.

Mad River Mountain

1/1/2023

This year, Mad River Mountain is turning 60! Where "every day is a snow day," they are using this big birthday to bring the fun back to Mad River Mountain! You'll be able to attend new events like listening to live music, First Tracks for pass holders (exclusive 1-hour early access to the slopes), free s'mores (every Sunday in January and February from 1-2pm) and the launch of the newly rebranded bubly Tubing Park!

Originally named Valley High, this farmland area was transformed into one of Ohio's first and largest ski hills by a visionary named Ralph Shoots. At the time, Mr. Shoots was inspired by the state of Michigan, who boosted 94 ski areas - while Ohio had zero! In 1975, Mr. Shoots retired and Valley High was sold to Charles P. Conrad and renamed Mad River Mountain. Today, it is the largest ski hill in Ohio and is now owned by Vail Resorts. With an Epic Pass, you can ski both locally and/or take a trip to one of Vail's many destination resorts!

THE DEPOT AND INDIAN LAKE OUTFITTERS

10/1/2022

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.

Indian Lake State Park

9/1/2022

What started as a cluster of natural lakes on the Great Miami River is now one of the most visited places in the county, Indian Lake State Park. Early history shows that Native Americans lived and hunted in this region due to the close proximity to the Great Miami River.

Indian Lake later became a popular resort and became known as the "Midwest's Million Dollar Playground". Indian Lake State park is 800 acres and features so much for visitors to do. Indian Lake State Park features seven miles of hiking trails, boating and swimming, and several shaded areas for picnicking. There are two public beaches at the park, Old Field Beach and Fox Island, which provide 1,400 feet of access to the lake.

With over 450 campsites, Indian Lake State Park is most known for its camping. They have a campground with 486 spots that vary from non-electric, electric, boat sites, and full hookup options. The campground is full of activities for its visitors with multiple play areas including a new all-inclusive playground, a pool, and even a store that sells hand-dipped ice cream. The State Park is not just a summer destination; guests can visit in the winter and enjoy snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating.

Another reason Indian Lake State Park is a popular destination is its annual Fall Festival. This annual event is held in September and features over 130 vendors at the campground with arts and crafts, food, and camping supplies. This event attracts thousands of visitors from all over the state. The 2022 Fall Festival will be held September 23rd-25th. The State Park also features other events throughout the year including a Halloween campout that is always a sell-out. This event takes place the second and third weekends in October and offers site decorating contests, trick or treat, and many more fun activities throughout the weekend. Whether you are looking for a fun getaway, a craft show, or even ice cream, Indian Lake State Park truly offers it all. For more information about the State Park visit ohiodnr.gov.

Ohio Caverns

8/1/2022

Who would have thought that finding a sinkhole in a field would turn into one of Ohio's top tourist destinations? Celebrating a 125-year anniversary on August 17, that is exactly what Ohio Caverns has become and if you haven't visited "America's Most Colorful Caverns," located at 2210 State Route 245 E. in West Liberty, then you are missing out!

In August of 1897, a farm boy was investigating the disappearance of water into a sinkhole in a field and discovered a grouping of underground passageways. After digging down a few feet, he uncovered an opening to a cave that was formed out of soluble limestone bedrock. This cave, currently estimated to be approximately 400 million years old, likely started forming during the Ice Age. Ground water dripping through the cave's ceiling formed stalactites, stalagmites and a mineral coating all over the cavern's walls, floors and ceiling. Not long after discovery, the Caverns opened for business. In 1925, a more geologically interesting section of the cave was uncovered, and the original opening was closed. Today, the Natural Wonder Cavern Tour is done through this section and showcases a more colorful scenery and higher density of stalactite and stalagmite formations. Guests follow a winding path overlooking the beautiful valley and enter through a sinkhole entrance opened in 2012.

Since this time, Ohio Caverns has attracted visitors from all over the state, country and world. It is home to Ohio's largest known cave systems, with over 2 miles of passageways and depth ranging from 30 to 103 feet. Inside, amongst a wide array of formations and features that come in all different colors - ranging from blue to orange to reddish black, is the Crystal King. The Crystal King is the most famous formation in the Caverns and one of the largest and most perfectly formed stalactites in history - at almost 5 feet long, 400 pounds and over 200,000 years old!

MS United

7/1/2022

MS United LLC is a small, family-owned company doing BIG things in Logan County. Currently, a team of five - Eric and Logan Brumbaugh, Mark and Rachel Brumbaugh and Jeff Dysert - MS United has been able to use their talents to help fill some of the gap of the housing need in our community.

Logan County Chamber President, Ben Vollrath, shares that "the Brumbaugh family is quietly doing some of the most important work in Logan County. Their team has built more homes in our community over the past three years than any other builder. With housing in very short supply, they are truly moving the needle on this critical issue." Not only are they improving the housing stock, but they are doing it in a forward-thinking way. The homes they build are constructed with maintenance free materials and with energy efficiency in mind. The energy efficiency lowers ownership costs, and the low maintenance quality build includes no steps and easy accessibility.

"Go into a business that you love to do, so you enjoy your everyday life" - that’s the advice that MS United would give entrepreneurs just starting a business. With 30 years of experience in residential construction, it seems that they have found their niche by doing just that - what they love. MS United saw a need and came up with ideas to improve it. "I've been fortunate to be involved in selling 37 new homes for MS United. They have mastered providing quality new housing in the Bellefontaine area, while still maintaining an affordable price for the new homeowner. Mark & Rachel's drive, planning, and ‘forward thinking' mindsets define the modern-day entrepreneur," shares Jeremy Hankins, Broker & Co-Owner of Bell Hankins Realty Group LLC. Along with Jeremy and Bell Hankins Realty Group, other businesses and community members who have helped MS United along the way include the City of Bellefontaine, Tim Notestine, LeVan’s Excavating, Clarridge Engineering, Watkins Electric and Hess Lumber. It takes a village to do big things, but that is not stopping MS United. The Chamber is proud to have MS United as a member and so thankful for the work they are doing in improving the housing supply around the county.

Link Construction

6/1/2022

"You will never know unless you try." That is the advice that three friends who started a business out of a basement would give entrepreneurs. We are glad that they followed their own advice because Link Construction has been a wonderful asset to Logan County and the surrounding areas. In 1997, Dave Link, Rich Dyer and Reno Stapleton got together and decided to create an industrial and commercial general contracting business out of Dave’s basement. They also completed their first project that year, at People's Savings and Loan in Urbana. Three years later, they purchased their property at 895 County Road 32 N., Bellefontaine and converted the existing farmhouse into their office space. This is still where they call "home" and have also added a 6000 square foot fabrication shop, where most of their steel is welded, pre-cut and fabricated.

Link (President), Stapleton (Vice President) and Dyer (Senior Superintendent) continue to lead the company with the motto "Good people doing good work." When asked what they wanted people to know most about Link Construction, the answer was simple: "We just love to build buildings." With the help of many local suppliers, banks and insurance companies along the way, it is no surprise that now twenty-five years in - Link Construction is one of the area's leading industrial and commercial general contractors. Link is very grateful for the many businesses that have given them the opportunity to work and build for them. One of the most important things they have learned over the years is that to be successful, customers must come first. They are dedicated to listening to the needs and wants of their clients and strive to develop working relationships with the people they build buildings for. Their honesty, integrity and commitment are what sets them apart. Ben Vollrath, Logan County Chamber of Commerce President, states "Link Construction is a key player in the ongoing development of Logan County. Between their commercial construction activity and creation of a prime industrial park on County Road 32, the Link team is always on the lookout for ways to move our community forward." A twenty year member of the Chamber, Link Construction recognizes the benefits of membership because networking connects local businesses to each other in unique ways.