The Wadsworth Area Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Rosie Awards Question Title * 1. Thank you for taking your time to vote in the 2015 Rosie Awards. Each nominee was asked to provide information that will help our Chamber members in the voting process. Please vote for only one nominee in each category.Voting is scheduled for Monday, March 30-April 7, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.1. BUSINESS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR(This person is a non-owner of the business and is not in a supervisory or management position.) Emily Canning-Dean, The Post Newspapers, Local Editor. I have strived to build positive relationships with many people in the community so that I am better able to stay up on current events and provide news to the community. I am honored to be considered for this award, considering all of the hardworking members of the Chamber who help to make Wadsworth such a great community. Josh Carey, Carey & Associates, Certified Public Accountant. I am a very driven individual who pushes for both business and personal growth on a daily basis, while still maintaining balance in my life. I have been and will continue to be an advocate for the growth and sustainability of small business and community. Mary Christ, Buehler’s, Community Relations. I am a true Wadsworth fan and have lived here for most of my life. I had a business here for years and have participated in the community in many ways throughout those years, from high school cheerleader to hosting the Bicentennial baking contest. I came to Buehler’s after a 36-year career in hair, and found my niche again in my second career. I have given a lot to the people of Wadsworth, both professionally and personally, and have a great life for it. Judy Powers, The O’Neill Group, Administrative Assistant to Vice-President. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful family and friends that love and support me in everything I do! I am grateful to have a job that includes working with so many good, talented people; and lastly; I love living in Wadsworth where people gather together and volunteer so many hours and work so hard to make Wadsworth a great place to live for each and every one of us! Question Title * 2. BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR(This person is a non-owner of the company and is in a supervisory or management position.) Joan Arrowsmith, Comfort Inn & Suites, Director of Sales. I first moved to Wadsworth in the fifth grade and after school, I explored and lived in both Tennessee and Florida where I began my career in the hospitality industry and met my husband of 22 years. When it was time to settle down and have a family, my husband and I decided that Wadsworth would be our home. What a great place to raise our family! Our older son is also a Wadsworth High School Alumni and another that will graduate from Wadsworth in 2018. I live, work, shop and have fun in this city!!! It is an honor to be nominated for this award. Laura Brocklehurst, SOPREMA, Human Resources Director. I have a true love for nonprofit organizations and enjoy volunteering to help. I have been involved with nonprofit agencies from a very young age with the direction of my mother. I am currently involved with the YMCA Board and Medina Creative Housing Board. I enjoy the efforts that improve the lives of our children - spiritually, emotionally and socially. I also enjoy volunteering for the Wadsworth Chamber Golf Outing. I have previously served on the Wadsworth Chamber Board and see the great value it brings to our community. Jan Croyle, Advanced Insurance Designs, Operations Manager. The Wadsworth community is very important to me; it has been my home for 28 years. I have worked in the Wadsworth City Schools and various other organizations in this community. My job at Advanced Insurance Designs helps to give me opportunities to continue to be a part of the growth of Wadsworth and its community. Barb Leatherman, Wadsworth FISH, Interim Director. Actually I’m a very simple person and I am very blessed. I believe in “Mankind”, kindness, compassion, hope. I have Faith in knowing that I am not the One in the driver’s seat, but am simply following the direction and path that He lays before me. Bev Long, Liberty Residence I & II, Marketing & Admissions Director. I strive to discover ways to provide better services to the residents and families and have implemented many changes that resulted in a growing census for both buildings. My motivation style is to treat everyone with respect and dignity and share a positive attitude. I am involved with the Blue Tip Committee, Wadsworth Older Adult Foundation Board and the Wadsworth Chamber Golf Outing Committee. John Madding, WCTV, Programming Manager. I love my job because I get to work with people in the community every day. I get to see the inner workings of a great city and a great school system, run by dedicated individuals who come together to make Wadsworth an outstanding community. As a public servant, I have a responsibility to this community to provide then a PEG center that they can be proud of. Travis Hoskins, Nagy’s Collision Centers, Manager of Wadsworth location. I am a hard-working, family-oriented and professionally-minded person who consistently invests in others. I believe in Nagy’s, their mission, vision and the way they run their businesses. I have family ties to Wadsworth and want to continue to become more involved in the Wadsworth community. I am thankful for the loyalty of our customers and realize our success is directly related to their satisfaction. Question Title * 3. WADSWORTH YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR (This person is a member of the Wadsworth Young Professionals) Alex McIlvaine, Warner McIlvaine Dentistry, Dentist. While I may still be early in my career and I know I will make mistakes, I am excited to work hand-in-hand with the amazing leaders in Wadsworth to continue to make it the best place to live, work and play. Michelle Reese, Day Ketterer, Attorney. I am so proud to be a Wadsworth resident, and honored to have been nominated for the Young Professional of the Year award. Through the Wadsworth Young Professionals, I have had a chance to become actively involved in our amazing community and to get to know the wonderful people who keep our community going strong. I look forward to the continuing opportunities to get involved and give back to our great city. Ben Walker, ComDoc, Account Manager. I am extremely thankful for this nomination. I never imagined that a job providing companies with office solutions would allow me to make such an impact on the community and the businesses within. I am excited to see what impact I can make for you and your business in 2015. Question Title * 4. BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR(This person demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit and is a person at-risk for the success of business or organization.) Steve Anshutz, Anshutz Movers. Anshutz Movers, family-owned and operated, has served the area for over 30 years, taking great pride in our services. For all of those years, we have supported our community by donating financially, participating in the Wadsworth Lions efforts to make our city even better and volunteering for our local nonprofit organizations. Dr. Brandon Bupp, Advanced Health & Wellness. Our growth and success are reflective and determined by our passion and purpose to help as many people as possible learn how to be healthy and achieve their optional health potential. I’ve been blessed to be able to find other people who have accepted and share in this purpose. Together, we have been successful in work towards this purpose, not only in our community, but also in other communities through expansion, as well. Dan and Ron Nagy, Nagy’s Collision Specialists. Dan and I are very humbled and blessed by this nomination and appreciate the opportunity to have businesses in Wadsworth and all of the opportunities this city, its businesses and citizens give us. We are radical believers that you MUST be involved in the community. We saw firsthand how Wadsworth truly supports those who support it. That is why we are members and involved in the Wadsworth Chamber, Blue Tip Festival, The Giving Doll, “Come Home for the Holidays,” etc., etc. Jeff Novak, Advanced Insurance Designs. As a young man in my 20’s, my brother and I took over the family business after our father became ill - rebuilding, restructuring and diversifying the business to maintain profitability. I am an honest person who enjoys working with the community and providing education to enhance overall understanding of insurance. Last but not least, I am a father of three and a husband who enjoys sports, traveling and family time. Patrick O’Neill, The O’Neill Group. First and foremost, my faith and relationship with God is the most important thing in my life. I have a wonderful family great wife and four children and now a granddaughter. I am grateful and value having my two sons, Pat and Luke, in business with me and it has given me a bigger “Why” to leave a lasting legacy in Wadsworth. I am fortunate to have great business associates who inspire and support me in our vision to make a difference in people’s lives. Ben Schrock, B.A. Schrock Financial. I am born and raised in Wadsworth Ohio, so when it came to deciding where I should start my business, I figured there was no better place than home. I am truly fortunate to be surrounded by a great staff and wonderful clients, all of whom make my life easier. Thank you for the nomination. Question Title * 5. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR(This business has taken steps to ensure their business is relevant for the future.) Barlett-Cook Flower Shoppe. All of us at Barlett-Cook Flowers are devoted to our customers and the Wadsworth community. The many years we’ve been in business are a true testament to the service we provide for our customers. We love Wadsworth! Bruce Manning, O.D., and Associates. I believe our entire staff truly cares about our patients and their ocular needs. I believe we are willing to do whatever it takes to care for the patient’s visual welfare. I also believe we are willing to re-invest back into the practice/business to better care for our patients’ ocular health and visual welfare. Campbell Construction Inc.. Campbell Construction is a full service Design-Build, Construction Management, Construction Services, and Facilities Maintenance company with offices in Wooster and Wadsworth, OH. We have been offering design, engineering, construction management, construction services and facilities maintenance since 1953. We offer a straightforward approach to implementing cost-effective solutions for construction projects and treat each project as if it were our own. Palitto Consulting Services. We continue to add resources to enable us to serve our existing customers and bring in new customers. We search for ways to help our clients use technology to make their life and/or business better - more efficient, more effective, simpler - whatever technology is available. We stay trained, current and focused on serving…it’s not about us…it’s about you. Question Title * 6. COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT OF THE YEAR(This business has completed a restoration, improvement or building project in the prior calendar year.) Palitto Consulting Services. At our new location in downtown Wadsworth, Palitto Consulting Services changed the front of our building; added windows and rear door; remodeled the entire interior and added computer repair to the downtown area. Our business exists to serve the small and mid-size businesses with professional services to support, expand and stabilize their business. We also believe our location change has added economic increase to the other downtown businesses. Comfort Inn & Suites. When the Ramada hotel was purchased in 2006, we bought the property knowing renovation was needed and we knew that we needed to do something special. This is not your normal Comfort Inn. We describe Comfort Inn & Suites, Wadsworth, as possibly the nicest Comfort Inn in the State of Ohio. Ruby Moon. We are by far not done with the improvements to this business. We have plans for more signage, painting, landscaping, lighting to be done this year to further improve the looks from the street. We are a work in progress. Question Title * 7. BUSINESS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR(This person consistently works towards the vision of Wadsworth area business development) Winston Byrd, Domino’s Pizza. I enjoy being involved in the business community and getting charged up seeing smart business folks succeed and grow their contributions to the community. I see inspiration all around, as most all things intrigue me. Jack Ollom, Downtown Wadsworth, Inc. It is my pleasure to be the Executive Director of Downtown Wadsworth. This position has allowed me to see business grow from our planned activities. These activities provide the community with an opportunity to see the fine qualities of our wonderful downtown. Michael Reynolds, The Post Newspapers. In 1986, as a newly-married man, I moved with my wife and family to Wadsworth. We were drawn to the incredible community involvement and pride, as well as the exemplary schools and neighborhoods. We, along with our adult children, continue to be involved in the community to this day. Question Title * 8. OUTSTANDING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR (This nonprofit organization has sustained growth and/or implemented new program(s) that benefit the community.) American Legion Post #170. We are very community-minded and help where it is needed. We help Veterans who are in need. We are very supportive of our safety forces. Downtown Wadsworth, Inc. Downtown Wadsworth, Inc., was a major component in the year-long 2014 Bicentennial. Downtown Wadsworth helped lead the way with an events committee. In collaboration with the Bicentennial Committee, we added depth to our annual events, as well as adding new events, including First Night, July 4th fireworks, Summer Breeze concerts, Easter Egg Hunt, Scare on the Square and the Candlelight Walk. Executive Director, Jack Ollom, served as two of the three co-chairs of the 2014 Executive Bicentennial Committee. We were also designated as the official photographer to capture the many memories of our 200th year celebration. Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities. MCBDD is the lifeline which connects individuals with disabilities to the resources in the community, everything from education to employment. The mission of the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to provide quality programs, services and supports that assist over 1100 individuals with developmental disabilities, from birth to death, to live, learn work and socialize in their communities The Medina County Board partners with the local businesses such as Buehler’s, The Galaxy, YMCA, Wendy's, Giant Eagle, Flambeau, and Westfield to not only assist those businesses with their labor needs, but to provide opportunities for people with disabilities in Wadsworth and Medina County to be contributing members of their community. Northeast Ohio Dance. Northeast Ohio Dance provides several performances each year in Wadsworth to promote the arts, our love of dance and boost self-confidence for our students. Our directors bring over 36 years of professional dance experience, including dancing and teaching around the USA and internationally. The Garage. Everyone who serves at The Garage is fully invested in making a positive impact on the young people in Wadsworth. We not only invest our time and energy, but we also invest our hearts. We are committed to building life-long friendships with the teens we serve, and teach them about the life-long relationship they can have with Christ. Wadsworth Community Television. Few communities can boast about having their own television station, but the City of Wadsworth can. Wadsworth Community Television is a PEG access, three-channel television studio, owned and operated by The City of Wadsworth. Under the guidance of WCTV's staff, Wadsworth community members produce nearly 2000 programs a year using our camcorders, tripods, microphones and editing systems - all provided with training and free of charge. Wadsworth Lions. The Lions of Wadsworth is a group of Wadsworth area residents from varied walks of life, dedicated to serving the community. Our mission is to support the citizens of the Wadsworth community through our service and financial resources. Wadsworth Salvation Army. Our Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based in the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Question Title * 9. OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR(This business has sustained growth and has made significant contributions to the community.) Accel Group. Accel Group is a leading manufacturer of retail store fixtures and medium to high volume point of purchase (POP) displays for both national retailers and brand marketers. Accel Group accelerates the retail efforts of our clients by manufacturing durable, high-quality wood, plastic laminate, and metal products that showcase their merchandise in innovative, eye-catching new ways. We highly value our employees and strive to manufacture the highest quality products, purchasing as many raw materials locally as possible. We provide a beautiful work environment in addition to a safe plant layout. FirstMerit, Downtown Wadsworth. FirstMerit (Old Phoenix) came to Wadsworth in 1974. For 40 years, we have been driven to be involved in the community and to improve the way of life in Wadsworth. We are dedicated to businesses and consumers to meet and sustain their financial goals and dreams. Panchur Chiropractic Wellness Centre. Panchur Chiropractic Wellness Centre is honored to be nominated for this award. As a health-care based business, we may not have hard numbers or “products”, but our most important “product” is the person or patient we have helped. If we have made a difference for one person, then our mission is accomplished. We are proud of our office and thoroughly enjoy taking care of our patients and our community. Wadsworth Veterinary Clinic. The Wadsworth Veterinary Hospital was the first veterinary clinic in Wadsworth, and has been an important part of the history of this beautiful community for the past 60 years. We are truly flattered that our little facility has been nominated for this award, and our selection as a possible recipient is testimony that we are providing quality services and medicine for our clients. Thank you for this opportunity! Done