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The Business Connection VOLUME 28 • ISSUE 7 • SEPTEMBER • 2020

staff of the Jackson Belden and Canton Regional Chambers of Commerce, includes forming countless business relationships over the past 15+ years. More importantly, I have formed many great and lasting friendships, as well.

Your membership in the Chamber shows your colleagues in the community that you A Message are committed to growing your business from the and supporting the entire business IN THIS ISSUE President community in our area. That is our focus at the Chamber. Working together, we Debbie can strengthen our community and make Features Busby a lasting contribution to the present and future business climate.

President’s Message ...... 1 As the mother of three professional Farewell to Mel ...... 2 adult sons, Clayton, Conner, and Carter, I repeatedly encourage and invite them City Street Gallery ...... 3 I am honored and humbled to have to volunteer in various community events. Membership Monday ...... 3 been given the opportunity to help lead Engaging our young professionals is vital the Massillon West Stark Chamber of to the success of a community. It is Meet Debbie Busby ...... 4 Commerce. I am committed to continuing important for the community to have the legacy of those who came before me people from all generations at the table— Aqua Ohio Project ...... 5 and those who have participated in making the expertise and tradition from the The Great Courses ...... 5 this Chamber the great organization it “seasoned” worker and the fresh is today. innovative ideas and energy from the City Construction Projects ...... 7 young professionals. I joined the Massillon Chamber of Commerce in the early 2000s to make We are part of a great community. We are Monthly Information a difference in my community, when my part of a great Chamber of Commerce and husband Barry and I owned The Irish Pub we must each play a role in growing and Business Briefs ...... 6, 7 & Grill. I look forward to this new role with improving our community.

the same intention. Membership ...... 4 I am looking forward to meeting as many The Chamber of Commerce does much of you as I can and getting events back Mission Statement ...... 8 more than just promote and protect the on the calendar. Please do not hesitate to Board of Directors ...... 8 interests of the business community. reach out to me if I can be of any help at My own experiences as a member of the all. Working together, we can continue to Massillon Chamber and as part of the make Massillon stronger and more vibrant.

A. A. HammersmithINSURANCE INC. since 1874

COMMERCIAL PERSONAL HOSPITALIZATION LIFE 210 Erie St. N. 832-7411 Farewell to Mel

Mel left his office in 2005, but he was back Mel loves Massillon. He has dedicated his in early 2019, first as interim president, and life to improving the community to enable from May 2019 until September 2020, as families to grow, prosper, and succeed. president again. —State Representative Scott Oelslager “I’m thankful to our members, the There are very few people who care as Chamber and MDF boards, the staff, much as Mel does about the success of and the community. It was all teamwork,” Massillon and western Stark. His efforts Mel said. A sixth-generation Massillonian, making this a great place to live, work and he said, “The community has been very play have been nothing short of tireless. good to me.” And he’s been very good —Nancy Gessner to the community. Mel is a true Massillonian, he bleeds Black The Chamber has benefited from Mel’s and Orange. He truly cares for everyone in immeasurable talent for remembering our community and is great to work with. everyone he meets and making each one It was my pleasure as Board President to of them feel like a friend. His skill at putting interact with Mel and I am very grateful for the right people together for a Chamber or that time. —David Waikem community project has forged friendships and progress. His memory of Chamber Mel Herncane has been a staple in and Massillon history is phenomenal. Massillon for generations. He has been a tremendous influence on me both It’s easy to picture Mel speaking to a professionally and personally during group. He’s presided over classrooms, my time on the Chamber board and City Council, Chamber events, meetings, committees, and for that, I’ll be forever and community events—always with his grateful. His ability to personally connect signature sense of deadpan understatement. with people from any generation is truly When asked what he plans to do when he remarkable and really, in many ways As we say farewell to Mel—again—it’s retires, he said, “I’m leaving the office at embodies what the Massillon WestStark an opportune time to reflect on his iconic 2:00. I’ll go and mow the lawn.” Chamber is all about. The Chamber influence within the Massillon WestStark connects people from all walks of life Thank you, Mel Herncane, for your years Chamber of Commerce and the community. and all generations together to support our of dedication to the Massillon WestStark community through our local businesses. I In the midst of his 30-year teaching career, Chamber of Commerce, the Massillon wish Mel nothing but health and happiness Mel Herncane presided over Massillon Development , and the entire in his retirement. His legacy will continue City Council (1972 through 1982). During community. that tenure, he considers one of the biggest to be felt far beyond his working days. experiences of his life to be the construction Here’s what some of Mel’s colleagues —Garrett Kloots had to say: of the new municipal government center, Mel has been a good friend and a mentor which he credits to the foresight of to me and many others. He is always councilmen Dick Bordner and Tom With Mel’s decision to retire, we are losing a great leader and wealth of Massillon available to provide support and guidance Kimmins. Mel was also instrumental in to benefit the community. —Gary Feagles the initial development of Duncan Plaza. knowledge and experience. He will be greatly missed. Sue and Jane were with Mel was one of the first people I met He counts co-chairing Massillon’s yearlong us in good and bad times. They trained 11 when I arrived in Massillon seven years 175th anniversary celebration and his work directors and countless board presidents. ago. I can still remember him coming on the rededication of the Tremont viaduct Wishing them well in the next chapter of into the office introducing himself and as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Viaduct— their lives. They will be greatly missed. volunteering his time to introduce me to along with the plaques honoring Massillon’s Thank you all for your support and other leaders in the community. Within 19 Vietnam casualties among his friendship. —Jacquie Knight two weeks he had taken me around and significant community contributions. On behalf of the staff and board of the introduced me to eight or 10 business and Mel’s connection to the Chamber reaches Massillon Museum, I wish Mel a full and community leaders and showed me the back 105 years to two great-uncles, who happy retirement. We appreciate all the area. Our friendship continued through were among the organization’s founders. support he has offered over the years the Chamber, the Boys and Girls Club, His own tenure officially began in 2000, in both his terms as president of the Rotary, and Massillon Development when he became president of both the Chamber and his enthusiasm for Foundation. Mel was always there when Chamber and Massillon Development collaboration. Once he has settled I had a question or needed some advice. Foundation. On the MDF side, we was into his new role as a retiree, we fully I wish Mel a very happy and healthy especially proud to be part of two projects: expect to see him hosting brainstorming well-deserved retirement. —Keith Nutter a 14-acre land sale last year that attracted sessions and committee meetings for Mel and I met when I was clerk of City capital investment and created jobs, and a one of his groups in our café space! Council and he was president. I’ve valued partnership with the Stark Board of Trade —Alexandra Nicholis Coon his faithful friendship, his love of Massillon, to develop the County Farm. and his calm and insightful collaboration for five decades as we’ve worked together in service to the Chamber and the community. —Margy Vogt

MASSILLON WESTSTARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • THE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 2 Noted Massillonians Are Now Showcased on City Hall Street The plaques that lined Diamond Court for the past quarter century have been refreshed and relocated to City Hall Street, on the west side of the Massillon City administrative . There will be a total of 48 plaques commemorating the contributions of Massillonians—founders, inventors, educators, entrepreneurs, entertainers, military heroes, and more. Initiated and funded by Massillon Main Street in the mid-1990s, the plaques, designed and written by Margy Vogt, contain images from the Massillon Museum’s collection. The new versions, produced with newer and more advanced Neal Hodgkiss of Massillon Plaque Company was instrumental on the original “Gallery in the materials from Massillon Plaque Company Alley” as well as the new and improved replication on City Hall Street. and edited by Mandy Altimus Stahl, are a project of the City of Massillon. Membership Monday The new display will be featured in three of the exercise/history tours sponsored Any member can be part of “Membership Monday” on the Chamber’s Facebook by the Massillon Rotary Foundation and page. It’s a terrific free opportunity to promote your business. Simply send the Massillon Main Street. It is located across following material to the Chamber office (massillonohchamber.com): the street from the Museum’s arts garden. • Describe your business Together, they will create an intriguing • Explain how the Massillon WestStark Chamber has helped you off-the-beaten-path link between Lincoln or why you are a member Way and Duncan Plaza. • Provide an interesting conversation starter about yourself or your business • Send a photograph representing your business Fifteen additional refabricated plaques commemorating historic local events and Then visit the Facebook page frequently to keep up on Chamber news. And please locations will soon be sprinkled about remember to follow, share, like, and comment. town for pedestrians to discover. The more you engage with your Chamber, the more benefit and enjoyment you’ll gain from your membership.

3 • THE BUSINESS CONNECTION • MASSILLON WESTSTARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Membership Renewals The Chamber thanks its members who renewed their commitments between July 16 and August 15. Please support fellow Chamber members as you conduct business.

Charlie Brown’s Catering...... 19 Greg Endres ...... 3 First Communications ...... 29 Hall, Kistler & Company, LLP ...... 25 Hammontree & Associates, Ltd...... 25 The Inn at University Village ...... 11 John Patrick Picard Architect, Inc...... 5 Want to Know More about Lattavo Companies ...... 6 Our New Chamber President? Magnetech Industrial Services...... 28 A graduate of Central Catholic High Massillon Heritage Foundation ...... 29 School, Debbie earned a communications degree from Bowling Green State Mel Wacker Signs ...... 41 University. Polymer Packaging, Inc...... 14 Debbie has been married to Barry since Progressive Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Inc. . 20 1985. They have three adult sons. Refuge of Hope Ministries ...... 1 Debbie and Barry owned The Irish Pub Roseman Construction, LLC ...... 23 & Grille from 1998 to 2017. Schumacher Development ...... 1 During that time, Debbie was active Silver Leaf Contracting ...... 2 in Massillon WestStark Chamber committees and events. 136 Dance Center ...... 4 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3124 ...... 15 She was a sales executive for the Jackson Belden Chamber of Commerce from 2014 to 2016. Debbie was the director of membership development and events for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce from 2016 to 2020. Busbys own the Wishy Washy Laundromat and various residential and commercial properties in the community.

Find contact information and links for Chamber colleagues on the Chamber website and remember to use their products and services as you do business in the community.

MASSILLON WESTSTARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • THE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 4 Aqua Announces $2 Million Walnut Hills Project Aqua Ohio (Aqua) has announced details of a $2,000,000 project that will replace 12,000 linear feet of a main in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Massillon. “This section of our system has a history of breaks, and at nearly 80 years old, it is time for us to replace the pipes,” said Aqua Ohio’s Area Manager Keith Nutter. “While we are at it, we’re Free Continuing Education—Borrow also able to improve water flows by increasing main sizes from between 30% and 100%.” The Great Courses at Massillon Public Library Eighteen new fire hydrants will be installed and 54 new valves —Jessica Watkins, Massillon Public Library Adult Services Manager will help isolate future problems, facilitate repairs, and limit The Massillon Public Library now carries selections from The service interruptions. This project is expected to be complete by Great Courses, a series of college-level audio and video courses the end of the year. The 280 customers affected by the project that cover a variety of topics, from science and politics to cooking live along Mohican Avenue, Huron Road, Arapahoe Road, Osage and bird watching. All courses are taught by experts in their field, Avenue, Ute Avenue, Riley Court, and Shawnee Avenue. and each video comes with an accompanying book containing Traffic will be maintained, but lane restrictions will be required. supplemental readings and additional information. Intermittent service interruptions will be necessary, and crews will These courses tend to be less technical and cover more general communicate directly with customers about planned outages. knowledge than Lynda/LinkedIn Learning courses, and since This project is part of a $41 million, 5-year improvement plan they are video-based, they can be enjoyed without a computer Aqua has in place for the company’s systems in the area. Aqua or Internet access. If you find yourself with more time on your typically invests between $30 million and $40 million a year in hands these days and want to learn something new, The Great infrastructure among its 38 Ohio water and wastewater systems. Courses can be found in the AV department of the Main Library In 2020, its plans include $53.4 million. on a special display. Aqua Ohio is the Buckeye State’s largest investor-owned drinking At Massillon Public Library, health precautions are being water and wastewater utility, serving about 500,000 customers meticulously followed—materials are quarantined, according to in 19 counties. Visit AquaAmerica.com for more information, or state guidelines, upon return for the safety of the next borrower. follow Aqua on Facebook at facebook.com/MyAquaAmerica and Patrons must wear masks and maintain social distance. Check on Twitter at @MyAquaAmerica. the Library’s website—massillonlibrary.org—for current hours.

5 • THE BUSINESS CONNECTION • MASSILLON WESTSTARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Business Briefs

Meals on Wheels NEO is looking for dedicated people to Massillon Public Library’s technology department will host deliver healthy meals, friendly smiles, and independence to their a live online Zoom class about how to “Stay Safe Online” on nutritionally at-risk neighbors. While the pandemic has caused a Wednesday, September 16, from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Online greater need for volunteers, Meals on Wheels has implemented safety is of the utmost importance in today’s always-connected social distancing and sanitizing procedures to keep volunteers world—discover simple and effective ways to stay safe while and clients safe. Training and mileage reimbursement are using the Internet. For more information or to register for this free provided. Deliveries are made from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., program for adults by September 14, visit the Library’s website— Monday through Friday. Contact Meals on Wheels NEO at massillonlibrary.org. 330.832.7220 or [email protected] for more information. vantageaging.org Innis Maggiore has awarded three Kent State University at Stark students the Innis Maggiore Endowed Scholarship for Chef Alexander Cucuz, who attended the University of Akron Communications in 2020. Sara Haident, Jacob Hershberger, Hospitality program in culinary arts, has joined the staff at and Taylor Vanderveen will each receive $1,750 to put Santangelo’s Catering. He brings experience from Weymouth toward their marketing and communications educations. Country Club and Taste of Excellence Catering. Contact Tim innismaggiore.com Reinhart at 330.456.1556 or [email protected] or Rudy Turkal at 330.834.0808 to book an event. santangelos.net Pathway Caring for Children will host an online mission tour on Tuesday, October 6, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. The COVID-19 Stark State College is part of a new partnership with the United crisis did not cancel already fragile family situations. As the world States Navy to provide educational services and help launch the has adapted, Pathway has adjusted its services to meet current newly formed U.S. Naval Community College (USNCC). The and growing needs in the community. Pathway staff will share $147-million contract will educate enlisted sailors, Marines and how these times of uncertainty have turned into hope, love, and Coast Guardsmen in a variety of programs in engineering care for the children and families they serve. Register at technology, information technology, health sciences, environmental pathwaycfc.org/events. technology, cybersecurity, communications technology/ information systems, management science, and data analytics. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal USNCC students who wish to continue on for a bachelor’s Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio degree can do so via a partnership between Stark State and Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) awarded Cleveland State University. starkstate.edu $956,059.90 to Mercy Medical Center for federal disaster aid to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. cantonmercy.org Mercy Medical Center has received the Mission: Lifeline® Gold Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific Neal Hodgkiss officially retires on August 31 from the quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Massillon Plaque Company, but he will continue to work as Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart a manufacturer’s rep with his existing clients and anyone who attacks. cantonmercy.org asks for him at the company. He can be reached directly on his mobile phone, 330.418.3764, or by emailing him at Is your organization seeking funding? The Sisters of Charity [email protected]. massillonplaque.com Foundation of Canton will host a Zoom about its grant application process on October 14 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. They strongly encourage attendance by nonprofit executive directors, fundraising professionals, or anyone whose nonprofit has not recently applied for funding. Participants will learn about their grantmaking strategies, proposal guidelines, and application process. Foundation staff members will be on hand to answer questions. Reserve your spot by contacting Liz Ford at [email protected]. scfcanton.org WRL Advertising, LLC has purchased local web development company, Keystroke Media, Inc. This acquisition will now allow Keystroke Media’s former clients to streamline their processes and tap into additional resources, expanded capabilities, and a breadth of experience with the well-established, growing agency. wrladv.com The COVID-19 pandemic has brought stress, anxiety, and fear to many, creating an increased need for mental health services in our community. Joe French, CEO of Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health; Michelle Smith, chief officer of crisis services at Coleman Professional Services; and Allison Esber, systems initiative manager at Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery, and their organizations provide constant support and resources to help area adults, children, and families cope with their changing lifestyles and emotions. scfcanton.org Mercy Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines founded in the latest scientific evidence. The goal is speeding recovery and reducing hospital readmissions for heart failure patients. cantonmercy.org

MASSILLON WESTSTARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • THE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 6 Projects in Progress Alexandra Nicholis Coon, executive director of the Massillon in the City of Massillon Museum, has earned the DeHoff Emerging Philanthropist Award PROVIDED BY MASSILLON BUILDING DEPARTMENT from United Way of Greater Stark County for her community involvement through the Museum and Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County. Her nominator, Courtney Benson- Amherst Shopping Center—1413 Amherst Road NE Johnson of the University of Akron cited MassMu’s sensory , Facade renovation a Soroptimist clothing swap, collaboration with the Massillon Discount Tire Outlet—2039 Southway Road SE Purse Project, and other service work that benefits women and Addition ($100,000) children in the community. uwstark.org Duncan Plaza Renovation—($1,500,000) FiberCorr—670 17th Street NW The Massillon Museum will host its annual exhibition of New 60 x 80 maintenance building ($150,000) Photography by Supporters of Relay for Life, September 5 FreshMark—1888 Southway Road SE through October 4. Donated original photography will be New microwave line and substation ($2,500,000) displayed for sale at $25 per matted 8x10 image, with 100% GoJo—4676 Erie Street S—Lunch room and office space benefiting the American Cancer Society. A visit to MassMu Goodyear Tire—411 Oberlin Avenue SW is always free. massillonmuseum.org Addition ($400,000) Heitger Funeral Home — 50 North Avenue NE—Remodel ($100,000) The newly remodeled Massillon Eagles #190 has reopened Home Appliance—421 First Street NE for meals and banquets. The former Chamber “Small Business Remodel restrooms ($150,000) of the Year” donates more than $100,000 each year to local Lock It Up—Business Place Street SE—Indoor storage units charities. eagles190.com Lowe’s—Massillon Marketplace—New sprinkler syster ($185,000) Mayflower Apartments—Remodel units ($2,000,000) Amie Lynn, the Massillon Public Library’s fiscal officer, has Massillon School Bus & Building Renovation— been recognized by her peers throughout the state, who elected 207 Oak Avenue SE ($4,200,000) her to serve on the board of the Ohio Government Fiscal Officers Massillon Middle School—250 29th Street NW Association (GFOA), which includes local government fiscal New ($3,000,000) officers in all areas of endeavor. massillonlibrary.org Massillon Municipal Building—ADA restrooms Navarre Storage Units—405 Erie Street South ($400,000) SCORE will offer a free webinar, “Customer Service: Why It R2 Land Holding—Millennium Avenue SE Matters,” on Tuesday, September 15, at 11:00 a.m. Presenter New building ($4,800,000) Gary Lustig will delve into the costs of bad customer service, R.G. Drage—2800 Richville Drive SE—Remodel (($1,700,00) how customer service is affected by COVID-19, how to measure Sheet Metal Local 33—1890 Ventura SE—New building ($160,000) customer service, and how to implement a customer service plan. Walmart—1 Massillon Marketplace—Remodel ($750,000) SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals 42 New Single Family Dwellings, 1/1/20–8/1/20 through education and mentorship. [email protected] 4 New Condominium Units, 1/1/20–7/1/20

7 • THE BUSINESS CONNECTION • MASSILLON WESTSTARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2-color

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jacquie Knight, Chairperson Kloots, Chairman Elect Bruce McDonnell, Treasurer Benny Griffiths, Vice Chair—BEAC Richard Regula, Vice Chair—Legislative The First North Building John Burnworth Cindy Hickey Kathy Shultz 50 North Avenue, N.E., Suite 100 Christine Donato Saylor Putman Chris Thomazin Massillon, Ohio 44646 Greg Endres Taylor Romar Velecia Valentine P 330.833.3146 Katherine Gessner Bob Senkar Doug Weatherbee F 330.833.8944 massillonohchamber.com Dave Waikem, Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Directors [email protected] Debbie Busby, President, Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce Keith Nutter, President, Massillon Development Foundation MISSION STATEMENT Barb Schumacher, President, Downtown Massillon Association • To develop, enhance, and represent business Phillip Elum, President, Massillon Main Street, Inc. • To promote economic growth Foster Rose II, President, Massillon Area Greenways, Inc. • To improve the quality of life for our community Change Service Requested U.S Postage PRST STD Massillon, Ohio Permit No. 712

Tiger Coach Nate Moore and DMA President Barb Schumacher of A.A. Hammersmith Insurance Agency DMA Football Fun In lieu of the cancelled kickoff pep rally, the Downtown Massillon Association (DMA) purchased a football and Coach Nate Moore had it signed by all of the current Tiger football players. DMA will be “tossing” the ball from one DMA member to another in a series of short video promotions to get fans to like the DMA page and promote member businesses. Everyone who likes the post about the signed ball on the DMA Facebook page during this promotion will be automatically entered in a drawing to win the football. The winner will be selected by a Facebook algorithm. Barb Schumacher, DMA president, said, “We’re grateful to Coach Moore and the team. These are difficult times, and we feel blessed that they chose to do something creative to help their community.” In response, Coach Moore said that he and the players are proud to support DMA, an organization that does so much for our city, where a vibrant downtown is good for the school, the kids, and the city. After Debbie Busby attended the August Zoom DMA meeting, Scot Phillips of the Massillon Museum, who serves as DMA vice president, said, “It was great to have our new Chamber executive at the DMA meeting. She was enthusiastic about this project as well as the work of the Downtown Massillon Association, and we’re really looking forward to working with her.”