2023 West Liberty Business Association Annual Dinner

2022 West Liberty Business of the Year: Solomon's Garage (Mayor Jill McKelvey pictured with owners Dave & Katie Neer)

The 2023 West Liberty Business Association Annual Dinner was held on Thursday, January 19th at 6:00 p.m. in the Opera House. Heather Chamberlain, President of the Business Association, welcomed those in attendance and thanked them for being there. JD Harshfield from Ohio Caverns offered a very heartfelt memorial for Eric Evans, the owner of Ohio Caverns, who passed away last week. Musical selections were then performed by some students from West Liberty Salem High School. Dinner was prepared by Peppercorn’s Diner in Urbana.

The speaker for the evening was Todd McCormick from the Logan County Historical Society. Mr. McCormick spoke about not only the history of West Liberty but also many former residents who made history through their accomplishments or inventions. He showcased many of the items that are featured at the museum that have ties back to West Liberty. He brought along many amazing photographs and items from their collection.

​Mayor Jill McKelvey gave some thoughts on her appreciation for the business members in attendance and their importance to the village. In the past year, the West Liberty council has created the Community Reinvestment Areas that include the entire incorporated areas of the Village where property owners can receive tax incentives for investing in real property improvements. The Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Program is a direct incentive property tax exemption program. Jayne Griffith with the West Liberty City Council also spoke about the fundraising they have been doing to raise funds for the West Columbus Street Bridge project. They are currently selling sponsorships for the 2024 West Liberty Calendar. 2023 Calendars are also available through the Village office.

Mayor McKelvey then talked about the Business of the Month distinction that was started a year ago. The Village Council nominates 3 businesses each month then those 3 businesses are emailed out to WLBA members to vote on a winner. The very first Business of the Month was Elle A. Design in April of 2022. The latest Business of the Month was Tami Cox and Country Friends of Ohio in January 2023. Mayor Jill then spoke about getting ready to award the very first Business of the Year. The nominees were the previous year’s Business of the Month winners along with any other businesses nominated by the community. These included Hillside Greenhouse, Ohio Caverns, Jones Country Store, Heaven’s Dew, Theresa’s Gingerbread House, LeVan’s Excavating, Tiffany’s Touch, Elle A. Design, MCC Thrift Store, Thoman’s IGA, Stoner’s Ice Cream Parlor, The People’s Savings and Loan, Michael’s Pizza, Solomon’s Garage, Marie’s Candies, and Malia Hughes Powered by Fathom Realty.

The 2022 Business of the Year is Solomon’s Garage. Owners Dave and Katie Neer both grew up in West Liberty and graduated from West Liberty-Salem High School. They opened Solomon’s in the village in 2012. Not only are they outstanding business owners willing to offer support to new entrepreneurs when they opened Neer & Farm but the countless hours they have given to the WLBA through Katie’s work as secretary and Dave and his team of Technicians who provided judging for our first car show during the June Street Market.

All members are encouraged to participate in the monthly meetings as well as any event committees. The next monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, February 9th at 5:30 pm at Mad River Farm Market. If you are interested in joining the West Liberty Business Association, please email [email protected] for more information.