Trailblazer Hall of Fame
All the Trailblazers, all in one place
2022 Trailblazer Award Winners
Trevor Luther of Grove City Brewing Company
The Altogether Adventure® Award is a project, promotion, or experience that leverages Visit Grove City’s brand and/or messaging to create new experiences in the community. They take full advantage of the benefits of utilizing the Visit Grove City brand. They leverage the brand tools provided by Visit Grove City with a unique and memorable approach which embodies Altogether (inclusive, well-rounded, and engaging) Adventure. This person was nominated several times across different categories. One nominator said, “His love for this community is evident in his actions and words. He is a force for good in our business community. And perhaps most importantly, his positive attitude is contagious.” Another nominator said, “When Covid-19 hit, like many business owners, Trevor was concerned how Grove City Brewing Company would weather the storm.
But above that, he worried over how the Town Center would survive. His first instinct was to figure out a way to help the other business (some being his direct competitors) and make sure the heart of Grove City kept beating. He selected his Altogether Adventure beer that had been brewed with other local businesses and created a fundraiser that could provide gifts to others that may be struggling.” Wow, just wow. Trevor, you are very deserving of this award!
Zack Roybal of The Chandler
The Attraction Award is a business or attraction that represents the best of Grove City’s tourism assets. From the experience they provide visitors to their enhancement of the community’s image, they are always seeking to improve the tourism industry in Grove City. This business should grab the interest of the city and its visitors. They are a must-see experience in Grove City and are always seeking to improve the local experience. This is a unique place or local asset with exceptional service. The nominator said, “Zack is 100% dedicated in making sure every customer who comes into his store leaves having a great experience through kindness and compassion….During COVID...Zack put together 3 unique 3 wick candle labels representing, Grove City, Columbus, and Ohio.
Through this effort, he was able to raise money for Project Altogether, a community wide effort by many small businesses to help with losses due to the virus….In June of [2020], The Chandler made history in Grove City by proudly flying a Pride flag outside the store to represent the month of Pride. June is celebrated for the Stonewall riots of 1969 and equal opportunity and justice for LGBT citizens. Zack is a proud LGBT member of the community, and has received positive feedback from many members of the community for displaying the Pride flag.” Zack Roybal and his business, The Chandler, were nominated for both the attraction and the individual awards because of the value they add to our community and the passion they bring to all that they do.
Little Theatre Off Broadway's "BOTL'd Up At Home"
The Community Event Trailblazer is a community event that not only brings together the local community, but aims to create a memorable visitor experience. The event organizers strive to continually improve the event and the Grove City tourism industry. This can be any event, large or small, that takes place in Grove City. This very special event no doubt embodied the essence of a trailblazer. The nominator said, “after a difficult five month period due to covid, in August of 2020, the Little Theatre Off Broadway showed us their talent and creativity in this dare I say it, "time we have been “BOTL’d Up at Home”.
“BOTL’d Up at Home” was a virtual fundraiser, featuring numerous talented folks bringing entertainment directly into the homes of fans. LTOB raised over $2,265 in just one night! I know this space does not allow us to acknowledge so many great productions that LTOB has provided, but their work as a whole holds a special place in so many of our hearts.” Congratulations to the team of passionate volunteers at LTOB.
Haley Roach accepts the award on behalf of her father, Chris Roach
The Individual Trailblazer is a strong ambassador for Grove City. This individual has proven they can exceed expectations in their work to create a positive visitor experience in Grove City. Whether through stellar customer service, outside-of-the-box thinking, or everyday kindness, service always comes first for the Individual Trailblazer Award winner. Of this year’s winner, the nominator said, “He is a great ambassador for Grove City as a realtor and property manager but also in his everyday life. He embodies all of the great qualities of the residents of Grove City and is a great public figure for our town!” Congratulations to our Individual Trailblazer Award Winner: Chris Roach!
2019 Trailblazer Award Winners
Amanda DeCastro · IG
A new category in 2019, this award is for an influencer, local partner or organization that takes full advantage of the benefits of utilizing the Visit Grove City brand: Altogether Adventure. The Altogether Adventure® Trailblazer takes a unique and memorable approach to highlighting, showcasing and sharing inclusive, well-rounded, and engaging Altogether Adventure®. The 2019 recipient has a passion that exceeds the average citizen and has proven to be a true ambassador. They continue to share their sense of adventure on social media and have also contributed to monthly publications, like BeLocal Grove City Magazine. She is now a Certified Tourism Ambassador and will extend her commitment to all things local. She certainly lives up to her Instagram page name, “@Busy in Grove City”
Southwest Franklin County Historical Society
The 2019 Attraction, Business, Organization Trailblazer winner is noted for “caring so deeply about our history and our heritage.” In addition to managing the museum, Grant-Sawyer House and Century Village, this team hosts incredible community events and engages community members and visitors in such a welcoming way.
Grove City Farmers Market (by Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce)
A community event that not only brings together our local community but also aims to create a memorable visitor experience. Every season, this year’s Trailblazing event brings fun and new components. From a chef cook-off and cooking demonstrations to an earth-friendly gardening corner and compost drop-off location. As their nominator said, “Not only do we feel the sense of community every Saturday morning from May through September, visitors to the Grove City area have taken note and return to buy local and enjoy the Grove City vibe.” 2019’s Community Event award winner is the Grove City Farmer’s Market put on by our friends at the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Alex Rogers of Alex is Social
An individual who demonstrates excellence in creating a positive visitor experience and goes beyond in everything they do. This person was nominated three times for their efforts to highlight the very best of the Grove City area. By sharing and utilizing their talents to create brand awareness for local businesses and assist these businesses with their social media presence, this individual understands the value of what our destination has to offer. As his nominator stated, “Alex is dedicated to his family, business associates, and friends – his heart is always in his hometown!”
2018 Trailblazer Award Winners
Kickmaster Footgolf
From the experience they provide visitors, to their enhancement of the community’s image, they are always seeking to improve the tourism industry in Grove City. Per the nomination form, this business or attraction is said to be… “a gathering place, a place for celebration. A Place to learn new things. A place for fun… A place where adults can play like kids and kids can be kids!” It is said to be so unique that there isn’t any place like it in Central Ohio, or possibly any place in the world! The nominator said, “I think [they] should win because it is a unique and unforgettable experience which makes Grove City stand out.”
Arts in the Alley (by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce)
A community event which not only brings together our local community, but also aims to create a memorable visitor experience. Event organizers continually strive to improve the vent and the Grove City tourism industry. Our 2018 event Trailblazer welcomes over 35,000 attendees annually and has been around for almost 40 years. We’ve probably already given it away, if not, you’ll likely figure it out when we tell you that this event creates an opportunity for thousands of artists and musicians to showcase their gifts and talents. The nominator said, “…give specialty shows, Fine Arts, Quilt, Youth Art, Crafts, and Photography have been the launch of the career of many emerging artisans.” This even brings tens of thousands of visitors to our quaint Historic Town Center and to our community each year, generating revenue and recognition for Grove City.
Dave Pando, Founder of LVL UP Sports
An individual who demonstrates excellence in creating a positive visitor experience and goes beyond in everything they do. 2018's Individual Trailblazer award recipient is said to “maintain a reputation that complements the adventurous spirit of Grove City”. Their business welcomes visitors from Cleveland, Louisville, Cincinnati, Michigan and more. Promotes company events via social media and email to nearly 10,000 subscribers. Worked hard to secure two major events drawing visitors from far and wide. His nominator said, “When people visit his business, they truly get to experience the fruits of his and his team’s labor as a local small business and his whole team is constantly speaking so highly of Grove City because as the leader, he sets and example of a true ambassador for this city."
2017 Trailblazer Award Winners
Scioto Grove Metro Park
Scioto Grove Metro Park is not only a beautiful escape, but a huge draw for visitors with Franklin County Metro Parks’s first opportunity for overnight camping on the REI River Trail, over 600 acres of land, fishing, kayaking, and the newly added archery ranges which includes a 3D range!
The Wine and Arts Festival (by Heart of Grove City Inc)
A community event that creates the most memorable visitor experience. Selection criteria placed emphasis on an event that continually strives to improve. In five short years, this event has experienced exceptional growth. As this event draws from all parts of the country, so have the event organizers thoughtfully grown the event to cater to an audience of visitors by providing free shuttle service to and from Grove City hotels and motels.
Steve Carr, Founder of The GCHS Alumni Softball Tournament
An individual who demonstrates excellence in creating a positive visitor experience and goes beyond in everything they do. Our inaugural individual award recipient is the creator and inventor of the Grove City Alumni Softball Tournament, Steve Carr. This tournament draws droves of people back to their hometown for a weekend of fun, softball and memories. Our hotels, and restaurants and parks are packed this weekend. We cannot imagine Grove City without the Alumni Tournament and we cannot think of an individual more deserving of recognition for the hours and hours they have put into this event and this special gathering of Grove City families all due to Steve Carr.
