Solomon’s Garage received high honors at the West Liberty Business Association’s Annual Dinner Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Opera House, when owners Dave and Katie Neer were presented with the first ever Business of the Year Award from Mayor Jill McKelvey.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Neer both grew up in West Liberty and graduated from West Liberty-Salem High School. They opened Solomon’s Garage 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 they have given countless hours 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,” WLBA representatives said.
McKelvey related that this new annual award grew from the West Liberty Business of the Month distinction that was started a year ago.
The Village Council nominates three businesses each month and then those three businesses are e-mailed 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.
Nominees for Business of the Year included all of the Business of the Month winners, along with other businesses nominated by the community. Previous Business of the Month winners also included: Hillside Greenhouse, Ohio Caverns, Jones Country Store, Heaven’s Dew, Theresa’s Gingerbread House, LeVan’s Excavating, Tiffany’s Touch, MCC Thrift Store, Thoman’s IGA, Stoner’s Ice Cream Parlor, The People’s Savings and Loan, Michael’s Pizza, Marie’s Candies, and Malia Hughes Powered by Fathom Realty
To begin the annual dinner, Heather Chamberlain, Business Association president, welcomed those in attendance. J.D. Harshfield from Ohio Caverns offered a heartfelt memorial for Eric Evans, the owner of Ohio Caverns, who passed away Jan. 12.
Musical selections were then performed by some students from West Liberty Salem High School. Dinner was prepared by Peppercorn’s Diner in Urbana.
Featured speaker was Todd McCormick from the Logan County History Center, who discussed 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.
The mayor also 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 Program is a direct incentive property tax exemption program.
West Liberty Village Council member Jayne Griffith also spoke about the fundraising 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.
All members are encouraged to participate in the monthly meetings as well as any event committees. The next monthly meeting is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at Mad River Farm Market.
If you are interested in joining the West Liberty Business Association, e-mail [email protected] for more information.