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Ohio Business Spotlight
The Ohio Business Spotlight is a new initiative designed to highlight strong businesses that can serve as examples of Ohio’s economic potential. Ohio businesses start at the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, so there is a special opportunity to empower new entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to succeed in the Buckeye state. Each month, Secretary LaRose will select various businesses around the state that share a common theme.
"My great grandfather found his American dream in Ohio when his company filed to do business right here at the Secretary of State's office," said LaRose. "It’s my goal to continue encouraging that dream and highlighting Ohio’s success stories will go a long way towards providing the energy, insight, and inspiration entrepreneurs need as they prepare to start their business."
July's Ohio Business Spotlight
This summer, Ohioans want to experience the great outdoors but also help curb the spread of COVID19. We are highlighting outdoor recreation businesses in various regions of the state that provide safe outdoor activities for families by embracing CDC guidelines such as wearing masks and social distancing. The featured businesses provide acres of land to enjoy activities with smaller spread out groups, outdoor sports, camping, kayaking, and even working farms.
Address: 10 Pittsburgh Ave, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
County of Headquarters: Knox
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While summer looks a bit different in 2020, Ariel Foundation Park is excited to offer smaller events and activities that encourage safely social distancing. Ariel-Foundation Park is also a participant in Mount Vernon's Summer in the City program featuring a variety of music, arts, and recreation activities all outdoors this summer. It's a place to enjoy nature, be physically active, and meet in small groups. With 265 stunning acres, there is enough room for families to spread out and explore everything the park has to offer. Take in a local band, free fitness class, or children’s activity this summer!
Address: 520 S Main St Suite 2511-24 Akron, OH 44311
County of Headquarters: Summit
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In past years, Summit has offered a wider variety of leagues like kickball, bocce ball, and Spikeball - but this year they have focused on sand volleyball at The Canal Courts, which are located directly off The Towpath Trail.
Outside of league play, the facility is open to the public. Being located next to two brand new breweries could be a great stop off of the bike and hike trail for any family. Also, the location where our sand volleyball courts are located is in the middle of the old B.F. Goodrich factory, so there are awesome views of the historic old factory landscape like the smokestacks. Also, even if you are not a volleyball player, we like to think that we boast one of the largest sandboxes in the greater Akron area.
Address: 50 Bell Hollow Rd., Latham, OH 45646
County of Headquarters: Pike/Highland
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While the campground remained closed in April, Long’s Family Retreat was able to open their seasonal campsites in May and a lot of campers were more than ready to get out of their homes and still be able to socially distance. Through June and July, Long’s has primarily accommodated families choosing to staycation this year, and enjoy time with each other in a more local setting, rather than traveling distances to other destinations like the beach. While many large groups have had to cancel, like family reunions and band camps, Long’s has been able to rent cabins to smaller groups still enjoying the Summer.
While all of the activities opened little by little this season, Long’s Family Retreat has worked closely with the county health department to fully open in accordance with the guidelines from Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Health. For more information about Long’s Family retreat check them out at their website, www.longsretreat.com
Address: 75 North Leavitt Rd NW, Leavittsburg, OH 44430
County of Headquarters: Trumbull
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The Mahoning River is a gem hidden on the eastern side of Ohio that is filled with natural wildlife. The river is all flat water which is a great beginner river for learning or a relaxing paddle and visitors are doing it safely with COVID-19 precautions. While operating at about 50 percent capacity on the shuttle, all equipment is cleaned and sanitized after each use, the bus is sanitized after each group of paddlers are shuttled up river, and facial coverings are required to be worn on the shuttle up river to the launch point. If customers would like to bring two cars they are welcome to do that and leave one at the ending and follow the shuttle up to the launch point as well.
Get outside on the water in the best social distance activity for families and small groups this summer!
Address: 10052 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241
County of Headquarters: Hamilton
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Gorman Heritage Farm is a fun, safe place to visit! Explore the gardens, hike the trails and meet the farm animals. Also, sunflowers will be out in early October! We are fully open for visitors this summer! However, we are controlling the number of people on the Farm, regularly sanitizing often touched surfaces, requiring masks inside and outside when within six feet of another person and all other CDC and Ohio recommendations. Because of these precautions, we ask visitors to please register in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/gorman-farm-self-guided-tour-admission-tickets-104054347354
Check our website for more info www.GormanFarm.org and Facebook @gormanfarm
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