The Coffee Peddlar Wins Business of the Year Award

The Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce Dinner was held at the The Woodlands on November 14.

Dan Cross, owner of Dan Cross C.P.A. and Chamber board member, presented the 2019 Greater Harrison Chamber Business of the Year award to Gerilyn Jobe and Pat Frey, co-owners of The Coffee Peddlar,  

(Harrison, Oh.) – The Coffee Peddlar, a destination in Harrison’s historic downtown district for 10 years, was named Greater Harrison Chamber Business of the Year at a celebration Nov. 14.

Co-owner Gerilyn Jobe, who accepted the award with her mother and business partner Pat Frey, said people told them the business wouldn’t make it in Harrison’s historic downtown district. The pair are preparing to open a second downtown business, Heist + Co., a social exchange inside a 100-year-old renovated bank building.

Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce presented nine awards and honored many nominees for their business success and community outreach. The award recipients were:

Greater Harrison New Business of the Year: Casey’s Storage Solutions
In September 2018, Casey Knigga opened the largest climate controlled storage facility in Harrison, bringing a much-needed business solution for the booming housing market. The company has generously supported people and organizations in the community.

Greater Harrison Innovator of the Year: AccuDoc Urgent Care
Dr. Trent Austin opened AccuDoc Urgent Care in 2015, specializing in natural medicine options and Direct to Employer Healthcare, a program that allows for smaller businesses to offer healthcare to their employees at an affordable rate.

Greater Harrison Corporate Citizen of the Year: Ahead of the Curve Gifts
Owned by Jennifer Head and her two daughters, this women’s fashion boutique opened in April 2019. They’ve quickly established a reputation for giving back, perhaps most notably for outfitting models for an “Acceptance Week” fashion show at Southwest Local Schools.

Mary Lou Smith Community Service Award: Dan Losekamp
Dan Losekamp is present at every community event and has played a major role in the local Relay for Life event, making it a top relay in Hamilton County. He also co-chaired the Harrison bicentennial committee.

Greater Harrison Young Professional of the Year: Dr. Saniya Johnson
Dr. Saniya Johnson has been a kind and enthusiastic addition to Harrison Chiropractic. She is pursuing advanced certification in pediatric chiropractic to help local pregnant mothers and children. She is serving her second year as secretary of Greater Harrison Rotary Club.

Greater Harrison Lifetime Achievement Award: Hank Menninger
Hank Menninger is an esteemed partner and practicing attorney at Wood & Lamping and has served on Harrison City Council since 2012, where he’s been instrumental to guiding the growth of the City. Hank provided the heavy lifting, moral support and encouragement to get Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce off the ground by incorporating the organization in 2013. His leadership activities, community involvement and accolades are extensive.

Greater Harrison Chamber Non-Profit Organization of the Year: Reach Out Pregnancy Center
Founded in 1993, Reach Out Pregnancy Center is led by Director Diane Elrod and Board President Pete Hebauf. With two employees and many volunteers, they provide many life-saving services including testing, counseling, education, supplies and more. The organization is supported by contributions and annual fundraisers such as “Walk for Life.”

Greater Harrison Chamber Business of the Year: The Coffee Peddlar
Since opening in 2010, The Coffee Peddlar been a catalyst for the progress made in the historic downtown business district. Co-owners and mother-daughter team Pat Frey and Gerilyn Jobe continue to invest in the revitalization of historic buildings, with the planned opening of Heist + Co.

Greater Harrison Distinguished Service Award: Jim Kinnett
Jim Kinnett offers site selection, incentive negotiations, quality and lean audits, economic development and financial packaging through his company, Kinnett Consulting Group. He has been an integral part of the Chamber since inception and serves as point person on the workforce development initiative.

About 140 people attended the meeting and celebration. Chamber members voted to approve revised bylaws and accepted the slate of 2020 Board of Directors, below. There are still vacancies for people interested in serving on the board.
Sara Cullin, Owner, Signal Tree Creative Communications
Gary Ellerhorst, President and CEO, Crown Plastics
Lori Enright, Senior Account Executive, Eagle Country 99.3
Spencer Ford, Chief Operating Officer, Conservative Financial Solutions and Harrison Tax Advisors
Mark Hildebrand, District Manager, Triumph Energy
Jim Kinnett, President, Kinnett Consulting Group
Joe Maas, Co-Owner and Vice President of Operations, JTM Food Group
Rob Means, President, Harrison Building and Loan Association
Rosanne Moore, Director, Celebrate Recovery at Church on Fire Ministries
Sydney Murray, Reporter, Register Publications 
Jolene Winter, Owner and Director, Brater-Winter Funeral Home 

Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce was established in 2013 to promote growth and prosperity in one of the fastest growing corners of Hamilton County. Powered by volunteers, the Chamber provides networking, learning and cost-saving opportunities to businesses and organizations in Harrison and the surrounding communities.