2019 Trailblazer Award Winners

   

Photos by Jeffrey Tadlock | Pictured from left to right: Altogether Adventure Trailblazer, Amanda DeCastro @BusyInGroveCity; Attraction/Business Trailblazer – Southwest Franklin County Historical Society; Bev Babbert, Steve Jackson, and Barbara Howison; Event Trailblazer – Grove City Farmers Market; Heather Brokaw, Shawn Conrad, and Marilyn Reiner (Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce – Event Organizers of Grove City Farmers Market); Individual Trailblazer, Alex Rogers of Alex is Social

ALTOGETHER ADVENTURE (new category for 2019!) – AMANDA DECASTRO @BUSYINGROVECITY

• 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”

ATTRACTION/BUSINESS – SOUTHWEST FRANKLIN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

• The 2019 Attraction/Business 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.

EVENT – FARMERS MARKET

• 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.

INDIVIDUAL – 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!”