Members Matter

The Dawes Arboretum

April 2026

As energy choices continue to shape the future of business, we are proud to spotlight one of our electric member businesses that is making the most of their service.

Dawes was founded in 1929 by Beman and Bertie Dawes. Over 50,000 trees had been planted, and the grounds spanned 293 acres by the date of its founding. Today, the Arboretum has nearly 2,000 acres of expansive landscapes for visitors to explore. Their nonprofit mission is enriching lives through the conservation of trees, nature and history.

Dawes features over 12 miles of trails for those looking to get some steps, serene areas like the Japanese Garden and Dawes Lake for a peaceful experience and free areas like Red Barn Reserve and Dutch Fork Wetlands.

In April 2026, we interviewed Matthew Riddle, Director of Development. This business spotlight highlights the relationship between The Energy Cooperative and The Dawes Arboretum and its growing impact on the local landscape

Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: Being a member of a cooperative means being part of a community that not only provides energy but also invests in the communities it serves.

Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: We have a partnership that supports our business and mission. The Energy Cooperative powers many buildings around the Arboretum and has been very generous with its philanthropic donations to support our mission.

Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: Our experience with The Energy Cooperative has been excellent. They are always there to help us with any emergencies and are the first to say "yes" when we ask for support.

Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
A: The philanthropic donations to the Arboretum have helped us host many community events over the years, including Arbor Day and Winter Wonders. We are excited about partnering over the next several years as we lead into our Centennial celebration in 2029. The Arboretum offers something for everyone.

The Dawes Arboretum is a space that shares the beauty and science of nature through its landscapes, educational programs and events. Their commitment to conservation and education reflects the values we strive to uphold as a cooperative. We’re grateful for the partnership we’ve built and look forward to supporting Dawes as they continue to grow and expand their programming.

Past Member Highlights

Old Fool Brewery

March 2026

As energy choices continue to shape the future of business, we are proud to spotlight one of our member businesses that is making the most of our electric and propane services.

Tucked into the rolling hills of rural Ohio, Old Fool Brewery is a family-owned craft brewery that offers a laid-back place to enjoy good food and beer with even better company. In 2021, they opened their brick-and-mortar after years of homebrewing. They turned a longtime passion into a community gathering spot. With seating inside and out, it’s easy to settle in and stay awhile with friends, neighbors and family. Along with its lineup of craft beers, guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, stromboli and appetizers, adding to the casual, come-as-you-are feel.

In March 2026, we interviewed Craig and Vicki Moore, owners of Old Fool Brewery. This business spotlight highlights the relationship between The Energy Cooperative and Old Fool Brewery and the growing impact it is having on the local community.

Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: It means a continuance of partnering with someone who cares for us and our business. When the need arises, you're always there to help.

Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: We have The Energy Cooperative as our propane and electric provider and have for years.

Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: Experience has always been, and I’m sure will continue to be great.

Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
A: We opened our family-run brewery in 2021, drawing on years of home brewing before that. We love being a part of this community and have always had fantastic support from the people who patron here and everyone that lives close. It is our hope that we can continue to have a positive impact on those around us, and we are going to continue to grow to make sure we have a fantastic place for people to come.

Supported by a loyal local crowd, Old Fool Brewery continues to grow with a simple goal in mind: to be a place people are happy to come back to. It is a great example of how locally owned businesses and strong partnerships help rural communities thrive. With the support of The Energy Cooperative, Craig and Vicki Moore have been able to focus on what they love doing, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, relax and enjoy quality food and drink. As the brewery continues to grow, it remains grounded in the community that has supported it from the start, serving not just as a business but as a gathering place that adds something special to the area.

Elliot's Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap

January 2026

As energy choices continue to shape the future of business, we are proud to spotlight one of our member businesses that is making the most of our natural gas service.

Since opening in 2017, Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap has been all about bringing bold, wood-fired flavors to the community in a laid-back atmosphere. What started as a single spot in Newark has grown into a gathering place in Pataskala, New Albany and Powell. From day one, the goal has been simple: create a place where people can relax, enjoy good food and spend time with the people they care about.

The menu offers something for everyone, featuring items such as wood fired pizzas, fresh salads, hearty sandwiches and street-style tacos. Their food is made with fresh ingredients and can be paired with a great wine or craft beer available from their bar. It’s the attention to detail, friendly service and welcoming vibe that truly set Elliot’s apart.

In January 2026, we interviewed Andre Sarap, one of the owners alongside her husband, Michael. This business spotlight highlights the relationship between The Energy Cooperative and Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap and its growing impact on the local landscape.

Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: We love the community approach the cooperative stands by.

Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: Three of our businesses are served by the cooperative. Being local, we know we will be taken care of.

Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: We get excellent service. The office is always friendly, helpful and member-focused.

Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
A: The Elliot’s brand (Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap) was created in 2017 by Michael and Andre Sarap. We feature Neapolitan-style pizza, street tacos, sandwiches, and salads, along with a full bar. We now have 4 locations Newark, Pataskala, New Albany & Powell. We pride ourselves on serving great food with value and excellent service.

Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap is a great example of how local businesses and cooperative members strengthen our communities together. Their commitment to quality, hospitality and hometown roots align perfectly with what we value at The Energy Cooperative. We’re proud to support their growing family of restaurants and look forward to seeing their story continue to unfold in the years ahead.

Schmidty's

December 2025

As energy decisions continue to influence the future of business, we're proud to spotlight Schmidty’s in Nashport.

Schmidty's is a family-owned and operated convenience store and gas station. They receive both electric and natural gas from The Energy Cooperative and recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. As a trusted stop in the community, Schmidty’s offers a wide range of quality community high-quality products, including everyday essentials, fresh food, hot meals, beverages, self-service gasoline, and more. Their ability to serve customers is supported by the energy they receive from The Energy Cooperative.

In December 2025, we spoke with Doug Schmidt, owner of Schmidty's, to learn more about their experience as a long-standing member.

Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: Schmidty's and The Energy Cooperative have formed a relationship built on dependability, professionalism and community. Throughout our 20-plus-year history together, we have experienced nothing but positive interactions and unwavering support.

Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: One of the best parts of working with the cooperative is the reliable service they provide. Even during unexpected downtime or outage events, The Energy Cooperative is consistently fast, friendly and efficient. Cooperative crews, both past and present, have been nothing short of top-notch. They demonstrate outstanding expertise, communication and a commitment to keeping our business running smoothly.

Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
A: We are a locally operated convenience store serving the community with a wide range of offerings, including self-service gas, fresh food, beverages and all the everyday essentials you would expect from a trusted neighborhood stop.

Schmidty’s deeply values their long-standing relationship with The Energy Cooperative and looks forward to many more years of partnership marked by reliability, professionalism and mutual support.

Timbuk Farms

November 2025

As businesses continue to evolve in response to changing energy needs, we're proud to spotlight one of our member businesses that's making the most of our electric and propane services: Timbuk Farms.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Ohio, Timbuk Farms is one of the region's oldest and largest Christmas tree farms. Since planting its first crop in 1952, the farm has grown to span 300 acres, bringing holiday cheer and deep-rooted history to Licking County.

Timbuk Farms is more than just a destination for the perfect Christmas tree. The farm is actively involved in research and development, particularly in cultivating evergreen species that are well-suited to Ohio's climate. One of its most notable contributions is the development of the Canaan fir, now a favorite among Christmas tree buyers across the state. Beyond the holidays, Timbuk Farms hosts seasonal events, including the Tulip Festival, Lavender Fest and Fall Fest, welcoming visitors year-round to enjoy the beauty of the farm.

In 2004, after 53 successful years under the Schmidt family, ownership transitioned to Jim and LaVonda Gibson of Granville. With strong agricultural backgrounds and deep horticultural expertise, the Gibsons have carried forward the farm's legacy while infusing it with fresh energy and a commitment to quality. Today, Timbuk Farms operates as both a wholesale and retail greenhouse business, employing over 50 full-time staff who help keep the farm thriving.

In November, our Marketing and Member Services team visited Timbuk Farms to meet with the Gibsons and David Keener, the Tree Farm Manager. We toured the grounds, learned more about their operations, and saw firsthand how their partnership with The Energy Cooperative supports their growth and sustainability.

Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: We have been members of The Energy Cooperative since we moved here 20 years ago. They have always been able to supply our needs. There was a time when we added many more services, and they were always able to get them done efficiently.

Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: The cooperative has always been a hometown supporter of us. We purchase electricity for our greenhouse operation, and at times our usage is fairly significant. We need a consistent and reliable supply to maintain the quality of our plants.

Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: We've always had a good experience with the service and employees of The Energy Cooperative.

Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
We are a wholesale and retail greenhouse operation, as well as a Christmas tree farm. The farm has been operating in Licking County since the mid-50s. My wife, LaVonda, and I purchased the farm over 20 years ago. We both had experience in agriculture, both growing up in it in Indiana. We are fortunate to be here operating our farm and greenhouse. We are lucky to have many dedicated employees who have worked here for many years. We employ over 50 people full-time at our farm. Without them, running the operation would be difficult.

Timbuk Farms remains a place where tradition meets innovation, and where community and cooperation help keep the spirit of the season alive throughout the year.

Newark Station

October 2025

As energy choices continue to shape the future of business, we are proud to spotlight one of our member businesses that is making the most of our natural gas service.

Newark Station, located at 325 West Main Street in the heart of Newark, within Licking County, represents a transformative redevelopment of a historic warehouse site into a dynamic mixed-use destination to live, work and play. With thoughtfully designed residential lofts, engaging recreational spaces, and versatile hospitality/event venues, Newark Station is fostering a vibrant community atmosphere while incorporating our natural gas service into everything they do.

In September 2025, we interviewed Developer and Owner, Todd Alexander, and his Director of Operations, Emily Evans. This business spotlight highlights the relationship between The Energy Cooperative and Newark Station and its growing impact on the local landscape.

Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: It means the opportunity to work with people who are a part of your community and have an experience that reflects that in a real way.

Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: We were fortunate to have the choice of using The Energy Cooperative as our natural gas supplier for this project.

Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: I could not be happier with our choice to use The Energy Cooperative. Every encounter that I have had with the cooperative has been incredible. The people have been kind, helpful and cooperative. Imagine that! I cannot truly explain how each interaction has been other than it is the way you would hope that customer service is—real people who care.

Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
THE Yard, which is open now, is a seasonal outdoor venue offering beach volleyball leagues, cornhole, backyard games and casual food/beverages. THE Yard has a covered pavilion with a large Jumbotron, and we are proud to be the home of the Licking County Alumni Association's designation as their Buckeye Bar! Also open is Earthworks Cafe & Lounge, an expansive restaurant, coffee house and event space. We also offer 18 loft apartments, called The Lofts, that occupy the western and southern perimeters of the former warehouse. These offer immense natural light and meticulously designed industrial details. The Lofts include studios, one bed/one bath, one bed/one and a half bath, and two beds/two baths.

Newark Station aspires to offer active arts, hospitality and a recreational community. No matter what your event needs are, from small to large, we will work with you to make it happen. Visit www.newark-station.com to learn more about who we are and what to expect in future work.

Members Matter

March 2026: Old Fool Brewery

January 2026: Elliot's Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap

December 2025: Schmidty's

November 2025: Timbuk Farms

October 2025: Newark Station