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Members Matter
Past Member Highlights
Legend Hills Orchard
August 2026
This month, we are excited to spotlight Legend Hills Orchard, a family-owned member business that relies on our safe and reliable electric service to keep its operations running smoothly.
This year marks 100 years since the family’s grandfather planted the orchard’s first fruit trees in 1926, beginning a tradition that continues today with multiple generations working side by side. Reliable electricity from The Energy Cooperative helps power nearly every part of the operation.
Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: Being a cooperative member is meaningful to us because The Energy Cooperative began when local farmers came together to bring electricity to rural communities. As a fifth-generation family farm, we appreciate that history and the cooperative spirit behind it – neighbors working together to meet a shared need. Our family also has a personal connection to the cooperative, as our mother’s first job was with Licking Rural Electrification. Today, we value being part of a member-owned organization that continues to support local farms, businesses and families.
Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: The Energy Cooperative provides electric service to Legend Hills Orchard. Electricity is essential throughout our operation, powering our farm market, refrigeration and production areas.
Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: Our experience with The Energy Cooperative has been very positive. Reliable electric service is especially important for a seasonal agricultural business, where refrigeration, equipment and customer service all depend on it. We appreciate having a local provider and knowing that the cooperative understands the needs of businesses and farms in our community.
Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
A: Legend Hills Orchard is a fifth-generation, family-owned orchard and farm market located near Utica in Licking County. We grow a variety of apples and peaches, along with seasonal vegetables. In 1926, our grandfather planted his first orchard, and this year we are celebrating 100 years of growing fruit. Today, several generations of our family continue to work together to carry on the tradition he began.
Many of our customers have been visiting Legend Hills Orchard for decades, and trips to the orchard have become part of their own family traditions. In September 2025, our market and production areas were destroyed by a devastating fire. The kindness, encouragement and support we received from the community meant more to our family than we can express. We were grateful to reopen in June 2026 and once again welcome longtime customers who have made Legend Hills part of their family traditions, while also welcoming new families to begin traditions of their own.
The Energy Cooperative is proud to serve member businesses like Legend Hills Orchard that help make our communities stronger. Their century-long commitment to farming, family and customer service, along with the resilience they've shown through recent challenges, is truly inspiring. We wish the Legend Hills family continued success and look forward to supporting them for years to come.
Papa Boo's
July 2026
This month, we are excited to spotlight Papa Boo’s, a member business that relies on our safe and dependable natural gas service to keep its operations running smoothly.
For more than 25 years, Papa Boo’s has been a go-to destination at Buckeye Lake, welcoming families, boaters and visitors from all over with great food, frozen beverages, live entertainment, and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. From the lively restaurant to the convenient Ship to Shore Marina store offering fuel and boating essentials, the business creates a full lakeside experience. The team at Papa Boo’s is always focused on creating memorable moments where every visit captures the spirit of life at Buckeye Lake.
Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: Being a cooperative member means being connected to an organization that is focused on serving its members and strengthening the communities where they live and work. As a local business operator, I appreciate working with a company that understands the importance of supporting businesses, families, and economic development throughout the region. It's reassuring to know that The Energy Cooperative's success is tied directly to the success of the communities it serves.
Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: The Energy Cooperative provides the natural gas service that helps support our operations at Papa Boo's. Dependable utility service is an important part of running any business, and we value having a local provider that understands the needs of businesses in our community.
Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: Our experience with The Energy Cooperative has been very positive. Their team has always been professional, responsive, and easy to work with. Running a hospitality business means there are countless things competing for your attention each day, so having reliable service and dependable customer support allows us to stay focused on serving our guests and creating a great experience at Buckeye Lake.
Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
A: Papa Boo's is a waterfront restaurant and marina located on beautiful Buckeye Lake. For more than 25 years, we've been a destination where families, friends, boaters, and visitors come together to enjoy great food, live entertainment, and life at the lake. Each year, we welcome thousands of guests from throughout Ohio and beyond, helping create memorable experiences while showcasing everything that makes Buckeye Lake such a special place. We also take pride in supporting local musicians, community organizations, and charitable causes throughout the year. Our goal has always been to create a welcoming place where people can relax, connect, and make lasting memories with family and friends.
Papa Boo’s has long been a cornerstone of the Buckeye Lake community, and The Energy Cooperative is proud to play a small part in helping it thrive. Reliable energy may happen behind the scenes, but it supports the moments that bring people together: meals with family, time on the water, and memories made with friends. We’re honored to support a business that’s been creating those experiences for more than 25 years and look forward to many more ahead.
Mohican Adventures & Trails End Restaurant
June 2026
The Energy Cooperative proudly brings electricity to Mohican State Park and the surrounding areas. This month, we are excited to spotlight two member businesses that rely on our electric service every day: Mohican Adventures and Trails End Restaurant.
Mohican Adventures and Trails End Restaurant are family-owned businesses in Loudonville. Their partnership with The Energy Cooperative means they get dependable service, people who respond to their needs, and local support from a team who understands the needs of local businesses, families and the larger community. From powering RV sites and outdoor attractions to keeping a restaurant running smoothly, Mohican Adventures and Trails End Restaurant depend on reliable electricity, which is essential to the experience they offer their guests.
Mohican Adventures: River Trips, Campground, Cabins and Fun Center
Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: To us, being a member of The Energy Cooperative means having a reliable, community-minded partner keeping our lights on. Because it is a member-owned, not-for-profit utility, we know their primary focus isn't satisfying distant corporate shareholders, it’s serving local families and businesses like ours. Running a massive campground means we consume a lot of power, especially during hot summer weekends when hundreds of RV air conditioners and cabin systems are running at once.
Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: We are a major commercial member and consumer. The Energy Cooperative provides the essential electrical infrastructure that powers our entire resort: our indoor swimming pool and hot tub, our high-volume shower houses, go-kart tracks, and the 30- and 50-amp pedestals at our RV sites. Our relationship is built on communication. We count on them to deliver steady power so we can offer our guests a seamless, comfortable outdoor vacation.
Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: Our experience has been highly positive and reliable. In the outdoor hospitality industry, weather is our biggest unpredictable factor. When severe summer storms hit the Mohican Valley and bring down trees, power outages can quickly impact hundreds of vacationing families. The Energy Cooperative’s local outage response team has consistently been incredibly fast and communicative, helping us get our operations back online safely and minimizing disruptions for our campers and lodge guests.
Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
A: We sold our first canoe trip in 1961 and have been expanding our family-owned business ever since! Our campground offers full RV hookups, log cabin rentals, and 40+ acres of primitive and electric tent camping. Just across the street, enjoy river trips down the Mohican River in canoes, kayaks, rafts, or tubes. Our Fun Center offers an Aerial Adventure Park, Mini-Golf, and Go-Karts.
Trails End: Restaurant, Pizza and Bar
Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: It means peace of mind for our operations. Running a restaurant is incredibly energy-intensive. We consume a massive amount of power just from powering our walk-in coolers and kitchen equipment. Being part of a member-owned cooperative means we have a utility partner focused on local reliability rather than corporate profits.
Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: We are a heavy commercial consumer. We rely on the cooperative to deliver consistent, uninterrupted power to our facility on State Route 3. A fluctuation in power doesn't just turn off the lights; it can ruin thousands of dollars of fresh ingredients in our refrigeration systems.
Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: Our experience has been highly reliable, especially when it matters most. Summer storms in the heavily wooded Mohican area frequently knock down trees and power lines. The Energy Cooperative has a fantastic track record of quick communication and rapid local response times, ensuring a kitchen outage doesn't force us to turn away hungry families on a busy weekend night.
Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
A: Trails End is a family-owned and operated restaurant. We opened in June of 2011 and have been enjoying the fun and excitement of working in a food service operation ever since! We offer a variety of pizzas, which are made from our secret in-house dough recipe. We also offer juicy burgers, healthy wraps, appetizers, salads, and more! Many enjoy taking advantage of our full bar. Come visit us for your next family dinner, night out with friends, or to watch the big game on one of our flat screen TVs!
The Energy Cooperative is proud to play a small part in the area's tourism and hospitality scene. Over the years, both these businesses have grown and changed. Through it all, they have depended on reliable energy services to meet their needs. Their shared experience underscores the importance of reliable power, especially during busy seasons and severe weather. Our cooperative works prioritize a cooperative that's responsive, easy to work with, and committed to helping its members operate efficiently and plan for the future.
Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters
May 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 and propane services.
From the beginning, Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters has been focused on serving food and coffee that customers can feel good about enjoying and be confident about where they come from. Guided by the slogan “Eat Clean, Drink Local, Do Good,” the menu features thoughtfully sourced ingredients and a strong commitment to making things in-house. Baked goods, sauces, dressings, and even freshly roasted chicken made with a signature dry rub are prepared on site. Small-batch organic coffee is roasted in-house, with an emphasis on supporting local and ethical business partners whenever possible. At its core, Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters remains deeply rooted in people and community.
In May 2026, we spoke with Jeff Grow, owner of Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters. This spotlight highlights the long-standing relationship between The Energy Cooperative and Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters.
Q: What does being a cooperative member mean to you?
A: Being a member lets me be part of the local energy community. Purchasing from a local source that employs friends and neighbors from my county. The cooperative allows me to speak with other members and organizational leaders who share my community concerns.
Q: What is your relationship with the cooperative?
A: Coffee Shack has five business accounts with The Energy Cooperative. We receive propane and natural gas from the cooperative, and I also receive propane at my personal residence. I have been a member for over a decade.
Q: How has your experience been with the cooperative?
A: I have always had positive experiences. I do not recall ever having a service disruption, and whenever my propane has been low, I have had delivery within one hour.
Please provide any additional details about your business that you’d like to share.
A: Coffee Shack started roasting coffee in Licking County in 2012. Our first brick-and-mortar shop was established in 2017, located in Heath. We later expanded to a second location in Buckeye Lake. We are exploring another location in the county, too. We are able to support other local businesses by supplying coffee for them to sell retail or use in their own cafes. We get to supply company break rooms and churches in the area with fresh-roasted coffee. Our shops are not only coffee-focused, but we also offer breakfast and lunch options using as many local products as we can source. We have a retail space selling ultra-premium olive oils and Balsamic, along with coffee brewing supplies and equipment.
Together, Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters and The Energy Cooperative demonstrate how strong local partnerships fuel more than just daily operations. With reliable propane and natural gas service supporting Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters continued growth, Jeff Grow and his team are able to stay focused on what matters most: delivering quality products, supporting fellow local businesses, and serving Licking County with purpose. The Energy Cooperative is proud to power member businesses like Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters that reflect the cooperative spirit through dedication, reliability and a genuine commitment to doing good close to home.
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.
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.
