There was a bit of added excitement in the air at UA Wayne College at the start of the spring semester as members of the university and the Orrville Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of MARRs Cafe with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, January 13 th . Special guests included the Mayor of Orrville, Matt Plybon, Chamber President & CEO, Dan Franks and Membership & Marketing Director, Landre McCloud, and Dr. Heather Howley, Director of Regional Campuses. A unique partnership has formed between the college and the new restaurant, located in the Marketplace area of the Student Life Building on campus. Amy Haynes, Director of Business Operations and Finance at UA Wayne College, said, “MARRs Cafe operating their business on The University of Akron Wayne College campus has been such a mutually beneficial partnership. While they now have a physical location to operate their catering business, they are also providing tasty and nutritious food options at affordable prices to our students, staff and community. I am happy to welcome them to campus and look forward to watching their business grow.” UA Wayne reached out to Michael Middleton and Rachel Drake, the husband-and-wife team behind MARRs Cafe, to learn more about their new venture. An unexpected student comment and request on Facebook was the catalyst for the partnership between UA Wayne and MARRs Cafe, which had a soft launch on Nov. 18 th . After the Facebook post, “that sparked the idea of us having a standalone restaurant inside the college. I came in the next morning and asked to speak to whomever would be in charge of those decisions and had a meeting with Amy Haynes that day,” Michael said. Michael and Rachel have a simple concept behind their restaurant: “healthy and affordable fresh food for all.” Michael said, “We believe that meals don’t need to cost as much as they are, so we do everything in our power to keep consumer cost low while still providing a delicious product and reducing food waste.” When asked what MARRs stands for and how they came up with the name of their business, Michael said, “First and foremost, we believe in family, so MARRs is an anagram for each member of our family: Michael, Aaliyah, Ryden and Rachel.” Entrepreneurship has always been in Michael and Rachel’s blood. From a very young age, Rachel always knew that having her own restaurant was her dream. Michael has an initiative-driven mindset and has always wanted to do something independent. The couple knows each other’s strengths, so balancing their roles isn’t difficult. “We very much know our roles and what we excel at and tend not to cross those lines. I run everything on the backend to keep the business running properly and efficiently while Rachel is the chef. She knows food inside and out and makes the magic happen. Personally, I cannot cook, so I am more than happy leaving that role to her!” The biggest challenge in launching the restaurant, Michael noted, has simply been adapting. “Prior to this we were solely a catering company, so coming in and starting a cafe has been a beast to tame all on its own. But I believe we’ve done pretty well and have overcome every hurdle. Luckily, we have an amazing team behind us in our staff and the support of the university as well.” When asked if their restaurant were to have a theme song, what would it be and why, Michael said, “Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees, because when all the students get out of class and we have huge groups of people here ordering at the same time, we are lucky to be staying alive!” Even before moving on to the UA Wayne campus, MARRs’ signature menu item has been cheesecake. Michael said, “Our cheesecakes are always very popular. With a list of over 30 flavors, we try to put out a different one each day so everyone can try them all!” Besides offering affordable, delicious food on campus throughout the week and operating their catering business from here as well, the one thing they’d like everyone to know about their restaurant that might not be expected is that they are completely open to the public. “We understand being located inside one of the buildings on campus is an unconventional location. Most people would think we only serve the students, and the public isn’t allowed to come in the building, but they most definitely are! We encourage everyone to come in, try us out and learn about the university. They also have an amazing 3D Lab the public can utilize as well!” Having been open now for a few weeks, Michael believes their connection with UA Wayne is a strong one. “We are on a first-name basis with so many people here and have been overwhelmingly accepted and supported.” Michael and Rachel’s long-term goals are to keep building their relationship with the university, grow in popularity among the public and possibly add a dinner service in the future. “In time, we would also be interested in booking the Smucker Multi-Purpose Room to host a bridal event, and entrepreneurship seminars for young people who want to learn about starting a business.” MARRs began as a catering business, and their motto has always been “client first.” “We get to know every single client as a person and learn their wants and needs and tailor every experience we offer just for them.” Their catering services can be booked by phone or text at 330-347-4525, by messaging them on their Facebook page, or by email at marrscafe@gmail.com . MARRs Cafe is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are many affordable items on their menu, including their ‘Small Selects’ options. Online ordering is available at marrscafe.square.site, and they have partnered with DoorDash for delivery outside of campus. “We think the community will be thrilled to have another option in the area that they can trust in. Also, businesses in the area now have a trusted local catering service right in town for any of their events,” Michael added.

The American Pickers are excited to return to Ohio! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in March 2025. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public.  If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184 Facebook: @GotAPick

Employee engagement in workplace safety is critical for maintaining a safe and productive environment. When employees actively engage in safety efforts, they're more likely to follow protocols, identify hazards and contribute to a culture prioritizing well-being. Employee engagement will differ from company to company depending upon factors such as culture, leadership, employees, and the current safety program. Regardless of the type of safety program you have, involving employees in it will show the company’s dedication to safety in the workplace. An effective way to protect employees is to involve them in your company’s safety program. There are several ways to do this, so it is important you find out what works best for yours. Here are some key strategies to encourage engagement: 1) Involve Employees in Safety Planning Active participation in the company’s safety planning meetings and risk assessments will allow workers to voice their concerns, concerns of others and suggest improvements. Many employees have first-hand knowledge of tasks and job functions and can highlight potential risks, hazards and offer better solutions others may overlook. 2) Empower Employees to Speak Up There are many ways to encourage employees to report hazards, near-misses, and unsafe behaviors. The key is to encourage reporting without fear of reprimand. Suggestion boxes, computer reporting software, safety meetings and toolbox talks can all be used to address safety concerns and make employees feel comfortable contributing to safety. 3) Provide Ongoing Safety Training and Development Develop a training program that offers guidance and knowledge to employees. Training is required in many situations for compliance, but it should be more than that. The focus of training is to encourage employees to work safely to eliminate injuries. Remind them that nobody wants to get hurt at work and safety training is key to preventing injuries. Regular, interactive training keeps safety top-of-mind and helps employees retain knowledge. Customize the topics for different departments or areas. 4) Set Clear, Achievable Safety Goals Goals can be a great way to encourage employees to get involved in safety. Recognize individual and team efforts to meet these goals, which can help keep everyone motivated. However, avoid setting goals that focus on injury reduction as this might discourage employees from reporting. Acknowledge employees who consistently follow safety practices and contribute to safety initiatives. Rewards can range from public recognition to tangible incentives. 5) Encourage Positive Peer Influence Create a culture where employees remind each other about safety practices and help correct unsafe behaviors. Focus on the point that safety is everyone’s responsibility and not one department or person. No single employee should be policing safe work practice, but it should be a responsibility of everyone. Reinforce to staff that reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors is key to prevention and keeping an overall safe workplace. When safety is part of the team’s shared responsibility, compliance improves naturally. 6) Leadership by Example Probably one of the most important parts to a safe workplace is leading by example. When leaders consistently demonstrate commitment to safety, it sends a strong message. Regardless of who enters the work area, ensure employees wear required PPE and follow safety guidelines such as staying within marked walking areas. Engaged leadership shows that safety is a priority and not just an obligation. Employees who regularly do not enter the work area and are seen not following safety rules shows to employees that safety is not a priority. 7) Regularly Communicate Safety Information Keep safety visible with bulletin boards, digital displays, posters or company newsletters. Regular reminders reinforce the importance of safety in the workplace. The safety message should be changed periodically (weekly or monthly). Use these communication channels to reinforce safety guidelines, such as PPE usage, Safety Data Sheet information or review of safe work practices. 8) Evaluate and Act on Feedback Regularly request feedback on safety processes and be proactive in implementing suggested changes. When employees see their feedback leads to improvements, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Regardless of how small a safety suggestion may seem, always get back to the employee with a response. Ignoring requests can demonstrate a non-caring attitude toward safety. Encouraging employee engagement into your company’s safety program is a great way to demonstrate how important safety is in the workplace. When developing a strategy that is specific to your culture, be creative, think outside the box and include employee suggestions. Once you’ve come up with a strategy that fits your organization, communicate it with employees. Share the philosophy that safety is the number one priority. Remember, in a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute to safety, they’ll be more likely to stay actively engaged in creating a safe environment. If you need help identifying potential hazards in your workplace, please contact Andy Sawan, risk services specialist at Sedgwick at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330.819.4728.

ORRVILLE, OHIO—Oct. 10, 2024—Jarrett Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Matt Wagner was recently named a 2024 Sales Mountain Mover Rainmaker runner-up by the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA). The recognition highlights leading sales and business development individuals in the industry whose achievements, performance and vision have helped shape the transportation industry – through initiating impactful projects, hitting KPIs and being a change agent. Wagner’s commitment to excellence helps drive growth within the company which resulted in double-digit growth that was driven by capturing market share through new client acquisition. By continually refining processes and creating new opportunities, Wagner has demonstrated his leadership and forward-thinking solutions, personifying the qualities of this award.  “I am truly honored to receive the TMSA Sales Mountain Mover Award. At Jarrett, we are constantly pushing the envelope with innovative solutions to support our supply chain partners. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, reflecting our commitment to not only driving the next phase of growth for the company but also fostering a dynamic environment that attracts new talent and champions the development of our current team members,” said Wagner. Additionally, Wagner stands out for his contributions to the industry by his vision and leadership in gathering 200 thought leaders from the transportation, logistics, manufacturing, distribution and technology industries at the annual Jarrett Supply Chain Summit, an educational event hosted by Jarrett in Orrville, which focuses on the latest trends, strategies and technologies shaping today’s supply chain landscape. "Matt's remarkable leadership in driving double-digit growth and expanding market share, combined with his ability to build a strong sales infrastructure at Jarrett, is incredible to see," said Jennifer Karpus-Romain, TMSA Executive Director. To learn more about Jarrett, visit www.gojarrett.com/about-us . About Jarrett Jarrett Logistics is an award-winning 3PL supply chain partner with operations in Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing and Fleet services. Founded in 1999, the family-owned company is headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, with client service offices in New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Jarrett is recognized as a market leader in the supply chain industry for providing world-class service, technology and premier services to many of the world’s biggest brands. For more information, visit www.gojarrett.com .

Jarrett Cargo Claims and Risk Manager Jessica Renner has been recognized as the 2024 Women in Supply Chain Award Workforce Innovator winner by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, industry leading supply chain publications. The award honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network. Renner, who is most notable for her expertise in the area of cargo theft and fraud mitigation, is recognized as an industry leader. She is often requested for speaking engagements, presenting her expertise on many of the industry’s hottest topics. She also serves as VP Communications/ProClaim for Certified Claims Professional Accreditation Council (CCPAC).  “It is an honor to receive this award,” said Jarrett Cargo Claims and Risk Manager Jessica Renner. “Being recognized in a field as dynamic as supply chain shows that innovation, leadership and perseverance are essential traits to have in any industry, but especially supply chain. I am passionate about improving the quality and efficiency of the logistics and supply chain sector and look forward to more opportunities to do so.” To see a full list of winners, visit https://sdce.me/ikoib3ei . Renner will be honored at this year’s Women in Supply Chain Forum, in Atlanta in November. ABOUT JARRETT Jarrett Logistics is an award-winning 3PL supply chain partner with operations in Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing and Fleet services. Founded in 1999, the family-owned company is headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, with client service offices in New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Jarrett is recognized as a market leader in the supply chain industry for providing world-class service, technology and premier services to many of the world’s biggest brands. For more information, visit www.gojarrett.com .

The Home Builders Association of Wayne and Holmes Counties is excited to announce a remarkable project in 2024. The HBA is partnering with Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO) on an awesome fundraising opportunity with all proceeds to benefit the CAMO organization. The HBA’s board of directors approved the partnership in early 2024 and are thrilled at the overwhelming support to date. The project will consist of a new home that will be sold once completed in the fall of ’24. The home will be featured in our annual Parade of Homes which kicks off on September 20th. The HBA’s members have and will be instrumental in donating time and materials to construct the home at little to no cost which will increase the profits for CAMO.  The HBA is a non-profit professional organization that is comprised of over 150 members. The membership consists of builders and associates that are part of various businesses across the local area and state. The HBA is honored to support and join in such an admirable cause. We look forward to seeing you at our 2024 Parade of Homes where our talented builders feature the latest trends in style and craftsmanship.

Jarrett Announces Second Annual Supply Chain Summit

This summer, Wooster will become even sweeter with the arrival of Orr Valley Creamery at 3004 Dover Road. A grand opening was held on National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, Friday, June 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., complete with free custard samples, discounts and more for visitors. “We are thrilled to introduce Orr Valley Creamery’s Sarasota Concretes, homemade custards and the beloved Guerne Heights coney to the Wooster community,” said Diane Jarrett, owner of the Orr Valley Creamery. “One of our specialties is the Sarasota Concrete, a delightful blend of homemade custard and sweet mix-ins, and it is available in a variety of combinations.” The famous Guerne Heights coney will continue to be a highlight at the new Wooster location. During the grand opening, guests enjoyed $3 coney dogs and free samples of homemade chocolate and vanilla custard. Orr Valley Creamery is all about scooping happiness into life. The Orr Valley Wooster location is open from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Orrville location is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. To learn more about Orr Valley Creamery and menu options, please visit www.orrvalleycreamery.com. ABOUT ORR VALLEY CREAMERY Founded in 2022, Orr Valley Creamery offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where guests can enjoy homemade custard, coneys and more. The Creamery features a relaxed seating area, creating a perfect environment for family fun. Now with locations in Orrville and Wooster, Orr Valley Creamery continues to be a destination for delicious, quality treats.