Above, East Liverpool Mayor Bobby Smith speaking with special guests Jane Smith, Bill Jones, Marybeth Jones, and Scott Shepherd. Also show, some of the attending guests. (Submitted photos)
EAST LIVERPOOL — Thank you to everyone who attended the 2024 River Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Banquet on March 16, 2024.
Reprising last year’s success, this year’s banquet was held at the Masonic Temple in East Liverpool, with the cuisine again prepared by Chef Chris McMillan of the Conglomorate. Summation of the event was best described by Kathy Kerkuta of Consumers Bank saying, “We all had wonderful time.”
The evening began with a social hour of friendly networking as attendees enjoyed a tasty sampling of exotic meats and cheeses at the charcuterie table along with a variety of complimentary wines and beverages courtesy of Heritage Thermal Services and Consumers National Bank before seating for dinner in the Grand Ballroom.
The banquet was a night of celebrations and accomplishments over the past year by East Liverpool City Hospital and Hancock County Savings Bank and a keynote to welcome Robert “Bobby” Smith as the newly-elected Mayor of East Liverpool. Unlike most member recognitions, there were no plaques, certificates, or ribbons to be awarded to the esteemed businesses. Rather, the attendees honored their extensive achievements and milestones with profound gratitude that extended beyond a few printed words to the praises of directed benefit and celebration.
Dawn Gerz, Chief Nursing Officer of ELCH spoke on behalf of the hospital and medical staff saying, “ELCH has cultivated an outstanding safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of both patients and staff, that is recognized among the highest nationwide.” Gerz further went to report that ELCH had just the previous week earned the Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades. This was the seventh time ELCH has earned this distinction placing it among the top 5% of hospitals in America. Coupled with a continuous sixth year Leapfrog Hospital Safety “A” Grade, it was the only hospital in the region to receive an “A” grade establishing ELCH as a premium healthcare provider.
A little more than six months earlier, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid further awarded Five-Stars in recognition of excellent quality of care, counting ELCH among the 16% of hospitals nationwide to achieve this threshold. According to Gerz, at ELCH “Patient safety is everyone’s job, every day, no mater their role. We know that our community counts on us for taking every precaution to ensure our patients receive the award-winning care they deserve.” Cleary, ELCH is indeed dedicated to being the best hospital for our community.
Understanding the equally important nature of business to the health and longevity of our community, Doug Comm President and CEO of HCSB, shared a brief history of the dreams they’ve helped bring true during the last 125 years. Comm says the primary reason for the long-term success of HCSB is, “Quite simply, our people!” Dating back to its earliest days in 1899, Hugh Newell, J.E. McDonald, and C.A. Smith set out to provide residents the means to finance a home as the area developed into an industrial community. Quoting from a HCSB 50th Anniversary booklet, Comm states, “But with all that we have seen in the past, there still appears to be no reason for change in the necessity for thrift and the desire for one’s own home.”
Despite the myriad of evolving customer preferences and changing regulatory requirements, 75 years later, Comm confirms the mission remains the same to “put people in homes, encourage them to save, and of course give back to the communities we serve.”
Keynote speaker Bobby Smith shared a brief summary of his background from his 1977 graduation from ELHS, to service in the U.S. Navy Seabees before returning home to work as a firefighter, housing inspector, small business owner, and now as mayor.
Smith was especially pleased to announce East Liverpool has been selected as an America 250 City to help celebrate the semiquincentennial (250 year) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Several projects initiated during the previous administration are gaining traction including the Appalachian Bike Trail with direct route to the Point of Beginning and potential development of a visitor center. Other improvements his office will continue to actively support is renovation of the Thompson Building at the Diamond, and the Dresden Avenue Phase Two Paving Project. With special appreciation to Bill Cowan for the amazing work he has done for East Liverpool. Smith stated, “The successful award of nearly $30 million dollars for the Route 39 reconstruction project encompassing new sidewalks and lighting will prove a big boost to redeveloping the east end.”
No one willingly accepts a dilapidated house on their block. No one should have to endure the potential dangers and criminal activity drawn to buildings that are beyond repair. Agreeing the City has made a lot of progress in the last four years to eliminate blight in our neighborhoods, Smith said, “100 homes remain backlogged on the list to be razed. We are working to prioritize, secure and clear the sites and with the continued help of the County Commissioners and Landbank we will get them taken down.”
Whether on our streets or in our homes, there is no higher priority than making sure East Liverpool is as safe as possible to live and work. Stating “Crime, particularly drug-related offenses, hurts our residents, our neighborhoods, and our economy,” Smith is currently working with Jesse Smith, the new director of the Drug Task Force to assign a city member to the team. Ultimately Smith claims the problem boils down to two approaches – prevention and accountability. Consequences should be appropriate and timely, with Smith praising City Prosecutor Charlie Payne and Assistant Law Director John Gamble for their efforts to “make sure people who commit crimes are identified and brought to justice.”
Lastly Smith began to conclude his remarks with thanks to all the incredibly dedicated city staff, at all levels and in every department. “Operating from the same page with a good morale has kept our municipal services running smoothly ensuring reliable and helpful access to the people we serve.”
Admitting to wearing his heart on his sleeve, Smith explained he was very passionate about the city. “I am greatly inspired when I see neighbors rally around a community member when hardship strikes. I am encouraged with newfound hope when parents teach their children to be kind yet brave enough to stand up for what they know to be right. And I am optimistic about the future when people take the time to listen and consider perspectives different from their own.”
In closing, Smith thanked everyone in attendance for bearing with his feelings and enthusiasm, and to the people of East Liverpool – “not just for the trust they’ve placed in electing me Mayor, but for their daily acts of helpfulness, kindness, and ambitions to make East Liverpool a better place for us all.”
River Valley Chamber of Commerce serves to promote small business and economic development throughout the regional tri-state area. To learn more, visit www.rivervalleychamberofcommerce.org.
