Great marketing slogans seem to make lasting impressions, and for many of us, “American and proud of it,” gives an immediate association with the Chevy brand or more specifically, Bob Serpentini. And for this new Wayne Economic Development Council investor, that’s exactly where this story begins.

Formerly a Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buick dealership, Serpentini Chevrolet of Orrville was established in 1980 when Serpentini purchased the former dealership where he was employed. The youngest ever first-generation Chevrolet dealer, Serpentini has grown his business to be one of the largest volume Chevy stores in the country with six dealerships across Northeast Ohio.

Formerly located in the downtown, Serpentini Chevrolet of Orrville moved to its current location on North Main Street eight years ago for more space.

“We’re a family-owned business,” stated Jason Anderson, executive manager. “What sets us apart from the rest is our people. We have a lot of tenured employees. Our customers see the same faces every time they walk in.”

Not only are they a family-owned business, but they also treat their customers like family. “You can’t treat customers like they’re at a deli counter, asking them to take a number,” stated Anderson. “Our customers are our family, and we’ll treat them as such.”

Five little letters, t-r-u-s-t, when put together, can make a large impact. Relationships built on trust is why Whitaker-Myers has been so successful for over 150 years and continues to thrive.

What started with two competing agencies, founded in 1869 and 1870, The W.G. Whitaker Agency (initially the Fullerton Agency until 1891) and the W.C. Myers Agency, both saw growth and built a reputation of excellence. After competing for 100 years, the Whitaker Agency and Myers Agency merged in 1970 to form what is still known today as Whitaker-Myers.

In 1985, current Chairman/CEO, Scott Allen joined the firm through a family association with Westfield Insurance (The original Fullerton/Whitaker agency’s first and primary contract was in representation of Ohio Farmers Insurance Co, which is now Westfield Group). Allen bought the firm in 1990 with banker friend and CPA, Scott Young, and the two co-owned and managed the agency for the next eight years.

Over the years, while others in the area were being acquired by larger agencies or banks, Whitaker-Myers was welcoming new clients and acquiring other agencies. Living out a goal to remain independent, this bold plan to move forward fortified their balance sheet and secured the future for both their employees and clients.

After a merger in 1998, a third owner, John McCord came on board, and in 2002, an Ashland office was added, after Whitaker-Myers acquired agencies in nearby Ashland and Mansfield.

Reminiscing about the good old days can be both nostalgic and emotional, as we reflect on the past and wish for simpler times. Our cherished memories may reflect on our childhood, hanging out with teenage friends or maybe even a first date. For many, as we think back on these special times, the former Lyric Theater is a part of that memory. Now thanks to the original vision of Wooster residents, Cameron Maneese and her husband, Chris Buchanan, plus a whole team of people, we can cherish memories of the past Lyric Theater and look forward to new ones.

Even though the building was purchased outright thanks to a generous donor, Maneese and Buchanan quickly realized it would take a village to get the Lyric Theater back in operation, therefore a Board of 11 directors was formed. “Our Board is like a start-up team donating a lot of time and talent,” stated Carolyn Robinson, executive director of the Downtown Arts Theater Inc., an established 501(c)(3) non-profit. “Realizing none of us had run a theater before, we began conducting lots of research. Not only have we visited other community theaters, but we also met with the great-granddaughter and other family members of the gentleman that originally started the theater when it was on Liberty St.“

The Lyric Theater began in 1912 and over the years, it changed locations and names. Most can still remember the Big Picture Cinema which closed its doors in 2010 and for the last decade other organizations have used the space.