Meet Your City Staff: Emanuel Torres

Image courtesy of Paul Molitor, The Portrait House

Emanuel Torres has been working for the City of Gahanna since July of 2011 as the economic development manager.  In his time at the City, he has accomplished great things for the Department of Planning and Development, and people are beginning to take notice.

As the economic development manager, Torres’ primary function is to focus on the expansion and retention needs of the Gahanna business community.

“This position allows me to develop and cultivate strong relationships with businesses and property owners,” said Torres. “I am also responsible for the administration of the tax incentive programs and serve as the editor of the Connector, the monthly economic development newsletter for the City of Gahanna.”

The Gahanna Chamber recently presented Emanuel an award for being the top recruiter of new chamber members in 2012 at their State of the Chamber luncheon in early January.

“This is the first award I have ever received and it definitely reinforces my efforts and the appreciation from the Chamber is very humbling,” said Torres.

For the City of Gahanna, this award is confirmation that they are on track, but the City and the Department of Planning and Development are still looking for ways to improve. Torres said, “We’re constantly looking into and evaluating our partnerships and going out of our way to meet the needs of our businesses.”

In the coming year, the horizon for the Department of Planning and Development is always changing and relationships with the businesses are only getting stronger.

 “I am excited to focus on the needs of the local business community and the events throughout the year for those businesses,” said Torres.

If you want to receive the Connector newsletter or would like to get in touch with Emanuel, email him at emanuel.torres@gahanna.gov.

City Staff Teams Up for GRIN

By Nancy Savage

Administrative Assistant/Mayor's Office

As the Holiday Season comes to a close, I would like to send one BIG “thank you” to all my co-workers at the City of Gahanna who so generously gave during our holiday fundraiser. 

 As the coordinator of this effort, I am challenged to think of ideas to energize the staff yet keeping in mind that there may be those among us who may also be struggling financially.  So, I thought up a simple concept… bring in $5.00 worth of groceries PLUS a $5.00 monetary donation and called it “5 & 5 for the Holidays”.  My feeling was….make it simple and they will come, and they sure did!

How delighted I was to see my co-workers with their Kroger and Giant Eagle bags filled with canned peas, corn, tuna fish, soups, toiletries and so much more.  What stands out for me is the desire that everyone had to “help”, to chip in for an honorable cause.

I am so excited to report that our staff donated $466.00 in cash, plus a large quantity of canned foods and other non-perishable items to GRIN Gahanna Residents in Need. 

Needless to say, I work with a fine group of people who work very diligently throughout the year for the City of Gahanna and its residents and whose efforts and generous donations this holiday season are to be commended. I feel very lucky to be a part of this team!  

Thank you ALL!