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! 

Guest Blogger: Farewell Friends

By Angela Payne

It’s been great exploring the city and getting to share some of my favorite experiences with you, but summer is officially over and now it’s back to my regularly scheduled program.  I’m trading in my “summer blogger” hat for a warm fall sweater and a pair of UGG^© boots.  Although we didn’t get to connect as many times as I would’ve liked, I hope that I accomplished what I set out to do: introduce and reintroduce folks to the greatness of Gahanna!

This is a great city! And my family and I have really enjoyed living here these past 14 months. In the words of -- well, anyone I guess -- “I think we’ll stay awhile.”

Not to worry, from time to time I’ll don my blogger’s hat as we move into leafy fall fun and frosty winter festivals. Be sure to check out the Gahanna Parks and Recreation website to stay in-the-know on what’s happening around the city. There are some goodies planned for the fall and winter. 

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About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela guest-blogged this summer about all things Gahanna, and hopefully she'll blog for the City of Gahanna again in the coming months.

Good Time, Great Place

By Angela Payne

My husband and I decided to do a week-long “staycation.” A week to explore the city at our pace – no kids, no schedules, just us – and a chance to finally see what nightlife in Gahanna had to offer.

We left our suburban bubble quite a few times, but one of our most enjoyable nights was right here in Gahanna at FM Food & Music.

A welcomed surprise, FM has the décor and sophistication of a New York hot spot. We went for dinner, but stayed for the experience! A stylish and fun atmosphere, the careful thought that went into every detail was apparent as soon as we hit the lobby. From New Edition to Michael Bolton, the lobby walls were covered with album covers from some of the most talented musicians to grace the airwaves.

Once seated, we swayed to live music – which FM has every Thursday and Friday night – as we browsed former old-school album covers turned menus.

The versatility of this place gets an A+. You can hang out at the license-plate adorned bar, relax in a lavish booth with friends or spread out in one of several themed rooms. Oh, and the food – delicious! With a wide offering of American favorites, I kept it simple and ordered the steak quesadillas.  Flavorful and tender, the dish was finger lickin’ good (Literally. My husband took pictures).

Lookout Columbus food scene! FM is the perfect place for good music, delicious food and a groovy atmosphere.

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About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

School Days

By Angela Payne

The swimming pools aren’t as full, parks are quieter and youngsters lollygagging down the street have been replaced by early morning school bus pick ups and bikes pedaling to the schoolyard to beat the bell. All tell-tale signs that summer is winding down and students are back in the classroom.
As parents look for activities to replace late night movies and mid-afternoon swims with the kids, rest assured that there are some edufun (my combination of educational & fun) activities not far from home.

Gahanna Library – a social gathering for even the youngest reader -- the Tween Book Club for ages 8-11 meets Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m.

HerbEducation Center – dripping with old charm, this historic treasure offers cooking classes, fun and informative workshops and an adorable gift shop with all the herbal goodies your heart desires.

Young Chef’sAcademy – fun for the whole family, YCA offers family cooking classes where parent and child work side-by-side to create a culinary masterpiece!

Be sure to also check out TheGateway, Gahanna Parks & Recreation’s program guide, for tons of classes, events and programs scheduled for this fall.

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About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

Gahanna, meet your neighbors (Part I)

By Angela Payne

I love meeting new people; some may even call me a social butterfly. So I was ecstatic when the thought crossed my mind to get out and talk to residents about why Gahanna is their city of choice. Gahanna-ites, meet Amanda and Tamara!