Chillicothe: Bobbi Blanton, the owner of Brick Haven Spa, Cranberry Boutique, and The Coffee Hub, has been named 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce.

The prestigious accolade was bestowed upon her at the Chamber's highly anticipated Annual Awards Dinner, a grand affair held at Bell Manor on Tuesday, May 7. Her honor was one of the five distinguished awards presented by the Chamber, marking a significant milestone in the local business community.

Her businesses have become integral parts of our community, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy.

Blanton's entrepreneurial journey began in 2016 with the establishment of Brick Haven Spa, a venture she started with her former high school classmate, Stephanie Truitt. Their business quickly flourished, leading to the opening of a second location. In 2022, they took a significant step by consolidating all their spa locations into a new building on West Main Street and introducing The Coffee Hub to their portfolio of businesses.

Cranberry Boutique started in 2019 out of Blanton's basement and quickly expanded to a Bridge Street location in less than a year. She added additional locations in Piketon (2020), then Jeffersonville (2021, closed in 2023).

From humble beginnings with just two employees, her businesses have flourished. Today, they boast a workforce of about 50, a testament to her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Blanton's active involvement in the Fall Festival of Leaves for over 20 years and her efforts to revive the music and theatre scene at the historic Paxton Theatre further underlines her commitment to the local community.

Other awards handed out:

• Don Russell, a retired plant manager at the Chillicothe paper mills, was given a Special Recognition Award. Despite his retirement, Russell has continued to serve the community, sharing his woodworking and metalworking skills with numerous businesses, charities, and organizations. His dedication and selflessness are truly commendable.
• Accurate Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing won the Legacy Award for businesses that have operated for more than 25 years. Started in 1977 out of his business by Tom White, Accurate has now grown to more than 190 employees in seven locations serving 17 counties between Dayton and Lancaster, including the flagship location in Chillicothe.
• Bo Lacey Construction won the Corporate Citizenship award for its charitable contributions and commitment to work-life balance for its employees. This was the company’s second similar award from a Chamber in the past month—the Pickaway County Chamber of Commerce honored it on April 18.
• Anna Armistead of the Hope Partnership Project was named Young Professional of the Year. Armistead is Vice President of EPIC Young Professionals and contributes to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of South Central Ohio, Greater Chillicothe Women in Business, Life Ready, and more.