The Canal Winchester Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a double ribbon-cutting April 16, two of several this year celebrating new businesses in the city.

“I think this is an indicator,” chamber board Chair Jim Long said. “I believe our city leaders are working in a cooperative mode with the chamber to create a more prosperous environment for all businesses in Canal Winchester – and that’s what’s most exciting for us, this working together.”

Long said new chamber members, along with new businesses, are the result of this cooperation between the city and chamber.

“These new businesses coming to Canal Winchester is indicative of the work the mayor and (Development Director) Lucas Haire are doing,” he said. “The businesses joining the chamber are indicative of the chamber’s involvement in the business community and the success of us working together.”

The chamber has added 14 new businesses since the beginning of the year,10 of which are new businesses in Canal Winchester, Long said. Two of the new businesses, Mr. Electric and Mr. Appliance, were being honored at the ribbon-cutting.

“We’re ready to bring Mr. Electric services to Canal Winchester and be the go-to electrician in the Fairfield County community to handle solar projects, residential custom lighting jobs and landscape and security lighting,” owner Sheridan Smith said. “My goal is to provide my customers with more than just professional courtesy and world-class technical knowledge, but an experience that illuminates their senses.”

Smith has been a licensed electrician for six years. He recently left a job with another electrical contractor to open this franchise of Mr. Electric with his wife, Anne, and two employees.

“We’re Canal Winchester residents, so we’re really excited to serve our community,” he said. “We believe our experience sets us apart. We provide a professional experience with uniformed technicians and we’re recommended on Angie’s List and are members of both the Canal Winchester Area Chamber of Commerce and the Pickerington Chamber.”

Mr. Appliance is another franchise under the same parent company, The Dwyer Group. Andrew Wayt is the new Canal Winchester franchise owner.

“When I got out of college, I spent several years working for EGL and then Abercrombie & Fitch, working my way up to senior management before deciding to look for a new opportunity. That’s when I looked at franchises,” Wayt said. “To me, going with a franchise means you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, which takes the pressure off since there are already systems in place for running the business and you can focus on the customers.”

Wayt, also a Canal Winchester resident, said his company is focused on repair of residential appliances; it also offers dryer vent cleaning.

“Currently, there’s myself and one other employee, with plans to expand soon,” he said. “We’re thrilled to get under way. I live here and look forward to serving the community.”