Path to Presents: Shop, auction, quest

A favorite holiday tradition in the charming town of Copley, Path to Presents takes place Saturday, November 29, through Saturday, December 6, at local businesses throughout the area. Sponsored by the Copley Chamber of Commerce, the celebration is one of its biggest of the year.

“Path to Presents is a prime example of our mission to cultivate an environment where local businesses can flourish, residents can thrive, and nonprofits can make a meaningful impact,” says the chamber’s Executive Director Allison Chrien.

Where Will the Path Take You?

In its second year, Path to Presents is comprised of an online auction, the Penguin Quest scavenger hunt, and a ticketed watch party.

“This year our online auction features some remarkable items, from a high-end bourbon party for eight guests at 1840 Manor House’s speakeasy-style lounge, valued at $2,000, to a bourbon basket complete with bottles, cigars, ice molds and glasses, valued at $200, a tour and tasting at Winery at Wolf Creek, valued at $100, and a Nothing Bundt Cakes gift certificate for $400 to last all year,” she says.

Here’s how the Penguin Quest works: 

• First, you register online at TheCopleyChamber.com.
• There are 22 locations you can visit, ranging from restaurants, clothing boutiques and gift shops to a brewery and winery, to name a few. Consult the online map for a list of each location’s questing hours.
• Find the ceramic penguin at the location and scan the QR code to rack up points. If you visit all locations and share your photos with the chamber, you earn extra points.
• Those with the most points by 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, will be entered into a drawing for amazing raffle prizes.

Path to Presents culminates with a watch party at Brighten Brewing Company on Saturday evening, when you can watch the auction competition heat up as the final online bids come in.

“We’re proud to put the proceeds from the watch party toward enrichment programming at Copley-Fairlawn City Schools,” says Allison.

Membership Benefits

Allison has helmed the 14-year-old chamber since 2021.

“Our group has grown exponentially over the past several years. We are at 170 members, up from 30 a handful of years ago,” she says. “Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or large corporation, as a member you gain access to a myriad of benefits, from networking and making partnerships within the community to tapping into our resources and exclusive cost-saving discounts since we are part of the NOACC and the Collaborative Chambers Alliance. There are savings on everything from group health insurance to lower energy bills, Worker’s Comp, FedEx, freight and prescriptions. We invite anyone in the community to join us for a meeting. In March, our benefits fair will bring in experts to help business owners delve further into their benefit plans.”

The cost of annual membership, which starts at $150, is more than covered through the savings opportunities. Through monthly meetings the chamber brings in speakers for professional development and enrichment. 

“Everyone can stay connected with our community by subscribing to our two weekly newsletters: Chamber News for business insights and events, and The Loop News for local happenings and community updates,” she says. “We will have a meeting in January featuring a presentation called ‘Your Chamber at Work,’ which will focus on chamber insights and its impact.”

Non-members can attend one luncheon meeting free once a year and pay $10 each to attend them after that. But why wouldn’t you want to meet new people and boost your business with membership?

Copley Chamber of Commerce is located at Copley Town Hall, 1540 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road in Copley. Call 330-697-0374 or visit TheCopleyChamber.com for more information.