Official Press Release from Stacy Beougher, Executive Director

(7-28-23) We are pleased to announce that Celina will be recognized as a great place to live, work, and visit in Ohio Magazine’s annual Best Hometowns issue which will be published November 1. Ohio Magazine solicited nominations last spring searching for the best hometowns in Ohio. Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce director, Stacy Beougher nominated Celina for this award. Ohio Magazine looks at Community Spirit, Education, Entertainment, Health & Safety, Business Environment, and the culture or heritage to help make their selection. Beougher received a call this summer stating that magazine officials would like to come and visit Celina and find out more about the hometown. They spent the day meeting business owners, visiting area attractions, and enjoying time on Grand Lake. They also had the opportunity to speak with Mayor Hazel and Greater Grand Lake Visitor Center director, Donna Grube to learn more about Celina.

July 26, Beougher received notification that Celina was indeed selected as one of Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns for 2023-2024. Ohio Magazine highlights all the great things Ohio has to offer in travel, tourism, food, and entertainment. Ohio Magazine recognizes places that make our state a great place to live, work, and visit. They selected Celina for its welcoming downtown, thriving sense of community and our location with Grand Lake that offers a wealth of opportunities for recreation.

Beougher states

“I am so extremely proud of this honor as it shows the heart this community has. Our businesses thrive because of the support they receive from the community, and our community continues to grow because of the great support they receive from our businesses. It’s truly the people that make a community special and the local support in this area is simply the best. We all come together for the good, and THAT is what makes us so special. We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful and safe town where people work hard and live hard all while loving and supporting their neighbors. If there was a county award, I have no doubt that Mercer would be at the top of that list. We are so honored that Celina was named Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine.

Celina will be one of five communities in Ohio recognized in the November/December 2023 and July/August 2024 issues of Ohio Magazine.