04/23/2007
The Copley Feed and Supply Company has been serving its Northeast Ohio community since 1939, providing everything from salt, bedding and hay for large animals, to bird seed, cat food and dog collars. It's the sort of place where folks can consult with professional staff members who can help them diagnose and treat any weeds or diseases that are plaguing their lawns, gardens and ponds while also picking up some wind chimes, stepping stones or a rocking chair.
The Copley Feed and Supply Company first joined the National Federation of Independent Business in 1966. Its current owners, Mark and Nancy Roesner, began working at the store in 1969 and ultimately purchased the business in 1985. They maintained the NFIB membership as the business has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, and have become active members of the Akron Area Action Council. In fact, the Roesners expanded the store from its original 600-square-foot sales room to a brand new 3,200-square-foot show room in 2003, and Nancy was recently elected to serve as the vice chair of the Akron AAC.
"We felt NFIB was a very worthy group for us to belong to," said Nancy. "NFIB helps us by representing us on issues at both the state and federal levels."
While the Copley Feed and Supply Company currently employs 15 staff members, Nancy says the biggest challenge the business faces are the mandated rise in the cost of wages and the increasing cost of health-care premiums.
"Health-care costs are so high that we just cannot offer coverage and benefits like we use to," Nancy said.
She said that her involvement with the NFIB Akron AAC is one way for her opinion on challenges like these to be heard. It's also an opportunity to join with fellow small-business owners in her area to learn about the issues that are on the horizon and how they can bring about positive changes in Columbus and in Washington, D.C.
"As a small-business owner in the Copley area, I realize how vital independent business is to our communities and economy," said Nancy. "I am particularly excited to be able to present other entrepreneurs with the unique opportunity to effectively influence public policy for the growth and development of small business in Northeast Ohio."
