Certified Oil Company, a leading operator of gas stations and convenience stores in Ohio, is holding grand opening festivities with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 1 to celebrate its new convenience store and gas station in Chillicothe.
The new store is located at 825 North Bridge Street.
Over the past year, and to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary, Certified has rolled out a comprehensive new corporate image, remodeling, and design for its other locations. However, this Chillicothe opening marks the premier of the first Certified store built with the new design from the ground up.
“The design addresses all internal and external aspects of the store, including Certified signage, store logo, colors, counters, fountain drinks, food service, and more,” said Keith Cheney, region vice president, Certified Oil. “The new, modern convenience store was built to attract a wider audience including men, women, older citizens, younger adults and families.”
Although Certified is headquartered in Columbus, given the significance of this grand opening, the company wanted a site with a historical landmark. This site was chosen to showcase the new Certified store in Chillicothe, Ohio’s first state capital.
The new store will offer a myriad of products and services for loyal customers, including a certified savings program, one-stop shopping and a family-friendly environment.
The certified savings program enables consumers who become members via a free enrollment to take advantage of every day savings, free merchandise, discounts on products, discounts on gas and many other cost savings opportunities on products.
The store also will act as a one-stop shopping location. With an expanded inventory of food, drink, home items and other personal needs, customers will find that the new Certified facility offers more products and services than the previous Certified store, as well as competitive convenience stores and gas stations in the area. The company will also offer Carlyle’s Cup-its signature coffee-in high demand by patrons.
As a family friendly site, Certified has made an investment to offer the local community a convenience store that is aesthetically appealing, well organized and comprehensive. Customers will enjoy the unique architectural design of the store and the vast array of products to choose from to meet their daily shopping needs.
In addition, the station will offer a new pay at the pump feature, and patrons will be able to buy auto and light truck diesel fuel, as well as kerosene.
The store’s grand opening celebration will include a WKKJ 94.3 Country FM Radio live broadcast from the Certified site, which will announce special giveaways and prizes being offered throughout the day. Chillicothe’s Mayor, Joseph Sulzer, joined by State Senator John Carey and State Representative Raymond Pryor, will cut the ribbon to open the store. The Ohio Lottery will host a “Spin and Win,” and a balloon artist will be on-hand for families and children.
Given the historic nature of the event, Certified is making available several large savings on popular items for residents. For only 88 cents each, customers can purchase a two-liter bottle of Pepsi, a Hershey king-sized candy bar, a Dean’s pint of milk, any-size fountain drink, a six-pack of Deja Blue water, a 16-ounce Red Jak Energy drink or a sixteen-ounce Freezy.
In addition, Certified will have a grand prize drawing on Sept. 1 for a 40-inch Toshiba flat screen LCD 1080p television, sponsored by E.B. Brown.
Along with Mayor Sulzer, Senator Carey, and Representative Pryor, other elected officials and dignitaries have been monitoring the development of the store and are planning to attend the event.
“I have been watching with anticipation the construction of your new store. It is a welcomed improvement to that area of Bridge Street and a great benefit to the city,” said Nancy Ames, 2nd ward council. “Thank you for the invitation to your grand opening. I am honored that you invited me and plan to attend.”
The new store will be open 24/7 and will increase the number of employees from five to 12. The company has two other stores in Chillicothe. Certified operates or supplies more than 150 locations in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Certified maintains its own proprietary “Certified” fuel brand and also distributes fuels for Sunoco, Marathon, Valero and Clark.
Stay tuned for the October issue of CSD to learn about the transformation of Certified Oil and the evolution of its convenience store operations.