Leaders Hope to Make Zulily More Permanent

 Original story by Marla K. Kuhlman, ThisWeek Community News 

Zulily, one of the fastest-growing e-commerce companies, is hiring for jobs that are expected to be temporarily located at 775 Taylor Road in Gahanna.

The online retailer is planning to add about 900 jobs in central Ohio over three years as part of a new tax-credit deal from the state, according to the Ohio Development Services Agency.

As part of a tax agreement, the company would receive a 75-percent, 12-year tax credit in exchange for operating in Ohio for at least 15 years.

Zulily spokeswoman Laura Jones said the 900 positions committed in the agreement are for the call center. The move is expected to generate $28 million by 2017. Zulily has fulfillment centers in Obetz and Reno.

"It's one of the fastest-growing e-commerce companies ever," Jones said.

The company was founded in 2009 and launched in 2010 by Darrell Cavens and Mark Vadon to provide mothers with a different way to shop. It's headquartered in Seattle, with offices in Columbus and the United Kingdom.

Jones told ThisWeek Gahanna would be the temporary location for the call center while a permanent location is determined.

"Our commitment is to bring 900 new jobs via the call center to the area over three years," she said.

Anthony Jones, Gahanna's planning and development director, said the city is in the process of finalizing permits for Zulily to move into the Taylor Road location.

"The city of Gahanna is happy to welcome Zulily to our community," he said. "Although this is a temporary location, we are hopeful that we can make Gahanna a viable long-term option for Zulily. To that end, we will do whatever we can to ensure that Gahanna has the most competitive offer on the table to keep Zulily apart of our community."

New Programs Highlight New Fall Gateway

Gahanna Parks & Recreation is getting excited for Fall programming to begin in September. New programming will be featured in the Fall Gateway Program Guide, which will be released the week of August 18th.  This Fall we will be featuring theater acting classes for children beginning at age 4.  These classes will be taught by Jordan Louks, a theater performer turned teacher. 

Additionally, the Parks & Recreation department will announce exciting changes to its rental facility policies. Look for new permit opportunities in the new Gateway catalog.

Distribution of the Fall Gateway Program Guide will occur the week of August 18 to elementary students in the Gahanna Jefferson School District. The community is invited to pick up copies at select businesses and city locations beginning the same week. Some locations include City Hall, the Ohio Herb Education Center and the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course. The Gateway will be available online at the Parks & Recreation web page beginning Monday, August 18, so be sure to log on to view or download your copy.

For more information about programming, contact the City of Gahanna Parks & Recreation Department at 614.342.4250. 

"Get Going Gahanna"

Family Health & Fitness Expo

August 20, 2014

The Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce will host its first Family Health & Fitness Expo in partnership with the Wellness Collective, Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA and City of Gahanna Parks & Recreation Department.  The expo will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 from 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA, located at 555 YMCA Place, Gahanna, Ohio 43230.

The event is designed to provide access to senior information and resources, health screenings, nutrition and wellness education for all ages. This event is made possible by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

The expo is free and open to the community. 

Limited number of spaces are available to members in the Health & Fitness industry, so reserve your spot today! For sponsorship and exhibitor details, call 614.471.0451.