OHIO811 ribbon cutting ceremony

Ribbon Cutting Article

Ohio Utilities Protection Service, now doing business as OHIO811, commemorated the completion of its new building with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration, Thursday, April 12th. The building’s finalization is the culmination of many years of hard work, dedication and collaboration in order to provide the service with the facility it needs to operate at maximum efficiency.

THE PROGRAM

Roger Lipscomb, President/Executive Director of OHIO811, opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees and recognizing legislators, past and present board members, employees and other notable guests. Lipscomb commented on the journey he and other involved parties took in building the new structure, from conception to completion, acknowledging the time and effort put forth by all. He also accepted and thanked the Office of the Governor for a Resolution recognizing April as Safe Digging Month, signed by Governor John Kasich and Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor and a letter of congratulations honoring the organization on its ribbon cutting from State Senate President Larry Obhof, 33rd Senatorial District Senator Joe Schiavoni and 4th Senatorial District Senator William Coley. John Boccieri, State Representative from the 59th District, thanked Lipscomb and his staff for providing essential and critical services to the energy industry, noting that utilities securities is a high priority for state lawmakers and officials. He presented the organization with a resolution from the Ohio House of Representatives honoring OHIO811 for its service and offering congratulations on the ribbon cutting celebration. Chairman of the Jackson Township Trustees Alan Hemphill and OHIO811 Board Chairman Steve Shaffer also noted their involvement in the process and spoke of the importance and need of the new building as a vital function to statewide underground safety.

Following the program and ceremonial ribbon cutting by Lipscomb, OHIO811 Vice President of Finance & HR Jami Benedis and OHIO811 Manager of Information Technology and Mapping Tom Hackstedde guests took tours of the new facility and were treated to a catered lunch as well as the opportunity to interact with employees and each other.

Guests also received a commemorative gift as a thank you for their attendance and for sharing in the proud moment as the organization celebrated a new chapter in its history.

THE BUILDING

The 17,000 square-foot brick structure showcases an inviting lobby that highlights the center’s accomplishments and history. Other building features include conference and collaboration rooms as well the naturally-lit call center, kitchen/eating area, the quiet break room and workout room featuring locker rooms and showers, employee training room and multi-purpose meeting room.

Previously based on Belmont Avenue in Liberty Township, Ohio, the organization’s prior property consisted of three separate buildings housing its different departments. The new building located at the corner of South Bailey Road and Mahoning Avenue in Jackson Township, allows all departments of OHIO811 to be housed in one modern structure.

“Our goal has and always will be to protect underground infrastructure and to promote safety practices and procedures through increased communication,” Lipscomb said. This new facility will help us focus on those goals now and as we look ahead to our future endeavors.”

BUILDING HIGHLIGHTS

  • 17,000 square-foot brick structure
  • Offers state-of-the-art technology and encourages collaboration
  • Focuses on employee comfort and growth
  • Conveniently located off of a main interstate
  • Looks to the future while highlighting the proud past