Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2,024 Coshocton Residents

Dr. Jere and JoAnn Butcher were recognized by the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce for their dedication and service to the community.

COSHOCTON – When asked why they stayed in Coshocton, Dr. Jere and JoAnn Butcher consider the question to be invalid because they can’t imagine anywhere else they would rather be.

The pair were recently named Coshoctonians for 2024 by the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce, an award that honors local residents for their long-term commitment to the community’s well-being and economic climate.

Jere has operated Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic since 1994 and has served on the boards of education for Coshocton City Schools and the Coshocton County Career Center for many years. JoAnn serves on the board of directors of Genesis HealthCare System, as well as the Quality of Care Committee and the Bethesda Hospital Board, and was instrumental in the construction of Genesis Coshocton Medical Center, which opened in April 2023.

Married in 1990, they met when Jere, a Kentucky native, was working as a veterinarian in Zanesville and JoAnn, a Coshocton native, was working in social services. She was also co-manager and owner of The Inn at North Hills, a senior living facility in Zanesville. In retirement, JoAnn continues to volunteer at Genesis of Coshocton in the outpatient department.

“I’ve gained so much experience in my career and work that if I feel like I can help, whether it’s Genesis or another organization, I feel it’s important to do that and give back to my community,” JoAnn said. “Just watching other people and the benefits they’ve gotten from volunteering and being a part of the community, I always knew that this was something I wanted to do when I retired.”

“I think we both work in the healthcare sector in different ways, but we provide services to help others,” Jere added, referring to the sources of their activism.

Additionally, Jere admits that he inherited his dedication to education from his father.

“I noticed growing up that he not only encouraged his own children to get a good education, but also his friends’ children, his cousins’ children, just other people he identified with,” Jere recalled. “I think that carried over to being able to serve on the school board, I could give back in the same way.”

They also believe it’s easy to give back in a small town like Coshocton, where people know each other and you’re not just another face on the street like you would be in a big city. JoAnn said they recently gained a new neighbor from Columbus who was simply tired of the lifestyle.

“You build those bonds, and in a small community, that’s what makes us special,” Jere said. “For years, kids who graduated from here would hear the typical story: ‘Oh, I’m going to leave Coshocton and never come home.’ I’m starting to see more and more graduates from his county realizing it’s a pretty cool town and they’re starting to come back and get out of the big city rat race.”

It also reflects Coshocton County’s recovery over the past few years following the Great Recession and the closure of many large employers, such as a General Electric plant and Pretty Products, which made rubber floor mats for the auto industry.

“I was worried for a few years when companies like GE and Pretty’s and stuff like that went out the window. I was worried, but I’ve been so excited the last few years about how we’ve come back,” JoAnn said. “There are so many companies that want to come and settle in Coshocton. I think we’re on the upswing, and it’s really exciting to see that.”

Jere gives all the credit to local agencies like the chamber of commerce, the Coshocton Port Authority, and progressive elected officials.

“Of course you want to see some growth, but you don’t want things to get too big,” Jere said of maintaining the small-town feel. “But of course you want to see some growth. And once again, young people are learning that not only are homes more affordable here than, say, Columbus, but the overall cost of living and quality of life here are so good.”

Other award winners

Volunteer of the Year: Tim and Candy Angle of the Coshocton County Handicapped Society.

Small Business of the Year: Prince’s Wrecker Service, owned by Dave Prince.

Employee of the Year: Sheri Sharier of Signature HealthCARE of Coshocton and Jimmy Appis of Property Data Service.

Young Leader of the Year: Kaylee Andrews of Coshocton Regional Medical Center

First Responder Award: Steve Clark, former Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher and Coshocton Fire Department firefighter. He still serves in the auxiliary sheriff’s office and is captain of the Jackson Township Fire Department. Clark also previously served on the Coshocton City Schools Board of Education.

Leonard Hayhurst is the community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 16 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.