The growth in Woodburn continues.
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“Clean Places, Friendly Faces.” This has been a guiding motto at Love’s since beginning in 1964, and it’s leading them into the future. “We’re passionate about serving drivers with clean, modern facilities,” stated John Joseph, District Manager for Love’s Travel Stops. Love’s announced their ribbon cutting several weeks ago, scheduling it for June 10 near the newest Travel Stop at State Road 101 and US 24.
The Travel Center officially opened on May 7th. Ever since, the Woodburn location has exceeded all sales expectations in both the 4 wheel vehicles and 18-wheeler transports according to General Manager, Steve Witzman. Steve moved to New Haven from Wisconsin specifically to manage this location and make sure operations began smoothly, and so far, they handle between 500 and 1000 vehicles per diem.
The ribbon cutting at the Woodburn location was the largest the Love’s stores have ever had. There were over 40 people there to celebrate the opening. The owner of the McDonald’s store, Britt Sather, was there to also promote the opening. Along with this restaurant he owns 10 other franchise McDonald’s in Northern Indiana. Also there was Kirk Fee from the Auburn Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society. The historical society presents the chapters of transportation of the trucking industry throughout the years and their museum is located in Auburn.
At 11:00 a.m. everyone was gathered in front of Love’s for the cutting. Mayor Richard Hoeppner was there stating how happy he was with the new jobs added to the Woodburn community. Following Hoeppner was General Manager Steve Witzman making a $2,000 donation to the Woodburn Community Association, represented by Kimberly Ramer and Carol Martin specifically for the 150th Woodburn Anniversary Summerfest Festival. Next, the ribbon cutting took place with representatives from Love’s, the City of Woodburn, the Chamber. PNC Bank and several other community representatives.
PNC Bank, with a location in Woodburn, gave the loan to put in the McDonald’s. Inside the Travel Center not only contains a convenient store, but also a Subway. Love’s Travel Shops all contain franchise restaurants such as Subway, Arby’s, Hardees, and others. The West Bend News will also be available for pickup in this great location starting this week. PNC had several representatives in attendance including Doug Wood – Community President of Northern Indiana; Tim Frey – Officer; Steve Walters – Regional Manager; Jeff Desert – Corporate Banker; Kimberly Ramer – Woodburn and Monroeville Branch Manager; Emily Dolinski – Financial Sales Consultant.
“We probably have added 100 or more jobs in the last four years to the Woodburn Community,” stated Mayor Hoeppner. Love’s added 34 jobs just for the new location and McDonald’s posted another 40. The center employs people for everything from maintenance to sales and everything in between. Chris Parrish was hired specifically to be manager of the Tire Shop facility that keeps trucks in top condition. Altogether this Travel Shop has added 74 jobs since the opening.
Woodburn has been growing by leaps and bounds in the last few years with much more coming in the near future. Love’s has just added one large piece of the puzzle. Welcome to the community!
