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Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurs of the Year Mission statement: The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce promotes economic and community development by providing services and addressing issues important to business. |
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Each year for more than 20 years, your chamber has honored from its ranks an Entrepreneur of the Year to recognize ther value-added contributions to our community  and economy. The award was made possible by a grant from Leo and Julia Blackburn who founded what was then known as the Southeastern Business College.
2009 Entrepreneur of Year James Bambenek grew to become largest Napa dealer in Ohio
Bambenek, the chamber’s 25th Entrepreneur of the Year, moved to Chillicothe in 1978 when he accepted the position as executive vice president of Central Auto Parts on Western Avenue. He had 23 employees in stores in Chillicothe, Waverly, Lancaster and Baltimore. In 1982, he purchased Central, adding another store in Chillicothe on East Second Street and stores in Bainbridge and Frankfort. Total employment was 30. In 1998, he added stores in Urbana, Mechanicsburg and St. Paris. Six years later, he purchased three stores in Knox County and two in Guernsey County. This doubled his sales volume and total employment went to more than 100. A little more than two years ago, he bought the Napa stores in Marion and Kenton. His empire now has 15 stores with 111 employees, making it the largest single ownership of Napa Auto Parts stores in the state. ”As far as the risks I have taken, they are not much different than any other small business owner,” he wrote. “I risk daily all company assets, buildings, my home and everything in it. But far more importantly, I risk the livelihood of 111 employees. It’s a daunting responsibility that I take very seriously.” Bambenek is a life member of the Reserve Officers Association, an avid supporter of the Ross County Fair for 30 years and a 17-year member of the Rotary Club of Chillicothe. He and his wife, Diane, have three daughters.
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In 30 years, James Bambenek grew his stake from four area stores to become the largest single owner of Napa Auto Parts stores in Ohio. His investments netted him the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year award.