UTICA — Ohio State University President Gordon Gee tasted a frozen treat right off the production line during his trip to Ye Olde Mill on Monday.
“This is the first stop on my 88-county tour,” he said. “I made the right choice, didn’t I?”
Gee met with representatives from the Utica-based Velvet Ice Cream Co. He received a warm welcome from the Dager family, which has owned and operated Velvet since the company was founded in 1914. Gee took a tour of the mill and got a glimpse into how the ice cream is made. He also learned about the company’s history and business philosophy, which is centered around providing a quality product.
“I am impressed,” he said. “I am impressed that they have a fifth generation business, which is a very difficult thing to do.”
Gee said his goal in embarking on the statewide trek is to help him gain a better understanding of some of the key Ohio-based industries, particularly those that partner with the university.
Gee said the relationship between OSU and Velvet Ice Cream is beneficial and important, and that the university provides training for people who eventually work in such manufacturing businesses.
Velvet Ice Cream is a supporter of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and a vendor for the university’s food service. Gee’s tour on Monday included other food-related industries affiliated with the university. Endlesly Farm in Coshocton, Alpine Cheese Co. near Sugarcreek, The J.M. Smucker Co. and Smith’s Dairy in Orrville were the other visits he made.
Gee finished his visit by having a small bowl of ice cream, Velvet’s Buckeye Classic flavor, in the old mill’s 19th century ice cream parlor.