Earlham Commons chosen for Chamber of Commerce’s Community Impact Award

Earlham Commons, an exciting new destination for food and dining on land owned by Earlham College, has been recognized by the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce for making a positive impact on the community.

The development was selected for the Community Impact Award at the Chamber’s annual Community Improvement Award Luncheon at the Hartley Hills Country Club in Hagerstown. The celebration recognizes projects that reflect the Chamber’s values and commitment to economic growth. Each of these award recipients was selected by a panel of judges who evaluated each project based on creativity, innovation and overall impact on beautification.

Chamber leaders noted that Earlham Commons is fostering business growth on Richmond’s west side and bridging the gap between Earlham students and the local community. 

“It’s a symbol of the connection between Earlham and Richmond,” Earlham President Paul Sniegowski shared in the Chamber’s announcement. “It means a lot to us to be able to bring people over to that side of Richmond, and on the right day you can even smell doughnuts in the morning.”

Sniegowski is referring to Parlor Doughnuts, Earlham Commons first tenant. The company got its start in Evansville, Indiana, and now operates locations in 13 states. The Earlham Commons location opened in June. 

The company offers 20 flavors of its signature layered doughnuts, including favorites like sandy beach (vanilla with cinnamon sugar), French toast and maple bacon, as well as creative flavor combinations like raspberry pistachio and turtle cheesecake. The company also serves artisan breakfast items and acai bowls with several vegan-, gluten- and keto-friendly items.

A second tenant, Roots Bistro, is expected to open later this fall. The company also operates a cafe in Randolph County, Indiana.

Earlham Commons is the result of a partnership between Earlham College and StampD Development. Del DeMao and Dan Stamper are the co-owners of StampD Development and are the developers of Earlham Commons. DeMao is also the owner of DeMao Retail, which is leasing the building from Earlham College. Stamper, the owner of Thor Construction and Carroll Electric, is the project builder.

Ellie Bewley Stadium, Earlham’s new softball stadium, was also nominated for a community improvement award.

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About Earlham College 

Earlham College and Earlham School of Religion foster a collaborative learning community that inspires and motivates students with transformative opportunities and experiences so they can become catalysts for good in a changing world. Located in Richmond, Indiana, Earlham is one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 national liberal arts colleges and offers one of the top 20 classroom experiences in the nation, according to the Princeton Review.