Joe Rosak, owner of the Spakle Market in East Palestine has been named the 2025 Pinnacle Award recipient for his dedication to the community. 

Annually the  Ohio Grocers Association (OGA) along with the Ohio House of Representatives recognizes overall excellence for small grocery operators. President Kristin Mullins said they wanted to acknowledge Rosak 's leadership during the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine. 

"Joe is such a great operator and he did so much for the community during the derailment. We just thought [...] it was time to recognize his commitment to the community by staying," Mullins said. 

In making its selection for the Pinnacle Award, the association looks at  community relations, overall operations, innovation, and creativity. 

The award came as a surprise to Rosak, but he attributes their success to community support.

"I really feel that this award is primarily to my staff at this location and at all of my locations, without their great work dedication, none of this would be possible. And we have an amazing community to support us, " Rosak said. 

The association will officially present the award to the store owner on April 5 at OGA's annual event.