NEWARK – The U.S. Small Business Administration Columbus District honored Dr. Foster Anderson, owner of Bailey Veterinary Clinic, as a small business leader “sparking” economic development in the Newark area.

U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson, R-Zanesville, and SBA Columbus District Director Everett Woodel recently presented the award to Anderson and his wife, Cynthia, at the NEWork Space in downtown Newark.

Thanks to an SBA-guaranteed loan, Anderson purchased the clinic in 2017, keeping all seven employees on board, as well as the name, Bailey’s Veterinarian Clinic, and continuing to serve long-time customers of the clinic. Cynthia Anderson is the office manager.

In 1974, Dr. Joe Bailey started a veterinary clinic. After more than 40 years, he and his wife, Linda, decided to pass on the family business to another veterinarian with whom they had developed a working relationship.

Anderson, who started a mobile practice, Chimera Veterinary Services, in 2012, was Bailey's choice. Anderson provides nine local jobs and participates in a Licking County mentorship program designed to keep talent local.