The Madriver Chapter of the American Red Cross met for their Annual Business meeting Wednesday evening.

Board member Jim Mc Connell spoke to the board told those in attendance that the American Red Cross was an organization that has been a part of this community for roughly 90 years. Mc Connell also reminded board members that it was the job and the privilege of the community to ask, “What can [your] American Red Cross do for you?” (Audio interview included.)

Mc Connell presented several awards throughout the course of the meeting honoring various organizations, people and companies.

Those recognized at the meeting are as follows:

Honorary Board Members: Linda Hauck and Larry Mills

Good Neighbor Partnership Award: Logan County United Way, Champaign County United Way, Logan County EMA, Champaign County EMA, Champaign County Health Department and Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs

Clara Barton Award: AMVETS Post 121, Heartland of Urbana, Dorothy Black, James and Carol Hall, John Welded Products, Logan County Community Connection Fund, Joseph Moell and Alan and Kari Ringer

Good Neighbor Partnership Award in High Schools: Bellefontaine High School, Riverside High School, Urbana High School and Ohio Hi-Point Career Center

Good Neighbor Partnership Award in Business: Adriel Schools and Champaign Residential

Volunteer Awards: Ralph and Audrey Hurley, Betty Hunt, Becky Boarddus, Jim Palmer, Nikki Millis, Connie Regula and Linda Hauck

Listen to Executive Director Mildrena Brown discuss Wednesday's meeting and her first year with the Madriver Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Brown told the board she would like the Red Cross to “have more visibility in the community.” The board discussed the possibility of having a booth at the 2008 Logan County Fair.

“The Red Cross is still here and still strong,” declared Brown.

The board also welcomed James (Chip) Weisgerber as a new member to the Madriver Chapter of the American Red Cross.