Chamber Holds Stars in Business Night of Recognition

The Logan County Chamber of Commerce held the Stars in Business Night of Recognition at the Holland Theater Wednesday evening.

President, Ben Vollrath reported highlights from the chamber for the past year.

Connect and Educate:

56 new members for over 500 total members
Over 1,500 people participated in chamber events
The largest event in their history was just a few weeks ago with the Pursuit of Excellence with Pete Blank
Monthly Legislative Impact Meetings included: Litientant Governor Husted, State Representatives Cross, Barhorst, and Manchester, and the Superintendents Round Table
55 teams attended the golf outing
First Thursdays are held countywide

Market:

$76K of Chamber Choice Checks were issued in 2022, $18K YTD in 2023
Business of the Month
24 Ribbon Cuttings YTD
4th Best of LoCo Awards
Ice Cream Trail (13 stops) and Pizza Bracket (15 restaurants)

Advocate:

$1M in Brownfield Grants approved (McBeth School and Lewistown School were demolished)
Friends Office Solutions-2% savings for 34 businesses
Safety Council-3 new member for FY24
SOCA Health Plan-20 small businesses participate
4 new benefits added-Community Energy Advisors, Sustainability Program, DOLR, and Hunter Consulting

Advance- Workforce, Housing, Infrastructure, Fiber:

Employ, Enlist, Enroll Initiative
Natural Fas EnergizeOhio legislation
Over 250 Peak Fiber customers
Airport Economic Impact Study
Japan Business Trip
Hosted Janapeese Grassroots Summit Attendees
SiteOhio Authentication

Board Chairperson Justin Dinovo’s term came to an end last night and he exchanged his gavel with David Willoby.

Vollrath went on to begin the award presentation.

2023 Max Evans Tourism Award: Jim Reed

The Max Evans Tourism Award is presented to an individual who has made a positive impact and contribution to tourism throughout Logan County.

Max Evans Tourism Award Past Recipients are:

2013 Frank Giannola
2014 Bill & Phyllis Wiley
2015 Sandy Musser
2016 Tim Grissom
2017 Pam Miller
2018 Chris Westhoff
2019 Margaret Piatt
2020 Matt Wiley
2021 Todd McCormick
2022 Kris Swisher

Reed comments on why he loves Logan County:

2023 Non-Profit of the Year: Bellefontaine Grace Church

Non-profit of the Year is presented to an organization that shows dedication to improving lives and strengthening our community by utilizing volunteers and resources to demonstrate the generosity of Logan County.

Non-profit of the Year past recipients:

2013 United Way of Logan County
2014 Our Daily Bread
2015 Discovery Riders
2016 Logan County Cancer Society
2017 The Holland Theater
2018 Shine FM
2019 RTC Industries Incorporated
2020 Logan County Farmers Market
2021 Community Health and Wellness Partners
2022 Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership

2023 Young Professional of the Year: Bethany Watts

Young Professional of the Year is presented to an individual who is actively working to develop leadership skills, is committed to improving the quality of life for others, and demonstrates growth toward future goals.

Young Professional of the Year past recipients:

2017 Brittany Saxton
2018 Justin Dinovo
2019 Colton Lowry
2020 Jacob Schroeder
2021 Jessica Simmons
2022 Shannon Reese

2023 Emerging Business of the Year: Royce Industries

Emerging Business of the Year is presented to a business whose management style, unique product or service offerings, and job creation and retention have contributed to its growth and success.

Emerging Business of the Year past recipients:

2018 Power Built Material Handling Solutions
2018 V-Tech Communications
2019 Homegrown Yoga
2020 P. Allen Properties
2021 Foour Acre Clothing Company
2022 Prescription Bliss

2023 Small Business of the Year: Sunlight Windows & Exteriors

Small Business of the Year is presented to an independently owned business that has demonstrated itself as an established, financially. Strong enterprise committed to community involvement.

Small Business of the Year past recipients:

2017 Brewfountaine
2018 Easton Water Solutions
2019 Majestic Plastics Incorporated
2020 City Sweets and Creamery
2021 Thompson Dunlap and Hydinger
2022 Elle A. design

2023 Entrepreneur of the Year: Jeremy Hankins

Entrepreneur of the Year is presented to an individual or individuals with an innovative spirit and willingness to take risks to provide products, services, and employment opportunities to our community.

Entrepreneur of the Year past recipients:

2012: Jason Duff
2013 Mike Minnich
2014 Mick Reed
2015 Bill Fraim
2016 Betty Kananen
2017 Dr. Ryan Kauffman
2018 Brian and Mandy Osterfield
2019 Ron and Kathy Troyer
2020 Steve Buckneroth
2021 Randy Marker
2022 Jeremy and Erin LeVan

Hankins talks about his “Why”:

2023 Integrity in Business Award: Link Construction Group

The Integrity and Business Award is presented to a business that is recognized for providing quality service with honesty and probity to the Logan County Community.

Integrity and Business Award past recipients:

1995 AcuSport Corporation
1996 Honda of America
1997 Belletech Corporation
1998 Thomas and Marker Construction
1999 Marie’s candies
2000 Huber Buchenroth
2001 C.E. Duff and Sun Inc.
2002 Citizens Federal Savings and Loan
2003 TP Bowling Lanes
2004 Marmon Valley Farm
2005 House of Szechuan
2006 AGC Automotive
2007 Family Pharmacy
2008 Whitmore House
2009 Alan Galvez Insurance
2010 Fissel Floor Covering
2011 Wrens Florist
2012 Robinson Investments
2013 Mary Rutan Hospital
2014 Steve Austin’s Auto Group
2015 Acrux
2016 Liberty National Bank
2017 Green Hills Community
2018 Solomon’s Garage
2019 Hill and Hamilton Insurance
2020 Dairy Queen
2021 Irwin Insurance
2022 Beasley Architecture and Design

2023 Richard J. Rupp Leadership Award: Tammy Gump

The Richard J. Rupp Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant impact on Logan County with their outstanding leadership skills and commitment, vision, and dedication to the community.

Richard J. Rupp Leadership Award past recipients: