VW Area Chamber hands out awards

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce gathered Thursday evening for its annual dinner and to pay tribute to individuals and businesses that made an impact in 2010.

The dinner, which was held at Willow Bend Country Club, recognized businesses for their longevity and for significant projects completed last year, as well as presented two top awards to a deserving individual and local entity.

The top individual award of the night, the Ray Miller Award, went to Pat Ryan of Citizens National Bank. Ryan, who is a member of the Van Wert County Parks Commission Board, is an active member of the Van Wert Rotary Club, is on the Economic Development Advisory Group and also has volunteered much time and effort to the local Junior Achievement organization, among others. He was also instrumental in helping close the funding gap on the 1,600-acre Jobs Ready Site north of Van Wert.

Ryan, who received a standing ovation after the announcement, said he was humbled by the award.

“Knowing many of the past recipients, it is really an honor to be put in that same group,” Ryan said.

Presented with the Crystal Image Award by Chamber Board Chair Shonda Vorst – which honors an organization or business that provides exemplary community service – was Vantage Career Center. Vantage Adult Education Director Pete Prichard accepted the award on behalf of Vantage.

“On behalf of Vantage Career Center and Staci Kaufman, we’re really pleased to get this award,” Prichard said. “We’re really thankful to be part of a community that supports us so much.”

Also honored with the Golden Shovel Award were businesses with major projects completed in 2010. Those included Cooper Farms, Crestview Local Schools, Eaton Corporation, Liberty Baptist Church, P&R Medical Connection, and Van Wert County Hospital.

The Chamber also honored local businesses that had important anniversaries in 2010. Those included Northwest Ohio Welch Trophy, P&R Medical Connection, Van Wert Manor, Alexander & Bebout, Vancrest Health Care Center, Rager Home Improvement, Collins Fine Foods and The Times-Bulletin.

Chamber President/CEO Kate Gribble also provided an update on Chamber activities in the past year, which included an update on the Chamber Bucks program begun late last year.

Mark Schumm, immediate past Chamber Board chair, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, while outgoing board members were also recognized for their service to the organization.

Following the presentation of awards, keynote speaker Bill Gladwell spoke on the topics: “How to Date Your Clients and Get Paid for It.”

Sponsors for the event included premiere sponsor First Bank of Berne; Cooper Farms, which sponsored the speaker; Van Wert County Hospital, which sponsored Eric Miglin, who provided entertainment during dinner; and awards sponsors First Federal Savings & Loan, P&R Medical Connection and US Bank.