Chamber announces 2015 award finalists

VW Chamber of Commerce information

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2015 Ray Miller and Crystal Image finalists. These two award recipients along with Milestone and Golden Shovel recognition awards will be presented at the 93rd annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony this Monday, February 9, at Willow Bend Country Club, featuring keynote speaker, Allie Clifton, Van Wert native and Cleveland Cavaliers Fox Sports reporter. No more tickets are available for this sold-out event.

This year’s Ray Miller Award finalists include Deb Russell, newly retired executive director of the Van Wert County United Way and also Edd Buhl, retired senior marketing vice president for Central Insurance Companies.

“These two represent the very best of the Van Wert business community, demonstrating their strong commitment to the community through volunteer work, participation in community organizations and outstanding service to the Van Wert community,” said Chamber President/CEO Susan Munroe.

Last year’s Ray Miller award was presented to auto dealer Eric McCracken for his long history and commitment to community and youth development.

Russell served at the United Way for 22 years, the last 14 as its executive director, working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Van Wert County residents. Russell’s tenure with the United Way included exceeding the campaign goals five years, collecting 382,680 cans of food to fill the Salvation Army Pantry and more than 1,210 gallons of blood.

Buhl recently retired after 47 years of service with Central Insurance Companies, but what he is most known for is his long standing commitment to improving the lives of others through his volunteer and professional endeavors by giving of his time and wise counsel to civic and philanthropic organizations and our community at large.

Buhl has been involved over the years with include the Van Wert County United Way, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, YWCA, YMCA, Wassenberg Art Center, Van Wert County Tennis Association and many other youth and civic organizations.

This year’s Crystal Image Award finalists include Van Wert Federal Savings Bank, which just celebrated its 125th anniversary and is a proven leader in Van Wert County in the home mortgage loan and savings deposits areas, and Braun Industries, manufacturer of premium emergency lifesaving vehicles and 2004 Crystal Image Award recipient.

Both nominees have brought demonstrated leadership within the Van Wert community by its many faceted contributions, including business responsibility, productivity strength, employee empowerment, and service to the community. StateWide Ford Lincoln received the 2014 Crystal Image Award for its outstanding economic impact and community service.

“This Monday evening will be one to remember. It’s exciting to welcome home one of Van Wert’s own, Allie Clifton, who is making her mark in NBA sports broadcasting with one of the most exciting teams,” Munroe said, “but we also look forward to honoring the businesses and individuals that make up the heart of our community and represent the best of our community.”

Premier sponsors for the event include Alexander & Bebout Inc. and Central Insurance Companies

Awards, while other sponsors include Van Wert County Hospital, Vantage Career Center, Van Wert Manor, Culligan and Central Soft Water Systems.