Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce holds ceremony
The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards celebration on May 13 at the White Oak Event Center in Orrville. Sponsored by Serpentini Orrville, the sold-out event welcomed more than 225 guests to celebrate business achievements and local impact.
Chamber President Dan Franks kicked off the evening by recognizing member milestone anniversaries. Honorees included the following:
—Jus B Media: 10 years.
—Orrville Pet Spa & Resort: 20 years.
—Home for the Holidays: 25 years.
—MAGNET: 40 years.
—Pregnancy Care Center of Wayne County: 40 years.
—The Will-Burt Company (employee-owned): 40 years.
—Lehman’s: 70 years.
—The Salvation Army Orrville-Maiwurm Service Center: 85 years.
—Orrville Public Library: 100 years.
—Mennonite Mutual: 130 years.
The first award of the evening, Small Business of the Year, was presented to LincWay.
“The connections this business continues to foster are not only building a stronger community, but also stronger families throughout Eastern Wayne County,” Franks said. “They are constantly expanding their offerings and creating new ways for the community to come together.”
LincWay Director Delight Howells accepted the award.
The Worthy Works Award, including a $1,000 grant, was awarded to the Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club, presented by Melanie Garcia, executive director of the Wayne County Community Foundation.
Garcia said, “What truly sets the Orrville Boys & Girls Club apart is the holistic approach they take to youth development, nurturing the body, mind and spirit of each individual.”
Chief Executive Director Josh Nolan accepted the award.
Franks then recognized Hummel Group with the Business Impact Award, highlighting the company’s long-standing dedication to community service.
“From volunteering with Day of Caring and OHuddle to supporting organizations like the Red Cross, Christian Children’s Home and The Salvation Army, Hummel Group exemplifies community partnership,” he said. “They’ve supported Night to Shine for nine consecutive years, showing their unwavering commitment to inclusion and service.”
The Dr. Andrew Naumoff Healthy Habits Champion Award was presented to Mary Starn for her dedication to healthy living.
Jenni Reusser, presenting on behalf of the Growing Healthy Habits Committee, praised Starn. “Mary is quick to remind us that exercise is as good for your mind as it is for your body.”
The Leadership Orrville Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring graduates who continue to make a professional and community impact, was awarded to Tom Troyer.
“Troyer became a fixture of our community as executive director of the Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club, the position he held while going through Leadership Orrville in 2005-06. Now as president and CEO of Mennonite Mutual, he has overseen record growth and continues to provide leadership to both his team and community,” Franks said.
The evening concluded with the Paul L. Powell Citizen of the Year, presented to Jenny McFarren by Franks. Orrville Mayor Matt Plybon followed with a ceremonial presentation of the Key to the City.
Franks shared sentiments from nomination letters describing McFarren’s influence:
“Jenny’s efforts have cultivated stronger relationships between local organizations, donors and residents, fostering a culture of unity and support that will have a lasting impact.”
“Her dedication, passion and selflessness make her an exemplary leader and a true asset to the Orrville area.”
“She is always generating new ideas to connect people, volunteers and organizations. She is daily changing lives for the better.”