PREBLE COUNTY – On Friday, Dec. 7, the Preble County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 2018 and recognize this year’s chamber award winners during the 37th annual PCCC Awards & Holiday Gala.
“From international manufacturers to unique boutiques and homegrown mom-and-pops, Preble County has it all,” PCCC Executive Director Leslie Collins said. “The Preble County Chamber of Commerce has had an outstanding year, and we’re ready to celebrate and honor those businesses, individuals and nonprofits who have made Preble County what it is today.”
“On Dec. 7, the Preble County Chamber of Commerce will honor the nominees and award winners selected during our 37th annual Awards Dinner & Holiday Gala,” Collins added. As many who attended last year found out, this event is about the people, businesses, and organizations who make Preble County proud. It is a fantastic night to recognize outstanding people.”
“The evening will also include a silent auction with fun and exciting items from area businesses and organizations, including Indiana Pacers tickets from Remagen Inc. and more,” Collins said.
Nominations were accepted from the public and Preble County Chamber of Commerce members from Oct. 1-Nov. 1.
Awards to be given this year include: Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Small Business Citizen of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Agribusiness of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Community Improvement Award, Distinguished Service Award, Non-Profit Innovation Award and the Ray Potter Legacy Award.
Nominees to be recognized are: Citizen of the Year: Bill Wilson, Carla Barnett and Brenda Latanza; Community Improvement Award: Wild Hearts African Farm, Preble County Historical Society and the Village of Lewisburg; Distinguished Service: Jim Simon and H. John Kramer; Non-Profit Innovation: Preble County Habitat ReStore, Wild Hearts African Farm, Preble County YMCA, Premier Health/Atrium Medical Center Foundation and Community Action Partnership; Outstanding Corporate Citizen: Bullen Ultrasonics, TimkenSteel and Provimi/Cargill; Young Professional of the Year: Courtney Griffith and Vicky Fanberg; Outstanding Agribusiness of the Year: Wild Hearts African Farm and LA-LYN Farms; Outstanding Small Business Citizen of the Year: Preble County Habitat ReStore, Prograde Excavation & Demolition and Boutique on Main.
Also to be honored is this year’s Ray Potter Legacy Award recipient.
“We were saddened by the loss of our longtime champion and all-around great guy, Ray Potter, earlier this year,” Collins said. “Ray received the Legacy Award last year, and at our Board of Directors decided to celebrate his memory by renaming the award in his honor. We are delighted to say his widow, Lida Mae Potter, will be on hand this year to help recognize the 2018 recipient.”
All award recipients will be announced the night of the event. The public is invited to join in the celebration.
Cost is $35 per person, which includes dinner and one drink.
Reservations for the evening are being accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 21. Register and pay online at www.preblecountyohio.com, or RSVP with number of seats needed to 937-456-4949 or [email protected].
Any business, organization or individual wishing to donate silent auction items to add to the bidding fun should email Collins at [email protected], or drop off items at the chamber office, located at 122 W. Decatur St., Eaton.
This year’s Annual Awards & Holiday Gala is presented by Reid Health. Premier Sponsor is the Preble County Development Partnership. Supporting sponsors include TimkenSteel, The Register-Herald and Positive Points Inc.
