Manchester Chooses Citizens Of The Year
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Jen [email protected]
Themed "Night of the Western Stars," the dinner honored the Schlitts as well as Spirit of the Community Award winner Debbie Chinworth, Founder's Award winner Wampler Jewelers and Commerce Award winners Naragon & Purdy Inc.[[In-content Ad]]The dinner also was an opportunity for Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Roberts to highlight the activities of the chamber over the past year. In 2007, the chamber recognized graduating seniors with an honors student luncheon, raised funds with the 2007 golf outing at Sycamore Golf Club, held the annual Corvette raffle, sponsored the Harvest Festival, as well as other events throughout the year.
After Roberts' speech, 2007 Board Chair Glenda Christiansen passed the gavel (or in this case, following the theme, "the reigns") over to 2008 Board Chair Tim Taylor, who said he plans to revive the annual spring breakfast and looks forward to another successful year for the chamber.
The first award was given to Naragon & Purdy Inc., the 2007 Commerce of the Year. Dan Naragon and Gary Purdy were recognized by last year's Commerce of the Year winner, Elden E. Stoops Jr., of the Law Office of Elden E. Stoops Jr.
Naragon & Purdy Inc. opened in 1999 in a new office they built on Heeter Street, although both men have worked in North Manchester since the 1980s. The certified public accountant office remains open in the same office today.
The second award presented Thursday was the 2007 Founders Award, which was presented to Wampler Jewelers, which has been in business in North Manchester for 55 years. Presented by last year's Founders Award winner Byron Kauffman of Wetzel Insurance, the award focuses on businesses whose long-term presence in the town have made contributions to the economy.
Debbie Chinworth received the Community Spirit Award from last year's winner, Gilbert Weldy of North Manchester's Shepherd's Center. Chinworth has been active in the community since her family moved to town 10 years ago. She helped implement the Meals on Wheels program in the town, supported The Firehouse in both fundraising and program planning, is part of the Historic Home Preservation group, is active in the choirs at the Church of the Brethren and helped start the youth soccer program in town.
The final award presented was the 2007 Citizen of the Year, which went to Al and Ruth Ann Schlitt, who were surprised by receiving the award.
The Schlitts have lived in the community since the 1970s, and have been part of community groups ever since. Al has served on many boards and committees, including the Main Street Inc., Board of Directors at Peabody Retirement Community, the Community Foundation of Wabash County and the Wabash County and Indiana State Bar associations. He also was recognized with the Pro Bono Publico Award for his contributions to the pro bono program in Wabash County.
Ruth Ann has been a long-time supporter of the North Manchester Public Library, has been instrumental in several fundraising events in the town, and serves on the Tree Commission, among many other things.
Both the Schlitts were nearly speechless when they realized they received the award from outgoing Citizen of the Year, Laura Rager, who said, "That is probably the shortest speech you will ever hear from a lawyer."
The evening concluded with recognition of the people who volunteer their time at the Chamber of Commerce.
Themed "Night of the Western Stars," the dinner honored the Schlitts as well as Spirit of the Community Award winner Debbie Chinworth, Founder's Award winner Wampler Jewelers and Commerce Award winners Naragon & Purdy Inc.[[In-content Ad]]The dinner also was an opportunity for Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Roberts to highlight the activities of the chamber over the past year. In 2007, the chamber recognized graduating seniors with an honors student luncheon, raised funds with the 2007 golf outing at Sycamore Golf Club, held the annual Corvette raffle, sponsored the Harvest Festival, as well as other events throughout the year.
After Roberts' speech, 2007 Board Chair Glenda Christiansen passed the gavel (or in this case, following the theme, "the reigns") over to 2008 Board Chair Tim Taylor, who said he plans to revive the annual spring breakfast and looks forward to another successful year for the chamber.
The first award was given to Naragon & Purdy Inc., the 2007 Commerce of the Year. Dan Naragon and Gary Purdy were recognized by last year's Commerce of the Year winner, Elden E. Stoops Jr., of the Law Office of Elden E. Stoops Jr.
Naragon & Purdy Inc. opened in 1999 in a new office they built on Heeter Street, although both men have worked in North Manchester since the 1980s. The certified public accountant office remains open in the same office today.
The second award presented Thursday was the 2007 Founders Award, which was presented to Wampler Jewelers, which has been in business in North Manchester for 55 years. Presented by last year's Founders Award winner Byron Kauffman of Wetzel Insurance, the award focuses on businesses whose long-term presence in the town have made contributions to the economy.
Debbie Chinworth received the Community Spirit Award from last year's winner, Gilbert Weldy of North Manchester's Shepherd's Center. Chinworth has been active in the community since her family moved to town 10 years ago. She helped implement the Meals on Wheels program in the town, supported The Firehouse in both fundraising and program planning, is part of the Historic Home Preservation group, is active in the choirs at the Church of the Brethren and helped start the youth soccer program in town.
The final award presented was the 2007 Citizen of the Year, which went to Al and Ruth Ann Schlitt, who were surprised by receiving the award.
The Schlitts have lived in the community since the 1970s, and have been part of community groups ever since. Al has served on many boards and committees, including the Main Street Inc., Board of Directors at Peabody Retirement Community, the Community Foundation of Wabash County and the Wabash County and Indiana State Bar associations. He also was recognized with the Pro Bono Publico Award for his contributions to the pro bono program in Wabash County.
Ruth Ann has been a long-time supporter of the North Manchester Public Library, has been instrumental in several fundraising events in the town, and serves on the Tree Commission, among many other things.
Both the Schlitts were nearly speechless when they realized they received the award from outgoing Citizen of the Year, Laura Rager, who said, "That is probably the shortest speech you will ever hear from a lawyer."
The evening concluded with recognition of the people who volunteer their time at the Chamber of Commerce.
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