Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Charlie Smith and Maureen Hall were named Man and Woman of the Year 2001 at the 90th Annual Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce dinner meeting Wednesday.
Smith, executive vice president and former educator, was greeted by his children, who had waited in the wings, on the podium.
Hall, who serves the community as a volunteer, also is a former educator.
Times-Union Editor-In-Chief Norm Hagg made the presentations.
During the annual dinner the chamber recognizes industries, businesses and individuals.
Held in 2517 Restaurant, Wednesday's chamber theme was "American Pride," and the evening included presentation of the colors by the Indiana Army National Guard. Susan Derr sang "The Star Spangled Banner."
The Dimensions of Excellence Business Award was accepted by North Pointe Cinema general manager Yvonne Keirn for owners Sam and Bess Joyner, who were absent.
Brent Wilcoxson and Dr. Dane Miller, of Winona Restoration, were named entrepreneurs of the year by presenter Shawn Patterson.
The men have been instrumental in revitalizing the town of Winona Lake, establishing a group of specialty shops known as Winona Village, promoting festivals and putting the small lake town on the national map.
Currently the partners are restoring the Winona Hotel, which should be ready for occupancy in 2003.
The small industry award went to ABC Industries Inc., with facilities in Winona Lake and Grand Junction, Colo. President Steve Rufenberger accepted the award from presenter Andy Lewis.
Royal Crown Ltd. president Dennis Yoder received the large industry award from Jeff Standen. Royal Crown Ltd., Milford, manufactures vinyl decking.
The Excellence in Government honor was given to Kosciusko County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell by Jean Northenor.
Jeff Thornburgh of Dekko Heating Technology was recognized with the Athena Award for advancing the careers of women. The award was given by Barbara Dombkowski.
The Chamber honored its own, Gina Ashpole, of Temporary Services, as Ambassador of the Year. Susan Derr presented the honor.
Outgoing chamber chairman John Gaynard introduced incoming chairman Jack Birch and recognized outgoing board of directors officers Max Courtney, Mike Gavin, Michael Harstine, Yolanda Garza Hedington, Rebecca Notestine, Clint Pletcher, Darleen Shepherd and Don Tosby.
In addition to Birch, new officers are John Warren, treasurer; Mitch Goon, vice chairman and division chairman of membership development; Scott Helt, vice chairman and division chairman of community development; Susan Hight, vice chairman and division chairman of internal organization; and Sterling Watkins, vice chairman and division chairman of economic development.
New board members are: David Findlay, Andy Lewis, Bruce Green, Priscilla Hall and Bruce Hope.
Accepted for their second three-year term to the board were: Mary Gerard, Darryl Smith and John Warren. They join Jack Birch, John Boal, Larry Easterday, John Ganyard, Mitch Goon, Jane Greene, Kevin Harney, Jack Heeter, Scott Helt, Sam Hight, Randy Ruppel, Bob Sanders, Bruce Shaffner and Sterling Watkins.
Chamber and KDI president Joy McCarthy-Sessing reviewed the 2001 accomplishments of both groups.
Chamber Well Workplace awards were presented to Kosciusko Community Hospital and Zimmer Inc., who also recently received gold level awards from the Wellness Council of America.
