The Board of Directors of the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce recognized several chamber member organizations and individuals at the Annual Meeting, held on February 21st at Faith Alliance Church.
“We’ve never given any awards in the past, and the Board of Directors felt like it was time,” said Scott Frey, Executive Director. “It is important that we celebrate the accomplishments of our member organizations. The board and I developed these three awards to do just that.” The Outstanding Business Person Award was presented to James F. Dicke by board member Sheila Hirschfeld. Dicke recently celebrated his 90th birthday and was very pleased to be recognized by the chamber for his accomplishments in business. Mr. Dicke gave credit for his success to the employees of Crown and the communities where Crown has facilities.
Hirschfeld read the inscription on the plaque:
“The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce hereby recognizes Mr. James F. Dicke as Outstanding Business Person for his lasting contributions to our local business community. As the founder of the Crown Equipment Corporation in New Bremen Ohio, Mr. Dicke set the standard for what has become one of the top lift truck manufacturers in the industry. Under the leadership of Mr. Dicke, the Crown
Equipment Corporation has contributed significantly to the quality of life in Southwestern Auglaize County.”
Board of Directors President Ben Baumer then presented the “Community and Business Pride Award” to Brad Garmann and Bruce Miller of Garmann & Miller and Associates:
“The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce hereby recognizes Garmann-Miller and Associates for their contribution to the community of Minster, and the communities in which they do business. Their architectural designs create visual appeal, practical function and utilize “green” energy-saving technologies for the clients they serve. The recent renovation of their Minster office serves as an example of their excellent community stewardship.”
“Our company has come a long way in the 19 years since Bruce (Miller) and I began,” said Garmann. “We’re honored to be awarded with this.” Scott Frey concluded the awards presentation by presenting the “Special Achievement Award” to Wayne York (Village of New Bremen), Delores Stienecker (New Bremen Historic Association), and L. Neal Brady (Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association-MECCA):
“The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce hereby recognizes the Special Achievement of the Village of New Bremen, The New Bremen Historic Association and the Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association, for the development and construction of the Miami and Erie Canal Visitors Center. The facility serves as a testament to the rich history of the communities along the Miami and Erie Canal, and an ideal gateway to the Golden Triangle.”
Frey noted that it took several years of planning and cooperation to bring the Lockkeeper’s House “to life.” “Without the passion, expertise and cooperation of these three organizations, our area wouldn't have this wonderful new resource to attract visitors and educate school-kids,” said Frey. “The Lockkeeper’s House is a great place for the Chamber to conduct its business, and provides an ideal gateway to the Golden Triangle for folks to learn about our rich history and tradition.”
Frey presented Rob Albers the “Past President’s Award” for his two years serving as President of the Board of Directors. “Rob has been an excellent leader on the board and I will miss working with him,” said Frey. Albers left the board in December at the end of his three-year term.
Frey noted that the SWAC Chamber Awards will be nominated and voted on by the chamber membership next year. “We may develop a couple more awards if our membership is interested in recognizing members for other important accomplishments,” said Frey. “There are so many great organizations and people doing great things, this was a difficult process. This is something we really need to do each year.”
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