VW Chamber sets annual dinner date

VW Chamber of Commerce information

The Van Wert Area Chamber Board of Directors invites members of the community to attend the Chamber’s 94th annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, January 28, at the Wassenberg Art Center as the Chamber recognizes area businesses and individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to the Van Wert area.

The Chamber is pleased to announce its Premier Sponsors for the evening: Alexander & Bebout Inc., Apex Clean Energy, and Central Insurance Companies. Sponsors for the recognition and awards portion of the evening include Van Wert County Hospital, Culligan, Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, StateWide Ford Lincoln, Vantage Career Center, and Van Wert Manor.

Recognition honors include the Golden Shovel, which is awarded to Chamber members whose businesses have undergone an addition, expansion or new construction displaying a commitment to the community through continuous improvements to their facilities and the services they provide.

Milestone recognition acknowledges businesses that have celebrated a monumental business anniversary. Nominated businesses with milestones of 5 years or more (in multiples of five, for example 5, 10, 15, 20 years, etc.) will be recognized during the awards ceremony.

The awards portion of the evening will conclude with the following:

Crystal Image Award: Recipient business must be a current Chamber member who has demonstrated leadership within the Van Wert community by its many faceted contributions, including business responsibility, productivity strength, employee empowerment, and service to the community. Van Wert Federal Savings Bank was the 2015 recipient.

Ray Miller Award: Recipient must be affiliated with the Chamber or a Chamber member business who has shown a strong commitment to the community through volunteer work, participation in community organizations, and outstanding community service. The 2015 Ray Miller Award winner was Edd Buhl.

A Corporate Impact Award will also be presented by Van Wert County Junior Achievement to honor a local business for its outstanding contributions of service and support to its organization.

Before the awards portion of the evening begins, the Chamber will welcome comedian, farmer, and Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings for his Van Wert debut. Many know Hastings as a regular favorite from the “Bob & Tom Show”. As mayor, he’s outspoken, serious, politically incorrect, and passionate about economic development.

A former stand-up comedian who performed in Los Angeles for 13 years, Hastings’ commanding presence onstage immediately stamps his trademark comedy that is both hilarious and self-deprecating. His status as an unlikely farmer has been enhanced by his vast new following of farm and ag-oriented audiences. He is a regular favorite on the nationally syndicated “Bob & Tom Radio Show”, which has given him a huge Midwest following. Hastings is also one of the elite few to receive a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

The Chamber annual dinner will be held at stunning Wassenberg Art Center, 214 S. Washington St. The evening’s festivities will kick off with a social hour, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with appetizers, a cash bar, and entertainment by Twist & Shout, followed by dinner catered by Willow Bend County Club.

The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to hosting its annual dinner on January 28 to honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of its members and their businesses. Last year’s annual dinner was a sellout, so make sure to register early! Tickets are $50 per person with corporate tables and other sponsorships available.

To register for the Chamber’s 94th annual Awards Dinner, or for more information, contact the Chamber office at 419.238.4390 or email chamber@vanwertchamber.com. Reservations will be accepted until January 21, unless sold out earlier. Those interested may also register online at www.vanwertchamber.com. Award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office, 118 N. Washington St., or by calling or emailing the Chamber office.