The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Chamber dinner to honor Scott Niswonger

VW independent/submitted information

“Learn. Earn. Return.” A visionary mantra by one of Van Wert County’s most inspirational supporters: Scott Niswonger.

The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce will honor Niswonger’s visionary spirit at its 96th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, January 25, at Wassenberg Art Center.

Scott Niswonger

The Chamber will present its prestigious Cornerstone Award to Niswonger, a Van Wert native, executive chairman of Landair Transport Inc. and chairman emeritus of Forward Air Corporation; founder of the Niswonger Educational Foundation, and, most notably, a champion of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio.

Last presented in 2008 to Central Insurance Companies, the Cornerstone Award honors a business or person whose extraordinary leadership has resulted in lifetime contributions to Van Wert County creating a stronger, more vibrant community.

“When Nikki and I got away from Van Wert many, many years ago we recognized just what a wonderful place Van Wert was … to have this great underpinning of philanthropy and giving back, whether it’s volunteer work or funding — whatever,” Niswonger shared at this year’s Niswonger Performing Art Center gala while talking about the essential nature of philanthropy and giving back. “It exists in Van Wert like it exists in no other place.”

The Chamber Board of Directors invites members of the business community and Van Wert residents to attend an evening of festivities and networking as we also recognize area businesses and individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to the Van Wert area.

The Chamber is excited to host this event at the stunning Wassenberg Art Center located at 214 S. Washington St. The evening’s festivities will kick off with a social hour beginning at 5:15 p.m. with appetizers, a cash bar, and entertainment by Twist & Shout, followed by a dinner catered by Willow Bend Country Club.

Following the presentation of the Cornerstone Award to Niswonger, the culmination of the evening’s events will include the presentation of the following awards: Ray Miller, Crystal Image, Golden Shovel Awards and Milestone Recognition Awards.

The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to hosting its annual dinner on January 25 to honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of its members and their businesses. The Chamber’s past five annual dinners were sell-outs, so make sure to register early! Tickets are $50 per person with corporate tables available at $400 and other sponsorships available.

To register for the Chamber’s 96th 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 19, unless sold out earlier. Those interested may also register online at www.vanwertchamber.com. Award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office at 118 N. Washington St. or call or email the Chamber office.

POSTED: 12/16/17 at 8:47 am. FILED UNDER: News