The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce held its third-annual member awards banquet on March 6, when area businesses gathered to celebrate the Ashland business community.
Thirty-two industry finalists representing nine categories in area businesses were in attendance at the Ashland Convocation Center, much to the delight of Ashland Area Chamber President and CEO Barbie Lange.
“We are thrilled to have such a wonderful crowd here tonight,” said Lange at the March 6 event. “To have such an opportunity to honor our members and to include more small business and give them the recognition they deserve.”
The Annual Member Awards are open to any business or organization that are members of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce and fall under one of the nine award categories: Agriculture, Small Business, Large Business, Retail Business, Professional Services, Culture & Recreation, Education, Health & Medical Services, and Social Services.
Nominations come from the community at large and must not have been a recipient of an award within the last two years. The Judging Committee, which consists of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce Board Members and Chamber Ambassadors, judges the submissions based on the following criteria: business performing and standing, customer service strategies and practices, community involvement, and promotion of Ashland County and surrounding areas.
For this year’s Member Awards, the Chamber received over sixty nominations. The following businesses were named as winners by the end of the night:
• Agricultural Business Award – Myers Horse Farm
• Educational Award – Ashland Christian School/Veritas Academy
• Culture & Recreation Award – Ashland County Historical Society
• Health & Medical Services Award – Kingston of Ashland
• Social Services Award – Associated Charities
• Small Business Award – Wendy’s/Wenco Wooster
• Large Business Award – Samaritan Regional Health System
• Professional Services Award – Bo Lacey Construction
• Retail Business Award – Bill Harris Dealership
Businesses in attendance noted their enthusiasm in attending the Member Awards, including Executive Director of Ashland Main Street Sandra Tunnell, who won the Culture & Recreation Award when it was first created.
“I am very excited to be here, it’s always exciting to see members of our downtown community gain recognition,” said Tunnell.
The mission of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce is to advance the economic well being of the Ashland area by facilitating superior membership services and engagement, and supporting the development of the business community and workforce.
