MANSFIELD — Ann Downs looked out across the Wonka-inspired room and saw decades of early mornings, board meetings and friendships staring back at her.
“I really don’t know what to say,” Downs said. “I am just so shocked and so thankful.”
The Richland Area Chamber honored Downs with this year’s ATHENA Award during its annual meeting and Economic Excellence Awards Dinner, but she made it clear she never worked for recognition.
“There is never one morning when I got up and said, ‘Oh, do I have to go to work today?’” she said. “I love my job and I love the people I work with.”
She thanked her employees, her colleagues and the community that supported her for many decades.
“They have certainly given me more than I have given them,” she said. “Thank you all for this very honor tonight.”
Building a path for future generations
Downs spent roughly 45 years carving out space in a male-dominated industry and growing MHS Industrial Supply into a multi-generational business.
Her son, Brad Downs, co-owner of the company, said despite his mother working in a male-dominated field, she caught her own path.
“Ann deserves this award because she has never done anything for recognition, she does it because she loves it and knows it will make her family and community better,” Brad said.
Downs expanded the family business into a larger location and prepared it for the third generation to take over.
“She was always prepared, organized and anytime she had a question she seemed to have an answer or solution,” said Joe Wechter, president of Mound Agency of Ohio Inc. “I always respected that in her.”
Wechter first met Downs when their children were students at St. Mary’s in Shelby. He said St. Mary’s, as a small private school, relied on constant fundraising — and Downs often led the charge.
“I’m sure her father is looking down and smiling because the third generation is now taking over,” Wechter said.
Outside the office, Downs invested just as much energy into the community. She served on numerous non-profit boards and founded the PTA/PTO at St. Mary’s, building opportunities for families along the way.
In a video by DRM Productions Inc., those who know her best praised her integrity, kindness and leadership in the community.
An honor chosen by peers
The Richland Area Chamber has served as the home of the ATHENA Award since 1989, when the TWIN (A Tribute to Women & Industry) Committee first introduced it to Richland County. Park National Bank sponsors the award.
“This is not just a woman with accomplishments, but impact,” said Scott Heimann, wealth management advisor with Park National Bank.
Past recipients select each year’s honoree – a detail that bears special meaning.
Beth DeLaney, who received the award in 2025, presented the honor to Downs and remembered her own moment at the podium.
“When I stood here last year as a recipient, I remember being completely speechless,” DeLaney said. “When you are simply doing the work you love, serving others and showing up for the community, you don’t think about recognition. You just follow your heart.”
Heimann summed it up with a line that drew laughter from the crowd.
“If you look at tonight’s honoree when she takes the podium, as well as all the past ATHENA Award winners, you’ll see what I learned and what has always been true,” he said. “Mama knows best.”
(Photos of Ann Downs receiving the ATHENA Award, along with her family and Beth DeLaney presenting the award. Credit: Hannah Martin)
