EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated at 12:15 a.m.
MANSFIELD — Dave Eichinger and DeLee Powell were spotlighted Wednesday night during the annual Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development dinner at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center.
Eichinger, senior vice president of Merrill-Lynch, received the Chairman’s Award. Powell, president of Baker’s Collision Repair, collected the Athena Award.
Recipients of the Chairman’s Award, which was first presented in 1981, have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to community service in the Richland County region. The winner was announced through a popular video highlight reel produced by DRM productions.
“My dad (John) was a Chairman’s Award winner (in 1988),” Eichinger said. “That just puts the icing on the cake to follow in his footsteps.”
Eichinger served on the MedCentral board of directors and was a key member in its transition to OhioHealth. He was also a founding member of the Richland Community Development Group and was instrumental in its merger with the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce. He’s also worked with the Rotary and Leadership Unlimited among many other charitable endeavors.
“This is such a great community,” Eichinger said. “I’m just happy to have a seat at the table.”
The Athena Award has been presented in Richland County since 1989. Previously it was bestowed by the TWIN (A Tribute to Women & Industry) Committee. It was created to recognize the outstanding leadership qualities of a woman in the community.
This year Powell was selected based on a long list of philanthropic involvement. She has also been a standout in a profession often dominated by men.
“This was truly a surprise,” Powell said. “I’m just truly grateful to my parents for instilling in me how important it is to give back. I hope I’m instilling that in my children and grandchildren.
“Richland County is a great place for women. This is a great, great honor. I really appreciate it.”
Kyle Swigart received the Ambassador of the Year honor.
Economic Excellence Awards were also presented to retired banker Merris Welge, Kingwood Center Gardens, Edge Plastics, and Niss Aviation.
Merris Welge
Welge has been volunteering his time educating the community through the North Central Ohio SCORE organization for 25 years. SCORE is a mentoring organization providing free counseling, resources and advice to people who are in business or want to start a business. Welge is an office manager for SCORE, provides counseling and helps plan workshops. He has also served as the Chapter Chair for SCORE for three separate years and was Vice Chair twice.
Kingwood Center Gardens
Kingwood has transformed the guest experiences as visitors enjoy the newest amenities and features of the Garden Gateway visitor center. The total investment of the Garden Gateway project is $10.4 million, representing funds raised from private sources as part of the Honoring the Past — Growing the Future capital campaign. Kingwood’s renewal and commitment to provide transformative guest experiences within its garden estate nourishes its visitors mind, body and spirit.
Niss Aviation
Niss Aviation has been instrumental in many of the changes at Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport. Business charters have been increasing their traffic through Mansfield due to their responsiveness and level of customer service. Niss Aviation’s investment into the airport in their first year has fostered an environment that is attractive to business travel through Mansfield. It has created the foundation for other opportunities, such as cargo and charter operations, to open up in Mansfield.
Edge Plastics
In 2021, Edge Plastics kicked off an expansion project at its 449 Newman Street manufacturing facility. The project includes the addition of approximately 35,000 square feet to the facility and additional injection molding equipment necessary to meet the continued growth of the company. Edge Plastics projects the creation of 40 new full-time jobs. This project is expected to be compete by Spring of 2022 with hiring already underway.
Chamber Chairman’s Award
The Chairman’s Award was first presented in 1981 by Bob Enskat, CEO of General Motors. Past recipients include:
1981 Donn Kieft
1982 Warren Rupp
1983 Rex Collins
1984 James Gorman
1985 Robert Enskat
1986 Edward T. Mehan
1987 William T. Harnett
1988 John Eichinger
1989 F. Loyal Bemiller
1990 Jack Bargahiser
1991 Fran Rupp-Christian
1992 Virginia Imhoff
1993 Rev. Cliff Schutjer
1994 John C. Fernyak
1995 Karen Moody
1996 David Carto
1997 Tom Ross
1998 Steve Cobb
1999 Bill Jilek
2000 Doc Stumbo
2001 Suzie Davis
2002 Lydia Reid
2003 Jeffrey Molyet
2004 Grant Milliron
2005 Rick Taylor
2006 John Siegenthaler Sr.
2007 Chriss Harris
2008 Jeff Gorman
2009 Gunther Meisse
2010 James E. Meyer
2011 Dick Taylor
2012 Chan Stevens
2013 Ed Olson
2014 Terry Conard
2015 Deborah Schenk
2016 Pam Siegenthaler
2017 David Damron
2018 Dan Seckel
2019 Betty Preston
2020 Brady Groves
2021 Dave Eichinger
Athena Award
This award is named for Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and skill. She was renowned for her resolute courage, guided and enlightened by reason. Past winners include:
1989 Jeanne Alexander
1990 JoAnn E. Dutton
1991 Gayle Gorman Freeman
1992 Lydia Reid
1993 Karen Moody Bierly
1994 Suzanne Davis
1995 Deborah M. Schenk
1996 Sandra Williams
1997 Pamela Siegenthaler
1998 Charma Behnke
1999 Donna Valentine
2000 Carol Payton
2001 Barbara Pore
2002 Vicki Kane
2003 Mary Ann Nore
2004 Inez Shepherd
2005 Pearl J. Peritalo
2006 Chriss Harris
2007 Carol Michaels
2008 Joan Day
2009 Diana Coon
2010 Deborah Adams
2011 Betty Wells Preston
2012 Shirley Monica
2013 Duana Patton
2014 Kathy Daniels
2015 Rebecca Toomey
2016 Melanie Riggleman
2017 Sally Gesouras
2018 Patti Kastelic
2019 Jodie A. Perry
2020 Zoi Romanchuk
2021 Deanna West-Torrence
2022 DeLee Powell
