MANSFIELD — Kristine Lindeman didn’t see the ATHENA award winner in her script Wednesday night.
Chair of the Richland Area Chamber board of directors, Lindeman emceed the ceremony with RCDG chair Jake Penwell. When she was surprised with the ATHENA award, Lindeman said she was speechless.
“I really don’t have words to say besides thank you,” Lindeman said. “It’s an honor to serve this community around a lot of fantastic people.”
The ATHENA award started in 1989 to recognize a local woman with exceptional professional achievements, community service, and dedicated support in empowering women to excel in their careers and leadership roles.
Lindeman is the owner and vice president of Alumni Roofing. She is also a member of the Fredericktown school board and the finance chair for Cornerstone Community Church.
Last year’s ATHENA winner, Theresa Roth, presented Lindeman with the award.
“There are many exceptional women in our community who are active and involved in making it a better place,” Roth said. “The Chamber has given past recipients the privilege of selecting the new honoree.
“I can tell you it’s humbling to know you’re being selected among your peers.”
Penwell highlighted Lindeman’s community service in her nomination video.
“Have you ever heard of a relationship-driven roofing company? I mean, that’s what they are,” he said. “She’s the person that wants to make a connection with their consumers and make that connection into a community.”
Maura Teynor, chief advancement officer for the Richland County Foundation, said Lindeman has been active in multiple funds at the foundation.
“When I think of Kristine, the immediate words that come to mind are wonderful human being,” Teynor said. “She is very kind, caring and compassionate. She advocates for people of all abilities.
“She gives back to her community by volunteering, by serving on boards, and she also is very giving through her philanthropic work … I’m so happy that she’s won this award because she’s so deserving of it.”
RCDG Economic Excellence winners thank supporters
The economic excellence award winners were announced before Wednesday’s event, while the Chairman’s Award, ATHENA Award and Ambassador of the Year award were presented as surprises.
Ted Hahn from HR Outfitters took home the chamber’s Ambassador of the Year award.
The Richland Community Development Group presented three economic excellence awards to Avita Health Systems, Buckeye Imagination Museum and the Lloyd Rebar Company.
Avita Health Systems operates full-service hospitals in Ontario, Bucyrus and Galion. It also runs clinics in Bellville and Shelby.
Avita CEO Jerry Morasko thanked the Chamber and Avita’s local staff members for the award.
“Avita is a locally governed nonprofit health system, which is kind of unique,” he said. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve invested $97 million in Richland County alone.
“We believe that there’s a lot more opportunities, and I would just say watch Avita in the future because we’re going to continue to grow.”
Buckeye Imagination Museum was also honored with an award supporting its 2023 expansions to a second floor and outdoor Optimist Club Park.
The museum’s executive director, Fred Boll, credited his staff and supporters for helping the museum earn the award.
“I’m not accepting this for myself, I’m accepting this for our community,” he said. “The museum exists because of our community.
“This year, we’ll surpass 800,000 visitors to the museum in the life of the museum. We’re proud of providing a place for people to visit and for families to grow through the power of play.”
Shelby rebar fabricator Lloyd Rebar opened its current facility in 2018 with plans to double the business’ footprint and workforce in the next few years.
Owner and company president Jared Mawhorr congratulated his fellow award winners and thanked local leaders for helping the family-owned company compete in larger markets.
“Standing up here reminds me of how blessed I am to be the senior leader of the most innovative, hardworking, resilient rebar fabricator in the United States,” he said.
“The women and men of our team have put me in this position to receive this award. They propel our company toward its future success for years to come.”
Chamber recorded record event attendance & membership in 2023
Penwell and Lindeman ended the evening with a status update on the chamber’s strategic plan. The plan’s focus points include fostering economic strength, cultivating quality talent and championing community excellence.
Last year, the chamber recorded a record 4,375 event attendance and more than 1,050 chamber members.
“It’s safe to say that there is a lot of momentum and action creating opportunities for our people and our businesses to thrive,” said RCDG chair Penwell. “We not only stay focused on our strategic plan initiatives, but we continue to adapt and adjust to the needs of our membership to ultimately lead them to success.”
The nomination videos for the ATHENA award and Chairman’s Award winners will be posted on DRM Productions.
