Chamber Celebrates Business Community at Annual Dinner

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

by Kylie Smith
February 17, 2010

Twenty-ten marks an exceptional milestone for the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce - the 95th anniversary of their Annual Dinner. On March 8, the largest business gathering in all of the Mid Ohio Valley will commence in Marietta College’s Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. With nearly 600 business members, the Chamber will put on what is also one of the largest dinners throughout the entire state.

The event will begin at 5 pm with a social hour, in which guests are welcomed by MACC Ambassadors and escorted to their seats. During this time, patrons of the event mix and mingle over wine and appetizers. The social hour is an important communication time - an opportunity to newly network with local service and businesspersons or a time to reconnect between long-time friends in the commerce community.

Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. The menu was specially prepared with the culinary talents of Chef Walter, director of Chartwells, Marietta College’s premiere catering service. Chartwells promotes a “green” focus by implementing practices that minimize impact on the environment. They are also dedicated to being community-oriented by including local purchasing whenever possible. The evening’s cuisine will begin with a mixed greens salad with grilled vegetables and marinated tomatoes. Next, the main entrée will consist of a mushroom and gouda-stuffed chicken, herb jus lie, smashed potatoes, and green beans with garlic and olive oil, accompanied by a dinner roll. A white and dark chocolate mousse parfait will conclude the meal.

After dinner is served, the “passing of the gavel” will occur, inaugurating a new Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chamber.

Next, the keynote speaker, comedienne Kay Frances, will give what is sure to be a hilarious and memorable presentation on the importance of stress management and the healing powers of laughter. “America’s funniest stress management specialist” and an Ohio native, Kay has performed in New York City’s top comedy clubs and appeared on television networks Lifetime and NBC.

Past speakers have included famous names such as: Woody Hayes (1974), Hugh Downs (1975), Rocky Blier (1981), David Brinkley (1983), G. Gordon Liddy (1986), Roger Staubach (1991), and Archie Griffin (2000).

Last but not least is the awards ceremony. The four awards presented each year include the Gabe Zide Citizen of the Year, Washington County Council of the Cooperative Agricultural Award, Zonta Elizabeth Hadler Woman of the Year, and the MACC Business Leader of the Year.

Teri Ann Zide, of Teri Ann’s, said that while her favorite part of going to the annual dinners is “seeing all of the local community”, her favorite memories of the dinners are the awards. “They’re exciting to see and always a fun part of the evening,” Zide said.

The Citizen of the Year is selected by a committee made up of one member from each of the local service organizations ( e.g. Lions, Kiwanis, Civitan and Rotary). It recognizes a citizen who manifests unusual service to the community of Marietta (without monetary gain), willingness to help others, and demonstrates an unselfish attitude toward life.

Steve Medley, former owner of Cole’s Tire & Supply and active volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club and Marietta Noon Lions, was the recipient of this award in 2008. Medley views this honor as still one of his favorite parts of the annual dinner. “(The award) was far beyond what I ever expected. It’s important to help others and I’m thankful to still have the opportunity to give back to the community.” Medley said.

The Agricultural Award is selected by the Washington County Council of the Cooperative, as well as past honorees.

Ken Shilling, of Washington Electric, shared the traits looked for in the winner of this award. “They must be or have been a long-term farmer or an agro-businessperson in the community. We want them to be an outstanding leader with commitment to operating their business as well as a superb willingness to improve agriculture in our community, with success in their agricultural endeavors.” Shilling said.

The Elizabeth Hadler Woman of the Year is chosen by a committee of local Zonta International members. Zonta, a global organization of executives and professionals, chooses the recipient in regard to their work in advancing the status of women, especially in the areas of education, leadership and youth development through their time served in community service and advocacy.

Cathy Rees, of Washington-Morgan Community Action and this year’s Ambassador Chairperson, proclaims the awards ceremony as the most important part of the dinner and recalls one of her favorite moments. “When Karen Kumpf, of Harvest of Hope, won last year’s Zonta Woman of the Year, I was so thrilled because she is very near to my heart. It’s exciting when its people you care about and know.” Rees said.

The final awards presented are the MACC Business Leader of the Year and the New Chamber Member of the Year. Business Leader of the Year was started in 1986 by the Chamber Executive Board and looks for not only one successful in their own business, but who also promotes and advocates other area businesses. Criteria include civic activities that promote or enhance our community, volunteering a mentor service to other struggling businesses, communication skills in written or oral speeches, as well as active participation in local business organizations.

David Smith, of Brutus & Company BBQ, recalled his favorite annual dinner moment from the 2006 awards ceremony. “When Ken and Penny Weeks (Discount Signs & Awnings) were presented with the New Chamber Member of the Year, it was gratifying seeing two people who have worked so hard for the business community being rewarded for their efforts.” Smith said.

Larry Hawn, of Biehl-Hawn Insurance and member of the Marietta Noon Lions, served as a past Chairman of the Board for the Chamber and has always been a distinguished supporter of the annual dinner.

“The part I like (about the dinners) is that the community is coming together to celebrate our town. Five hundred to six hundred people every year, I was even there when it was up to a thousand people! We can get all dressed up, interact and applaud our community.” Hawn said.

Hawn also shared some of his favorite memories from past dinners, “The people I’ve met have been amazing - speakers like Archie Griffin (as well as) comedians and magicians. It always makes for an evening of real entertainment.” Hawn said.

Tickets cost $45 a person or $360 for a table of eight.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 740-373-5176 or email info@mariettachamber.com.

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