Chamber Honors Business, Community Leaders at Annual Meeting at Honda Heritage Center
The new Honda Heritage Center set the stage for Thursday’s Annual Meeting of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, which celebrated the past year’s economic successes and recognized those who have contributed significantly to improving life in Union County.
Highlights of the event, “Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate,” included presentation of the Excellence in Leadership, Business of the Year and Spirit awards and the keynote presentation by Kenny McDonald, Chief Economic Officer for Columbus 2020, which covers an 11-county region, including Union County. McDonald was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect early this year.
Honda Marysville and Honda Marysville Motorsports were the presenting sponsors of the annual meeting, over which Joseph Mitchell, president of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, presided.
The 2014 Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau Spirit Award was presented to Mardy Hanlon-Stolte, a long-time volunteer who has provided countless hours to furthering Union County’s tourism industry. She has played a key role in planning major events such as the Covered Bridge Bluegrass Festival and various historical marker dedications. Mardy serves on the Board of Trustees for both the Union County Foundation and the Marysville Public Library Friends of the Library program.
The 2014 Union County Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Greg and Kathleen Sehnert, owners of Nuckles-Sehnert Insurance and Uptown Cleaners. They have volunteered for and financially supported numerous organizations including Memorial Health, the Union County Foundation, the International Family Center, North Union Personal Needs Pantry, and the Union County Family YMCA.
Kathleen Sehnert has served as president of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, board member of Memorial Hospital Development Council and vice chair of the newly organized Memorial Health Foundation. Greg Sehnert has chaired the Union County Foundation, led the Marysville Elks and serves as president of the Union County YMCA Board of Trustees.
In addition the couple were founding investors in Halcyon Village bringing needed assisted living facilities to the community.
The 2014 Union County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award was presented to Marysville Exempted Village School District. In August, the school district opened the Marysville Early College High School, Ohio’s first advanced manufacturing-focused STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) school.
The school, offering pathways in advanced manufacturing, information technology and health sciences, was created through a partnership of the school district, Columbus State Community College, Honda of America, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and the Union County Chamber of Commerce—and funded by a $12.4 million grant from Ohio’s Straight A Fund.
A student of the school, Lindsay Fetherolf, participated in the annual meeting, posing prepared questions to Kenny McDonald, the keynote speaker.
The Union County Chamber of Commerce has about 535 members, making it the ninth largest chamber in Central Ohio. Representing a broad range of businesses, the Chamber and its members work together to champion a strong, growing local economy, community improvement, and business viability for the betterment of Union County.