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CELINA - Both long-standing and emerging leaders within the Mercer County business community were celebrated Thursday night at the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet at Romer's Catering in Celina.
Prior to the awards, 2024 Chamber President Cara Muhlenkamp praised the area's work ethic, faith, generosity and pride.
"Serving as the president of the Chamber of Commerce has only strengthened my appreciation for this county and the people who make it extraordinary," said Muhlenkamp, who is also the manager of the Mercer County Fair. "I have seen firsthand how our businesses continue to innovate and grow, how our leaders step up in times of challenge, and how our community never hesitates to lend a hand."
Chamber director Stacy Beougher handed out the first award of the night, the 2024 Humanitarian Award, to Alan Smith, president of the Celina Mercer Combined Services Appeal.
The humanitarian of the year is someone that's generous with their time and talents to better the lives of others, Beougher said.
"Alan Smith has been generously giving of his time and resources to help raise funds for area nonprofit organizations," she continued. "Like the United Way, the combined services appeal is an annual drive to raise and distribute funds to member organizations."
Smith has been a part of the organization since 1985, and has served as president for 26 years. Since he joined the combined services appeal, the organization has raised over $6 million, benefiting more than 50 local organizations.
Accepting the award via Zoom call from Florida, Smith said he was humbled to receive the honor.
"I left Mercer County to go to college at the Ohio State University," he said. "And my wife and I chose to come back to Mercer County to raise our family. It was a great, great decision. Thank you Stacy, and the chamber for all you do for the communities and our county. ... Again, I'm just honored to receive this. I'm humbled to receive this and it's been a privilege to be part of Celina Mercer Combined Services Appeal. Thank you."
Beougher and current chamber president Shirley Abels then awarded the 2024 Youth Leadership awards to Celina High School senior Kaitlyn Muhlenkamp and Parkway High School senior Ashton Minnich.
Celina High School senior Kaitlyn Muhlenkamp received the 2024 Youth Leadership award from the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
Kaitlyn, daughter of Cara and Ryan Muhlenkamp, works as a volunteer at the county fairground; works at area flower shop Floral Reflections; serves as president of Celina High School's FFA; and has started her own business, Mercer Reproduction, where she works with local farmers to provide ultrasounds.
Parkway High School senior Ashton Minnich received the 2024 Youth Leadership award from the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
Ashton, son of Megan and Patrick Minnich, is an active volunteer at MAV Youth Mentoring; National Honor Society president; and a member various local groups including Parkway's foreign language club and student government, as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Both Ashton and Kaitlyn went home with awards and a $500 scholarship to use toward furthering their education or their development into the workforce.
Next, Beougher honored Kendall Robinson with the 2024 Emerging Business Leader Award.
New this year, the emerging business leader award was created to honor a young business professional under 40 years old that is "taking the business world by storm, a rising star, if you will," Beougher said.
Kendall Robinson received the 2024 Emerging Business Leader Award from the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
Robinson, a Celina High School and Ohio State graduate, is co-owner of greenhouse Unique Roots in Celina.
"Kendall is putting a unique spin on this family business," Beougher said. "(She's) creating ways for its continued growth. ... She has found unique ways to bring her business to life during the winter months by offering fun workshops for the community, greenhouse yoga, school group tours, business workshops and works with area businesses to take care of landscape needs."
The 2024 Business of the Year Award went to EverHeart Hospice, which has locations in both Mercer and Darke counties.
EverHeart Hospice received the 2024 Business of the Year Award from the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
Since 1981, EverHeart has provided "comfort, support and warmth so their patients can focus on their own families and cherish every moment," Beougher said. "You will encounter the most amazing care team, from the physicians, nurses, aides, social workers and therapists, to the admin team of finance, HR and leadership."
Lastly, the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award was given to CEO and President of Celina Insurance, Bill Montgomery, exactly 50 years after his father, Don Montgomery, was given the same award.
Bill Montgomery received the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award from the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday exactly 50 years after his father, Don Montgomery, was given the same award.
A citizen of the year is active in their community and is a catalyst to make things happen, Beougher said. They are well rounded and put time and effort into making the lives of others better and are a well-respected individual.
"I think you will find all these attributes and many more within (Montgomery)," she continued. "He prioritizes his employees, building relationships. But he also builds relationships with his community."
Montgomery is a founding member of the Grand Lake Mariners baseball team and has made significant contributions for the improvement of the Eastview Park baseball diamond, "now aptly named Montgomery Field," Beougher said. "He initiated the company's Christmas light show that the community has cherished for years and has financially supported many, many new expansions and projects in Celina and Mercer County."
