ASHLAND — Ashland’s local businesses make up the community’s heartbeat, said Amy Daubenspeck, the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce president at the Chamber’s annual member awards banquet on Thursday night.
Daubenspeck’s speech at the beginning of the event focused on the supportive nature of Ashland.
“As we reflect on our achievements, let us embrace the lessons learned from setbacks and find strength in unity,” Daubenspeck said. “Our collaboration is the cornerstone of success, fostering an environment where ideas flourish and opportunities abound.
“In the face of uncertainty, let us channel the spirit of Ashland: a community that turns adversity into fuel for growth.”
The Chamber’s annual award ceremony drew a crowd of over 500 in Ashland University’s Convocation Center.
Anne Cowen, of Cowen Truck Line, also offered comments to the crowd. Cowen Truck Line received an award in the Manufacturing/Industry category last year.
Cowen shared how winning the award had helped her business. She said it culminated in well wishes from the community, helped with Cowen’s advertising and resulted in more customer relationships.
The recipients
Over the course of the evening, the Chamber awarded businesses in seven categories.
Each category had between three and six businesses nominated. Those nominations come from the community.
Nominees that pursue the award submit packets of information supporting their eligibility. Seventy-six businesses received nominations for the 2024 awards. There were 32 finalists.
A judging committee — the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership and Ambassadors — selected the winners.
Those award recipients are as follows:
- Small Business: EVA’s Treats
- Manufacturing/Industrial Business: Simonson Construction
- Retail Business: Gerwig’s White Barn
- Professional Services: Park National Bank
- Health and Medical Services: Kingston of Ashland
- Non-profit and Social Services: Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging
- Hospitality and Recreation Services: Mount Vernon Estate
Winners each had the opportunity to make a brief speech. Many echoed Daubenspeck’s sentiments about the supportive nature of Ashland, along with thanking their own staff.
The Chamber also gave “4 Under 40” awards to four young professionals making an impact in their careers and in Ashland. It received 16 nominations for those awards. Chamber leadership selected the winners.
The “4 Under 40” award recipients follow:
- Joe Baumgard, Commercial account manager at Schmidt Security Pro
- Melanie Miller, Executive director of Ashland Pregnancy Care Center
- Michael Fallon, Learning and development specialist at Charles River Laboratories
- Nicole Hawks, Lawyer at Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston
Daubenspeck also handed out a one-time “Rising Star” award to one of the Chamber’s own, Emily Grimm.
Grimm, the Chamber’s director of membership and marketing, recused herself from a nomination for the “4 Under 40” award, which is why Daubenspeck honored her with the surprise.
“You’re not just the rising star of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce or the Ashland Young Professionals,” Daubenspeck said. “You are the rising star of Ashland, Ohio.”
What it’s all about
Daubenspeck said the event is her favorite of the year because it’s an opportunity to celebrate Chamber members.
“Whenever we can do that, we love to do that,” Daubenspeck said. “And we hope that it’s a fun event for everyone else too.”
Below are photos of award recipients.
