ASHLAND — The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce received 99 nominations in 2026 for its annual member awards.
In the end, 31 qualified as finalists under one of the chamber’s six award categories.
Seventeen of the 31 finalists had never before been nominated, Amy Daubenspeck, president of the chamber, said during Thursday’s awards ceremony.
More than 500 people attended the ceremony, which took place on the campus of Ashland University. Below is a breakdown of the award winners from Thursday evening.
Small Business
Diamond Shine Nails LLC took home the Small Business award.
Located at 48 W. Main St. in Ashland, Diamond Shine Nails is a luxury nail salon offering a variety of nail care services, including manicures, pedicures and nail art.
According to the ceremony’s program, the salon is known for its “attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction.”
Modern Woodmen of America was the second finalist nominated for the Small Business award.
Manufacturing/Industrial Business
Atlas Bolt & Screw Company, LLC won the Manufacturing/Industrial Business award.
Atlas Bolt & Screw started in 1896 as a division of The Ball Bearing, Car, Wheel, and Manufacturing Company based in Cleveland, according to Thursday’s program.
Atlas opened its Ashland branch in 1973 in a small garage on Clark Street where they manufactured washers and molded nylon heads on the fasteners made in the Cleveland facility, the program said.
It constructed its location on Troy Road in 1978 and moved all operations there. Ashland is now the headquarters for Atlas, which also has branches in North Carolina and Texas.
Below is a list of the three additional finalists which were nominated for the Manufacturing/Industrial Business award.
- GOJO Industries – Ashland
- Return Polymers, Inc.
- Rohrer Corporation
Professional Services
Schmidt Security Pro claimed the 2026 Professional Services award.
Founded in 1976 by a former police detective, W. William Schmidt, the company quickly grew to become a total security and fire solutions provider, according to the program.
Over the past four decades, Schmidt Security Pro has expanded its product and service lines to include electronic intrusion alarms, video camera systems, access control systems, fire alarm services, medical alert systems and more.
They serve both residential and commercial customers of all sizes throughout central Ohio.
Below is a list of the three additional finalists which were nominated for the Professional Services award.
- Bryan Media Strategies
- Central Ohio Group Insurance Agency
- Mechanics Bank
Health and Medical Services
The Ashland County Health Department was highlighted as the 2026 Health and Medical Services award winner.
Located at 1211 Claremont Ave. in Ashland, the health department is dedicated to promoting public health through education, disease prevention and responsive services.
Its mission is to “enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and businesses throughout Ashland County,” the program said.
The department offers a variety of services, including immunizations, vital records, environmental health services, health education and a mobile clinic.
It also offers free blood pressure readings, hemoglobin A1C, cholesterol checks, blood sugar tests and height and weight checks. To further remove barriers to care, the department offers home vaccination services for Ashland County residents who are homebound, according to the program.
Below is a list of the five additional finalists which were nominated for the Health and Medical Services award.
- Ashland MobileMed
- Ashland Pregnancy Care Center
- Priest Dental, Inc.
- Refuge Counseling LLC
- Towne Pharmacy
Non-profit and Social Services
Ultimate Veteran Adventures was the 2026 Non-profit and Social Services award winner.
The nonprofit is “dedicated to restoring hope, purpose, and connection for veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through the outdoors,” the program said.
Ultimate Veteran Adventures offers nationwide, all-expenses-paid adventures, including waterfowl hunts, fishing charters, big-game trips and international experiences.
“Each adventure fosters camaraderie, mental wellness, and belonging, helping participants overcome isolation, depression, and challenges transitioning to civilian life,” the program said.
Below is a list of the six additional finalists which were nominated for the Non-profit and Social Services award.
- ACCESS
- Ashland County Special Olympics
- Beyond Measure Market
- D-R Services, Inc.
- Foundations Community Childcare
- Lifewise Academy – Ashland Chapter
Hospitality and Recreation Services
The Ashland Golf Club took home the 2026 Hospitality and Recreation Services award.
Beginning as the Ashland Country Club, a private, member-owned facility known for its classic 18-hole layout and scenic, tree-lined fairways, the club later transitioned to a public golf course, expanding access to the broader community while maintaining its
championship-quality conditions, according to the program.
Today, Ashland Golf Club offers practice facilities, lessons, leagues and tournaments for golfers of all skill levels. Its amenities include a full-service clubhouse, golf shop and event spaces for outings and celebrations, the program listed.
Below is a list of the seven additional finalists which were nominated for the Hospitality and Recreation Services award.
- Ashland BPOE Elks 1360
- Ashland County Park District
- Ashland Regional Ballet and Opus II Dance Studio
- Ashland Symphony Orchestra
- City of Ashland Parks and Recreation
- Cleveland-Sandusky Jellystone Park
- Hot Shots Shooting Center
4 Under 40
Twelve individuals were nominated for the Ashland Young Professionals 4 Under 40 awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of four highly motivated and emerging young leaders (between the ages of 21 to 40) in and around Ashland County.
Below is a list of the awardees highlighted Thursday night.
- Jarred Bates
- Zach Burgess
- Brittany Burkett
- Carrie Gough
Below are photos of Thursday’s 4 Under 40 award winners. Credit: Hayden Gray
