UNION CITY, Ind. — Numerous awards were handed out at Thursday evening’s Union City Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Awards Night.
Held at the Elks Lodge, the banquet attracted at least 140 people.
Dennis Pratt served as master of ceremonies, and the invocation and benediction were given by Pastor Brian Jenkins.
Handing out the awards were Chamber President Susan Linder and outgoing president Susie Norton.
“I had a lot to gain by being president…by friends, support and people on this Chamber board. They have marvelous ideas, had a vision and goals that we knew would take longer than a year. Unfortunately, health issues altered those plans. This board came forth and could do the job. Susan Linder has done a marvelous job. I’m going to stay involved. My biggest supporter is my husband, Arnold. It’s exciting to talk to people in other towns and states. I thank all of you so much for your support.”
Norton went on to recognize Wasson Nursery and Dan Wasson for celebrating 40 years in town; Corner Cupboard and the Antique Mall for reaching their 25-year marks in 2017; and welcomed GTI, which opened a warehouse on State Route 47, formerly occupied by Armstrong Manufacturing.
“I want to thank Susie for everything she accomplished this past year,” remarked Linder. “As it says on the front of the pamphlet this year, ‘Investing in Our Community.’”
She went on to talk about churches and businesses and their projects currently underway
Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award went to the emergency services in Union City Indiana and Ohio, including police, fire and rescue. Among those in attendance were Union City, Indiana, Police Chief Cobie Wells, and Fire Chief Steve Shoemaker, and the Ohio side chief, Mark Ater, Jeremy Towe, Leann Bruns, Mike Werts and Greg Miller.
The Hub Award was presented to Shockney Electric, with owner Mike Stump accepting with his son, Jason.
Given the Rising Star Award were local artist Carol Strock-Wasson and Carter Equipment, the largest manufacturer of farm gates. Receiving the award for Carter Equipment of the Applegate Livestock Group were Brad Miller and Madison Pollitt.
Outstanding Youth Awards went to the UCCHS girls basketball team, the Lady Indians, who were named state runners-up and coached by Sarah Black; Elizabeth Sowinski, Randolph County’s youth leader this year; and to Mississinawa students Spencer Warren, and Kelsie Hunt for their achievements.
Union City, Indiana, Mayor Bryan Conklin announced that a sign honoring the girls team will be erected at the edge of town. It reads: “Union City Junior/Senior High School — 2017 Lady Indian —Indiana State Basketball 1A Runner-Up.
Recipient of the Male Volunteer of the Year and Female Volunteer of the Year awards went to Larry Young and Martha Mathias, respectively. Young is a 1965 graduate of UCCHS and very involved in the Scouting program, and Mathias, who was unable to attend, is employed at the Frank Miller Lumber Co. and has been chairman of the board since 1993. She was not in attendance, so Steve James accepted the award on her behalf.
Kerns Bros. Inc. was named Outstanding Business of the Year. Accepting the award were brothers, Tom [wife Jamie] and Allen [wife Katie] Kerns. “It[the business] started with a paint brush and a bridge club,” announced Pratt.
Members of the Chamber’s board of directors, in addition to Linder and Norton, are Ron Pruitt, vice president; Union City Community Junior/Senior High Principal Aaron Black, secretary; and Denise Beam, treasurer. Other directors are Jan Aukerman, Vicki Day, Mark Didier, Vanessa Galway, James Hufford, Pastor Jenkins, Amanda Jones, Zach Pruitt and Jeff Winchester.
