GREENVILLE — Main Street Greenville’s Board of Directors and the Parade Committee have named State Representative Jim Buchy as the 2015 Hometown Holiday Horse Parade Grand Marshal.
According to event organizers, Buchy was a natural choice.
“Rep. Buchy has served on and off in public office for our community since 1980, in that time he has made countless contributions to our community and equestrian agriculture throughout the state,” said Amber Garrett, executive director for Main Street Greenville.
“Jim is a great man who has given of himself in so many venues. He travels to Columbus to make our voices heard, yet maintains a very real presence in our community. I am honored to consider him a friend,” said Diana Stebbins, Horse Parade chairperson.
In his capacity as state representative, Buchy has been a fervent promoter of community values and the success of businesses in Greenville.
“Greenville is the best place in the world to live work and rear a family,” Buchy said. “Activities such as the Holiday Horse Parade, exemplify our community and attract new business and families to invest in the place we call home.”
Buchy is credited with support of policies that reduce the cost of doing business and attract spectators to downtown areas in Ohio. In particular, he has repeatedly supported the Ohio Historic Tax Credit, which promotes investment in, and renovation of, Ohio’s historic structures, many of which are found in downtown areas.
Buchy, who calls Greenville home, remains an important community leader. He is an active member of Partnering for Progress, serving on the leadership team. He also remains involved with the Darke Economic Foundation, and the Darke County Chamber of Commerce. Recently, Buchy worked with the Annie Oakley Festival to rejuvenate the community’s oldest local festival.
As it relates to horses, Buchy is a long-time supporter of equestrian agriculture, connecting his support for the community and passion for Standardbred Horse Racing with his continued involvement and support of the Gene Riegle Memorial Race held annually at the Great Darke County Fair.
“The growth of the racing industry in Western Ohio, results in more hay, grain and other types of equestrian sales,” Buchy said. “Growth in our agrarian economy will ultimately lead to more money spent in our shops and businesses in Greenville.”
The grand marshal is the former president and CEO of Buchy Food Service, and was first appointed to public office in 1980 as a member of the Greenville Board of Education. He has been married to his wife, Sharon, for 50 years. The couple has two grown children and eight grandchildren.
Buchy, who will retire from public office in January 2017, plans to remain involved in the community and says we can expect to see him at community functions and school events with his grandchildren. “Sharon and I are very blessed with wonderful grandchildren,” Buchy said. “We are very excited about the prospect of attending more of their events and continuing our efforts to help the local community grow.”
The 2015 Hometown Hometown Holiday Horse parade will be held November 21. The parade will begin at 7 p.m., with entertainment leading up to the parade. You can find additional information on Main Street Greenville’s website, www.mainstreetgreenville.com or follow the organization on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mainstreetgreenville.
