VERSAILLES — Members of the Versailles Chamber of Commerce recognized an individual and an organization during its annual banquet Monday night at Stillwater Valley Golf Course.
Longtime former village employee Randy Gump was named the Chamber’s “Citizen of the Year” while the Versailles Poultry Days Committee was presented with the “People Pride Progress Award.”
Gump was a Village of Versailles employee for more than three decades, working with the street, electric, water and sewer departments. He also served 16 years as village administrator. Throughout, Gump has been heavily involved in community organizations, such as chairman of the Poultry Days Committee, serving in the Rotary and Lions Clubs, as well as being a member of the Versailles Chamber of Commerce, among others.
“As a member of countless organizations, Randy has been very much involved in activities and endeavors that have benefited our community,” said Versailles Schools Superintendent Aaron Moran, banquet emcee. “He’s a humble man, he always redirects credit, and praises everyone else’s efforts. This is one reason why he is respected in this community by all.”
Upon receiving the award, Gump thanked God, his wife and family, members of the armed forces, first responders, and many unnamed mentors.
“I know this award is much bigger than anything I could ever be. It’s not about ‘I’ it’s about ‘We,’” he said. “Versailles is a very special place, filled with special people that make up our community. I’m just blessed and honored that they let me be on that team.”
Versailles Poultry Days Committee Chairman Kevin Kissenger accepted the Chamber’s People Pride Progress award on behalf of the organization.
“For those who are outsiders, Poultry Days typically boils down to a few things — either the chicken, the social tent, or how much money we raised for charity, or how many chickens were sold that year,” said Kissenger. “However, those that are in the community realize that Poultry Days is much more than that. It’s about the people who work together at the festival, a place we call home, and about the friends and family and pride we have in our community.”
State Representative Keith Faber (R-Celina) presented both Gump and the Committee with commendation letters from the Ohio General Assembly. As well, Ohio Governor John Kasich sent commendation letters from his office.
For more information on the Versailles Chamber of Commerce, go to its website at http://bit.ly/2DL9fRk
