Local businesses support each other during annual Chamber Awards

CHILLICOTHE— Members of the Chillicothe-Ross Chamber of Commerce and local entrepreneurs gathered Tuesday to celebrate the last year and all the accomplishments everyone has achieved and to take time to remember a local doctor whose impact was felt across the community.

This ceremony also gave members a chance to connect with each other.

After dinner, five awards were given out they were Special Recognition, Entrepreneur of the Year, Corporate Citizenship, Legacy and Young Professional. The chamber gives these awards out to honor the best and brightest businesses in its membership.

See last year's winners: Bart Herrnstein named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce

The special recognition was given to the late Dr. Jack Berno who spent over 40 years in local health care at Adena. His wife, Robin, accepted the award on his behalf.

Chamber president Mike Throne said that Berno "transcended" his occupation through his dedication to the community. The crowd seemed to agree with Throne's statements as they gave Berno a standing ovation. Robin spoke of her late husband and said that nobody loved the community as much as he did and he was excited to see it grow and develop.

Dwell Real Estate was honored this year with the Corporate Citizenship award for its contributions to several projects over the last two years. Winners enhance the economic health and quality of life of their employees and their community. Corrie Johnson from the company said it was an honor to be a part of a community that cared and that this award was a sign that they were moving in the right direction.

The legacy designation is given to a business or family that has been a member of the chamber and the community for over 25 years. This award serves as a testament to a business's commitment to service and this year went to The Scioto Society, which has been in the community for over 50 years. The society has also helped to generate over $20 million in economic activity through the "Tecumseh!" performance that brings in people from all around the world to Chillicothe.

The Young Professional award is given to those who are engaged in education or career development and demonstrate great leadership. Winners are often active in civic or charitable activities around the community. Taylor Carnes of Shelter Insurance was presented with it due to her dedication and hard work. She is the vice president of EPIC Young Professionals and contributes to United Way of Ross County, Greater Chillicothe Women in Business, Life Ready and more.

Jade Berry, who presented the award said that Carnes is a "changemaker" whose waves impact those around her and that she gives back as much as possible to the community.

The last award of the night, Entrepreneur of the Year, is given to the organizers of economic ventures, who promote, own, manage and assume the risk of a business or enterprise. The owner of Staff Source, Digital FiX, Southern Ohio Shredding and The Rhyan Group, Ken Shelton, accepted his award and thanked his employees, his family and his late parents during his speech. He said his parents instilled a strong work ethic in him that made all of his accomplishments possible.

When asked what advice he would give to new entrepreneurs Shelton said to never quit and to give your dreams everything you have in order to succeed.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Local businesses support each other during annual Chamber Awards