Columbiana Chamber presents awards at annual banquet
The Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce presented Community Awards to several people during its annual awards banquet on Feb. 24. Pictured are (from left), Dan Blasdell, Sherry Bendetta, Kelli Hephner, Michael Ross (guest speaker), Stephanie Baylor, Mandy Moreschi, and Jack Guy Sr. (Submitted photo)
The Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce presented Business Awards to three local businesses during its annual awards banquet on Feb. 24. Pictured are (from left), Park Avenue Marketplace owners Dave Perkins, Ginny Perkins and Larry Deidrick; R.T. Vernal owner Rick Vernal; and Birdfish Brewing Company owners Josh Dunn, Greg Snyder, Jon Dunn and Jared Channell. (Submitted photo)
The Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce presented Community Awards to several people during its annual awards banquet on Feb. 24. Pictured are (from left), Dan Blasdell, Sherry Bendetta, Kelli Hephner, Michael Ross (guest speaker), Stephanie Baylor, Mandy Moreschi, and Jack Guy Sr. (Submitted photo)
The Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce presented Business Awards to three local businesses during its annual awards banquet on Feb. 24. Pictured are (from left), Park Avenue Marketplace owners Dave Perkins, Ginny Perkins and Larry Deidrick; R.T. Vernal owner Rick Vernal; and Birdfish Brewing Company owners Josh Dunn, Greg Snyder, Jon Dunn and Jared Channell. (Submitted photo)
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COLUMBIANA -- Several people who have invested in the community were honored by the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce during its 65th Annual Awards Banquet Feb. 24.
From a high school student, to a former municipal attorney, and many in between, the chamber honored those who made a significant impact in the city over the last year and in years past.
The chamber presented community awards in the following categories: Young Citizen of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Outstanding Community Service, Lifetime of Service, and Educator of the Year.
Mandy Moreschi, Columbiana High School Senior was awarded Young Citizen of the Year.
The award recognizes a young person who has demonstrated uncommon or outstanding skills or attributes, an ability to excel or overcome obstacles, set and achieve lofty goals, or donate time and energy to a worthwhile cause.
In a press release announcing the awards the chamber stated that as Senior Class President at Columbiana High School Moreschi has displayed an upbeat, positive and enthusiastic attitude and used her creativity to increase participation in a food drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank, making it the most successful food drive at the school.
She also served as the student athletic trainer for the Columbiana Junior Varsity and Varsity Football team the past four years, and is a member of the Speech Club, 2018 Homecoming Court, and student council. She will be attending Slippery Rock University in the Fall.
Sherry Bendetta of the Job and Family Services was awarded Business Person of the Year.
The award recognizes an employee who is successful in their work while maintaining high ethical standards, and who is fair and honest in business dealings as well as supportive and encouraging to those around them.
The chamber said that Bendetta has become a mentor, sounding board and leader to many who come to perform community service hours through Job and Family Services and has donated much of her work to help move the lives of those around her in a positive direction.
Kelli Hephner, Heroes and Halos Director, was awarded for Outstanding Community Service.
The award recognizes an individual whose remarkable efforts have produced significant benefit to the community.
The chamber said that Hephner has organized several programs, including the Guardian Angel support group for families and children with special needs, and is a constant support to families of children with special needs by providing training and organizing various efforts including the annual Safety Day and 5K Race/Walk/Roll.
"Because of Kelli's involvement in programs such as Heroes and Halos, Youngstown City Schools surrogate parents, Leetonia Fire and EMS And Columbiana EMS, Columbiana is a better place to live and work," the chamber said.
Hephner is also an active member of the East Fairfield United Methodist Church.
The chamber presented Lifetime of Service awards to Jack Guy of Oaks Welding and Dan Blasdell, former municipal attorney.
The award recognizes an individual whose lifetime is characterized by work performed for the welfare of others without concern or reward, as well as significant giving through volunteering, leadership, good moral character and/or generous acts.
The chamber said that Guy's life of service began when he enlisted into the Air Force and that he has continued giving back through his lifetime memberships in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The American Legion and the Forty and Eight organizations, the latter of which he was a charter member.
The chamber also said that Guy was instrumental in moving the American Legion Post from Pearl Street to its new home on state Route 14, and the start of the Friday Fish Fry's.
He was also a charter member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, better known as the Jaycees, that formed in 1958, and was also part of the mission to bring St. Jude Catholic Church to Columbiana, which was also formed in 1958 in partnership with St. Patrick Church in Leetonia.
Guy also joined the Knights of Columbus through the St. Patrick's council in Leetonia where he served as Grand Knight. Through the Knights he was active in many community functions as well. He later joined the Columbiana Council of Knights of Columbus when it was formed out of St. Jude Parish.
In addition, Guy also served as a Little League Coach and is a longtime member of the chamber and rotary organizations. He has been at Oak's Welding 55-plus years, serving as owner since 1974.
"Jack has dedicated his life to serving; serving his country, serving his family, serving his community. Our country and our community are a better place because of Jack's humble service," the chamber said.
Blasdell was honored for serving as the municipal attorney for the city for 41 years.
"Dan's wisdom and knowledge guided our town through many challenges during 41 years of progress and growth as our population increased and the Village of Columbiana became the City of Columbiana. Dan always maintained a calm, professional demeanor and always did what was in the best interest of Columbiana and its residents," the chamber said.
Stephanie Baylor, Columbiana Middle School teacher, was awarded Educator of the Year.
The award recognizes a teacher who exemplifies excellence in their field by their enthusiasm, expertise, creative ideas, and communication skills.
The chamber said that since 2001, Baylor has been educating children in language arts, social studies and gifted education.
"With a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Psychology and a Masters in Gifted Education from Youngstown State University, Stephanie is an inspiration to her students, her family and our community. Stephanie dedicates her time to leading students in programs that challenge them with new concepts, involvement and teamwork. Some of the programs she leads are Destination Excellence and Interact Club, middle school student council and yearbook," the chamber said.
The chamber also presented business awards to Park Avenue Marketplace, Birdfish Brewing Company and R.T. Vernal.
Michael Ross of Mainstream Life Solutions was the special guest speaker for the awards ceremony. Music was provided by Lyn Cardwell and Natalie Sayhoun.