LIFE OF SERVICE Jim Watkins was thanked for the 37 years he dedicated to the Williams County Health Department and all of the contributions he has made to the community throughout his time there
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Economic Development Corporation held their annual awards luncheon last week. Attendees enjoyed lunch prepared by the Four County culinary class, with decorations prepared by their floral designs class. The Montpelier Schools Government class also saw a handful of students helping at the event.
WEDCO Executive Director Ashley Epling thanked the event’s sponsors, and shared what the last year has seen WEDCO accomplish.
From legislative luncheons to the Elevate and Explore program at Bryan Schools, Epling shared that solid metrics now accompany their tangible successes.
She shared how excited she is to be representing WEDCO in the Williams County Port Authority, with the sights now set on expanding senior housing.
She welcomed Four County Career Center Superintendent Jeff Slattery to speak on their initiatives, and how they further develop Ohio by aligning students with local employers.
Epling shared that while the last year has seen a great effort by municipalities to revitalize their downtown areas, she would like to transfer the focus this year on improving the county residents’ quality of life.
She said that a way they will do this is by continuing to hold and promote events for people to enjoy and promoting quality job opportunities.
She then celebrated Jim Watkins, thanking him for his 37 years of “dedicated service to the health department.”
The awards were then presented for the 2023 Community of the Year, with the City of Bryan being honored for their “recent investments in infrastructure, parks, and safety,” and their commitment to ensuring their residents’ wellbeing.
The 2023 Business of the Year was Suburban Golf Course, for their significant enhancements to the quality of life in Williams County.
The 2023 New Business of the Year was announced as Hometown Meat Market, in honor of their significant investment into the void left by the closing of another business. Despite its modest size they embody the “essence of a friendly hometown establishment.”
