OUTSTANDING CITIZENS OF THE YEAR … Paul and Melanie Haines, owners and operators of Superior Farm Supply in Montpelier, were named Montpelier Outstanding Citizens of the year for 2021, at the Chamber of Commerce Banquet held on February 22, 2022. Present to rejoice with them were family members Jordan and Brandon Haines, Caleb Haines, and Amanda and Kyle Long as well as Barb Watson who made the announcement for the Montpelier Area Foundation. (PHOTOS BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
The dinner catered by Drop Tine Winery and Tap House, of Montpelier, at the Montpelier Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Annual Banquet, could not have been tastier, with scrumptious thick pork chops, creamy chicken breasts, homemade mashed potatoes and crisply cooked green beans, served with a side salad and diner roll.
The dessert table held a variety of cookies from Cookies on Demand, also of Montpelier. All present seemed to enjoy every bite as they visited with each other and listened to the upbeat music provided by Montpelier Jazz Band under the direction of James Gee.
The banquet was held in the Veterans’ Building at the east end of the Williams County Fairgrounds. Social hour with drink bracelets available for purchase at the door, began at 5 p.m. on the evening of February 22, 2022. Montpelier Village Council President Chris Kannel began the dinner with the invocation.
The program consisted of a State of the Chamber address given by Chamber Director Kim Friend and some reports on what has, is and will be going on around Montpelier by three council members who are on the Personnel/Safety/Community Engagement committee.
Council member Kevin Motter began by sharing about the wonderful welcome that was given to members of the National Guard and some of the projects that have been accomplished in the past seven years.
Kannel followed with news of present projects that have been completed and Melissa Ewers shared some projects that are in progress and some planned for the future.
All in all, the jist was that Montpelier is growing and moving into the future as every village must if it wants to draw new residents to live there.
CHAMBER MEMBER AWARDS … The Montpelier Chamber Member Outstanding Business of the Year awards went to three groups for 2021. Chief Dan McGee (left) and EMT Director Kyle Brigle, were present to accept them for the Montpelier Police Department and Williams County EMT. The third was announced for Montpelier Fire Department, but the chief, who had been there for the banquet, was called out so was not present to accept.
As the banquet was not held last year, due to COVID, Director Friend announced the new chamber members, Connie Nichols, Morgan Cameron and Sally Metzger. She thanked everyone for their support.
Dan Clum of Montpelier Area Foundation announced the awarding of the 2020 Outstanding Citizens of the Year Award to Carlton and Laura Gray. They were not present as they “winter in a much warmer climate.”
Clum read their praises, sharing noteworthy things they have done over the years. He said that the Grays thank everyone who has helped them in all their endeavors over the years.
Barb Watson, also of the MAF, announced Paul and Melanie Haines as the 2021 Montpelier Outstanding Citizens of the Year.
Watson thanked them for all they do in the community and for northwest Ohio, sharing many of their accomplishments and saying that the addition of their business has made life much easier for area farmers and residents.
Friend shared that as 2021 was such a different year, the chamber chose to award three 2021 Outstanding Montpelier Chamber Member Businesses of the Year, instead of choosing just one.
“These groups always work tirelessly,” she said, “but with all the added stresses on them we are extremely grateful and thankful for them and everything they have done for our community.”
She proceeded to award these to Williams County EMT, Montpelier Police Department, and Montpelier Fire Department. The representatives for the Fire Department were called out during the evening so were not present to accept the award.
Friend thanked everyone for coming and the evening ended with anyone interested heading for the back table to buy some of the leftover pork chops as a Chamber fundraiser.
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com
1 Comment
Much deserved award!!! These people are so patient with me when I break stuff and need repairs.