SPIRIT … Wayne Newman is presented with the Spirit of Archbold Award by Chamber Executive Director Wendy Gericke during Thursday evening’s annual banquet at Founders Hall.
PHOTOS COURTESY AMBRIA PHOTOGRAPHY / THE VILLAGRE REPORTER
CITIZEN … Diane Tinsman receives the Citizen of the Year Award during the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, recognizing her extensive service to the community.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting and awards banquet on Thursday, November 13th at Founders Hall.
Guests gathered for a meet and greet and dinner before Chamber President Mike Overmier opened the business meeting, introduced board members, and reviewed Chamber activities from the past year.
Once the meeting was adjourned, the chamber began presenting their annual awards. The Citizen of the Year honor went to Diane Tinsman, recognized for more than a decade of involvement with the Black Swamp Arts Council and for helping expand local access to the arts through camps, classes, and youth programming.
She has also served on several community boards and committees, contributing to projects across Archbold and Fulton County.
The Spirit of Archbold Award was presented to Wayne Newman for his long history of volunteerism, community service, and support of Archbold’s schools, events, and local organizations.
Newman’s involvement with the Archbold Athletics, the Fulton County Humane Society, and the Unity Antique Power Club were highlighted as examples of his dedication.
This year’s 4 Under 40 awards recognized Adam Grisier, Tyson Schnitkey, Jacob Fleischmann, and Garrett Morton.
Each honoree was acknowledged for professional achievement and for making a positive impact on the community through leadership, service, and volunteer efforts.
The chamber also issued Service Awards to recognize milestone anniversaries for local businesses. Toxscreen Specialists LLC received recognition for 10 years, Archbold Main Stop, Logo This, and the Black Swamp Arts Council for 25 years, and Archbold Furniture Company for an impressive 125 years in business.
The evening featured live music, a photo booth, and, for the first time, a dedicated emcee guiding the awards portion of the program.
The banquet once again brought together businesses, volunteers, and residents to celebrate the individuals and organizations shaping Archbold’s continued growth.