PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DRUMMER … Members of the Drummer family accept the posthumous Robert Fulton Award on behalf of Bill “Bird” Drummer during the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation annual meeting and awards banquet on Tuesday, April 14.
VOLUNTEER … Cheryl Geer poses after being recognized as Volunteer of the Year during the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation annual meeting and awards banquet on Tuesday, April 14.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Economic Development Corporation held its annual meeting and awards banquet on Tuesday, April 14, at Founders Hall in Archbold, drawing around 200 attendees and guests for an evening focused on business recognition, community leadership, and the county’s economic future.
The program began with a cocktail hour and networking, followed by a welcome and prayer from Fulton County Commissioner Jeff Rupp.
Dinner was served before the FCEDC business meeting, which was led by Executive Board President R.J. Lumbrezer.
Awards were then presented by Max Smith Jr., who served as emcee for the evening. The night concluded with a keynote address from Russell Mills, Ph.D., regional executive for the Pittsburgh branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.
Mills’ keynote gave attendees an overview of the Federal Reserve system and the way economic information is gathered and used.
Based on the themes shared during his presentation, he discussed the Federal Reserve’s structure, its role in monetary policy, and the importance of regional input when tracking economic conditions.
He also touched on inflation, labor market trends, interest rates, and the ways those issues affect businesses and communities.
Part of his remarks also focused on regional and local economic indicators, including workforce and population-related trends that can shape long-term development. His presentation tied national economic conditions to what communities such as Fulton County are experiencing on the ground.
FCEDC Associate Director Evan Bon explained that he was pleased with how the night came together. Bon said the event followed the corporation’s usual annual meeting format while also highlightingthe people, businesses, and community leaders helping move Fulton County forward.
He described the evening as a success and said the organization was honored to welcome guests for the banquet.
Bon, who joined FCEDC in September after earning his master’s degree in economics from the University of Toledo, said this was his first annual meeting with the organization.
He added that he feels confident about the future of Fulton County and is committed to helping the region continue to grow.
This year’s business awards recognized Lugbill Supply Center for Excellence in Retail, Benfield Wines for Excellence in Industry, and Riley Tractor Parts for Business of the Year. Community involvement honors were also a major part of the evening’s program.
Richard “Dick” Perkins received the Community Leadership Award, Fayette Mayor Dave Borer was honored for Excellence in Public Service, and Cheryl Geer was named Volunteer of the Year.
Bill “Bird” Drummer was recognized posthumously with the Robert Fulton Award, the organization’s highest honor. Members of Drummer’s family were present to accept the award on his behalf, and Judge Jeff Robinson also offered remarks following the presentation.
Bon said Fulton County’s story is one of communication, collaboration, and investment.
He said the county has a strong past and an especially promising future, a message also reflected in the organization’s annual highlight video that will be shared online.
The evening’s printed program echoed that theme with the message that businesses do not only operate in Fulton County; they are thriving.
With community leaders, business representatives, and local officials gathered in one room, the annual meeting served as both a celebration and a statement of confidence in the county’s future direction. For FCEDC, the night was both a look back at recent accomplishments and a chance to reinforce the partnerships that will shape the years ahead.