(PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
EXCELLENCE IN RETAIL … (from left) Jordan Torbet, Adam Munger, Loren Thorson, and David Thorson, flanked by RJ Lumbrezer (far left), Jim Wyse, and Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops (far right), appear on behalf of Matt and Mindy Gleckler to accept the excellence in retail award from the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation for Skye Cinema.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Economic Development Corporation held its annual meeting and awards banquet Thursday, celebrating the year’s business and public service accomplishments.
Introduced early during the event was FCEDC’s new executive director, Jim Wyse. Among his many career accomplishments, including 21 years operating the Wyse Insurance Agency plus 8 more years as an insurance agent, Wyse served as mayor of Archbold from January 2004 to December 2014. He also later served briefly as the village’s economic development coordinator.
Wyse takes the reins from Matt Gilroy, who was recognized along with wife Jennie with the organization’s highest honor, the Robert Fulton Award.
Emcee Max Smith Jr. spoke of Gilroy’s service to the FCEDC, being selected unanimously to run the organization when it was first getting started.
“Over the past 10 years, Matt Gilroy has been the steady hand and the strategic mind that has guided FCEDC forward. Under his leadership, we’ve seen remarkable growth – not just in numbers, but in relationships, in impact, in heart,” Smith said.
Smith credited Gilroy’s leadership in helping bring in Nature Fresh Farms, Nova Structural Tube, Cleanlites Recycling, and General Flange and Forge, while also supporting expansions at North Star BlueScope, Fulton County Processing, Archbold Furniture, ConAgra, Haas Door, and Wauseon Machine.
Gilroy has also served on the Fulton County Airport Board, Triangular Processing, Rotary, and the visitor bureau.
Smith also heaped praise on Gilroy’s wife, Jennie, who served on the United Way of Fulton County, the Adriel Foster Care and Adoption Board, as president of Archbold Rotary, and troop leader for Girl Scout Troop 1316.
“Together, Matt and Jennie Gilroy have been more than colleagues or neighbors – they have been pillars in the truest sense of the word. They’ve helped build a stronger, more compassionate, more connected Fulton County,” Smith said.
Following his departure from FCEDC, Gilroy now serves as director of strategic initiatives for Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development.
EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Bill Rufenacht, an FECDC board member and former Archbold Village Council member and Fulton County Commissioner, was given the award for excellence in public service.
Smith lauded Rufenacht for almost five decades of service to the community, from opening Bill’s Locker Room in 1978, to serving as president of the Archbold Retail Merchants Association, and his time on the Archbold Village Council and as a Fulton County Commissioner.
“To this day, Bill continues to give back – as a board member for the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, the Fulton County Museum, the Northwest Ohio Juvenile Detention Center, and the Archbold Economic Development Committee,” Smith said.
“He is a proud, long-standing member of the Archbold Rotary Club, serving now for an incredibly 47 years – a true testament to his commitment to service above self.”
Rufenacht is also a 25-year member of the Archbold Athletic Boosters and coached the Archbold American Legion baseball team to a state championship in 1971, along with co-authoring a book about basketball in Archbold.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Triangular Processing, Inc., Director Kathy Shaw was recognized as volunteer of the year. Smith referred to the expanded programs now run through the organization, including The Table on Fulton and Blooms Flower Company.
“Kathy is never content with ‘enough,’” Smith said. “She’s always asking ‘What more can we do? How else can we create purpose?’ Whether it’s through workforce training, events, or fundraising, her vision never stops growing – because she believes the people she serves are worthy of that kind of vision.”
Smith further pointed out her operation of the Festival of Trees and Heroes vs. Heroes Basketball Tournament, as well as her involvement in Fulton County Legends and Livestock.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Business of the year accolades went to Miller Brothers Construction, Inc. Smith spoke as much about their way of doing business as much as the actual business they do – now across 12 states.
“Now in its third generation of family leadership, Miller Bros. Construction has continued to uphold the values it was built on nearly 80 years ago – with a strong work ethic, a skilled and passionate workforce, and an unwavering dedication to doing things the right way,” Smith said.
“Whether it’s a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project or a community road, their attention to detail, safety standards, and execution remain second to none.
With over 600 pieces of operated equipment, a bonding capacity exceeding $225 million, and a nationally recognized safety program, they don’t just meet expectations, they set new ones.”
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
The community leadership award was presented to AJ and Nancy Schroeder for the work they do through their business, St. Mary’s Meats. Smith said the name of the business has become synonymous with community, generosity, and leadership.
“AJ and Nancy have turned their family business into a force for good in this community,” Smith said, pointing out their support of local school sports teams and their annual buck pole.
“In 2024 alone, more than 2,000 pounds of deer meat was processed and donated by AJ to church pantries throughout Fulton County – helping to feed countless families across our towns.”
AJ also serves as president of the Metamora Area Chamber of Commerce.
EXCELLENCE IN RETAIL
The excellence in retail award went to Skye Cinema. Opened in 2005 by Matthew and Mindy Gleckler, who recently added a restaurant to the facility called Reelwood Kitchen, it is the only movie theater in Fulton County.
“Together, Skye Cinema and Reelwood Kitchen are helping us keep entertainment dollars right here in Fulton County, strengthening the economy while offering something truly special and unique to the area,” Smith said.
EXCELLENCE IN INDUSTRY
TC Brothers was recognized with the award for excellence in industry. Smith called the growth of the custom motorcycle parts shop into a recognized name across the country “truly remarkable.”
“Their recent expansion into a 60,000-square-foot facility is not just a milestone – it’s a symbol of what’s being built right here in Fulton County.”
“This growth has allowed them to achieve some of the fastest shipping times in the industry, setting a national standard from right here in our backyard,” Smith said.
EXCELLENCE IN INDUSTRY … Tim (center left) and Tyler Cobb (center) stand alongside Jim Wyse (left), RJ Lumbrezer (center right), and Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops (right), after receiving the excellence in industry award from the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation for TC Brothers.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD … AJ (center left) and Nancy Schroeder (center) stand alongside RJ Lumbrezer (left), Jim Wyse (center right), and Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops (right), after receiving the community leadership award from the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation for St. Mary’s Meats.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR … Representatives from Miller Brothers Construction are flanked by Jim Wyse (far left), RJ Lumbrezer, and Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops (far right), after receiving the business of the year award from the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR … Triangular Processing Director Kathy Shaw (center left) stands alongside RJ Lumbrezer (left), Jim Wyse (center right), and Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops (right), after receiving the volunteer of the year award from the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation.
EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE … Bill Rufenacht (center left) stands alongside RJ Lumbrezer (left), Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops (center right), and Jim Wyse, after receiving the excellence in public service award from the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation.
THE ROBERT FULTON AWARD … Matt and Jennie Gilroy, along with their daughter, are flanked by RJ Lumbrezer (far left), Kate Huiskens, Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops, and Jim Wyse (far right), after receiving the Robert Fulton Award from the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation.