Each year, the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce awards four deserving businesses and businesspeople in Ross County. The awards are Entrepreneur of the Year, Legacy, Corporate Citizenship, and Young Professional of the Year, and they are described in more detail below. To nominate someone for this year’s awards, click here.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Recognizes those members who best exemplify the essence of the definition of “entrepreneur” – the organizer of an economic venture. One who organizes, promotes, owns/manages,, and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise they started.
Bobbi Blanton
Cranberry Boutique, Brick Haven Spa, and The Coffee Hub, 2024
Ken Shelton
Staff Source, Southern Ohio Shredding, The Rhyan Group. 2023
Bart Herrnstein
Herrnstein Auto Group 2022
Tara Gillum
Steiner’s Speakeasy 2021
The Riffle Family
Riffle Machine Works 2020
Bill Barker
Casa del Taco and Old Canal Smoke House 2019
Jon Bell
JB Express Inc. 2018
Kevin Ross
Landmark Properties 2017
Chad Walters
C. Walters Management/ Valero 2016
Jackie Shope
First Capital Answering Service 2015
Neil Coleman
Neil Coleman Insurance Services 2014
Dave Pinkerton
Advanced Services Heating & Cooling 2013
Jeff Marshall
Printex Same-Day Printing 2012
Jim Bumen
Scioto Valley Precast 2011
June and Tom Haynes
Subway Restaurants 2010
Jim Bambenek
NAPA Auto Parts 2009
Carl Janes
Save-A-Lot 2008
Mike Hall
Aadvantage Tent Fittings 2007
Greg Wells
Sunrush Construction 2006
Bill Herrnstein
Herrnstein Chrysler 2005
Robert Litter
Litter Industries 2004
Jerry Whited and Don Seigneur
Whited Seigneur Sams & Rahe 2002
Charles Stevens
RLS Recycling 2001
Larry Vitatoe
Vitatoe Industries 2000
Tom White
Accurate Heating and Cooling 1999
Benney Haller
Haller Funeral Home 1998
Jim Doersam
Doersam Marketing/Petron Oil 1997
Ron Fewster
RHF Enterprises/McDonald’s 1996
Rodney Winegardner
WHR Company 1995
Chris Hanners
Chillicothe Paints 1994
Wilbur Poole
IBI Construction 1993
John Gunning Jr.
Family Vision Centers
John Robertson
Telesis/Infosight 1991
Joe Waters
The Recording Workshop 1990
David Simmons
Craftsman Printing 1989
Ed Kunzelman
Petland Inc. 1988
Pat McAllister
CP Management 1986
Tim Hartsock
Hartsock Ag
Corporate Citizenship Award
Honors a business that exemplifies excellent corporate citizenship in giving back to the communities in which it operates, enhancing the economic health and quality of life of its employees and its community. Award introduced in 2015
Bo Lacey Construction, 2024
Dwell Real Estate, 2023
Dr. Blake Lloyd, North Fork Animal Clinic 2022
Herlihy Moving and Storage 2021
Homeland Credit Union 2020
Janney Montgomery Scott 2019
The Scioto Society 2018
Kenworth 2017
Adena Health System 2016
Megan Brumfield, McDonald’s Restaurants 2015
Legacy Award
Honors members of our community and/or families who have been part of the chamber and business community for at least 25 years. It is both a testament to the member and their commitment to service. Award introduced in 2015.
Accurate Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, 2024
The Scioto Society, 2023
Crispie Creme Donuts of Chillicothe 2022
Tomlinson Insurance Agency 2021
Gerber Insurance Agency and Financial Services 2020
Haller Funeral Home 2019
Hirsch Fruit Farm 2018
Globe Furniture 2017
Ware Funeral Home 2016
Horizon Telcom 2015
Young Professional Of The Year
Recognizes a young professional engaged in education/career development, demonstrates leadership in their field, and is active in civic or charitable activities.