Carroll County Chamber of Commerce honors businesses, organizations at annual banquet

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce recognized businesses, organizations and community leaders during its annual Golden Shovel and Awards Banquet June 4 at the Carroll County Agricultural Society Event Center, while keynote speaker Matt Abbott of Ohio Southeast Economic Development emphasized the importance of workforce development, housing and community partnerships in supporting future growth.

Chamber Director Chelsa Slutz announced the award recipients, while chamber board member Chris Shepherd delivered the evening invocation.

Abbott, who serves with Ohio Southeast Economic Development, spoke about the organization's work across 25 counties in eastern and southeastern Ohio and the partnerships required to support economic development in rural communities.

"We try to bring jobs. We try to work with existing companies to grow and expand in our region," Abbott said.

Since Ohio Southeast Economic Development was established in 2011, Abbott said the organization has worked on projects resulting in approximately 14,000 new jobs and more than $17 billion in investment throughout the region.

Abbott noted that the impact extends beyond those direct jobs.

"So everybody wins, everybody works together," Abbott said.

He explained that new jobs often create additional employment opportunities through suppliers, service providers and community support services.

Abbott also highlighted workforce development as one of the most significant challenges facing communities across Ohio.

As baby boomers continue to retire, Abbott said schools, career centers and training programs are playing a critical role in preparing future workers.

"There are so many opportunities out there for folks that maybe don't have to go to a four-year college," Abbott said.

He praised Buckeye Career Center and local school districts for helping students develop skills needed for future careers.

Abbott also discussed the importance of housing, infrastructure and quality-of-life amenities when companies consider locating in a community.

"They wanted to see downtowns, they wanted to see Main Street," Abbott said while describing a recent visit by a German company considering locations in the region.

In addition to downtowns, Abbott said prospective employers often want to evaluate local schools and housing opportunities before making investment decisions.

"They wanted to see schools," Abbott said. "They also want to see housing."

Abbott said retaining existing businesses remains one of the most important goals of economic development efforts.

"We're looking to keep what we have, number one, and that's the most important thing I think that we can do," Abbott said.

He concluded by emphasizing the role local businesses, organizations and residents play in building successful communities.

"It takes everybody," Abbott said. "It takes what you guys do on a daily basis to make your community successful."

Following Abbott's remarks, Slutz presented the chamber's Golden Shovel Awards, which recognize chamber members who invested at least $50,000 in their businesses during the past year.

Golden Shovel Awards were presented to Buckeye Career Center, the Carroll County Commissioners, Carrollton Exempted Village School District, East Ohio Properties LLC, Flowers at Grover Farms, Green's & Things Landscaping, Normaco, St. John's Villa, the Village of Carrollton and Wichert Insurance.

The chamber also presented its annual special awards.

Deli on the Square received the Small Business of the Year Award, while Ace Hardware was named Large Business of the Year.

The Carroll County Council on Aging received the Non-Profit of the Year Award, and Pieces With Purpose received the Warrior Spirit Award, which recognizes a chamber member who supports both the chamber and the community.

Chamber Director Chelsa Slutz thanked those who attended the banquet, including State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, Emily DiIorio from the office of State Sen. Jon Husted and keynote speaker Matt Abbott of Ohio Southeast Economic Development.

"We'd like to thank our State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel for making the trip here for us today, as well as from State Sen. Husted's office, Emily DiIorio, and our special guest speaker Matt Abbott with OhioSE," Slutz said.

The annual banquet brought together business leaders, elected officials, educators and community members to celebrate economic investment, community involvement and business success throughout Carroll County.