Harrison County Regional Chamber celebrates businesses at annual awards banquet

It was a “who’s who” gathering Thursday, Dec. 4, as a large crowd assembled at the Cadiz Country Club for the Harrison County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards Banquet. Harrison Hills administration and board members, business owners, local officials and guests filled the room for the celebration.

The event marked the 54th annual awards ceremony. Executive Director Milo Baker served as host and was joined by HCRCC officers: President and Secretary Joyce Klingler, Vice President Brittany Mattern, Vice President Emeritus Karen Sticht and Treasurer Christy Beaird.

Sponsors of the evening included Ohio Southeast Economic Development, Knight Miller Law Offices and Woodsfield Savings Bank.

Following welcoming remarks, Baker announced a special award for Riesbeck’s Markets in honor of the company’s 100th anniversary. He then introduced Matt Abbott of Ohio Southeast Economic Development.

“We are very proud and excited to be a sponsor of this event,” Abbott said. “We are involved in economic development in 25 counties with 11 projects, and we work very closely with Harrison County’s CIC. We are happy to see the energy projects that are happening throughout the counties. We are also glad to be part of this celebration, as Riesbeck’s company celebrates their 100th anniversary.”

Knight/Miller Law and Woodsfield Savings Bank were recognized individually and asked to stand.

Baker next introduced Graham Lescallette, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Michael A. Rulli of Ohio’s 6th District. Lescallette presented a congressional proclamation to Riesbeck’s Markets. Brian and Steve Reisbeck accepted the honor, with Allie New also participating in the presentation.

“Riesbeck’s Markets are the backbone of many communities,” Lescallette said. “My dad is from Jewett, and we are all very familiar with the surrounding area. This award and proclamation to Riesbeck’s is well deserved. We are now pleased to present this award.”

“In 1925, my grandmother, Margret Shoemaker-Reisbeck, out of necessity opened a dry goods store in Woodsfield,” Brian Reisbeck said. “She raised five children while living in Woodsfield. No one had any idea that the tradition of that store would last 100 years.”

“We want to thank everyone for their support of our stores and this kind award,” he said. “We are also graciously excited about the proclamation from Congressman Rulli’s office and Graham Lescallette.”

Baker then presented the Business of the Year Award to Ohio Valley Winery.

“We are so happy about having a business in Cadiz,” co-owner Jami Miller said. “We love the people of Cadiz and the surrounding area, and Chuck and I appreciate their patronage. We are so very proud of this award, and we want to thank everyone for their support in making this happen.”

In closing, Baker said, “As you travel around Harrison County, we are always glad to see the arrival of new businesses. It is just as important that the counties have the services of businesses like Reisbeck’s, Woodsfield Savings Bank and Knight Miller Law. A deeply felt thanks goes out to our sponsors. Thank you all for coming.”