Knox County Chamber announces 2025 award nominees for 110th anniversary dinner

The Knox County Chamber of Commerce announce the 2025 award nominees for its 110th Anniversary Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration, to be held on Friday, March 6.

This premier Knox County event will take place at the Kenyon Lowry Center, located at 221 Duff Street in Gambier. The evening will feature a “Roaring Twenties” theme, transporting attendees back to the 1920s for a memorable night of celebration. Festivities will begin with a cocktail hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program.

“We are thrilled to recognize the outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who make Knox County such a vibrant place to live and work,” said Debbie Ruggles, Interim Director of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce. “This milestone anniversary provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate our community’s achievements and honor those who continue to drive our county forward.”

The 2025 award nominees include:

•Judy Klavins Ambassador of the Year Award — To be announced at the event

•Environmental Sustainability Award — Brown Family Environmental Center; Habitat for Humanity of Knox County; and Village of Danville.

•Heart Award — Knox County Land Bank; Retreat at Mount Vernon; and The Salvation Army Learning Lighthouse.

•Quality of Life Award — Ariel Foundation Park; Knox County Community Health Center; and Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival.

•Volunteer of the Year Award — Freedom Fire Protection; Julie Lucas, Knox County Chamber Ambassador; and Noelle Walton, Peoples Bank of Marietta.

•Investor of the Year Award — Fredericktown School District; Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities; and WorkDev.

•Women in Business Leadership Award — Lacey Filkins, Experience Mount Vernon; Lindsey Lamp, New Directions; and Michelle Engelbach, The Ohio Eastern Star Home. 

•Entrepreneur Spirit Award — ASE Custom Woodworking; Atlas Health & Wellness; and Vernon View Golf Course.

•Leadership Knox Alumni Award — Josh Lester, Mount Vernon Fire Department; Julia Greenich-Suggs, Area Development Foundation; and Walt Lewis, United Way of Knox County. 

•Small Business of the Year Award — HopeNow Furniture Bank; Paragraphs Bookstore; and TD Landscape.

•Business of the Year Award — Ellis Brothers; CES Credit Union; and The Ohio Eastern Star Home.

•Lifetime Achievement Award — To be announced at the event.

The evening will feature a keynote address from Cade Stover, tight end for the Houston Texans and former Ohio State Buckeye. The event will be emceed by Mount Vernon Mayor Matthew Starr. 

Guests are encouraged to dress in period-appropriate attire. Shuttle service will be provided courtesy of Sponsler Automotive. Childcare services will be available through Absolutely Loved Learning Center with advance registration required. For childcare details, please contact 740-397-2690 directly.

Tickets and cancellations are non-refundable after Feb. 16.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting the Knox County Chamber of Commerce at 740-393-1111 or via email at chamber@knoxchamber.com.

The Knox County Chamber of Commerce looks forward to celebrating its 110th anniversary in style. Tickets are available online at knoxchamber.com or by calling 740-393-1111.