PAULDING CHAMBER CELEBRATES MEMBERS AT ‘PLANTED IN PAULDING’ ANNUAL BANQUET
The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated local businesses, organizations and community leaders Tuesday evening September 15th during its 2026 “Planted in Paulding” Annual Awards Dinner.
The annual banquet recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to Paulding County, honored Chamber members celebrating milestone anniversaries and marked a transition in leadership for the organization.
Jason Landers was named Business Leader of the Year, while Ben Kauser received the Young Professional of the Year award. Esther Dooley was presented with the Legacy Award.
Four organizations received the Chamber’s Golden Shovel Award: Paulding County Master Gardener Volunteers, Paulding County Carnegie Library, Paulding County Hospital and Paulding Putnam Electric & Internet.
A large group of Chamber members was also recognized for milestone anniversaries in 2026.
Celebrating one year were Pollard Auto Care, 3N Live and the Paulding County Festival Committee, Inc. Little Sprouts Early Learning Center was recognized for five years.
Fifteen-year recipients were Memories by Tawnya, Vancrest of Payne and EDP Renewables – Timber Road Wind Farm. Schlatter’s Plumbing and Heating celebrated 25 years, while MetaLINK Technologies, Inc., Grant’s Catering and Bittersweet Inn marked 30 years.
Northwest Ohio CASA was recognized for 35 years, and Waters Insurance, LLC celebrated 40 years.
Four organizations reached the 50-year milestone: R&B Fabrications Inc., Straley Realty & Auctioneers, Inc., Westwood Behavioral Health Center and Vantage Career Center.
Amrize Cement Inc. was recognized for 70 years, Stahl Stoller Meyer Insurance for 90 years, Baker Shindler Ready Mix for 105 years, AgCredit for 110 years and Sherwood Mutual Telephone Association for 120 years.
St. Paul Lutheran Church celebrated 125 years, while the Village of Haviland and Stiebeling Farms, LLC were recognized for 130 years.
The evening also marked the official transition of the Chamber’s executive director position to Jen Rosebrook. Past Executive Director Jill Strahley spoke on behalf of the Chamber and reflected on her time serving in the position.
Board President Alycen Urban chaired the event and helped present awards along with board members Brad Harsha, Cheryl Eddy, Erin Laukhuf and Scott Strahley.
The banquet also featured a Dessert Dash fundraiser, with desserts donated by area businesses and community members. The activity raised more than $2,000 for student scholarships.
Grant’s Catering hosted the annual dinner, while Kircher’s Flowers provided centerpieces for the event.
The Chamber concluded the evening by recognizing the businesses, organizations and individuals honored during the banquet for their continued involvement in the Paulding County community.
