Previous Award Winners
We are proud to honor the individuals, businesses, and organizations that have helped shape the future of Tiffin and Seneca County. Through the legacy programs of the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, we have long celebrated excellence in education, entrepreneurship, economic development, and civic leadership.
This page serves as a historical record of past recipients and will remain active through December 31, 2025.
Downtown Tiffin Award History
Heritage Ohio Awards
Heritage Ohio’s statewide awards program recognizes outstanding projects and individuals contributing to historic preservation and downtown revitalization across Ohio. The following honors are connected to Downtown Tiffin:
- 2025: Volunteer of the Year – Vickie Wilkins
- 2024: Spirit of Main Street — Reineke–Reinbolt Families
- 2023: Best Ohio Main Street Committee Project (Honorable Mention) – Kris Kringle Markt
- 2022: Spirit of Main Street — Mary Lewis
- 2022: Best Commercial Rehabilitation (Small Project) — 92 S. Washington St.
- 2022: Best Residential Rehabilitation — 149 Frost Pkwy & 24–25 Adams St.
- 2022: Historic Farmstead of the Year — Arlington Acres
- 2021: Main Street Business of the Year — The Renaissance of Tiffin & Barrel 51
- 2019: Best Historic Theater — The Ritz Theatre
- 2018: Best Public/Private Partnership — Tiffin Façade Enhancement Program
- 2018: Main Street Director of the Year — Amy Reinhart
- 2018: Young Preservation Leaders of the Year — Suzie Reineke & Weston Reinbolt
- 2017: Best Main Street Committee Project or Event — Around the Town
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honors a community member whose long-time, selfless service has made a lasting impact on Downtown Tiffin.
- 2025: Andrew and Cindy Kalnow
- 2023: Mitch Felton
- 2022: Mike Pinkston
- 2016: Ken Davison
- 2016: Mary Lewis
Downtown Entrepreneurial Award
Recognizes a person or organization that launched an innovative business in the downtown that benefits the community.
- 2025: The Turntable
- 2024: Spoke Life Cycles
- 2023: The Social Cigar
- 2022: Yours With Every Stitch
- 2021: JAM’s Monthly Market
- 2020: The Renaissance of Tiffin
- 2019: The Laird Arcade Brewery
- 2018: Washington Street Outfitters
- 2017: The Empire
Downtown Development Award
Celebrates a renovation or redevelopment that improves the fabric of the district and contributes to downtown vitality.
- 2025: JVC Properties/Wild Bunch Wellness Bar
- 2024: Big Mike’s
- 2023: Financial Design Agency of Ohio
- 2022: Kit Tiell and Skylar Mettert
- 2021: Hempy Water
- 2020: Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater on the East Green
- 2019: Tiffin Capital Investments LLC Street
- 2018: The Renaissance of Tiffin
- 2017: Larry Breidenbach
- 2016: Carol Yager
Business Legacy Award
Applauds a long-standing downtown business that continues to serve the community and remains a local staple.
- 2025: Ralph’s Joy of Living
- 2024: MST Pub & Grub
- 2023: Heavenly Pizza
- 2022: Reino’s Pizza & Pasta
- 2021: Bear’s Den
- 2020: Clover Club Sports Tavern & Eatery
- 2019: Burns Electric
- 2018: Jolly’s Drive-In
- 2017: Tiffin Community Reinvestment Group
Anne Gase Downtown Achievement Award
Honors an outstanding volunteer or volunteers for exceptional time, commitment, and dedication to Downtown Tiffin.
- 2024: Chris & Judy Hafley
- 2023: Christy Wiser
- 2022: Ryan Poignon
- 2021: Tony Consolo
- 2020: Greg Dell
- 2019: Brian Bilger
- 2018: Brent Howard
- 2017: Susan Wilkinson
- 2016: Anne Gase
Main Street Director’s Award
A discretionary award from the Main Street Manager to a person or organization that made downtown more vibrant and engaging.
- 2025: City of Tiffin
- 2024: Destination Seneca County
- 2023: Sharon Gosche
- 2021: Dale Depew
- 2020: Tiffin Tomorrow
Golden Broom Award
The Golden Broom Award is part of Downtown Tiffin’s Best Foot Forward program, launched in 2024 by the Design Committee to encourage storefront pride. Secret shoppers score businesses on cleanliness, presentation, and curb appeal. The top business receives the traveling Golden Broom trophy, recognizing their commitment to keeping downtown inviting and vibrant.
- 2025: Reclaim It
- 2024: Wild Bunch Wellness Bar
Main Street Tiffin Hall of Fame
Reserved for special occasions to honor individuals whose extraordinary leadership shaped Downtown Tiffin.
- 2023 Amy Reinhart, former Main Street Manager
Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce Award History
Outstanding Educator Award
The Outstanding Educator Award is presented each year to an educator who demonstrates exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing student success. This award honors those who inspire their peers, shape future leaders, and make a lasting impact within our schools and community.
- 2025: Dr. Pamela Faber
- 2024: Dr. Bonnie Tiell
- 2023: Marilyn Seislove
- 2022: Janet Ink
- 2021: Dr. Kellie McGilvray
- 2020: Brian Gaietto
- 2019: Pat Berman
- 2018: Dr. Jo-Ann Lipford Sanders
- 2017: Patricia E. Smith
- 2016: Tom Renninger
- 2015: Dr. David Weininger
- 2014: Dr. John Millar
- 2013: Paul Milletti
- 2012: Robert Johnston
- 2011: Gail Shreiner
- 2010: Joe Moore
- 2009: Sandra Best
- 2008: Hank Elchert
- 2007: Chris Monsouer
- 2006: Larry Clausing
- 2005: Lewis Hawk
- 2004: Albert Diringer
- 2003: Dr. Jim Getz
Above & Beyond Award
The Above & Beyond Award recognizes an educator or group making a significant impact on students and the community through innovative and creative solutions. This award is not presented every year but is chosen when an exceptional candidate stands out through outstanding contributions to education.
- 2025: Brenda Luhring
- 2024: Dr. Laura Kagy
- 2021: All Educational Partners
Ambassador of the Year
The Ambassador of the Year Award honors an individual who has gone above and beyond in supporting the Chamber’s mission. Recipients serve as role models who actively engage with businesses and community members and exemplify leadership, professionalism, and passion for service.
- 2023: Mikki King
- 2022: Kellie Hartsel
- 2021: Lindsay Sooy
Carol Yager Excellence in Tourism Award
The Carol Yager Excellence in Tourism Award celebrates individuals, groups, or programs that inspire travel and promote Seneca County as a must-visit destination. Named in honor of Carol Yager, a trailblazer in regional tourism, this award is given to those who create a meaningful visitor experience and help drive the continued growth of tourism in our community.
- 2025: Ellen Gatrell
- 2024: Denise Bell
- 2023: Paul & Nancy Coffman
Women’s Career Excellence Award
The Women’s Career Excellence Award honors a woman who excels in her profession while making a meaningful impact in her community. It recognizes innovation, leadership, and service, celebrating women who inspire others through mentorship, purpose-driven work, and a commitment to helping those around them grow as leaders.
- 2025: Gwen Stallard
- 2024: Deb Martorana
- 2023: Anne Lange DeVine
- 2022: Beth Schwetizer
- 2021: Mary Lewis
- 2020: Michelle Tuite
- 2019: Kathy Oliver
- 2018: Debi Tiell
- 2017: Jill Gosche
- 2016: Dr. Lillian B. Schumacher
- 2015: Suzanne Reinhart
- 2014: Janet Molineaux
- 2013: Shirley L. Smith
- 2012: Kathy Venema
- 2011: Freddie Larsen
- 2010: Kathy Hunt
- 2009: Shirley A. Smith
- 2008: JoAnn King
- 2007: Dr. C. Lisette Dattavio
- 2006: Harriet White
- 2005: Dr. Leanne Wolf
- 2004: Dawn Iannantuono
- 2003: Jeannine Curns
- 2002: Dr. Denise D. Callihan
- 2001: Janet A. Dell
- 2000: Patricia J. DeMonte
- 1999: Patricia Hillmer
- 1998: Marcie L. Funkhouser
- 1997: Marlene L. Walters
- 1996: Marguerite Bernard
- 1995: Marilee Ladd
- 1994: Mary Lou Harrison
- 1993: Sister Marie Catherine Wise
Outstanding Citizenship Award
The Outstanding Citizenship Award honors an individual who demonstrates excellence in their profession while exemplifying integrity, civic responsibility, and a commitment to community service. This award celebrates those who lead by example and help make Seneca County a stronger, better place to live, work, and grow.
- 2025: Chris Chase
- 2024: Andrew Kalnow
- 2023: Andrew & Leslie Felter
- 2022: Dan & Nikki Reineke
- 2021: Randy & Christy Wiser
- 2020: Larry Adelsperger
- 2019: Steve C. Shuff
- 2018: Keith Hodkinson
- 2017: Lenny Clouse
- 2016: Brad & Kim Newman
- 2015: Jim Roberts
- 2014: Mitch Felton
- 2013: Richard A. Focht, Jr.
- 2012: Brent Howard
- 2011: Fred & Louise Zoeller
- 2010: Bill Reineke
- 2009: Carol Yager
- 2008: Shirley L. Smith
- 2007: Lee Martin
- 2006: Michael J. Kerschner
- 2005: Mayor Bernard J. Hohman
- 2004: David Einsel, Jr.
- 2003: Archie M. Thomas
- 2002: Ronald J. Myers
- 2001: Bob & Janet Booth
- 2001: Dr. Edward McFarlan
- 2000: Paul N. Aley
- 1999: Don & Dorothy Bero
- 1999: Bob & Elaine Hunt
- 1998: John E. Wangler
- 1997: Joseph A. Granata
- 1996: Thomas M. Zoller
- 1995: Rosalie M. Adams
- 1995: Robert W. McDonald
- 1994: James D. Supance
- 1994: Jeanne T. Cassell
- 1993: J. Phillip & Rayella T. Engle
- 1993: Paul M. Gillmor
- 1992: David A. Martien (Mayor)
- 1991: Dr. William C. Cassell
- 1991: George Kidd, Jr.
- 1991: Richard C. Pfeiffer
- 1989: Donald L. Hughes, Jr.
- 1989: Sister Mary Agnes Procopio
- 1987: Jane Frost Kalnow
- 1986: John B. Nordholt, Jr.
- 1986: Mary Lewis
- 1986: Dan McElhatten
- 1986: Richard Sharpe
- 1986: Jim Wilson
Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership Award History
Partnership in Development Award
The Partnership in Development Award is presented to an individual, business, organization, or public entity that has demonstrated outstanding support for economic development in Seneca County. Honorees have helped advance regional growth by strengthening collaboration, supporting key initiatives, and helping drive our community forward.
- 2024: Nikki & Dan Reineke
- 2023: Seneca CEO
- 2022: Terra State Community College
- 2021: Tiffin and Seneca CARES Grant Program
- 2020: Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers
- 2019: Tiffin Community Foundation
- 2018: Suzie Reineke & Weston Reinbolt
- 2017: Regional Growth Partnership
- 2015: Bill Auxter, SBDC
- 2014: Fostoria Economic Development Corporation
- 2013: Seneca Department of Job & Family Services
- 2012: Seneca Regional Chamber & Visitor Services
- 2011: Old Fort Banking Company
- 2010: James S. Nordholt, Jr.
- 2005: Taiho Corporation of America
- 2001: Kuniko Weber
- 2000: Seneca County Home Builders Association
- 1999: City of Tiffin / Seneca County
Economic Development Award
The Economic Development Award recognizes a business or community project that has made a significant impact on the economic vitality of Seneca County. This award honors projects that contribute to job creation, eliminate blight, drive reinvestment, or enhance the visibility and competitiveness of our region. Recipients demonstrate vision, commitment, and leadership in advancing the long-term prosperity of the community.
- 2025: TPC Food Services, Inc.
- 2022: TH Plastics
- 2021: Dorel-Ameriwood
- 2020: American Plastics
- 2019: Trilogy Health Services
- 2018: Arnold Machine
- 2017: Church & Dwight
- 2016: Taiho Corporation
- 2015: Webster Industries
- 2014: American Fine Sinter
- 2013: Toledo Molding & Die
- 2012: Heidelberg University
- 2011: Tiffin University
- 2010: Mercy Hospital
- 2006: Elmwood at the Shawhan
- 2002: Tiffin University
- 2001: Camden Falls Reception and Conference Center
- 2000: The Ritz Theatre/Sunrise at the Shawhan
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award celebrates an individual or business that demonstrates vision, initiative, and determination to launch or grow a business in Seneca County. Recipients embody the drive and innovation that fuel local investment, create jobs, and enhance our community’s vitality.
- 2025: Kendra’s Cakes
- 2024: Randy Waire
- 2023: Kuebler Shoes
- 2022: Five Star Maintenance & Construction
- 2021: Bill and Kelli Jones/Handshoe Cakes and Cookies
- 2020: Ironwood Steakhouse
- 2019: Jolly’s
- 2018: Ralph’s Joy of Living
- 2017: Roger Benz
- 2016: Denny & Julie Kerschner
- 2015: Beehive Café
- 2014: Phat Cakes/TJ Willie’s & Dunlap Brothers
- 2013: Bailiwicks Coffee House
- 2011: Sarka Sheet Metal
- 2006: Quick Tab II
Outstanding Business Award
The Outstanding Business Award is given to a company that exemplifies leadership in its field, contributes generously to community causes, and actively works to improve quality of life in Seneca County. This award honors businesses that lead with both excellence and purpose.
- 2025: Hempy Water
- 2024: Magnificent Maid / Dustin Ritchie
- 2023: Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital
- 2022: Molyet’s Farm Market
- 2021: Buffalo Wild Wings/MST Pub & Grub
- 2020: Fort Ball Pizza Palace
- 2019: Bascom Communications
- 2018: Zeis Companies
- 2017: TPC Food Services, Inc.
- 2016: Steyer Seeds
- 2014: Ballreich’s Potato Chips
- 2013: Coppus Motors – John Coppus
- 2012: Reino’s Pizza & Pasta – The Reino Family
- 2011: Tiffin Scenic Studios
- 2010: Tiffin Aire
- 2009: Laminate Technologies
- 2004: Seneca Medical, Inc.
- 2002: Tiffin Ford Lincoln-Mercury/Burns Electric, Inc.
- 2001: Tiffin Hardware
- 2000: Jeffrey Jewelry/United Insurance Service
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a long-standing business with a sustained record of leadership, civic involvement, and dedication to Seneca County’s economic and cultural success. Recipients have built a lasting legacy of excellence and service across decades of operation.
- 2025: Brent Howard
- 2024: Dale Thornton
- 2023: Mike Kerschner
- 2022: Ewald Furniture
- 2021: Heidelberg University & Tiffin University
- 2020: Supance & Howard
- 2019: UIS Insurance & Mitch Felton
- 2018: New Riegel Café
- 2017: Old Fort Banking Company
- 2016: Reineke Family Dealerships – Bill Reineke Sr.
- 2015: Jeffrey Jewelry – Chuck Cooper
- 2014: PT Services
- 2013: Kuebler Shoes – Joseph Obringer
- 2012: Klepper Family – Superior Distributing/Beerco
- 2011: Marcie & Associates Realty
- 2010: Clouse Construction Corp
- 2006: Arnold Vending Company
- 2002: Tiffin Metal Products Company
- 2001: Webster Manufacturing
- 2000: National Machinery
President’s Award/Chairman’s Award /Special Recognition Awards
These special awards are presented by the organization’s leadership to individuals, businesses, or groups whose contributions are powerful but often unsung. Reserved for extraordinary impact, these recognitions shine a light on those who quietly and consistently make a difference in our region.
- 2025: Tiffin Tomorrow
- 2024: Special Recognition – Ballreich Potato Chips Investors
- 2021: President’s Award – Beth Schweitzer
- 2021: Special Recognition – John & Linda Detwiler
- 2020: President’s Award – Lynn Detterman
- 2019: President’s Award – Seneca County Justice Center
- 2018: President’s Award – Andrew & Cindy Kalnow
- 2018: Special Recognition Award – Matt Watson
- 2017: President’s Award – Aaron Montz
- 2016: President’s Award – Rob Huntington
- 2016: Chair’s Award – Varsity Barbershop
- 2015: President’s Award – Paul Marion
- 2014: President’s Award – Rich Focht
- 2013: President’s Award – Steve Favor
- 2012: Special Recognition – The Sisters of St. Francis
- 2011: President’s Award – James Streacker
- 2000: President’s Award – Dave Williamson/Chuck Corbitt