Chamber-of-Commerce Dinner - 12/4

The Wellsville Chamber-of-Commerce held their annual "Man of the Year" dinner in the WHS gym last night. It turned out to be not only be a Man of the Year but Women of the Year too. The theme of this year's dinner and ceremonies was "Bringing the World to Wellsville" and with Baard's ORCF plant looking more and more promising it seemed like an apt theme.

There was a short Social Hour which was only scheduled for thirty minutes. However the place filled up quickly with many dignitaries, members of the different trade unions, business people and some commoners like me. U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson, Steve Dopuch from Baard, State Senator Jason Wilson, State Representative Linda Bolen, various county and village officials were a some of those in attendance. It was reported that there were 425 tickets sold for the event.

Chamber President Diana Spencer kicked off the event with her welcome to all that were there. Chamber President-elect Randy Allmon then took over the duties a master of ceremonies with introductions of the different officials that were there. Don Crane, President of the Western Reserve Building & Construction Trades Council then addressed the audience. Crane said he is a Wellsville resident and reminded us that now is the time to set up training classes for the different labor trades and for actual jobs at the ORCF plant when it goes fully operational.

Crane was followed by a brief address from Congressman Wilson. Charlie was merciful saying he realized that he was the only thing between him and the beginning of the meal. He related that this year has been a rough time in office with all that is going on nationally, especially with the current economic crisis. Because of that crisis there is over 100,000 jobs just in the auto industry in Ohio that are in jeopardy. He said he was going back to Washington on the first flight out of Pittsburgh this morning to be back for the hearings with the auto executives. He is part of the committee that is holding the hearings. He also told us he opened an office in Wellsville in order to be part of the promising future that he's confident is in store for not only the ville but for the whole area. Wilson said he was proud to be representing Columbiana County and Wellsville.

As part of the Financial Services Committee Wilson said it is time to get protection from Wall Street. He likened the financial industry to "playing football without a referee". There has been little or no oversight on that industry and the credit market. He said it is time to restore confidence in the credit market. Wilson said he is pushing for some sort of equity from the auto industry in return of any bail out money. He is very much in favor of developing alternative energy sources and very much likes Baard's plans. He likes and is proud of Obama's selections and appointments for the new administration. He wrapped things up saying the road to recovery is going to be long and difficult but they are working diligently in Washington to get things turned around. Echoing Bert Dawson's remarks at the last Baard EPA hearing, Congressman Wilson said "Wouldn't it be nice to some day have our children and grandchildren to be able to stay in Wellsville and work here?"

Following dinner the Community Service Award was present posthumously to Pete Amato who, thanks to his bequeath, was responsible in the creation of the Pete Amato Foundation. The reward was accepted by Pete's great-nephew Charles Christopher Amato.

Next up CC Port Authority CEO Tracy Drake introduced V.P. of Business Development for Baard, Steve Dopuch. We'll have more on Dopuch's remarks later in a separate piece.

This year's Man of the Year was awarded to Tracy Drake. Since taking over at the Port Authority Drake has worked furiously in developing the port and is largely responsible in getting the folks at Baard interested in this area. His efforts with Baard aside what he has gotten accomplished at the Port's intermodal facility in the lower end of town is remarkable. The mayor remarked that a few years ago if he had said that someday we will be shipping rocket parts out of Wellsville he would be classified certifiable. If he had said we had an excellent chance to have a major industrial site on Port property just outside of Wellsville he would have probably been committed. Thanks in large part to Mr. Drake's efforts we did ship rocket parts and the ORCF plant is moving along. The benefits for the ville from Mr. Drake's work are immeasurable.

In addition to the "Man" there were two ladies awarded Co-Women of the Year. They are both members of the Chamber and have put in a lot of hours doing everything and anything to promote commercial interests in the village. Those two ladies are Connie Bauer and Diana Spencer.

Pictured above is, from the left, Drake, Diana Spencer, Congressman Wilson, Connie Bauer and Baard's Steve Dopuch.

The evening was capped off with benediction given by Rev. Bruce Ballantine. Food was provided by Casa de Emanuel from ELO and service was provided by members of the WHS Junior Class.

All in all it was an enjoyable and interesting evening. Thanks to the Labor Council for their generous help in making it possible and thanks to the Chamber for having me.

ole nib