Gallia County Chamber of Commerce awards achievement at annual gala

Chamber Executive Director Bob Hood then took the podium to provide a year-in-review of the chamber’s activities. Hood highlighted an increase in chamber membership and the success of events such as the annual golf tournament. He noted the chamber is actively developing a business co-op program in addition to its regular learning seminars. Hood also expressed appreciation for the support of the city and county commissions, as well as the Community Improvement Corporation.

Hood introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Cara Dingus Brook, CEO and president of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. Brook spoke about the legacy of her mentor and chamber luminary, the late Marianne Campbell.

Following her retirement as a trailblazer in local business and broadcasting, Campbell became a full-time volunteer for the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce and the CIC. She was the first female president of both organizations and a founding board member of the FAO.

“For 30 years, Marianne was a full-time volunteer for the chamber. The scope and scale of what she contributed is huge,” Brook said.

Brook, who worked alongside Campbell at the FAO, recalled her collaborative spirit.

“Marianne loved being part of a team that was making something great for the future,” she said.

Brook noted that Campbell’s dedication to FAO stemmed from her belief that the people of Southeast Ohio, particularly Gallia County, had the potential to achieve great things but lacked access to necessary resources.

Brook said FAO’s mission is to “unleash the potential of the people and communities of Appalachian Ohio” by supporting philanthropy and creating lasting opportunities.

Following Brook’s remarks, the presentation of awards commenced.

Small Business of the Year was awarded to Crisenbery Electric, a fourth-generation, family-owned business led by Bobby Crisenbery. The company was honored for its legacy of quality service.

Large Business of the Year was awarded to the Hubbell-Boeing Corporation, owned and operated by Dr. David Smith. The corporation’s diverse portfolio includes the Super 8, Hampton Inn, Quality Inn, storage units, a car wash, and a dental practice. Smith is also known for his community advocacy.

The Gallipolis Lions Club received the Ray McKinnis Committee of the Year award for its impactful initiatives, including providing vision care, scholarships, and Christmas programs for children, as well as supporting veterans.

Jenny Henchey was honored as the Marianne Campbell Volunteer of the Year for her contributions to numerous chamber events, assisting with stage management, hosting, and providing equipment.

The final award was the “Bud & Donna McGhee Service Award,” the recipient of which is traditionally not announced until the night of the gala. Jerry Roach took to the podium to posthumously honor Dow Saunders, the late Gallipolis City Manager, with the award. Roach explained that commitment to community service was among Saunders’s defining characteristics.

“He was an enduring testament to the values of service, leadership, and compassion, which shaped his life,” Roach said.

“His thoughtful policies and initiatives have left a lasting and positive mark on our community,” he added.

Saunders’ siblings, John Saunders and Betsy Canaday, emotionally accepted the award on his behalf.

Lewis concluded the evening by thanking the board for the privilege of serving as president and announced that Karrie Swain Davison would be her successor.

The event also featured a performance of the national anthem by Henchey and an invocation by Pastor David Brown of the First Church of the Nazarene.