Paulding, OH: On Friday April 6th the Paulding Chamber of Commerce awarded local businesses and volunteer for their achievements, impact on the community and dedication to Paulding county. The Golden Shovel Award was given to Paulding County Hospital who recently opened their 5,400 square foot Regional Health Center in Antwerp that includes a fitness center and medical offices. The medical center will serve as many people as possible and is currently able to take on new patients. The new facility will be able to perform minor in office procedures, includes two rooms for lab draws, walk-ins, personal training, fitness center, and more to come with time. The Paulding County Hospital has done a great service to the community by opening their new facility.
The Milestone Award was awarded to Baughman Tile for their 135 years of service. In 1883, Baughman Tile started production of clay tile. This clay tile provided the means to transform “The Great Black Swamp” of Northwest Ohio into farmable, fertile soil. Delivered by horse and buggy in its beginning days, Baughman Tile created a pathway to allow the agricultural community around them to grow and prosper. Baughman Tile was well known as a superior product and was requested by customer’s hours away. Recognizing an opportunity in an ever-changing society, Baughman Tile took a pivotal step and began production of high-density polyethylene pipe in 1972. Plastic pipe has transformed the way drainage products are installed and used to this day. Through consistent quality and word of mouth, Baughman’s customer area quickly grew into a multi-state area. With 135 years of experience and five generations of devotion, Baughman Tile Company has advanced into the company it is today. Baughman Tile continues to strive for quality and versatility in the product line and is dedicated to their community.
Each year the Chamber awards an outstanding business but this year there were two businesses that really deserved the award. Paulding Ace Hardware and the Bargain Bin of Paulding County were awarded the Outstanding Business of the Year Award. Paulding Ace Hardware is always willing to lend a helping hand to many causes and projects in the community. Ace has impeccable customer service, and when you walk in you are greeted with a smile and offered assistance right away. Paulding Ace Hardware is a reliable, helpful, friendly, and overall an outstanding business. The Bargain Bin moved to their new building at 121 S. Cherry St. and has really soared ever since. By building their new store they are able to accept more donations, serve more people, and bring in more money to benefit the Paulding County Hospital. The Bargain Bin has used social media and the famous Fark sisters to help people better connect with their business, mission, and products.
The volunteers in our community are sometimes what keep certain organizations afloat. Volunteer of the Year award was given to Joe Barker. Joe has been willing to step in and help whenever and wherever he is needed. Joe has helped many local businesses and non-profits in the community, and always gets the job done. He is always willing to collaborate and has everyone’s best interest at heart. You never have to ask him for help, because he sees where he can help and offers his assistance first.
All awards were made by the Award Shop and in addition to a plaque each awardee was given an accommodation from the Secretary of State’s Office.
The Paulding Chamber of Commerce would like to again thank our sponsors of the Annual Banquet/Roaring 20s Casino Night; Cooper Farms, Solid Ground, Baughman Tile, State Bank, Straley Realty, Natural Design and Graphics, Eagle Rock Golf Club, and Sweetwater Chophouse for their support. The Chamber would also like to thank all those who attended and made the night an enjoyable one. “The event was the real bees knees and adding the roaring 20s spin made the casino night theme extra fun,” says Chamber director Mikayla Pieper.
Most importantly the Chamber recognizes the awarded businesses and volunteer. Strong leaders and businesses should be awarded for their efforts and recognized for their achievements.
