Paulding, OH – October 2, 2025 — The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Banquet on September 25 with an ’80s-inspired Neon Nights celebration, honoring outstanding leaders, businesses, and community organizations whose impact continues to strengthen Paulding County.

"This was my very first banquet as Chamber Director, and it was incredible to celebrate alongside so many people who care deeply about our community,” said Jill Strahley, Executive Director of the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce. “We honored legacies, celebrated milestones, and also laughed and had fun together. Nights like this remind me why I love Paulding County.”

Pictured above: Kaila Green-Uys, Chamber Board of Directors Member and Jill Strahley, Executive Director of Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber’s highest honor, the Legacy Award, was presented to two recipients. Samuel Hatcher was recognized for his 27 years of teaching at Paulding High School, where his classroom was known for respect, encouragement, and common sense. He invested countless hours preparing students for life after graduation, connecting them to local resources and leaving a lasting influence felt across generations. Judge Tiffany Reighter-Beckman was honored for her leadership as Common Pleas Court Judge and for founding the Paulding County Drug Court in 2014. With more than 70 graduates to date, the program has restored families and futures, setting a powerful example of how justice and compassion can work hand in hand.

  

Left Picture: Jill Strahley, Executive Director of Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce with Samuel Hatcher, Legacy Award Recipient. Right Picture: Jill Strahley, Executive Director of Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce with Judge Tiffany Reighter-Beckman, Legacy Award Recipient.

The Business Leaders of the Year Award went to Kieu and Travis Okuley of Okuley’s Pharmacy. When Paulding County was left without a pharmacy after Rite Aid’s closure, the Okuleys stepped in to meet a critical need. They renovated a building to create a modern walk-in pharmacy with a drive-through and began serving residents even before the storefront officially opened. Their quick action and dedication to professional, personal care have already made a lasting difference.

Pictured above: Kieu and Travis Okuley, Owners of Okuley's Pharmacy, Business Leaders of the Year Award Recipients.

The Young Professional of the Year Award was presented to Lindsey Manz of the Paulding County Health Department. She was recognized for her professionalism, compassion, and determination to grow as a leader. Manz has taken on leadership responsibilities in public health programs while pursuing further education and training, earning recognition for her work ethic, humility, and ability to elevate those around her.

 

Left Picture: Ashley Suter and Lindsey Manz embracing as the Young Professional of the Year Award Winner was announced. Right Picture: Lindsey Manz, Young Professional of the Tear Award Recipient.

The Golden Shovel Awards recognized significant investments that build a stronger future for Paulding County. Honorees included Hybrid Performance, for expanding from a barn on a family farm into a new fitness facility; Okuley’s Pharmacy, for restoring essential healthcare access; the Paulding County Land Bank, for transforming blighted properties into community assets; and Grant’s Catering & Wedding Venue, for creating a modern event space that keeps celebrations—and their economic impact—local.

 

Left Picture above: Garrett Stoller, Owner of Hybrid Performance, Golden Shovel Award Recipient. Right Picture above: Brandon Grant, Owner of Grant's Catering, Golden Shovel Award Recipient.

 

Left Picture above: Lou Ann Wannemacher, .Michael Weible and Greg White, of the Paulding County Land Bank, Golden Shovel of the Year Award Recipients Right Picture above: Travis, Kieu and Konnor Okuley, of Okuley's Pharmacy, Golden Shovel of the Year Award Recipients.

The Chamber also recognized members celebrating milestone anniversaries. Celebrating one year were Smother It Food Truck and Flat Rock Firearms. Reaching five years was Mighty Cube, LLC, and at ten years was C.C. Seamless Roofing & Exteriors. Marking 15 years were Paulding Ace Hardware and the Friends of the Paulding County Carnegie Library. At the 20-year mark were Logisticize and West Bend Printing. Celebrating 30 years was Tri-County Roofing & Home Improvement, while Village Apothecary marked 40 years, and Williamson Crop Insurance celebrated 45 years. Three organizations celebrated 50 years: Foundations Behavioral Health Services, James M. Sponseller, Attorney at Law, and CHP Home Care & Hospice. At 60 years were Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission and Financial Partners FCU. Celebrating 65 years were the Payne Chamber of Commerce and Dilly Door Co. At 70 years was Bashore Reineck Stoller & Waterman. Marking 90 years was the Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, and at 100 years the Paulding Knights of Columbus. Celebrating 120 years was Arthur Mutual Telephone Company, while First Presbyterian Church of Paulding marked an extraordinary 150 years of service to the community.

Pictured above: Paulding Chamber Banquet attendees.

The banquet also raised funds for future projects. The Dessert Dash featured locally made desserts and raised nearly $2,000 for Chamber Foundation scholarships, while the Maker Mix Basket Raffle, filled with artisan goods and local business products, will support the Leadership in Action class service project. Past projects have included improvements to Herb Monroe Park, the Marshall Building mural, and reservoir renovations. Earlier this year, the Paulding Area Chamber Foundation achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, enabling tax-deductible gifts to support scholarships and community projects.

Pictured above (L-R): Kaila Green-Uys, Board Member; Lora Lyons, Board Member; Bill Lyons, Cheryl Eddy, Board Member; Jason Kinder, Denise Kinder, Board Member; Jaco Uys, as well as other banquet attendees in the background.

Looking ahead, the Chamber continues to invest in the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. NextGen Artisan Workshop participants will showcase and sell their art during Shop the Village on November 22, 2025, in downtown Paulding. The Chamber is also offering a Shades of Ireland group trip, June 19–28, 2026. The premium experience includes 4-star hotels, roundtrip airfare, and a stay in an authentic Irish castle. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Chamber Foundation. More information is available at www.pauldingchamber.com