A company’s success is only possible through the strength of its staff, according to the leaders of businesses recognized at the 2017 Madison County Chamber of Commerce and CIC’s annual dinner.
More than 120 people attended the event, held Thursday at the London Country Club, which serves as an evening for business leaders to network and reflect on the organization’s work during the previous year.
London realtor Angie Wilderman was presented with this year’s Bell Ringer Award, given to an individual who devotes themselves to improving the community’s business climate.
Wilderman works with RE/MAX Leading Edge. She and her husband of nearly 49 years served as co-chairs of Madison Health’s “Heartfelt Holidays” event from 2003-2009 in which time the hospital reached new attendance and profit records.
She founded CHILD — Computers Help Improve Learning Development, in which she implemented four computer labs in the city schools.
As a member of the chamber’s Bonanza fundraiser planning committee, she sold more than 40 tickets to last year’s event, bringing in almost $4,000 in ticket sales alone.
Wilderman said her real estate clients always want to know about three things in the community: the hospital, the schools and the businesses, and that’s where she has focused herself.
“If you need a ticket to Bonanza, come see me,” she told the crowd, triggering laughs. “They expect me to sell at least 41 next year.”
The award dates back to 1976.
Also receiving special recognition were two local companies. The awards, introduced two years ago, were named after their first recipients and are being given on an annual basis moving forward.
The Dwyer Bros. Hardware Retail or Service Award was presented to Wilson’s Printing and Graphics. It is given in recognition of a business in the retail or service industry that has distinguished itself in the community.
The business was opened in 1986 by lifelong resident Tim Wilson.
“Customer satisfaction, a quality end-product, staff longevity and four-legged furry friends are some keys to the success that set this business apart from any other,” said Brynne Adkins, the chamber’s marketing director.
Wilson accepted the award, but gave the credit to his staff, who he described as family. His average employee has been with him for 20 years, he said.
The Armaly Brands Industrial Award was presented to Nissen Chemitec America. The award is given in recognition of a business in the manufacturing or distribution industry that has distinguished itself in the community.
Originally named London Industries and founded in 1988 as a joint venture of Nissen Chemitec Corp. and Worthington Industries, Nissen Chemitec America now employs 380 associates at its facility in London.
Since 2011, the company has added four expansions to its facility and ships an average of 1.2 million parts per month to Honda plants in Ohio, Indiana and Canada.
President Shawn Hendrix accepted the award on behalf of the company. He credited the manufacturer’s employees who are devoted every day, and the local officials who are invested in their success.
“You win with people,” he said.
David Kell, the chamber’s executive director, said 2016 was a strong year for the county’s economic development due to creative thinking, strong leadership and investment. Those investments include Madison Health’s public announcement that it’s moving forward with a $26 million renovation and addition, and Elite FTS’ announcement of a new 30,000 square-foot facility.
The chamber’s membership has continued to grow, as well as its attendance at its Lunch and Learn monthly series.
About 361 jobs were created through projects supported by the CIC, and 10 new businesses opened.
London realtor Angie Wilderman was presented as the 2016 recipient of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s Bell Ringer Award by David Kell, director.
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London realtor Angie Wilderman was presented as the 2016 recipient of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s Bell Ringer Award by David Kell, director.
Andrea Chaffin | The Madison Press
Tim Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Printing and Graphics, accepts the Dwyer Bros. Hardware Retail or Service Award.
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Tim Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Printing and Graphics, accepts the Dwyer Bros. Hardware Retail or Service Award.
Andrea Chaffin | The Madison Press
Kim Wilson, president of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Board, speaks to attendees of the organization’s annual meeting Thursday evening, held at the London County Club as chamber marketing director Brynne Adkins and director David Kell look on.
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Kim Wilson, president of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Board, speaks to attendees of the organization’s annual meeting Thursday evening, held at the London County Club as chamber marketing director Brynne Adkins and director David Kell look on.
Andrea Chaffin | The Madison Press
The BST trucking table poses for a photo Thursday at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, held at the London Country Club.
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The BST trucking table poses for a photo Thursday at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, held at the London Country Club.
Andrea Chaffin | The Madison Press
The crowd listens to the presentation Thursday at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, held at the London Country Club.
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The crowd listens to the presentation Thursday at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, held at the London Country Club.
Andrea Chaffin | The Madison Press
London realtor Angie Wilderman speaks to the crowd as she accepts the Bell Ringer Award.
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London realtor Angie Wilderman speaks to the crowd as she accepts the Bell Ringer Award.
Andrea Chaffin | The Madison Press
Bell Ringers in attendance at Thursday’s event include Angie Wilderman, center, who received the distinction this year.
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Bell Ringers in attendance at Thursday’s event include Angie Wilderman, center, who received the distinction this year.
Andrea Chaffin | The Madison Press
London realtor Angie Wilderman hugs David Kell, director of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, upon being announced as the 2016 recipient of the chamber’s Bell Ringer Award during the organization’s annual meeting Thursday evening. Chamber marketing director Brynne Adkins, background, applauds.
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London realtor Angie Wilderman hugs David Kell, director of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, upon being announced as the 2016 recipient of the chamber’s Bell Ringer Award during the organization’s annual meeting Thursday evening. Chamber marketing director Brynne Adkins, background, applauds.
Andrea Chaffin | The Madison Press
Shawn Hendrix, president of Nissen Chemitec America, accepts the The Armaly Brands Industrial Award.
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Shawn Hendrix, president of Nissen Chemitec America, accepts the The Armaly Brands Industrial Award.
Andrea Chaffin | The Madison Press
Businesses celebrate success at annual chamber dinner
By Andrea Chaffin
achaffin@civitasmedia.com
Andrea Chaffin can be reached at 740-852-1616, ext. 1619 or via Twitter @AndeeWrites.