Congratulations to Michael Pallotta on being named the 2026 Wall of Fame recipient!
Michael Pallotta embodies steady leadership, community dedication, and relationship-driven business. His commitment to reinvesting in the community that embraced him and contributed to his personal and professional success has left a lasting impact on Wooster.
Read MoreCongratulations to The Apple Creek Banking Company on being named the 2026 Business of the Year Award recipient!
For 122 years, The Apple Creek Banking Company has served as a trusted financial partner for individuals, families, and businesses across Wayne, Stark, Summit, and surrounding counties. With more than $260 million in assets, six branches, and one loan origination office, the locally owned, independent community bank has grown steadily while remaining deeply rooted in the people and places it serves. Through its focus on relationships, local decision-making, and long-term community investment, The Apple Creek Banking Company has earned recognition as the 2026 Business of the Year.
Read MoreCongratulations to Corbett Coots on being named the 2026 Jack O’Donnell Award for Community Service recipient!
Corbett Coots exemplifies a lifelong commitment to service rooted in family, hard work, and a deep love for Wooster. Coots began giving back at a young age by working alongside his father, Bret Defibaugh, learning the value of responsibility, humility, and community involvement through hands-on work.
Read MoreCongratulations to Joe Reynolds on being named the 2026 Mike Lezak Award for Volunteer Service recipient!
Joe Reynolds was born in Holmes County and moved to Wooster in the fourth grade, later graduating from Wooster High School. After spending time away, he found his way back to Wooster, drawn by the strong sense of community that continues to define the city.
Read MoreCongratulations to Gregg Orthodontics on being named the 2026 Small Business of the Year (More than 15 Employees) Award recipient!
Gregg Orthodontics is a locally owned and operated orthodontic practice offering traditional and clear braces, as well as Invisalign for children and adults. With an emphasis on treating patients like guests, the practice is led by President, CEO, also known as “Chief Experience Officer”, and orthodontist Dr. Ben Gregg, alongside a team of 20 dedicated professionals.
Read MoreCongratulations to Murr Printing & Graphics on being named the 2026 Small Business of the Year (15 Employees or Fewer) Award recipient!
Murr Printing & Graphics has been a trusted local business for more than 45 years, providing high-quality printing, graphic design, and marketing services to businesses and organizations throughout central Ohio. Established in 1980 by Joe Murr and his brother Bob Murr, the family-owned shop has built a reputation for friendly service, reliable printing, and creative solutions.
Read MoreCongratulations to The Killbuck Savings Bank Co. on being named the 2026 Board of Directors Award recipient!
Established in 1900, The Killbuck Savings Bank Co. is a community-focused financial institution offering a full range of personal and business banking, lending, and e-banking services. Headquartered in Killbuck, Ohio, the bank emphasizes local decision-making and reinvestment of deposits into the communities it serves.
Read MoreCongratulations to Melanie Garcia on being named the 2026 Leadership Wooster Distinguished Alumni Award recipient!
Melanie Garcia is being recognized for her professional leadership, community involvement, and contributions to improving quality of life in Wayne County.
Read MoreCongratulations to The YMCA of Wayne County on being named the 2026 WorthyWorks Award recipient!
The YMCA of Wayne County has served the community since 1939. Guided by its mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA offers fitness and wellness, aquatics, childcare, youth sports, senior programming, and community outreach.
Read MoreCongratulations to Steve Matthew on being named the 2025 Wall of Fame recipient!
Steve Matthew is a man on a mission, who has made a lasting impact on Wooster. Raised in rural Stark County, Ohio, he embarked on a dynamic business career that took him to several major U.S. cities before finding his home in Wooster.
Read MoreCongratulations to Whitaker-Myers Group on being named the 2025 Business of the Year Award recipient!
With over 150 years of service, Whitaker-Myers Group stands as one of Wooster’s oldest and most trusted insurance agencies. The firm offers a variety of services, including insurance, benefits, wealth management, and tax. With a focus on building strong client relationships and unwavering community support, Whitaker-Myers has been named the 2025 Business of the Year.
Read MoreCongratulations to Sarah Baker on being named the 2025 Jack O’Donnell Award for Community Service recipient!
A lifelong Wooster resident, Sarah Baker embodies an unwavering commitment to her community through her professional achievements and heartfelt service.
Read MoreCongratulations to Forrest Lang on being named the 2025 Mike Lezak Award for Volunteer Service recipient!
Forrest Lang has had a lifelong pursuit of selfless service. He’s always there to lend a helping hand, a mindset he inherited from his mom, Kelly Rhodes. “She always is willing to give of herself,” Lang said, noting how her influence inspired him to freely give one of the most valuable resources–his time.
Read MoreCongratulations to Cleveland Road Animal Hospital on being named the 2025 Small Business of the Year (More than 15 Employees) Award recipient!
Cleveland Road Animal Hospital has been a cornerstone of Wooster since the 1960s, offering veterinary care, boarding, grooming, daycare, and most recently, urgent care, introduced in 2023.
Read MoreCongratulations to Expert T’s on being named the 2025 Small Business of the Year (15 Employees or Fewer) Award recipient!
Since 1985, Expert T’s has provided screen printing, embroidery, and custom apparel services for Wooster and beyond. With an emphasis on building meaningful customer relationships, Expert T’s has been named this year's Small Business of the Year in the 15 employees or fewer category.
Read MoreCongratulations to Meaden & Moore on being named the 2025 Board of Directors Award recipient!
Meaden & Moore, a professional services firm specializing in accounting, consulting, and financial advisory services, has been honored with the Board of Directors Award by the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce.
Read MoreCongratulations to Tony Lemmon on being named the 2025 Leadership Wooster Distinguished Alumni Award recipient!
Captain Tony Lemmon of the Wooster Police Department is being recognized for his nearly 30 years of dedicated service, leadership, and community contributions.
Read MoreCongratulations to West View Healthy Living on being named the 2025 WorthyWorks Award recipient!
West View Healthy Living is a faith-based, non-profit continuing care facility for seniors, offering a continuum of living options designed for their evolving needs.
Read MoreCongratulations to Bill DeRodes on being named the 2024 Wall of Fame Award recipient!
When Bill DeRodes launched D+S Distribution in 1986, he started with three tractor-trailers to serve Rubbermaid. Little did he know, the company would become the vehicle to drive greater community involvement.
Read MoreCongratulations to Freeman Building Systems on being named the 2024 Business of the Year Award recipient!
When the president of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce called Dan Freeman, President of Freeman Building Systems, to arrange a meeting, he expected it might be fundraising-related.
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