Chamber Chairman’s Award

Established in 1981 by Bob Enskat, then CEO of General Motors, the Chairman’s Award is one of the Richland Area Chamber’s most distinguished honors. It recognizes an individual whose long-standing commitment to community service has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Richland County region.

Each year, the recipient is selected by the Chamber’s Chairman and honored at the Annual Meeting. The award is presented as an exquisite mantel clock, symbolizing the lasting legacy of those who have dedicated their time, talents and leadership to strengthening our community.

Past Chairman’s Award Recipients:

1981 Donn Kieft

1982 Warren Rupp

1983 Rex Collins

1984 James Gorman

1985 Robert Enskat

1986 Edward T. Meehan

1987 William J. Hartnett

1988 John Eichinger

1989 F. Loyal Bemiller

1990 Jack Bargahiser

1991 Fran Rupp-Christian

1992 Virginia Imhoff

1993 Rev. Cliff Schutjer

1994 John C. Fernyak

1995 Karen Moody

1996 David Carto

1997 Tom Ross

1998 Steve Cobb

1999 Bill Jilek

2000 Doc Stumbo

2001 Suzie Davis

2002 Lydia Reid

2003 Jeffrey Molyet

2004 Grant Milliron

2005 Rick Taylor

2006 John Siegenthaler, Sr.

2007 Chriss Harris

2008 Jeff Gorman

2009 Gunther Meisse

2010 James E. Meyer

2011 Dick Taylor

2012 Chan Stevens

2013 Ed Olson

2014 Terry Conard

2015 Deborah Schenk

2016 Pam Siegenthaler

2017 David Damron

2018 Dan Seckel

2019 Betty Preston

2020 Brady Groves

2021 David Eichinger

2022 Deanna West-Torrence

2023 Annamarie & Carl Fernyak

2024 Gail Laux

2025 Karl Milliron

View the Story of Karl Milliron
2025 Chairman’s Award Recipient