AWARDS DINNER

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Leaders from across Portage County will gather September 28, 2023 to recognize and celebrate some of Portage County's best and brightest.  


Awards will be given to nominees in the following areas: Community Hero, Community Service, Community Improvement, Employee of the Year, Youth Initiative, and Health Initiative. 


The evening includes entertainment, food, and networking.


CLICK HERE to purchase tickets (coming soon)


Call Todd Peetz at 330-297-3613 for more information, and see our list below for prior winners!

2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS


Community hero

Community improvement

Community service

economic development

Health initiative

Youth initiative

GETTING THERE

Located at the NEW Center at NEOMED

4209 OH-44 Rootstown, OH 44272


2021 Winners

Community Improvement Award - Restoration 44 Coffee Shop

Community Service Award - Portage CARES Community Food and Supplies Drive

Economic Improvement Award - Independence of Portage County New Operations Center

Health Initiative Award - Children's Advantage Family Center

Pandemic Initiative Award - Portage County Health District

Youth Initiative Award - Comprehensive Case Management & Employment Program

Community Hero Award - Jane Palmstrom

2019 Winners

Best Economic Development Initiative - Ravenna7

Best Community Service Initiative - Raven Packs

Best Cultural Arts Initiative - THRIVE

Best Healthy Communities Initiative - HOPE Program

Best Student Initiative - Streetsboro Community Connect

Community Hero - Leon Jankowski


2018 Winners

Best Economic Development Project - Chestnut Commerce Center, Ravenna Facility Renovation

Best Community Service Project - Passages, Fatherhood Celebration

Best Arts and Culture Event - Portage County Randolph Fair

Best Health Initiative - Drug Prevention Campaign, Portage Substance Abuse Community Coalition

Most Engaging High School - Crestwood High School, Junior-Senior Seminar

Community Hero - Direct Support Professionals, Independence, Inc.


2017 Winners

Best Economic Development Project - Sirna & Sons, Ravenna Facility Expansion

Best Community Service Project - Duma Meats, Kansas Wildfire Relief Effort

Best Arts and Culture Event - Ravenna Art On Main

Best Health Initiative - NEOMED Free Clinic

Most Engaging High School - Kent Roosevelt High School, Summer English-As-Second-Language Program

Community Hero - Scott Snyder, Hero's Rock


2016 Winners

Best Economic Development Project - Pyrotek (Metaullics Division), Aurora Manufacturing Facility

Best Community Service Project - Kent Brunch Bunch Charity Auction

Best Arts and Culture Event - Ohio Chautauqua, Brimfield Historical Society

Best Health Initiative - Project DAWN, Portage Co. Health District / Mental Health & Recovery Board

Most Engaging High School - Field High School Little Free Library

Community Hero - Paul Ferder, Kent Mold & Manufacturing


2015 Winners

Best Economic Development Project - NEOMED Education and Wellness Center

Best Community Service Project - Health Professions Affinity Community (HPAC)

Best Arts and Culture Event - Kent Heritage Festival

Best Health Initiative - Portage County Safety Council

Most Engaging High School - Aurora High School Service Learning Project

Community Hero - Patti Harjung, Brimfield Police Department


2014 Winners

Best Economic Development Project - Catacel Corporation

Best Community Service Project - Root House

Best Arts and Culture Event - Mantua Art on the Hill

Best Health Initiative - Ravenna City Schools Personal Improvement Program

Most Engaging High School - Aurora High School Independent Learning Experience

Community Hero - Kathleen Schuman, City of Streetsboro