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
Edie Benner - "A native of Mantua, Edie has shown dedication to the community through her vision to renew and rebuild Mantua Village, her support to the business community, and her commitment as a physical therapist to improving the health of the Mantua community."
Community improvement
Mila's Hope and Rowyn's Dreams Playground - Susan Monegan, a community member and grandmother of a special needs child, realized Portage County did not have an all-inclusive playground and decided to do something to change that. With God's grace, the playground opened in September 2021 in Randolph."
Community service
Open Arms Adoption: Adoptive Program for Kids with Significant Medical Needs - "Open Arms Adoption launched their adoption program with kids with significant special needs in 2021. The organization has devoted additional resources to reach prospective Ohio families that are willing and able to be trained to adopt and care for these most precious children. Open Arms has facilitated adoptive placement of four infants born with significant medical needs ranging from spina bifida to Down Syndrome to cleft palate."
economic development
Buckeye Quality Meats - "Originally the old Shell Station in Streetsboro was planned for a sandwich shop but after meeting with the owner, the city was able to present data showing how a butcher shop would serve the area well and the entire facility was redesigned to meet that need. Buckeye Quality Meats has been a wonderful addition to the community. They have donated generously to the city's bicentennial and the local food pantry."
Health initiative
CIT Coordinator & Mental Health Outreach: Mental Health & Recovery Board & Coleman Health Services - "In 2021, Portage County's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) expanded from the annual officer training week to building a better community-based system by bringing together law enforcement, mental health professionals, and other partners to improve community responses to mental health crises and to help people get into the services they need. These efforts led to the creation of the Mental Health Outreach Program, in collaboration with Coleman Health Services."
Youth initiative
Mission: Hope & Housing - "DECA students Cameron Lantz and Brandon Melin, students of Kent Roosevelt High School, chose Coleman Health Services as their DECA project to help raise funds for housing for youth that age out of the foster care system in the Kent area. They raised $2,365 to help the many young adults who end up on the streets and homeless after aging out of the system."
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