The Annual Awards Dinner is a special event for the Chamber of Commerce and the Sandusky County community! This special evening, held the last Thursday in January, is when the Chamber of Commerce recognizes Chamber members for there dedication to the Chamber and Sandusky County over the past year as well as acknowledge individuals for the their continual efforts to strengthen Sandusky County and themselves. This evening is also a time for us to reflect on the accomplishments of the Chamber of Commerce over the past year and our goals for the upcoming year. The Board of Trustees, Ambassadors and several other committees will also be recognized for their time and efforts in making the Chamber of Commerce an asset to Sandusky County.

The Chamber of Commerce currently presents seven annual awards including three Chamber Member of the Year awards in the divisions of Small, Medium and Large; Citizen of the Year; Distinguished Service; Clark Ambassador; and Athena.

2008 Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County Announces Annual Award Winners

During the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County Annual Awards Dinner on January 31, 2008 at the American Legion in Fremont four local individuals and three businesses were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Sandusky County.

The Chamber announced the winners of three new Member of the Year awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Chamber of Commerce and the Sandusky County community. The winners in each division were:

The UPS Store Small Business Division	Sandco Industries Medium Business Division	Crown Battery Large Business Division

	Joyce Garvey, Director of First Call for Help, was named Citizen of the Year for her constant effort to help those in need in Sandusky County. Her efforts include keeping an up-to-date Directory for Assistance for Sandusky County, spearheading the School Supply Project, chairing Community Christmas, running the Kinship Program, working as the liaison for the United Way Cancer Care Fund and putting together a directory for the elderly persons in Sandusky County. She has worked for United Way for more than 17 years and continues to go above and beyond what is expected of her. In addition, Garvey is involved in TRIPS, Homeless Coalition, Kiwanis, No Wrong Door, and the Vanguard-Sentinel Vocational Career Center. Garvey has two sons, Matthew and Douglas.
	The Clark Ambassador winner was Rebecca Shaffer, Assistant Manager of First Financial Bank. Shaffer was recognized for her dedication to the Chamber of Commerce and Sandusky County. She has been a strong leader for the Chamber Ambassadors and has set the example of being involved in activities and events throughout the year. Her willingness and commitment is contagious and appreciated by other Chamber members and her community. Shaffer has been in banking for more than seven years, during which time she has served a the Chamber Ambassador Chair and Vice Chair, served as a member of Rotary and is a member of the Firelands Board of Realtors. Shaffer has a son, Beau.
	Retired school teacher, Sophia Draeger was presented the Distinguished Service Award for her dedication to students in the area before and after her retirement. She continues to dedicate her time to students by tutoring those who have special needs. Many of her students need her assistance in keeping up with their studies while they are out of school due to an illness or injury. She is known for her compassion and dedication to her work as a teacher in the Fremont City Schools and has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Draeger is married to Jim Draeger and has three adult children - Eric, Jeff and Laurie.
	Fremont native, Marlene Sprenger Ellis was presented the Athena Award for her constant advocacy for women of all ages. As a counselor, she advocates for her women clients whether it’s providing additional resources, seeking information and referrals, scholarships, or therapeutic interventions. Her involvement in STRIVE, serving as a mentor to young girls, hosting an exchange student, initiation of a women’s support group, teaching at Terra Community College, serving on the local school board and truly caring for the welfare of women and their futures is just a few of the reasons she was selected as this year’s recipient. She is married to Attorney Jim Ellis and has a son and daughter.

During the annual event the Chamber also reviewed activities from the past year, announced the participants in the upcoming Best of Sandusky County Pizza Challenge, revealed their new member-to-member discount cards for Chamber member employees and announced the 2008 Chamber Board of Trustees.