The award will recognize his success as a business owner, farmer and community leader.
Tink Knotts, executive director of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau, said Bauer has made numerous contributions to the chamber, as well as the local business community over the years.
“It’s kind of timely that the he’d receive this award because he’s been so dedicated to this community and to the chamber,” Knotts said.
Bruce Evilsizor, Urbana city administrator, will also be stepping down as a board member.
Knotts said two new members, Carolyn Carr and Paul Kurtz, are expected to be voted in as replacements. Carr and her husband Harold own the High Street Manor Bed and Breakfast in Urbana.
Kurtz and his wife, Grace, own Hemisphere Coffee Roasters in Mechanicsburg. Knotts said both new members will bring a new perspective to the board. Carr will bring a lot of knowledge about how to bring more visitors and tourism to the county. Kurtz has traveled across the world to help make his business grow, so he will also bring a new set of experiences, Knotts said.
The Chamber dinner is essentially sold out. It is the chamber’s largest event of the year, Knotts said, and it recognizes the accomplishments from the previous year.
Despite a difficult economy, membership in the chamber actually increased slightly, she said.
“I think the annual dinner is a chance to celebrate the greatness that’s going on in Champaign County,” Knotts said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
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