He estimated as many as 400 guests were expected to attend the event throughout the four-hour event Wednesday. Companies who took part ranged from area restaurants to employment agencies and construction firms.
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“Even in this time of social media, people can get so overloaded it makes the face-to-face networking even more important,” Schutte said.
In past years, chamber members had to buy a ticket to the annual dinner for free admission to the expo. This year, the expo was made available at no cost to all chamber members as a way to boost attendance, Schutte said.
The Ohio Masonic Home took on a more prominent role as a presenting sponsor this year, said Jason Zielinski, corporate director of marketing and communication for the organization. The organization provides senior housing services at its Springfield Masonic Community, but many area residents believe they have to be members to live at the facility, which is not the case, Zielinski said.
The expo provides an opportunity to make people more aware of the organization’s services, he said.
“Even is we tell 10 people we’re here, it’s worth it,” Zielinski said.
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Tim Poulos, owner of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, said this is the second time the restaurant has offered a display at the expo. His booth offered free samples from the restaurant, which was on hand in part to promote its catering services, Poulos said.
“Springfield’s been very kind to us,” Poulos said.
The chamber’s annual dinner followed the expo Wednesday night, which included annual awards for some of Clark County’s top businesses and leaders.
James Peifer, a Springfield attorney, was recognized with the Kuss Lifetime Achievement Award. Clark Schaefer Hackett, a downtown Springfield tax and accounting services firm, was named business of the year.
Peifer served as Springfield’s law director before going into private practice and working on many zoning cases and developments, said Mike McDorman, president and CEO of the chamber. Along with providing legal expertise on major projects like the Prime Ohio Corporate Park, Peifer has served as co-chairman of Greater Springfield Moving Forward, a comprehensive strategic plan for the community.
“Jim’s been here for a long time,” McDorman said. “He’s served as a mentor and counselor to many leaders in this community.”
The chamber also honored local business owner Jim Foreman during Wednesday’s dinner. Foreman, 76, was a longtime owner of a downtown car dealership who lead the Springfield Port Authority in recent years, and played a prominent role in projects like the development of the Prime Ohio Corporate Park. Foreman died last month at the Springfield Regional Medical Center.
Springfield native Brooks Lawrence was also named this year’s Big Dreamer honoree. The award includes a nine-foot banner that will hang in the chamber offices, and has also recognized former residents such as Asa Bushnell, A.B. Graham and John Legend.
Lawrence was an all-star pitcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. He was also the first African-American quarterback at Springfield High School and overcame adversity throughout his career, Schutte said.
Business of the Year: Clark Schaefer Hackett
Small Business of the Year: RD Holder Oil Co.
Restaurant/Retailer of the Year: Season's Bistro
Community Impact Award: United Way
Kuss Lifetime Achievement Award: Jim Peifer
Ambassador of the Year: Scott Greene
Safety Professional of the Year: Glenn Shope
Big Dreamer honoree: Brooks Lawrence
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