Several leaders and organizations across the county honored for excellence.
The Crawford County Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) held its 2025 Annual Meeting & Awards on Wednesday, May 7th, at The Hub at Village Square in Crestline, Ohio. The evening embraced a seasonal “Garden Party” theme, with beautiful centerpieces provided by Scapes by Sarah and themed raffle baskets awarded through drawings at the close of the event.
Crestline Mayor Linda Horning-Pitt welcomed over 260 attendees, who enjoyed dinner provided by 3 Girls and a Kitchen Catering. Executive Director Casie Grau followed with gratitude for the event’s sponsors and highlighted the Chamber’s recent accomplishments:
“With a member retention rate of nearly 90% from 2024 and 25 new members already in 2025, we are pleased with the momentum that the new Chamber has gained.”
A moment of silence was led by Assistant Director Becky Lutz in remembrance of Dane Kennedy, a respected community member whose passing was felt deeply.
The business portion of the evening was presided over by Matt Horn, with confirmations to the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Keynote Speaker Tina Husted Inspires Guests
The keynote address was delivered by Tina Husted, Crawford County native and wife of Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted. Her remarks centered on the power of community collaboration and support. As a unique and personal touch, she donated a painting that was later auctioned by Craig Miley of Craig A. Miley Realty & Auction.
Honoring Local Excellence
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to outstanding businesses and individuals:
- Business of the Year – Elliott Machine, now part of Stellar Industries. “For over 75 years, this organization has been a trusted manufacturer of fuel and lube units, fuel trucks, lube trucks, water trucks, and more,” noted Grau.
- Organization of the Year – Galion Community Center YMCA and Bucyrus Little Theatre
- Small Business of the Year – Bucyrus Taphouse (also the event’s Title Sponsor)
- Citizen of the Year – Rhonda Rowland (accepted via video)
- Professional of the Year – Breck Baker
- Chamber Ambassadors of the Year – Carmon Walter and Maranda Miller
- Chamber Chair Award – Checker’s Pizza & Pints
- Director’s Award – Kaylee Powers Grau praised Powers as “a visionary, an includer, and someone that I believe will help move Crawford County in a unified front.”
Assistant Director Becky Lutz added,
“I was honored to have presented the awards for Bucyrus Little Theatre and Galion Community Center YMCA, as I have been actively involved with these organizations in the past.”
📸 Pictured: Casie Grau, Executive Director of the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce, and Shayla Agin of Elliott Machine, A Stellar Industries Brand
About the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce
Founded January 1, 2025, from the merger of the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce and the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce, the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce serves as a leading advocate for local businesses. Its mission is to foster economic growth, support industries, and bring visitors and new opportunities into the community.
🌐 www.crawfordcountychamber.org
2025 Chamber Champion Sponsors
- Avita Health System
- Firelands Federal Credit Union
- First Federal Community Bank
- Stellar Industries
- Wombat Solar
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