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Citizens, businesses honored at Tipp City Chamber holiday Gala

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Staff Report 10:23 AM Wednesday, December 16, 2009

TIPP CITY — Dr. Jim Ranft’s voice cracked as he struggled to finish reading a heartfelt tribute to his friend and business partner at Tipp Eye Center, Dr. Andrew Davidson.

Describing Davidson as “more like a brother than a business partner,” Ranft introduced the recipient of Tipp City’s 2009 Citizen of the Year Award at the Dec. 2 Holiday Gala hosted by the Tipp City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Davidson, 56, a Tipp resident for 43 years, was honored for his involvement in all facets of Tipp City life including the schools, the chamber and, of course, the medical community. The local optometrist has worked closely with chamber officials to provide eye care for those who may not be able to afford it. He also has been a strong supporter of the school’s STEAM program, emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The Dec. 2 gala, held at the Crystal Room in Troy, brought together Tipp City’s elected officials, business leaders and involved citizens in what chamber President/CEO Matt Owen described as “the one night a year when I can get you all in a room together and brief you on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.”

Dee Gillis, 2009 board chairman, recapped the year, including a new logo design, several new member programs, more than a dozen networking and professional development events and a revamp of the chamber by-laws.

Owen introduced the 2010 chamber board and said farewell to the three outgoing board members, Sue Amlin, Jim Ranft and Mike McDermott.

The chamber’s first Legacy Award went to long-time businessman and resident Phil Wampler, whose father settled in Tipp City in 1935 and started Wampler Plumbing.

Phil and his wife, Pat, have been active in the community for many years, with Pat devoting 32 years to the Tipp City Board of Education and Phil serving 30 years on the Park Board. Phil also has been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, and is a past president, as well as past president of the Tipp City Rotary Club.

On Oct. 16, Wampler sold his long-time plumbing business to another local company, Ed’s Heating & Cooling.

A blend of silent and live auctions raised more than $4,000, which will go toward a variety of chamber activities and efforts throughout the year.

The Young Professional of the Year is Lori Spencer, a Tipp native who has been active in the community for many years. Spencer was the co-founder and creative force behind the popular Tipp City Farmer’s Market. She is the marketing director for Process Equipment Company, and founder of her own Web design company. She also is chairwoman of Child Care Choices.

Small Business of the Year honors went to the Tipp City-based nonprofit The American Veterans Institute. Founders Mike Jackson, Lt. Col., USAF (ret.) and Tara Dixon-Engel accepted the award.

Selected as the Business of the Year was Harrison’s, a local eatery started by Mary Seto Miller, owner of Dayton’s famed Barnsider Restaurant. Harrison’s was described as an active community partner, supporting such causes as breast cancer awareness, leukemia, the veterans memorial and Tippecanoe Canal Jumpers and also hires only school-age workers who maintain an A or B average.

Mayor Tim Evans introduced and swore in a new crop of chamber board members, including: Phil Cox, chairman of the Phillip G. Cox Agency; Tony Greene, chairman-elect of Monroe Federal; Robin Shafer, first vice chairman of SpringMeade; Pam Catalano, treasurer of National City Bank; Dee Gillis, immediate past chair of Tipp City City Council; Zach Jacobs of Fifth Third Bank; Michael van Haaren; Chris Wampler of AO Smith; and Matt Wrhel of Gardens Alive. New board members are: Michelle Hertz of Proforma Vision Marketing; Larry Lemonds of REMAX Professionals; and Simon Patry of Dysinger & Associates

Incoming Board Chairman Phil Cox and President Owen honored outgoing Chairman Gillis for her service.

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