Nine receive awards during first BOC

Nine awards were handed out during the first Best of Jefferson County Dinner, sponsored by Progress Alliance and held at St. Florian Hall.

The honorees included:

Don Snyder of Wildfire Motors, Richard Pflug of Tri-State Printing, Mayor John Geddis and the city of Toronto, retired agricultural agent Gabe Rozsa, the Jefferson County Airport Authority, Jim Emmerling of EM-Media, Mark Nelson of  NelsonWoodcraft/Catholic to the Max, Alex Marshall and The Herald Star, and attorney William Blake, outgoing president of the Community Improvement Corp., which oversees the operation of Progress Alliance.

“The honorees all have demonstrated their Jefferson County pride,” said Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance. “We were extremely pleased to salute their individuals, businesses and organizations for their contributions to our county.”

‘Green Machine’ debuts during BOC dinner

“Win our Green Machine,” announced Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance, during the Best of Jefferson County banquet held Tuesday at St. Florian Hall.

The “Green Machine” is a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle up for grabs courtesy of Wildfire Motors, located in the Jefferson County Industrial Park. The two-seat vehicle can travel up to 80 miles between charges and is valued between $12,000 and $15,000. The car features a 120 Volt System and an 8.5 KW AC motor. It has a keyless entry and alarm, power windows, an AM/FM stereo and a CD player.

Area residents can purchase chances to win the electric vehicle between now and Sept. 30. Proceeds will benefit Progress Alliance and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are priced at $5 each or five for $20.

“This a great opportunity to support the chamber and Progress Alliance as well as a product made right here in Jefferson County,” Looman said.

Fingerhut will speak at JCC banquet

 Ohio Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut will be the featured speaker at Jefferson Community College’s 40^th Anniversary Scholarship Banquet on April 14.

The chancellor will address the audience about the college’s past and its future as well as the future of higher education in Ohio. Fingerhut also will help honor 40 new scholarship recipients during the dinner at St. Florian Hall.

Nine $500 and 31 $250 scholarships will be presented to 40 incoming and current students who will be studying either full or part time at JCC this summer or fall. Reservations for the banquet, which begins at 6 p.m., are available through April 3. You can make reservations by calling (740) 264-5591, extension 120. Tickets are priced at $30.

‘Burb’ campaign wins state award

Jefferson County’s “Burb of the Burgh’ marketing campaign recently received a second place award in the annual Ohio Economic Development Association competition.

The campaign, created by Jim Emmerling of EM-Media, was honored in the Best Marketing Campaign category for mid-sized cities in Ohio. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce captured the top prize in the category.

“Communities need to have an organized look and message, not only to attract new businesses, but also to help residents feel a part of a well-defined community,” stated Nate Green, president of the OEDA and the economic director of the Pickaway Progress Partnership.

The campaign was designed to increase awareness in the Pittsburgh market of Jefferson County and to promote the county as a great place to live, work and play.

CIC to visit Wintersville on April 21

The Community Improvement Corporation Board of Trustees will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, April 21 in the Wintersville Municipal Building, located at 200 Grove St.

“We look forward to visiting Wintersville and learning more about what is going on in the village,” said Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance. “Wintersville is a CIC supporter and the officials have been extremely cooperative with Progress Alliance.”

During 2009, the CIC board will meet at various locations around the county.

“To date, our hosts have been outstanding and have shared valuable information with the trustees,” Looman said. “I am confident this trend will continue for the remainder of the year.”

The May CIC board meeting, set for May 19, will be hosted by The Steubenville Herald Star.

OMEGA informational meeting set for April 16

If you need help looking for money, you may want to attend the OMEGA informational meeting, scheduled for Thursday, April 16 in Lecture Hall 2102 at Jefferson Community College. The event is being co-sponsored by the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission and Progress Alliance.

The purpose of the meeting is to introduce area organizations to the OMEGA staff and allow the staff to explain how it can assist with grant endeavors. Lana Watkins, grant specialist, will be on hand to explain funding sources, planning process and application procedures. If needed, Watkins also will provide personal assistance.

The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. on April 16.

Postal customer council planning seminar

The Steel Valley Postal Customer Council will hold a half day conference at St. Florian Hall designed to stress the benefits of direct mail. The event is set for Tuesday, April, 21 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The conference will include exhibits from local service and equipment vendors, three informational seminars and a keynote address from Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance.

Reservations for the event can be made by calling Sue Nemcosky, (330) 740-8807 or e-mailing her at susan.k.nemcosky@usps.gov. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $6 in advance or $8 at the door.