O.C. Chamber celebrates 85 years

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 85th anniversary Thursday, April 2 with its annual awards banquet at Stonefire Station in Barboursville.
Dozens of business leaders joined town, county and state elected officials for an evening meal and awards program which highlighted those in the chamber and throughout the community who enrich Orange County.
“Every Now and Then” author John Amos was the guest speaker for the evening and read three essays from his popular collection.
Following Amos’ remarks, chamber president Cindy Joskowiak introduced president elect Jonathan Chasen, who read the chamber board’s resolution in support of the proposed Route 3 Walmart.
“During hard times, hard decisions must be made,” Joskowiak said following Chasen’s reading the resolution. “We remind everyone that the bottom line is 300 jobs and $500,000 in tax revenue.
“Your board will continue to oversee issues which affect our business community. We will continue to keep your welfare at the forefront of our decisions,” Joskowiak concluded.
Then, it was time to pass out the awards.
Since 1975, the chamber has recognized outstanding citizens and organizations within the community. The Susie Miller Community Service Award recognizes a local volunteer who makes positive contributions within the community. This year’s winner was Rick Wilkinson, who was acknowledged for his work with the rescue squad, swim team and Gordonsville Town Council.
The annual agribusiness of the year award was presented to Jerry vanHoven of Battlefield Farms. Joskowiak cited the greenhouse operation as a leader in their industry and an active supporter of the Orange County Fair, farm bureau and chamber.
The chamber’s annual business and education partnership award was presented to Russell James of the Germanna Community College Daniel Technology Center, on behalf of Allen Huffman, formerly of Ridgid Products. Germanna and Ridgid had spent two years developing a program to assist students entering the manufacturing field.
The business person of the year award was presented to Drs. Eileen and Terry Whelan of Orange Chirorpractic & Family Fitness for their business acumen, as well as their contributions to Orange County Children’s Toy Box, Love Outreach Food Pantry and the Rapidan Run.
The final award—the John Stanley Award for Excellence—was presented to Orange County Assistant County Administrator Julie Jordan for her support of chamber programs as a liaison between business and government.