Watson is Citizen of the Year

Both knew about the other’s award, but neither knew they were to be honored themselves.
Dunkirk Mayor Dan Watson had just presented the Dunkirk Community Commitment Award to Tom Johnson when moments later Jay County Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year.
“Oh the lies we had to tell to pull this off,” said Ami Huffman of Jay County Community Development.
Watson had arranged for Johnson to be at the annual dinner meeting at Bearcreek Farms, and Johnson had agreed because he was in on the secret about Watson’s award.
 Ruth Ann Widman, who is retiring in June as executive director of Jay-Randolph Developmental Services, received the chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her long record of community service.
Sonoco Protective Solutions was named Industry of the Year, and Fisher Packing Co. was named Business of the Year.
“We want to continue a path to greater prosperity here in Jay County,” new chamber executive director Dean Sanders said.
In presenting the Citizen of the Year Award, Huffman called Mayor Watson “one of the hardest working people we know. … He listens and he cares.”
Watson, who is also county engineer, was caught by surprise by the honor.
“I truly love this county,” he said. “I wouldn’t still be here if I didn’t love this county.”
Jay County’s strength, said Watson, is the continuing effort of all of the different communities to work together on mutual problems and challenges.
Widman was recognized for decades of service throughout the community.
She has served on the boards of The Portland Foundation, John Jay Center for Learning, the Jay County Hospital Foundation and Arts Place, among others.
“She works first and foremost for the betterment of others,” said Annette Alexander in presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Widman responded with humility.
“I’m a very blessed person,” she said. “I’ve gotten more than I’ve ever given. … It’s been quite a joy and very humbling to work with JRDS clients and staff and board members.”
Jay County Development Corporation executive director Bill Bradley noted that Sonoco Protective Solutions traces its history back to the 1970s in Portland and has operated under at least three different names. The former Createc foam packaging plant is now part of Sonoco’s 350 worldwide operations. Under Sonoco’s leadership, the Jay County plant has grown from about 45 employees to 175.
“Sonoco’s committed to continued growth,” Steve Zielinski said on behalf of the company while accepting the Industry of the Year Award.
Fisher Packing drew praise from Beth Stephen, who presented the Business of the Year Award. Now in its sixth generation of the Fisher family, Fisher Packing is a consistent national award winner for its meat products and has a reputation for community involvement.
“This business supports the community that supports them,” said Stephen.
“A family business becomes a part of your family,” said Janice Fisher in accepting the award. She noted that she and her husband John are planning retirement but that three of their seven children are actively involved in the business.
Watson applauded Johnson’s devotion to Dunkirk City Park and the Dunkirk Pool, saying he “epitomizes volunteerism.”
“He is vital to the success of the Dunkirk park system,” said Watson.
Johnson, a former Dunkirk mayor and current member of the city council, credited his father’s advice for shaping his approach to public service.
“That has always been my goal, to give 110 percent,” he said.
The chamber event, which had to be rescheduled because of bad weather in January, concluded with a light-hearted and sentimental video wishing former chamber executive director Vicki Tague well in her retirement.
“It has just been phenomenal,” said Tague of her years at the chamber. “But it’s in good hands.”[[In-content Ad]]