Chamber gave awards

Twenty-five years ago this week, Portland Area Chamber of Commerce honored local residents and businesses at its awards banquet.

The Jan. 22, 1996, edition of The Commercial Review featured coverage of the chamber’s annual meeting and awards banquet during which Greg Moser was honored as citizen of the year. His company, Moser Engineering, earned the industry of the year award.

Described as “a quiet man who thinks little of his own success,” Moser was praised for his community involvement. He spearheaded a fundraising drive for the new Jay County Public Library and led the record-breaking United Way of Jay County annual campaign.

Chamber of commerce outgoing president Greg Franklin referred to Moser as a man “who always knew how great Portland is and has continued to work endlessly for its growth and progress.”

Moser Engineering was honored in part of its growth, having started in a garage in 1986 and becoming and industry leader that shipped products around the world. The company developed a computer-controlled machining process to create custom racing axles using a heat-treated process.

Also at the awards banquet, the late Harold Schutz was honored for lifetime achievement. Schutz had served as principal and coach at Portland High School and was Jay County High School’s first athletics director.

“Our recipient has had a special influence on the lives of thousands of young people in our community,” Franklin said of Schutz. “He particularly encouraged them to pursue higher education. His life was a fine example to all of us.”

Hunt’s Emporium was also honored as business of the year.