Quadrozzi was named as Citizen of the Year

Twenty-five years ago this week, the community was celebrating its best.

The Jan. 29, 2001, edition of The Commercial Review featured coverage of the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting and awards banquet during which Jay County Development Corporation executive director Bob Quadrozzi was named Citizen of the Year.

“He’s involved in every aspect and facet in the county,” said Sam Shoemaker while presenting the award. “The man is everywhere.”

Former Portland Mayor F.M. “Ted” Montgomery was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his time leading the city, Montgomery was known for his 30 years as a harness racing judge, promoting the sport  in the county and staying actively involved with Jayland Trotting Association.

He was also a driving force in the effort to build Bryant High School’s gym, which now serves as a community center.

“I’ve had a wonderful life and this is the greatest place to live,” said Montgomery, 84.

Winning the chamber’s other major awards were Industry of the Year Alphabet Inc., which is now known as MSSL Wiring Systems, and Industry of the Year Hunt’s Emporium. Both were three-time winners of those awards.

At the time, Alphabet had rebounded to 435 employees after dropping to 150.

“At a point in time when they thought they would have to close, then they turned things around … and tightened up their belts,” said Quadrozzi.

Hunt’s, then owned by Neil and Meg Habegger, expanded its services from cards and gifts to offering on-site photo developing.

“It’s been a shining example of entrepreneurship,” said award presenter Ron Freeman. “Some people don’t realize we have gems of this kind in our county.”

Chamber executive director Vicki Tague had similar positive words about the community.

“The true treasure is the people,” she said. “The volunteerism here is second to none.”