Corporation announces 2025 award winners

CATAWBA ISLAND — The Ottawa County Improvement Corp. recognized outstanding businesses and community leaders during its annual Business & Industry Awards event, occurring March 11 at Gideon Owen Wine Co. The evening brought together business owners, community partners and regional leaders to celebrate the individuals and organizations helping strengthen Ottawa County's economy and community. Prior to the awards dinner, the corporation's executive director, Chris Singerling, provided attendees with a recap of the corporation's accomplishments over the past year and highlighted key initiatives underway during the first quarter of 2026. Singerling introduced Nick Gerber, managing principal of employee benefits at OneDigital, who leads the firm's Ohio Employee Benefits team. Gerber was joined by Ashley Grisez and Derek Sprouse for a discussion on the growing challenges businesses face in managing risk, employee benefits and financial stress. The panel emphasized that risk management has become a central part of running a business rather than a background function. Sprouse encouraged business leaders to take an active role in addressing these challenges, stating: "The message we'll leave you with is really simple. The great recalibration is not a passive phrase: It's a leadership movement. It's asking business leaders to come together and actively manage risk to make their businesses stronger, so we can ultimately put money back into the hands of businesses and allow them to reinvest in the communities where we all live." Highlighting the honorees Here's a look at the 2025 Business & Industry Award recipients: • Entrepreneur of the Year Award — Melissa Wehner • Economic Development Partner of the Year Award — Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County • Bill Mack Business Leader Award — John Starcher • Volunteers of the Year Award — Brittany and Patrick Griffin • Business of the Year Award — Innovative Excavating Following the awards presentation, guests enjoyed an evening of networking, dinner and an awards ceremony recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership and service continue to make a meaningful impact across Ottawa County. The awards highlight businesses and leaders who demonstrate excellence in entrepreneurship, community involvement and economic development. Upon accepting the Bill Mack Business Leader Award, Starcher reflected on the importance of community and teamwork. "I'm extremely honored to be chosen for this award," Starcher said. "My dad was the biggest influence in my life, and he taught me at a very early age you need to give to your community, you need to give back, and you don't earn anything without the support of the people around you," Starcher added. "Anyone here who owns a business knows it's extremely hard, it's a 24-hour-a-day job. The key is to surround yourself with great people, and — if you're good to people — they'll be good to you, so that's what I've always tried to do." The Ottawa County Improvement Corp. extends its congratulations to all of the 2025 award recipients and thanks everyone who joined in celebrating the hardworking businesses and community leaders who help make Ottawa County such a special place to live, work, and grow. A special thank you to the team at Gideon Owen Wine Co. for hosting this year's event. The Ottawa County Improvement Corp. looks forward to another year of continued collaboration, growth and success as we work together to strengthen the future of Ottawa County.