Union – Overjoyed Lisa Trumer fought back tears, saying she doesn’t usually like surprises.
She later said the one she got on Monday was a “huge surprise”.
Tanner Real Estate agent Trummer received the prestigious Athena Leadership Award from the Women’s Division of the Union Regional Chamber of Commerce.
She was one of five recipients honored at the Business Alliance Awards luncheon held Monday at Union Hill University’s Hoover-Price Campus Center.
About 200 community, school and business leaders attended the event.
“I’m lucky and humbled by this award,” Trumer told the panel.
The Athena Leadership Award is given to women who demonstrate the highest level of professional excellence in their business or profession, dedicate time to their community, and actively assist other women in developing their leadership potential.
more winners
The following also received awards from the Chamber of Commerce:
Small Business of the Year (less than 20 employees) – YWCA or Union. The agency was honored for its outreach services and mission to end racism, empower women and combat social injustice.
“It means people recognize the work we do. We have a mission and we don’t stop because people think hate belongs to our coalition community,” said Stacie Weimer, executive director and CEO of coalition YWCA Say.
Large Enterprise of the Year (more than 20 employees) − Grove appliances, TVs, furniture and mattresses. It was awarded for its four generations of retail service and giving back to society.
“It’s great to live in a small town,” said Dave Mitchell, president of Grove Appliance. “At Alliance, we always know who to go to[for problems]. It’s fantastic. The small businesses in our town make our quality of life so much better.”
Entrepreneurship Award – Nancy Castellucci, Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral and Cremation Services. The award recognizes individuals who have made a commitment to the business community in the Union area.
“The community is great, and everyone works together when they need to do something,” Castellucci said. “I was fortunate to have grown up in this community.”
The ceremony ended with another surprise.
R. Mark Locke, Chamber President and CEO, who will retire in April after 20 years, received the Lifetime Service Award. Locke was shocked that the award was not on the agenda.
Locke received a special commendation from Alliance Area Development President Rick Baxter to wrap up the celebration.
“I was involved in any aspect of today’s event. When I set the agenda, it wasn’t on the agenda,” Loke said with a smile. “Thank you. It’s been an incredible 20 years.”
Please contact Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or email ben.duer@cantonrep.com. Follow on Twitter: @bduerREP.