The 2023 “Clinton County Community Champion” (C4) Awards
The Clinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) and the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce welcomed the public to the CVB Annual Meeting and fourth annual Clinton County Community Champions (C4) Awards ceremony on Friday, January 26, 2024.
The evening began with a VIP dinner and reception at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles featuring live music by The Copious Notes, and catered by Baker St. Culinary and Harvest House Catering.
A full crowd at the historic Murphy Theatre enjoyed live music from the Clinton County Community Band before and during the ceremony. The evening highlight was an overview of the CVB’s accomplishments throughout 2023, and the live award ceremony to announce the winners of the 2023 Clinton County Community Champions (C4) Awards. Each of the 28 award winners, across seven unique categories, went home with a custom trophy designed and created by Champion Bridge Company and a proclamation by State Rep. Bill Dean.
The ceremony concluded with an afterparty at the Theatre where guests enjoyed a DJ, dancing, and an interactive photo booth by Island Brothers Productions, generously sponsored by Clinton County Leadership Institute. The “Masquerade” theme brought out fantastic fashion, and five guests received $50 cash prizes in a mask contest for “funniest,” “most extravagant,” “best couples,” “most creative,” and “audience favorite” categories.
It was an amazing evening celebrating Clinton County and its many champions, and was made possible by the support of our Boards, the generous sponsors (listed below), our amazing local vendors, and the entire community!
2023 C4 Winners
BUSINESS CATEGORY: sponsored by Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law LLC, Preferred Partner Search, & Wilmington Savings Bank
Air Transport Services Group (ATSG)
They are specifically recognized for their support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and because ATSG paid more than $57,000 of shipping costs for the mailing of these books, all enrolled families in Clinton County have been able to receive free books for their children between birth and 5 years old.
Amy Zimmerman/Vital Fitness
Amy has been a leader in helping to foster a culture of health and wellbeing in our community continuously hosting fundraising initiatives and collection drives throughout the year.
Jason and Michelle Vaughn/TinCap
Jason and Michelle are heavily involved in efforts to improve our downtown by investing their own time and resources to book entertainment for events and beautify the areas surrounding their business.
Seven Hills Pet Clinic- Blanchester
Seven Hills Pet Clinic- Blanchester prides themselves in community outreach through a variety of events, initiatives, and services throughout Clinton County all while offering quality care for a variety of species of animals.
CITIZEN CATEGORY: sponsored by Clinton County Port Authority, Donatos Pizza, & Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties
Richard Ratliff
Richard’s picture shows up next to ‘Cheerleader for Clinton County’ in the dictionary! Richard is tireless at representing everything that is great about Clinton County from jobs to schools all across the US, all while volunteering to mentor kids in the Clinton Massie School District and fitting this in with one of the most stressful director jobs at the Wilmington Air Park, Line Maintenance.
Mckinzie Weiss
For the last 3 years, Mckinzie has been working to beautify the markers of veterans in the county. To date, she has cleaned and restored nearly 300 stones out of the kindness of her heart and respect for veterans, receiving no funding for the expense she incurs.
Jim Williams
Noble, considerate, and kind, Jim has selflessly demonstrated that cleaning litter and showing up to fill that need are important when you care for your community, as he does.
Jeff Murphy
Jeff serves on the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team covering all of Clinton, Highland, and Adams Counties for disaster response calls, as well as installing free life-saving smoke detectors in homes along with many other service efforts throughout our community.
Bruce and Dorothy Henry
Bruce and Dorothy’s work through the Clinton County Foundation and philanthropic leadership illustrates the importance of giving back to the community in a way that will impact thousands of people over time.
EDUCATION CATEGORY: sponsored by Bush Auto Place, Great Oaks Career Campuses, Smith-Feike-Minton, Inc., & Wilmington College
Jenny Hartman
Middle school special education teacher, the high school drama director, the high school senior class advisor, and the coordinator for the schools Wildcat Den pantry, Jenny does everything in her power to make a better place for all the people who live here whether it be people who have everything they need, those with disabilities, those who need a little extra help with food, or those who just need a friend.
Samantha Woodruff
Samantha is an exemplary leader, and she is clearly dedicated to the Wilmington High School community. The thing that makes her stand out ...is her commitment to believing in the good in her students. Compassion is the name to her game. She regularly reminds her staff that children, even wild teenagers, WANT to do well.
Shelley Bailey
As the principal at the Southern Ohio Learning Center, Mrs. Bailey shows toughness towards the students when needed as well as compassion, love, and understanding. Each student is thriving in this special school setting and she is making a huge impact on these students and their guardians.
HEALTHCARE CATEGORY: sponsored by CMH Regional Health System, Greater Tomorrow Health, HealthSource - Wilmington Family Practice, & Ohio Living Cape May
Dr. Philip Aschi
For over 35 years, Dr. Philip Aschi has been an unwavering pillar of support and care for the Clinton County community. His longstanding commitment to the well-being of residents has left an indelible mark on the local healthcare landscape.
Bobbi Schlaegel
Bobbi's commitment extends beyond the walls of her pharmacy as she emerges as a significant supporter of local school districts, demonstrating a heartfelt concern for the education and well-being of our children.
Janet “JB” Brown
Although her 46 years of service speaks for itself, JB goes above and beyond the call of nursing... She takes the time she needs to do what is right for HER patients and her care for the community extends beyond the healthcare realm.
Mindy Johnson- Gabriel’s Angels Homecare LLC
Owner Mindy and her team go above and beyond to make sure our elderly community receives the care they need. She is an exceptional role model for every team member and she strives to provide the best care possible.
NON-PROFIT CATEGORY: sponsored by First State Bank, Melvin Stone Company, & Peoples Bank
Elevation Community Church
Throughout 2023, Elevation Community Church in Blanchester has spent countless hours service projects such as re-painting parts of the high school, patching pavement at the schools, planting flowers at the schools and giving away over 200 backpacks FILLED with school supplies for children as well as special events like the Night to Shine Prom.
Clinton County Trails Coalition
The Clinton County Trails Coalition has shown an exceptional commitment to our community with their [30+] years of ongoing work to build a network of trails in Clinton County that connect to other trails in southwestern Ohio for the health and recreation of everyone.
Council on Aging’s Provider Services Team: Business Relations Partners Monica Schulze, LaTricia Long, Natasha Wuebker and Nicole Holts; and Contract Specialist Beverly Montgomery-Clark
At a time when many older adults in [Ohio] are experiencing waiting lists for services, older adults in Clinton County’s Elderly Services Program can quickly be matched with a service provider to ensure their needs are met. This is thanks, in large part, to the commitment and dedication of COA's Provider Services team.
Eric Stanton/Clinton County Community Band
As the director of the Clinton County Community Band, his unwavering passion for fostering a love for music within the community has positively impacted numerous individuals, groups, and organizations, creating a nurturing environment for musical growth and development.
PUBLIC SERVICE/GOVERNMENT CATEGORY: sponsored by Alkermes, Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau, JSL Home Repair LLC, & Paramount Commercial Roofing
Jane Vandervort
As Program Coordinator for the Prescription Medication Assistance Program, Jane has been a champion for adults by eliminating gaps in access to essential medications. As an advocate for individuals...she has been instrumental in achieving affordable, or free, long-term solutions to barriers in access to medications.
Beth Ellis
As a Board member of the Clinton Co. Port Authority, over the past 18 months, Beth has been actively involved in the professional and personal support of staff members as they navigated a loss, change, growth and opportunities. At the same time, she helps to run and manage an active business, navigating its own hurdles.
Renee LaPine
Also a member of the Clinton Co. Port Authority Board and well versed in project management and team leadership, Renee enabled the staff to learn, fail, take responsibility and eventually to welcome new leadership to the organization, providing strength when needed and counsel when appropriate.
YOUTH CATEGORY: sponsored by Air Transport Services Group Inc., Merchants National Bank, Wilmington News Journal, & Workforce Services Unlimited
Macey Mann
She loves to help in every way she can- with anything and anyone! Macey also enjoys frequenting the Martinsville Village Council meetings and she has volunteered to help with small projects and enjoys offering new ideas to improve our community! Several members in the Martinsville Council have joked that she is the future Mayor because she is interested in helping our community and is dedicated to donating her time and volunteering!
Marilyn Hatfield
Marilyn is committed to the community by uplifting others. Her kindness and generosity of spirit is inspiring. She serves others in many ways: as a student ambassador at the Clinton County Youth Council, as a member of her Girl Scout, as an athlete in Special Olympics Programs and as a Clinton County Farmers Market youth advocate.
Brylin Ruddle
Brylin displays unselfish leadership and an exceptional commitment to our community in many areas of his life. Brylin is always looking for a need in the community that he can meet. Among many other projects, for the last 5 years Brylin has decorated thousands of Bags of Love valentine boxes that he has delivered to elementary schools in Clinton County.
Aidynne Tippett
Aidynne [is] committed to giving selflessly of her time and … She is involved in so many service activities within her church, as well as her school and community. She goes out of her way to include students who are new to the district and makes everyone around her feel valued.
Lena Malott
Lena is a 9 year old 3rd grade student here in Wilmington., and She also has Type 1 Diabetes.Lena is constantly advocating for herself and all those around her that are different, not afraid to have the biggest voice in the room to make sure everyone is treated with kindness and respect.
For more information, contact the Chamber at info@wccchamber.com or 937-382-2737.
