George R. Henkle
Philanthropy & Community Service Award
Senator Rob Portman
Philanthropy & Community Service Award
Senator Rob Portman
Rob Portman is a United States Senator from the state of Ohio, a position he has held since he was first elected in 2010, running a campaign that focused on common-sense conservative ideas to help create jobs and get the deficit under control.
Rob was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he still lives today with his wife, Jane. Together they have three children: Jed, Will, and Sally. Rob grew up in a small-business family, where he learned early on the value of hard work, leadership, and fiscal responsibility. When Rob was young, his dad, Bill Portman, borrowed money to start Portman Equipment Company, where Rob and his brother and sister all worked while growing up. His father, and then his brother, built the family business from a small forklift truck dealership with five employees, with Rob's mom as the bookkeeper, to one that employed more than 300 people. Rob became a lawyer and developed his own private practice, representing Portman Equipment Company and other small businesses.
In 1993, Rob was first elected to Congress, where he represented the diverse, seven county Second District in southern Ohio. He was proud to serve the Second District for 12 years, and in seven elections, he never received less than 70 percent of the vote.
In 2005, Rob left Congress when he was asked to serve as the United States Trade Representative, the Cabinet-level official responsible for implementing and enforcing U.S. trade policy. As America’s Trade Representative, Rob was successful in reducing barriers to U.S. exports and increasing enforcement of trade laws to help level the playing field for American farmers, workers, and service providers.
Following his accomplishments as Trade Representative, Rob was asked to serve in another Cabinet post, this time as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Rob made his mark by proposing a balanced budget, fighting irresponsible earmarks, and putting in place new transparency measures for all federal spending.
During his Senate tenure, Rob has introduced more than 240 bills, including 200 bipartisan bills, and more than 150 of his legislative priorities have been signed into law.
Rob is the co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking. He has continued fighting to expand U.S. exports and crack down on unfair and illegal imports. As co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force and the International Conservation Caucus, Rob is also a leader in the U.S. Senate in the effort to preserve our environment. He is also the author of the bipartisan Restore Our Parks Act which President Trump signed into law.
As co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, Rob is working to align the 21st century education system with the 21st century workforce.
Rob is Ranking Member on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Joint Economic Committee.
Rob was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he still lives today with his wife, Jane. Together they have three children: Jed, Will, and Sally. Rob grew up in a small-business family, where he learned early on the value of hard work, leadership, and fiscal responsibility. When Rob was young, his dad, Bill Portman, borrowed money to start Portman Equipment Company, where Rob and his brother and sister all worked while growing up. His father, and then his brother, built the family business from a small forklift truck dealership with five employees, with Rob's mom as the bookkeeper, to one that employed more than 300 people. Rob became a lawyer and developed his own private practice, representing Portman Equipment Company and other small businesses.
In 1993, Rob was first elected to Congress, where he represented the diverse, seven county Second District in southern Ohio. He was proud to serve the Second District for 12 years, and in seven elections, he never received less than 70 percent of the vote.
In 2005, Rob left Congress when he was asked to serve as the United States Trade Representative, the Cabinet-level official responsible for implementing and enforcing U.S. trade policy. As America’s Trade Representative, Rob was successful in reducing barriers to U.S. exports and increasing enforcement of trade laws to help level the playing field for American farmers, workers, and service providers.
Following his accomplishments as Trade Representative, Rob was asked to serve in another Cabinet post, this time as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Rob made his mark by proposing a balanced budget, fighting irresponsible earmarks, and putting in place new transparency measures for all federal spending.
During his Senate tenure, Rob has introduced more than 240 bills, including 200 bipartisan bills, and more than 150 of his legislative priorities have been signed into law.
Rob is the co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking. He has continued fighting to expand U.S. exports and crack down on unfair and illegal imports. As co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force and the International Conservation Caucus, Rob is also a leader in the U.S. Senate in the effort to preserve our environment. He is also the author of the bipartisan Restore Our Parks Act which President Trump signed into law.
As co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, Rob is working to align the 21st century education system with the 21st century workforce.
Rob is Ranking Member on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Joint Economic Committee.
Emerging Leader
Community Service Award
Trent Keimann
Community Service Award
Trent Keimann
In 2017, the Little Miami Board of Education approved the sale of the old school building to Trent Heimann. Trent has a history of refurbishing old properties and creating new uses for the space. In 2000, he repurposed the former Hamilton Tailoring factory in Walnut Hills and created Essex Studios, a collection of individual studio spaces that are rented to more than 100 visual and performing artists, arts organizations, musicians and other creatives. Trent had a similar vision for the former Morrow school.
“We hope to do a sort of baby Essex Studios,” Trent said at the time. “We want to be invested in the neighborhood and invested in the community.”
Trent and his team have preserved much of the building's school house charm - blackboards, pencil sharpeners, clocks and intercoms remain in many of the old classrooms. Original woodwork, brick and even lockers remain throughout the building. The original wooden stage and bleachers are still intact in the gymnasium/auditorium. When Trent renamed the building as the Morrow Arts Center, he was able to repurpose the art deco block letters that had once spelled out Morrow Elementary School on the side of the building.
A grand reopening was held in October 2019 to mark the rebirth of the building as the Morrow Arts Center.
The original school building at Pike and Miranda Streets was erected in 1913 after the Morrow Board of Education placed a bond issue on the November, 1912 ballot for the purposes of building a school. The new school building was built in 1914 and the first class graduated in 1915.
In the mid-1930s, as Ohio took steps to consolidate smaller schools into the larger school districts, enrollment grew at the Morrow school to the extent that additions were added in 1939 and 1951. For a short while, a free-standing gymnasium was located near the school building.
The Little Miami School District was formed in 1954 after the residents of the Butlerville, Maineville and Morrow school districts agreed to consolidate. The school building in Morrow served grades K-12 until a high school for the newly formed district was built on Welch Road in 1956. For many years the building served students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The district closed the building at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
“We hope to do a sort of baby Essex Studios,” Trent said at the time. “We want to be invested in the neighborhood and invested in the community.”
Trent and his team have preserved much of the building's school house charm - blackboards, pencil sharpeners, clocks and intercoms remain in many of the old classrooms. Original woodwork, brick and even lockers remain throughout the building. The original wooden stage and bleachers are still intact in the gymnasium/auditorium. When Trent renamed the building as the Morrow Arts Center, he was able to repurpose the art deco block letters that had once spelled out Morrow Elementary School on the side of the building.
A grand reopening was held in October 2019 to mark the rebirth of the building as the Morrow Arts Center.
The original school building at Pike and Miranda Streets was erected in 1913 after the Morrow Board of Education placed a bond issue on the November, 1912 ballot for the purposes of building a school. The new school building was built in 1914 and the first class graduated in 1915.
In the mid-1930s, as Ohio took steps to consolidate smaller schools into the larger school districts, enrollment grew at the Morrow school to the extent that additions were added in 1939 and 1951. For a short while, a free-standing gymnasium was located near the school building.
The Little Miami School District was formed in 1954 after the residents of the Butlerville, Maineville and Morrow school districts agreed to consolidate. The school building in Morrow served grades K-12 until a high school for the newly formed district was built on Welch Road in 1956. For many years the building served students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The district closed the building at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
Outstanding Organization
Community Service Award
Sinclair College in Mason
Community Service Award
Sinclair College in Mason
For 135 years, Sinclair Community College has heeded the credo of founder David Sinclair to "find the need and endeavor to meet it.” Sinclair, General Secretary of the Dayton YMCA, observed a need to prepare out-of-work individuals for a new industrial economy. In 1887, the YMCA began offering night classes in mechanical and other technical instruction and, to this day, Sinclair College strives to provide education that changes lives and meets the needs of the emerging economy.
Sinclair and Warren County leaders began exploring options for a Warren County campus in the early 2000s. These discussions, borne of a workforce need initially identified by the Area Progress Council of Warren County, resulted in a 2005 state law granting Sinclair the responsibility to provide two-year college education in Warren County. That year, Sinclair immediately began offering classes in partnership with the Warren County Career Center.
In 2007, Sinclair dedicated the Courseview Campus Center’s first building just off I-71 on the eastern side of Mason. Following the initial growth of the campus, a second building opened in 2013, expanding lab and classroom space and providing a community meeting space which can seat up to 80. In 2018, Building B was designated as the “Bernard H. Wright, Jr. Center”, in honor of his years of service helping to establish the campus and serving on the college’s Board of Trustees. In anticipation of future growth needs, adjacent parcels of land were purchased in the Courseview Drive area, and today Sinclair College and the Sinclair Foundation own nearly 70 acres at the Mason campus.
To meet the growing needs of nearby Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics & Warehousing industries, in June of 2021, a $1.2 million investment in new automation labs was dedicated in the Barney Wright Center. These labs support the urgent and growing need for skilled technicians who build, program, maintain, and troubleshoot the automated equipment used by these industries. Sinclair is working closely with community and business leaders to expand pathways into these growing and well-paying careers.
Sinclair in Mason is a full-service campus offering many degrees and certificates in business, automation, IT, healthcare, and university transfer. In addition, the Workforce Development division offers customized training in manufacturing, leadership development, equity & inclusion, and more, for businesses seeking to upskill their current employees. Sinclair is a proud partner to all the Warren County school districts and is a strong supporter of the Warren County Chamber Alliance, as well as many other Warren County civic, non-profit, and business organizations.
Sinclair and Warren County leaders began exploring options for a Warren County campus in the early 2000s. These discussions, borne of a workforce need initially identified by the Area Progress Council of Warren County, resulted in a 2005 state law granting Sinclair the responsibility to provide two-year college education in Warren County. That year, Sinclair immediately began offering classes in partnership with the Warren County Career Center.
In 2007, Sinclair dedicated the Courseview Campus Center’s first building just off I-71 on the eastern side of Mason. Following the initial growth of the campus, a second building opened in 2013, expanding lab and classroom space and providing a community meeting space which can seat up to 80. In 2018, Building B was designated as the “Bernard H. Wright, Jr. Center”, in honor of his years of service helping to establish the campus and serving on the college’s Board of Trustees. In anticipation of future growth needs, adjacent parcels of land were purchased in the Courseview Drive area, and today Sinclair College and the Sinclair Foundation own nearly 70 acres at the Mason campus.
To meet the growing needs of nearby Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics & Warehousing industries, in June of 2021, a $1.2 million investment in new automation labs was dedicated in the Barney Wright Center. These labs support the urgent and growing need for skilled technicians who build, program, maintain, and troubleshoot the automated equipment used by these industries. Sinclair is working closely with community and business leaders to expand pathways into these growing and well-paying careers.
Sinclair in Mason is a full-service campus offering many degrees and certificates in business, automation, IT, healthcare, and university transfer. In addition, the Workforce Development division offers customized training in manufacturing, leadership development, equity & inclusion, and more, for businesses seeking to upskill their current employees. Sinclair is a proud partner to all the Warren County school districts and is a strong supporter of the Warren County Chamber Alliance, as well as many other Warren County civic, non-profit, and business organizations.
Emerging Organization
Community Service Award
PEACOC
Community Service Award
PEACOC
PEACOC is a non-profit 501c3 community service organization. Founded in June 2020 by some passionate folks committed to being Parents Empowering All Children of Color (PEACOC).
Our mission is to create a safe community of empowered and unafraid BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) children and adults, who belong equally, with rights and privileges afforded to all, regardless of race, disability, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith.
PEACOC was the first organization in Warren County, through a committed and diverse volunteer group, to celebrate Juneteenth and is currently in preparation for the second annual Springboro Juneteenth Jubilee. We look forward to many of you coming to celebrate this historic day for all American families. Please visit www.springborojuneteenth.com or www.peacoc.us for more information.
Our mission is to create a safe community of empowered and unafraid BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) children and adults, who belong equally, with rights and privileges afforded to all, regardless of race, disability, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith.
PEACOC was the first organization in Warren County, through a committed and diverse volunteer group, to celebrate Juneteenth and is currently in preparation for the second annual Springboro Juneteenth Jubilee. We look forward to many of you coming to celebrate this historic day for all American families. Please visit www.springborojuneteenth.com or www.peacoc.us for more information.
Outstanding Large Business
Community Service Award
Festo Corporation
Community Service Award
Festo Corporation
Festo is a German-based, family-owned global leader in automation technology and technical training, whose success stems from its long-term commitment to people-first values, sustainable practices, thoughtful/strategic growth, and community involvement.
In 2015, Festo opened its North American headquarters in the City of Mason, with expansion in 2018, more than tripling its facility. The current 47-acre campus includes three buildings encompassing 565,000 square feet and employs 250+ people, making it one of the 15 largest employers in Mason.
Festo’s three primary functions include: warehousing and distribution, manufacturing and assembly, and technology education provided by Festo’s Didactic program. With experience and capabilities to create highly customized automation solutions, Festo’s Mason campus includes mechanical, electrical, and intelligent automation modules for easy, seamless, and flawless manufacturing integration, providing cutting edge logistics and advanced automation technology throughout North America.
Festo is committed to serving as a community resource for education, industry expertise, and regional leadership, participating in organizations ranging from economic development groups and local chambers of commerce to local school districts and professional development associations to promote STEM education and community growth.
Festo is currently active with the following organizations: the City of Mason, Area Progress Council of Warren County, the European American Chamber of Cincinnati, the Mason/Deerfield MADE Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Warren County (Workforce Initiative Program).
In addition, Festo is pleased to support the proposed Good Jobs Challenge Project as the company is strongly committed to comprehensive training and education through its Didactic division. To that end, Festo has developed state-of-the-art technical education and training programs, as well as a Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program, working in collaboration with Sinclair Community College and other local manufacturers in southwest Ohio.
In 2015, Festo opened its North American headquarters in the City of Mason, with expansion in 2018, more than tripling its facility. The current 47-acre campus includes three buildings encompassing 565,000 square feet and employs 250+ people, making it one of the 15 largest employers in Mason.
Festo’s three primary functions include: warehousing and distribution, manufacturing and assembly, and technology education provided by Festo’s Didactic program. With experience and capabilities to create highly customized automation solutions, Festo’s Mason campus includes mechanical, electrical, and intelligent automation modules for easy, seamless, and flawless manufacturing integration, providing cutting edge logistics and advanced automation technology throughout North America.
Festo is committed to serving as a community resource for education, industry expertise, and regional leadership, participating in organizations ranging from economic development groups and local chambers of commerce to local school districts and professional development associations to promote STEM education and community growth.
Festo is currently active with the following organizations: the City of Mason, Area Progress Council of Warren County, the European American Chamber of Cincinnati, the Mason/Deerfield MADE Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Warren County (Workforce Initiative Program).
In addition, Festo is pleased to support the proposed Good Jobs Challenge Project as the company is strongly committed to comprehensive training and education through its Didactic division. To that end, Festo has developed state-of-the-art technical education and training programs, as well as a Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program, working in collaboration with Sinclair Community College and other local manufacturers in southwest Ohio.
Outstanding Small Business
Community Service Awards
Community Service Awards
A chamber of commerce is an association or network of businesspeople designed to promote and protect the interests of its members. While chambers of commerce do not directly influence political outcomes, they may try to influence or lobby local community leaders to pro-business stances. Chambers of commerce, and in turn, their business members have a positive impact on the quality of life of their communities. The six chambers of commerce in Warren County and the Warren County Chamber Alliance do all of this and much more supporting the Warren County community.
Chamber 45005
Chamber45005 was founded in 1947 and is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The chamber primarily serves the 45005 zip code: The City of Franklin, the City of Carlisle, and Franklin Township; its purpose is to promote, support, and improve the prosperity of its members and the vibrancy of the communities it serves.
Chamber45005 helps its members make connections, get noticed, and save money so they can grow and thrive. The chamber serves its members by offering networking opportunities; visibility; credibility; growth; discounts; and a voice at the local, state, and federal levels.
Together with the City of Franklin, Chamber45005 co-sponsors the Downtown Franklin Farmers Market. The market, in its 9th season, attracts shoppers each week who want to eat fresh and buy local.
Chamber45005 helps its members make connections, get noticed, and save money so they can grow and thrive. The chamber serves its members by offering networking opportunities; visibility; credibility; growth; discounts; and a voice at the local, state, and federal levels.
Together with the City of Franklin, Chamber45005 co-sponsors the Downtown Franklin Farmers Market. The market, in its 9th season, attracts shoppers each week who want to eat fresh and buy local.
Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce
The Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a 501 (c)-6 business membership organization, established in 1924. The Chamber strives to be the premier business organization and leading catalyst for support and resources to 550+ member businesses in the Lebanon and South Lebanon areas. By providing quality corporate leadership, networking opportunities, professional development, and community events, the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce can help grow a robust local business community.
The Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce also facilitates the Warren County Safety Council for 100 manufacturers throughout Warren Co. The Chamber is a partner in the Warren County Chamber Alliance and works closely with the City of Lebanon & South Lebanon on a number of economic development projects. The mission of the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote and improve business environment, stimulate a vibrant local economy and produce a cooperative effort to enhance the overall quality of life in Lebanon to its highest potential.
The Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce also facilitates the Warren County Safety Council for 100 manufacturers throughout Warren Co. The Chamber is a partner in the Warren County Chamber Alliance and works closely with the City of Lebanon & South Lebanon on a number of economic development projects. The mission of the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote and improve business environment, stimulate a vibrant local economy and produce a cooperative effort to enhance the overall quality of life in Lebanon to its highest potential.
Little Miami Area Chamber of Commerce
We are a small, but growing chamber serving Maineville, Morrow and Butlerville area. We have a seven-member board made up of volunteers.
Regardless of the size of the chamber you choose to join, your business is going to get access to many of the same services. Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Little Miami School Board Office.
We support our local businesses with ribbon cuttings, interesting speakers and great networking. We have a Christmas Gala, a spring dinner honoring our business of the year and a citizen of the year, as well as our famous Cardboard Regatta and many other activities. It is always beneficial for businesses to join a chamber.
Regardless of the size of the chamber you choose to join, your business is going to get access to many of the same services. Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Little Miami School Board Office.
We support our local businesses with ribbon cuttings, interesting speakers and great networking. We have a Christmas Gala, a spring dinner honoring our business of the year and a citizen of the year, as well as our famous Cardboard Regatta and many other activities. It is always beneficial for businesses to join a chamber.
Mason Deerfield Chamber of Commerce
The Mason Deerfield Chamber is dedicated to building a better Mason-Deerfield so that businesses can thrive, and the community can prosper. We support our member businesses in a variety of ways, providing opportunities to make quality connections, advocating for our business’ interests at the local and state level, educating and investing in our local talent and amplifying our region through collaborative branding.
The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce was officially founded in January 1968 by seven area businessmen, and the former mayor. Its first project was the Christmas Light Fund. This project was important because it allowed the then Village of Mason to demonstrate a spirit of Christmas within the downtown business area and have holiday decorations the entire community could be proud of.
The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce, in its beginning, was proud to have a small part in working with the businesses and residents to help establish the growth in Mason. The Mason Deerfield Chamber is proud to continue that legacy today by advocating for a winning business community through unrivaled experiences.
The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce was officially founded in January 1968 by seven area businessmen, and the former mayor. Its first project was the Christmas Light Fund. This project was important because it allowed the then Village of Mason to demonstrate a spirit of Christmas within the downtown business area and have holiday decorations the entire community could be proud of.
The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce, in its beginning, was proud to have a small part in working with the businesses and residents to help establish the growth in Mason. The Mason Deerfield Chamber is proud to continue that legacy today by advocating for a winning business community through unrivaled experiences.
Springboro Chamber of Commerce
Just like the community it serves, the Springboro Chamber of Commerce shares a warm small-town feel, while embracing a vibrant and growing business environment. Some 600 plus businesses and entrepreneurs rely on their chamber for support, joint benefits, relevant community information and many opportunities to mingle with other members.
Members enjoy a variety of monthly networking functions, lunch and learns and other Chamber sponsored events that allow them to build close business relationships with one another and meet new friends and clients. Major community wide Springboro Chamber of Commerce events include the Hometown Expo, Warren County’s largest free business exposition, as well as an annual golf outing, the Annual Dinner and a Christmas luncheon. The golf outing and the Annual Dinner raise funds that are distributed to needy area families through the Springboro Community Assistance Center.
The Springboro Chamber and its members partner with the community to enhance workforce skills through cooperative efforts with local school districts and higher education, encourage the arts and education, ensure open dialogue with government leaders and add to the community’s quality of life. The Chamber excels at keeping Springboro, Ohio a great place to live, work and conduct business.
Members enjoy a variety of monthly networking functions, lunch and learns and other Chamber sponsored events that allow them to build close business relationships with one another and meet new friends and clients. Major community wide Springboro Chamber of Commerce events include the Hometown Expo, Warren County’s largest free business exposition, as well as an annual golf outing, the Annual Dinner and a Christmas luncheon. The golf outing and the Annual Dinner raise funds that are distributed to needy area families through the Springboro Community Assistance Center.
The Springboro Chamber and its members partner with the community to enhance workforce skills through cooperative efforts with local school districts and higher education, encourage the arts and education, ensure open dialogue with government leaders and add to the community’s quality of life. The Chamber excels at keeping Springboro, Ohio a great place to live, work and conduct business.
Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1967 and original Bylaws approved November 16, 1967. The organization was organized for the purpose of advancing and protecting the Civic, Retail, Professional, Agricultural and Commercial interests of this area. The area consists of Waynesville, Corwin and Wayne Township, Harveysburg, Lytle, and Massie Township. Our chamber works to support our members with expansive exposure on the ever-growing world of social media, new business ribbon cuttings, and educational opportunities.
The Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts several events every year with the two biggest events being the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, entering the 52nd annual year, and Waynesville’s Christmas in the Village. The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival is unique in its beginning in that it was started by a very small group of merchants who wanted to have a sidewalk sale. Now, the festival features 11,000 pounds of sauerkraut and dishes of many interesting varieties and draws over 400,000 visitors annually from all over the country.
The chamber hosts the Waynesville Christmas in the Village event which attracts locals and visitors to enjoy the holiday atmosphere, local hometown shopping, entertainment, and carriage rides. We line the streets with over 1300 luminaries, jingle bells, and strolling entertainment, as well as a heated entertainment tent with performances all weekend.
The Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts several events every year with the two biggest events being the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, entering the 52nd annual year, and Waynesville’s Christmas in the Village. The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival is unique in its beginning in that it was started by a very small group of merchants who wanted to have a sidewalk sale. Now, the festival features 11,000 pounds of sauerkraut and dishes of many interesting varieties and draws over 400,000 visitors annually from all over the country.
The chamber hosts the Waynesville Christmas in the Village event which attracts locals and visitors to enjoy the holiday atmosphere, local hometown shopping, entertainment, and carriage rides. We line the streets with over 1300 luminaries, jingle bells, and strolling entertainment, as well as a heated entertainment tent with performances all weekend.