The Clinton County Community Champions (C4) Awards began in 2020 to honor service and leadership during the pandemic. The event began as a virtual ceremony and has since expanded to be held at the Murphy Theatre. This year, there were 119 nominations for 75 individuals in 7 categories. The winners are chosen based on their commitment to community through a special project or ongoing activities, unselfish leadership and service to others, and an inspiration to others. They are selected by a panel of judges from the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Kevin Curry, Horizon Ag Systems LLC
Nominated for: Business
Nominated by: Anonymous
Kevin’s nominator(s) stated:
“Kevin Curry founded Horizon Ag Systems, LLC in 2014 for grain storage, handling, and
drying equipment, and he remains loyal to growing the business in Clinton County while providing support and solutions to farmers in all surrounding counties…Kevin, even as Owner, does all the custom engineering and installations to ensure seamless integration and prevent costly and timely mistakes during construction…What also sets Kevin apart is his care for the customers! Kevin builds strong relationships with his customers [and is dedicated] to farm safety…He’s passionate in training farmers and sponsoring grain bin rescue equipment for local responders. Kevin’s unwavering support also applies to his employees... In the past, Kevin has also been a mentor through Wilmington High School and other local programs to serve as a local role model. Kevin’s success with Horizon Ag Systems, LLC allowed him to start ANOTHER company – TopFlight, a manufacturing facility for the new auger design and associated catalog of parts. Kevin is committed to growing his businesses here in the local community. His creativity, care, dedication, and service knows no bounds.”
Kris Gundler, Barr Pharmacy
Nominated for: Business, Healthcare
Nominated by: Anonymous
Kris’s nominator(s) stated:
“Kris is the face of Barr Pharmacy in Blanchester. Since opening they have done a fantastic job of providing pharmacy needs for our little town. I think a big reason for this is because of Kris. She's happy and always willing to take a few minutes to chat about pharmacy questions or just to check in on how people are doing. I think her attitude is infectious (in a good way) because all the staff have that same attitude. I used to dread sitting in my car at the other pharmacy - waiting for grouchy employees to dig around and eventually provide service. At Barr, I take my pup in to say hi and look forward to when my scripts are renewed because I get to see everyone. They know me by name and always smile and laugh.”
Mike Berger, Air Transport Services Group
Nominated for: Business
Nominated by: Kym Parks, Air Transport Services Group
Mike’s nominator(s) stated:
“…A true visionary, Mike has not only steered ATSG to unprecedented growth and global leadership in the air cargo and aviation industries but has also cultivated an inclusive, collaborative culture that positively impacts the Wilmington community. One of Mike’s most impactful initiatives is the "Walk and Talk with Mike" program. This unique approach allows employees to connect with Mike directly as he walks with them through operations at the Wilmington Air Park [and] creates an open and approachable atmosphere, encouraging candid conversations about their roles, concerns, and ideas…Under Mike’s leadership, ATSG has continued to deliver exceptional service across its global network…, [while] locally, Mike’s efforts have further cemented ATSG’s role as a cornerstone of the Wilmington community…He has been a driving force behind the ATSG Charitable Foundation, overseeing initiatives that benefit numerous local organizations… including Free Scholastic Book Fairs for Putman Elementary, the Clinton County Veterans Memorial, Box 14 First Responder Support Unit, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and Honor Flight Tri-State. His tireless efforts exemplify his belief in giving back to the community and ensuring ATSG remains a steadfast community partner… His leadership has fostered a culture of civic engagement, with ATSG employees enthusiastically participating in volunteer efforts and community events...Mike’s dedication to Wilmington and its residents is a testament to his commitment to ensuring the company’s success benefits everyone it touches…”
Wheelies on Mulberry
Nominated for: Business, Citizen
Nominated by: Bruce Saunders, Clinton Co. Trails Coalition/Cycling Without Age
Wheelies’s nominator(s) stated:
“The Schlabach family invested in a bike shop/restaurant, named Wheelies on Mulberry and Trail Haus, in the Sugartree area. These businesses have revived the trail users in Clinton County [and] our trail counters report largely increased numbers of people getting outdoors on the trails for walking, running and biking…Terri and Josh have [also] established a Cycling Without Age program in conjunction with Clinton County Trails Coalition, HealthFirst of Clinton County, and the Nation Rails to Trails Coalition. The Wilmington Chapter of Cycling Without Age now possess 2 Tri-Shaw bikes that can carry four disabled or elderly passengers at a time and give them the trail riding experience that they didn’t think would come their way again. Wheelies trains the volunteer pilots, schedules volunteer pilots with riders, and stores and maintains the Tri-Shaws in the Wheelies shop. The rides are free for handicapped or elderly persons, [as well as] disabled children…”
Zo Kerns, Impressions Salon
Nominated for: Business
Nominated by: Nancy Roszell
Zo’s nominator(s) stated:
“Because of Zo, ‘Impressions’ is far more than a long-established salon [and] I have been privileged to witness the power of miracles bestowed on others…Two teenaged girls tearfully stumbled into the salon with no appointment but with a badly-botched do-it-yourself cut-and-color attempt…Zo calmed them down with grace and humor, fixed what she could of the hair disaster, and then would not take any payment at all for her services…Elderly and infirm clients without transportation have been the recipients of Zo’s personal transportation services to her salon [and] Zo has been known to visit homebound clients…And here is the story that still makes me weep: One afternoon a middle-aged man and a very young teenaged girl entered the salon without an appointment. The girl was not making eye contact or speaking, but the man wanted a drastic cut and color change makeover for the girl. Having just completed human trafficking training for salon owners, Zo picked up on several red flags. She was able to take the girl to a changing room to ask her if she needed help. Yes! Zo made the phone call. So you can go to Zo at ‘Impressions’ if you need a haircut. Or if your elderly mom needs a haircut in her kitchen at home. Or if a young girl being trafficked up the interstate corridor needs her life saved. And then she will pray for you!”