The Licking County Chamber of Commerce honored four outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals during its Annual Gala and Awards Celebration held August 13 at the John Gilbert Reese Center.

The luau-themed evening brought together Chamber members and community leaders to celebrate another successful year and recognize those whose leadership, service and commitment strengthen Licking County.

“Each of this year’s honorees combines excellence in their work with a genuine commitment to serving others,” said Jennifer McDonald, President and CEO of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce. “They are creating opportunities, changing lives and helping build a stronger community.”

Central Ohio Technical College was named Business of the Year, sponsored by Matesich Distributing.
COTC was recognized for its longstanding commitment to transforming lives and strengthening the local workforce, including the launch of the Licking County Promise. By removing financial barriers for qualifying students, the program opens doors to workforce credentials, career pathways and degrees. Eligible students are automatically considered through the financial aid process, with no separate application, minimum credit-hour requirement or lifetime funding cap.

Fostering Further received the Non-Profit of the Year Award, sponsored by the Licking County Safety Council.

Over the past decade, Fostering Further has grown from a grassroots, volunteer-led effort into an indispensable resource for children, foster families and young adults. Its programs include Grant-a-Wish, which helps foster children participate in sports, camps, music and school activities, as well as Starting Strong and Hope Landing, which provide housing, mentorship and life-skills support for young adults aging out of foster care.

Melissa Anderson, Executive Director of the Licking County Coalition of Care, was named Employee of the Year. The award was sponsored by OhioMeansJobs Licking County.

Anderson has led the Coalition of Care through significant growth, expanding services, strengthening partnerships and helping more residents access resources to prevent homelessness and achieve stability. Her service extends beyond her professional responsibilities through volunteering in the Warming Center, organizing fundraisers, helping newly housed residents furnish their homes and personally reaching out to those in need.

Brittany Henry of Park National Bank received the Young Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Young Leaders of Licking County.

Henry was recognized for combining professional excellence with extensive community service. She volunteers with the Humane Society, Mental Health America, the City of Newark Resource Committee, the Licking County Foundation Marketing Committee and Young Leaders of Licking County. She is also involved with the Ohio Bankers League Women in Banking Committee and is pursuing advanced education through the Graduate School of Banking.

The Gala included the installation of the Chamber’s 2026–2027 leadership and Board of Directors. Jimmy Peck of Selinsky Force will serve as Chairman, Jocelyn Hartshorn of TrueCore Federal Credit Union will serve as Treasurer and Chair-Elect, and Joe Gebhart of Shai-Hess Commercial Real Estate will remain on the Executive Committee as Past Chairman.

New board members beginning their terms in September are Tiffany Geiger of Creekstone Benefits, Brook Hupp of MedBen and Michelle Snow of C-TEC. The Chamber also recognized outgoing board members Tabby Hahn of Edward Jones and Todd Londot of Crispin Iron & Metal for their service.
During the program, the Chamber highlighted a year of continued growth and engagement. The organization welcomed 118 new members, celebrated 24 ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings, and hosted 75 events attended by more than 8,500 people. Its online business directory generated approximately 337,000 searches, while employment listings received approximately 220,000 visits from job seekers.

The Chamber looks forward to an exciting year featuring an idea-generating Local Leaders program this October, a workforce-focused program presented in partnership with Grow Licking County and OhioMeansJobs Licking County in early 2027, additional networking events, and new opportunities to showcase Chamber members through social media features and video reels.

“The momentum in Licking County is undeniable,” McDonald said. “We are grateful to our members, volunteers, board members and staff for investing their time and talents in the Chamber and in the future of our community.”

For additional information about the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.lickingcountychamber.com.