The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce had their annual gathering Tuesday evening, which included awards.
The "Entrepreneur of the Year" award went to J.B. Express. Founder Jon Bell said, 22 years ago, he didn't mean to start a company...but a hauling company he needed went out of business.
J.B. Express now hauls many parts for Kenworth and Glatfelter, but has diversified into natural gas replacement or expansion where they may pick pipe up at sea ports for companies in Texas, Turkey, and India.
Bell's son and daughter also work with him, and Bell Logistics is a part of the business.
The "Young Professional of the Year Award" went to Brianna Hood. "Corporate Citizen Award" went to the Scioto Society. And, the "Legacy Award" to Hirsch's Fruit Farm.
Instead of a main speaker...in a new format, the heads of major local industries, or representatives of services available to businesses, gave a few shorter presentations.
Learn more about the presentations and awards on the chamber's website.
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils and local culture