BELPRE - Community leaders and members joined at St. Ambrose Catholic Church for the 72nd annual Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce Business Dinner Thursday evening.

Motivational speaker and strength and conditioning trainer Allan Johnson spoke of his decision to move back to the Mid-Ohio Valley after living around the country working with football and baseball teams for more than 25 years.

"I'm originally from Parkersburg and it's great to be back in the area," Johnson said. "The last 26 or 27 years, traveling all over the country, I missed the real people in the Parkersburg area."

Johnson is the sports performance director at Hall of Fame Chiropractic Sports Performance and Training Center in Parkersburg.

"I realized not too long ago that I have worked with and coached more than 30,000 athletes in high schools, colleges and professionals," Johnson said. "I have learned that it's not about me it's about the people you come in contact with in everyday life."

Johnson said the fear of failure in life kept him motivated to succeed and reach his potential.

"I have learned there are five things you need to succeed," he said. "One: take charge by having a plan; two: preparation - prepare to succeed; three: stay on track and be accountable; four: learn to finish - don't give up after reaching one part of your goal; five: stay grounded.

"We only have one opportunity to make end-roads and we need to do it right," he said.

Chamber President Teresa Turner challenged chamber members with Johnson's message.

"I know we all have the potential and can all work together to succeed to make our community even better," she said.

Mayor Mike Lorentz addressed the crowd by noting how people and business leaders in the community are cleaning up Belpre to make it better.

"If we don't act better and we don't look better, we're not going to survive," he said. "It doesn't take a huge industry to make a difference; we all can do little things to grow and become better."

The chamber recognized businesses and community members for their work to better the city and people in Belpre during the past year.

Belpre Elementary School guidance counselor Karen Waller was named Belpre Citizen of the Year for her work in the community and its youth.

"I'm surprised and honored," Waller said. "It has been and continues to be an honor to work with these kids every day and be a part of such a great community."

The chamber chose 2008 Belpre High School graduate John Logue as the first recipient of the Dick Thomas Memorial Scholarship. The $500 scholarship in honor of chamber member and former Belpre Mayor Dick Thomas, who passed away earlier this year, replaces the Belpre Youth of the Year award.

The chamber honored the six businesses that opened in 2008: Children's Palace, River Garden Guest Wing, Unicorn Wine Guild, Gym Equipment Specialties, Beverly Rental Depot and Growing Traditions instead of just one new business, Turner said.