Bohlen’s Dairy Farm received the Washington County Council of Cooperatives Agricultural Award Monday night during the 105th chamber of commerce dinner. Kurt Bohlen, Barbara Bohlen, Ronnie Bohlen and Amanda Bohlen get ready for photos after walking off the stage. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

MARIETTA  — More than 1,000 people gathered Monday night at the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center at Marietta College for networking and dinner during the 105th annual dinner for the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce.

Booths were set up along the perimeter of the recreation center for people to learn more about some of the chamber members.

Four awards were given out during the event, which saw Ohio State University Head Football Coach Ryan Day receive a standing ovation before taking the stage as keynote speaker.

Bohlen’s Dairy Farm received this year’s Washington County Council of Cooperatives Agricultural Award. Receiving the award were Ronnie and Barbara Bohlen, and Kurt and Amanda Bohlen.

According to the chamber, the Washington County Council of Cooperatives Agricultural Award celebrates successful long-term farmers or agribusiness people in Washington County who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and willingness to support and improve agriculture within the community.

Melissa Arnold is congratulated by Kristopher Justice, board chairman of the Marietta Chamber of Commerce, Monday night, after winning the Elizabeth L. Hadler ZONTA Woman of the Year award during the 105th annual chamber of commerce dinner. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

The Bohlen’s Dairy Farm was bought in 1917 and the primary crops are corn and hay. They also have more than 100 acres dedicated to beef cattle.

“The dairy industry has faced difficult challenges in the past four years,” said Jennifer Green, who presented the family with the award. “For many dairy farmers, the only solutions for survival were for family members to seek off-farm employment, or to sell the dairy cattle. By spring of last year, they were forced to turn their operation from dairy to beef.”

When the Bohlens were told they won the award, all were surprised but Amanda.

“My wife knew (about the award), but kept it from my parents and I,” Kurt said. “This is the first time we went to the dinner. She told my parents and I that she was going to win an award and we went to support her.”

The second award of the night went to Melissa Arnold, who won the 45th Elizabeth ‘Betty’ L. Hadler ZONTA Woman of the Year award.

George Broughton is followed off the stage by Wally Kandel after receiving the Gabe Zide Citizen of the Year Award Monday night at the 105th annual chamber of commerce dinner. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

Desni Crock, representative from ZONTA, said Arnold, a Marietta High School graduate, has made a great impact on the children around her. The award is given to a Washington County woman who exemplifies service to her community.

Crock explained that in 2018, having learned of a house fire for a family of six, Arnold jumped on the task of helping the family return to as normal a life as possible. She assisted in raising funds, linens, furniture, cleaning supplies, kitchenware and everything else this family needed. She also found a temporary home for them, cleaned and sorted the donated supplies, and made it ready for them to move into it while their home was being re-built.

Arnold was emotional when she received her award and bouquet of flowers.

“I think thank you is all I can say,” she told the attendees.

After the keynote speech from Ryan Day, George Broughton was given the Gabe Zide Citizen of the Year award from Wally Kandel, 2019 award winner.

Jennylou Brock watches while her husband, Jerry Brock, receives the MACC Business Leader of the Year Award Monday night during the 105th annual chamber of commerce dinner. He was handed the award by chamber president Carrie Ankrom. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

He said when people speak of Broughton, they say he’s humble and gracious, a proud hometown boy, and a problem solver.

“The Broughton Business Park, also affectionately known as ‘George Town,’ not only provides 20 plus buildings for businesses, but it also provides free advertising space for Marietta College and Shale Crescent USA,” Kandel said.

He noted Broughton provided the community with a much-needed community building, which bears the name of his mother, the Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building.

“George has always been giving back to the community he loves. Including the nature and wildlife education area, the multi-use trail, the cross-country course for Marietta High School, and the countless volunteer hours spent on boards and other community activities,” Kandel added.

Broughton said his businesses are a family endeavor. His father loved his family and the community.

Ohio State University Head Football Coach Ryan Day spoke of leadership and the culture of the OSU football team Monday night during the 105th annual meeting dinner of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, held at the Dyson-Baudo Recreation Center at Marietta College. (Photo by Michele Newbanks)

“This is for you, dad,” he said, holding up the award.

The last award of the evening went to Jerry Brock, who has raised a family, served his community and church, as well as guided TheisenBrock for 56 years. The award was the 35th annual Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year.

“Very few people have been given the Gabe Zide Citizen of the Year Award and Business Leader of the Year, but Brock has now received both,” said Laurie Strahler, last year’s award winner and daughter of Betty Hadler, who was the first Business Leader of the Year in 1986.

Along with being a successful attorney, Brock is a welder and woodworker, who made each of his kids a piece of furniture from trees from his property.

Brock walked across the stage with his wife, Jennylou, and seemed surprised to receive the honor.

“I’m at a loss for words. My wife has been a great support and the reason I’ve been successful at anything,” he said.