(3-10-26) The Fort Recovery Area Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations during its 2025 Annual Awards Banquet held Monday, March 9, 2026 in Fort Recovery, Ohio.
Each year, the Chamber presents these awards to honor those who demonstrate leadership, community service, and dedication to making Fort Recovery a great place to live, work, and do business.
Beautification Awards, sponsored by Nature’s Green Nursery, Fort Recovery Lumber Company, and Fort Recovery Insurance Agency, were presented to Garrett and Rachel Faller for Most Improved Dwelling, Dan and Marcia Schmitz for Most Improved Residential Property, and Polanco Mexican Kitchen for Most Improved Commercial Property.
The Chamber of Commerce / Rabe Scholarship was awarded to Olivia Knapke, daughter of Joe and Kim Knapke, while the Fort Recovery Merchant Association Scholarship was presented to Georgia Wenning, daughter of Matt and Stacy Wenning.
Community awards were also presented during the evening. Wangler ACE Hardware was named Business of the Year.
Hall of Fame honors were awarded to Carl Hastings and Tom Kaup. Amy Wendel was recognized as Citizen of the Year. The Mayor’s Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to the Southwest Mercer Fire District, and Randy Diller received the Friend of the Chamber Award.
Chamber President Shawn Robinson
“The people and businesses recognized tonight represent the very best of what makes our community strong. Their dedication, generosity, and commitment to Fort Recovery help create a community we can all be proud of. We are grateful for their contributions and honored to recognize them.”
The Chamber congratulates all of this year’s honorees and thanks them for their continued dedication and service to the Fort Recovery community.
The Chamber also extends its appreciation to the Fort Recovery American Legion for its generous support and for providing the venue for the evening’s banquet.
The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of numerous sponsors. Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home served as the banquet sponsor, while Park National Bank sponsored the beverages and Wabash sponsored the programs. Dessert for the evening was provided by The Tin Cupboard. Patron sponsors included A Simple Touch, Be You Floral, First Financial Bank, Fort Recovery Insurance Agency, the Fort Recovery Merchant Association, J&M Manufacturing, AMS Seat Structures (formerly JR Manufacturing), Kaup Pharmacy, Mercer Health, Mercer Savings Bank, Reclaiming Design, Wendel Poultry, Wayne IGA, and Wet Willy’s Truck Wash.
The Fort Recovery Area Chamber of Commerce thanks all sponsors, volunteers, and community members who helped make the evening a success and who continue to support the vitality of the Fort Recovery community.
Mercer County Outlook 