Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Prism Awards on May 7 at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge. The celebration, with presenting sponsor ProMedica Bay Park Hospital, shines a spotlight on the outstanding leaders, organizations, and businesses that make the Eastern Maumee Bay Region a great place to live and do business.
“Events like the Prism Awards are a reminder that economic development is about more than projects and buildings — it is about people, partnerships, and the relationships that help communities grow stronger together,” the Oregon Economic Development Foundation said in a statement. “Oregon is fortunate to have organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and leaders who not only care deeply about the community, but care about each other as well.”
This year’s award winners included VFW Post 2984 as the Non-Profit of the Year, Maverick and Miller Heating and Cooling as the Small Business of the Year, Flawless By Mirna as the Newcomer of the Year, Mr. Emblem Inc. as the Silver Business of the Year, TESCO Bus as the Large Business of the Year, the duo of Natalie Murray (Clay High School) and Daniel Herman (Lake High School) as the two Young Person of the Year recipients.
Amy Hansen, Executive Director of the Oregon Schools Foundation, and Paula Benton, Executive Director for the Oregon Senior Center, were also the co-recipients of the Person of the Year award.
“What an incredible honor to be recognized in a room full of so many talented community leaders, business owners, volunteers and non-profits,” Hansen said in a statement. “You guide me, you lead by example, you inspire me. I feel so grateful to get to do passion work every single day, working to increase opportunities for our Oregon City Schools students through collaborations near and far. We are lucky to live in a community that values excellent schools and lifelong learning experiences. It's not like that everywhere, folks.
“I'm appreciative of the gracious support at my table from Carol Molnar, Jeff Straka, Oregon Schools Foundation members Dana Wheeler, Chris Wolfe Walendzak, Trina Floyd, and my Clay colleague Vallie Robeson. I'm also incredibly thankful to have someone by my side the whole way. No matter how many crazy ideas I come up with, Ron Hansen never wavers. He is always there to support me, encourage me and tell me to go for what I believe in.”
For Benton, it’s been a tough few years for her and the senior center with two failed levies that cost them a large percentage of the budget.
“It’s been a rocky road, but we have survived and gotten through it,” she said. “We’re striving to keep going forward. There are no words to really say how I feel (about the award). I was just so honored and grateful. I am who I am. I work for (the seniors). I advocate for them because I believe in what I do, and I love what I do. I have a passion for it.”
WTOL 11 meteorologist Chris Vickers and Heather Pollauf co-hosted the event.
“The 2026 Prism Awards were a strong reflection of the talent and dedication within our region,” Jen Kurtovic, the executive director of the Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce said. “This year’s honorees represent the best of our business community, and we’re proud to recognize their work. We also welcomed our largest crowd since the pandemic with nearly 250 business leaders, community members, and nonprofit partners who joined us for the event. We were grateful to have WTOL’s Heather Pollauf and Chris Vickers as our hosts. Heather is an Oregon resident, and Chris continues to champion the St. Jude Dream Home, which is currently being built right here in our community.”
