Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner is Feb. 27
Tony Lemmon, left, Forrest Lang, Sarah Baker, Steve Matthew and Seth Buckwalter, representing Whitaker-Myers Group; Susan Marlar, representing Meaden & Moore; Dr. Stephanie Bailey, representing Cleveland Road Animal Hospital; Kelli Bricker, representing Expert T’s; and Bonnie Hall, representing West View Healthy Living, are the 2025 annual dinner award recipients from the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce.
Every year the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual dinner, an event that brings together the chamber’s membership to celebrate accomplishments of the past year while outlining goals for the future. This year’s gathering will take place Feb. 27 at Greystone Event Center, where a spotlight will shine on the achievements of the 2025 award winners.
This year’s honorees have demonstrated dedication to the Wooster area, showcasing a commitment to supporting the chamber and enhancing the community.
Steve Matthew will be honored as the 2025 Wall of Fame recipient, celebrated for his lifetime of achievements and his commitment to fostering growth and unity in the Wooster community. He held leadership roles at Rubbermaid, The Wooster Brush Company and Will-Burt before acquiring Wooster Hydrostatics in 2006.
Beyond his business Matthew has served on numerous boards including as chair of the Wayne County Community Foundation and chair of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce in 2010.
The Whitaker-Myers Group is recognized as the 2025 Business of the Year, lauded for its enduring presence in the area and a positive influence on the local economy. With over 150 years of service, Whitaker-Myers Group stands as one of Wooster’s oldest insurance agencies. The firm offers a variety of services including insurance, benefits, wealth management and tax.
The 2025 Jack O’Donnell Award for Community Service will be presented to Sarah Baker, who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism through her enthusiasm and dedication to improving the Wooster community. Baker has been involved in numerous organizations such as Rotary, United Way and Wayne Economic Development Council, as well as her contributions to local schools and nonprofits like Friends of OneEighty.
Forrest Lang is the recipient of the 2025 Mike Lezak Award for Volunteer Service, honored for his contributions and support as he participates in numerous chamber activities and committees throughout the year. His involvement with the chamber has grown through his participation in events and programs like Young Professionals, Business After Hours, Leadership Wooster, Wayne County Home & Garden Show, and Woosterfest. One of his favorite ways to contribute has been through decorating the chamber building at Christmas, a tradition that began in 2021.
Capt. Tony Lemmon of the Wooster Police Department will receive the 2025 Leadership Wooster Distinguished Alumni Award, a testament to his leadership qualities and his ability to inspire others within the community. Beyond his work with the police department, Lemmon has remained involved with Leadership Wooster by serving on the steering committee. He also has given back through roles on the United Way’s board and allocations committee, the Children’s Advocacy Center’s board, and the Salvation Army Steering Committee.
Meaden & Moore is recognized with the 2025 Board of Directors Award, acknowledging its commitment to excellence and positive influence within the local business landscape. Meaden & Moore, a professional services firm specializing in accounting, consulting and financial advisory services, opened its Wooster office in 1968. The company is recognized not only for providing high-quality services, but also for fostering a work environment that encourages balance and community engagement.
The Small Business of the Year for businesses with fewer than 15 employees will be presented to Expert T’s, praised for its dedication to the community and its economic contributions. With an emphasis on building customer relationships, Expert T’s provides screenprinting, embroidery and custom apparel services for Wooster and beyond.
Cleveland Road Animal Hospital will be honored with the 2025 Small Business of the Year for businesses with more than 15 employees, recognized for its service and commitment to the well-being of pets and their owners. For over 50 years, it has been a premier veterinary care provider for the Wooster community and surrounding area, offering the most modern and thorough care possible for its patients.
West View Healthy Living will receive the 2025 WorthyWorks Award, in partnership with the Wayne County Community Foundation, celebrated for its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Wooster residents and their proactive contributions to community improvement. West View Healthy Living is dedicated to Wooster, offering gathering spaces to the public, engaging in numerous local initiatives and extending the organization’s mission beyond its walls.
The Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce takes pride in honoring these individuals and businesses.
The Wooster Chamber is dedicated to creating an environment that not only supports existing businesses, but also encourages innovative new ventures. The organization is committed to maintaining a stable and flourishing local business community while driving investments that foster positive change in the area.