By Paula Pyzik Scott
The February 27 Ada Distinguished Awards, coordinated by the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrated those who went above and beyond in their businesses, jobs and volunteer work. More than 150 area residents, business leaders and officials gathered at Liberty Oaks to recognize three outstanding individuals for 2024:
- Jamie Hall, Village of Ada Administrator, Citizen of the Year
- Linda Mason, ONU senior financial aid specialist and council member, Chris Burns-DiBiasio Make a Difference Award
- Buckeye East, owned by Amber and Nick Simon, Business of the Year
The evening was emceed by Ada High School student Jillian Allison, who introduced remarks by Mayor Dave Retterer, ONU Vice President for Financial Affairs Jason Broge, Ada Schools Superintendent Julie Simmons and Ohio Senate President Rob McColley who represents District 1.
Ada Council member Bob Simmons introduced Jamie Hall as 2024 Citizen of the Year. Simmons noted that Hall has been village administrator for 11 years and will retire this summer. He pointed to the many projects that Hall has supervised, beginning with $14M wastewater treatment plant, working with engineers and making grant applications. Hall was also commended for being very active in the community and for his ability to handle difficult situations.
Accepting the award, Hall thanked his wife Valerie and sons Ethan and Nate for their support when his job took him away on weekends and eventings. He noted that while he grew up in Carey, he now considers Ada his hometown. He said that much of his work was simply following the example of and keeping up with others in the community. In closing, he said, “if you have the opportunity… if somebody asks you if you can sell 50/50 tickets or says we need a little help…. Just say “yes.” You’ll really enjoy it.”
A group of Buckeye East coffee shop regulars, a.k.a. “The Friends of Buckeye East,” introduced Business of the Year owner Amber Simon. They praised the coffee shop for providing them with a warm, welcoming gathering place as well as for hosting 5th Quarter events for Ada students following home football games: “They can hang out in a safe and fun place.” Line dancing, games and pizza are provided at the events. Accepting the award, Simon said you could thank her kids for being the inspiration for 5th Quarter events.
Chamber director Lindsay Hollar introduced volunteer of the year honoree Linda Mason, noting that Mason is “always one of the first people to ask how can I help, what do you need me to do?” Hollar encouraged others to emulate Mason’s acts of kindness and support, and to envision how that would impact the village and the university. She recalled running short on petty cash during her first Made in Ada Football Festival, when Mason responded by making the rounds of Ada stores and restaurants to find the small bills needed.
The evening also included music by pianist Dean Altstaetter, an invocation by Pastor Brandi Grant-Rigsby of Ada First UMC, charcuterie by Ang’s Amazing Grace, hot foods by Shafer’s Smoked Meats and desserts by Circle U Waffle Co.
