Fulton County Ohio Media

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Last Thursday the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) held its Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at Founder’s Hall on the campus of Sauder Village in Archbold.  Max Smith, Jr., owner of WMTR-FM in Archbold served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Seven separate Awards were given out, four in business categories (Excellence in Retail, Community Leadership, Excellence in Industry, Business of the Year) and three to individuals (Excellence in Public Service, Volunteer of the Year, Robert Fulton Award).

Listed below are the scripts read to the audience by Mr. Smith for each of the award recipients:

Excellence in Retail:  Tonight, we’re proud to honor a business — and a vision — that has brought entertainment, community, and culinary creativity together right here in Fulton County. It is my pleasure to present the 2025 Excellence in Retail Award to Sky Cinema and Reelwood Kitchen.  Although Matt and Mindy Gleckler couldn’t be with us tonight, we’re thrilled to have members of their incredible staff here to accept the award on their behalf — the very team that helps bring their vision to life each and every day.

Matt, a proud Fulton County native, and his wife Mindy opened Sky Cinema in 2005 with a goal of creating more than just a movie theater — they wanted to build a local experience. And for nearly two decades, that’s exactly what they’ve done. Whether it’s the latest blockbuster, classic movie snacks, or just a night out with family and friends, Sky Cinema has given our community a place to gather and unwind.

And just last year, they expanded that experience even further with the opening of Reelwood Kitchen — a fresh, local products, from-scratch dining concept that adds a new flavor to movie nights. With its warm atmosphere and commitment to quality, Reelwood is yet another example of how the Glecklers continue to raise the bar in local retail and hospitality.

Together, Sky Cinema and Reelwood Kitchen are helping to keep entertainment dollars in Fulton County, strengthening our economy while offering something truly special and unique to the area.

So tonight, we celebrate not just a business, but a team effort — one built on vision, hard work, and a genuine love for the community.  Please join me in congratulating the entire staff of Sky Cinema and Reelwood Kitchen, as we proudly present the 2025 Excellence in Retail Award.

Community Leadership Award:  Tonight, we celebrate a business — and a family — whose name has become synonymous with community, generosity, and leadership in Fulton County.  It is my honor to present the 2025 Community Leadership Award to St. Mary’s Meats, and its devoted owners, AJ and Nancy Schroeder.

For many, St. Mary’s Meats is the go-to place for high-quality, locally sourced meats — beef, pork, lamb — all processed on-site with a standard of care and craftsmanship that’s hard to find these days. As one of the few facilities in our region that still handles processing from start to finish, their reputation for quality is well earned.

But what truly sets them apart isn’t just the product — it’s the people behind it.  AJ and Nancy have turned their family business into a force for good in this community. They’ve supported our local school sports teams through generous fundraising specials. They’ve created a beloved annual tradition with their Buck Pole, where local hunters — young and old — display their bucks on a custom-built 30-foot rail in front of the store. And for the winners? AJ processes their deer free of charge, and thanks to his partnership with Burkholder Taxidermy, they also receive a free shoulder mount — all in the spirit of giving back.

In 2024 alone, more than 2,000 pounds of deer meat was processed and donated by AJ to church pantries throughout Fulton County — helping to feed countless families across our towns.  But AJ and Nancy’s generosity often goes unseen. Many don’t realize that when there’s a funeral service next door, AJ and Nancy often arrange for anonymous ham dinners to be delivered — no names, no credit, just kindness in action.

On top of it all, AJ continues to give his time and leadership as the President of the Metamora Area Chamber of Commerce — volunteering countless hours to support local businesses, plan community events, and help the village grow and thrive. Whether it’s lending a hand at a fundraiser or advocating for small business owners, AJ shows up — every single time.  Their story is proof that leadership isn’t always about titles or accolades — it’s about showing up, stepping in, and doing the right thing — over and over again.

So tonight, we say thank you. Thank you to AJ and Nancy, and to the entire team at St. Mary’s Meats, for your deep commitment to this community, for the meals shared, the lives touched, and the example set.  Because in Fulton County, it’s not just about the work we do — it’s about the heart we bring to it.  Congratulations to our 2025 Community Leadership Award winners — St. Mary’s Meats.

Excellence in Industry Award:  It is my honor to present this year’s Excellence in Industry Award — a recognition reserved for those who not only contribute meaningfully to Fulton County’s economy, but also exemplify innovation, integrity, and commitment to community. This year, we are proud to recognize TC Bros. as our 2025 honoree.

What began in 2006 as a dream between two brothers, Tyler & Tim Cobb, has grown into something truly remarkable. With a deep-rooted passion for custom motorcycles and an unwavering dedication to quality craftsmanship, TC Bros. has become a name recognized across the country in the custom motorcycle industry.  For over 18 years, they have proven what’s possible when you combine grit, creativity, and a genuine commitment to your customers. Their recent expansion into a 60,000-square-foot facility is not just a milestone — it’s a symbol of what’s being built right here in Fulton County. This growth has allowed them to achieve some of the fastest shipping times in the industry, setting a national standard from right here in our backyard.

But what’s equally impressive is what hasn’t changed.  Despite their growth, TC Bros. remains family owned and operated. There are no big investment groups behind the scenes — just a tight-knit team of employees who show up every day with one goal in mind: to serve their customers with excellence.  They’ve kept their roots in our community while growing a brand that’s recognized and respected far beyond it. That kind of success — grounded in values, hard work, and hometown pride — is exactly what the Excellence in Industry Award is all about.

So tonight, on behalf of the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, it is my absolute pleasure to recognize TC Bros. for their outstanding contributions to our local economy, their inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, and their continued leadership in American manufacturing.  Congratulations, TC Bros. — and thank you for riding with Fulton County.

Excellence in Public Service:  It’s not every day that we get the chance to honor someone whose life’s work has been defined by giving — not for recognition, not for reward, but simply because it’s the right thing to do.  Tonight, we are proud to present the 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award to a man whose legacy is written across decades of community leadership, civic dedication, and quiet, steady service — Mr. Bill Rufenacht.

Bill’s journey in public service has spanned nearly five decades, and his fingerprints are found on countless efforts that have shaped the communities we know and love.  From his early days in business, when he opened Bill’s Locker Room in 1978 — and later expanded to Wauseon, Bryan, and Ottawa — Bill wasn’t just running a business. He was helping build a culture of local pride. Whether it was outfitting teams, supporting schools, or investing in our downtowns, Bill brought energy and vision to small-town retail. He also led as president of the Archbold Retail Merchants Association, encouraging others to believe in the power of local.

Bill’s sense of civic duty didn’t stop there.  He served on Archbold Village Council from 2001 to 2004, then was elected Fulton County Commissioner in 2012, serving two full terms. During those eight years, he brought a steady hand and thoughtful leadership to the challenges and opportunities facing our county.

To this day, Bill continues to give back — as a board member for the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, the Fulton County Museum, the Northwest Ohio Juvenile Detention Center, and the Archbold Economic Development Committee. He is a proud, long-standing member of the Archbold Rotary Club, serving now for an incredible 47 years — a true testament to his commitment to service above self.

But what makes Bill’s story truly special is that his public service never stopped at official titles.  He’s a volunteer driver for the Fulton County Senior Center, helping make sure our seniors get where they need to go with kindness and care. He’s a 25-year member of the Archbold Athletic Boosters, a former coach of the Archbold American Legion baseball team, and — in case you didn’t know — led that very team to a state championship in 1971.  And in 2011, Bill co-authored the book “100 Years of Archbold Basketball” — preserving the stories and legacy of a sport that has brought generations together in our town.

Bill doesn’t serve because it’s easy. He serves because he cares. About the people. About the place. And about the future.  Tonight, we say thank you — not just for the roles he’s held, but for the heart he’s brought to every one of them.

So please join me in celebrating a lifetime of impact and unwavering dedication as we present the 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award to Bill Rufenacht.  Thank you, Bill — for showing all of us what it means to lead with purpose, humility, and heart.

Volunteer of the Year:  Each year, we take a moment to recognize someone who gives of their time, heart, and energy — not for accolades, but because they believe in the people around them and the strength of this community.  This year, our Fulton County Economic Development Volunteer of the Year is someone whose light shines not just brightly, but intentionally — lighting a path for those who are often overlooked.  It is my privilege to recognize Kathy Shaw, the Director of Triangular Processing, as this year’s Volunteer of the Year.

Kathy has dedicated her life and leadership to empowering adults with developmental disabilities. Through her work at Triangular Processing, she has helped build more than just services — she’s helped build opportunity, dignity, and community.  Under her leadership, Triangular has expanded its reach with programs like The Table on Fulton, Blooms Flower Company, the Racquetball Club, and Triangular’s Special Olympics — each one offering meaningful, fulfilling work opportunities for individuals who deserve nothing less than our full belief in their abilities.

Kathy is never content with “enough.” She’s always asking, “What more can we do? How else can we create purpose?” Whether it’s through workforce training, events, or fundraising, her vision never stops growing — because she believes the people she serves are worthy of that kind of vision.  She is the energy behind so many beloved events — from Festival of Trees to the Heroes vs. Heroes Basketball Tournament, which brings together first responders and Special Olympics athletes in a celebration of inclusion, teamwork, and joy.

And beyond that, Kathy pours her heart into programs like Fulton County Legends & Livestock — an incredible, inclusive stock show that pairs youth from 4-H and FFA with exhibitors who have special needs. Together, they form bonds, learn to care for animals, and take pride in showing them at the fair. For some participants, it’s their very first time being included in this kind of opportunity. And because of Kathy, it won’t be their last.

Kathy doesn’t just serve people with disabilities — she sees them. She sees their strengths, their gifts, their laughter, and their potential. And more importantly — she makes sure the rest of us do too.  She doesn’t forget about them. In fact, she makes sure they are front and center — as workers, athletes, artists, farmers, and full, thriving members of the community where they live, work, and play.  She is a voice. An advocate. A tireless champion. And we are so fortunate to have her serving on the Fulton County Economic Development board, bringing that same passion and inclusion to the broader mission of growth and opportunity across this county.

Kathy, you remind us all what it means to lead with empathy, purpose, and heart.  So tonight, on behalf of a grateful community, we thank you for the countless hours you’ve poured into creating a more inclusive and loving Fulton County. You’ve not only changed lives — you’ve helped all of us see the value in every single person.  Please join me in celebrating our 2025 Volunteer of the Year — Kathy Shaw.

Business of the Year:  Tonight, we have the honor of recognizing a company that has not only helped build roads and infrastructure across the region — but one that has helped build the very foundation of excellence, reliability, and leadership in Fulton County. It is with great pride that we present the 2025 Business of the Year Award to Miller Bros. Construction.

Miller Bros. isn’t just a company with a family name — it’s a company with family values. Since its founding in 1945 by Dale and Floyd Miller, this once small Northwest Ohio excavating firm has grown into a regional powerhouse — now licensed in twelve states, and still growing strong. What has never changed, however, is their commitment to integrity, safety, innovation, and quality workmanship.

Now in its third generation of family leadership, Miller Bros. Construction has continued to uphold the values it was built on nearly 80 years ago — with a strong work ethic, a skilled and passionate workforce, and an unwavering dedication to doing things the right way.

Whether it’s a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project or a community road, their attention to detail, safety standards, and execution remain second to none. With over 600 pieces of operated equipment, a bonding capacity exceeding $225 million, and a nationally recognized safety program — they don’t just meet expectations, they set new ones.

But what truly makes Miller Bros. stand out — and what makes them a cornerstone in our local economy — is their people. From leadership and management to every crew member out on a job site, they’ve built a team of highly trained, deeply dedicated professionals who take pride not just in what they do — but in why they do it. And here in Fulton County, we’ve seen firsthand the way MBC invests in our communities. Their legacy isn’t just in the roads, bridges, and earth they move — it’s in the lives they impact, the jobs they create, and the pride they inspire.

Tonight, we celebrate not just a successful business, but a company that represents the very best of what it means to grow with integrity, lead with purpose, and build with vision. Thank you for building more than projects — thank you for building a better future for all of us and calling Fulton County home. Please join me in congratulating Miller Bros. Construction — our 2025 Business of the Year.

Robert Fulton Award: The last award recipient we are honoring this evening is the recipient of the Robert Fulton Award. This award is the FCEDC’s version of the lifetime achievement award. It honors an individual that gives time, energy, financial resources and talent to continually strive to improve the economic condition of Fulton County. The FCEDC Executive Committee selects the award recipient and this year’s recipients received unanimous support from the Executive Committee for this honor.

Tonight, it is my deep honor and privilege to present the Robert Fulton Award, a recognition reserved for those whose dedication, leadership, and community spirit have left a lasting mark on Fulton County. When FCEDC was just getting started more than a decade ago, we were looking for someone with vision — someone who could help launch this organization with passion, purpose, and perseverance. After the interview, the decision was unanimous — this was our person.

But what we didn’t realize that day was just how much we were getting. We weren’t just hiring one extraordinary individual — we were gaining a team. From that moment on, Fulton County didn’t just gain a director… we gained a family. Over the past ten years, Matt Gilroy has been the steady hand and the strategic mind that has guided FCEDC forward. Under his leadership, we’ve seen remarkable growth — not just in numbers, but in relationships, in impact, in heart.

He helped bring in companies like Nature Fresh Farms and Nova Structural Tube to Delta. Cleanlites Recycling and General Flange & Forge to Wauseon. He championed investments like Area 419, and helped lead major expansions at North Star BlueScope, Fulton County Processing, Archbold Furniture, ConAgra, Haas Door, and Wauseon Machine. He partnered with small businesses like TC Bros Choppers, NEF Ltd., MCW Certified Welding, and J&B Feed Company — recognizing that growth doesn’t just happen in large headlines but in the dreams of our local entrepreneurs.

But Matt’s service has never stopped at the office door. He’s served on the Fulton County Airport Board, Triangular Processing, Rotary, the Visitor Bureau, and more. And alongside him, Jennie has quietly been shaping this community as well — serving on the United Way of Fulton County, the Adriel Foster Care and Adoption Board, as President of Archbold Rotary, and as Troop Leader for Girl Scout Troop 1316. Jennie and Matt also worked together to start the Festival of trees to help support Triangular Processing’s mission to support Individuals’ with developmental disabilities.

Together, Matt and Jennie Gilroy have been more than colleagues or neighbors — they have been pillars in the truest sense of the word. They’ve helped build a stronger, more compassionate, more connected Fulton County — not with loud declarations, but with steadfast dedication. They’ve been the kind of people who lead by example. The kind who don’t seek recognition — but absolutely deserve it.

As they prepare to start a new chapter, we want them to know: you’ll always have a home here in Fulton County. Matt and Jennie, thank you for giving us your time, your talents, your friendship, and your hearts. You will forever be part of the legacy you helped build here.

On behalf of the entire FCEDC family, and a grateful Fulton County, it is with sincere gratitude and admiration we present the 2025 Robert Fulton Award to Matt & Jennie Gilroy.

Click on the link above to access photos from the event. Photos are in the jpeg format and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.