About that green grass of ours.

Rehearse? Who needs to rehearse when you have the best possible players in place?

Eleven people agreed to participate in our interactive "Where the Grass Really is Greener" banquet program, without really knowing how it was going to happen, who else was going to speak or what the others were going to say.   As it turned out, it couldn’t have been scripted any better!  With Malinda Thomas from Wholesome Pet getting things started perfectly on just the right note and the way Jon Ritchie, Superintendent of Orrville City Schools nailed it in his conclusion, well, it all rolled out as the exact message we had hoped for.

Jim Davis, owner of Orrville Dairy Queen,  gave a great perspective on small city advantages, County Commissioner Scott Wiggam focused on the impact we have county wide, and Brian Gibson from White's Maibach, as a real newcomer, reminded us how unique we really are.   Steve Snyder from Bob Snyder Auto Exchange shared about their family success in Orrville, still going after 100 years.  Maria Hostetler from Nagy's Collision Center had an announcement about plans for growth which was a great example of growing in our green grass,  and Jack Rose from The Will-Burt Company had some spontaneous remarks about customer loyalty that really rang true.

Helen Meyers, Executive Director of the Orrville Area United Way, reminded us of our generosity, and Larry Meyers from Orrville Plumbing and Heating had a great message that was simply outstanding in such a real way. David Lehman from Mennonite Mutual Insurance Company can always be counted on to bring it all together for a deeper meaning. He did not disappoint, as he made us think about the green grass that grows seedlings into trees that flourish right here in our town.

Mayor Handwerk was the perfect person to be our roving reporter, interacting on the floor, adding just the right touch of interest, humor, history and sidebars. 

I have had so many people tell me how much they enjoyed the evening and the great feeling of partnerships, teamwork and community that they felt in the room that night.  Thanks for making that happen in such a very special way.  

With sincere appreciation to our sponsor The Scotts Company, to everyone who helped make this a great night, and to all who attended.

Jenni