Contributed by Meredith McKee, Executive Director

Individuals and businesses honored for their contributions

The Tipp City Chamber of Commerce celebrated the spirit of community and business excellence at its Annual Holiday Gala, where outstanding individuals and businesses were honored for their exceptional contributions. The event, held at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy, Ohio, brought together community leaders, business owners, and residents to recognize this year’s award recipients. The winners of the prestigious awards are as follows:

• Citizen of the Year: Steve Huffman

• Business of the Year: Concrete Sealants

• Small Business of the Year: Tipp Center/Sheila Ingram

• Young Professional of the Year: Luke Zerkle

• Chairman’s Choice Award: Nick Heinl

These honorees have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, leadership, and a positive impact on the Tipp City community. The Tipp City Chamber of Commerce applauds their achievements and extends its heartfelt congratulations to the deserving winners.

Citizen of the Year - Steve Huffman

“For the last few years, we have been fortunate to recognize some incredible people as Tipp City’s citizen of the year. This year, I would like to nominate Steve Huffman, a 32-year-long resident of Tipp City, who has dedicated his career and personal extra time to serving the healthcare needs of the community and providing service to the community. For the last few years, we have seen Steve at our Holiday Gala, presenting the award recipients with recognitions from the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives. What few may not know is that he had to drive back each time the day off from Columbus to ensure the awards reached us in time. His career as a physician and as an elected official reflects an individual who is dedicated to helping others and supporting businesses. One only needs to look at the form that follows to see this is the case given the long list of contributions and community service.

Last year, when seeing him present the award, I made a mental note that Steve certainly qualifies for this award. And while he is in politics and typically part of the presentation, I believe that Steve should be recognized as one of the great citizens that make Tipp City great. Given the recent award he received for supporting small businesses, like those who make up our chamber, I felt this year was also a good time to reflect that the City he has called home for 32 years recognizes his extraordinary efforts.”

Business of the Year - Concrete Sealants

 “For over 54 years, Concrete Sealants Inc. (ConSeal) has been a pillar of Tipp City, dedicated to our community’s growth, supporting local businesses, and investing in future generations.
A Legacy of Commitment to Tipp City:
Since its founding, ConSeal has demonstrated a lasting commitment to Tipp City and Miami County, actively engaging in local affairs and providing a steady source of employment for the region. ConSeal places its employees at the heart of its operations, fostering a workplace where they feel valued and supported. This commitment was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when ConSeal went above and beyond to care for its team, providing daily lunches for over 100 employees. In a spirit of community solidarity, ConSeal sourced these meals locally from Bowman Landes Meats, supporting fellow small businesses during challenging times.
Investing in Education and Community:
ConSeal understands that investing in local youth and education is essential for a thriving community. Over the years, the company has donated more than a quarter million dollars to Miami County schools and organizations. These contributions have supported sports programs, facilities, committees, athletic boosters, yearbook initiatives, and much more. ConSeal also proudly backs the Miami County Fair programs and Miami County Community Action programs and participates annually in career fairs to inspire and guide the next generation.
In addition, ConSeal has established strong connections with Miami County schools, offering internships in engineering and manufacturing, and participating in programs such as local business tours and “Made in Miami” events. These initiatives help students link their education with future career opportunities, enriching the local workforce and providing invaluable, hands-on experience.
Championing Local Business and Culture:
Beyond education, ConSeal is deeply involved in promoting local culture and business. The company regularly supports beloved community festivals, including the Mum Festival and the Troy Strawberry Festival. ConSeal also hosts national committees and training events in Tipp City, drawing visitors from across the country who contribute to the local economy through their patronage of Tipp City businesses. By hosting these gatherings, ConSeal helps to showcase Tipp City as a vibrant, business-friendly community.
Concrete Sealants, Inc. has not only built a successful business but has also woven itself into the very fabric of Tipp City. From supporting local schools and festivals to educating and empowering young minds, ConSeal exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated community partner. Their decades-long legacy of commitment, generosity, and leadership make them an outstanding candidate for the Small Business of the Year award.”

Small Business of the Year - Tipp Center/Sheila Ingram

“I've attended many events she has hosted in my almost two years in Tipp City. She has made it clear through her advertising that she wants to promote this community. Her generosity reaches local organizations such as Veteran events and Tipp City Community Band, to name a few, and ones TCCC and DTCP are familiar with that she humbly supports in an effort to benefit the community.

Her vision to bring business to Tipp City has been in my opinion her priority. If the city thrives, then so do the businesses. She managed to make it through the closure of Covid and reinvent her space not for just events but with permanent and temporary fully equipped office space.

I remember when I first drove by the Tipp Center, not knowing the extent of the venue, but was taken aback that Tipp City had such an impressive place in our wonderful small town. Her foresight, business expertise, and promotion of Tipp City make her a strong candidate for Small Business of the Year.”

Young Professional of the Year - Luke Zerkle

“Where to begin? First, Luke is an awesome human being. He is kind, intelligent, energetic, and takes initiative. Second, Luke works hard with his non-profit Goon Brothers. Raising money, supporting our community, and encouraging people to be kind and have fun. Third, Luke has spearheaded running FCA at the HS. Over the summer he created a community with the students weekly with fun, a meal and fellowship in his backyard. When school began meetings started back up at 7 a.m. at the HS. Week after week the number of students has grown. They even have an FCA at the MS too! Over 100 students show up and participate week after week. And finally, fourth, Luke is an exceptional husband and father. Even battling his own illness, he continues to show up for his family, his students and our community. I love that he is transparent about his health, his family, FCA and Goon Brother's online. I think he is a fantastic role model and very deserving of this award.”