Annual Dinner 2023
"Work Made Fun Gets Work Done"
The evening focused on best practices, experiences, and innovations in using a positive work culture and environment to attract and retain employees. Panelists were:
Simon Hargus: Hargus owns and operates First Settlement Physical Therapy, a local business with 230 employees. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 2002 and subsequently graduated college with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Master’s in Business Administration.
Mary Ann Ketelsen: Ketelsen is co-owner of Mister B Snacks, LLC located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Ketelsen bought into Mister Bee in 2015 and took over operations and strategic planning in May 2018. She obtained 27 years of experience from the manufacturing companies, American Cyanamid and Solvay. After leaving manufacturing, she moved on to become manager of Welch Oil and Gas where she worked alongside Mary Welch, her mother, for ten years.
Deanna Shuler: Shuler is the Director of Community Health & Wellness for Memorial Health System, has been with the organization for over 20 years. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in athletic training, Shuler spent the early part of her career involved in collegiate and high school athletics, outpatient rehabilitation, and the hospital’s sports medicine clinic. An additional certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist allowed her to transition to the Wellness Center in 2014, where she has spent the last 10 years.
Bill Wilkinson: Wilkinson is owner of Mid-Ohio Valley Employment (MOVE) in Downtown Marietta. He holds a BA in Accounting and Business from Muskingum University and has completed masters level coursework at Ohio University in Finance/Business. MOVE opened in January 2020. He had previously worked at Perry and Associates CPAs for 16 years in various roles, (Senior Audit Manager, CEO, and Director of Business Development), and currently co-owns Perry and Associates with his
Master of Ceremonies was Ben Bradley of Sow-N-Sew & Sun LLC.
A feature of the event included a video presented during the 5:30 pm social hour spotlighting Platinum Sponsors and other supporters.
Stand-out businesses, individuals and organizations were placed in the spotlight as winners as the “Night of Awards” are featured. Awards will include Belpre Citizen of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Spirit of the Chamber, Business Person of the Year, Spirit of the Community, Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year.
Social Hour appetizers and Coffee Break were sponsored by the Platinum Plus sponsor Belpre UPS Store, with a special focus on experiences that build teaming, relationships and a positive work environment. Dessert specialty cupcakes were sponsored by Village Cakery
wife Jodey.
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