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John Ortwig Honored as Business-person-of-the year
GNC Chamber Honors Several
Businesses at 60th Anniversary
By Bob Lindsey
The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce 60th anniversary event on April 16 included special presentations to chamber volunteers, honors to long-time chamber businesses and the presentation of the 2015 Business Person of the Year award to John Ortwig, owner of Florissant Glass and the Old Town Chapel. The event was held at Norwood Country Club.
His wife, children and siblings were present for John’s big night. After thanking them all and his fellow chamber members, he told all present about the many positive things the Florissant Elks do for the community. A member of the Elks for more than 30 years, he has run the Hoop Shoot for many years and is currently in charge of the Bingo games the Elks have at their building at 1640 New Halls Ferry Road. He is a member of many Florissant area groups and is known for putting up American flags all along St. Francois Street for every holiday over the past 40 years.
Several Other Awards Presented
The Cathy Behlmann Volunteer of the Year Award went to Julie Berthold of Berthold Carpet Cleaning, who served as a recent chairperson of the chamber board. The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Tanya Smith of Life Care Center of Florissant. Harold Ruby and Damon Whitaker of Right Handyman Service received the Rookie of the Year Award.
Long-time executive director of the chamber, Diane Weidinger received a special recognition award for her 25 years of leadership of the chamber back when it was the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce. Rose Behlmann was honored for her 35 years as an administrative assistant at the chamber. Grace Zykan received a special recognition as both her late husband Don Zykan, Sr. and two sons, Steve Zykan and Don Zykan Jr., served as chairman of the chamber board.
The Hutchens Mortuary, Korte’s Custom Framing & Antiques and Moellering & Niehoff were honored for celebrating 60 years as chamber members. The Ferguson-Florissant School District, the Florissant Animal Hospital and Florissant Auto Paint received honors for 50 to 59 years of chamber members. Numerous other businesses received certificates for 25 to 40 years as chamber members.
