by Marty Trese, KnoxPages.com Managing Editor
MOUNT VERNON – It was a night to honor local businesses Thursday at the Heritage Centre Association annual awards banquet.
The highlight of the evening at The Alcove Restaurant was the presentation of the Walter Rudin Award to Phil Herald, owner of Herald’s Appliances & Electronics. The award, which was sponsored by First Knox National Bank, is presented to an individual in honor of his or her longterm commitment to downtown Mount Vernon and the community. It is given to an individual that over his or her years of work has made significant contributions to downtown Mount Vernon and to the HCA. After a short video featuring photos of Herald, interviews with family and friends he accepted the award saying, “I can’t believe this. I am stunned. I don’t feel I deserve this for sure. I am so lucky.”
G. R. Smith Hardware was presented with the Centennial Award which recognizes Mount Vernon’s oldest businesses for enriching our economic heritage for more than 100 years. G.R. Smith has been meeting the hardware needs of Mount Vernon since 1912. Accepting the award was owner Bill Kramer who said he “was trained by the manager that actually worked under G. R. The principles from 1912 are the same as they are today, customer service, treat people and serve them as you would want to be served. “
Other awards presented:
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by WRP CPA’s, Good Impressions.
Mid-Sized Business of the Year, sponsored by G. R. Smith Hardware, Herald’s Appliances & Electronics.
Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Herald’s Appliances & Electronics, First Knox National Bank.
Community Pride Award, Sponsored by Griffin Insurance, Kahrl & Co. Insurance.
Nonprofit of the Year Award, sponsored by Knox Community Hospital, SPI Spot.
Spirit of Heritage Award, sponsored by Ohio Rental, Dee Allerding.
Left to right, front row: Rachel Garcia, SPI Spot; Phill Herald, Herald’s Appliances & Electronics; Ellen Smith, Good Impressions. Left to right, back row: Heather Brayshaw, First Knox National Bank; Josh Kirby, Kahrl & Co. Insurance; Dee Allerding, Dennis & Schisler CPA’s; Bill Kramer, G. R. Smith Hardware.
KnoxPages.com photo by Marty Trese
The Heritage Centre Association strives to cultivate a healthy and thriving downtown and Main Street in Mount Vernon. A vital central business district benefits an entire community — increasing both commercial and residential property values, enhancing the desirable “livability” of a town and instilling pride in the heart of the community.
Each year the HCA sponsors First Fridays, May through October, and coordinates the Christmas parade and walk.
