Sandusky County

Professionals honored for making a difference

Submitted by SANDUSKY COUNTY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

The Sandusky County Young Professionals Group hosted the first Sandusky County Young Professionals Awards Ceremony on Dece. 8 at Camp Fire Sandusky County in Fremont.

The SCYPG, which originated just one year ago this past November, honored young professionals making a difference. Professionals between the ages of 21 and 45 are recognized in several categories (details below). An outstanding business or organization is also honored as the best next generation place to work. Applicants are graded by a panel of community member judges representing different industries.

The awards ceremony, which also served as the group’s Ugly Christmas Sweater themed holiday party and annual celebration, had approximately 40 attendees and raised $345 for Community Christmas to purchase gift cards for teens. 

Every award winner (including those who received an honorable mention) received an award and commendations from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. The finalists also received recognition from the Ohio Secretary of State and a small gift from the S

CYPG. 

The 2018 Award Winners and Finalists include:

  • Best Next Generation Workplace Award – This award is presented to a Sandusky County business or organization that demonstrates a commitment to attracting, retaining and developing the young, professional workforce.

Winner of the Best Next Generation Workplace Awards:  UIS Insurance & Investments

Finalists: City of Fremont and Dotnet Technologies

  • Love Sandusky County Volunteer Award – This award is presented to a Sandusky County Young Professional whose extraordinary civic engagement, volunteerism and public service has made Sandusky County THRIVE by their volunteer efforts outside of their normal job duties.

Winner of the “Love Sandusky County” Volunteer Award: Jason Conklin, J. Conklin  Consulting

Finalists: Nathan Koenig, Sandusky County Job and Family Services;

Ruth Watson, Sandusky County Board of DD; Aaron Wilson, Edward Jones; and Caleb Wynbissinger, Clyde Ace Hardware

  • Young Leader of the Year Award: This award is presented to a young professional who has emerged as a business leader, demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their career and has made a positive impact in the workplace.

Winner of the Young Leader of the Year Award: Mayor Danny Sanchez, City of Fremont; Roger Kuns, Northcoast Security received an Honorable Mention

Finalists: Zak Selvey, Dewey and Selvey, Attorneys and Sandusky County Prosecutor’s Office; Alisa Zieber, Cosi Bella

  • Young Professional of the Year Award – This award is presented to a young professional who has emerged as a business leader, demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their career and has made a positive impact in the workplace and within the community. This person follows the mission of the SCYPG and is a paid/active member of the organization.

Winner of the Young Professional of the Year Award:

Cori Foos, St. Joseph Central Catholic High School and Rodan + Fields — Independent Consultant; Eliot Parker, Parkmont Wealth Advisors received an honorable mention

Finalists: Jenny Freeh, UIS Insurance & Investments; Kassandra Kuzma, Sandusky County Board of Elections; Rob Roth, UIS Insurance & Investments

Also recognized were Megan Craun, Sandco Industries, and Andrea Gibson, Sandusky County Economic Development Corp. for being the Founding Chairpersons of the SCYPG.  They both received a Visionary Award by board members: Lindsay Walters, Kassandra Kuzma and Rob Roth.  For additional information please message the SCYPG on Facebook or email them at sanduskycountyypg@gmail.com

The SCYPG is built from our area’s best talent to support and enhance our influence in the community. With the mission to attract, engage and motivate young professionals to make Sandusky County an even greater place to live, work and play; the SCYPG is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership, mentoring and networking opportunities.