Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce will return to a sit-down dinner June 3 when it recognizes individuals and businesses with its Raven Awards.
The dinner begins at 6 p.m. at Ravenna Elks Club, 776 N. Freedom St. in Ravenna. Tickets are $50 and include a sit-down dinner for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ryann Cline, executive director of the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce, said members of the public requested the dinner setup, and said tickets are selling fast. Get tickets on the chamber’s website through May 27.
Connie Bennett will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award; Brad Crislip will be recognized as Volunteer of the Year; and Larry Silinius will be named Citizen of the Year. The food truck Zonuts and Lattes will be recognized as Young Entrepreneur.
In addition, two dozen businesses or organizations will be recognized.
Lifetime Achievement
Bennett, chief executive officer of Portage Community Bank, was nominated by Robert Standardi.
Standardi wrote in his nomination that Bennett has had a “profound” impact on Ravenna’s economic health over nearly three decades.
“Over nearly three decades, Connie has been a pillar of the Ravenna community, embodying the spirit of ‘Neighbors Serving Neighbors’ through her exceptional leadership, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the prosperity and quality of life in our city,” he stated.
In addition to her service at the bank, Bennett is co-chair of Friends of Ravenna Schools; supports beatification efforts through the chamber; was grand marshal of the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair in 2024; and oversees volunteer service at Center of Hope.
She guided the bank through the loss of two longtime executives − Chief Financial Officer Don Herman in July 2025 and Chief Lending Officer Eric Decker in January 2026.
“Connie is widely recognized as a leader of high character, known for her empathy and integrity,” Standardi stated. “Whether mentoring colleagues or leading her team through difficult times … she has always put people first. Her peer recognized ‘deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with supporting local growth’ makes her an ideal representative for this lifetime honor.”
Volunteer of the Year
Crislip, a native of Windham and Braceville, started working at the Shorts-Spice-Crislip Funeral Home in 1989, and became part owner of the Ravenna funeral home in 2007.
He is a member and past president of Ravenna Rotary, where he is also a Paul Harris Fellowship winner. He also is a member of Ravenna Kiwanis, where he serves president. In 2021, the Kiwanis Club built a playground at the Community Action Council’s youth center.
Crislip also is a member of the Ravenna Moose Club, Eagles and is a four-year trustee with Ravenna Elks Club. He serves lunch at the Center of Hope and Shepherd’s House, and volunteers to ring bells for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season.
He is a former board member of Main Street Ravenna and Epic, and has coached softball, baseball, basketball, soccer and football. He began working with Ravenna football in 2005, starting with youth and then middle school and high school.
Citizen of the Year
Ravenna City Councilwoman Amy Michael nominated Silinius. She said Silinius has been involved with the city for more than a decade, with service that included serving on panels such as design review and being diligent with residents’ feedback to council.
Michael said Silinius is a “strong advocate for the betterment of our downtown growth” and shows up because he loves his hometown.
Young Entrepreneur
The Young Entrepreneur Award, created in 2024, recognizes business owners ages 30 and younger. It was created when chamber board members suggested young business owners should be recognized.
Zonuts and Lattes sets up regularly at Sicliano’s Pizza in Ravenna, as well as many local sports events and festivals.
New Construction and Renovation
Portage Crisis Center will be recognized for New Construction. The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County and Coleman Professional Services plans a ribbon cutting May 26 at the center.
Those that will be recognized for new renovation include:
New Business
New businesses established in 2025 include:
Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at dsmith@recordpub.com
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Raven Awards dinner to recognize businesses, leaders
Reporting by Diane Smith, Ravenna Record-Courier / Record-Courier
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