The Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce held its 2026 Chamber Awards Dinner May 28 at the Neeley Center in Fremont.
At the banquet, the chamber presented a list of honors to area businesses and individuals:
● Citizen of the Year went to Christina Keller, who serves as a family advocate with Great Lakes Community Action Partnership and is an independent provider. She also co-owns Backstage Lounge at The Strand Theater, where she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families across the community.
With more than 15 years at GLCAP and more than a decade as a state-certified provider, her work is rooted in professional experience and personal resilience. Keller serves as secretary of the Fremont Exchange Club and spent nine years coaching Special Olympic softball, earning recognition as a 2025 Ohio Coach of the Year.
Chamber gives awards to small, medium, large businesses
● The Small Business of the Year award went to Luna Studios. Led by Master Photographer Lori Mooney Fox, Luna Studios has served Sandusky County for nearly four decades, capturing the stories and milestones of generations of local families.
● The Medium Business of the Year award went to Fremont Speedway. Celebrating 75 years in 2026, Fremont Speedway is a nationally recognized racing destination known as “The Track That Action Built.” Under the leadership of Rich and Shelly Farmer, the Speedway continues to drive tourism and support charitable initiatives.
● The Large Business of the Year winner was Damschroder Roofing, which is celebrating 50 years in business. Damschroder Roofing has built a reputation as a trusted leader in commercial and industrial roofing. Known for its commitment to quality, strong team culture and community involvement, the company continues to make a lasting impact across Sandusky County and beyond.
Soroptimist honored as top nonprofit
● The Nonprofit of the Year Award was presented to Soroptimist of Fremont. The global organization with a local group has been empowering women and girls in the community since 1941.
● The People’s Choice Award was presented to El Dorado Taco, which is a family-owned business serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Fremont since 2012, with the city’s first Mexican food truck.
● The Award of Excellence was given to Tamara Mettler, purchasing manager for Beck Suppliers LLC/FriendShip Kitchen. She has played a key role in the company’s continued growth and expansion, helping support the opening of 16 new store locations. She is deeply involved across Sandusky County, serving as a board member for the Sandusky County Chamber, a past president and current board member of Soroptimist, a Rotary member and a mentor through Sandusky County Positive People.
● The Distinguished Service honor was presented to Joe Liszak. He has long been committed to supporting the health and well-being of individuals and families across Sandusky County through his professional leadership and community involvement. In addition to serving as CEO of Community Health Services, Liszak chairs the Men Against Cancer Committee — a group that has raised more than $140,000 over the past three years for the United Way Cancer Care Fund.
● The Clark Legacy Award was presented to Holly Stacy, who has served as president/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County to Seneca County commissioner and now county executive director for the USDA Farm Service Agency.
The sponsor for the event was Whirlpool Corporation with Plant Manager Ryan Deland closing out the night with a toast and a round of applause to all of the chamber winners and nominees.
The News-Messenger/News Herald
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Sandusky County Chamber presents slate of awards at annual dinner
Reporting by USA Today Network / Fremont News-Messenger
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