Mercer Chamber honors resident and business

Photo

Special to The Vindicator

SHARING LIMELIGHT: Following the presentation of awards, from left, Lizette Olsen, Mercer Chamber of Commerce president; John G. Johnson, the Citizen of the Year; Christina Gish, representing the Business of the Year; and Deborah Plant, chamber executive director, enjoy a moment together in the limelight.

MERCER, PA. — Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce honored an area resident and an area business during its annual dinner meeting on June 2 at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Hugh Ringer presided.

Singled out for recognition were John G. Johnson, who was named the Citizen of the Year; and Mercer Hardware, operated by Merle and Christina Gish, was honored as the 2009 Business of the year. The honorees received citations from state Sen. Bob Robbins and state Reps. Dick Stevenson and Kathleen Dahlkemper.

Nancy Ollinger, the 2008 Citizen of the Year, announced that Johnson, also known as Jerry, was chosen for the 2009 title.

A former Mercer County Commissioner and Mercer mayor, Johnson is serving as a Mercer Borough councilman. He has helped create and served on many boards of directors, foundations and community interest groups. A graduate of Grove City College and a World War II veteran, he served as chairman of Mercer County Bicentennial commission and is a member of many organizations, including Mercer United Methodist Church, Mercer County Historical Society and Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce.

As he announced Mercer Hardware as the 2009 Business of the Year, Ringer said the business deserves the honor due to its continuing service to the community.

Over the years Merle and Christina (Tina) Gish have been involved in, created and supported many events such as Toys for Tots, Victorian Weekend, Memorial Day 500, Penn’s Woods West Folk and Art Festival, Relay for Life, and baseball, basketball and football leagues. They earned the title through their leadership and local support of the community.

The chamber has planned a Victorian Weekend Festival for July 17-19, and a community band concert series from June 26 to Aug. 14.