CAREER PATHS & LIMELIGHTS

AUTOMOBILEs

Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC dealerships have been recognized by General Motors as three of its Mark of Excellence Dealers.

Out of about 4,500 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealerships across the United States, Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC represented three of the 247 dealerships to receive the Mark of Excellence award.

This unique distinction is reserved for dealerships that exhibit professionalism and superior customer service while growing their business.

AGRICULTURE

The Columbiana County Agriculture Hall of Fame selection committee selected Allan G. Chamberlin and Charles L. Harper, both of Fairfield Township, to be enshrined posthumously during the 2015 Columbiana County Fair on Aug. 4.

Chamberlin, who died in 2012, focused on building a progressive and profitable farm but spent countless hours building the communities throughout Columbiana County as well. Raised on a farm, he graduated from New Waterford High School in 1937 and eventually bought two farms, raising truck crops, laying hens then broiler chickens, swine and cattle. He built one of the first grain-bin dryers in the area and installed a mix mill system to make his own feed for his laying chickens and swine. He started a registered Polled Hereford herd and sold purebred bulls in the region. He also strengthened the region’s agricultural community through his work as organization director with the Mahoning County Farm Bureau. He served as a Fairfield Township trustee for 11 years, then as a two-term Columbiana County commissioner and eight years on the Columbiana County School Board. He served in numerous community organizations and was known for barbershop singing and musical talents.

Harper, who died in 2009, spent most of his career promoting agriculture and natural resources conservation. Born and raised in Akron, he served in the Air Force during World War II, and returned to Ohio State University to finish a degree in agriculture. A year after graduation, he joined Firestone Farms in Columbiana as assistant manager and moved to Fairfield Township. He was subsequently named farm manager, and for the next 30 years he developed the working farm at Firestone Farms, also home of the company’s tractor-tire proving center. He was recognized in 1970 by the Cleveland Farmers’ Club and the Greater Cleveland Growth Association as a top farmer. After his retirement from Firestone Farms, he taught farm business planning and analysis to the county’s farmers through the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center. He also served 16 years with the Columbiana County Park District Board. Harper was leader of many community events and organizations, including the Columbiana County Fair board, the Columbiana County Farm Bureau and the Columbiana United Methodist Church.