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\nBusinessperson of the Year
\nLaura Stimmel
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\nLaura Stimmel is the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at Middlefield Bank\, bringing more than 25 years of banking experience and a lifelong passion for community banking. Having served the Westerville area for decades\, Laura believes that true success in banking is measured not in transactions\, but in relationships&mdash\;listening\, understanding\, and walking alongside customers as they build their futures.
Her leadership was recently reflected in the relocation of Middlefield Bank&rsquo\;s Westerville office to 450 Altair Parkway\, a meaningful investment that reinforces the bank&rsquo\;s commitment to growth\, accessibility\, and long-term partnership within the community.
\n\nLaura has been an engaged member of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce since 2008 and has steadily answered the call to lead. She joined the Board of Trustees in 2023\, served as Vice-Chair in 2025\, and will proudly serve as Chair-Elect in 2026. Her service reflects a belief that strong communities are built when leaders show up\, give back\, and create space for others to succeed.
\n\nShe lives in Delaware\, Ohio\, with her husband\, Ted and has two children\, Jordan and Heather\, who are married and live in Cincinnati. She also has two grandchildren\, Emmett &\; Reese. Laura remains deeply grateful for the relationships\, trust\, and shared purpose that continue to inspire her work every day.
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\nYoung Professional of the Year
\nAdam Price
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\nAdam Price is the Principal Broker and Owner of Reach Realty\, an independent real estate brokerage built on a people-first approach. With a background in healthcare and a referral-driven real estate business\, Adam is known for his thoughtful advisory style and commitment to serving clients with care. He'\;s actively involved in Westerville through nonprofit\, leadership\, and civic service\, and believes strong communities are built through trust\, service\, and connection.
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\nVeteran Champion of the Year
\nSarah Nicely Bach
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Sarah is a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Organizational Communications and holds an MBA from Franklin University. She has been with BMI Federal Credit Union since December 2010 and currently serves as Vice President of Business and Community Development\, where she leads initiatives that strengthen community partnerships and support meaningful causes. In this role\, she works closely with the Central Ohio Chapter of Folds of Honor to help provide educational scholarships to military families around the world. Over the past 10 years\, the annual Scholarship Golf Open\, hosted at The Lakes Golf &\; Country Club in Westerville\, Ohio\, has raised more than $400\,000 in support of those who serve and their families\, with approximately $40\,000 raised each year. All proceeds from the event&mdash\;including registration fees\, sponsorships\, and donations&mdash\;go directly to the organization\, with BMI Federal Credit Union covering the cost of the event.
\n\nThrough her work at BMI Federal Credit Union\, Sarah began supporting veteran organizations such as the Fallen 15 in 2014\, a commitment that has grown well beyond a professional responsibility. She served as Board Chair of the Fallen 15 in 2023 and now continues her involvement as an emeritus board member. What began as a professional effort to support veteran-focused organizations has evolved into a deeply personal mission\, with Sarah generously dedicating her own time\, skills\, and energy to ensure these organizations continue their work and that the legacies of those who gave their lives in service to our nation are never forgotten.
\n\n\nSmall Business of the Year
\nWaymakers Restoration
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\nLarge Business of the Year
\nDHL Supply Chain
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