Larry Coplen, left, was presented the Sagamore of the Wabash Award Thursday, March 21, by Rep. Craig Snow.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — “I had no idea. But its definitely a definitely a tremendous honor…” said Coplen.

Coplen received the Sagamore of the Wabash Thursday, March 21, at the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. The award, presented by Rep. Craig Snow on behalf of Gov. Eric Holcomb, is the highest award the governor can award.

“I just want to say for the benefit of you people to understand how great it has been working with all of the builders in this area. They have all been so wonderful and willing to help and that means so much to this community, you just can’t imagine how tremendous they’ve been. So I’m just thankful to represent that group,” said Coplen.

Rep. Craig Snow, right, presents Larry Cople, left, with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award on behalf of Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Snow explained the process, which included a summary of why the person deserved the state award. He stated his inbox was full of recommendations on Coplen and he read a few of the comments received.

“This individual has received many accolades … 30 years in the construction industry, 20 years in various positions on local and state building associations. … Through his dedication and involvement in county projects over the years he has touched the hearts of many … as you go through life from time to time you encounter an individual who is unique, that has a personality of encouragement and is a help to others.

“In his profession as a local builder he has developed a reputation as a man who cares about his customers and does everything in his power to make sure the job is done right and with quality workmanship. … He has a servant’s heart. He is a very involved citizen of Kosciusko County and has given hours, days, weeks of volunteer service to nonprofits in our area. I’ve come to know him as a giving person, of caring, compassion for our community. He willingly gives his time, talent and treasury when there is a need in the community. If there’s a need in the community, he would roll up his sleeves, always willing to help in any way that he could. He has a huge heart that he continuously opens to those in need in his industry, in his community and his circle of people.”

Snow added while each governor can award the Sagamore in his own way, Gov. Holcomb reserves the award for those who have gone above and beyond and contributed to their community or state in an extraordinary manor.

Chamber Awards

Shown are the S-W Chamber of Commerce award winners and presenters of those awards. Seated in front, from left are Ashley Griffin, The Lakeside, New Business of the Year; Rita Davis and Melody Cusick, Re/Max Partners, Small Business of the Year; Jeanetta Slabaugh, Ambassador of the Year; Susan Stump, Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary, Organization of the Year; and Alyssa Trout, Oakwood Resort, Large Business of the Year. In back are Casey Griffin, The Lakeside, New Business of the Year; Marlies West, presenter; Ron Baumgartner, presenter; Eric Speicher, Educator of the Year; Ashley Dillon, S-W Chamber Executive Director; Dr. Erick Leffler, presenter; Pat Moore, Volunteer of the Year; and Thomas Boseker, Oakwood Resort, Large Business of the Year.

The annual dinner, this year held at the Event Center at Oakwood Resort, is held to present awards in seven areas: New Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, Educator of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Jeff Dyson, chamber president, shared how the chamber arrived at the award winners. He stated the chamber asked for nominations, narrowed down each category to three or four and then asked chamber members and the community to vote on those nominations. The winners were determined by vote tallies.

Award winners are: The Lakeside, new business of the year; Re/Max Partners, small business of the year; Oakwood, large business of the year; Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary, organization of the year; Eric Speicher, educator of the year; Jeanetta Slabaugh, ambassador of the year; and Pat Moore, volunteer of the year.

Presenters of the awards included Jason Dewart, Interra Credit Union; Dr. Richard Brungardt, Lakeland Animal Clinic; Jeanetta Slabaugh Horizon Bank; Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation; Ron Baumgartner, The Papers, Inc.; Marlies West, Goshen Home Medical; and Dr. Erick Leffler, Dynamic Spine and Rehabilitation.

Prior to the award presentations, Kip Tom, former U.S. Ambassador, spoke about food, agriculture, food security and national security to help understand the importance of those areas to the community, country and its role in the world. “Food security is national security,” stressed Tom

He touched on various areas: the four elements of national power: diplomatic, informational, military and economics; the budget of the World Food Center and how America gives with its capability and compassion; food insecurities in third world countries, challenges around the word in trying to feed people and a look at the United State’s own food insecurities. He also touched on China’s attempt to be a leader in providing food to the world.

Kip Tom, Leesburg, former Ambassador speaks about agriculture and food security.

Noting there is so much at risk with the global supply chain. He stated 70% of what is used to protect crops comes from China, fertilizer comes from Russia, all due to the United States regulations. He also showed how two out of three people in the United States are living on the border and are driving the policy in the United States toward policy with a negative impact on food.

He quoted Vladimir Lenin, “We are nothing more than three meals from chaos.” Tom pointed out 34 million acres of crop land has been lost since 1983, now reaching 1,800 acres an hour.

He stressed the need to prevent Chinese ownership of land in the United States, adding how China has purchased American companies to advance their systems and technologies. He also mentioned BRIC, an intergovernmental organization comprising of Brazil, Russia, India, China along with South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, working to gain control of supply chains.

“ I know you are not an audience that really doesn’t focuses on ag. and food, but the reality is, you’re closer to it than you think cause you are with it three times a day and you need to understand the importance of food security and its relationship to national security.

Prior to the conclusion of the evening, Ashley Dillon, chamber executive director, briefly spoke about the remodeling of the chamber building. “The remodel of of the chamber building would not be possible without the generous donations of local companies and individuals.” She stated over 40 businesses and individuals who have been donating their time, skills or product. “All of this is being done 100% funded by donations. These businesses and individuals are great examples of leadership and serving our community.”

There were approximately 250 attending the annual dinner, which was sponsored by Bowen Center and provided by Oakwood Resort. Guests had the option to purchase raffle tickets to drop in containers of items of their choice for a chance to win 24 different items. The items included various gift certificates, gift baskets, painting, a terrace table and chairs, golf bag and more.

Sponsors for the evening included ProWake, Bowen Center, Main Channel, Dockside Gifts & Apparel, Polywood, Oakwood Resort and Cottage Watchman.