TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2001
SIEDC honors four Tiffin businesses for roles in community
By Jefferson Wolfe
Staff Writer
The Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. awarded four local businesses Monday night for their roles in the community.
Tiffin Metal Products Co., Tiffin University, Burns Electric and Tiffin Ford-Lincoln-Mercury Inc. each were awarded by SIEDC during the organizations' third annual recognition event.
Tiffin Metal Products was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for its history of continuous operation, community involvement, leadership in its field and entrepreneurial spirit, said Larry Baker, who presented the award.
Will Heddles bought a local billboard company in 1980 and turned it into Tiffin Metal Products. He accepted the award on behalf of the company.
"I've never regretted a moment," he said. "We've built a very nice business."
Today, the company still makes billboards, but has added custom sheet-metal fabrication, coin lockers and a line of ergonomic furniture.
The second award, the Economic Development Award, went to Tiffin University.
Joe Granata presented the award, which acknowledged projects that stimulated growth in the community.
Under the leadership of George Kidd, the university grew from three to eleven buildings, changing the face of the Miami Street neighborhood in which it exists.
"We call ourselves 'The Education Community,' Granata said. "Tiffin University is one of the reasons why."
Recently, TU was ranked fifth in the nation by US News and World report, Granata said.
Kidd accepted the award on behalf of the university. When he took over, the goal was to develop the institution.
"I'm glad that it has helped Tiffin, but what we were really trying to do was help people change their lives through education," Kidd said.
The Outstanding Business award went to two businesses, Reineke Ford and Burns Electric.
Leverne Burns accepted the award on behalf of the electric fixture and appliance business, which is in its 37th year.
Marlene Walters, who presented the award, said the business was tested when its building burned earlier this year. However, it regrouped and forged ahead with a can-do spirit, she said.
"We do work really hard as a family to give the community as much as we can," Burns said. He thanked his family and the people of Tiffin for the business' success.
Tiffin Ford-Lincoln-Mercury was recognized for its role in community organizations, said Michael Kerschner, who presented the award. Employees are active in the hospital, the Ritz Theater, the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce and SIEDC.
Tiffin Ford also helped make the city's west and south side sewer extensions happen, he said.
Bill Reineke accepted the award on behalf of his business. He thanked his family, employees and customers for the business' success.
Tiffin Ford moved to a new location earlier this year.