Nearly 900 at Wooster Dinner; Apple Creek Banking Named Business of Year

More than 870 people packed the Greystone Event Center for the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce’s 126th annual dinner and awards program, held Feb. 26, 2026, a gathering several reprints described as “nearly 900” business, civic and nonprofit leaders. Apple Creek Banking Company was named Business of the Year and Michael Pallotta received the Wall of Fame honor at the event.

Chamber President and CEO Samira Zimmerly framed the night around recent gains, saying, “2025 has been a year of real momentum for the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce.” Zimmerly highlighted workforce development, leadership programming and business support efforts as the concrete drivers of that momentum, and she credited community leadership for the progress: “These accomplishments didn’t happen by chance. They happened because this community is rooted in leadership.”

Dr. Sharon Marcanthony, chamber board chair, emphasized the communal scale of the event and the role awards play in local leadership development. “This is all about getting to celebrate our award winners, these strong leaders in our community who truly set an example for us all,” Marcanthony said, adding that “seeing almost 900 people that are passionate and committed to the success of our business community is truly humbling.” The chamber’s description of the night noted that it brought together business, civic and nonprofit leaders and recognized award winners while highlighting the chamber’s continued growth and priorities for the coming year.

Apple Creek Banking Company’s Business of the Year recognition spotlighted the institution’s local ties. Leo Miller, identified as President and CEO of Apple Creek Banking Company, told the Daily Record that the bank’s long history reflects its local focus. The award places a local financial institution at the center of the chamber’s narrative about business support and community investment.

Organizers said the chamber expanded leadership programs, strengthened networking opportunities and worked with partners to support local businesses and workforce development during 2025. The scale of attendance - more than 870 people, called “nearly 900” in multiple posts - suggests broad engagement with those priorities as the chamber sets its agenda for the coming year, with business leaders and nonprofits positioned to carry workforce and leadership initiatives into the next cycle of programming.