GAMBIER — The annual Knox County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards was filled with the recognition of professional and personal accomplishments in the business world as well as sentimental adoration from a daughter to her parents.
“In July, my parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. That, in and of itself, is worthy of a lifetime achievement award,” said an emotional Karen Buchwald Wright as she presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to her parents, James and Maureen Buchwald. “All they have accomplished, they accomplished together.”
Wright spoke of her parents’ marriage, which began in 1950, how they raised a family in Mount Vernon, started two successful businesses — Glen Hill Orchard and Ariel Corp. — and how they became two of the most respected residents in the community.
“It wasn’t all smooth sailing. In the lean years they did not earn a salary, where they plowed everything back into the business. They dealt with the loss of a child. They believed they would and could succeed,” Wright said. “They gave time, energy and monetary support because it was the right thing to do, not because they had to.”
Nominees for this award are selected by the Chamber Ambassadors from two or three final contenders who have “contributed to the business climate and their works have inspired others to succeed in business in a professional and ethical manner.”
samantha.scoles@mountvernonnews.com
