Toth, Reid, more honored with awards at luncheon

Jan. 19—Nikki Reid and Greg Toth were honored at businesswoman and businessman of the year Wednesday afternoon at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Lunch and the State of the City & County Address.

Bruno's Pizza and Tyson were named small and large businesses of the year.

Bill Cuppy, chamber president and president of the Cass Logansport Economic Development Organization, gave out the awards during an interlude between the city and county addresses.

Reid has owned The Nest for 49 years and it is one of the oldest establishments in downtown Logansport, Cuppy said.

Cuppy said when Reid purchased the business it was a camera shop called Tree's Camera Shop, but as the photography business changed, Reid knew how to adapt and switch gears. Thus, the camera shop became The Nest and it shifted focus towards decorative household items.

Toth, Logansport Utilities superintendent, was described as humble and always eager to help the community by Cuppy.

Cuppy said that as superintendent, Toth has accomplished the demolition of the old power and water plant at Riverside Park. He is helping the city bring wi-fi to Logansport. He helped bring an automated water-meter system to the community. He's also been a big supporter of Logansport, promoting the community and showing optimism when asked if a project can me completed.

"I'm afraid I might have peaked a little early," Toth said. "I've only been here two years. I'm not sure what I will do next year."

Cuppy presented small business of the year to Gina Dingo Curl, owner of Bruno's Pizza.

He called Curl a model for believing in both vision and community.

Bruno's Pizza is currently in its fifth generation of family ownership, a statistical rarity when it comes to small family businesses, Cuppy said, with only three percent of such businesses making it to a fourth generation.

Cuppy said small businesses is the heartbeat of the community.

The past year was big for Tyson, hosting its first "Squeal on the Eel" event, which raised over $60,000 for numerous Cass County charities.

"This company is not only the economic engine of our community, but they are the leaders of philanthropy for our community needs," Cuppy said.

Cuppy also recognized outgoing Chamber board members during the luncheon. He gave Michelle Dials (Existential Media), Maria Rogers (Guardian Angel Hospice), Lori Lange (Logansport Community School Corporation), Stephanie Helton (Tyson) and Mike McMahan (Creative Promotions) with plaques. Helton was also named chamber ambassador of the year.

After the State of the City Address, Mayor Chris Martin presented Brad and Stacie Angle with the 2023 Spirit of the City award.

He said the People's Winery had become a staple for visitors and residents alike, hosting private parties, fundraisers and welcoming musicians in to perform and persevering during difficult times such as construction and COVID.

"Brad and Stacy have created a destination for people from all walks of life," he said. "(They) are a wonderful example for other small business owners and entrepreneurs."

The Kathy Dingo award went to Mollie Graybeal Dunderman, co-owner of The Gray Mill and a member of LOLA City Art.

"(She) is a great homegrown success story and a testament to what you can accomplish if you care about your community and work towards making it a better place," said the mayor.

He credited Graybeal Dunderman who helping restore downtown Logansport, calling her a pivotal leader in Logansport's thriving art community. Last year, she helped create Artist Avenue, which currently showcases outdoor artwork on Fifth Avenue on the exterior of The Gray Mill.

Ruth Baker, Cass County Commissioner, honored Sheriff Ed Schroder with the 2023 Spirit of the County award.

Baker compared the sheriff's efforts to those of Superman, even going so far as to give him a Superman t-shirt. She said he was fast to the scene when needed and even delivered a baby in the back of a car.

She also acknowledged his public service as a volunteer at local events.