DELPHOS — More than 236 chamber members were “hypnotized” by a program by Bill Gladwell at the 16th annual Robert G. Gillespie Memorial Dinner Saturday at the Delphos Eagles Lodge.
The program was the highlight of the evening celebrating the accomplishments of the chamber and its investors for the year.
Gladwell invited people on stage to be hypnotized for the hour-long entertainment. Of the 14 volunteers, only one went fully under. Good sport Jim Nagel was then the entertainment. Gladwell convinced Nagel he was naked, Angelina Jolie was sitting next to him, his belly button was leaking air, he was a fallen “American Idol” contestant and more to the delight of the crowd.
Nagel even signed autographs after he returned to his seat, still convinced he was on the popular TV singing show.
The evening opened with remarks from outgoing Chamber President Eric Fritz, Delphos Council President Bob Ulm, Delphos Mayor Michael Gallmeier and newly-elected Chamber President Cindy Metzger.
Fritz thanked everyone for their help in making his 2-year run as president enjoyable and said he was proud of the direction the chamber is moving.
Metzger gave her first speech as president and noted the expanding offerings to investors by the chamber, including workshops, a leads group and more.
Ulm spoke of the projects Delphos completed last year, including the downtown revitalization and a hugely successful Canal Days festival.
“We have formed an Ambassador’s Club that is working closely with our local businesses. We have learned what we are doing well and what we can do better,” Ulm said.
He then introduced Mayor Gallmeier.
“What people notice first about Mike is that he can’t stop smiling,” Ulm said. “Then I remind him that it has only been three months.”
Gallmeier said Delphos is at a turning point.
“We have the best water in the Tri-County area, we are ready to welcome new businesses, our hotel is going to be ready this summer, we have two great schools, beautiful parks and we will start advertising ourselves on a billboard just outside of town off U.S. 30,” Gallmeier said.
Metzger, newly-elected Vice President Adam Wiltsie and returning Treasurer Dick Clark were sworn into office as well as the other board members, including Eric Schier, Janet Kroeger, Jodi Bowersock, Kim Colasanti, Michelle Schafer, Rick Vonderwell, Sue Gerker, Andy Mox, Donna Landin, Greg Odenweller, Jim Graves and John Pimpas.
Members leaving the board include outgoing President Fritz, who served two terms; Bruce Van Metre and Jim Grothouse.
Members of the Gillespie family in attendance included his daughter, Sue McMann; and his grandson, Josh Gillespie and his wife, Kristy.
Businesses marking milestones in chamber investment were also honored. Marking 150 years was Fifth Third Bank; 145 years, German Mutual Insurance Co.; 140 years, Delphos City Schools; 115 years, The Union Bank Co.; 105 years, Delphos Eagles Aerie 471 and National Lime and Stone; 100 years, Fort Jennings Telephone Company; 95 years, American Cancer Society; 90 years, Fort Jennings State Bank; 60 years, Brandehoff Jewelers, Clear Channel Radio, Lehmann’s Furniture and Vetter Lumber; 55 years, David Morgan, DDS, Morris Chiropractic Clinic and Peacock Water; 50 years, Krendl Machine; 45 years, Crop Production Services, Omar’s Alignment, U.S. Metalcraft, Inc., Vancrest Health Care Center (Delphos), Von Sossan Contracting, Inc., and the Delphos Kiwanis; 40 years, Mary Ann’s; 35 years, County Line Auto Wrecking; 30 years, Interfaith Thrift Shop, Schulte Communications, Inc., and Topp Chalet; 25 years, Beery Insurance Services, Pat’s Donuts & Kreme and United Equity, Inc.; 20 years, All Purpose Contracting, Delphos Canal Commission, Edward Jones Investments, Geier & Sons, Kilpatrick-Miller Group, Lakeview Farms, Inc., ReCharge Enterprise, Inc. and Uppenkamp Paint and Body Shop; 15 years, Dancer by Gina, Delphos Area Visiting Nurses, Fort Wayne Wizards, Meijer, Inc., and Northwest Physical Therapy; 10 years, Advantage Cleaners, Advantage Limo & Travel, All-Star Gymnastics, Packard Grille, Inc., Peoplelink Staffing Solutions, Service Master “At Your Service” and Wholesale Granite Dist., Inc.; and five years, Angel Press, D.J. Pros, Delphos Discount Drugs, DJB Construction, LLC, Helms Cane Concessions, Optimist Club of Delphos and Wishing Well Pediatrics.
A silent auction was also held with numerous items donated by chamber investors.
The evening was coordinated by Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Moenter.