Chillicothe: Ken Shelton, the owner of three successful businesses in Ross County, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce.

The presentation came at the Chamber's Annual Awards Dinner at Bell Manor Tuesday, May 9. Shelton's honor was one of five awards given by the Chamber.

In front of a capacity crowd, the owner of Staff Source, Digital FiX, Southern Ohio Shredding, and The Rhyan Group accepted the award and gave a speech thanking his family, employees, and his late parents.

Shelton has over 30 years in the staffing business and started each of his four enterprises "with the idea that it would be something that everybody had a need for."

During COVID, Shelton's Staff Source lost 70 percent of its business in days, but he rebounded to rebuild the company beyond the pre-pandemic levels. Southern Ohio Shredding has a new facility and equipment and is the only Southern Ohio shredding service to serve government agencies, the public, and private businesses.

A Special Recognition honor went to the late Dr. Jack Berno, whose widow, Robin, accepted. Dr. Berno spent 41 years in local health care at Adena Health before his untimely passing in January. He was a passionate caregiver to patients and a mentor and advocate for doctors and nurses throughout the health system. His generosity extended outside the hospital and contributed to many local causes.

Other awards handed out:

• The Scioto Society won the Legacy Award, given to businesses with more than 25 years in operation. With more than 50 years in business, the "Tecumseh!" producers have helped to create more than $200 million in economic activity outside their gates.
• Dwell Real Estate won the Corporate Citizenship award for their immense contributions to various projects in just over two years of business. 
• Taylor Carnes of Shelter Insurance was named Young Professional of the Year. Carnes is the Vice President of EPIC Young Professionals and contributes to United Way of Ross County, Greater Chillicothe Women in Business, Life Ready, and more.