By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green honored people on Saturday who speak different love languages for their community.
One shows her love by nurturing children and inspiring others to do the same. One shows his love through food, another through honoring veterans, and another by mentoring children who need positive connections to the community.
A total of eight awards were presented Saturday evening at the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards, in the Bowling Green State University Grand Ballroom.
Patricia McGinnis – Athena Award
Patricia McGinnis, now in her 90s, was a beloved kindergarten teacher at Conneaut Elementary School. Former students credit her for making stories come alive, getting children to come out of their shells, and inspiring many of them to dream of becoming teachers themselves.
Later, as principal at Conneaut, McGinnis became a mentor and advocate to teachers, encouraging them to take risks and develop innovative teaching and curriculum. She was known for having high expectations for students – but also for listening to children to better understand them.
Her legacy extends well beyond the walls of the school – with McGinnis serving on Bowling Green City Council, holding a position with WBGU-TV, supervising future teachers at BGSU and supporting the Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program at Wood County District Public Library.
As McGinnis accepted her award Saturday evening, she showed that same spunk that made her so memorable to her students and teachers.
She noted that she grew up in Toledo and Fostoria, “so you know I’m a tough girl.”
McGinnis spoke fondly of her years of teaching and being a principal – and graciously shared her gratitude with others in the audience.
“Bowling Green is the best place in the world,” she said. “All of you, thank you for what you’ve done for others.”
Matt Karaffa – Zeus Award
Matt Karaffa was recognized for his commitment to youth in the community who need positive role models. He works to grow a culture that supports and encourages women and girls, men and boys, to achieve their full potential.
He created the Be Better Foundation – a new program focused on supporting, mentoring and empowering youth in the community who face adversity. The foundation is intended to help youth become strong successful individuals – making a difference in the world, one positive and influential change at a time.
Karaffa, who is vice president of business development at Risk Strategies, is known for his willingness to invest time in others by mentoring them and nurturing excellence. His personal motto reportedly is “do better, suck less” – which he hopes to share to help people become the best version they can be.
Marcia Latta – Outstanding Female Citizen
Marcia Latta was recognized for her efforts to honor local veterans who have served, or are currently serving their nation.
Latta spurred the creation of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program through the Bowling Green Community Foundation and worked to see it through to completion. The banners showing local veterans and noting their service are now posted throughout the community.
Additional banners are being added to light poles around Bowling Green this year.
Last year, Latta served as president of the community foundation – an organization that she served as founding president of three decades before. The foundation was a by-product of her Community Leadership Class with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
Latta is also involved in the St. Thomas More University Parish, and volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and 4-H. She has served on the board for the American Red Cross in Wood County, and has been active in Rotary International.
Manny Patel – Outstanding Male Citizen
Manny Patel was recognized for supporting his community and bringing people together through food. As owner of Dairy Queen and Curry Lounge, Patel not only runs the businesses but also works to make the community better.
Patel takes part in local events like the fire department open house, Rock the Block, and the Dear Santa Society – bringing people together and creating a sense of unity.
He also supports local schools through PTO fundraisers, and contributes to the 1 Book BG program, supporting the events and providing financial donations to promote literacy in the community.
Patel is also a member of the Rotary Club, where he volunteers his time for various community projects.
1 Book BG – I Love BG Award
Since 2015, the 1 Book BG program has worked to unite the community with elementary students in every school reading the same book. The program has expanded to not only provide one book to every child in the schools, but to also bring authors of those books to Bowling Green, and have several weeks of activities in the community.
The program collaborates with the Wood County District Public Library, and several local businesses that host mission stops for the young readers.
The 1 Book BG program fills a huge gap in the community by providing books to elementary students – many who would not be able to afford them on their own.
“The 1 Book BG program truly is an example of loving Bowling Green, by promoting education, literacy, community involvement and contributing to the local economy,” the award nomination stated.
The award was accepted by Stacey Higgins and Michelle Thomas – two Crim Elementary teachers who organize the 1 Book BG program each year.
“This is an incredible honor for Michelle and myself,” Higgins said as they accepted the award. “We believe in this community.”
InTech IT Solutions – Small Business of Year
InTech IT Solutions – owned by Greg Esposito, Craig Kenyon and Doug Shrout – serves customers in eight states, but most of its business is in Bowling Green and surrounding areas. Now in its 25th year, the company’s goal is to provide high quality IT solutions at fair prices.
One particular area of expertise for InTech is infrastructure troubleshooting. The company prides itself on being able to diagnose network issues, as well as hardware and software problems.
In 2024, the company added several larger companies, one which expanded last year and purchased a local manufacturing building. InTech was awarded the project, which consisted of wiring, networking hardware and security throughout the building.
InTech has also helped several businesses in the community that were scammed by ransomware or phishing. The company was involved in working with the authorities, banks and insurance companies to gain access to computer systems and mitigate cyber issues.
“We really try to make Bowling Green a better place,” Esposito said as he accepted the award.
Greg Esposito – the Greg Kegler Volunteerism Award
Esposito received a second award Saturday evening for his volunteerism in the community.
“This person leads with his heart,” Mark Cassin said while introducing Esposito.
According to the nomination form, Esposito exemplifies the objective of this award—exceptional dedication of volunteerism to the BG Chamber—in several ways. For years, he has served on several of the chamber’s project teams, dedicating his time to the AMDA, Business Council, Business Expo, BG BOOM, Golf Scramble, and Holiday Parade committees.
He excels in these capacities, with contributions ranging from monetary sponsorships to volunteering on the days of these events. He is a major asset in coordinating events and contributes tremendously to their success through his hard work and dedication.
In addition, Esposito served on the board of directors and completed his tenure on the chamber executive board at the end of 2023. He makes himself available to do IT work in the office, and to transport materials for chamber events. “He always comes into our office with a smile and a joke, and never feels unapproachable,” the nomination read.
Outside the chamber, Esposito is an active member of the Bowling Green community. He has partnered with The Cocoon to put on a cornhole tournament to raise money for their initiatives and serves on the board of the Wood County District Public Library.
Trotters Tavern – Outstanding Customer Service
The downtown restaurant that first opened its doors in 1994, was purchased in January of 2024 by Greg and Heather Shepherd, who kept the traditions that made Trotters a staple, while updating the restaurant.
The Shepherds have made several physical changes to the business, and have expanded the restaurant’s hours. The goal is to make every customer feel welcomed and satisfied.
“We want them to walk out happier than when they walked in,” Greg Shepherd said as he accepted the award. He credited the staff for much of the success of the business.
