HONORED GUESTS — At its 117th-annual meeting and awards banquet Wednesday at Franciscan University of Steubenville, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce recognized several members and citizens for their community involvement. On hand for the occasion were, from left, Emily Byers, the chamber’s executive director; Marty Hauser, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla, recipient of the Lifetime Civic Achievement Award; Jim Morgan, who was named Lifetime Ambassador; guest speaker Rich Donnelly; Alisa DelGuzzo, Ambassador of the Year; Houston Sexton, Young Professional of the Year, with his son, Colton; and James Lash, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — Former Major League Baseball coach and Jefferson County native Rich Donnelly said Wednesday he was fortunate to have been part of a world championship-winning baseball team twice and knows what it takes to attain a goal.

Donnelly told the many attending the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and awards banquet Wednesday at the Christ the Teacher Academic Hall on the campus of the Franciscan University of Steubenville that even when a team is ahead mid-game or mid-season, it’s not a time to sit back.

“You have to keep going until you get to the end, and sometimes it’s not easy,” he said.

Donnelly said one way to ensure success is to fill a team with people with talent and a positive attitude — those described as being both a good athlete and a good team player, for example.

He noted others may be described as being talented but lacking in character.

“Try to build your team with the ‘and’ people and not the ‘but’ guys. You’ve got to get the right people on the bus,” advised Donnelly.

The Steubenville native expressed thanks to chamber members who have worked to make their community a better place and the parents, teachers, coaches and other adult mentors who influenced them in a positive way.

He said such people played a key role in shaping his children and expressed pride in the bravery and character they have displayed.

Donnelly said his 17-year-old daughter cared more about the other children at the hospital where she was being treated for cancer while well aware she was months from death.

He said his son, Michael, pushed a woman from the path of an approaching vehicle in Dallas, resulting in his own death, while daughters Tiffany and Leighanne lay over the victim of a mass shooting at a Las Vegas concert to protect her until she received medical assistance, saving her life.

Donnelly thanked those who helped to mold his children into the adults they are today and referring to himself, those “who helped a stuttering 8-year-old kid to reach out for his dream.”

“I was taught right from wrong, how to treat people the right way, by teachers and coaches and people of Jefferson County,” he said.

Donnelly reminded chamber members they are part of a team and that it’s important to share credit when attaining a goal.

“That’s the way it is in sports and in business and everything else. It’s teamwork,” he said.

On Wednesday, Emily Byers, the chamber’s executive director, and James Lash, chairman of its board of directors, acknowledged several members for their part in the chamber’s team effort.

Presented the chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award was Marty Hauser, owner of Hauser’s Furniture, a family-owned and run business that opened in 1945.

Lash said in addition to maintaining a high-quality product and service at the Steubenville business, Hauser has been a supporter and friend to many.

Honored for Lifetime Civic Achievement was Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla, who received a standing ovation as he stepped forward to accept the award.

Byers noted Barilla’s role not only in leading and representing the city but also in preserving its history through is involvement with Historic Fort Steuben.

“He has always led with heart, humility and a true spirit of community service,” said Byers.

She said after expressing a bit of anxiety as she prepared for her first chamber dinner as its executive director, Barilla responded in his usual manner by offering reassurance.

Named the Young Professional of the Year was Houston Sexton, owner of S&S Softwash, a residential and commercial exterior cleaning business.

Wintersville Mayor Mike Petrella, a member of the chamber’s Young Professionals group, said he has been impressed by the high level of service offered by Sexton.

Sexton accepted the award with his young son, Colton, noting the “S&S” stand for Sexton and son, reflecting his hope of building a business that his son can carry on.

In announcing the chamber’s Lifetime Ambassador, Byers said the award is presented to a chamber member who has made a great impact through years of service.

This year’s recipient was Jim Morgan, who Byers said is known for his steady manner and willingness to lend a hand whenever needed.

Gene Zrinyi, president of the chamber’s Ambassadors group, said it was difficult to name an Ambassador of the Year from the volunteers who help to welcome new businesses at ribbon cutting ceremonies and represent and assist the chamber at other functions.

He said Alisa DelGuzzo was chosen for her dedication to such efforts and her hard work in making the chamber’s golf outing a success.

In welcoming attendees, Byers noted this year’s theme was “People, Places and Progress,” reflecting the role that chamber members from throughout the county play in working toward its development and longevity.