Barnesville Chamber Celebrates Spring Banquet
The Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce marked its 2026 spring banquet Thursday evening with dinner, prizes and speeches.
Master of Ceremonies John Rataiczak introduced the evening by welcoming all the attendees.
“I am often quoted by saying that I always wonder what people outside of Barnesville think of Barnesville, because we have so many things going for us, at the high school level, at the grade school level, throughout the entire town,” Rataiczak said. “We have so much to be proud of, and that’s what we’re here to celebrate tonight.”
Attendees gather at the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Banquet. ©Barnesville Area News Company Photo.
He highlighted the numerous attractions and achievements of Barnesville, including schools, the Victorian Mansion Museum, the Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library, Ohio Hills Health Centers, the State Theater, businesses, the airport and more.
Rataiczak described these places as “gems” of Barnesville.
Rataiczak commended the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce members for all the work they put into celebrating the village spirit and community engagement.
He shared how the chamber’s social media and member numbers are growing, including 7,200 Facebook followers and nearly 300 chamber members.
In addition, he pointed to the impact of the chamber’s outreach efforts, including its “John and Jill” video series, which reached more than 162,000 views over the past year. Several of those videos ranked among the chamber’s most viewed of all time, including features with the Barnesville High School bowling team, local youth baseball and the Shamrock marching band.
Rataiczak also referenced Barnesville’s growing recognition beyond the region, including its designation by Ohio Magazine as a “Best Hometown,” crediting the community’s historic character, traditions such as the annual Pumpkin Festival and strong civic involvement.
He closed by encouraging residents to take pride in their community, noting that Barnesville offers a unique quality of life that continues to set it apart from other communities.
High schoolers, from left, Landon Harris, Peyton Steed and Linkoln Jendrusik, sang the National Anthem at the annual chamber banquet. ©Barnesville Area News Company Photo.
Attendees enjoy a dinner of chicken, pork, salad and desserts by R&R Catering, a Cambridge business owned by Barnesville native Meliah Moore.
After dinner, Rataiczak resumed the program by announcing the 2026 Citizen of the Year William (Bill) Knox.
Rataiczak highlighted Knox’s impact he has had on the village through decades of work and service.
“For more than 30 years, he has been a tireless champion of Barnesville, specifically our historic downtown business district,” Rataiczak said. “While many know him for building one of the region’s most successful CPA firms, his true legacy lies in his work as our long-time economic development consultant.”
Knox accepted the award and reflected on what the honor meant to him. He shared life stories and what makes Barnesville a special village.
“Thank you for the kind words. Thank you to the chamber board for the honor,” Knox said. “I thought over the last few days what I was going to say, but I would say I’m so proud to be part of the community … Barnesville is a very, very, very special community.”
People may read more on the Citizen of the Year award here.
Afterwards, Luke Johnson, chair of the Barnesville Board of Architectural Review, presented an award to Ohio Hills Health Centers.
Luke Johnson of the Barnesville Board of Architectural Review board presents an award to Ohio Hills Health Centers as board member Linda Mayberry looks on.©Barnesville Area News Company Photo.
OHHC received the special award, which honors a business or individual responsible for improvements in the historic district.
Johnson shared that OHHC received the award because the organization has retained elements of the historic Bradfield building at 101 E. Main St. while modernizing it to meet modern standards for a medical facility. The agency has repaired original stained glass, selected brick to blend into the existing structure, replaced windows, retained original elements of the former First National Bank in the entry and exposed columns within the building.
“It definitely is one of the gems of Barnesville,” Johnson said.
Director of Development Jan Chambers accepted the award.
Chambers shared that Ohio Hills takes great pride in maintaining the historical integrity of the Bradfield building.
Built in 1891, it was utilized as a bank until Ohio Hills purchased it in 2006 to locate its health center downtown to actively support the community.
“We take it very seriously, and it’s our duty to preserve this building …,” she said. “We’re just so proud to be part of the chamber and to be part of this community, and we certainly embrace the Chamber’s mission of eat, shop and support local.”
Following the awards auctioneer 13-year-old Memphis Blackstone returned a second year calling a live auction. He auctioned off a Barnesville Basket filled with gift certificates, cornhole boards and a two-night stay at Hocking Hills Cabin while Rataiczak joined in auctioning off a whiskey and wine basket.
Memphis Blackstone serves as an auctioneer at the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce spring banquet. ©Barnesville Area News Company Photo.
Rataiczak introduced Michael Schuster, FAIA, LEED AP Founder & Principal of MSA Design, a Barnesville native and keynote speaker of the evening, before he took the stage to share how the community shaped his life and the journey of his success.
People can read more on the guest speaker’s speech here.
To end the evening, the chamber distributed prizes, including Johnson Family Pottery mugs, chamber t-shirts and Stanley cups before Rataiczak thanked all of those present for attending.
Major “Tulip” sponsors of the evening included Belmont Savings Bank, William Knox CPA and Woodsfield Savings Bank while “Hyacinth” supporters were Joe’s Tire Pros and Barnesville Vision Center.
Centerpiece sponsors included Avenues of Barnesville, Barnesville Area News Company, Barnesville Vision Center, Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, Bless Your Heart, Blossom’s, Blue Moon Tavern, Candi’s Creations, Chel’s, Barnesville Kiwanis Club, Cindy McGee, Northwest Title, Shafer Insurance, Walton Retirement Home, Catholic Women’s Club and Renee Hunter for WesBanco.
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