Successful Columbiana native shares business acumen with community

February 23, 2009

COLUMBIANA - The Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a nationally recognized lecturer and author and Columbiana native at its 56th Annual Awards Banquet Sunday night.

A 1975 graduate of Columbiana High School, Carl Pritchard, the principal and founder of Pritchard Management Associates and considered a leading authority on risk and communication management, spoke to community members gathered at the Dutch Village Inn Banquet Center to honor those in the community who make it a better place to live and work.

Pritchard, who now resides with is wife, Nancy, in Frederick, Md., is a project management consultant for Fortune 500 companies such as Bank of New York Mellon and Amway. He is also the United States correspondent for the United Kingdom project management journal, "Project Manager Today."

He shared his insights on how small-town businesses can benefit from Fortune 500 business practices and vice versa, offering four highlights on which to focus.

First, businesses need to identify the ultimate outcome of where its business relationships will go, in other words, where it will be ultimately.

Secondly, business owners need to empower their employees by knowing the limits of what they will and will not do, a practice in risk tolerance.

Next, he said businesses as a community need to let other people in on the secret.

"Every small town has its share of secrets or tips to surviving, and real success is achieved when we are ready to share those freely," he said.

Finally, he suggested celebrating the "small stuff."

"It's important to acknowledge accomplishments even when things are not going the way you want them to," he said.

Originally invited to speak at last year's awards banquet, Columbiana had to wait a year to hear Pritchard's message, but Pritchard said he made sure to be available for this year's event.

"My father has been a longtime member of the Chamber, so it's exciting to be able to come home and offer my knowledge to friends," he said.

Those receiving awards this year included Jordan Rhodes, Young Citizen of the Year; Linda Seidner, Businessperson of the Year; Terry McCoy, Outstanding Community Service, and John Karlis, Lifetime of Service.

- Seidner, manager of Vivian's Antiques and Collectibles, has served the community by uniting the city businesses to promote the community, according to presenter Ginny Neville.

"In a difficult business environment Linda remains upbeat," Neville said. "She represents the true nature and vitality of Columbiana business."

Additionally, Seidner works hard to keep the city beautiful, Neville said, as well as playing vital roles in community events such as Christmas in Columbiana, Springtime in Columbiana, the Saturday morning Farmers' Market and the Garden and Pond Tour.

- Rhodes, a senior at Crestview High School, has worked with the city to earn his Eagle Scout, establishing signs at every main entrance to the city promoting all of its civic organizations.

"These signs have been a tremendous addition to the city, and a tremendous effort undertaken by a young man," said presenter Randy Hart.

- McCoy, of Strollo Architects, serves on the Chamber board of directors. He was honored for his ability to encourage and help build other businesses in the community, according to presenter Roberta Myers.

"When I sent in my nomination for Terry, I said he could have probably won many of the awards," Myers said. "He not only encourages, but enlightens, and he knows how to recognize the talent in others."

- Karlis was recognized for nearly 40 years of dedication to promoting education in the community. He has served as a past Columbiana schools superintendent, a Columbiana school board member, a Columbiana Planning Committee and City Council member, Columbiana County Career Center Coordinator of Small Business, as well as with many other organizations and committees in the community.

"We should all be very appreciative of what John has done for Columbiana," said presenter Susan Snyder. "And I know that his service will continue for years to come."

Businesses receiving an Outstanding Project Development Award, recognizing business additions in 2006-2008, include All-Star Athletics, Columbiana Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge, Fairfield Commons, FAP Properties, Main Street Theater, Prima Health Care, Rite Aid, The Links at Firestone Farms and Valero.

Local sponsors of the event include Columbiana Medical Center, Randall Hart CLU-New York Life Insurance, Holloway Insurance, Home Savings and Loan, Roberta's Gallery of Fine Arts, Shine! and Sitler the Printer.