From left, Nancy Kuzenko, Anthem Individual and Small Group executive, presents a plaque and trophy to Nathan Meadows, accompanied by Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Denise Freeland, in honor of his being named a 2024 Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce Bright Star award winner. (Submitted photo)

NORTH CANTON — Nathan Meadows, kitchen manager for the Minerva Grinders Above and Beyond and Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce assistant director, was honored at the Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce Bright Star Awards presentation on Oct. 10 at the MAPS Museum in North Canton.

Chambers of commerce across northern Ohio recognized volunteers from their organizations as their “Bright Star,” each of whom has “made a significant impact on the chamber through membership, retention, sponsorship, economic development, operations and/or education.” Each Bright Star is an active chamber member and is likely to be an unsung hero or a dedicated behind-the-scenes volunteer.

Meadows was nominated for this award by the Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for his many years of volunteer service to the Roxy Theatre, which is owned by the chamber. He has volunteered at the theater for 12 years, directing community theater productions, building sets, fundraising, and assisting with renovation tasks, including moving items into storage, demolition, painting, and cleaning.

The Minerva Chamber’s Bright Spot, also highlighted at the event, was its revived second Friday celebrations, which are spearheaded by Meadows and include live music, vendors, inflatables, games, food trucks, and more. The events are popular with area residents and support downtown businesses.

The volunteers honored represented a wide range of involvement with their respective chambers, some having been a member and or officer or committee chairman for over 20 years and some being newly involved, but each of whom has given freely of his time, working hard for his chamber without any expectations.