12/04/2025
PERRY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
121 South Main Street, New Lexington, Ohio 43764
740-342-3547
Executive Director – Mike Lollo
E-mail: [email protected] www.perrycountyohiochamber.com
December 2025 Newsletter
First Chamber Luncheon of 2026
📅 Tuesday, January 20, 2026
🕐 Noon – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Perry County Job & Family Services, State Route 37, New Lexington, OH 43764
🎤 Guest Speaker: Alex Kohls, Senior Area Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Alex brings expertise in business development and international trade. We’re excited to welcome him to Perry County! 📌 Note: Attendees who register but do not attend will receive an invoice to ensure fairness.
8th Annual Groundhog Breakfast
Mark Your Calendar for Friday, January 30th, 20256, the date for the 9th Annual Groundhog Breakfast at Sheridan High School 6-8am. Our speaker will be Perry County Native, Duane Theiss. A 1972 graduate of Sheridan High School, Duane distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete. He was the starting quarterback for the Generals during his junior and senior years, and began his sophomore season in the same role before a broken collarbone sidelined him. On the basketball court, Duane was a three-year letterman and starter, showcasing leadership and athleticism. However, it was on the baseball diamond—his first love—where Duane truly excelled. He earned four varsity letters and helped lead Sheridan to a Muskingum Valley League (MVL) Championship his junior year (tied with Philo, "thanks to New Lex," he jokes), and an outright MVL title his senior year. Duane continued his baseball journey at Marietta College (now Marietta University), playing four years of varsity ball under legendary coach Don Schaly. In his junior year, the Pioneers advanced to the College World Series, competing against both Division II and Division III programs—a testament to their grit and talent. In 1975, Duane was drafted in the 12th round of the MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves. He pitched professionally within the Braves organization from 1975 to 1981, including two seasons (1977 and 1978) as a starting pitcher in the Major Leagues. Duane served as the pitching coach for Marietta College when they won the 1983 Division III College World Series. He was also the pitching coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1988 to 1992. During his tenure, the team won the Big Ten Baseball Championship in 1991 with a 52-11 record, and several pitchers were drafted by Major League teams. Today, Duane and his wife Mary Beth reside in Westerville, Ohio. They are proud parents and grandparents, enjoying life surrounded by family and memories of a remarkable athletic career.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1st Chamber Luncheon of 2026
2026 Groundhog Breakfast
Discover Perry County Publication
Membership Renewals
Blood Drives
Variety Show
Legal Aid
It’s A Wonderful Life
Soil Testing
Annual Mystery Dinner
Blood Drive
Letters to Santa
Blessing Boxes
Why Become a Chamber Member?
Support our local businesses through the holiday and coming year!
The Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with The Perry County Tribune to produce our annual publication “Discover Perry County”. For advertising information and questions please contact Brenda Carney, Advertising Director at 740-342-4121 ext. 300521 or 740-974-5536 (cell) or email [email protected]. I recommend that you consider advertising in this publication as it is broadly circulated in Perry County and beyond. If you would like to feature your business, your Perry County Town/Village, a piece of history about your Perry County Town/Village, a notable person from Perry County please contact Mike Lollo, Executive Director, Perry County Chamber of Commerce, 121 S. Main St., New Lexington, OH. 43764, Phone: 740-438-3392. Email: [email protected]
Membership Renewal
Your membership renewal information has been mailed. You should have received your renewal form and invoice. If you haven’t, please give me a call. 740-342-3547. your continued support is appreciated! 2026 Membership Dues remain the same as in 2025.
From The Perry County Chamber of Commerce
Kevin Howell, President (Wichert Insurance) Kathleen Danielson, Vice-President (Peoples State Bank)
Jason Adams, Genesis, Somerset Carey Bowers, Perry County Health Dept.
Jeannie Allen, Almost Home Real Estate Amy Van B***n, Northern Local Schools
Bryan Bonkowski, North Valley Bank John Largent, Mt. Perry
Morgan Holman, New Lexington City Schools Angie Plant, Southern Local School District
Andrea Cullinan, Altercare Bev Trovato, Fairfield Medical Center
Perry County Ohio Chamber of Commerce
