Ohio Valley Goodwill Board of Directors Member Receives Pillar Award for Community Service

Dennis Barron, 2014 Community Pillar Award Recipient

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is pleased to announce that Dennis Barron, Secretary of the Board of Directors  for the organization was honored with the 2014 Pillar Award for Community Service at an awards event on January 23rd. The Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service, presented by Smart Business, honors businesses of all types and sizes  and individuals who make outstanding contributions to their community. Its purpose is to encourage a charitable environment, recognize creative efforts that make a difference, and demonstrate the ties between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds.

“I am pleased to be recognized for this award and for the many years of service that I have provided for Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries,” said Dennis Barron upon receiving the Pillar Award.  The prestigious 2014 Pillar Awards were held at the Duke Energy Convention Center and this year welcomed more than 400 business elite to the gala event. In 2012, Ohio Valley Goodwill’s President and CEO, Joe Byrum was recognized with the “Nonprofit Executive Director of the  Year” Award.

During his service for Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, Dennis Barron has donated more than an estimated 20,000 hours of his time, effort and energy toward governing the organization. He began serving in 1965 and has had more than 40 years of service, including roles as secretary and chairman. In that time, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries has grown from $1.6 million in annual revenue to more than $40 million. As a result of this growth, the organization is now able to serve a diverse population that includes veterans, the homeless and people with cognitive, physical and sociological  challenges.

In addition to growing revenue to such a substantial level over that time period, the organization has served more than 60,000 people with disabilities. Goodwill’s program for the homeless, under Mr. Barron’s guidance, now serves more than 750 veterans and other at-risk individuals. Each year, Ohio Valley Goodwill serves more than 3,100 men and women with disabilities and assists more than 800 to obtain employment. During Mr. Barron’s tenure, the organization has expanded its partnerships with the developmental disabilities agencies of Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties.

As a board member and former chairman of the board, Mr. Barron has offered counsel on the day-to-day operations of the facility and financial guidance on the operating budget. This expansion of services is a tribute to Mr. Barron and his contributions to the growth of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries over the past four decades.

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is pleased to have Mr. Barron recognized for his long-standing leadership and dedication to the  agency and thanks Medical Mutual and Smart Business for their support and promotion of nonprofit organizations.

Mr. Charlie Wright, Chairman of Board of Directors with Mr. Dennis Barron, Honoree

Mr. Barron with Joe Byrum, OVGI President/CEO

L to R: Dennis Barron, Joe Byrum, Charlie Wright, Mary Rae Barron and Dustin Kline, Smart Business Magazine.

Mr. Barron, Doug Ostholthoff, Jo Ann Decker, Steve Koons and Joe Byrum