The Allen County Visionaries presented the Visionary of the Year Awards at their annual dinner Thursday night.
These awards are given to members of the Visionaries and members of the community who have worked to promote economic development and the betterment of our community. All proceeds from the dinner go to fund economic development efforts in Allen County.
The Visionary of the Year Award was presented to Clyde Rauch.
Clyde Rauch retired in 2014 from Tuttle Construction after 45 years with the company. Rauch grew Tuttle from 6 employees to its present 50, and the company now does $100 million in business each year.
Among its many construction projects have been: St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima Memorial Health System, Ford Lima Engine Plant, Lima Senior High, the YMCA, and Eastgate Shopping Center.
Rauch’s community involvement includes the Allen County Visionaries, Allen Economic Development Group, the Lima Symphony Orchestra, and the Lima Family YMCA. He is also a proud member of the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodores, which is only possible through appointment by Ohio’s governor in recognition for out- standing contributions to the economic development of the state of Ohio. It is considered Ohio’s most distinguished honor.
The Visionary Citizen of the Year Award was presented to John Heaphy, owner Happy Daz, Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill, and Old City Prime.
Heaphy began his career at the age of 14, selling sandwiches to the workers build- ing Eastgate Shopping Center. He purchased Happy Daz on W. North Street in 1996 and has since grown the restaurant to six locations. Heaphy purchased the original Beer Barrel Pizza in 2005 and grew that restaurant to four locations.
He opened the upscale downtown steakhouse, Old City Prime in 2013. In addition to being a visionary business leader,
Heaphy is very involved in our community, donating to numerous organizations includ- ing Humane Society of Allen County, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, Civic Center Foundation, Concerts in the Parks, and Downtown Lima.
He created Happy Daz charities in 2014 and through it donated the Happy Daz build- ing on W. North Street to the Blue Star Mothers Veterans Food Pantry and provides funding for its utilities, insurance and food purchases. John was inducted into the LCC Hall of Fame in 2015.
