Volunteer and Community Development Award Winners Announced

September 27, 2004 -- The Putnam County Development Authority (PCDA) held its fourth annual business meeting Tuesday evening at Sleepy Hollow Country Club. Guest speaker for the event was Jeff Bischoff, Vice President Business Development, James N. Gray Company, Lexington, Kentucky. Part of the program was the announcement of PCDA ’s Volunteer of the Year and Community Development Award winners.

Volunteer of the Year

David W. Bunger, Senior Vice President, Bank One West Virginia awarded Volunteer of the Year for 2004. The Volunteer of the Year award is presented to individuals who (1) show concern for the community and serve as active leaders in helping to bring about positive change and (2) serve in a volunteer position and are leaders in efforts to create jobs or in development of community services. Mr. Bunger has served on many boards and has been involved in numerous projects in Putnam County over the years.  He has served on the Board of Directors of the Tri-County YMCA for the past four years, served two terms on the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and serves as Chairman of the Chamber's successful annual Golf Tournament. 

Bunger has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Putnam County Development Authority since 2000.  He has also served on the Board of Directors for PROTEC (Putnam Regional Organization for Technical & Economic Development) since 1996 and served as its President in 2001.

Without dedicated volunteers like David Bunger, the work of local organizations like PCDA and Protec would be much more difficult.

Community Development Award

The Community Development Award recognizes companies and organizations who encourage employees to be active in volunteer service, provide contributions or donations to charitable or civic organizations that impact the quality of life for Putnam Countians, give or donate services that have assisted in the completion of a community or economic development project, have a philosophy that sets an example of good corporate citizenship, and recognizes companies that have actively worked to promote economic and community development, either through volunteerism or affecting corporate policy decision-making.

The 2004 Community Development Award was given to Mr. Roy D. Elswick, Jr., President/CEO of Tasty Blend Foods, Inc.  Tasty Blend Foods has been in business in Putnam County since the 80's.  The concept of the company has always been to provide customers with high quality products and the commitment of employees has accomplished that.  Roy is active in church and civic activities.  His loyalty and determination to keep the company in Putnam County earned him the award.   Congratulations to Mr. Elswick and Tasty Blend Foods.