By Krystal Smalley
news@wbcowqel.com 

Two long-time Crawford County staples were recognized for all their hard work at Tuesday’s Celebration of Success luncheon hosted by the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce.

Boss of the Year went to county treasurer Gary Cole, who was grateful for the recognition.

“Very thankful for the people I have working for me,” said Cole, who will be retiring at the end of his term. “I feel like more of a team than a boss. That’s what makes the whole office work. Without good employees you wouldn’t have a good job.”

Jim Radke, sports director at WBCO/WQEL, expected to be giving a presentation on WBCO’s country format, but was surprised with Employee of the Year, instead.

“He takes me to the games; he becomes my eyes. Suddenly I can see the ball move across the field or the court and I am right there in the middle of the action,” Deb Pinion, Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce Director, said as she read comments made by a visually-impaired person who listened to Radke’s play-by-play calls.

“I’m at a loss for words right now,” Radke said as he approached the podium. His wife and children, who traveled from Columbus to see their dad receive the award, stood in the back of the room as a surprise for Radke. “I want to thank everybody. It’s been a privilege to serve the community as I have.”

Radke said he never planned to stay long-term when he first took a position at WBCO/WQEL. Thirty-eight years later, he will be retiring from the radio station.

Pinion will be joining Cole and Radke in retirement.

“It’s just really gratifying to know that we’re able to do things like this,” said Pinion, who hosted her final Celebration of Success event before passing the reins on to Tyler Jacobs. “This one is one of my favorites because these are the people that make the big businesses run. They have CEOs and managers and that sort of thing, but the real part of the businesses are the employees that keep it running.”

“We are very proud of this event,” Jacobs added. “It’s a really good opportunity to acknowledge our administrative assistants and what has now turned into the employees wanting to acknowledge their bosses as well.”

Past Boss and Employee of the Year award winners: Chamber’s Celebration of Success a real hoedown | Mayes and Hubble take home Boss and Employee of the Year | Presler, Holtshouse named Employee and Boss of the Year