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Mason Deerfield Chamber Celebrates Community Excellence, Honors Bob Leslie with Signature Vanguard

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 23, 2026
Contact: Amanda Oltman
Mason Deerfield Chamber
(513) 336-0125
marketing@madeteam.org
 

Mason Deerfield Chamber Celebrates Community Excellence, Honors Bob Leslie with Signature Vanguard Award

MASON, OH — The Mason Deerfield Chamber rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the businesses, organizations and individuals making a lasting impact on the Mason-Deerfield region during its 2026 Gems of Excellence Annual Awards Night, held Thursday, October 22, at the Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center.

The annual celebration brought together members of the business community to recognize outstanding leadership, innovation, service and collaboration, honoring those who continue to make Mason-Deerfield a vibrant place to live, work, play and thrive.

“Behind every thriving community are people who see opportunities, build connections and find ways to make a difference," said Sherry Taylor, President & CEO of the Mason Deerfield Chamber.

“Gems of Excellence is our opportunity to celebrate those who go above and beyond, not just in their businesses, but in the way they invest in others and help move our entire region forward. This year's honorees are shining examples of what makes the MADE community so special.”

Among the evening's highest honors was The Vanguard, a MADE Signature Honor presented to Bob Leslie, founder of MADE HUB for Manufacturing, in recognition of his visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the region's economic growth.

The Vanguard recognizes an individual, business, organization or partnership whose leadership, investment, expertise, advocacy or collaboration has been instrumental in advancing an important priority for the MADE region.

The 2026 Gems of Excellence Award recipients include:
2026 Make the Mile Brick – Peg Elfers and Helen Fox, Mason Mile Rocks
2026 Building Futures – Jon Paasch, UC Health West Chester Hospital
2026 MADE for Good – Kevin Stevens, Warren Co. Educational Service Center
2026 Happiest Hour – Marriott Cincinnati Northeast
2026 Ambassador of the Year – Steven Douglass, The ITZ-Time Team of Comey & Shepherd
2026 Rising Star – Beth Beebe, Craig Capital Wealth Management, Raymond James
2026 Pink Diamond – Jean Raga, Coldwell Banker and Rotary Club of Mason-Deerfield
2026 Garnet – John Groom, VEGA Americas, Inc.
2026 MADE for Business – Cincinnati Open
2026 People’s Choice – Kristi Mendenhall, Sonder Brewing
2026 Vanguard – Bob Leslie, MADE HUB for Manufacturing

Inspired by the belief that members are the true “gems” of the business community, Gems of Excellence recognizes those whose contributions are valuable, admired and worthy of celebration. This year's event embraced the ruby, a gemstone symbolizing passion, courage and strength — qualities reflected in the leadership, dedication and accomplishments of the evening's honorees.

For more information about the Gems of Excellence Annual Awards Night and the Mason Deerfield Chamber, visit gemsofexcellence.com or MADEchamber.org.
 
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About Mason Deerfield Chamber
The Mason Deerfield Chamber, founded in 1968 as the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce, serves more than 400 businesses and organizations around the Mason-Deerfield and surrounding area. The Chamber exists to be a lead collaborator and catalyst organization that ensures the Mason-Deerfield region is a vibrant place to visit, live and do business through inclusive programs and services. Learn more about the Chamber by visiting MADEchamber.org.

Mason Deerfield Chamber Celebrates Community Excellence, Honors Bob Leslie with Signature Vanguard

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