CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — R. David Strickland, owner of Dave Strickland-State Farm Insurance and co-owner of Chillicothe Monument/Hardy Memorials, was named the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented at the chamber’s annual awards dinner, hosted by Adena Health, on Tuesday at Bell Manor. Strickland’s recognition was one of five awards presented.
Since 2003, Strickland has expanded his State Farm business from 1,200 households with 3,000 policies to 5,000 households and 16,000 policies. In 2015, he co-founded Chillicothe Monument, which has grown significantly and contributed to the community through projects like restoring monuments at Soldier’s Circle in Greenlawn Cemetery.
Other awards included:
- Special Recognition: Diane Carnes, honored for over 50 years in real estate and extensive community service in Ross County.
- Legacy Award: Printex Same-Day Printing, marking its 50th year, led by second-generation owner Jeffrey Marshall II. The business will relocate to the former Anderson’s Drug Store on East Main Street. The late Jeff Marshall, Jeffrey’s father, was the chamber’s 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year.
- Corporate Citizenship: Rock For Tots, recognized for raising over $2 million for 35 agencies supporting needy families and children over 40 years.
- Young Professional of the Year: Joshua Walter, regional manager for Direct to Business Wholesale and an ambassador for the EPIC Young Professionals group.