Local businessman Randy Coconis, co-owner of Coconis Furniture, was honored with the Dick Johnson Civic Leadership Award at the 2011 Annual Groundhog Day Celebration.
The award recognizes the achievements of the recipients, honors the leadership of Dick Johnson, and encourages others to strive to be future recipients. To be eligible for the award, an individual must be an outstanding entrepreneur, a civic leader, and a philanthropist who has had a positive effect upon Muskingum County.
Coconis grew up working in his family's furniture business. Under his leadership,
Coconis has helped grow and expand the business from six to 60 employees, whom he also credits for his success.
He is a 25-year member of the Zanesville Sertoma Club, having served as its President and Chairman, and received the Sertoman of the Year award. A member of FFA for 20 years, Coconis is a past Trustee of the MCCF and the Founder of the Coconis Family Endowment Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation.
His foundation work also includes sponsorship of the Kevin Martin Youth Foundation three-point program. He served as a volunteer fireman for the South Zanesville Fire Department and as a South Zanesville Village Councilman for eight years.He belongs to the American Red Cross and has donated mattresses to the organization for fire and flood victims, as well as tons of cardboard to be used for
recycling at Goodwill Industries. He also has provided assistance to other
nonprofit organizations, schools and athletic programs.
Coconis also is a 15-year member of the Genesis Pro Am Golf Committee, as well as founder and co-chairman of the Tee it Up for Autism Golf Tournament played each June at the Zanesville Country Club.
The Brian T. Wagner Award was presented to Jody Spencer at the 2011 Annual Groundhog Day Celebration.
The Wagner Award is named in honor of Brian T. Wagner who established early an exceptional record of volunteer leadership of nonprofit organizations. The recipients of the award are selected by the Muskingum County Community Foundation Council, a board of volunteers who organize and manage the special events of the Community Foundation.
Spencer is the ninth recipient of the Wagner Award. Employed as Vice President and Trust Officer at Century National Bank, Spencer has a lengthy record of volunteer leadership in many local organizations. Organizations which he serves or has served as a Board Member include: Goodwill Industries, The Carr Center, South East Area Transit (SEAT), and the Muskingum Valley Old- Timers Association.
He currently serves as Vice President of the SEAT Board and is a Past Board President and Vice President. For the Old-Timers Association, he served as Secretary and President of the Board, and as a coach for 20 years.
He also serves on the United Way Investment Committee, on the City of Zanesville Incentive Tax Review Council, the Muskingum County Incentive Tax Review Council and as a Board Member at Westwood Baptist Church.
Confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
