Pictured above: The Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce board of directors past and present. Photo by Sherri Davis.

Globe-Miami Chamber’s Business of the Year: DalMolin Excavation

They started back in the 1970s and it has always been a family undertaking, one that combines expert workmanship and excellent customer service then taking it even farther with a strong helping of community service.

The business is now in its third generation of family, but the basic values have not changed. As a company they have been involved in many community endeavors through the years. It started with Betty DalMolin and her late husband Frank and today DalMolin Excavating has three generations working to ensure that those basic values continue to thrive.

As a company, DalMolin Excavating has been asked to help with projects at the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park. Their donation of equipment, personnel and expertise has helped bring many projects at the park to completion. The park relies on the generous nature of many companies, and Dalmolin Excavating has been a continuing contributor for many, many years. But work on area parks goes back much farther to work done on local ball fields and play areas through the years.

When youngsters are involved there is no question that the company will be there to help. Just recently, when it appeared that Globe students would not have lunches during an unscheduled closure, Betty’s son Frank personally took a trailer to pick up supplies for bagged lunches that volunteers put together to send with students.

As with all businesses, they are hit constantly with requests for help with various community projects and when they are able, they are there. They have been a huge supporter of the chamber, park projects and school events through the years. This is a family business and they make community service a family tradition in everything from 4-H clubs to schools to church. The family is so closely intertwined with the community it is hard to even try and list everything they do. It’s the family that makes this business so special and we are thrilled to make this award.

Golden Service Award: Margret Celix

When it comes to children, Margret Celix has a soft, loving heart. Much of her work deals with helping disadvantaged youngsters which is why she is such a wonderful fit for the Golden Service Award.

She is very active with the CASA program and as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate, Celix ensures that the best interests of children who are in a terrible place in their lives is met. Advocates work closely with the courts to see that children’s voices are heard when their parents or family is in the legal system.

On another front, she serves currently on the Miami School Governing Board. One letter writer noted this can be the most frustrating and the most rewarding job all at the same time. The job takes countless hours on a regular basis and as a public figure one is always open to hearing from constituents at the most inopportune times. Our winner works this job with grace and understanding. The responsibility of the education of our youth is an important one and Miami is well represented by Celix.

She has worked extensively with the March of Dimes Walk for Babies, chairing the local walk for several years. This is a huge task, but one that raised tens of thousands of dollars for the fight against birth defects. Her efforts included recruiting local sponsors and walkers, organizing water and refreshments stops and awards.

A nomination letter said “It is with great pleasure that I nominate Margret Celix for the Golden Service Award. I have worked many events and programs through the years and have seen Margret as an active participant and worker at so many of them.”

Through the years, Celix has been active with many fundraisers in town, working to help nonprofits meet their mission. She is at an age when many would have retired to a comfortable rocking chair but instead she chooses to continue as an active voice in her community.