The Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce has selected Christopher S. Jones, president of Iron Pony Motorsports Group, to receive the 2008 Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Person of the Year Award, according to a press release.

Jones will be recognized for his contributions at the chamber’s Annual Dinner Jan. 27.

 
Iron Pony Motorsports is the world's largest motorcycle parts, apparel, and accessories superstore; it is located on more than 14 acres on Westerville Road. As the current Iron Pony President, Jones has been involved in running the business for more than 27 years. He has received numerous honors for his hard work, including "Small Business Entrepreneur" (2003). He has also been instrumental in helping Iron Pony be named in Columbus’ BusinessFirst "Fast 50" three years in a row.

 
In conjunction with his business efforts, Jones has made community involvement a priority. In addition to actively participating in the chamber, Iron Pony has sponsored the Wendy's Chili Open, local softball and soccer leagues, District 11 motorcycle races, silent auctions for the Children's Hospital and the Stephanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer cruise-in.

Jones was nominated by chamber stakeholders William J. McLoughlin and Kyle Stroh of Metz, Bailey, and McLoughlin.

"Chris is the consummate business entrepreneur who has succeeded from hard work, passion, and dedication to his trade. He is not afraid to take risks, whether it involves producing an innovative marketing concept like 'Hill-Billy' commercials or implementing a nationwide mail business," both McLoughlin and Stroh say.

Sponsored by Insight Business Services, the Business Person of the Year Award will be presented to Jones at the Annual Dinner on Jan. 27 at Northpointe Conference Center (9243 Columbus Pike in Lewis Center). Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield will serve as the Annual Dinner signature sponsor. The event is open to chamber stakeholders and the public.

Along with Jones, the chamber will also recognize the Business Person of the Year finalists: David and Charlene Kott of Asset Management Consultants, Inc.; Kathy Greenwell of The Greenwell Group, LLC.; Cliff Madden of Polaris Grill; April L. Schaad of State Farm Insurance/Schaad Insurance Agency Inc.; and Jeff Hartnell of Westerville Visitors & Conventions Bureau.

The Annual Dinner program will include the chamber’s 2008 Chairman of the Board, Jim Knox of Worthington Cylinders, and the recognition of 27 chamber stakeholders for their outstanding service in 2008.

For more information about the chamber or to register for the Annual Dinner, visit www.westervillechamber.com, e-mail or call 614-882-8917.