On Wednesday, May 24, Junior Achievement saluted community leaders, educators, and volunteers at the annual BEL (Business and Education Leadership) Awards. The event was hosted at the Mirro Center (10622 Parkview Plaza).

The Ove Jorgensen Spirit of Leadership Award was presented to: . Tim Ash, CEO & President, Ash Brokerage Corporation

Honorees included 2017 inductions to the Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame, established in 1984:
. Richard D. Conrow, Founder, C&A Tool Engineering, Inc. (Churubusco) . Tom Kinder, President and CEO, Michael Kinder & Sons, Inc.

In addition, Golden Achievement Awards were presented to 4 area volunteers for excellence in economic education :
. George Hicks, Lincoln Financial Group
. Phil Dwire, Lake City Bank
. Harry Burritt, Burritt Consulting (St. Joseph, MI)
. Tony Fifer, Covington Box & Packaging, Inc. (Waterloo)

The Ove Jorgensen Spirit of Leadership Award was presented to: . Tim Ash, CEO & President, Ash Brokerage Corporation
in recognition of their dedication and the partnership of business and education.

“Junior Achievement is proud to honor the educators, volunteers, and business leaders who partner with JA to help today’s students believe in themselves and build the skills they need to lead us into tomorrow,” says Lena Yarian, President, Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana.