DARKE COUNTY – On Friday, April 25th, at the Darke County Economic Foundation Banquet, Nick Gehret and Blake Schmitmeyer were recognized as IGNITE-Inspiring Growth in Networking and Innovation through Employment Award winners.
Nick Gehret was recognized for his work and growth at Bensman Welding and is enrolled in the Versailles Agriculture Education capstone program sponsored through the Versailles Ag Ed Department. Nick started working in the summer of 2023 and has continued his employment throughout high school at Bensman Welding. Nick started with minimal experience, but through his hard work ethic, dedication and knowledge gained, he has developed into a skilled welder and employee. Nick is a senior at Versailles High School and is the son of Brian and Cheryl Gehret. Nick plans to work full-time for Bensman Welding after graduation.
Blake Schmitmeyer was recognized for his work and growth at The Butcher Block and Smokehouse and he is enrolled in the capstone program sponsored through the Versailles Ag Ed Department. Blake started working in the summer of 2022 and has continued his employment throughout high school at The Butcher Block and Smokehouse. Blake started with minimal experience in the meat processing industry, but through his hard work ethic, dedication and knowledge gained, he has developed into a valuable employee who can manage and operate all aspects of the business from harvesting to processing to retail.
Blake is a senior at Versailles High School and is the son of Matt and Liz Schmitmeyer. Blake plans to work full time at The Butcher Block and Smokehouse and attend Wright State Lake Campus, majoring in Ag Business.
This award is designed to recognize students who are under 20 years of age, who are gaining technical skills, and making a major contribution at their place of employment throughout Darke County. Congratulations, Nick Gehret and Blake Schmitmeyer and thank you, Bensman Welding and The Butcher Block and Smokehouse, for this opportunity and investing in the next generation.
