VIENNA, WV – In a classic black tie affair, local business man Pat Minnite will be honored October 12 at the Blennerhassett Hotel as recipient of the 2006 Mid-Ohio Valley Citizen of the Year award presented by Ohio Valley University and the cities of Parkersburg and Vienna.

University officials worked earlier this year with the City of Parkersburg and the City of Vienna through their respective mayor’s offices to establish the 2006 award.

Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell and Vienna Mayor David Nohe elected a committee of area business men to compose a list of local citizens deserving of such recognition. Committee members included: Mike Christman (Parkersburg News & Sentinel), George Cosenza (Cosenza Attorney at Law), Lou Molinaro (GE Plastics retiree) and Roger Sheppard (WTAP).

Committee members and mayors deliberated for several months before reaching a decision.

"There are many local individuals who have contributed a great deal to the betterment of this region," Lou Molinaro explained. "Pat, however, really stood heads above the rest. As his businesses have grown over the years, he has never forgotten his roots – where he has come from and the people who have helped him. He has always given back to the community out of love and humility. So many groups have been touched by Pat's generous spirit - from civic to church groups, to schools and parks."

Minnite, a native of Meadowbrook, West Virginia, moved to the area in 1963 to work for the Penn Metal Company in Vienna, WV. In 1968 he left Penn Metal to begin his own construction business. Then, in 1980, he entered the real estate and development business, creating the PM Company.

Based in Vienna, the PM Company is a family-owned and operated company that develops and manages numerous pieces of real estate and types of businesses ranging from hotels, shopping centers and industrial locations.

Minnite said the award came as a surprise, "I normally would not accept such a public award, but my daughter really encouraged me to accept and I'm honored. Everything I've accomplished in life has been possible because of my family and the very dedicated and loyal family of employees we have working with us."

"Pat has been very active in developing the area, creating new business and new jobs," Bob Newell, Parkersburg mayor, said. "The selection of Pat as recipient of this award is well deserved."

"Pat's foresight and belief in our community and his desire to make the Mid-Ohio Valley a better place to live, makes him deserving of this award,” David Nohe, Vienna mayor, said. "He stands out among the crowd with his faith and enthusiasm in new projects and businesses."

"It is an honor to recognize Mr. Minnite and pay special tribute to the numerous contributions he has made to increase the quality of life in the Mid-Ohio Valley and enrich economic development in our region," Ohio Valley University President Dr. James A. Johnson, said.

The invitation only, black tie affair is a rare event for the area.

"The inauguration last year of James A. Johnson as the university's new president was a black tie event that the community seemed to enjoy," Erin Kahoa, OVU director of corporate relations, said. "The citizen of the year award also commands the same prestige and attention and is a wonderful opportunity for the community to honor one of its own."

"OVU is to be applauded for taking it upon themselves to present this award," Nohe said. Newell echoed the same sentiments, "We appreciate Ohio Valley University taking an active role in the community and think the event and award is wonderful."

Dr. Gail Hopkins, OVU board chairman, will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening. Remarks will be made honoring Minnite’s service to the area by OVU President Dr. James A. Johnson, Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell and Vienna Mayor David Nohe.

Proceeds from the event's dinner will go toward a student scholarship fund at OVU with a student recipient being announced during the ceremonies.

Located in Vienna, West Virginia, Ohio Valley University is a residential, regional, faith-proclaiming, liberal arts campus with a mission to transform the lives of students in a Christ-centered academic community. Consistently recognized as one of the nation's top comprehensive baccalaureate institutions in U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges Guide, the university offers numerous degree programs, certifications and degree endorsements through its various colleges and schools. The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Universities and Schools, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education and the West Virginia State Department of Education. Visit www.ovu.edu to learn more.