VIENNA, WV – Ohio Valley University’s third annual black tie event on October 6, An Evening of Honor, will pay tribute to local businessman and civic leader, Edwin Dils as the recipient of the 2007 Mid-Ohio Valley Citizen of the Year selected by the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna, and Williamstown. The event will be held at the Parkersburg Art Center.

The public is welcome to attend the event. To make dinner reservations for An Evening of Honor call Ohio Valley University at 304-865-6000. Cost is $50 per person. The deadline to make reservations is October 1.

Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell, Vienna Mayor David Nohe, and Williamstown Mayor Jean Ford elected a committee of area businessmen earlier this year to compose a list of local citizens deserving of such recognition. Committee members included: Greg Smith (Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital), George Cosenza (Cosenza Attorney at Law), Lou Molinaro (GE Plastics retiree), Roger Sheppard (WTAP), and Neil Parsons (Edward Jones Investments).

After submitting numerous names for consideration, committee members deliberated for several months before reaching a decision.

“As a committee our directive was to look for someone that embodies the spirit and values of Ohio Valley University as a premier institute of education in our community – as a leader, an innovator, a person of great integrity, and someone that has given their talents to make the Mid-Ohio Valley a better place to live, work, learn, and raise our families. The life of Ed Dils is a shining example of those attributes and is most definitely deserving of recognition as the Mid-Ohio Valley Citizen of the Year,” Committee member Greg Smith said.

“Ed Dils’ contribution to the region spans more than 50 years,” OVU President Dr. James A. Johnson said. “He has generously served his community and neighbors with his time, talent and dedication through numerous projects and organizations. He is very worthy of this recognition and on behalf of OVU and the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna and Williamstown we are thrilled to celebrate his life-long achievements.”

A native of Parkersburg, Dils worked for his family’s business – Dils Brothers & Company Department Store – holding several positions including President. He has been influential in the growth of numerous local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, YMCA, Parkersburg Rotary Club, and Wood County Development Authority. He also played a key role in creating the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and has served as Director of Community Bank of Parkersburg since 1955.

The support and development of higher education has been a life-long ambition of Dils. He graduated from Yale University with a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Administration. Dils also attended the University of Kentucky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Cambridge University while serving as a staff sergeant in the 78th Infantry Division’s Field Artillery during WW II. He went on to attend Harvard Graduate School of Business where he earned a Veterans Certificate in 1947.

Dils has served as a past member of the board of advisors for Ohio Valley University, the board of trustees for WV Wesleyan College and on the WVU Council for Economic Education. He is a past member and vice chairman of the West Virginia United Methodist Charities Foundation. He has previously been honored with the WV Governor’s award in 2000 and the order of the 35th Star.

He is the proud father of four children, 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He and his wife Jane celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2007.

OVU President Dr. James A. Johnson will serve as host for the evening.

To learn more about OVU visit www.ovu.edu