Jim Wyse
Jim Wyse is the 46th person named as Archbold Citizen of the Year and probably the youngest upon whom the honor has been bestowed. “There is still a lot of work yet to do”, says Jim, so plan on seeing him actively involved in Archbold for years to come.
Upon graduation from Wauseon High School in 1979, Jim moved to Archbold to run the family business, now known as Pizza Oven on North Defiance St. Jim managed the restaurant for several years. In 1983, Jim had an opportunity to sell insurance and it seemed the right fit. Jim now works for Andres O’Neil and Lowe Agency, specializing in employee benefits.
Jim is married to Archbold native, Janet Plassman. They are parents to Ashley (23), Josh (20), Betsy (16), and Stuart (14).
Jim personifies the character trait of service to community. He began his public service with a seat on Archbold Village Council in 2002. He became Mayor of Archbold in 2004 and is currently serving his second term as Mayor.
In citing his accomplishments of service to the community, Jim is quick to say everything has been done with team effort. He feels privileged to be the manager of an “All-star” team, including many village and county employees, council members and area business people who all root for the success of Archbold.
Early in his career, Jim worked with his team on the South Defiance Street rebuild. This created a beautifully renovated and traffic efficient downtown. Jim feels pride when mayors from outside our geographic region ask for tours of Archbold’s successful downtown renovation. The Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion is another example of Jim’s teamwork.
Jim was recently awarded the “Trust Your Donkey” award from ConAgra Foods. It exemplifies reliability, service and work above and beyond for the good of the company. ConAgra Foods had planned to close the Archbold plant. Jim and his team worked with company officials to change their minds. ConAgra-Archbold has since received Outstanding Plant of the Year.
Jim’s quality of persistence is again evident in the projected opening of Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center in the Archbold Industrial Park. Jim and council members worked nearly three years to bring this new tax revenue to Archbold.
Jim’s community service includes many boards: Archbold Community Improvement Corporation, President; Fulton County Senior Center, President; Community Hospital and Wellness Center; Archbold Rotary Club, President 1996-97, Paul Harris Fellow recipient. Jim is a member of the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce and NW Ohio Character Council. St. Martin’s Lutheran Church benefited from Jim’s service as Youth Advisor, Usher, Congregational President and currently, the Mutual Ministry Committee.
Improvement to area parks and encouraging new business growth are projects Jim continues to work on. We welcome Jim’s service to Archbold for years to come! Thank you for exemplifying the many qualities which make you “2008 Archbold Citizen of the Year!”
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