Popular, longtime Clark County Commissioner, John Detrick, was the guest of honor at a lunch reception celebrating his impending retirement after two decades of public service.
Detrick’s Clark County roots run deep. A “local boy” through and through, he graduated from Tecumseh High School before earning a degree in Education from Wittenberg University. He went on to teach in both the Springfield South High School and Mechanicsburg High School. He was an owner/manager of his family’s Springfield Tire and Battery business from 1970 until 1997, when he decided to focus more on his career as a public servant.
“John is Clark County’s biggest cheerleader,” said many guests attending the gathering, which took place at the Springview Government Building. Detrick helped the county acquire the facility for $1 from the State of Ohio. “He is always bragging about all of the great things people in Springfield and Clark County have accomplished in the past, and how it the area is constantly improving and looking towards the future.”
Detrick’s knowledge of, and love for, Clark County was mentioned frequently. Guests commented fondly on how Detrick has married his sense of humor with his love for education into a presentation where he wears different hats to tell the story of Clark County. Detrick has given the popular presentation to area schools and once a year at the New Carlisle Rotary Club. A gentleman who grew up knowing the Commissioner says, “I’ve seen it several times and I always marvel at how much Clark County has contributed to the world...not to mention how John can remember all of that history!”
After 20 years of public service, Detrick is well-known for his support of Clark County’s economic growth. During his time in office, Clark County has earned the highest bond rating possible.
Megan Lokai, the Clerk to the Board of the County Commissioners, sums up what many people say about Detrick and his work with the county.
“John has done a lot to help develop the area. He’s been instrumental in attracting large businesses here, bringing more jobs to our county. But what’s great about John is that he doesn’t care only about large businesses; he is a huge supporter of small business owners and agriculture too. He believes both are crucial to Clark County’s growth and financial well-being...a lot of business owners and farmers like and respect John because of it.”
Some of Commissioner Detrick’s achievements include:
Serving as representative on the Farmland Preservation Advisory Board for the State of Ohio and on the State Board for Bike Trails for the State of Ohio.
Involvement in Junior Achievement, including helping with membership drives and fundraisers
Member of the Greater Springfield Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) Board and continually works with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce to attract businesses to the area.
Named “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” in 2008 by the Leadership Clark County leadership academy
Named one of the 25 people who most influenced the Miami Valley in the last 10 years by the Dayton Business Journal
On a more personal level, Detrick’s co-workers and others who work in the Springview Government Center say how much they will miss his “can-do” attitude, his sense of humor, and hearing his laugh echoing through in the halls of the building, “He is always in a good mood and always says ‘Hi.’ He’s always cheering you on...you just know he believes in you. He will definitely be missed around here!”
Fellow Clark County Commissioners, Rick Lohnes and David Herrier, commented on how Detrick is constantly attending to the business of the county and its citizens, “Anyone who knows him, knows how busy he is. He always has a meeting going on with someone, then he’s heading out to Enon, then out at New Carlisle. He always has someone on the phone working some deal to bring some good and prosperity to Clark County.”
The Commissioners presented Detrick with retirement gifts. A large plaque emblazoned with a picture of Clark County included a spot for Tecumseh High School, Detrick’s alma mater.
For his part, Detrick says he has several options on the table for his retirement and “is very proud of what Clark County has accomplished” during his time in office.
“This is a special county with special people. I talk with them every day, they have great ideas and they work hard. I will miss that daily interaction.”
How does Commissioner Detrick feel about being called “Clark County’s Biggest Cheerleader?”
“I like to emphasis the positives, because that is what makes helps make things happen. There are a lot of ‘firsts’ that have happened here and this is a great place to talk about. There are many opportunities in Clark County. It’s just a great place to be.”
