Eric Harrah receives Harvey Hannah Award from Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce

Eric Harrah, at right, was named the 2009 recipient of the Harvey Hannah Award presented by the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Thursday night. At left, is his mother, Peg Harrah, who also won the award several years ago. (Greene County Daily World/Chris Pruett) [Order this photo]

Guest speaker Andy Roberts highlighted the many contributions that Harrah has made to the town of Bloomfield.

"Eric served on the town board as president from 2000-2007...He was an untiring and dedicated servant," Roberts said.

Harrah even referred to his time in local government as an "honor to serve and give back."

His many contributions while serving on the council include a number of projects such as the creation of the sewage disposal plant, downtown revitalization and moving the Apple Festival to the town park, among several others.

"He dedicated endless hours to the planning of the Apple Festival... in retrospect I think the relocation has been a success," Roberts said.

Harrah also funds local scholarships for Bloomfield High School grads.

"He gives three to five $1,000 scholarships each year...," he also said, noting scholarships go to both college-bound students as well as to those following the vocational path.

As president of Bloomfield Manufacturing Company, Harrah has twice expanded the business in 1997 and 2003.

The company now includes 37 full-time employees and several world-wide sales representatives.

Bloomfield Manufacturing Company was founded by Harrah's great-grandfather in 1895 and is one of the oldest companies in Indiana.

His many contributions to the community often go unrecognized, Roberts said.

Harrah exemplifies the spirit of the chamber's Harvey Hannah Award by being a donor to the bettermentof his hometown, Roberts said.

"Eric's philosophy is those who receive a lot are obliged to give a lot," he also said.

After receiving the award, Harrah admitted to being completely surprised.

"I pride myself in having control and knowing what's going on in my life....obviously I'm slipping...," he said with a chuckle. "It's a privilege... I'm honestly speechless, I had no idea."

He also gave credit when it was due, noting the contributions as town council president were a team effort of Gary Sweeney, the late Russell and Janet Bayse.

"Russell's the one that made it fun," he said. "It's been a privilege working with the town board. I enjoyed it."

Overall, he said it's been an honor to give back to his hometown.

"I like Bloomfield... that's where my heart is. It's fun to leave, but it's great to get back," Harrah added.

The Harvey Hannah Award honors a Bloomfield resident by recognizing his or her outstanding efforts in the community. Harrah and his mother, Peggy Harrah, are the first two-generation family to receive the award.

Peggy Harrah was the recipient in 2001.

The Hannah Award is named in honor of a former local teacher Harvey Hannah, who taught art and government for 50 years at Bloomfield, Jasonville and Solsberry high schools. Hannah was a gifted artist who wrote and illustrated two children's books -- "Benny and Buster Bug" and "Benny and Buster Bug and Pokey Snail."