At the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce dinner Tuesday evening, the Citizen of the Year and Chamber Members of the Year were announced.

Bob Walton, executive director of Community Action, was named Citizen of the Year.

Walton is a native of Scioto County, graduating from Glenwood High School and Ohio University. He has been actively involved in the community for many years.

“This is my second surprise of the day,” Walton said. “I went to Dr. Inoshita this morning and (he) pronounced that I was his ‘miracle man' of the year. This has been a very good day for me.”

He thanked all those who prayed for him throughout the past year during an illness.

“I'm very appreciative and it's a great honor to have your peers honor you in such a way,” Walton said. “I was totally surprised.”

Two businesses were chosen as Chamber Members of the Year, USEC and Verizon.

USEC donated $35,000 and Verizon donated $20,000 to the new Welcome Center.

A video presentation highlighted Portsmouth area growth announcing several new businesses and additions to other businesses. The theme was “Creating One Job at a Time.”