By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — The support of one local businessman has earned national recognition as John J. Oliver, of U.S. Granules, has been honored for a second year as a member of the Jeremiah Milbank Society.
The Milbank Society is an elite group of individuals nationwide dedicated to supporting their local Boys & Girls Club. It’s named in honor of Jeremiah Milbank, a businessman and philanthropist in the early-  and mid- 1900s who not only developed the Boys & Girls Club national organization but also created several organizations to help eradicate diseases such as polio and diphtheria.

“I’m honored to be recognized with the Milbank Society Award,” said Oliver. “I agreed to this public recognition solely to highlight my belief that the entire community should take ownership in this magnificent institution.
“When Leonard and JoAnn Isban established the Boys and Girls Club they also assumed the entire burden of funding its operations. We cannot expect such generosity to last indefinitely. I hope the broad community acceptance of the club and growing investment by supporters will continue to assure the long-term viability of the facility.”
Oliver pointed to other local businessmen as well who have made investments in the community with the idea that the future of Plymouth lies in its children.
“Over the years local industrialists have done their part to invest in the infrastructure of Plymouth, mostly for the benefit of our youth,” said Oliver. “The Young Amphitheater, the Kindt Soccerplex, Bill Nixon Field and the Boys & Girls Club illustrate a strong commitment to our youngsters.
“I encourage support of these programs. There can be no better investment than in our children.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshall County has begun their One Campaign, their annual fundraiser. This year’s goal is $110,000.
“It takes around $1,000 a day to keep operating all of our programs,” said Billie Treber, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Marshall County. “The members each pay $50 a year, and it’s support from those like Mr. Oliver that let us keep providing all the programs we can for our kids.”
“We are very pleased that Mr. Oliver has given us such outstanding support,” said Ward Byers Chief Volunteer Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshall County. “The whole staff works very hard for the kids and it’s very good to know that we provide programs that people see as important to get behind.”