Friday, March 18, 2016

Chamber seeking award nominations

Know anyone who gives of his or her resources to the community without much fanfare or reward? Is there someone you see donating talents or time without any motivation other than to be helpful?
If so, here’s your opportunity to recognize them.

Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce has issued its call for nominations for the group’s annual awards, which include Unsung Hero, Community Pride, Customer Service and Volunteer of the Year.
The group is also seeking suggestions for its Person of the Year honor.

Susan Alexander, executive director of the civic organization, says the Person of the Year is the most coveted award the Chamber doles out each year. Its aim is to recognize a person whose outstanding leadership and community service over a period of time has made a positive and lasting impact on the area and its citizens. Last year’s Person of the Year was 5th Judicial Circuit Family Court Judge Brandi Rogers.

The Community Pride Award, given last year to Beavers Car Wash, targets businesses or groups who have demonstrated pride in their community through improvements made to their own establishment or improvements to a public facility.

The Chamber’s Unsung Hero award honors an individual who has made a difference in the community but has neither sought nor received public recognition. This award goes to a person who often works behind the scenes to improve the quality of life for others. Last year’s Unsung Hero was Chris Evans.

Volunteer of the Year is a tribute to an individual or individuals who performs community service on their own time without compensation. Last year, this award went to Kristi Beavers for her work with the local animal shelters.

The Customer Service Award identifies an individual who goes above and beyond normal demands of his or her job to provide extraordinary customer service. Last year’s recipient was Clifton Etheridge, who works at Marion Feed Mill.

Nominations may be submitted via email to chamber@marionkentucky.us or provided in writing at the Chamber office at the Marion Welcome Center at Marion Commons.

Deadline for nominations is April 11. Selections will be made by Chamber directors and will be presented during the group’s annual meeting and dinner at 6 p.m. April 28. The event will be catered by Conrad’s Food Store and it will be held at the Marion Ed-Tech Center.


Person of the Year
  • 2015: Brandi Rogers
  • 2014: Regina Merrick
  • 2013: Terry Bunnell
  • 2012: Mona Manley
  • 2011: Chris Cook
  • 2010: Joe Yarbrough
  • 2009: Chris Evans
  • 2008: Judy Winn
  • 2007: Gareth Hardin
  • 2006: Fred Brown
  • 2005: Zac Greenwell
  • 2004: Rose Crider
  • 2003: Steve Davidson
  • 2002: Barry Gilbert
  • 2001: J. Wade Berry
  • 2000: Jim Hatfield
  • 1999:  Dulcie Hardin
  • 1998: Nancy Hunt
  • 1997: Lois Hicks
  • 1996: Marlene James
  • 1995: Richard Conrad
  • 1994: Gordon Guess
  • 1993: Charles Tinsley
  • 1992: Ethel and Thomas Tucker
  • 1991: Alan Stout
  • 1990: George Patmor
  • 1989: Mickey Alexander
Unsung Hero
  • 2015: Chris Evans
  • 2014: Mike Crabtree
  • 2013: David Travis
  • 2012: Greg Rushing
  • 2011: Brandi Rogers
  • 2010: Brenda Underdown
  • 2009: Jim and Merle Myers
  • 2008: Tina Walker
  • 2007: Donnetta Travis
  • 2006: James C. Johnson
  • 2005: Emily Shelby
  • 2004: Steve Cosby
  • 2003: Perry Newcom
  • 2002: Paja Crider
  • 2001: Sarah Ford
  • 2000: Mike Byford
  • 1999:  Donnie Corley
  • 1998: Allison Mick Evans
  • 1997: Chris Cook
  • 1996: Ronnie Stubblefield
  • 1995: Larry Duvall
  • 1994: Marlene James
  • 1993: Jack Voss
  • 1992: Ramona Ford
  • 1991: Erika Crider
  • 1990: Richard Conrad
  • 1989: Lois Hicks, Larry Orr
  • 1988: Ethel Tucker
  • 1987: Diana Byford
Volunteer of the Year
  • 2015: Kristi Beavers
  • 2014: Kim Vince
  • 2013: Fred Stubblefield
  • 2012: Bob Briley
  • 2011: Toyia Redd
  • 2010: Helen Lewis
  • 2009: Sarah Ford
  • 2008: Margaret Gilland
  • 2007: Ron Padget
Customer Service
  • 2015: Clifton Etheridge
  • 2014: Pam Enoch
  • 2013: Ideal Gas
  • 2012: Terry Ford Insurance
  • 2011: Farmers Bank tellers
  • 2010: Donny Herron
  • 2009: Alma Tabor
  • 2008: Keith Hart
Community Pride
  • 2015: Beavers Car Wash
  • 2014: Johnson's Furniture & Appliance
  • 2013: Marion Fire Department
  • 2012: Marion Tourism, Marion Main Street, City of Marion
  • 2011: Wright Plaza
  • 2010: The Peoples Bank
  • 2009: Crittenden County Detention Center
  • 2008: Marion Bobcats
  • 2007: Myers Funeral Home
  • 2006: Superior Trophies and Screen Printing
  • 2005: Crittenden County Kentucky Farm Bureau
  • 2004: Thom Hawthorne/Hawthorne Enterprises
  • 2003: Par 4 Plastics
  • 2002: American LegionPost 111
  • 2001: Crittenden HealthSystems
  • 2000: Bowtanical Florist & Gift Shop
  • 1999: Farmers Bank & Trust Co.
  • 1998: Thom’s Sweet Shoppe
  • 1997:The Peoples Bank
  • 1996: Crittenden County High School
  • 1995: n/a
  • 1994: Liberty Fuels, Kentucky Utilities Co.
  • 1993: Stout Law Office
  • 1992: Sureway