The Hall County business community gathered Thursday night to celebrate some of their own at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s 111th annual meeting and gala.
The gala, held at the Chattahoochee Country Club, gave members the chance to celebrate a successful year and recognize some individuals and businesses for their accomplishments.
WDUN AM/FM was one of two businesses, along with Riverside Pharmacy, to receive the Family Business of the Year Award. Two other businesses – BGW Dental Group and M&R Equipment Rental and Sales – were named Small Businesses of the Year.
U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, R-Gainesville, was presented the Distinguished Citizen Award. A native of Gainesville, Collins has served in the House of Representatives since 2013, following several terms in the Georgia House of Representatives. In Congress, Collins is ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.
Collins also has been a U.S. Air Force Reserve chaplain since 2002, including a deployment to Iraq in 2008-2009.
“Doug’s staff says his favorite quote is, ‘Bloom where you’re planted,’” said Carol Burrell, exiting chamber chairwoman and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health Systems. “Doug, we’re glad you’re planted in D.C. and blooming on behalf of your community.”
Lanier Technical College and its president, Ray Perren, were presented the Community Service Award. Lanier Tech opened a new $135 million state-of-the-art campus that provides learning opportunities to more than 5,000 students. More than 200 businesses partner with Lanier Tech, including large manufacturing partners such as Kubota, King’s Hawaiian and Wrigley. Perren has been the school's president since 2013.
“From poultry to tourism to entertainment, the college has forged strong relationships that remain beneficial to business as well as students,” Burrell said in presenting the award.
The W.G. Mealor Award was presented to Andi Farmer. Named for the man who served as the chamber’s first chairman, the award is given the current year’s chairman to a volunteer who has done exceptional work for the chamber that year. Burrell presented the award to Farmer, calling her “a mentor, a problem solver and a selfless servant.”
“If you ask people who have had the privilege of working for her, they would no doubt tell you that her nurturing nature as well as her sharp wit, intellect, and ability to be honest in the most poised manner make her an amazing boss, co-worker, and parent,” Burrell said. “You won't find another individual who loves this Chamber and its members more than Andi.”
WDUN, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, was founded by the late John W. Jacobs Jr. Today, his son, Jay Jacobs, runs the company, which features three radio stations and an innovative online newspaper, AccessWDUN.
“WDUN shows no signs of slowing down,” said Brian Rochester of Rochester & Associates, the incoming chamber chairman, who presented the award. “With a staff much like family, WDUN remains on the cutting edge of the communications industry. They take pride in their consistency – from news delivery to community service.”
Riverside Pharmacy was also named Family Business of the Year. Owned today by Scottie Barton, the pharmacy was started in 1954 by Charles Johnson and Joann Adams, the first female pharmacist in Hall County, and it has always strived to have a hometown feel, Rochester said.
“Scottie says Riverside Pharmacy has always believed in giving back to the community,” Rochester said. “They are sincerely appreciative of their customers and for the community’s ongoing support.”
M&R Equipment Rental & Sales was founded in 1967 and remains in its original location on Enota Drive, just off Thompson Bridge Road, providing everything from boom lifts and jackhammers to skid steers and cranes. The business is now owned by Nathan, Will and Don Crumley.
“The Crumley brothers’ commitment to providing the highest level of service to their customers has prompted new and innovative ways for the business to handle the needs of a growing community,” Rochester said.
BGW Dental Group began in 1994 when Dr. Reppard Bennett started Bennett Family Dentistry. His son and nephew later joined the practice. In 2006, Dr. Cindy Fulenwider Greene joined the practice, and was joined a year later by Dr. Ryan Wood. The practice was renamed BGW Dental Group in 2012 and now has two locations.
“Since the founding of the company, community involvement has always played a major role in the company’s success,” said Rochester. “The group provides comprehensive cancer care for the underserved and is involved with Good News Clinics where Doctor Rick Bennett served as chairman for 10 years.”
The chamber’s Silver Shovel awards are given to chamber volunteers who have been particularly active during the past year. Chamber President Kit Dunlap announced the winners Thursday’s gala, but the awards will be handed out at the chamber’s June board of directors meeting.
- Glennis Barnes, Georgia Power
- Sharon Barrett, South State Bank
- Chris Braswell, The Norton Agency
- Whitney Brown, Stewart, Melvin & Frost
- Namon Collins, Allstate Insurance
- Suzanne Erickson, Brenau University
- Tracy Hoeltke, Netchex
- Mark Lane, Hall County
- Tracy Moon, Fisher & Phillips
- Tate O’Rourke, Jackson EMC
- Lauren Pugh, Lanier Technical College
- Steve Rawl, SunTrust Bank
- Rhonda Samples, Hall County Schools
- Margaret Spratlin, Longstreet Clinic
- Trish Stump and Larry Becker, Montana Farm
- Mark Winters, Georgia Department of Labor
