The Richmond Chamber of Commerce held its annual Awards Banquet at the Keene Johnson Building Thursday night at the Keene Johnson Ballroom. Baptist Health sponsored a reception in Walnut Hall before the awards banquet dinner which was provided by EKU Catering Aramark. High Point Realty & Auctions was the presenting sponsor for the Awards Banquet. Mayor Robert Blythe delivered the prayer to get the dinner under way.
Colleen E. Spencer, President & CEO, welcomed the chamber members and guests and thanked everyone for giving her the opportunity to lead the Richmond Chamber into the future. Chairman of the Board, Greg D. Gerard, gave a brief speech talking about meeting with Colleen and finding out the she was interested in leading the Richmond Chamber of Commerce after the departure of Mendi Goble.
Dan McBride and Colleen Spencer presented the following awards:
Agriculture Award: Thomas Reams
Industry Award: Enersys and Micah Meeker, Plant Manager
Minority Business of the Year: Athena Behavioral Health
B. Michael Caudill Educator of the Year:
Donna Morris, Danniel Boone Librarian
Nonprofit of the Year: God’s Outreach
Community Service Award: Gil Shew
Chris & Gracie Hagar Beautification Award:
The Stone House at Silver Creek – Megan Bloomer
Ambassador of the Year: Bob Stamper
Small Business of the Year: Newby Country Store
Business of the Year: Texas Roadhouse
Howard & Neal Colyer Dedication Award: Rodney Davis
Wallace G. Maffett Award:
Lori Murphy-Tatum. Executive Director Richmond Tourism
To close the evening, Colleen Spencer presented Dan McBride an award for 25 years of emceeing the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet.
The highlight of my evening was watching my brother, Gil, receive the Community Service Award and his acceptance speech remembering Howard and Neal Colyer and Mayor Wallace Maffett. Congratulations Gil and thank you for your service to the St. Andrews Retirement Community.
