South Shelby Chamber presents Diamond Awards

As part of celebrating the New Year at their January chamber luncheon, the South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce honored members of the community who helped make an impact during 2017. On the docket for the event were awards for Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Public Servant of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year and Citizen of the Year. 

After presenting nominees — who ranged from individuals to businesses to organizations — for each category, emcee for the day April Stone announced the following winners:

Business of the Year

The South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award was given to St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness Center for facilitating a collaboration with Shelby County Schools and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation. Through the collaboration, the organizations were able to help Oak Mountain High School senior Kyle McGee work towards independence and “his high school transition goal of paid supported employment,” the nomination said.

“Kyle has severe challenges to overcome, but because of their commitment to Kyle’s goals … he has achieved skills in communication far beyond the expectations of many people know him well,” said the nomination.

Other nominees included: Seventh Heaven, Simply Infused, Mundy Motors, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, NAPA Auto Parts of Columbiana and Douglas Built of Vincent. 

New Business of the Year

After starting in Tennessee in 2013, Buff City Soaps Company expanded to Alabama in 2017 and was named the New Business of the Year for chamber. The soaps they produce are plant-based and all of their products are environmentally-conscious.

“It is a great place, even greater products, and they are just really nice people to deal with; always eager to help out,” the nomination said.

Other nominees included: Clint Neville Farmer’s Insurance Agency and Columbiana Tractor Company.

Public Servant of the Year

Don Armstrong, Shelby County Property Tax Commissioner, was named the South Shelby County Chamber Public Servant of the Year for 2017. He has served as the property tax commissioner since 2005, and before that he was on the Shelby County Commission for 15 years.

“Don helped lead the county from a time of financial straights to a time of financial freedom,” the nomination said.

He is also credited with “moving the property tax commissioner’s office to the next level of customer service.”

Other nominations included: Kirk Mancer, Robyn James, Peg Hill, Bridgette Jordan Smith, Dr. Jay Crimson and the Chelsea Citizens on Patrol.

Nonprofit of the Year

The Shelby County Chamber Nonprofit of the Year was awarded to The ARC of Shelby County for providing individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities the services they may need to live successful, independent lives. Founded in 1974, the organization has grown and in 2017 the ARC served 1,543 individuals.

“The ARC of Shelby County has expanded to meet the growing needs in our community all while ensuring a commitment to quality in each program or service provided,” the nomination said. 

The organization is also the largest provider of early intervention services focusing on children in Shelby County.

Other nominations included: My Sister’s Place and Heavenly Smiles.

Citizen of the Year

Frances Lokey “Skeet” Phelps — a 94 year old Navy veteran and resident of Wilsonville — was named the 2017 Citizen of the Year. 

Phelps was the first female mayor of Wilsonville, where she still frequents City Council meetings today. She is also a member of the Silver Hair Legislature, attends meetings in Montgomery, helps with her niece’s beauty parlor when called upon and works with the Wilsonville Methodist Church.

“She is a 'Jill of all trades,'” the nomination said. “There is nothing this woman will not attempt and more often than not, be successful at it.”

Of her many accomplishments and awards, Phelps happily said: “Let me say, any of you can do it, if you just live to 95 and over.”

Her presentation of the award was met with a standing ovation. The only other nomination was for Shawn Callahan, Jason Spinks and Carol and Rick Clark with Kidz Outdoors.

The Chamber also named Vicki Everett of Juice Plus+ as the 2017 Chamber Ambassador of the Year.