Jasmyne Ray
The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce presents their annual Diamond Awards to notable chamber members at the end of each year.
At its last luncheon of the year, the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce presented their annual Diamond Awards Dec. 6. The awards recognize various businesses, nonprofits and individuals that have made a significant impact on their community in the past year.
The first award presented was Nonprofit of the Year, which was given to Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging. Other nominees included Family Connection, Inc., Kidz Outdoors, What Would Bob Do?, and Shelby County Education Foundation. Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging helps individuals access information, assistance, and resources that will empower them to self-advocate, live independently and enjoy the highest quality of life. Specifically, they specialize in serving older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Business of the Year nominees were ServPro of Westover, the Shelby County Reporter, Skiers Marine and PostNet Chelsea, with PostNet Chelsea winning. Owners Gene and Diane Thomas have been South Shelby Chamber members for many years, and out of 222 PostNet Centers around the nation, the location was chosen to be recognized with the award for making a positive impact in their local community.
There were two nominees for New Business of the Year: The Farm Stand and Whiskers & Wags Pet Boutique. One of the city of Chelsea’s newest business additions, Whiskers and Wags, won the award for their service in stocking healthy foods and treats, along with toys and boutique clothes for pets, as well as supporting their community through their business.
The Public Servant of the Year award acknowledges an individual who is committed to community service and tireless efforts for bettering Shelby County. Bridgette Jordan Smith took home the award this year for doing just that in addition to her service for her residential city of Vincent.
The Citizen of the Year award only had one nominee in its category this year, Vicki Everett, who humbly accepted the award. As a small business owner, she is also an active in the Chamber of Commerce, always willing to lend a helping hand whenever it’s needed.
As the last order of business, board chair Jacqueline Gardner announced the merging of the South Shelby and Greater Shelby County Chambers of Commerce to collectively become the Shelby County Chamber. After thanking the task force behind the merger, the board of directors for each chamber, chamber investors, Shelby County elected officials and introducing the new staff of the Shelby County Chamber, Gardner expressed her gratitude for having been able to serve the county.
The Shelby County Chamber will begin its work on Jan. 1, 2019. Following the lead of the two organizations it’s comprised of, members of the Chamber of Commerce can still expect monthly luncheons, Coffees with the Mayor and other events to get the most out of their membership. There are eight tiered investment membership levels with a wide range of benefits including being listed in an online directory, being listed in the quarterly who’s who listing and invitations to various events for chamber members.
For information about how to join the Shelby County Chamber, contact Kirk Mancer at kirk@shelbychamber.org.