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COC 2012 banquet

Buzzie Hardy was honored as the William H. Booth Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet held Jan. 26 at the Jefferson Civic Center. Hardy was among those honored at the banquet under the theme, "The Stars Shine Brighter in Jackson County." The evening, with Buhler Quality Yarn Corp., as presenting sponsor, also served as the official passing of the gavel to new chairman Keith Jackson from outgoing chairman Shade Storey. As the William H. Booth honoree, Hardy was described as a true public servant who "was committed to serving the community through both good and tough times over the past 22 years," said Shane Short, President/CEO of the Chamber, who presented the awards. "As such, the City of Commerce is much better of today than when he accepted his role as Mayor." Short said Hardy is known as a man with both "a soft heart and steel fist when it comes to something that he sets his mind to." Short said while working closely with Hardy as a board member, "I know that he is a very passionate person about his community and will do whatever it takes to look out for them." Special recognition was given to Dr. Shannon Adams, who is retiring at the end of this school year as Superintendent of the Jackson County School System. "He is a native of Jefferson and has over 30 years of experience in his profession," said Short, who noted that almost all those years were in Jackson County. "He began his career in the education profession as a teacher at Benton Elementary School and later served as principal of North Jackson Elementary School followed by serving as Principal at Oconee Elementary School before seeing the light and returning back to Jackson County as Director of Administrative Services." Since 2005, Dr. Adams has served as superintendent. Short said, Adams has "dedicated his life to the education of children and we are grateful that most of that time he was in Jackson County," said Short. Other honors went to Marshall Acree as Ambassador of the Year, who was unable to attend the banquet. Roper Pumps served as sponsor of the award which recognizes one who is the top points-getter among Ambassadors who are ready to meet and greet new businesses, attend ribboncuttings and other Chamber events. Acree, of Georgia Insurance Associates, is also a new Chamber board member. Shawn Watson, owner of Legacy Landscape Management, was honored as Volunteer of the Year. The award is sponsored by Gwinnett Federal Credit Union. Short said the Volunteer of the Year is someone who has "gone above the call of duty to volunteer service to the Jackson County Area chamber of Commerce and, through his enthusiasm and dedication, has set an example for future Chamber volunteers." Watson gives of his time and support to the Chamber, said Short, who reminds that Watson has chaired the Chamber’s networking programs and been an active participant and strong proponent of the Chamber. Charlotte Mealor, who heads the Historic Courthouse Restoration Committee, is this year’s Citizen of the Year. The award was sponsored by Northridge Medical Center. Mealor has contributed much time volunteering for Jackson County, and "has for several years been charged with what may be the largest renovation project we have seen yet in Jackson County," said Short. "You can see the results of her work and dedciation, along with her fellow committee members, every time you drive by our beautiful old courthouse." The Veggie Patch at Bouchard Farms was honored as Small Business of the Year, an award sponsored by American Pest Control. Short said small businesses are "the true backbone of America," and said the award is for a business with 25 or less employees. "Our recipient of this year’s award has supported a number of Chamber events including the annual awards banquet, the Jackson Chamber Classic, the Chili Cookoff, the Jackson Derby and the Woman of the Year Luncheon. "Their businesses and employees have a clear mission to support the community," said Short. "It’s even part of their business plan." According to Short, The Veggie Patch is committed to providing high quality products... If you want great quality, healthy fruits and vegetables, you must make it a point to visit their business." Mainstreet News was recognized of the Large Business of the Year, which was sponsored by United Commuinty Bank. Mike Buffington accepted the award which Short said recognized "a business of 26 or more employees who has demonstrated that they are exemplary in their business field and who is a model employer." Involvement and support of the community that enhances the quality of life in Jackson County are among the criteria. "Established in 1875, they are the largest continually operated business in Jackson County," Short said. "At some point in time we all love to hate them, or at least part of them, but our community depends on them greatly," said Short, who commented they have been a great supporter of the Chamber. Also recognized was Woman of the Year Emily Howell, who was honored at the fourth annual Woman of the Year luncheon hosted previously by the Women in Business Committee.