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| Chamber honors community heroes Wednesday, March 10, 2010 Edwin Newton
Times were tough for Springtown business people in 2009, just as they were for most other communities in America. But Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce board president Jim Nielsen believes this area has a secret weapon: a willing group of city, school, chamber and emergency service employees and volunteers who go the extra mile to help make things a little better.
Those volunteers were in the limelight Saturday night as the chamber hosted its annual awards banquet at Springtown High School.
Theme of this year’s event was “Christmas In March.” In observance of that theme, Christmas music flowed as each table setting was adorned in holiday regalia fresh from the closet. Giving was also in keeping with the theme – as plaques were handed out to 14 people as 250 or so cheered them on. Nielsen said despite the economy he has personally witnessed numerous unselfish acts this past year. When senior citizens needed help with their Christmas gift requests, folks stepped forward. When Outreach of Love Church had an overwhelming number of childrens’ toy requests, others stepped in to fill the need. When the Neighbor to Neighbors food pantry looked like it was going to fall short of meeting the ever-increasing need, still more generosity was shown.
“I have personally had people come by my office and throw down $1,000 bills to help with senior angels,” he said. “The chamber, city – everyone – came together to help those who needed help.” The night’s honorees had more of an impact than most on Springtown’s well-being. City administrator Mark Krey – last year’s Man of the Year – said he didn’t need notes to praise this year’s selection. Jimmy Neeley, owner of Woody Creek Barbecue, needed little introduction as 2010 Man of the Year. “He is an outstanding young man who is generous to a fault and kind to all he meets,” Krey said. “He is a descendant of one of the oldest families in the Springtown area and a shining example of the type and quality of young person Springtown raises.” This year’s Woman of the Year knows first-hand about need in Springtown. Roxy Comyford runs the Neighbor to Neighbors food pantry, which fed a record number of people in 2009. Last year’s award winner, Amy Walker, said Comyford gives of her time and her heart. “It’s refreshing to find a woman who takes the time to be kind,” she said. A successful businesswoman in Colorado years ago, Comyford moved to Springtown to retire. She has done very little of that as NtN’s executive director the past couple of years. The 2010 Chamber Member of the Year went to Lori Mayo, a Springtown High School graduate and real estate professional who has been instrumental in promoting the city’s beautification projects. City employees were also honored. Sgt. Curtis Stone was introduced as this year’s Police Office of the Year while Ken Josey was selected Public Works Employee of the Year. Ken Kuper was introduced as Springtown Volunteer Firefighter of the Year and Jeremy Landers was LaJunta VFD’s choice as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. Armenda Elkins – inspired to teach by watching other teachers excel – was honored as Educator of the Year. And the Springtown Optimist Club – one of the oldest and most active clubs in town – was honored as Organization of the Year for its support of local youth. The Community Beautification Award went to the Springtown/Goshen Cemetery Association, represented at the banquet by Andrea Hungerford. The organization made a major impact on the city’s two main highways with its fencing and entry construction on the cemetery. Kelly Wiley of Family Photography by Kelly – with husband Chet at her side – was honored as Outstanding New Business of the Year. Pinnacle Bank was named Outstanding Business of the Year. Branch manager Janelle Summers brought several bank employees with her to help receive the award. Epigraph ad sales rep Joyce Morris – a regular at business ribbon cuttings – was honored as Ambassador of the Year largely for her tireless promotion of the community. The Judy Smerud Award – named after the chamber’s longtime beloved executive director – went to Judy Ray, a Springtown High School graduate and owner of Highland Furniture. Ray has spent many hours working with Springtown’s Beautification Committee. “I am very honored to receive the award dedicated to Judy Smerud,” she said. “My dad, the late Floyd Worlow, and Judy were instrumental in me joining the chamber and becoming a chamber director.” Nielsen challenged the chamber’s members to dedicate themselves to “getting everyone involved” in 2010. “We want to continue to help businesses in Springtown prosper,” he said. More detailed stories on the award winners will be featured in next week’s special supplement to the Epigraph, our annual Chamber of Commerce section. |
