by Dwight Turner

An enthusiastic crowd of supporters gathered on the evening of Tuesday, May 1 for the annual Ardmore, AL/TN Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The event, in which the Chamber honors various businesses and individuals, was held in the City of Ardmore, TN City Hall Annex.

Outgoing Chamber of Commerce President George Dimock kicked off the affair by welcoming those present. After a moving invocation, Dimock was presented with a plaque in recognition of his excellent work over the past year.

Chamber Executive Director Maalac Steele took the podium and further welcomed those present and gave a brief overview of recent chamber events and future plans. Following Steele’s remarks, outgoing officers were recognized.

Dimock and Steele then proceeded to present the various awards for the year. Delores Thompson accepted the Small Business of the Year Award for The Myrtle Tree. L&S Food Market received the Medium Business of the Year Award. Fowler Auction and Real Estate was recognized as Large Business of the Year and Audio Enhancers received the Industry of the Year Award.

Bill Norman garnered honors as the Chamber Volunteer of the Year and the President’s Award was given to Street Supervisor Terry Barkley in recognition of his tireless efforts toward making Ardmore a more beautiful and livable community. Barkley was unable to attend because his son had a baseball game. Barkley’s award was accepted by Town of Ardmore, AL Town Clerk Darla Daly on his behalf. Daly read a moving statement by Barkley, thanking the Chamber for honoring him with the President’s Award.

Ardmore High School students Lindsey Holland and Shannon Fogg received the annual Scholarships Award. Presenting the awards were Linda Higgenbotham and Ted Sharp, owner of Audio Enhancers.

Next, the 2007/2008 Officers and Directors were introduced. New officers and directors include: Delores Thompson, president; Dihanne Guilbert, president elect; Diane Fowler, vice president; Darla Daly, secretary; and Betsye Spencer, treasurer.

After then new officers were introduced, Thompson closed the affair.

A delicious dinner was provided to those in attendance by Joy Leslie, owner of Joy’s Sugar Free Delights Plus.

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