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The Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce had its 94th annual awards banquet Friday at Danville County Club.
It marked the third consecutive year the event was held “celebration” style, with music, dancing, networking and hors d’oeuvres. Members and guests used the evening to look back at 2012 and celebrate the accomplishments, said Paula Fowler, executive director of the Chamber.
Fowler said the Chamber’s young professionals group decided to alter what was traditionally a straightlaced affair, creating a more socially inviting and relaxed atmosphere.
“They’ve completely revamped it,” Fowler said.
The evening wasn’t all fun and games, of course, what with the business of handing out awards to worthy Chamber members to attend to.
The following honors were handed out Friday night:
The School Bell Awards: given to an individual who has volunteered a considerable amount of time and effort to improve the quality of education.
Boyle County School Bell Award was presented to Nikki Kinkade. Kinkade organized the Boyle County Schools’ Run For The Arts, an event held in all five schools that promoted physical activity and raised $10,000 for the schools’ art education programs.
Danville School Bell Award was presented to Bobby Cassady, a Centre College graduate. Cassady is a full-time engineer who spends his extra time volunteering in many venues at Danville schools, including coaching, transportation to events and judging competitions.
Kentucky School for the Deaf’s School Bell Award winner was Harlan Barnett Sr. Barnett has volunteered at KSD for five and a half years. During his time he has donated needed tools, made multiple repairs, and shared his electrician expertise with employees.
Ambassador of the Year: given to an individual who exemplifies the work of the Ambassador’s Club.
This year’s Ambassador of the Year award was presented to Bob Stovall. Stovall has been chair of the Ambassador’s Club and has been active for many years, attending and working most of the Chamber’s activities.
Rising Star Award: chosen by the Young Professionals.
Jacquelyn Peterson has been with the Young Professionals for a couple of years in which she helped plan the Chamber’s annual celebration. She is a member of the 2013 Leadership Boyle County class and recently joined Rotary.
Director’s Award: given to individuals who go “above and beyond” to support the Chamber.
This year, the Director’s Award was presented to Philip Nichols and Ken Harmon. Nichols, a retired banker and businessman Harmon helped lead the Young Entrepreneurs’ Academy, along with Dave Scheurich and Linda Klosowski. Called YEA!, the program teaches students how to make a job, rather than just take a job, with the goal of students developing their own businesses.
Bruce Montgomery Leadership Alumni Award: presented to a Leadership Boyle County alumni who displays strong leadership qualities and continued involvement in the Leadership program.
Presented by Bruce Montgomery’s daughter, Melissa Caudill, this year’s award was given to Myrna Miller, a 2003 graduate of Leadership Boyle County. Miller has maintained involvement with the program and started an alumni reception to introduce each new class to graduates of the program.
Legacy Award: bestowed by the Chamber board to honor an individual whose life marked Danville’s community through significant leadership involvement.
This year, the Chamber honored Johnny Harmon, a Boyle County native who worked 36 years for the U.S Postal Service in Danville. A 1967 graduate of Boyle County High School, he is remembered as a competitive athlete who went on to play fast-pitch softball for a state championship team. As a coach of youth sports for many years, Harmon was inducted into the Boyle County High School Hall of Fame. The award was accepted by his widow, Judy Harmon.
Community Impact Award: presented to individuals who provoke action in an area of need in the community, without monetary or personal gain.
This year’s winner was the Arts Commission of Danville/Boyle County and was accepted by Ann Nichols. This self-supported group helps raise awareness of the arts and how they benefit a community. The group hosts exhibits for artists, holds fund-raisers for school art programs and produces a local bi-monthly calendar of arts happenings.
Outstanding Volunteer Award: given to an individual dedicated to community service in a non-profit organization.
This year, the Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented to Martha Kerbaugh King. King, a four-year Great American Brass Band Festival steering committee member, has an active role in forming the festival and recently took over the role of president. Also on the Rotary board, King has volunteered for Bourbon Chase, is involved with the Chamber’s Young Professionals and has participated in the United Way Community Investments process.
Outstanding Business Person: given to an individual for community service, civic leadership, personal character, peer respect and Chamber involvement.
Patti Powell earned this year’s Outstanding Business Person ward. Powell, a longtime marketing agent, merged the Mazda and Stuart Powell Ford Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in 2003, and serves as vice president and general manager. She serves as a chairperson on the Danville-Boyle County Humane Society board, and is a member of the Farmers National Bank Advisory Board.
Outstanding Small Business: recognizes a business with less than 50 employees for growth, service and Chamber involvement.
This year, the Outstanding Small Business award was presented to Central Kentucky Federal Savings Bank, accepted by assistant vice president Kathy McBee. Central Kentucky Federal Savings Bank has been on Main Street in Danville since 1886 and is committed to its philosophy of community involvement and support. The bank also awards a Centre College scholarship annually to a Danville or Boyle County graduate.
Outstanding Large Business: recognizes businesses with 50 or more employees for growth, service and Chamber involvement.
This year’s recipient was Hobart, accepted by plant manager Jeff Hogue. Hobart is part of the Fortune 200 company Illinois Tool Works, which owns numerous manufacturing units and brands, with facilities in the U.S., Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. In its Danville location for 16 years, the company specializes in warewashing equipment production, and employs 87 people. Hobart management is involved with at least 11 community organizations.
Outstanding Citizen Award: Recipients are volunteers with hundreds of hours dedicated to the community.
This year’s Outstanding Citizen was awarded to Ben Nelson. Nelson has helped lead many profit and non-profit organizations throughout North America. An organizational strategist for 25 years, he instructed more than 2,500 individuals in 35 states in the U.S and Canada. He continues to provide organizational consulting services that benefit some of the best businesses in Danville. He is the immediate past president of the Chamber, and has served as chair and a member of several community organizations. He and his wife own Maple Tree Gallery in downtown Danville.