Enhance the success of business, tourism and civic interest of Polk County and to promote the quality of life for all citizens
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sydney Murphy addresses a huge audience of citizens, community leaders, and business owners.
Polk County Chamber of Commerce Holds its Seventy Fourth Annual Awards Banquet, LIVINGSTON, January 28, 2010 - The Livingston Polk County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet to recognize outstanding citizens of our county who go above and beyond to help others, and to make our community a better place to live. Community leaders from all over the county came together at the Livingston Junior High school. Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and peach cobbler were served. Chamber Chairman, Brian Bounds presided over the event as master of ceremonies. Executive Director, Sydney Murphy also spoke. The following people were especially recognized:
• Community Service Award: Mark T. Jones
• Educator of the Year: Deana Evans
• First Responder of the Year: Craig Jones
• Senior Citizen of the Year: Kathryn Wilson, Corinne Crump, Marjorie Bower, Jean Melcer
• Natural Resource Award: C.T. Jones, Jr.
• Polk Countian of the Year: Colonel Howard Daniel, Jr.
At conclusion of the awards, Chairman Brian Bounds officially turned over the Chairmanship to the new 2010 Chairman, Sheriff Kenneth Hammack. Before turning over the gavel to Hammack, Bounds in an off the cuff moment stated that Executive Director Sydney Murphy said that he would have to pass the gavel, "...Sydney said I would have to pass the gavel, but I don't think I can even swallow it" the audience erupted in laughter. After a handshake and changing of the guard, Hammack spoke, in his speech, Hammack stated: "Let us strive to make this community even better. I encourage you to get involved with your chamber and become a part of the chamber team. Your attendance at chamber events and support of local businesses can only strengthen this area and assist all of us in making 2010 another good year for Polk County".
(L to R) 2008 Polk Countian of the Year, Bea Ellis, Marie Daniel, and Howard Daniel, Jr.
Changing of the guard, 2009 Chairman Brian Bounds "Passes" the gavel to 2010 Chairman, Ken Hammack.
Here's an even bigger gavel: State Representative John Otto presents Bounds with another gavel.
Sydney Murphy stands with Civl War reinactors.
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