The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet Tuesday and outgoing Chairman Steve Jones handed the gavel over to Jessica Hill.
Hill addressed the crowd at the Expo Center and announced her executive board for the next year. They included Chairman-Elect Stacey Brister, along with Zach Johnson, Wade Smith, Megan Layne, Paul Dickerson, Dr. Shaun McAlpin, Joe Love and Jones.
Several awards were handed out. The Non-Profit Community Service Award was presented to Kristin Burman and the Orange Community Action Association.
The Business Community Service Award was given to the Heather Montagne Insurance Agency. Amy Peevey received the Chairperson of the Year Award. She was also the Chairperson of the banquet.
Derek McWilliams was named Ambassador of the Year and Next Gen Spotlight Award was presented to Kari Busch. Laci Gibbens will replace Leigh Anne Harrell as the new Ambassador Chair.
The final award of the night, Citizen of the Year, was presented to Stump Weatherford. Stump is known for having a handshake in his right hand and his camera in the other. But his years of service to the Orange community, especially through the Lions Club, is unmatched. He recently received the Ambassador of Goodwill Award from Lions International. An award only 35 Lions receive.
President Ida Schossow and Business Coordinator Ericka Smith were recognized for their work over the last year.
Speaker Dade Phelan made an appearance and presented Jones with a commemorative flag that has been flown over the capital. Amy Walker of Faith Methodist Church led the Invocation and Benediction. Food and Drink were served by LBS BBQ. Photography provided by Kimberly Manning and Cheryl Taylor. Gary Stelly of KOGT was the Master of Ceremony.
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