The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce held its annual State of the Chamber Luncheon Thursday afternoon at Arborwood. Chamber Executive Director Shan Sheridan said he always enjoy this day because it is an opportunity to say “thank you” to everyone who has made the city prosper and grow.
“It’s a feel good moment of the year for me because it’s the opportunity to celebrate these folks in our community that are so special,” said Sheridan. “These people that do everyday stuff that we just take granted. I mean between teachers, business owners, elected, appointed officials. Just so many great people that made our community work.”
Sheridan added this year’s event took on a special meaning because of what is happening in Frankfort.
“I think there are so many good things happening — the construction of so many neat projects that are actually underway,” said Sheridan.
“We’ve been thinking about them and they’ve been on the drawing board for awhile. But now, things are underway. We’re seeing it happen now and there is an excitement. That is what made this a special moment today.”
The Frankfort Times Citizen of the Year award was given to Center Township Trustee Kevin Evans.
“It’s awesome that I was able to receive this award, but it just shows what a great community we have,” said Evans. “The time and energy that’s put put into the things that we did this year is really a testament to our strong city, our mayor, our community organizations, our non-profits, our churches. I would say this award isn’t one for me. It’s for our community.”
Evans added he was totally shocked about receiving the honor.
“I had no idea,” he said. “I guess that’s what makes it such a surprise is that somebody nominated our community for this award because our community is getting stronger, we’re building, we’re moving forward and that’s what we’re focused on.”
Evans was asked what his organization is focusing on in 2019.
“We’re focused on books, our kids,” said Evans. “We’re focused on getting people back to work. That’s where we’re at — education and workforce.”
The Chamber gave out 16 awards at the event. Awards were given to the following individuals and businesses: Susan Randle of NTK (Human Resource of the Year), Larry Price (Volunteer of the Year), Cindy Beebe of the YMCA (Employee of the Year), Kirklin Main Street (Not-For-Profit of the Year), Mereith Mast (Distinction in Teaching Award for the Community Schools of Frankfort), Jayne Pierce (Distinction in Teaching Award for Clinton Prairie), Barbara Runyon (Distinction in Teaching Award for Clinton Central), Chris Miller (Distinction in Teaching Award for Rossville), Charna Vertue (Iron Block Member of the Year), C.A. Taylor (New Chamber Member of the Year), Performance Ag (Agribusiness of the Year), Doug Hill (Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year), Bulk Transfer (Small Business of the Year), The Donaldson Company (Large Business of the Year), Jay Hawley (Legend in Business Award) and Kramer Lumber (Legend in Business Award).
Tammy Moss was named as the new Chamber President for 2019 replacing Don Stock.
