McKenzie Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hosts Annual Banquet

McKENZIE (June 16) — The McKenzie Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted its annual banquet Tuesday at Bethel University's Vera Low Center.

Chamber Executive Director Monica Heath served as emcee and welcomed guests.

She said, "Our community is strong because of the people who continue to show up. You open your businesses, employ our neighbors, serve on boards, sponsor events, support our schools, donate when there is a need and invest your time and energy into making our area a better place to live, work, shop and raise a family."

Heath recognized the banquet sponsors, Allegion, Centennial Bank, Carroll Bank and Trust and Hometown Health Clinic.

Mayor Ryan Griffin blessed the meal, which was provided by the Bethel cafeteria.

After dinner, Heath resumed the program with recognition of current board members.

Industrial Development Board members are Chairman John Wright, Vice-Chairman Chuck Sisson, Secretary-Treasurer Mark Anderson, Craig Hobson, Chris Nelson, Logan Drewry, Daniel Hollowell, John Hodgson and Letha Basford.

Chamber Board members are Chairman Myra Carlock, Co-Chairman Matt Aird, Secretary-Treasurer Shawna Fowler, Mark Anderson, Drew Beeler, Will Record, Caleb Orr, Jason Martin and Noah McEwen.

Special recognition was given to three retiring industrial board members for their years of service and commitment to McKenzie's growth: Dennis Coleman (11 years), Ricky Price (seven years) and Joel Washburn (12 years).

Myra Carlock, the outgoing Chamber president, was also honored in absentia. Heath said, "Myra has served with kindness, dedication and a genuine love for McKenzie."

Jason Martin presented the Chamber Champion Award to Misty Aird, saying, "Thank you for believing in the Chamber, supporting our work and helping strengthen the relationships that make our business community successful."

More Chamber Awards were presented next. Two finalists were announced for each award before the winner was presented a plaque.

Shawna Fowler presented the Small Business of the Year Award to The Silly Goose Children's Shop, owned by Zeke and Kaitlyn Henderson. The other finalist was Bobby Gee's Diner.

Will Record presented the Large Business of the Year Award to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County. Accepting the award was Sarah Pitcher, Manager of Marketing and Physician Relations. The other finalist was L.I. Smith and Associates, Inc.

Matt Aird presented the Nonprofit of the Year Award to CASA of Henderson and Carroll Counties. Accepting the award was Kim Smith, Program Director for Carroll County. The other finalist was The Rotary Club of McKenzie.

Mark Anderson presented the Business Person of the Year Award to Dr. Jay Phipps of Phipps Pharmacy. The other finalist was Gary Simmons.

Caleb Orr introduced the keynote speaker, Patrick Smith, PE, PLS, owner and president of L.I. Smith and Associates, Inc.

Smith is a Henry County native and a licensed professional engineer and professional land surveyor.

In his address, Smith emphasized the importance of developing local talent to foster community growth. He said, "The communities that thrive aren't necessarily the communities with the most resources. They're the communities that do the best job developing people."

Smith shared how L.I. Smith successfully retains employees by investing in benefits, professional development and flexible schedules, demonstrating that professional opportunities and a high quality of life are achievable outside major cities.

He highlighted Bethel University as a vital institution for nurturing local talent, citing several graduates who have built successful careers in the region.

Smith concluded by stressing that leadership involves a willingness to invest in people's potential, even before certainty of success. He said, "The tree doesn't bear fruit the first day it's planted. Somebody has to plant it. Somebody has to water it. Somebody has to protect it. Somebody has to believe it's worth the effort. Communities are no different."

Heath closed the banquet by awarding door prizes, thanking everyone involved and congratulating award winners and nominees.