By Matt Flumerfelt
VALDOSTA — Sue and Stan Cox, owners of both Covington’s Dining & Catering and 306 North, were presented the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce’s fifth annual Big Thinker Award Thursday at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center. The ceremony was part of the chamber’s regular mid-year membership meeting.
The award recognizes the Sue and Stan Cox’s entrepreneurial efforts in growing a regionally known restaurant and catering business, enhancing the downtown area with the opening of their 306 North restaurant, and prompting further downtown development through their investment in a home and three businesses in the downtown district, according to a chamber press release.
This is Sue and Stan Cox’s 18th year in business. When they first started Covington’s Dining & Catering, Sue Cox said they were happy just to sell a dozen cinnamon rolls. When they opened, they had seven employees, and they now have a total of 80 employees.
“I don’t know who selected us or how, but we’re very appreciative,” Stan Cox said when accepting the award.
The big thinkers were chosen by a panel of local top business leaders who identified Sue and Stan Cox as entrepreneurs with the drive and ambition that has made a tremendous impact in the local community. The chamber’s Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Rhonda Miller of WTLH/WTLF Fox 49 for her efforts in welcoming new members, volunteering at chamber events and providing additional support to local businesses on behalf of the chamber and its members.
The mid-year membership meeting also included chairman of the chamber board Jeff Hanson’s State of the Chamber Address.
“Our chamber remains strong, our chamber remains vibrant, our chamber remains financially sound,” Hanson said. “Despite the sluggish economy, our finances remain on budget.”
Hanson said membership stands at over 1,500 — making it one of the largest chambers in Georgia. Membership revenues are up from last year, he said, and Valdosta’s chamber has a 91 percent member retention rate, far better than the peer average of 80 percent. Hanson praised chamber executive director Myrna Ballard and staff for their efforts at keeping a tight rein on expenditures and for “working harder, working longer, and taking on additional responsibilities, while providing exceptional service.”
Keynote speaker at the meeting was award-winning news anchor Lee Gordon from WCTV Channel 6. Gordon announced the winner of the Big Thinker Award and said he supports the Think B.I.G. program outlined by Think B.I.G. Chairman Jay Prince earlier in the meeting.
By encouraging businesses and individuals to keep money in their local communities by patronizing local, versus out-of-town or out-of-state businesses and vendors, Think B.I.G. “can become the single most important idea our community can embrace to help Valdosta weather the current economic downturn,” Prince said.
