Jason A. Smith | The Valdosta Daily TimesMarty LeFiles, owner of LeFiles Financial Planning, won the A.L. Girardin Award at the Chamber Annual Awards & Dinner.

VALDOSTA — More than 350 people attended the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce 2018 annual awards and dinner last week.

Hosted at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center, the chamber doled out awards to businesses and individuals throughout the evening.

Courtney Copeland, regional sales director for the Williams Hotel Group, won the Ambassador of the Year award.

The Ambassador of the Year award recognizes one of the members of the Chamber Ambassadors program.

“I would like to thank the Williams family for allowing me to represent their company throughout the community and I would like to thank the chamber for allowing me to meet so many people who have helped me throughout my career,” Copeland said.

Erika Bennett, owner of Hang Out Yoga, received the Members’ Choice Award.

The Members’ Choice Award recognizes a business that not only has excellent customer and client services, but raises the bar for customer and client services in the community.

“I am just so incredibly humbled to receive this recognition tonight,” Bennett said. “Providing great customer service has always been very dear to me, since I got my job when I was 14. So, I’ve been in the industry for a long time. But it is really easy to provide good customer service when your clients are as awesome as mine are. So, they are the true champions tonight.”

Susan Hurley, risk manager for South Georgia Medical Center, won the Most Valuable Employee of the Year award.

The award recognizes an individual who possesses impressive job knowledge and work ethic and demonstrates “commendable effort” in the work place.

“Having been a nurse for 42 years, I lived in a lot of different areas and worked in a lot of different hospitals,” Hurley said. “I have to say this is the best community I’ve lived in and this is the best employer I’ve ever had.”

Meghan Barwick, marketing and research manager for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority, won the Young Professional of the Year award.

The award recognizes a young professional who has made a positive impact on his or her business while maintaining a devotion to community and civic engagement.

“From the bottom of my heart, I love this community,” Barwick said fighting back tears. “It’s been home. So for everyone who believes in me, and continues to believe in me, thank you so much. This award is a huge honor. And I wasn’t going to cry but my mama is back there crying.”

Mikki Hudson, owner of Jessie’s Restaurant and Catering, won the Small Business of the Year award.

The award recognizes a business with less than 20 employees.

“I’m so honored to be up here right now, especially being nominated with other such hard-working women that I’m very pleased to call my friends,” Hudson said. “I want to thank my parents and my sister who came from Atlanta to show their support. Without their continuous love, guidance and unending confidence, I would not have made it this far.”

Clinton and Jeana Beeland, owners of CJB Industries, won the Big Thinkers of the Year award.

The award recognizes a self-made entrepreneur who gives back to the community.

Clinton Beeland spoke about Rodin’s statue, “The Thinker,” and things he has learned throughout his life.

Jessica Sharp, owner of Ink & Cotton, won the Southwest Georgia Bank Business Plan Competition.

The competition is a six-month challenge that includes writing a business plan and pitching the plan to a panel of judges. The winner receives a $10,000 check and $20,000 in-kind contributions.

“I’m so honored and humbled,” Sharp said. “I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family and friends. I want to thank South Georgia Bank and the other sponsors, the Small Business Development Center, the SEEDS Resource Center with the chamber.”

Marty LeFiles, owner of LeFiles Financial Planning, won the A.L. Girardin award.

The award is chosen by the chamber staff. The staff selects a chamber member who has made extraordinary contributions to the chamber and the local business community.

“Well, this is a surprise,” LeFiles said. “I kind of pride myself on being aware of what is going on around me. So, I’m never caught off guard, but it’s good. I really appreciate it. … This is really great. This is awesome.”

Catherine Nordin found a golden ticket under her seat and won a free iPad.

“I’m going to check the chamber page every chance I get,” Nordin said. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.