Hamilton Chamber honors business of the year, individuals

Published 1:00 pm Friday, October 5, 2018

JASPER — Hardee’s of Jasper was honored as Business of the Year at the Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet Sept. 27.

Cannon Campbell thanked the Chamber for the awards.

“We added fried chicken,” Campbell said. “We are excited about it and we hope you are too.”

Non-Profit of the Year was a new award added this year.

“We felt it very necessary to recognize them in a category,” Chamber Executive Director Karen Williams said.

Special Olympics of Hamilton County was named the Non-Profit of the Year.

“First of all, I would like to thank God,” Helen Udell said. “I thank each of you for your generous donations and support to help get ups to Seattle.”

The Hamilton County High School Unified basketball team competed in the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, running through the tournament with a 4-0 mark and a gold medal.

The Individual of the Year for Jasper is Superintendent Rex Mitchell.

“There are so many people to thank for this opportunity tonight,” Mitchell said. “First and foremost, our staff, all of our employees, our students but also our community.”

The Individual of the Year for Jennings is Lori Johnson.

Johnson is the state-certified animal control officer for Town of Jennings.

“This was definitely not expected but thank you,” Johnson said. “I am often asked how can you do that job and my response is always the same, how could I not.”

The Individual of the Year for White Springs is Mary Lou Bullard.

She is a member of the Special Events Committee in White Springs and board member of the Hamilton County Development Authority.

“I want to thank Hamilton County,” Bullard said.

She said she loves Hamilton County and enjoys serving on boards and committees.

The guest speaker for the banquet was award-winning comedian, motivational speaker, actor and author Lisa Mills. The guests were laughing within seconds after she took the stage.