From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
LEEDS – Several awards were presented at the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019.
The Civic Award was a new category this year, recognizing an exemplary city, police or fire employee. The award went to Public Works Director Johnny Warren.
Chamber President Dona Bonnett said Warren’s hard work and leadership speaks for itself.
“Johnny is respected by all and works well with others,” said Bonnett. “He definitely goes over and beyond and we appreciate the job he has done in coordination with our events team this year on all of our chamber and community events.”
The Ambassador of the Year Award went to Pat Shipp, with Moody Miracle League. Moody Miracle League provides services for special needs individuals from St. Clair County, Leeds and beyond to play baseball as well as social events for them to participate with at no cost to these families. The person who nominated Shipp for the award said he has worked countless hours to build relationships, troubleshoot and to help others.
Leeds Art Council was presented with the Non-profit of the Year Award. The council hosted 37 events over the past year and one of the events was designated by the Alabama Humanities Foundation as an Alabama Bicentennial event. The non-profit has promoted educational events and worked with the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library and Leeds Redevelopment Authority to present two performances during the John Henry Celebration. The LAC participated in First Thursday events and in the Christmas Tree Lighting event.
The Business of the Year Award was presented to Mills Pharmacy. Along with providing service to customers, Mills Pharmacy partners with other community entities. The business participated in the Creek Bank Festival, First Thursdays, John Henry Celebration, Leeds Fall Festival, Christmas Tree Lighting and Leeds Christmas Parade. Mills Pharmacy also hosted a charity 5K and fun run and hosted a balloon artist at several events. Mills Pharmacy provides traditional prescription services, compounding, immunizations, over-the-counter medications and health supplies, along with retail products and gift items. Other services offered by the pharmacy include the Drug Take Back Program and the Amazon Package Center.
City Councilwoman Linda Miller recognized Dona Bonnett for serving as the 2019 Chamber President and presented the gavel plaque. In addition, Miller installed the incoming 2020 chamber board as follows: President Dona Bonnett – adr Business & Marketing Strategies, Vice-President Bill Morris – Leeds Water Works Board, Treasurer Jen Platt – Lehigh Cement, Immediate Past President Brad Pool -Cahawba Financial – and board members, Robert Mills – Mills Pharmacy, Rev. Jacky Connell – Eden Westside Baptist Church, Chris Savage – Windstream, Brad Watson – City of Leeds, Fred Britt – Power LaserCut, Neva Reardon – Mum & Me Mercantile & Mum’s Unique Consignment Shop, George Garcia – Lehigh Cement, Sandra McGuire – Executive Director and Representative Dickie Drake. Board members not present included Dr. Michelle Davis – Michelle Davis Dental, Jen Platt – Lehigh Cement, John Moore, Tiffiany Ward – Millennial Bank and Christy Smith – BancorpSouth.
Bonnett thanked outgoing board members and shared the chamber’s 2020 vision.
Immediate Past President Brad Pool recognized corporate partners and sponsors: Presenting Sponsor – City of Leeds, Corporate Partner – Lehigh Cement, Gold Sponsors – Brunson, Barnett & Sherrer, P.C., Hubbell Power Systems, Revocation Radio, Silver Sponsor – Leeds Water Works, Bronze Sponsors – adr Business & Marketing Strategies, Alabama Power Company, AMAC Design Builders, America’s First Federal Credit Union, BancorpSouth, Harsco IKG, M & M Tax Accounting, Taziki’s, The Outlet Shops of Grand River and Windstream.
Leeds First United Methodist Church kitchen ladies were also recognized for their years of service in volunteering at chamber luncheons: Lena Blair, Mae Hinton, Teresa Childs, Jeannie Doss and Ann Yeckley. These ladies have given of their time and talents each month for many years to make sure the luncheon catering process goes smoothly and have cooked desserts, served and more. Beginning with the January 2020 luncheon, the chamber will meet at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Family Life Center. Corporate Ambassadors will still meet at the Methodist Church each month.