The Carmi Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Dinner on Monday, October 2, 2017 at First Christian Church in Carmi. The audience heard the State of the City from Mayor Jeff Pollard. In addition, Barbara Mitchell told those in attendance about a new community foundation for the Carmi White County School District. The White County CEO Class was introduced to the audience with Hayley Fulkerson being presented an award by the Illinois Sheriff’s Association and White County Ambulance Service for performing CPR during a class tour which saved a life.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of several awards. First Bank was awarded the 2017 Large Business of the Year Award. First Bank is involved in several community events and activities including, but not limited to, The Giving Tree, White County CEO Program, No Child Left Hungry and The Reindeer Run.
Nancy J. Winter CPA was awarded the 2017 Small Business of the Year Award. Nancy J. Winter and her staff are involved in many community activities and events not limited to investing in the White County CEO Program and helping raise money for Corn Day each year. She has also previously been instrumental in the Booster Club.
David Templeton, owner of Hale Body Shop, was named 2017 Citizen of the Year. David has been a long time pillar in the community from his involvement in his church, The Gideons, the Carmi Lions Club, an investor in the White County CEO Program, and he is Past President of the Carmi Chamber of Commerce. He also puts together a community Thanksgiving meal each year. A letter nominating Templeton stated he “has a servant mentality and is not interested in being publically recognized for his service. He does things because they are the right things to do- not because he will gain anything from them.”
During the dinner, new Chamber of Commerce President Toby Brown made remarks and gave outgoing Past President Andy Acord a plaque for his service. Chamber Executive Director Holly Healy thanked outgoing directors Dr. Jessica Cook and Josh Foster. Those continuing service on the Board of Directors include Vice President Bryan Cowling, Secretary Justin Dartt, immediate Past President Caleb Hughes, Brock Bolerjack, Keith Botsch, Ryan Mitchell, Sally Weber, Abbey Gholson, Sheri Stevens, Michelle Winters and Katelyne Wolff. Incoming directors include Treasurer Lisa Wolff, Shon Mosier, Jc Tinsley and Sandra Bryant.
