Banquet recognizes exceptional citizens
Mike Franklin, Hodges police chief and director of the Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian, receives the Roger Bedford Unsung Hero Award. For pictures of all award winners, see page 14.
Franklin County has no shortage of impressive people doing impressive things. March 8, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Franklin County Development Authority took the time to recognize just a few of these outstanding citizens for their contributions to the community.
The annual Franklin County Partnership Awards Banquet honors people for everything from business acumen to excellence in education. Community members make nominations; nearly every award category had multiple nominations for this year’s awards.
“We have a lot to be thankful for here in Franklin County,” said Chamber Executive Board President Jeremy Campbell. “I’m thankful for the hard work and service given by the people in this room … I would like to congratulate all the nominees tonight.”
Following a sumptuous dinner, the chamber and FCDA presented awards to this year’s slate of winners, who were as follows:
- Beautification Award, Red Bay – Mason Jar on Main
- Beautification Award, Phil Campbell – Phil Campbell Memorial Park
- Beautification Award, Russellville – Bennett Hall
- Business of the Year Award – Montgomery Distributing
- Franklin County’s Best Kept Secret Award – Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts
- Distinguished Service Award, Red Bay – Brad Bolton
- Distinguished Service Award, Phil Campbell – Merrell Potter
- Distinguished Service Award, Russellville – Kerry Gilbert
- Volunteer of the Year Award – Rex Mayfield
- Roger Bedford Unsung Hero Award – Mike Franklin
- Hall of Fame Award – Rita Jeffreys
- Excellence in Industrial Growth Award – Franklin Structures
- Industrial Support of the Year Award – Cashion Thermoplastics
- Industry of the Year Award – Sunshine Mills
- Franklin County Educator of the Year Award – Emily Blanton
- RCS Educator of the Year Award – Coach Larry Gilmer
For pictures of all winners, see page 13 of the Franklin County Times, March 16, 2016 edition.
