Banquet recognizes exceptional citizens

Published 9:22 am Wednesday, March 16, 2016

: 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