Jointly presented by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin County Development Authority, the Partnership Awards Banquet is an annual event held to highlight accomplishments in Franklin County. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 1, 2024. Awards will be presented March 7.

Make nominations for the 2023 calendar year in the following categories:

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARD CATEGORIES

Beautification Award – Awarded to one business in each city. Nominee must be a business that made improvements which enhanced the overall image of their city and Franklin County. (2023 Recipients: Phil Campbell, GiGi’s Unique Finds; Red Bay, Blue Boys, LLC; Russellville, Russellville High School)

Business of the Year Award – Awarded to one Franklin County business. Nominee must be a business that contributes and promotes economic growth, stability, and improvements in Franklin County. This business gives generously of themselves and/or staff in time and resources, while also playing a leadership role in civic activities. (2023 Recipient: CB&S Bank)

“Sprout” Business Award – Awarded to one “budding” Franklin County business. In following the American dream, nominee has laid the foundation for future growth. This business is emerging with an entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance, and drive to succeed. Nominee must have been in business for at least one but no more than five years. (New award for 2024)

Distinguished Service Award – Awarded to one individual in each city. Nominee must be an individual who contributes and demonstrates an unselfish service in Franklin County. Individual also enriches the lives of others with integrity, impartiality, and generosity. (2023 Recipients: Phil Campbell, Wayne Welborn; Red Bay, Jacqueline Parsons; Russellville, Betsy Green; At Large, Sue Raper)

Franklin County’s Best Kept Secret Award – Awarded to one individual, business, or organization in Franklin County. Nominee must be one who uniquely exhibits a rare quality that enhances Franklin County, making it a better place to live, work and play. (2023 Recipient: Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show)

Volunteer of the Year Award – Awarded to one Franklin County individual. Nominee must be one who through his/her ongoing and selfless efforts, beyond his/her normal responsibility of conducting business, Franklin County is today a better place. (2023 Recipient: Natalie Bendall)

Hall of Fame Award – Awarded to one Franklin County individual. Nominee must be one whose lifetime accomplishments are both outstanding and historically significant to Franklin County. (2023 Recipient: J. C. Weeks)

FRANKLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AWARD CATEGORIES

Industrial Support Award – Awarded to one business in Franklin County. Any Franklin County business that provides a product, service, or training to industry/manufacturers is eligible. (2023 Recipient: Russellville Municipal Airport)

Industry of the Year Award – Awarded to one industry/manufacturer in Franklin County. Any industry/manufacturer located in Franklin County is eligible. (2023 Recipient: G&G Steel)

Educator of the Year Award – Awarded to one teacher in Russellville City Schools and one teacher in the Franklin County School System.

Nominee must be a classroom teacher/instructor with five years or more experience. Nominee must be of good character and passionate about teaching. Administrative personnel are not eligible. (2023 Recipients: Franklin County Schools, Trevor Allison; Russellville City Schools, Nikki Watts.)

Excellence in Industrial Growth Award – Awarded to one industry/manufacturer in Franklin County. Industry/manufacturer must have shown growth in one of the following areas: created new jobs; increased capital investment; increased sales during the 2023 calendar year. (2023 Recipient: Leisure Creations)