Service to community recognized by Chamber

The Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet and silent auction fundraiser was held April 18 at The Southern State in South Fulton, with Fulton-Hickman Counties Economic Development Partnership President Mark Welch serving as guest speaker.

A silent auction featuring items donated by local area businesses, industries and individuals was held throughout the evening, with proceeds to go to Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce projects throughout the year.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards for acts of service exhibited throughout the year, to honor citizens, businesses, industries and professionals in the Twin Cities of Fulton, Ky. and South Fulton, Tenn. Nominations for these awards were submitted by the public, with the Twin Cities Chamber Board voting on the winning nominee.

Information was extracted from each of the winning nominees’ submissions from the public, to accompany the winners’ announcement.

This year’s recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award put in long, hard hours in a number of capacities, while working a fulltime and a part time job.

Most people would have never realized how instrumental she was in our communities’ successes.
She worked tirelessly behind the scenes. She has been selfless in her contributions of time, effort and energy to do good for the community, as a whole and sought no attention or glory.

She remained calm, professional and focused on the good of many, and never herself, and achieved the ultimate level of problem-solving skills when required.

She sought guidance and suggestions when needed, recognizing the resources at her disposal, and was positive in all aspects.

When the “going got tough” last year, and coordination and planning for the Banana Festival could have come to a screeching halt, this nominee stepped up and took the leadership role for a group of volunteers who produced one of the best spirited festivals in a while.

Not only did she spear head that effort, she also stepped into a leadership role for the Chamber of Commerce when necessary.

She wasn’t compensated for either job she willingly took on, actually just added to the multiple jobs she already shoulders.

Both the festival, and the Chamber, are fortunate to have her as such an important asset, as is our entire community.

This year’s Citizen of the Year is Sherry Pyatt.

The nominees for Citizen of the Year were Jesse Webb, Patrick Horner, Terri Hodges, Kenney Etherton, Darcy Linn, Melanie Gunn, Shelby Dallas, Sherry Cook-Pyatt, Lynnita Pierce and Chris Powell.

Great classroom management and academic growth, as evidenced in her students’ data and behavior, were only two of the reasons submitted for the Chamber’s winning nominee for Educator of the Year.

Expectations are high for this educator, and those high expectations carry over from herself to her students.

She may be often found on weekends and after school hours planning, engaging and coordinating differentiated lesson plans, collaborates with other teachers and assists new teachers, displaying great team work. She serves in leadership roles within the school system, helps brighten the days of staff members through appreciation and recognition, and exhibits an ongoing effort to further her professional development.

The winner of this year’s Chamber Educator of the Year is Fulton Independent School’s Carr Elementary first grade teacher Tiffanie Fields.

The nominees for Educator of the Year were Tina Hill (1st grade, South Fulton elementary), Cheryl Ogg ( 6-12th alternative South Fulton Middle), Carmen Barclay (9-12th Health Occupations South Fulton high), Tiffanie Fields ( 1st Grade Fulton Independent Carr Elementary), Melissa Martin (6-8th grade math Fulton Independent Middle), Kathy Thweatt (9-12th Chemistry and Marine Biology, Fulton Independent High).

In the submission of the nomination for the winner of the Chamber’s First Responder of the Year, it stated he signifies the true meaning of a First Responder. From sun up to sun down, there is never a job too big or too small for him. Public service has been his goal and his passion in life, and he has given of himself endlessly to the citizens of the Twin Cities.

He wears many hats, helping when and where needed.

In his career he has worked in all aspects of First Response, from Dispatch, Rescue, EMS, Fire and and has worked closely with Law Enforcement as needed, through Administrative roles.

He has worked to promote and encourage a united Twin Cities, to encompass all resources available, and began his career as a Paramedic Firefighter, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Chief, and currently in dual roles as a City Manager and Interim Fire Chief.

Mike Gunn is this year’s First Responder of the Year.

The nominees for First Responder of the Year were Kenneth Walker, Mitchell Maynard, Allen Poole, Mike Gunn, Eric Byassee, Joe Smith and Nathan Lamb.

The winning nominee for Industry of the Year provides a great work environment for the Twin Cities community. They have experienced substantial growth this past year, while continuing to reduce their carbon foot print.

They have shown evidence of good stewardship professionally as well as philanthropically through their involvement in fund raising for local needs, to benefit T.C.M.O. projects, as well as the local Pound.

This year’s Industry of the Year is Kayser Automotive Systems

The nominees for Industry of the Year were Waymatic, Inc., Premier Portable Buildings, Tyson Foods, Jackson Purchase Distillery, Berry Global, Kayser Automotive Systems, and USA Just Trailers.

While the winning nominee for the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year has years of experience in their choice of profession, the nominee took on an intense role of leadership required to serve in his current position.

He put aside any notion of letting the appointment go to his head, and instead, he hit the ground running, as part of a department that experienced staff shortages, requiring long hours and added duties, even to the point of including building maintenance and custodial responsibilities in the job description.

He has worked hard, and has inserted himself into the Twin Cities community, sought out the experience and wisdom of colleagues and administration to learn all he could about what the job entailed, and dedicated himself to serving.

He is approachable, willing to listen and consider the concerns and suggestions of the people he serves each day.

He has made a home here for himself and his family, and is committed to working with and for those he serves, often times under scrutiny and criticism, not to mention the hazards associated with his profession.

The Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year is South Fulton Police Chief Mitchell Maynard.

The nominees for Young Professional of the Year were Mason Lee, Andrew Gibson, Mitchell Maynard, Anthony Constant, Sherry Cook-Pyatt, Dixie Major, Kenneth Walker and Alex Robinson

In the nomination submitted for the winner of the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, the owners were praised for working tirelessly to grow their business in Fulton, while both worked other jobs in the process.

Their family owned business has provided jobs to many through the years, including young people who may, or may not, have been afforded the opportunity to earn money, as well as respect, for their efforts.

The business and employees have contributed to the local economy and tax base, while working alongside volunteers to provide manpower and resources for community events.

The owners continue to serve in local governmental capacities, and both have a passion and dedication to portray themselves as positive role models to the youth, and all citizens.

Countless times, most likely more than anyone would know, they have provided, with no compensation, food for activities and events coordinated in both Fulton and South Fulton.

They continue to grow their business and expand, and serve as an example of how giving back to the community has a return worth far more than monetary rewards.

While their product can speak for itself, and make mouths water, their contributions to the Twin Cities community go far beyond the products of their grill and smoker.

The Twin Cities Chamber of the Year is Vaughn’s Grill.

The nominees for Business of the Year were First Community Bank of the Heartland, Inc. , Stephen’s Flower Truck, Fancy Fannie’s Bakery, Evans Drug Company, Sweet Magnolia Home, Hornbeak Funeral Chapel, Southern State, P&R Tire, The Meadows Hotel, Buttercup’s Bistro, Constant Online Auctions and Vaughn’s Gril