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Chamber director Jerry Cunningham on the screen for the virtual event

Chamber hands out annual awards

By Michael Butler

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards banquet at Restoration 49 on Feb. 25 with recipients being the primary attendees while most watched via Facebook Live.

The award for Business of the Year went to Community Hospital.

"If 2020 was the year of COVID," presenter Don Bryant said, "I guess it's appropriate it's also the year of the hospital."

CEO Jennie Rhinehart and CFO Lee Greer accepted the honor on the hospital's behalf.

The Frances H. Wagnon Volunteer Award was given to Andrus Love of SOAR, Inc.

"Getting a phone call saying you were voted by all to receive an award for community recognition was a great feeling," Love posted while watching online. Love is battling cancer and was unable to attend. His parents accepted the award on his behalf. "I appreciate those who genuinely believed I deserved this acknowledgement, plus I get to be the grand marshal for the 2021 Christmas Parade."

Also unable to attend due to health issues was Lifetime Achievement recipient Joe Jeffcoat. Last year's winner Lamar Godwin presented the plaque to Jeffcoat's wife JoAnn.

Michael Bird received the President's Award. Making A Difference Awards were given to Debra Hughey and Sarah Covington.