Chamber kicks off year with first luncheon, recognizes 2015 award winners

The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce today said goodbye to 2015 and welcomed the new year with its first monthly luncheon of 2016.

A Year in Review presentation highlighted some of the major chamber-related events of the past year, including ribbon cuttings, I Love America celebration, the inaugural “Shop Dine Play” and Helping Hands events, as well as record number of new members and chamber trustees.

Angie Godwin McEwen, immediate past chair, and Chamber President Karen Odle then went on to recognize the 2015 Chamber Award recipients. They include:         

• Chairman’s Award – Angie Godwin McEwen
• Ambassador of the Year – Betsy Frazer
• Board Member of the Year ­– Doug Dean
• Member of the Year – Ben Chambliss, Jackson Howard Whatley CPAs
• Volunteer of the Year – Clabe Dobbs
• Dr. Charles A. “Scotty” McCallum Leadership Award – Scott Perry
• Business of the Year (Retail) – Artists Incorporated Gallery
• Business of the Year (Service) – Promotional Creations
• President’s Choice Award – Linda Parker, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Following the recognition of award winners, Ken Smith, President of Alagaso, announced the 2016 officers and the 2016 board of directors:

• Chair – James E. Robinson, Alagasco
• Chair-Elect – Roger Steur, Principal Mortgage, LLC
• Vice-Chair, Business Development – Gary Jordan, Summit Franchising
• Vice-Chair, Community Affairs – Lee Higginbotham, 365 Equipment & Parts Direct
• Vice-Chair, Membership Development – Brian Burns, Cahaba Fitness, Inc.
• Vice-Chair, Programming – Donnie Dobbins, Iberia Bank
• Vice-Chair, Public Education – Kristin Tunnell, Community Volunteer
• Treasurer – Ben Chambliss, Jackson Howard & Whatley, CPAs
• Secretary/Legal Counsel – Mark Macoy, Mark. W. Macoy, LLC
• Immediate Past Chair – Angie Godwin McEwen, Butler Snow LLP
• Past Chair – Linda Parker, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream