By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—There were plenty of tears and much applause as this year’s award winners at the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce banquet were announced.
The most tears were shed by Person of the Year Michele Atkins, Henry County Extension Service Director, who was surprised—and ‘overwhelmed’, as she said—when her name was announced and her entire family appeared on stage with her. “I love you all and I love this community. I don’t know what to say. I’m just overwhelmed,” Atkins said.
In introducing Atkins, last year’s Person of the Year Bobby Milam noted all of her accomplishments, including all the boards and committees and programs she has been a part of, but he noted she probably considers being a wife and mother of two children her best accomplishment.
Other awards given this year were:
Business Of The Year– Lakeway IGA which is a business that can always be counted on to donate time and goods and give back to the community. In presenting the award, Chamber Director Travis McLeese said Lakeway is centered around a manager and his employees’ willingness to go above and beyond…” Store Manager Jeremy Lindsay was emotional as he accepted the award and said, “I’m glad to be a part of this community.”
Conservationist Of The Year—Sarah Brewer, who is the owner/operator of a second and third generation family-owned farm, Brewer Farms. Emory Bradley presented her award and noted how the family farm began from humble beginnings and a sharecropping arrangement 76 years ago to a diversified operation today. Even after her husband’s death in 2013, he said, she has grown the operation and has served on numerous agricultural boards.
You Made It Happen Award: Henry County Deputy Michelle Brewer, who created “The Shed” which takes care of children’s and families’ needs, no questions asked.
Young Professional Of The Year—Olivia Rice, Consumer Loan Officer at Commercial Band & Trust and a member of numerous boards.
Small Business Of The Year—Perry’s BBQ, which has been making good BBQ and operating a catering business since 2013. McLeese spoke of the beginnings of the business and how Patrick and April Perry were praying for ways to make extra money to send their daughter Olivia to culinary school and their prayers were answered. Their business is a success and their daughter graduated from culinary school.
Community Engagement Award: REAL Hope Youth Center, which has been open since 2010 and is an after-school enrichment program which provides youth with experiences, opportunities and homework help Monday through Friday during the hours of 3 to 6 p.m. when many kids would be home alone. Linley and Becki White accepted the award.
Board Member of the Year Award: Tory Daughrity, who is Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Henry County Medical Center, and is active in numerous organizations and boards.
At the close of the banquet, current Chamber President Kevin Buie welcomed Scott Morrison to the position as he put on the ceremonial red coat. Both Buie and Morrison spoke of the great strides the Chamber has made in recent months.
“We’ve got momentum”, Morrison said. “We’ve got new ideas, new projects and we appreciate Travis and the great job he is doing.”
The banquet was held at the Paris Convention Center and was catered by Perry’s BBQ.
Photos: Michele Atkins surrounded by her husband, children, parents and other family members; Patrick Perry accepts Small Business of the Year from Board Member Donna Craig; Amy Davis and Sheriff Monte Belew accept award for Michele Brewer; and at bottom, Linley and Becki White accept award for REAL Hope from Donna Craig, while Travis McLeese looks on. (Shannon McFarlin photos).
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