Paris, Tenn.–The Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce Person of Year Award is an honored tradition that acknowledges an individual’s contribution to the community through their work and dedication to the development and growth of others.
Bob Markum, the 2021 award recipient, carries that torch as a longtime community educator, and as the coach of the Inman Middle School Football Team.
Other award winners this year: Sam Hutson, Young Professional; Downtown Boxing Gym, You Made It Happen Award; Trolinger’s, Business of the Year; Mockingbird Catering, Small Business of the Year; Kevin Bomar, Conservationist of Year; George Cobbs, Community Engagement Award.
“Coach Bob Markum leads with humility, confidence in his players and people, and has extremely high expectations,” according to Dr. Norma Gerrell, Paris Special School District Superintendent.
Markum started the program in 1995 and has compiled an astonishing record of 196-39 with 9 Sectional Championships, 5 Sectional Runners-up, 14 Area Championships. In addition to coaching at Inman Middle School, he has coached twice at Henry County High School, Grove Middle School, Grove Freshmen, and Dyersburg High School.
Dr. Gerrell said, “I’ve worked alongside Coach Markum since 1995 when we were both teaching at Inman Middle School. Coach Markum cares about people…his family, his players, his coaches, his co-workers. He has a quiet strength that emanates into high expectations for all. Bob is a champion for students. He coaches so much more than the game of football. He teaches the X’s and O’s of life. Coach Markum models the results that he gets from those he leads. He carries the banner for good grades, strong character, excellent conduct, and civility. Coach Bob Markum has been and continues to be a merchant of hope for young men who need a strong example of manhood, character, dedication, grit, and professionalism. He has provided thousands of adolescent males with a figure they can follow and a man they can emulate. He is for every student, every day, whatever it takes!”
Other awards are presented for the Business of the Year, Young Professional, Conservationist of the Year, Small Business of the Year, You Made it Happen, and Community Engagement.
A staple for the lake community, and years of dedicated service to the community has landed Trolinger’s Inc. the 2021 Business of the Year Award. The business was founded in 1917 and moved to Paris in 1985. Due to the overwhelming growth, in 1998 the business moved to its third and current location. Currently Michael Trolinger, grandson to the founders, serves as the Vice President of Tourism on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
“I have known Michael and his parents for years. Getting to work with him in this capacity I have a better grasp of his unparalleled work ethic, dedication to the family business and passion for this community. I am proud to call him a friend,” said Chamber CEO Travis McLeese.
Sam Hutson, President of Crove Media, has been awarded Young Professional of the Year. Sam and his wife Hannah founded their business in 2019 with the intention to provide tools and content to help businesses expand their audience.
“Sam gives his whole heart to every project he works on,” according to Michele Atkins, Chamber President. “He loves people, this community, and the work he is doing, and it shows.”
Small Business of the Year has been awarded to Mockingbird Catering and its owners Sheena and Gerret Davis. Founded in 2017, this business set its anchor in the catering market by providing impeccable service with delicious food. A Veteran-owned business, Mockingbird Catering offers full scale catering, carry out items and side dishes.
The Conservationist of the Year Award is designed to recognize a farmer/producer in Henry County who delivers exceptional conservation results, is highly innovative, has shown that they are a leader in conservation, and shares conservation knowledge within the agriculture industry. This year’s recipient does all of this and more. The 2021 Conservationist of the Year has been awarded to Kevin Bomar. Kevin is currently the President of the Henry County Farm Bureau. He is married to Shannon Bomar and they have three sons, Dallas, Curtis, and Silas.
Since 2010, the Downtown Paris Boxing Gym has been a place for kids in Henry County to exercise, train and learn the sport of Boxing. Derik Moon and his wife Miranda operate the gym for free as a service to the kids in the community. This effort and contribution to the community has landed Derik the “You Made It Happen” Award, an award that is presented annually to someone who has identified a need in the community and done something to solve it.
George Cobbs is the recipient of the 2021 Community Engagement Spotlight with his “Take Out 2 You” businesses. “I wanted to do something that would allow me to spend more time with my family and provide a service to the community,” George commented. “We have a few projects in the works that are simple, but give back in big ways. We are going to price a free movie and ice cream day July 17, free back to school haircuts for anyone who needs them, and a free community cookout.” Now operating in seven counties, they offer a taxi service, commercial and residential cleaning services yard celebration rental and have others in the works.
These awards are traditionally presented at the Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. This year recipients will be acknowledged on Thursday night during the Oak Ridge Boys concert at the Tennessee River Jam.
Sam Hutson, middle, notified he was awarded the Young Professional of the Year at the autograph signing event for Darryl Worley and Cody Nance. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
The gang from Trolinger’s was notified they won Business of the Year at the Worley/Nance event. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
Top photo: Bob Markum, right, was surprised by Chamber officials and fellow educators during a practice. (Chamber photo).