Paris, Tenn.–The Paris-Henry County Chamber presented annual awards Saturday afternoon during the Tennessee River Jam. There were thousands of people packed into downtown Paris for the River Jam.
Person of the Year – Rod James
Rod James embodies the true definition of humility and genuineness. Not one for the spotlight, he consistently works behind the scenes, dedicating himself to making our community a better place. His unwavering commitment is evident through his service in his church, participation on various boards, and his role at Commercial Bank. Always seen with a smile, Rod’s contributions are invaluable and done with the purest intentions.
His selflessness and dedication have not gone unnoticed. His quiet yet impactful presence has made a significant difference in countless lives. There is no doubt that the world would be a better place if there were more individuals like Rod James.
We are thrilled to name Rod James as the 2024 Person of the Year, a recognition well-deserved for someone who truly makes a difference every day.
Business of the Year – Henry County Monuments
For a century, Henry County Monuments has been a steadfast fixture, embodying resilience, heritage, and a deep commitment to our community. Owned by four generations of the Travis family, it has endured the test of time, honoring tradition, and offering exceptional customer service. Their enduring legacy speaks volumes about the quality and dedication to serving our community and the entire region. As we celebrate their rich history, we also recognize their ongoing contribution to preserving memories for generations to come. We are delighted to announce that in their 100th year of operation, Henry County Monuments has been awarded the 2024 Business of the Year.
Non-profit of the Year – Carl Perkins Center for Child Abuse Prevention
Carl Perkins Center for Child Abuse Prevention works tirelessly to protect children. Through advocacy, education, therapy and support services, it actively works to prevent and address child abuse in all forms. By raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering collaborations within our community, they play a pivotal role in creating safer environments for children to thrive. Not only do they work to put families back together, they are literally saving the lives of children.
Small Business of the Year – Itty Bitty Trees
In only one year of operation, Itty Bitty Trees has made a substantial impact on Paris-Henry County. It embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and desire for community engagement, mixed in with a wealth of knowledge and fantastic customer satisfaction. Owner Holly Mixon, and her husband JD, have created a unique, welcoming environment for all to come and enjoy, and learn. We are quite certain they will be continuing this impact on the entire community for many years to come.
Young Professional – Michael Trolinger
Michael Trolinger stands out in our community as a shining example of talent and ambition, embodying the essence of a young professional. His remarkable dedication to supporting the community, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence has propelled him to success. Through innovative thinking and a proactive approach, he consistently exceeds expectations and fosters positive change within his family’s business and within the entire community.
Woman in Business – Kim Foster
Kim Foster embodies everything a woman in business strives to achieve: exemplary leadership, innovation, and determination in navigating the complexities of managing a city. She demonstrates resiliency in overcoming obstacles, whether it’s breaking through glass ceilings or championing diversity and inclusion. Her commitment to excellence inspires others, fostering a culture of empowerment and growth within the City of Paris and beyond. Through her achievements, she continues to pave the way for future generations of women in business.
Educator of the Year – Linda Miller
The recipient of our Educator of the Year award is known to many in the audience due to her more than 50 years as a dedicated educator in Henry County. Linda Miller taught drama and speech at Henry County High School from the time the school opened in 1969 and even continued to coach the speech and debate team after her retirement.
During her time as an educator, she influenced countless lives and nurtured the talents of many Henry Countians through countless hours spent in the classroom, the theater, and traveling to competitions with her students. Tony and Emmy award-winning actress Cherry Jones has noted Mrs. Miller’s impact on her life and professional accomplishments. According to Mrs. Miller’s former students, she taught not only speech and theater, but also passion, dedication, and responsibility. Fellow teachers have noted that Mrs. Miller is a model of professionalism and poise.
Because of her contributions to the speech and theater programs at Henry County High School, the school’s little theater has been named the Linda Wilson Miller in her honor, and Mrs. Miller is the recipient of this year’s Educator of the Year award from the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.
Conservationist of the Year-Gregson Farms
Gregson Farms, a distinguished Tennessee Century Farm, is being honored with the Conservationist of the Year award. Committed to sustainable agriculture, Gregson Farms has long embraced no-till farming practices, ensuring soil health and productivity. Over the past year, they have made significant strides in reclaiming land for crops and restoring ditches, demonstrating their dedication to land stewardship. Each day at Gregson Farms is a testament to their commitment to implementing practices that benefit the land and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
You Made it Happen-Marcus Russell
Marcus Russell, this year’s recipient of the Made it Happen Award, embodies the spirit of dedication and compassion in his role as a city employee. With a heart as big as a building, Marcus is passionately committed to helping those struggling with homelessness. Recognizing the complexity of homelessness and the absence of simple solutions, Marcus invests endless time and energy in reaching out to homeless individuals.
He goes beyond the call of duty, using his own time and resources to assist those in need. For Marcus, this work is more than just a job; it’s his “ministry.” He takes the time to get to know the homeless population on a personal level, often obtaining contact information for their family members to facilitate reconciliations whenever possible.
In addition to his personal efforts, Marcus has made it a priority to connect with other service providers who share similar goals. By creating these relationships, he ensures a collaborative approach to tackling the multifaceted issue of homelessness.
While many talk about solving problems, Marcus lives it every day. His relentless dedication and compassionate approach make him a true champion for the homeless, and a deserving recipient of the Made it Happen Award.