Chamber honors community, business leaders at 105th celebration
When people gathered at the Demopolis Civic Center Tuesday night, they had two reasons to celebrate.
The occasion marked the 105th annual Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce event to recognize community leaders and pass the gavel of leadership.
It also gave those attending the chance to greet friends as the nation comes out from the 14-month-long COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 event was held just a few weeks before the coronavirus shut down the country.
How the City of Demopolis reacted to the virus was a major them during the evening. Speakers commented how businesses and individuals adapted to the restrictions placed on daily commerce and everyday life. They spoke of how those who became infected had an entire community rally around them, and they cheered for the businesses that treated those who became infected.
Although DACC director David Lyons told the group the chamber was “all about the businesses…what we can do for you,” the tone of the evening was set when the Rev. Bill Elwell, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, gave the invocation. Having moved to the city just under a year ago, he has come to recognize residents as “generous, caring, patient people.”
Mayor Woody Collins continued the theme, but not just because of COVID. Recalling the severe storm that hit the city last week, a visibly emotional mayor said, “I cannot tell you how blessed we are.” He said neighbors and friends helped those who had damage. Construction companies shut operations to lend assistance.
He listed all the new projects ongoing in the city: road paving, new airport terminal, hospital renovation and the redesign of the City Landing, “which is going to be a tremendous asset to our community.”
Demopolis, he said, “is the most business-friendly community in Alabama.”
For the first time two businesses received Community Spirit Awards. Chamber president Craig Schumacher presented the honors to AmStar Emergency Medical Services and Air Evac Lifeteam for their efforts during the pandemic over the last year.
Whitfield Regional Hospital CEO/Administrator Doug Brewer awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award to Sandra Booen, who, among her many other activities, is serving her third term as the hospital auxiliary’s president.
“I’ve been a volunteer most all of my life,” Booen said. While people may have different talents, “We all have the same amount of time,” she continued. “Don’t regret the things you didn’t do.”
Jim Lindsey received the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award from Rob Pearson. Lindsey, graduating this year from Demopolis High School, has volunteered to keep statistics for DHS teams since he was in seventh grade. An Eagle Scout, he is Student Council president, an accomplished pianist, recipient of numerous awards and, Pearson said, has racked up about 500 hours of community service.
“It’s an honor to live in Demopolis,” Lindsey said. “I could never grow up in a greater community.”
Alan Bishop, in presenting the Citizen of the Year Award to Rob Fleming, said it was all about leadership. Fleming runs a family-owned photography business and has served in several leadership positions, most notably on the WRH board. As board chairman, he led the hospital as it formed a partnership with UAB.
Fleming said his efforts were not made alone. “Everyone works for the common goal.”
The hospital was named Business of the Year, and Brewer, in accepting the award for the entire Whit Family, asked the doctors, nurses and staff in attendance to be recognized for their service during “a long 14 months.”
Brewer introduced nurse Jami Smith, the first person in Marengo County to be diagnosed with COVID-19, and Terry Elmare, the ICU nurse director, on whose shoulders fell the care and treatment of patients with the virus.
Of the 37 years he has worked at the hospital, “2020 was the worst year I’ve ever had,” said Owen.
Brewer said hospital leaders put their families at risk but also asked others to do the same during the pandemic. He said 76 members of The Whit Family contracted COVID, and one employee lost a spouse to the virus.
Luke Hallmark, in accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, said “Whatever I’ve done for Demopolis is nothing compared to what Demopolis has done for me.”
A lifetime coach and educator, Hallmark has been superintendent of the Marengo County School System since 2000 and is the longest serving superintendent in the state. He was inducted into the 2020 AHSA Hall of Fame.
He is especially thankful that he had the chance to serve on the Demopolis Park and Rec Board during the planning and infancy of the Sports-Plex. Thanks to having coached all-star Theo Ratliff in basketball, he was instrumental in getting funding for the Theo Ratliff Activity Center to serve the east Demopolis community.
Hallmark was the ICU for two weeks after contracting COVID-19. He said the prayers and support of the entire city made a difference for his family during that stressful time.
“This award belongs to everyone. I’m here because of you,” he said and encouraged those attending to “get involved and support the community. Find a way to help Demopolis.”
At the conclusion of the celebration, Chamber president Schumacher conducted the swearing-in ceremony for his successor, Jeff Davidson.