Buffalo Chamber hosts awards banquet

Reitha Hulum The Buffalo Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual awards banquet on Thursday evening at the Buffalo Civic Center, with a good crowd in attendance. Outgoing Chamber President Leah Pruitt shared the emcee duties with incoming President Reitha Hullum.

A highlight of the annual event is the announcement of the year's special awards. The Horses Mouth was voted the 2009 Business of the Year, and owners Glenn and Laura St. John proudly accepted the award recognizing their coffee shop/bookstore. For 2009, the Citizen of the Year award was shared by two outstanding members of the community: Pat Ellison Williams and Dr. Russell Jonas. The Lord's Pantry was named Civic Organization of the Year, with Wain Glass accepting on behalf of the Pantry's many volunteers. Martin Housler, Bob Winn and Donna Melasky presented the awards.

"Excellence in Buffalo" nominees were recognized for their contributions to the community and helping Buffalo put its best foot forward. The awards went to: Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church (Pastor Kevin and Natalie Gilmore accepting), Legacy EMS (represented by Operations Manager Monty Cartwright), Mayor Royce Dawkins, Dianne Ryder, Honey Bee Morris, Mac Shadix and Kevin Raboin. Wain Glass made the presentations.

Owners Glenn and Laura St. John accepted for THM. Chamber officers and directors for 2010 were introduced. President Reitha Hulum will be assisted by Vice President Martin Housler and Secretary/Treasurer Donna Melasky. Directors include: Bob Winn, Joyce McGhee, Wain Glass, Rrandall La- Cour, Sherry Hanley, Thomas Harcrow, Glenn St. John and alternates Dianne Ryder and Honey Bee Morris. Kevin Raboin has stepped down as a director because he is relocating out of the state.

When the program’s agenda called for the introduction of new businesses, Ms. Pruitt made a point of first recognizing an OLD business, noting that Ryder Oil has now celebrated 50 years in Buffalo. Eleven new businesses which opened in 2009 were recognized: Stagecoach Deli, Buffalo Flowers and Gifts, Parts Plus, Pizza Hut, Tigermart Subway, Taco Bell, Simply Sassy, Taqueria Vazquez, Smith Shop, Taqueria Roldan and Mariscos Chofis.

Mayor Dawkins On the subject of positive new things which are happening in our area, Tommy Neyland offered a preview of the plans for the Leon County Civic and Expo Center.

All attendees enjoyed a great steak or chicken dinner catered by Kowboy Catering, and quite a few of them went home with nice door prizes. All Chamber of Commerce members were in a drawing for a $50 cash prize and that was won by Mac Shadix of The Buffalo Press.

At the close of the evening, President Hullum shared her vision for the Chamber in 2010. The Chamber of Commerce members meet on the third Thursday of every month at noon at the Civic Center.
Pat Ellison Williams and Dr. Russell Jonas were joint recipients of the “Citizen of the Year” award.
Dianne Ryder accepts her award from Wain Glass.
SMUMC’s award was accepted by Natalie and Pastor Kevin Gilmore, shown with presenter Leah Pruitt. Van’Go’photos
Mrs. Morris, with Chamber presenter Wain Glass
Mac Shadix of The Buffalo Press, with presenter Wain Glass.
Legacy operations manager Monty Cartwright accepted.