Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Awards Luncheon
The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, December 21 at Leeds First Baptist Church. It was a festive occasion with a well-attended meeting and an Italian lunch was catered by Katering 101.
The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Elizabeth McDonald with Cadence Bank by Ambassador Chairperson, Dona Bonnett. Elizabeth has been a very active Corporate Ambassador this year and has taken on much responsibility with the Ambassador program. She is an incredible representative for our chamber and community.
Steve Karr, Chamber Treasurer, presented the Non-Profit of the Year Award to the Woman’s Literary Club of Leeds. The Woman's Literary Club of Leeds celebrated its one-hundredth year on October 23, 2023, making it Leeds’s oldest women’s service organization. This non-profit organization goes over and beyond in their efforts to support the greater Leeds community.
Steven Weems, Incoming Chamber President, presented the Civic Award to Emma Terry. Emma is an exemplary individual who goes over and beyond in her community. She has devoted her time, talents and resources to the greater Leeds area and causes that she is most passionate about. She is currently serving at Miss Jefferson County and her list of accolades is long. She is a Leeds native and an incredible representative for our community.
The Business of the Year Award was presented to Casey Parsons Team – Guild Mortgage by Chamber President, Tiffiany Ward. Team member, Megan Graham, accepted the award in Casey’s absence. Casey Parsons Team – Guild Mortgage is a local business leader in the community and was recognized as a Top 10 contender for the State Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award for an emerging business of less than five years. Casey believes in businesses coordinating together to support a community and economy. She loves the city of Leeds and says the people here are truly one of a kind. The local office in Leeds, AL, is small, but mighty! Casey has been recognized as a top loan officer in the nation by Scotsman Guide and has also received multiple awards within Guild Mortgage for being a top producer. The list of accolades goes on and this business is very deserving of this award!
Chamber President, Tiffiany Ward, also presented the President’s Award to Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin for his exemplary performance going over and beyond. In the realm of law enforcement, Chief Irwin stands as a beacon of excellence, with more than 30 years in Law enforcement, he exemplifies dedication, innovation and unwavering commitment to our community. Under Chief Irwin’s stewardship, the Leeds Police Department has witnessed a transformative era. Through strategic initiatives and innovative approaches, crime rates have seen a significant decline, drug dealers are off the streets and justice is being brought to those who are committing wrongdoings. Beyond the professional realm, Chief Irwin exhibits exceptional empathy and compassion. He consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to support those in need, showcasing his commitment to serve and protect all members of our community. He also serves on the National Law Enforcement Destination Zero selection committee, an organization created to have a goal of zero officers lost in the line of duty.
In addition to these awards at the meeting, State Representative Susan DuBose presented a $7500 check to Leeds Outreach. Incoming 2024 Chamber Board of Directors were recognized and sworn in by Councilman, Johnny Dutton. Chamber Corporate Partners and Sponsors were recognized and presented with a plaque. 2023 Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: The City of Leeds, Corporate Partner: Heidelberg Materials, Gold Sponsors: Brunson, Barnett & Sherrer, P.C., Hubbell Power, Silver Sponsors: Great Beginnings Learning Center, LLC, Millennial Bank, The Shops of Grand River, UAB Medicine Leeds, Bronze Sponsors: adr Business & Marketing Strategies, Alabama Power Company, AMAC Design Builders, LLC, America’s First Federal Credit Union, Bob Watkins Realty, Buc-ee’s, Cadence Bank, Guardian Systems, Inc., IKG USA, Inc., Kinetic by Windstream and M & M Tax & Accounting. Dutton also presented outgoing Chamber President, Tiffiany Ward, with a president’s plaque and Ward gave a final speech before the meeting dismissed.
2024 Incoming Board of Directors L-R: Phillip Samuels – AmFirst, President Steven Weems – Leeds First Baptist, Telra Rocker – Alabama Power, 2nd Vice-President Steve Karr – Leeds Arts Council, Elizabeth McDonald – Cadence Bank, Chris Oldenburg – ServPro of Birmingham, State Representative Susan DuBose, Chamber Executive Director Sandra McGuire, Outgoing President Tiffiany Ward – Millennial Bank. Not pictured: 1st Vice-President Jeannie Cole – The Shops of Grand River, Treasurer Casey Parson – Casy Parsons Team - Guild Mortgage, Alicia Wilson – Chick-fil-A, Rachel Borrello – Workout Anytime Leeds, Scott Barnett – Brunson, Barnett & Sherrer, PC, Superintendent John Moore – Leeds City Schools, Randell Pickering – Mills Pharmacies, Debbie Watkins – Bob Watkins Realty, Mayor David Miller and Brad Watson – City of Leeds.
The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce works very hard all during the year to support the local businesses, schools and community and is very excited about approaching a new year to better serve our mission. The Chamber is closed for the holidays and will re-open on Monday, January 8, 2024.
Chamber membership is open to all local businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals. For more information about the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website at www.leedsareachamber.com.
