AWARDS BANQUET 102ND ANNUAL JANUARY 25, 2022 - RUSTON CIVIC CENTER - Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
102ND ANNUAL
AWARDS BANQUET
JANUARY 25, 2022
RUSTON CIVIC CENTER
Presented by
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
THIS EVENT PRESENTED BY
WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM
SPECIAL THANKS TO
2 CRAZY GIRLS FLOWER SHOP
DEVINE WINES & THE KEG PACKAGE
PINEBELT WEB SERVICES
SOUTHERN GRACE EVENTS & BLESSINGS, LLC
PROGRAM
WINE & CHEESE SOCIAL AWARD PRESENTATIONS
6:00 P.M.
Chamber of Commerce
Robert E. Russ (pg 4)
BUFFET OPENS Business of the Year (pg 5)
Ambassador of the Year (pg 6)
6:45 P.M.
Origin Bank Student Entrepreneur
of the Year (pg 7)
Recognition of Top Five Young
EMCEE Business Leaders to Watch (pg 8)
Doug Postel Young Business Leader of the Year (pg 9)
Ruston-Lincoln Organizations
PRAYER Rotary Club of Ruston
George Lee IV
Bill Best Humanitarian (pg 10)
Junior Auxiliary of Ruston
RYAN MADDEN
Betty Robbins Volunteer of the Year (pg 11)
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Chair
Kiwanis of Ruston
Firefighter of the Year (pg 12)
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year (pg 13)
SPECIAL RECOGNITION Educator of the Year (pg 14)
Outgoing Board Members
Lincoln Parish School Board
John Deason | Courtyard by Marriott
Ron Veitch | Anti Pest & Veitch Distinguished Partners in Education (pg 15)
Ruston Lincoln CVB
Hospitality Award (pg 16)
ROBERT E. RUSS AWARD
Bill Hogan
Presented by Ruston-Lincoln Chamber
After returning to Ruston to work in his
family's business, in 1989 Bill began serving on
the Board of Directors of Ruston Building &
Loan which later became Bank of Ruston. In
2008, he became an employee of Bank of well as Past President of the
Ruston and went on to become President in Louisiana Tech University
2011 then CEO in 2013. Bill oversaw growing Foundation Board, Bill remains on
the business into a regional powerhouse, both boards and also serves on the
Century Next Bank and remains serving as College of Business Dean’s Advisory
both President and CEO. Board.
Bill supports the city, state, and region He was also tapped as the
through service within a variety of Commencement Speaker for Tech’s
professional and service organizations. A past November 2013 graduation
Board member of the Ruston-Lincoln ceremony. In recognition of his
Chamber of Commerce, Dixie Center for the unwavering support of and
Arts, and The Health Hut, Bill is also a two- leadership for Louisiana Tech
term Board member of the Ruston-Lincoln University, Bill was recently
Convention and Visitors Bureau and past honored with the coveted Arlis
Chairman. He has served as a board member Scogin Distinguished Service
for United Way of Northeast Louisiana while Award during Tech’s Homecoming
serving as campaign Chair for 2002, 2011, and festivities. His is the kind of
2012, and heading up this year’s optimistic leadership we have
Lincoln/Union/Jackson Steamboat Society come to depend on and know will
Campaign. In addition, he has served the help direct our community in the
Vestry for Ruston’s Episcopal Church of the years to come. With his “can do”
Redeemer three terms. attitude, growth mindset, and deep
love for Ruston and Lincoln Parish,
Previously serving as Chairman of the Bill Hogan’s legacy is worthy of
Louisiana Tech University Innovation Fund as replication and one to be honored.
4
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD (BOTY)
Irrigation-Mart
Presented by Ruston-Lincoln Chamber
In 1978, Robbins Association was District #3, the board of Irrigation
established in Ruston, LA, by Jackie and Association, many committees for
Betty Robbins as one of the first the IA and for ASABE, and the
companies in the U.S. to commercially Ruston Airport Authority for 11
promote a new technology known as years. He received recognition as
microirrigation. In 1989 it was the Engineer of the Year from the
incorporated as Robbins Louisiana Chapter of the
Association/Irrigation-Mart, Inc. and has American Society of Agricultural
grown from a single location with about and Biological Engineers. Jay is an
30 full-time employees, to 3 locations active member of Temple Baptist
and 55 full-time employees. Irrigation- Church where he has served as a
Mart specializes in the design, sales, and Deacon as well as with several
service of microirrigation technologies committees.
that apply low volumes of water
uniformly and efficiently conserving Irrigation-Mart supports both the
inputs, and ultimately saving water and Ruston and the National Chapters
other resources for generations to come. of National Association of Junior
It is one of the oldest, largest, and most Auxiliaries, Temple Baptist
respected full-service irrigation Church’s annual fireworks display
distributors in the country and is globally and other outreach efforts, local
recognized. school programs and many more
community organizations, and
Prior to retiring in 2020, Jackie served as donates the use of their facilities
President/CEO from the company’s for groups like Young Life and
inception until December, 2013, when his Temple Baptist Church’s College
sons were promoted. Jackie’s career Ministry. Irrigation-Mart also sits
involved university level teaching, on the North La Ag Business
research, administration, and national Council.
and international consulting. He was
involved in the American Society of Irrigation-Mart encourages all
Agricultural and Biological Engineers their employees to be active in
(ASABE) and the Irrigation Association community service and provides
(IA) and in 2021 was awarded the all full-time employees up to 40
Irrigation Association’s INDUSTRY hours annually of
ACHEIVEMENT AWARD. Humanitarian/Spiritual
Development Paid Time Off in
Jay has served as a member of the addition to vacation and sick
Ruston Jaycees, the board of Waterworks leave. 5
AMBASSADOR OF
THE YEAR AWARD
Janet Wilson
Presented by Ruston-Lincoln Chamber
Janet Binns Wilson is a native of Crossett,
Arkansas but fell in love with Lincoln Parish
after attending Louisiana Tech. She earned
a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Elementary
She was also nominated for
Education in 1981, later continuing her
Regional Director of
education at Louisiana Tech completing a
Development of the Year in
Master’s degree in Elementary Education in 2021. With this caring heart,
1983. Her love for the community sparked Janet has exceeded all
while educating the youth in Lincoln Parish fundraising goals at the Boys &
Schools between the years of 1991-1995. Girls Clubs of North Louisiana
since her start in 2009.
Realizing the importance of family, Janet
decided to take a step back from teaching In alignment with her values,
in order to spend more time with her two Janet Wilson centers her life
beautiful children Zach (35) and Ashley (33). around her relationship with
During this time, she built a successful God and her family. She
business with Arbonne International, prioritizes her work at the Boys
noticing her gift of creating connections & Girls Club, and her role as an
through sales. ambassador at the Chamber of
Commerce. She is also a lifetime
member of Junior Auxiliary of
In 2009, Janet Wilson began her tenure of
Ruston, volunteered many years
over a decade at the Boys & Girls Clubs of
at Life Choices and was an
North Louisiana as Director of
engaged member of The
Development. This became her dream job –
Exchange for the past several
serving children and connecting people
years. Most importantly, Janet
who have the heart to support this mission.
and her husband, Steve Wilson
Through this role, she spends her time
regularly serve at Christ Church
working with the entire Lincoln Parish of Ruston in various ways. As a
community, matching those who want to family they enjoy spending time
make a difference with the youth that truly with their parents, children, and
need our help. Ten years after she began the six grandchildren they
the journey as Director of Development, she adore. Janet is so grateful for
was chosen to attend the Philanthropy this recognition and the
Leadership Institute in Indianapolis, on opportunity to serve her
behalf of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. community.
6
STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Emory Nicole Winters
Presented by Ruston-Lincoln Chamber | Sponsored by Origin Bank
Emory Nicole Winters is the primary owner
of King of Wings Ruston. She's the youngest
child and only daughter of Morris Winters.
Emory has two older brothers, Jeremy
Winters and Marzionne Thomas.
When not in school at A.E. Phillips, Emory is
at the restaurant. At 10 years old, she runs
everything in the front of the house from
taking walk-in orders to working the drive-
thru. Emory said she loves what she does;
and it shows through her excellent
customer service. She personally trained all
her staff (including her brother) on how and
when to use the headphone sets in the
restaurant. Emory has no problem with
being the boss. Her brother Jeremy says he’s
proud to be her oldest brother and that she
is his motivation to keep getting up and
having a positive attitude every day.
Emory is a straight A and B student at A.E Phillips and is currently in the
5th grade. She wakes up on her own every day to be on time for school.
Emory loves to sing so she attends choir after school on Thursdays. Even
after her extracurricular activities, she goes to work with enthusiasm like
no other. Outside of work, Emory really enjoys being a kid, running around
and playing with her friends and her little dog named Cole. Cole has
brought an added excitement to the house and furthered Emory’s
understanding of the importance of having responsibilities.
7
TOP 5 YOUNG BUSINESS
LEADERS TO WATCH
Presented by Ruston-Lincoln Chamber
Candace Bowen
Bayou Title, Inc.
LaToya Houston
Quality Care at Home, LLC
Sarah McKinnie
Origin Bank
Oliver Neal
Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix & Hixson, Inc.
Phillip Smart
City of Ruston
8
YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER
OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jeff Miller
Presented by Ruston-Lincoln Chamber
Jeff Miller is the Director of Teen His heart for the youth of this
Development for the Boys & Girls community impacts the future of
Club of North Louisiana. His work at these young lives, their families, and
the Boys and Girls Club for the last 19 our community overall.
years has contributed to the growth
and enhancement of the local Boys Jeff is a member of New Living Word
& Girls Club. He provides our young Ministries and he holds a Mass
people with a wealth of educational, Communication degree from
recreational, and social activities in a Grambling State University. When he’s
positive setting. Jeff goes out of his not working at the Boys & Girls Club,
way to make sure the youth of this he is working at Glenview Elementary
community have an opportunity to as the Behavioral Interventionist and
experience things that may not be the Lincoln Parish School Board
available to them in any other forum. Transportation Department. He is an
His influences have steered many of active volunteer with the William
the club’s teens toward higher Brothers Basketball program, Isaiah
education. Buggs Funday/Camp, and is a RPAR
coach. When the Headstart school
His spirited passion, winning was devastated in a fire, Jeff
personality, and abundant volunteered with Haircuts for
leadership skills naturally draws Headstart. In 2017, Jeff received the
young people to him, thus providing Chamber of Commerce Everyday
him the opportunity to nurture and Excellence Award. He has also
develop those individual’s character received certifications from the
traits that allow them to develop Emerging Leadership program and
into solid and productive citizens. the Arthur L. Williams Directors
Academy.
9
BILL BEST
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Wilbert "Coach" Ellis
Presented by Ruston Rotary Club
Wilbert Ellis, better known as Coach Ellis, had
great opportunity to touch many lives in his
forty-year tenure as an assistant and head
baseball coach at Grambling State University.
past President of the Board of
He has been recognized many times for his
Lincoln General Hospital, Board
achievements on the baseball diamond, being
member of Alcohol and Drug Abuse
inducted into several sports halls of fame and
Program, GSU National Alumni
numerous recognitions by his conference and
Association, Ruston Planning and
the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He
Zoning Committee, Ruston 21
also received the Robert E. Russ Award in 2016
Planning Committee, Lincoln Parish
for his philanthropic contributions within the
Biracial Committee, President of the
community.
Friends of the Eddie Robinson
Museum, a member of the D.A.R.T
Ellis’ professional achievements are amazing;
Men Standing Strong campaign,
however, he was selected to receive the
helped oversee the construction of
Humanitarian Award based on his continuous
GSU’s new baseball stadium, and
mentoring of others, both on and off the field,
currently serves on the Board of the
and service to the Lincoln Parish Community.
Boys and Girls Clubs of NLA.
Fifteen years after retirement, he is more active
than ever, pouring his passion into enriching
One of Ellis’ most cherished activities
others in Lincoln Parish and beyond.
is partnering with his life-long friend,
James Davison, to visit with and give
Thousands of youth have benefited through his
poinsettias to those in nursing
free baseball clinics through the years. Along
homes and hospitals to remind them
with teaching baseball skills, Ellis places a
someone cares.
strong emphasis on life skills and ethics. He is
also often sought as a motivational speaker for a
Ellis is a member of Zion Traveler
variety of youth groups and adults. Ellis
Baptist Church where he is a Deacon
commented that he has a great love of sports,
and chairs the church’s Trustees
but admits that his main concern is the
Board. Ellis is married to Bettye
building of character in young people through
Williams Ellis, and they have one
higher education.
daughter, Shree Yvette, three
grandchildren and five great-
Ellis has served as chairman of the Ruston Parks
grandchildren.
and Recreation Board, vice chair of Lincoln
Health System,
10BETTY ROBBINS
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
C. Alisa Greene
Presented by Junior Auxiliary of Ruston
understanding of
C. Alisa Greene has committed much entrepreneurship in Grambling,
of her life to volunteering. Alisa Louisiana. She has provided self-
worked as a law enforcement officer defense classes with a local
for many years and created a crime community agency. To promote
prevention program using the GSU growth, Alisa created Field Day
“Tiger Cop” mascot to teach safety to Friday for young children to
children. Alisa is a Social Worker by experience educational activities
trade; however, she has discovered a in Lincoln Parish which included
love for teaching, coaching, serving, visits to banks, museums, the
and mentoring. She has inspired so library, and various parks.
many people, and she demonstrates
an extraordinary commitment to Having a heart to serve local
anyone that she comes in contact senior citizens, Alisa collects and
with. donates bags of apples and
oranges to local nursing homes
Alisa is a passionate volunteer and and provides home visits. She
cares deeply about serving her helped collect $500 to donate to
community. She has been a the Desaird Street Shelter and
volunteer Cross Country Coach at she volunteers with Lincoln
both Cypress Springs Elementary and Parish youth serving meals at the
Cedar Creek. She has volunteered as shelter.
the Chess Coach at Cypress Springs
and as a fitness coach for the Ruston C. Alisa Greene is a role model
High School Pep Squad. for volunteerism. The ultimate
goal of Alisa’s volunteer work is
Alisa has sponsored a Free National to motivate, encourage, and
Run Day Event and volunteered for show love while bringing people
the Healthy Kids Running Series. She together to create a strong
co-sponsored Kidspreneur Camp to community. She is an asset to
help children gain a better our community. 11FIREFIGHTER
OF THE YEAR
Jimmy R. Knox
Presented by Kiwanis of Ruston
Jimmy R. Knox was born in Hodge, LA, but Choudrant fire department,
his family moved to Ruston where he began which is staffed with over twenty-
attending school at Ruston Elementary five volunteers and maintains a
from first grade through third. The family Class 4 Fire Insurance Rating. In
moved to Lisbon, LA where his father, June of 2018, Jimmy also took on
Raymond Knox worked as a highly the task of Director of Public
respected electrician in the community. In Works for the Village of
1964, Jimmy’s father died as the result of an Choudrant, overseeing all the
accident and shortly after the family moved daily services of maintenance for
back to Ruston. Jimmy continued his the community. Jimmy says “I like
education at Ruston High School. He the small town atmosphere and
followed in his father’s footsteps as an the people are great.”
accomplished electrician and has always
exhibited a strong work ethic. Jimmy was Jimmy and his wife Nancy have
employed with Holstead Heating & Air and been married for fourteen years,
Davison’s for many years before establishing making their home in Ruston.
his own business, Jimmy Knox Electric, LLC Together, they have six children
in 2005. and 8 grandchildren. With
keeping it in the family, Jimmy
Jimmy has supported the Village of and Nancy’s son Jordan Gray
Choudrant Volunteer Fire Department for received the KOA Firefighter of
the past nineteen years as a volunteer the Year Award in 2016, also as a
firefighter, responding to residential, car, volunteer.
industrial and grass/woods fires, rescue,
emergency medical and hazardous
materials incidents. He says, “Giving back
and paying it forward is what it is all about.”
Jimmy serves as the Assistant Chief for the
12LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Ronald Findley
Presented by Kiwanis of Ruston
Ronald Findley was born in Bernice, LA for the LP Sheriff’s Office Crisis
in 1970 where he grew up and Negotiation Team, working very
attended school, graduating in 1988. closely with the Special Response
Ronald enlisted in the U. S. Army in Team to de-escalate extremely
1990 and served twenty-three years as high risk and violent situations.
a Tanker and a Drill Sergeant, retiring
in 2013 as a Master Sergeant. During In 2020, Sheriff Stephen Williams
his service, Ronald served two tours of promoted Findley to Captain and
duty during Operation Enduring assigned him to the Civil Division
Freedom and the War on Terrorism in where he currently serves. This
Afghanistan and Iraq. division oversees the daily
operations including courthouse
In 2013, Ronald worked with the building security, ensuring safety
Louisiana State Office of Probation and and order during criminal and civil
Parole, and received his Police Officer court sessions, civil paper services
Standards and Training (POST) and the probation division. Sheriff
Certification. Ronald began his law Williams says “Captain Findley is a
enforcement career with the Lincoln man of great character and faith,
Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2014 serving as with a work ethic that is
a patrol deputy. He was quickly unmatched”.
promoted to Sergeant and then
Lieutenant supervising the daily
Ronald is married to Michellian
operations of a Patrol Team. His most
Findley, who works with the
prized certification is that of an
Lincoln Parish School Board as a
instructor for the Below 100 program.
5th grade math teacher at
This training program, which he
Cypress Springs Elementary. They
teaches annually is designed to
have three children, Ronderio,
influence law enforcement culture by
providing innovative training and Ronisha, and Ronald Samuel and
awareness to identify the leading attend Zion Travelers Baptist
causes and current trends that can Church. Ronald loves spending
help prevent line of duty deaths. time with his family, hunting,
Captain Findley is also the team leader fishing and football.
13EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Marilyn Orr Hyams
Presented by Kiwanis of Ruston
Marilyn Orr Hyams is a Lincoln Parish Marilyn was recruited by Cedar
native, the daughter of Dr. Virgil and Myrtis Creek school to teach math,
Orr. She attended elementary school at A. where she is still currently
E. Phillips and graduated from Ruston High serving. Four recommendation
School in 1969. She attended Louisiana letters reflect the same
Tech University where she majored in math accolades, that Marilyn is
education, graduating with a Bachelor of respected and admired by her
Science degree in 1969. While at Tech, she teaching peers, loved by her
also met her future husband, William H. students and is always willing to
Hyams as he was her calculus instructor provide support whether in the
and they married shortly after her form of tutoring before or after
graduation. Marilyn and Bill are the parents school or cheering for her
of two children, Toni Hyams Crawford and students at athletic events. Many
Daniel G. Hyams and they have five of her former students have
grandchildren. moved on to careers as math
instructors based on the
Marilyn devoted the early years of their example and commitment she
married life to rearing their two children. demonstrated during the course
When Bill accepted a position with what is of their education.
now the University of Louisiana, Monroe,
Marilyn decided to further her education Marilyn attends Temple Baptist
by obtaining a Master’s degree in math Church where she serves as a
education media, graduating from ULM in pre-school Sunday school
1979. While at ULM she also served as an teacher, a position she has filled
instructor in the Math Department. Marilyn since 1997. Hobbies that she
began her teaching career in 1983, serving enjoys include traveling to
as a math and science instructor at National Parks and watching
Choudrant High School until she retired sporting events.
from the Lincoln Parish School System in
2002. After a short stint in retirement,
14DISTINGUISHED
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
NLMC &
Dr. Jackie White
Presented by Lincoln Parish Schools
Northern Louisiana Medical Center and Dr. professional advice as COVID-19
Jackie White. NLMC and Dr. White have been guidelines were established. Dr.
instrumental in helping the Lincoln Parish White has been available 24 hours a
School District navigate the pandemic. In the day, 7 days a week to answer
spring of 2020 the world was shaken with questions as numerous matters
COVID-19, but the ever-steady help and have arisen due to the pandemic as
guidance of these partners has allowed the school nurses and the chief
Lincoln Parish Schools to continue providing a pandemic officer have worked to
quality education to its students. maintain a safe environment for
students and staff. Dr. White’s
The team at Northern Louisiana Medical professional and caring attitude
Center worked tirelessly to help schedule and towards the students and
administer COVID-19 vaccines to Lincoln employees has allowed the school
Parish School employees. The hospital staff district to continue moving forward
provided their cell phone numbers to school even in uncertainty.
district employees so they could call with any
questions regarding the vaccine. Lisa Bastion, As the pandemic is still prevalent
the Chief Pandemic Officer for the Lincoln today, the school district officials
Parish School Board said, “The staff at know that it will continue to affect
Northern Louisiana Medical Center have been students, parents, employees, and
extremely professional, compassionate, community stakeholders and are
concerned, and available for questions thankful for partnerships with
regarding reactions to vaccines.” Not only did community members like Northern
NLMC administer vaccines and update Louisiana Medical Center and Dr.
vaccination cards, they have also been Jackie White. Together they will
instrumental in providing LPSD staff with continue to provide the safest
boosters. environment possible for all
involved
As soon as the pandemic began, Dr. Jackie
White was available to assist the school
district, offering
15HOSPITALITY AWARD
Grambling State University
Presented by Ruston Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau
Grambling State University combines the academic strengths of a major
university with the benefits of a small college, a combination that enables
students to grow and learn in a positive environment.
In addition to being one of the country’s top producers of African
American graduates, Grambling continues to build a reputation as a host
for large athletic events; most recently the 2019 and 2020 NAIA Football
National Championships, as well as the 2021 Brown Girls Do Gymnastics
Conference. These events brought numerous visitors to the area and had a
significant economic impact on our community.
The staff at Grambling State was vital in the success of each event, as they
served on planning committees prior to the events, worked tirelessly with
organizers on event logistics, welcomed athletes, coaches, and fans when
they arrived in town, and helped in various capacities day-of to ensure the
events ran smoothly.
16CHAMBER AMBASSADORS
Hannah Bowman John Cowling Jenifer Daily Tami Davis
Michael Brooks Family Clinic Rolling Hills Ministries Century Next Bank Northern LA Medical Center
Missy Gibbons Thomas Graham Rick Greene Kristi Greer
Skip Russell State Farm The Lincoln Agency Moxey NeLA Centric FCU
Kathy Hall David Long Oliver Neal Stacy Scheer
Northern LA Medical Center Ensure, The Insurance Agency Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix & Hixson The Arbor and Terrace
Anthony Tchakounte Ron Veitch Janet Wilson
Ruston Cleaning Services Anti Pest & Veitch Boys & Girls Clubs of NLA2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Directors
Chair & Chair Elect &
Finance Community Dev. VC
Eric McCulloch Elizabeth Turnley
Edward Jones Russ Place
Events Planning
Organizational Dev. VC & Dev. VC Legislative Dev. VC
Brent Causey Callie Grubb Tyler Storms
Delta Broadband, LLC Century Next Bank Attorney
Membership Dev. VC & Immediate
Crime Stoppers Past Chair
Thomas Graham Ryan Madden
The Lincoln Agency Napper & Madden2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Directors
Mark Graham George Lee IV Brandon Sutherland Anthony Tchakounte
Holland Real Estate Gruop Temple Baptist Church Lincoln Parish Schools Ruston Cleaning Services
Morgan Thornhill Lindsay Tomlinson Danny Walpole Patricia Willis
Uptown Downtown Origin Bank Walpole Tire & Service The Children's Shoppe
Ex-Officio Directors
Phillip Smart Grace Ruiz Ryan Richard Doug Postel
City of Ruston Economic Dvt. LA Delta Comm. College Louisiana Tech Univ. LP Police Jury
Amy Stegall Sarah McKinnie Stephen Williams
Ruston Main Street Origin Bank LP Sheriff
Staff
Ashley Smith Ivana Flowers Celeste Butler Victoria Sexton Melisa Rudd
Membership Communications Accounting Volunteer Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator,
S.A.I.L. S.A.I.L.You can also read
