Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown – Butler County Chamber of Commerce held their 2011 Annual Awards Banquet Tuesday night  at the Butler County Education Complex.  Chamber Vice President Becky Hankins presided over the ceremony, which honored outstanding contributions to the community by businesses, organizations, and citizens.  Chamber President Kay Romans was unable to attend due to surgery last week. Rodney Rogers of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce was the speaker for the evening.  He offered a view, in his words, of Butler County from an outside perspective.  Rogers praised Butler County for adapting to the change in the economy, for its work force that has a strong work ethic, and its participation in regional economic development.  Rogers stated that Butler County leads the Barren River Area Development District in job creation and in remarks of praise said there wasn’t anything he could do for Butler County that it wasn’t already doing for itself.

Among the highlights of the awards ceremonies was Jimmy Flener receiving the Community Volunteer award for his work at Andrea’s Mission; Flener emotionally accepted his honor and showed a short documentary film with women giving testimony on how Andrea’s Mission has helped them. 

Just 35 of the 53 people who came out to support Jimmy Flener and Andrea's Mission.

87-year-old Chesley Daugherty received the Farmer of the Year award and was praised by presenter Greg Drake for his embrace of innovations over the years from rubber tires to GPS. 

John Schaeufele received the Senior Citizen Leadership award for his volunteer work at Morgantown Care and Rehabilitation.  Flener, Daugherty, and Schaeufele all received standing ovations from the crowd.

Garry McKinney received the Community Leader award for his work leading the Morgantown Mission. 

Jones Funeral Chapel received the Community Improvement award for their building expansion and the addition of two sanctuaries. 

Double K Amusements received the Small Business of the Year award for their expansion in only a year and a half of business. 

Clay Embry received the Youth Achievement award for his athletic and scholastic achievements.

Provo Rural Development Club received the Non-Profit/Civic Group award for their record of service that dates to the 1950s. President Tony Wilson accepts the award on behalf of the Club.

Recognition was given to outgoing Chamber Board members Kay Romans, Mark Embry, and James Runion.  Incoming members Roger Southerland, Ricky Romans, and Mike Coleman were also recognized.
The final part of the program was a drawing for $500 worth of gift certificates to local businesses.  The 19 certificates with face values of $20 and $50 had a list of the Chamber of Commerce member businesses where they could be redeemed.
The 2011 Awards Banquet was sponsored by Delta Faucet of Morgantown, Drake’s Farm Service, Hometown IGA, Kentucky Farm Bureau of Butler County, Morgantown Bank & Trust, Morgantown Prescription Center, and Warren RECC.  The dinner was prepared by Green River Caterers.