Congratulations to the recipients of the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards, which were given out Thursday night at the 69th annual chamber meeting.
Helen Lumpkin was the winner of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, Foster Kizer received the 2014 Citizen of the Year Award, and Muskogee Technology was named the 2014 Business of the Year.

Lumpkin’s story is certainly inspiring. She is 102 years old, but still going strong, and continues to contribute to her community. She makes crocheted caps for cancer victims who have lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy treatments, and those caps are sent all over the state and country.

Family members also said that Lumpkin used to style hair for residents at Atmore Nursing Center, or drive them around town to hair appointments and other engagements.

She certainly sounds like an inspiring woman. I hope that I can accomplish 10 percent of what she has done, if I live to be 100 or more.

Kizer is also a great role model. In addition to his work with community groups like the Concerned Citizens of Atmore, he has also recently undertaken a beautification of the downtown Atmore region. He is willing to paint business exteriors for free; he only asks for the business owner to purchase the paint.

Also, Kizer serves as a great ambassador for our city,
by speaking positively of Atmore to those who visit his Royal Oaks Bed and Breakfast. Kizer was certainly a worthy choice.

And last, but not least, we should all be proud of Muskogee Technology. In an era of economic stagnancy, this country has continued to grow, expanding its operations and bringing more than 100 jobs to our area. Congratulations to them on the award.

All of Thursday’s award winners are truly inspirational to all of us. If we all work as hard as they have, we can truly make Atmore the best city that she can be.