Citizens, Lifetime Achievement awards given

In front of what city officials called one of the largest crowds to ever gather for Atmore’s annual chamber of commerce banquet, the coveted awards for 2016 Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award were handed out Thursday night.

“I think this is one of the largest crowds we’ve had,” Mayor Jim Staff said at the ceremony, which was held at The Club on Highway 21. “It’s getting better every year.”

Staff said it is important to remember the progress made to each year’s banquet is the product of long hours and tireless effort on the part of Atmore’s chamber of commerce employees and board members.

“It’s a fantastic event,” he said. “I’m proud of our chamber of commerce and what they do for the city. They really work hard.”

This year’s award winners included: Business of the Year – United Bank; Lifetime Achievement Award – Pepsi Cola of Atmore and South Alabama Vending’s Dale Ash; and, Citizen of the Year – Thomas Tschida, who moved to Atmore from Minnesota.

In a surprise turn of events, the chamber board also named a second Citizen of the Year, awarding Escambia County Middle and High School Choir Director Conrad Weber the title.

Weber said to be included in the evening was an honor.

“This is a complete surprise and I am very humbled,” he said.

Bub Gideons, outgoing chamber president, said 2016 was a year of great progress, adding he is hopeful it is just a taste of many more great things to come for Atmore’s economy.

“Last year we started on a road to up our game,” Gideons said. “To invest in the downtown area; to be more of a welcome center. We even moved our offices downtown, because we wanted to be known as more of a hub for local businesses.”

Gideons said the successes of the last year ranged from drawing in new businesses to protecting beloved landmarks, such as the Strand Theater on South Main Street.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to do,” he said. “Atmore is a special place. If you love Atmore like I do, the sky is the limit. I just want to express tonight a thank you. And, that little slogan on our sign – old friends and new beginnings – it’s real.”

Passing on the reins as chamber president for 2017 to Chris Singleton, Gideons said he is excited to see what the next year brings for Atmore’s chamber and the local businesses it supports.

“Just look at all the businesses we have coming in,” he remarked. “It’s all just so positive.”