AP Chamber of Commerce honors members

The Avon Park Chamber of Commerce recognized many of its members for their work in the community and some of the businesses as well during the annual awards banquet Thursday night at the Avon Park Community Center.

Stanley Wells introduced the citizen of the year. Wells said when he was asked to make the presentation, he thought of his uncle, Lawler Wells, and the similarities he had with Kenny Long, the recipient of the award.

Like Lawler, Long is avid aviation enthusiast who served on the Avon Park Airport Advisory Committee for almost 25 years and was chairman for most of those years.

Long also was the chairman of Highlands County's Construction Licensing and Appeals Board for almost 20 years.

Long served in the U.S. Marines and was deployed twice.

Wells concluded his speech by reading a quote from a front-page newspaper story about Lawler Wells' death in 1941.

It said, in part, "He accomplished much. He was energetic, adventurous, resourceful. He filled each day to the brim and lived for the joy of accomplishment. He was unselfish in his devotion to his community and performed many acts of public service. In all his varied activities he had the respect and admiration of all. He was a good citizen. That quote describes perfectly our new citizen of the year."

After receiving a standing ovation, a surprised Long said he appreciated receiving the award.

"It's an honor," he said.

Several other awards were given out during the banquet.

Highlands Independent Bank received the Beautification Award.

Wal-Mart was recognized as the Business of the Year.

The Community Service Award went to Larry and Elaine Levey. Renee Bennett, who presented the award, described them as "renowned historians" who will work diligently just to receive thanks.

The Junior Achievement volunteers who taught a class at Avon Park High School were recognized. They included: Bill McKown, Kami Elliott, Tina Gottus, Mitch Collins, Kimberly Batty-Herbert, Michelle Myers, Ramona Washington, Joel Boydston, Cynthia Barrett and Ken Keyser.

Two Junior Achievement scholarships were presented to Avon Park High School graduates. The Wanda Daymon Memorial Scholarship of $1,000, named in honor of the former vice president of marketing/public affairs at South Florida Community College, was given to Daija Barrett. She will be attending Florida A&M University. Briana Washington, who received $500, will attend SFCC and then go to the University of Florida.

Julie Diaz-Nichols and Traci Smith were named Directors of the Year. Kari Long-McGrath, outgoing president, said Diaz-Nichols and Smith were her main supporters who "volunteered for everything that came up."

Outgoing directors who were recognized include: John Parry, Long-McGrath, Smith and Diaz-Nichols.

Long-McGrath passed the gavel to Jeff Mechlin, who will serve as the chamber president in 2009-10. She said it has been a "privilege" to serve as the president. She commended David Greenslade, the chamber's executive director, for all the work he does for the organization.

In addition to Mechlin, the 2009-10 directors include: Pat Graf, Rhonda Beckman, Kevin Brown, Jerry Whidden, Brian Lemelin, Barry Bilder, Will Bennett, Bill McKown, Brenda Schell, Curtis Caudill and Long-McGrath.