Record Numbers and Success at 2015 Chamber Banquet

BY MELANIE BUCK –

There was record attendance during last night’s annual Mena/Polk County Chamber Banquet as the county’s business sector gathered to celebrate together in the Ouachita Center at Rich Mountain Community College. The evening began with a silent auction and ‘Heads or Tails’ game. While the crowd was catered by Paisano’s Italian from Scratch restaurant Hunter’s Auction Service presented a live auction.

As the county’s business leaders and volunteers filled the room and enjoyed their meal, TV Personality Craig O’Neill provided entertainment as the night’s guest speaker and was well received by the crowd. O’Neill not only kept guests rolling with laughter, but also said he had never seen such a ‘front porch’ community until he saw what happened on April 10, 2009, the day after an EF3 tornado ripped through Mena, leaving a path of devastation behind. O’Neill said he was in Mena that day to report the damage the tornado had caused and was astounded at the community effort to help each other without expectation of getting anything in return. O’Neill said Mena has a ‘front porch’ mentality, neighbors helping neighbors no matter what the cause, and knowing one another as well as they know their own families. “This town was on the front porch to make a concerted effort to bond here, to go out on the front porch to be with one another. Mena is at the very center of the front porch of Arkansas.”

Vice President Tammy Young voiced the Chamber’s appreciation of O’Neill as guest speaker, “A sincere thank you to Mr. Craig O’Neill for the entertaining and inspiring presentation you gave at the Mena/Polk County Chamber Banquet. Your genuineness is evident in your interaction with people. We are grateful that you shared your time, talents, and treasures with each one of us. I watched so many of our community members walk up to you to share a treasured memory they had of you, many of which included events and time you spent in Mena and Polk County over the years. Thank you again for reminding us what makes our community and county such a wonderful place to live and work. We welcome you with open arms to come back, stay awhile and visit on our ‘front porch.’”

 

 

 

 

 

The 2014 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Community Awards, all of which (with the exception of Business of the Year) were voted upon by Chamber membership, were presented by Chamber President Cindy Long, and assisted by Chamber Board of Directors and members.

Chamber Secretary LeAnn Dilbeck kicked-off the awards with the Volunteer of the Year category. Dilbeck said, “Volunteers are vital to a community’s success and are essential to making Polk County as supportive a community as one can be. They can be found on any given day at any given location, extending their talents doing what they do best… give.”

Larry and Linda Dunaway were honored as the Chamber’s 2014 Volunteers of the Year. The Dunaways “use their talents helping churches, rural volunteer fire departments and families all across Polk County in their time of need.  They also own and operate R&D Industries, Inc. in Mena,” said Dilbeck. On the nomination submission form, it was said, “The Dunaways not only have a big cooker they have an even bigger love for their community and its people.”

Next up was Chamber Board Member Sonya Maye presenting the Citizen of the Year award, which was given to Tammy Young. “Recipients of this prestigious award are cornerstones in our community. They represent our area and give of their time and talents to make Polk County a better place to live, work, and play,” said Maye. “This year’s recipient was best described in the nomination we received for her: …  she is ‘undeniably an asset to the community.  She gives so freely of her time with such a positive outlook on all situations.  Her ideas are always so thought out and very well planned.  It is very evident that she loves this community and works very diligently to make an impact in all areas where she is involved. Her positive outlook is contagious!’”

 

Tammy works at RMCC as the Community Relations Director and was instrumental in much of the organization for the banquet. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce as well as the Mena Regional Hospital Commission and is also an active Rotarian and member of the Mena Lioness Club.  She is active in several civic organizations and serves on a variety of boards, including the hospital board.

Board Member Katrina Rowe presented Sonic Drive-In with the Best Renovation/Beautification. “Thank you Mena Sonic Drive-In for all your community support and congratulations on being our 2014 Best Renovation/Beautification,” Rowe said.

 

Best New Construction was presented to RMCC for the Ouachita Center. The 13,000+ sq ft. facility opened in August 2014 and is a state-of-the art conference/community center located on the main campus of Rich Mountain Community College.  The Ouachita Center is the premier place to host events and provide opportunities that support community and economic initiatives in west central Arkansas and the Ouachita Mountain Region.  Arts and culture play a major role in community development and redevelopment because they enhance quality of life, which is central to the mission of the College.

 

The Chamber Board selected as Herod’s Department Store as Business of the Year award. Herod’s was a family owned and operated retailer that served as a cornerstone in downtown Mena for almost 4 decades. “They were the epitome of customer service,” said Young.

As the ceremony concluded the Chamber recognized Chris Benner as the Chamber’s Past President, Cindy Long as Current President, and Tammy Young as President-Elect.

 

The Chamber banquet was successful in raising almost $15,000 through the annual celebration with $5,500 raised specifically for the Chamber’s growing scholarship program.

Chamber Executive Director Paula Bailey said, “Everyone has commented that the venue was great and it was very timely. We have received great feedback that the flow of the event was nice, the facilities, food, and decorations were great and Mr. O’Neill was excellent. I couldn’t have done it by myself. Every piece of the program was put together flawlessly and we greatly appreciate everyone who contributed to the event.”

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