Michael Webb served as both the guest speaker and the musical entertainment Tuesday night at the Columbia-Adair Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet.
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Locals who went above and beyond over the past year were recognized Tuesday at the annual Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce banquet, held at Lindsey Wilson College’s Cranmer Dining Center.
This year’s guest speaker was singer-songwriter Michael Webb, who shared his experiences growing up in Adair County, falling in love with music, and his career as an artist. In particular, he focused on those who helped foster his musical abilities when he was a young student in Adair County Schools, including participation in the school band and a principal who went above and beyond.
“That became my life—it kept me out of trouble,” Webb said of learning to perform as a youngster. “Thanks to the Adair County Band program and [former John Adair Middle School] Principal [Bill] Rigney for teaching us guitar.”
After Webb’s speech and before the awards, he performed several musical numbers for the audience, playing the mandolin or accordion depending on the song.
Following the speech and presentation of awards, door prizes were given out, donated by Adair County businesses and community leaders.
This year’s winners were:
Agriculturist of the Year: Kirby Hancock
From left: Brittany Smith (presenter), Kirby Hancock (winner), Chamber Executive Director Ellen Zornes, state Sen. Max Wise, Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots, and state Rep.-elect Amy Neighbors.
Business/Professional Man of the Year: Landon Edwards
From left: Dennis Loy (presenter), Landon Edwards (winner), Chamber Executive Director Ellen Zornes, state Sen. Max Wise, Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots, and state Rep.-elect Amy Neighbors.
Business/Professional Woman of the Year: Danette Hancock
From left: Ann Martin (presenter), Danette Hancock (winner), Chamber Executive Director Ellen Zornes, state Sen. Max Wise, Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots, and state Rep.-elect Amy Neighbors.
Business/Industry of the Year: Don Franklin Ford
From left: Nathanial Franklin, Eddie Franklin Jr., Dan Franklin, and Eddie Franklin (winners); and Chamber Executive Director Ellen Zornes, state Sen. Max Wise, Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots, and state Rep.-elect Amy Neighbors.
Educator of the Year: JR Thompson
From left: Chad Parnell (presenter, accepting award on behalf of J.R. Thompson), Chamber Executive Director Ellen Zornes, state Sen. Max Wise, Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots, and state Rep.-elect Amy Neighbors.
Employee of the Year: Josh McKinney
From left: LeAnna Bennett (presenter), Addie Bennett (accepting on behalf of Josh McKinney), Chamber Executive Director Ellen Zornes, state Sen. Max Wise, Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots, and state Rep.-elect Amy Neighbors.
Health Advocate of the Year: Easton Bryant
From left: Heather Spoon (presenter), Easton Bryant (winner), Chamber Executive Director Ellen Zornes, state Sen. Max Wise, Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots, and state Rep.-elect Amy Neighbors.
Volunteer of the Year: Steven Baker
From left: Tammy Stotts (presenter), Steven Baker (winner), Chamber Executive Director Ellen Zornes, state Sen. Max Wise, Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots, and state Rep.-elect Amy Neighbors.
