Jefferson County Chamber names leading organization, citizen at yearly accumulating | Journal-news

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce modified its regimen a little bit to hold its once-a-year accumulating to figure out the best enterprise and citizen pursuing a absence of in-particular person capabilities owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The June event is usually hosted in a ballroom with semi-formal attire. Having said that, this year, the spot altered to McMurran Farm, in which company ended up decked out in “denim and diamonds.”

Chamber Government Director Heather McIntyre spelled out that internet hosting the occasion at McMurran Farm helped give ongoing social distancing, although however letting the chamber members and attendees to acquire for a live function to identify the recipients of the 2021 awards.

The focal place of the evening centered on two unique awards — the Chuck Ellison Distinguished Citizen Award and the George E. Vickers Business Award.

The Chuck Ellison Distinguished Citizen Award was renamed in honor of Ellison immediately after his passing in 2016. Ellison experienced served for 16 a long time on the chamber board, which includes a expression as president from 2005-06.

The award, sponsored by The Journal, was introduced by Publisher/Editor Christopher Kinsler to recipient Chris Cox.

Kinsler, when announcing Cox, explained him as “a tranquil, unassuming, humble citizen who jumps into a job, initiative or challenge with out asking.”

Cox, initially from the Japanese Panhandle, lived elsewhere for numerous several years due to navy assignments. He and his loved ones returned to his property adhering to his retirement from the Military, where by he was crammed with a enthusiasm to serve his local community.

As a member of the Rotary Club of Charles City, Cox participated in several of the organization’s initiatives, which includes overseeing its intercontinental scholar exchange system. He had, himself, been a Rotary Club exchange pupil, so he was committed to sharing his insight and knowledge with community youth perhaps trying to find out the same opportunity.

“He has established to be a true asset in this job, and in the brief time the club has participated in this system, they have despatched several students overseas, and the club has hosted pupils,” Kinsler shared.

In addition, Cox has served as a mentor for at-possibility college students at Jefferson High School. He also holds membership on the Satisfied Retreat Board, the City of Charles City board of zoning appeals and is a typical member of the Washington Higher School Scholarship Committee.

Kinsler described Cox as “a male of integrity, benevolence, patriotism and humility,” including, “He is intensely loyal and devoted to his good friends, loved ones, fellow Rotarians, perform colleagues and group.”

Also on tap at Friday evening’s event was the presentation of the George E. Vickers Company Award. George E. Vickers, for whom the award is named, was as an integral component of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, serving as manager from 1968-1992 and below the new title of govt director till his retirement in 1995.

The prime three companies vying for the award were announced prior to Friday’s party. They bundled Hospice of the Panhandle, Jefferson Stability Bank and Inkwell’s Tavern. Video clip displays highlighting each and every contender ended up recorded and posted on the chamber internet site, with the major honors likely to Hospice of the Panhandle.

Hospice of the Panhandle has been an integral element of Jefferson County for 41 many years and supplies hospice care in the 4-county region. Its tale does not normally contain grief, as lots of might feel. As an alternative, Hospice of the Panhandle is devoted to the circle of lifestyle and to providing the greatest doable top quality of daily life.

The company employs nearly 110 individuals and has continually confirmed its passion and motivation to its mission of delivering specialist treatment and help. Even for the duration of the pandemic, Hospice of the Panhandle ongoing to expand and add new solutions, like the addition of a palliative treatment application for critically unwell sufferers who are not qualified for hospice treatment.

Humbly accepting the award that was sponsored by CNB Bank and introduced by Mark Herrell and Josh Householder was Maria Lorensen, development director for Hospice of the Panhandle.