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The 43rd annual Bamberg
County Chamber of Commerce
banquet was on Thursday, Oct.
29, 2009 at the Bamberg Civic
Center. The renowned artist Jim
Harrison, owner of Jim Harrison
Art Gallery in Denmark was the
keynote speaker.
The highlight of the evening
was the presentation of the 2008
Citizen of the Year award to
Robert “Bob” Hurst of Denmark.
Hurst’s son Michael accepted the
award on behalf of his father who
was unable to attend the banquet.
Hurst was with his wife Cindy,
who had knee replacement
surgery earlier that morning.
In accepting the award,
Michael Hurst said, “the Hurst
family has had a long connection
with Bamberg County. During
World War II, my granddad and
Mr. Frank Hartzog served
together on the aircraft carrier, the
Ticonderoga in the Pacific. After
the war, their camaraderie
continued to grow, as the families
visited between Bamberg and
New York.” Michael said with
Hartzog’s urging, in the late 60s,
his grandfather started Phoenix
Southern four miles south of
Bamberg. Michael said it was important for him to share that
information because of the
importance that Bamberg County
has had in shaping his family’s
history. “My father has always
poured his heart and soul into
Phoenix and this county,” he said.
Michael said, “mom and dad”
are transplants, but they consider
Bamberg County to be their
home. I know Dad is pleased to
have been able to help the
community, both through his own
efforts and the events Phoenix has
been able to sponsor.”
Another highlight of the
evening was the presentation of
the 2008 “Evelyn McMillan”
Chamber of Commerce Volunteer
of the Year Award. That award
was presented to Lisa B. Stokes
for her many hours of Chamber
and community service volunteer
hours. Stokes, a retired teacher
and coach, said she was grateful
and humbled by the award. Stokes
also served two years as the
Chamber’s executive director.
Stokes was instrumental in
restoring the Chamber of
Commerce and recruiting new
members. She relinquished that
position last year. Demmie Raysor
is currently serving as interim
director.
Dr. Johnny Dalton and
Harvey Kling, the other two
COTY nominees were also
recognized at the banquet. Dr.
Dalton owns and operates his
veterinarian business in Bamberg.
He was nominated for his
involvement in the community
and for dedicating his adult life to
saving the lives of many animals
in our community.
Kling was nominated for his
vision with the Bamberg County
Red Cross and for the work that
he has done with the Bamberg Job
Corp center volunteering
countless hours for the betterment
of Bamberg County. |
