Hart Chamber honors best in business

Heavy rains and flooding couldn’t damper the spirits of the Hart County Chamber of Commerce which held its annual awards banquet and Nancy Ball Jan. 27 at The Barn at White Oaks in Southwestern Hart County.

The night served as a recap of the Chamber’s accomplishments over the last year and gave members a chance to honor and celebrate their annual award winners for 2023. Awards presented during the evening included the Lifetime Achievement Award, Young Professional of the Year, Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Impact Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Non-Profit Organization and Community Champion.

While the Chamber generally saves the Jack Edmonds Lifetime Achievement Award for last, this year it led the celebration which honored former Hartwell City Council member Tony Haynie with the recognition for his dedication to the greater good of all of Hart County.

Haynie, who stepped off the council in last year’s election due to health problems, couldn’t attend.

“I wish he was here to enjoy this evening with us, but I know that you will reach out and give him your love and support,” Hart Chamber Executive Director Lindsey Ingle said.

Accepting the award on Haynie’s behalf was Hartwell mayor Brandon Johnson.

Johnson said this award could not go to a better person.

“The thing about Tony is leadership.,” Johnson said. “You don’t learn it overnight. You can tell when he walks in a room or you work with him immediate respect that he demands. He has that persona.”

Johnson read a statement from Haynie where he expressed his love of Hartwell and Hart County.

“God truly blessed me when he put me here to grow up,” Haynie said. “As I’ve aged its become more apparent how fortunate I’ve been. As such, I owe a mighty debt to the people who have helped me grow into a man. I always loved volunteering, whether its coaching little league or delivering meals on wheels. However, I never did any of those things in order to receive recognition.”

The Chamber then awarded McGee Heating and Air with the Impact Business of the Year award which honors a local business with over 50 employees that has moved their company and the local economy forward.

Ingle gave high praise for McGee, who was not in attendance that night.

“They exemplify corporate citizenship, give back to their local community, and possess a corporate culture that enhances the lives of each of its employees.,” Ingle said.

The Small Business of the Year award was given to Hartwell Printing Company and Red Barn Canvas owned by Andrew and Kristi Hodge.

Ingle said Hartwell Printing and Red Barn always go the extra mile.

“You can always count them to support local events and organizations,” Ingle said. “They are one of our favorites and are very deserving.”

In accepting the award, Kristi Hodge said it’s been a pleasure to serve her customers.

“We just want to thank you all for showing us so much support since we’ve been in town its been a pleasure to serve you,” Hodge said. “We love being in Hartwell and we’re having a blast.”

The One Hart Beat Foundation received the award for Non-Profit of the Year. As the  foundation’s director Bobbie Busha said, “It’s easy to do something that you love when you know it’s benefiting others.”

Hart County Schools Director of Community Relations Grayson Williams thanked everyone who supported the foundation.

“Your support is changing a lot of lives with all the students you are impacting,” Williams said.

Independent Certified Life Coach Christine Parker took home the Chamber Volunteer of the Year award, and Ingle said she has been at her side since Ingle’s very first event.

“She’s involved in growing the chamber community through their vision and leadership and demonstrates commitment to volunteering service,” Ingle said. “In fact, she called me today and asked if there was anything she could do.”

While Omar Vega was not in attendance, his accolades alone speak for themselves and are what earned him the Chamber’s Business Person of the Year.

As the proprietor of 329 Bar and Grill and Rolling Chefs restaurants, Ingle said his reputation proceeds him.

“He started with a food truck outside of local businesses to having not one but two brick and mortar stores in our downtown area, with a third coming to our neighboring community of Lavonia,” Ingle said.

The Young Professional of the Year award was presented to Eliza Banks, owner of Banks Hollow.

As Ingle said, Banks first invested in our community on Depot St. in a beautiful historic building and then unexpectedly moved and renovated into a new location in a literal weekend.

Banks was nearly speechless when her name was called.

“I don’t really know what to say, so I’ll just say thank you,” Banks said. “This means so much you have no idea.”

The final award of the night was presented to Community Champion Christina Silpe, director for H.I.M. (Hart Interdenominational Ministry).

Ingle said Silpe’s tireless efforts never go unnoticed.

“I can’t imagine what I have done that someone else couldn’t have done,” Silpe said. “Seriously, Thank you!”