Easley Chamber honors local residents, non-profits
Pickens Sentinel
EASLEY — On Thursday The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards banquet, honoring local businesses, non-profits and community leaders for their positive influence in the area.
The event was held at South and West in downtown Easley and attended by residents of Easley and neighboring communities belonging to the Chamber.
Britt Wyatt of The Sentinel-Progress was named Ambassador of the Year by the Chamber for her work in helping promote the Chamber, attendance to ribbon cuttings and milestone anniversaries and recruitment of new members.
Lawson Clary was named Young Professional of the Year for his work with several Boards around the county as well as his role of executive pastor at 5 Point Church. Unable to attend the banquet, his award was accepted on his behalf by his father, Rep. Gary Clary.
Chris Wilson accepted the Chamber’s Non-Profit of the Year award for The Dream Center. The Dream Center has continued to be a source of inspiration and redemption in the Easley area by offering people in need a “hand up, not a hand out” by way of educational classes, “dream dollars” and their new homeless shelter based on the “tiny house” model.
Joe Lesley was posthumously named The Cornerstone of Easley by the Chamber, an award that’s only been presented once before. Joe was recognized for his lasting impact in the lives of everyone he met, as well as the city itself. Accepting the honor was Carolyn Lesley, Joe’s widow.
The Fine Arts Center of Easley was named Small Business of the Year by the Chamber. The Fine Arts Center has helped not only to bring a new spark of life to the downtown area but has created a learning atmosphere helping countless others to explore their creative sides. Amanda Gunter was on hand to accept the award.
American Legion Post 52 was named The Pillar of Easley, an award presented to businesses or organizations which provide a lasting and invaluable influence to their area. Post 52 was honored for their work with Boys State, Auxiliary Girls State, AL baseball, youth services, veterans affairs and others. Accepting the award for the post was Commander Jimmy “Bones” Wilson and Sam Gillespie.
Director of the Year was presented to Chamber Chairman of the Board Robert Halfacre by Chamber President Cindy Hopkins for going above and beyond with his duties and responsibilities with the Chamber.
Powdersville Advisory Member of the Year was awarded to Cindy Fox Miller and Charles Dalton of Blue Ridge Electric was presented with the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award.
American Legion Post 52 Commander Jimmy “Bones” Wilson.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_004.jpgAmerican Legion Post 52 Commander Jimmy “Bones” Wilson. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Chrystina Turner standing next to Mary Kay as guests sign in at the annual Chamber banquet.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_010.jpgChrystina Turner standing next to Mary Kay as guests sign in at the annual Chamber banquet. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
The annual Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce awards banquet was held Thursday at South and West.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_013.jpgThe annual Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce awards banquet was held Thursday at South and West. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Terry Garrison
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_014.jpgTerry Garrison Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Orlandria, right, and Tara from Sam’s Club attending Thursday’s banquet.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_015.jpgOrlandria, right, and Tara from Sam’s Club attending Thursday’s banquet. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Bryson Skelton from Sam’s Club presented the awards at the ceremony.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_016.jpgBryson Skelton from Sam’s Club presented the awards at the ceremony. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Chairman of the Board for the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce, Robert Halfacre was recognized for going above and beyond by Chamber president Cindy Hopkins.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_036.jpgChairman of the Board for the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce, Robert Halfacre was recognized for going above and beyond by Chamber president Cindy Hopkins. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
WYFF Anchor Jane Robelot served as emcee for the event.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_039.jpgWYFF Anchor Jane Robelot served as emcee for the event. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
City officials, business men and women and community leaders joined together on March 15 for the Chamber’s annual awards banquet.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_040.jpgCity officials, business men and women and community leaders joined together on March 15 for the Chamber’s annual awards banquet. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
The Dream Center was named non-profit of the year. Accepting was Chris Wilson.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_053.jpgThe Dream Center was named non-profit of the year. Accepting was Chris Wilson. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Rep. Gary Clary accepts the 2018 Young Professional of the Year award on behalf of his son, Lawson Clary, who was unable to attend.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_057.jpgRep. Gary Clary accepts the 2018 Young Professional of the Year award on behalf of his son, Lawson Clary, who was unable to attend. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
The Fine Arts Center of Easley was named Small Business of the Year. Accepting was owner Amanda Gunter.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_059.jpgThe Fine Arts Center of Easley was named Small Business of the Year. Accepting was owner Amanda Gunter. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Joe Lesley was posthumously named The Cornerstone of Easley by the Chamber, an award that’s only been presented once before. Accepting the honor was Carolyn Lesley, Joe’s widow.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_081.jpgJoe Lesley was posthumously named The Cornerstone of Easley by the Chamber, an award that’s only been presented once before. Accepting the honor was Carolyn Lesley, Joe’s widow. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
American Legion member Sam Gillespie and Commander of the Post Bones Wilson rise to accept The Pillar of Easley award on behalf of Post 52.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_082.jpgAmerican Legion member Sam Gillespie and Commander of the Post Bones Wilson rise to accept The Pillar of Easley award on behalf of Post 52. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Passing of the gavel from Robert Halfacre, left, to Sid Collins.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_099.jpgPassing of the gavel from Robert Halfacre, left, to Sid Collins. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Cindy Hopkins, left, presents The Council Member of the Year award to Cindy Fox Miller, right.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_14.jpgCindy Hopkins, left, presents The Council Member of the Year award to Cindy Fox Miller, right. Chrystina Turner | Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce
Britt Wyatt of The Sentinel-Progress was honored by the Chamber for the second time in a row as Ambassador of the Year.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_britt.jpgBritt Wyatt of The Sentinel-Progress was honored by the Chamber for the second time in a row as Ambassador of the Year. Chrystina Turner | Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce
