Editorial - November 2002

Congratulations to award recipients

November 20, 2002 - Congratulations to the 2002 Man and Woman of the Year recipients, and the Small Business Person of the Year, recognized at last week’s Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of  Commerce annual meeting.

These awards are probably much more treasured in our small town than they would be in Charlotte or Raleigh or even Gastonia or Hickory. That’s because we are small enough to know these people well, and have a deep appreciation for their contributions.

The chamber recognized Lincolnton’s Randy Shives, a long-time leader in civic affairs who has served a wide variety of health and human service organizations, and who is very active in cultural activities. In fact, his friend Bob Cantwell pulled him out of a meeting at the Lincoln Cultural Center and whisked him over to the Citizens Center so that he would be on hand for the award.

Diane Brogden, who helped establish a successful family pharmacy business, is also well known for her dedication to civic boards, the Soup Kitchen and especially to her church activities. The Small Business Person of the Year award went to well-known businessman Joe Turbyfill whose community involvement is as impressive as his work ethic. He is owner of Turbyfill True Value Hardware in Denver.

The chamber also recognized Vermont American with the Industry of the Year Award, and two of its most active members: Christina Arlo with Translations Plus (New Member of the Year) and Renee Moody with Twist and Tuck Power Tumbling (Volunteer of the Year).

We didn’t hear any long acceptance speeches from these outstanding citizens, who all seemed humbled by the honors bestowed at an annual banquet attended by some 250 chamber members. They join a highly respected alumni group that has made Lincolnton and Lincoln County such a wholesome place to live.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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