Individuals, businesses honored

Staff writer

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link Staff photo:

Joshua Lucero

Workhorse of the Year award winner Megan Hamilton, left, talks with Warm Heart of the Sunbelt award winner Ronnie Birdsong as they prepare to have their photo taken by Hamilton’s husband Bobby Hamilton, right, Friday night during the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce Banquet at the YAM theater.

Honored and surprised were a couple of the words that came to mind for Warm Heart of the Sunbelt award winner Ronnie Birdsong Friday night during the annual Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Birdsong, Eastern New Mexico University’s Vice President of University Relations and Enrollment, said her heart was still pounding even after accepting her award in front of local business owners and community members in attendance at the YAM Theater.

Chamber executive director Karl Terry said Birdsong was chosen for the award because of her engagement in the community and the organizations she has touched since she and her husband moved to Portales in 2001.

“I felt very honored,” Birdsong said, “I get the best of all worlds. I get to work with the community, the university, and Cannon Air Force Base.”

Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation Director and master of ceremonies Stan Livengood and Chamber President Keith Thomas spent the night introducing guest speakers like state representatives Dennis Roch and Bob Wooley and giving out awards to businesses and individuals making a positive difference in their community.

Wanda Pettus was awarded Ambassador of the Year for the second year in a row due to her dedication to her ambassadorship.

Speaker and chamber member Veronica Cordova said Pettus earned the award through her pride in her job and willingness to sign up for events.

“I enjoy the people of Portales. It’s an honor to go to the events,” Pettus said.

Thomas was awarded with the Past President award and gave a speech applauding the work done by chamber staff and volunteers during his presidency.

Yucca Telecommunications was chosen for the President’s award for its commitment to social responsibility and positive social and economic impact on the community, according to Thomas.

Ace Hardware’s Megan Hamilton was selected for the chamber’s Workhorse Award for her work in the community.

The Workhorse of the Year award was started in 1963 when community member Gayle Ferguson came up with idea of an award honoring community work.

Hamilton said she was honored to follow in her father’s footsteps.

Five businesses were selected for the Harley and Faye Borden award, which awards businesses for extra care taken to improve their businesses appearance.

The businesses awarded included:

• Hampton Farms

• Garden Source

• Big Valley Automotive

• Heartland Continuing Care Center

• Ace Hardware

Since 1979, the chamber has recognized individuals who have significantly improved the appearance of their business or businesses through the previous year. The award is named after a respected couple in Portales who were killed in a car accident in April 1979, according to Terry.

The banquet concluded with a short video from incoming chamber president Matt Hunton. Hunton, who is also the boys golf coach for Portales High, was with his team in Ruidoso Friday.

Hunton said he plans to move the chamber forward and work toward making events in Portales bigger and better.

“When an organization believes as you do, I believe the organization will be successful,” Hunton said of the goals he shares with chamber staff and volunteers.

After Hunton’s video the Blackwater Band set up to entertain banquet attendees with music and dancing to end the night.