Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Achievement awards presented at Roosevelt Chamber banquet

PORTALES — Last year was one of chapters ending and others beginning in Roosevelt County.

So lifetime achievement awards were presented during Thursday's Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce Banquet to three people who wrote rather large chapters.

The Warm Heart of The Sunbelt awards were presented to Jerry Partin and Danny and Chris Woodward for their contributions to the community.

Partin, the former executive director of the Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative, has contributed much to his business and Portales, according to Chamber Executive Director Karl Terry.

"He oversaw a complete remodel of the co-op facility, and he's been responsible for continuous and steady technology upgrades in their business. One thing you hear about Jerry is that everybody who worked for him loved to work for him," said Terry, adding that Partin has been a "quiet servant" of the community for many years.

"Him and his wife Carla are there in a lot of ways that pass below the radar. They're there to hold somebody's hand and be there when somebody's in need, and that's why Jerry was named."

Danny and Chris Woodward were given the award for similar reasons, namely for being a "backbone in the downtown community, and a backbone to retail," Terry said.

The Woodwards, whose business Woody's Jewelry closed recently after 62 years, thrived as a small business when others struggled, according to Terry.

"They weathered through as a retail store and part of the reason for that was, when things got tough, they emphasized the service that a business could provide," he said.

He added that Danny Woodward was largely responsible for revitalizing downtown Portales.

"He was there when Portales MainStreet was formed, and was president of that organization for its formative years. He kept pushing, and his motto for downtown Portales was 'Alive after five.' Now, thanks to Danny Woodward and lots of other downtown business people, we can say that now we are truly alive after five."

The Harley and Faye Borden Award for making major renovations to their exteriors went to three businesses: Wells Fargo, Herbert Lumber, and Damsels in Distressed.

Another person to receive honors for hard work was Wanda Pettis, who was named Workhorse of the Year.

"She's been active on virtually every event committee that we've had. She's an active ambassador. This past year, she served for a time as ambassador secretary. On the events committee, she's been helpful in booking our advertising. She shows up at all those events and donates time to help make the event go smoothly," Terry said.

Ambassadors, members of the chamber who attend sponsored events wearing their signature blue vests, are scored based on how many events they attend in a year. The ambassador with the highest score is given the Ambassador of the Year Award. Patsy Jimenez emerged as the victor in 2017.

"She's really been a big asset to the chamber. She's also worked real hard on the banquet," Terry said.

The President's Award, given to the business that gave the most back to the community in 2017, went to Xcel Energy.

"They sponsor multiple events. They were one of the first in line to sign up as a champion member when we realigned our chamber dues and benefits package," he said. "They've been a real asset to the community, and while a lot of corporate entities in a town like that can become a little impersonal, the local rep David Essex has really maintained a close, close tie with the community."

Author Bio

Do you have a question?
A comment you'd like to see published?
Or maybe a story idea for a future edition?

— Please email the publisher: [email protected]