Batesville – The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with White River Health System hosted the 2010 Prime Time Business Expo which took place Saturday night February 27, 2010 from 5 – 6 pm on the campus of UACCB in Independence Hall with the Annual Awards Ceremony following from 6 – 7 pm in the auditorium. The event also featured keynote speaker Senator Blanche Lincoln. Over 350 attended the event.
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce honored Townsend’s of Arkansas Inc. as Large Business of the Year award winner; Wade’s Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric as Small Business of the Year award winner; Stacy Gunderman as Past Chairman award winner; Mayor Rick Elumbaugh for the Governmental Cooperation award; Judge Bill Hicks for the Governmental Cooperation award; and Jonathan Abbott as Volunteer of the Year award winner.
Townsend’s of Arkansas Inc. award for Large Business of the Year was accepted by complex manager Stan Fretwell. Townsends is family-owned and headquartered in Georgetown, Delaware. The Arkansas facility was purchased in January 1987 and currently employs approximately 1,400 individuals. Townsend’s goal is to be the best company in the industry, not the largest, and it has built its business on customer service, product quality, and dependability.
As for community leadership and volunteerism, it’s difficult to find an example where Townsends isn’t represented i.e.; Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, United Way, Foster Children of Independence County, and the Haiti Relief Fundraiser.
Wade’s Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric award for Small Business of the Year was accepted by Sharon Trusty. Charlie and Cindy Wade cofounded Wade’s Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric 30 years ago and have built their business based on innovation, great service, and quality workmanship. Currently, they employee approximately 40 employees.
Wades has participated in many community volunteer initiatives and fundraisers, and currently, Charlie is a board member of the Independence County Economic Development Council.
Past chairman award winner Stacy Gunderman accepted her award. For the past 18 month’s the chamber has benefited greatly from the leadership of Stacy Gunderman. Along with her full time responsibility as the director of human resources at Future Fuel chemical company, Stacy has guided the chamber through a major membership drive in 2009, two successful White River Water Carnivals, and other initiatives that have brought value back to chamber membership.
Jonathan Abbott recipient for Volunteer of the Year accepted his award. Abbott was recognized for his volunteerism and devotion to his work with the White River Water Carnival. Abbott is also responsible for Batesville’s Holiday Trail of Lights at Christmas.
The City of Batesville in conjunction with Independence were awarded Governmental Cooperation awards which were accepted by Mayor Rick Elumbaugh and Judge Bill.
Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
870.793.2378
www.mybatesville.org
