HAMLET — The Richmond County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday recognized two individuals and one organization for their contributions to the community.
The annual event was held at Cole Auditorium — with Director Joey Bennett being honored as the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year.
“It’s an honor to help represent the Chamber and support what we do here in Richmond County,” Bennett said after receiving the award from Chamber President Kristi King. “It’s a good reminder that we all need to pull in the same direction, we all need to work together.”
Bennett has been in the role for 22 years.
State Farm Insurance Agent Tina Miller was presented the Chamber’s Award of Excellence by Vulcan Materials’ Jeanine Hanson.
Qualifications for that award include making consistent and positive contributions to the Chamber, the county and the overall community.
“Since arriving in Richmond County, Tina Miller has immersed herself into the Chamber of Commerce …,” Hanson said. “She is innovative and always looking for smarter ways to … assist other business owners and help the Chamber move forward.”
Miller also serves as vice chair on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
“I can’t think of a better community,” Miller said. “Everyone has made me feel very at home.”
Richmond County Hospice received the Sheriff James Clemmons Distinguished Leader Award, presented by Capt. Mike Childers of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The award was established several years ago to honor the legacy of the late lawman.
Childers said R.C. Hospice “exists to enrich and touch lives.”
“They are well known in the community of Richmond County for their love, their compassion — not only for their patients, but for their caretakers as well.”
“We are so thankful to be a part of the community, we love giving back so much, we love participating and volunteering and helping everyone we can,” said CEO Kristina Leyden, who also serves as the chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “And we’re very thankful for everyone who supports us.”
The event was catered by The Grille, with music by Luke Vuncannon.
See more photos below.
