Alachua Chamber of Commerce awards honors at annual banquet

(Photo 1) Retired schoolteacher Vada Horner received the Volunteer of the Year award from incoming Chamber President Jim Brandenburg.

(Photo 2) Diana Snellgrove of Alachua’s H&R Block accepts the Business of the Year award from Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper.

(Photo 3) L-R:  Alachua Police Department Chief Joel DeCoursey, Jr. presents Detective Chad Scott with the Officer of the Year award.

(Photo 4) L-R:  Outgoing Chamber President Bob Page and Clovis Watson, Jr. hold the winning 50/50 drawing ticket.

 It was an evening of awards, accolades and congratulations May 5 at the Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet.  The event was also marked by outgoing Chamber President Bob Page’s ceremonial passing of the gavel to newly-elected president Jim Brandenburg.

The evening kicked off with cocktails and a silent auction to raise funds for the Alachua Chamber Building Fund.  Guests had an opportunity to place their bids on nearly 50 items that had been donated by area businesses and individuals.  A dinner served buffet style was the forerunner to the evening’s program which included recognition, awards and installation of the 2011-2012 Board of Directors.

Retired schoolteacher Vada Horner was recognized by the business organization as Volunteer of the Year for her work throughout the community, especially her dedication in contributing many hours of time to area events, celebrations and fundraisers.  Horner accepted the award and advised retirees to choose volunteer activities they truly enjoy, because chances are those activities will turn into a full-time job.

Alachua’s H &R Block was awarded with Business of the Year.  Owner Diana Snellgrove accepted the award, which was presented in recognition of the various community activities in which she is involved.

Alachua Police Department (APD) Detective Chad Scott was selected as Officer of the Year. Scott was presented with the award by APD Police Chief Joel DeCoursey, Jr.  Scott’s law enforcement career has spanned 20 years, nearly four of which are with APD.  He previously worked for the Alachua County Sheriff's Office where he held the rank of Sergeant.  He was responsible for the planning and implementation of several grant funded drug enforcement operations that led to arrests of drug dealers and buyers as well as removal of drugs from the streets of Alachua.

Alachua City Manager Traci Cain delivered a presentation updating chamber members and guests on projects the city is currently involved with and the possible impacts on the business community. She also gave a pitch for the City of Alachua Visioning Charrette, which is scheduled for this Saturday at the Santa Fe College Perry Center in Alachua.

The chamber’s 50/50 drawing brought a familiar face to the winner’s circle as outgoing Chamber President Page drew former Alachua city manager Clovis Watson, Jr.’s name from the box containing all the entries.  A smiling Watson claimed his winnings accompanied by congratulations from the crowd.

Bringing the evening to a close, Page handed over the gavel to incoming Chamber President Jim Brandenburg who then conducted an installation of the 2011-12 Board of Directors and Officers.