Chamber Awards
Tuesday, March 24, the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2009 Annual Membership Banquet. The evening was complete with a social hour, four course meal and presentation of awards. Emceed by Tom Lawrence of WAKM 950, the Chamber Banquet was quite a night! Below is a summary of the honored award recipients.
Award of Excellence
Houston Naron
When the Chamber was faced with the need to find a new location for is monthly public Affairs Roundtables, it was County Commission Chairman House Naron, who with the cooperation of County mayor Rodgers Anderson and Chief of Staff Diane Giddens, made the Williamson County Administrative Complex Auditorium available for these sessions. These informative meetings, chaired by Commissioner Naron, who also chairs the Chamber’s Government Relations Division, are held on the last Monday of each month the Legislature is in session, and open to the public. This is only one example of many where Commissioner Naron’s support to the Chamber and his willingness to lend a hand when there is a need. Houston’s contributions and his problem-solving skills are an asset to the Chamber.
Ambassador of the Year
Patty Bearden
Patty Bearden has donated her time and energy to serve the chamber with ribbon cuttings, membership luncheons, expos, golf tournaments and the list goes on and on. Bearden continues to spread the word about the Chamber and make guest comfortable and welcome. The Chamber and the community are grateful to Bearden for her generous involvement.
Legend Award
Louise Patton
Louise Patton was the first African American teacher to integrate an all-white school in Franklin. Her husband, the late Thomas G. Patton was the first African American pilot from Williamson County and a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. Mrs. Patton was one of the charter members of the Professional Women’s Club, serving as President for many years. She is co-founder and treasurer of the African American Heritage Society and helped establish the first and only African American Museum in Williamson County. Twice named Franklin Junior High School’s “Favorite Teacher,” was named “Teacher of the Year” by a local newspaper, Community Service award recipient from the Boys and Girls Club of Williamson County, Patton has touched the lives of many.
Legend Award
Robert Ring
During Robert Ring’s 16 years as county executive, Williamson County experienced unprecedented growth from a 1980 population of 58,000 to its current estimated population of approx., 165,000. The growth presented challenges and under Ring’s leadership the county met the demands, many times exceeding the requirements and setting the standard by which other counties throughout the state and nation model their programs. Ring is a member of the Williamson County Economic Development Council, the Williamson Medical Center Foundation Board and the E-911 Board of Directors.
Legend Award
Rick Buerger
In 1973, Rick Buerger was admitted to the Tennessee bar and admitted to all Tennessee Courts of record; US Federal District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and US Supreme Court. Over the years, Buerger has practiced law in almost every area from criminal to hospital law, health care, municipal, county government, general business and general litigation. His involvement in local, state and federal associations includes: Tennessee County Attorney’s Association, American Health Lawyers Association, Williamson County Bar Association, Tennessee and America Bar Associations, and John Marshall Inns of Court. Buerger has continued to be actively involved in Williamson County and has been instrumental in youth organizations such as the Grassland Youth Athletics, Boy Scouts, and Little League Baseball to name a few.
Legend Award
Jimmy Gentry
During the days of his boyhood, Franklin, Tenn. was a small, intimate community surrounded by fields, woods and unspoiled streams. After his father’s death, Jimmy Gentry became an expert hunter, trapper, and fisherman in order to provide for his family. He was a noted high school athlete, and at the age of 18 went to war to help defend his nation.
Gentry were awarded two Bronze Stars for his actions during the invasion of Germany, and he was among the first Allied troops to enter Dachau, the infamous Nazi death camp. He returned to Franklin and became one of Williamson County’s most widely known citizens, serving as a teacher and coach for over half a century. He married his high school sweetheart, the late Rebecca Channel Gentry.
Gentry continues his legacy in this community by serving as a volunteer football coach at Franklin High School where he began his teaching career. This town holds a special place in his heart and when a documentary of his life recently premiered, he donated all proceeds to the “Save the Franklin Theatre” campaign. He and his family open their century-old farm to the community on a regular basis so children can visit and experience rural life where they are educated about plants, animals and history. Williamson County is made a better place because of Jimmy Gentry and his family.
Past Chairman of the Board
Rufus Bagsby
In 1975, Rufus Bagsby became involved in the Chamber and has consistently brought awareness to members of the advantages of Chamber membership. He has always gone the extra mile. Serving as treasurer for three years, with his financial expertise- he helped in the revision of the dues structure. Currently, Bagsby devotes his time and leadership to being a vital player on the Chamber’s board of Directors.
Outstanding Member of the Year
Debbie Henry
Wearing many hats, Debbie Henry is the 2008 Outstanding Member of the year. She serves as an Ambassador and Membership Chairperson for the Chamber. With Henry’s leadership in transportation and the Clean Air Partnership of Williamson County her support of Chamber projects are beyond measure. As Executive Director of the TMA Group, TMA has sponsored numerous networking events for the community.
Outstanding Business Award
Publix Super Markets
Since the opening of the first Publix Super Market in October 2002 on South Royal Oaks Blvd., five additional stores have opened in Williamson County. From the beginning, Publix worked with the Chamber as a partner to many major events such as the Business Expo, Red, White & Blue Golf tournament, Regional Business After Hours and so much more. The contributions made by this business to the community are beyond measure and the examples are many such as Graceworks, United Way of Williamson County, Juvenile Diabetes and the March of Dimes.
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To learn more about the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce, visit www.williamson-franklinchamber.com.
