GMC News
MG Peter J. Boylan Honored with J. Floyd Harrington Community Leadership Award
June 11, 2010 Business community unites … … for annual chamber dinner Jonathan Jackson The Union-Recorder MILLEDGEVILLE — The annual Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce Dinner was held Thursday night, and with it came the announcement of the chamber’s annual Small Business Owner of the Year.
This year’s honoree, Beckham’s Used Cars, was represented by owner Doyle Beckham.
“This is totally unexpected,” Beckham said, “but it is greatly appreciated.”
Beckham thanked his family members who are partners in the business for their support.
The announcement took place at the dinner, held at Georgia College & State University’s Magnolia Ballroom. The annual dinner is the final event of the chamber’s fiscal year and serves as a transition point for the chairman of the chamber’s board of directors.
Outgoing board chair Bill Jones highlighted the accomplishments of the chamber during the past year and thanked the volunteers, members and committee members, as well as the chamber staff.
“I would like to thank the chamber staff for their hard work this year,” Jones said. “[Chamber president] Tara Peters, Lisa Thompson and Elaine Fortson have all done an outstanding job, and I have really enjoyed working with them throughout the year.”
Jones will be replaced by incoming board chair Lyn Chandler.
Chandler, former Baldwin High School principal, is now part of R.J.I. Enterprises. He has been active in chamber activities and efforts, including fundraising, outreach programs and business empowering for the past four years. Chandler encouraged chamber members to embrace chamber initiatives and volunteerism.
“Part of what makes the chamber successful,” Chandler said, “is the membership.”
The Chamber of Commerce is designed to compliment the presence of businesses in Baldwin County through marketing opportunities, support and education initiatives. Each year, the chamber raises funds through dues and multiple events, including the popular monthly Business After Hours, to be able to welcome businesses into the business community through ribbon cuttings and a myriad of other resources.
Beckham’s Used Cars was one of four businesses nominated for overall small business honors, all of which were named small business of the quarter for the four previous business quarters of the year. Wendy’s, Tentsational Events and Craig Massee Real Estate were each named small businesses of the quarter. Peters said all four of the nominated businesses were deserving of the distinction and that she was pleased they were all in contention.
Maj. Gen. Peter Boylan was honored with the J. Floyd Harrington Community Leadership Award by Peters on behalf of the Chamber.
The Harrington award is given to individuals who exemplify community leadership. Peters said Boylan’s tenacity has served the community well since his arrival and involvement.
“A key to Gen. Boylan’s success is his extraordinary ability to build bridges of cooperation between diverse groups working toward the same goal,” Peters said while introducing Boylan. “This award is primarily based on an individual’s commitment and contributions made outside the realm of their chosen career; however, I would be strongly amiss if I did not recognize the exemplary accomplishments this man has achieved in the restoration and beautification of our most famous historic building — Georgia Military College. He has proven himself an excellent steward and profound servant leader of this institution and in doing so has created a true showcase for the entire state of Georgia.”
Boylan thanked the chamber for the award and encouraged stewardship among the membership.
“That’s not the only way to serve,” Boylan said of his involvement in the community. “Everyone in here is a servant.”
In addition, Maryllis Wolfgang of Crazy W Creations was named Chamber Ambassador of the Year.
Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers from chamber member businesses who support the functions of the chamber as well as represent their businesses.
For more information about the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.milledgevillega.com.
