2017 community Awards presented at ccoc annual meeting

On January 23, 2018, the Clayton Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Community Awards Ceremony: Building Clayton's Future. The following awards were presented, along with several awards from Clayton Rotary, Clayton WIN, and Clayton Downtown Development Association.

2017 Citizen of the Year Award – Herman Mitchiner
This annual award is presented to an individual nominated by Clayton residents (and ultimately selected by a community-wide Citizen of the Year task force). The nominees for 2017 Citizen of the Year were: Tony Johnson; Kisch Konold; Herman Mitchiner; and Sara Perricone. What an honor to be nominated by fellow citizens for such an awesome award. All of the nominees had wonderful things written about them and were worthy of the award. However, only one person can be chosen. Congratulations Herman Mitchiner! The following is a list of things presented to the committee on behalf of Herman by his nominator(s):
--He is a life-long Clayton resident and has made Clayton a better place.
--He makes a difference in the lives of others, not matter where he is.
--He contributed to Clayton’s local economy while running a family business from an early age for 30 plus years.
--He is a great humanitarian, helping unknown amounts of people, providing food, shelter, and jobs.
--He has a great sense of humor. Even to the point of winning a womanless beauty pageant to help local organizations, like the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis raise money.
--He became a REALTOR in the 1980’s when Clayton really started to grow and eventually donated land he owned to the Town of Clayton.
--He is a man of service and mission, a member of Rotary, Civitan Club, and Baptist Men at his church.
--He is humble and would never feel deserving of such an award.

2017 Business of the Year Award – Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center
Each month the Clayton Chamber selects a Business of the Month from nominations made by the community. From the monthly winners, a Business of the Year task force selects the winner. The following businesses were recognized monthly in 2017: Compare Foods; Dylan's Unique Gifts & Weddings; Medlin Office Supply; Quintessential Wellness; Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center; The Retreat on Horne; Unique Gifts by Jacquelynn; and Zaxby's. Congratulations Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center! This year’s Business of the Year exhibited excellent customer and community service. They gave freely of their personal time and resources to help grow and develop our community.

2017 Innovator of the Year Award – Jim Perricone
Selected by the Clayton Chamber, this annual award is presented to an individual who promotes innovation within our community.  Congratulations Jim Perricone! Jim took a request, formulated a plan in line with our mission and made the Clayton Chamber of Commerce a champion of economic development in Clayton.

2017 Key Contributor Award – Jessica Lloyd
Selected by the Clayton Chamber, this award is presented to an individual whose level of contribution to our organization is considered invaluable. Congratulations Jessica Lloyd! Jessica was instrumental in the success, growth, and transition of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce over the past year.

2017 Volunteer of the Year Award – Margaret Chance
Selected by the Clayton Chamber, this annual award is presented to a standout volunteer. Congratulations Margaret Chance! Margaret is always ready to take on any task that is given to her with a happy heart. Everything from administrative duties to advocating on behalf of the chamber, she shines.

2017 Super Star Teacher of the Year Award – Lynnette Barber of Clayton High School
Each month the Clayton Chamber Education Committee selects a Super Star Teacher of the Month from nominations made by the Clayton school principals. From the monthly winners, the Education Committee selects the Super Star of the Year. The following teachers were recognized monthly in 2017. Lynnette Barber of Clayton High School; Jennifer Barber of East Clayton Elementary; Melissa Bolen of Cooper Academy; Nicole DeStefano of Riverwood Middle School; Patricia Lytle of Riverwood Elementary; Susan Marler of Powhatan Elementary; Jessica Merrill of River Dell Elementary; Jennifer Thorne of Clayton Middle School; and Caroline Trainor of West Clayton Elementary. Congratulations to this year’s Super Star Teacher of the Year, Lynnette Barber! She is described by her peers as caring for each child as if they were her own. She is known to be compassionate, kind, fun, encouraging, and most of all, persistent. Two of her undertakings really stand out as successes. She created the "Circle of Friends" club which provides students who are not in the Life Skills program the opportunity to interact with the Life Skills class on a daily basis. She also coordinates an EC Alternative Prom for her students and their parents. Getting the full experience of the high school prom, including music and dancing makes for an amazing evening for all of the special needs students.

2017 Leaving a Legacy Award – Jim Lee
Selected by the Clayton Chamber, this award is presented to an individual that has provided at least 8 years of service to our organization. A legacy is something a person leaves behind by which to be remembered. Service is the act of helping or doing work for people or organizations. This year’s winner, Jim Lee, has done both. He has gone above and beyond on behalf of the Chamber for many years (and continues to do so in various ways).

2017 Ambassador of the Year Award – Michael Pagliocca and Ingrid Blackburn
Selected by the Clayton Chamber, this annual award is presented to a standout member of the Clayton Chamber’s Ambassador Committee. Congratulations Michael and Ingrid. This dynamic duo are true Chamber advocates, have attended most of our ribbon cutting and networking events, and played a key role in the organization and execution of our member retention program, Operation Thank You.

2017 Task Force of the Year Award – Squealin’ on the Square (a part of the Clayton Harvest Festival)
This annual award is presented to members of a task force who increase their efforts from the previous year and add value to their event. This year’s winner, the Squealin’ on the Square Task Force, included the following individuals: Vickie Adams; Tom Barwick; Melody Brown; Tony Brown; Brent George; Kyle McDermott; and Tom Schaffer.

2017 Clayton Harvest Festival Awards – Task Force Recognition
Without the planning and dedication of task force members, the Clayton Harvest Festival and Latin American Festival (a part of the Clayton Harvest Festival) would not have been possible. Clayton Harvest Festival awards were presented to the following task force members: Angel Colon; Jose Lantiqua; Jim Lee; James Lipscomb; Jessica Lloyd; Betty Ortiz; Hannah Pellas; and Ariel Ramirez.

Clayton Harvest Festival Awards – Harvest Festival Heroes
The Clayton Harvest Festival would not be successful without volunteers. Selected by the Clayton Chamber, these awards are presented to individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty behind the scenes during the Clayton Harvest Festival. This year’s Clayton Harvest Festival Heroes are: Josh Bledsoe; Dave DeYoung; Simon Garren; John Long; Matt Lorion; Kaitlin Russo; Martha Stovall; Jonathan Stovall; members of Clayton Rotary; and members of Clayton WIN.

CCOC Board of Directors Recognition – 2018 Incoming Board Members & Executive Committee
Ruth Anderson of LegalShield, Chair; Brent George of Four Oaks Bank, Vice-Chair; Sarah Martin of First National Bank, Treasurer; Dyrke Maricle of State Farm Insurance, Past Chair; Tom Barwick of The Law Office of Thomas E. Barwick, PLLC; Erin Davis-Belcher of Dylan's Unique Gifts & Weddings; Marty Bizzell of Bass, Nixon and Kennedy, Inc.; Edwin Jackson of Caterpillar; Tony Johnson of Tony Johnson Architect; Adam Lindsay of Town of Clayton (Ex Officio); Jessica Lloyd of Dakno Marketing; Kyle McDermott of Johnston Health; Melissa Oliver of Triangle YMCA; Aimee Sharrett of Carolina Comfort Air; April Stephens of RE/Max One Realty; and Scarlett Tyner of Novo Nordisk.

 CCOC Board of Directors Recognition – 2017 Executive Committee
Dyrke Maricle, 2017 Chair; Ruth Anderson, 2017 Vice Chair; Woody Bailey, 2017 Treasurer; Melissa Oliver, and 2017 Past Chair.

CCOC Board of Directors Recognition – 2017 Outgoing Board Members
Annette Atkinson (2013-2017); Amy Baker (2015-2017); Jeff Fako (2015-2017); Art Holder (2015-2017); and Jim Lee (2010-2017).

2017 Clayton Chamber of Commerce Champions Recognition – Gold Level
The Clayton Chamber would not be able to fulfill its mission without the support of our 2017 Chamber Champions. The following are 2017 Gold Level Champions: Caterpillar; Four Oaks Bank; Grifols; Johnston Health; Novo Nordisk; and Zaxby’s.

2017 Clayton Chamber of Commerce Champions Recognition – Silver Level
The Clayton Chamber would not be able to fulfill its mission without the support of our 2017 Chamber Champions. The following are 2017 Silver Level Champions: FastMed Urgent Care; Johnston County Visitors Bureau; OPW Global; and Woody's Computing Service.

2017 Clayton Chamber of Commerce Champions Recognition – Bronze Level
The Clayton Chamber would not be able to fulfill its mission without the support of our 2017 Chamber Champions. The following are 2017 Bronze Level Champions: Carolina Comfort Air, Inc.; CenturyLink; Clayton Glass and Mirror; Divine Marketing Group; Duke Energy; First Citizens Bank; Chick-fil-A of Garner; KB Home; Walker Lambe, PLLC; McDonald's; and Triangle Insurance Group.