The annual Eufaula Chamber of Commerce Awards banquet honored many businesses and individuals during its celebration at VFW Post 8798 Thursday.
More than 100 guests attended the event, which was catered by Dobber’s Roadhouse.
The menu included brisket sandwiches, shrimp, macaroni and cheese, salad and dessert by Mama Tigs.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Brandt Spivey and Chet Pittman.
The Chamber also held a silent auction.
One of the most prestigious awards offered by the Chamber is The Rock: The Randy Peterson Award.
This goes to the business or individual who has been in our community for 10 plus years and has demonstrated outstanding community involvement and service.
This year the honor went to Burdine Farm Supply and owners Gail Burdine and her brother Jon Burdine.
The store has been a community fixture for about 66 years, since its opening in 1958.
“We barely qualified for the 10-plus years requirement,” Burdine joked.
He said his father, Earl, was a cashier at a bank when he decided he wanted to go into the farm supply business.
He was turned down by several banks until he went to the First National Bank, precursor to the Bank of Eufaula.
He told Robert Simpson about his plans, and Simpson loaned him the money.
“He said, ‘Earl, if you can pay me the interest on the first year I’ll be happy,’” Burdine said.
Burdine said local banks don’t get enough credit for their involvement in the community.
Other awards went to: – Chrissy Hall with Sharpe’s Department Store received a Young Professional Award for demonstrating outstanding service to Eufaula through involvement in community activities, politics and service.
– Indian Journal General Manager Shauna Belyeu also received the Young Professional Award.
– Providence on the Lake Realty was presented a Stewardship Award for outstanding service to the community. Accepting the award wereJosh Dendy; Miranda Foster and Roxanne Loyd.
– Sam Wampler, of Sam Wampler’s Freedom Ford, also was honored with a Stewardship Award for outstanding service to our community.
– Peter Lee, owner of Dobber’s Roadhouse, was given the Groundbreaker Award because of his demonstrated community spirit and enhancement of our community through investment.
– The Historical Beautification Award went to the Community Culture Church.
Stephanie Fadler accepted the award on behalf of the church.
Chamber President Jay Hunn hosted the banquet.
He made a number of announcements, including reminding everyone that Whole Hawg Days will be July 25 and 26.
“We’ve ordered some extra hot weather for the event,” he quipped.
He said the Chamber’s popular yearly booklets will be out in two weeks.
He also expressed gratitude to several people in the community who have been of great help to Eufaula, including Zach Mcquay, owner of Mcquay Construction who contributed the concrete work on the splash pad that will be opening soon.
Hunn noted that the second annual Women’s Conference was a big success.
“The last two years it has gotten bigger and better, thanks to Serina (Kleveter – executive director of the Chamber),” he said.
The Chamber Executive Director appreciated everyone’s attendance.
“We wanted to express our gratitude to everyone who attended our Chamber Banquet, which was a memorable event. A special thanks to the volunteers who helped me decorate the room, Dobber’s Roadhouse for the amazing food, and Mama Tig’s for the delicious dessert. I would also like to thank Bandt Spivey and Chet Pitman for entertaining us, Pictures Me Silly for capturing the memories, and VFW Post 8798 for letting us host the event there.
“Moreover, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the donors of Silent Auction items, including Work Ready Oklahoma, Beauty Bar 34, Sammy’s Surf Shop, Shelly & Rod Remax Advantage, Burdine Farm Supply, Sharpe’s Department Store, LCF Fitness Lounge and Sam Warmpler’s Freedom Ford. Lake & Bake, OG&E for supporting. I am also grateful to my board for their unwavering support throughout this event.
“Finally, congratulations to all the recipients, including Sam Warmpler’s Freedom Ford, Providence on the Lake, Community Culture Church, Dobber’s Roadhouse, Shauna Belyeu, Chrissy Hall, and Burdine Farm Supply. Your love and support mean the world to us!
If I missed anyone I apologize.”
