The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce recognized several of its members for their service to the community during Thursday’s annual Chamber Banquet and Awards Ceremony.

One of the most prestigious awards is “The Rock,” so named for the late Bank of Eufaula President Randy Pe- terson who was shot to death by a bank robber on Jan. 21, 2016.

In addition to being a business leader, Peterson was a community leader, a member of the school board, an announcer at high school football games, and much more that endeared him to Eufaulans.

This year’s Rock Award went to longtime radio announcer Mike Rogers of Blake FM 102.5 in Eufaula and several other area stations.

He was introduced by Jeanette Smith.

“He has announced every event, every parade, every Ironhead sporting event, and he always helps out the Chamber with everything,” Smith said.

“What an honor,” Rogers said as he accepted the award. “(Randy) was one of the first persons I met when I came to Eufaula. He was a great banker, a great friend, a great family man.”

Rogers was working at KVOO radio in Tulsa when he made the move to Eufaula in 2005.

The Young Professional Award went to Dr. James Hickman, who recently was elected mayor by the Eufaula City Council.

This award goes to a young professional who has “demonstrated outstanding service to the Eufaula community through involvement in community activities, civic engagement, and leadership.”

“I have known him all his life,” Smith said. “This is a special award for me to present.”

Hickman praised the community.

“Sometimes people take it for granted how great the community is,” he said. “I love our community, and I want to serve it.”

Smith said he was right.

“We all love this community, and we want to support it. That’s the purpose of the Chamber of Commerce, to serve the community,” she said.

Stewardship Award is presented to individuals who have shown exceptional service and dedication to the community and/or the Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s recipients were Ron and Mary Henry, owners of Xtreme RV Resort, which encompasses an RV park, Jellystone Park, liquor store and much more.

Ron Henry said he began buying the property in 2015, which include the amphitheater.

He liked Eufaula so much he built the RV park, then a liquor store and a general store and in 2020 bought Jellystone Park and eventually bought an apartment building at the site.

“Essentially, all we have done is work,” he said.

Chamber President Jay Hunn, owner of Hunn Black and Merritt Funeral Home and Crematory, received the Historical Beautification Award for his renovation of the C.L. Cooper Building at the corner of B Street and Harrison.

The two-story building was constructed around by Dr. C.L. Cooper and his brother Dr. A.M. Cooper, who moved to Eufaula from North Carolina shortly after statehood. The top floor was a doctor’s office, the ground floor was a grocery store.

After Dr. Cooper’s passing in 1944, the building became the Cooper Eastside Community Center. The building also became the home of Paradise Lodge No. 54 F&AM, Prince Hall.

It was listed in the National Register on March 22, 1985.

The final award of the evening was the Groundbreaker Award, which “recognizes a business or individual that has demonstrated true community spirit by enhancing our community through new investment.”

This award went to K-Mac Lavish Looks, a salon on Main Street, however no one was available to receive the award.

Mama Tig’s catered the evening meal; Picture Me Silly was on hand to record the festive occasion; Ava Rose Johnson entertained; and at the end of the evening was a silent auction.

Police Chief David Bryning addressed the assembly, announcing that a rescue boat was about to be launched.

The boat was donated and outfitted by No. 9 Marina.

Bryning said he would like to add sonar equipment to the boat to aid in searches, but the cost is $6,000, which the city doesn’t have in its budget.

“We have raised about $2,000. We are looking for contributions for the rest,” he said.

Buffy Skee, State Main Street Director, spoke about the value of Eufaula joining Main Street.

The Chamber has begun forming a board to move forward with a Eufaula Main Street initiative.

The initial members include Sean McAllister, State Farm Insurance Agent; Emily Rodebush, Shelter Insurance and Kim Williams, OG&E Community Affairs Manager – Economic Development.

Chamber Director Serina Kleveter is urging those who want to make a difference in the community to join the Chamber’s Main Street Committee.

Contact the Chamber to get involved.