Loris News

 

By Jessica Vaitis
The Loris Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet and awards ceremony at the Loris Health and Fitness Center last Thursday. The dinner serves to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the community throughout the past year. Many prominent figures from Loris attended the event as well as politicians and business owners.
Sen. Dick Elliott was in attendance for the banquet. Horry County Councilman Paul Prince and Horry County Board of Education member David Cox were both present. Loris City Council members Mike Suggs, Shirley Craigie and Lewis Hardee were there along with Loris Mayor David Stoudenmire. Following wine and hors d’oeuvre, dinner was catered by Jade Thomas Restaurant and Catering and the awards ceremony began.
The first award presented was the Outstanding Youth Award. The two nominees for the award were Brian Schilling and Emily Scott, both praised for their volunteering and leadership abilities within their community. Nate Bellamy presented the award, stating it was a pleasure to be able to present it to one of his students, Brian Schilling.
The Community Service Award was the next award to be presented. There were three nominees for the award, Barry Long of the Master’s Table, Nichole Mull of the Open Hearts outreach and Darlene Munn of the Loris Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented by William Hucks to Barry Long for his work at the Master’s Table.
“I appreciate the nomination and I am happy to accept it on behalf of each and every one of us at the Master’s Table,” said Long, who cited the hard work of all the volunteers as the reason for the charity’s success over the past year.
The Robert Brooks Entrepreneur Award is given to the business that has been in Loris for more than one year but less than five years and has contributed significantly to the city. WLSC under Banana Jack was nominated along with Sherri’s Meds and More and the Ezizze Davis Foxworth Law Office. Dr. George Protz presented the award, which was given to Sherri’s Meds and More, though the owners were unable to attend.
The Public Safety Award is given to a public safety professional who has improved the community and gone above and beyond the call of duty continually. Police Chief Joe Wendell Vaught, Dowe Enzor and Larry Hickman were all nominated for their service to the community. The award was presented by Sgt. Richard Kostanek, who offered words of praise about the recipient.
“He provides real leadership. He doesn’t expect his employees to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. He’s kind of a role model in our department, he’s really been raising the bar on performance and on our image as a professional department,” said Kostanek of Chief Joe Wendell Vaught, who happily accepted the award on behalf of all public safety people, stating they were all one large team.
Merchant of the Year was the next award to be presented with nominations for Western Auto, Protz Chiropractic and Loris Auto Parts being nominated for being instrumental in promoting Loris. Mayor David Stoudenmire presented the award.
“I can’t talk about the award without talking about the family. Gene Elliot is the proud father of two children, the proud grandparent of three, a sportsman who loves camping, fishing, hunting and target shooting,” said Stoudenmire, who praised Elliot, owner of Loris Auto Parts, for taking him under his wing when he first came to Loris. Elliot graciously accepted the award for his business, thanking the audience for the nomination and the award.
The prestigious Citizen of the Year award was next to be presented by Dr. George Protz. The award is given for outstanding service to and for the citizens and the community of Loris. Lewis Hardee, Samantha Norris and the entire Board of Commissioners of Loris Healthcare were nominated.
“This individual took on the daunting task of representing the whole community and has carried on with due diligence and given so selflessly to Loris,” said Dr. Protz of Samantha Norris.
“I was not expecting this,” said Norris happily, “But I love this town, I love these people and that’s why I do what I do,” she continued gratefully.
The final award was the Lifetime Achievement Award. Three prominent members of Loris who have made major contributions throughout the years were nominated: Hoyt Hardee, Singleton Bailey and Dr. Eston Williams. Each of the men has made his mark in the city through activities in charities, business, church and civic organizations. Mayor David Stoudenmire again presented the award to Singleton Bailey of Loris Drug Store, who is often credited with the founding of the Loris Bog-Off Festival.
“I was shocked when I had the letter from the Chamber. This is a great honor, I hope I can live up to the great honor I’ve been given. The Bog Off is all about the love of Loris, it was the love of a community and a group effort. It’s gone so smoothly, it’s been such a fun thing,” said Bailey, who was met with a standing ovation.
Following the awards, thanks were given all around for those who helped contribute to the banquet. The new 2012 board of directors was introduced individually as well. Darlene Munn was introduced as the new president of the Loris Chamber of Commerce and Greg Martin as vice president. Dr. George Protz and Llola Gore were also welcomed as new board members.