Henryetta Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual banquet and silent auction on Jan. 13 at the Henryetta Civic Center with approximately 160 guests in attendance. Theme for the banquet was “Dress for Success” and guest speaker was Ron Drake, author of “Flip this Town.” The informal gathering was decorated in black and white. A meal of roast, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, dinner roll, side salad and cobbler was served by Shoney’s Restaurant. After allowing enough time to place bids on silent auction items and to finish dinner, Jeremy Roberts provided opening comments and led the invocation. Chamber Executive Director then presented all of the following awards: Outgoing Officers Award – Andy Bealko, Jill Francis and Lora Meins as 2017 through 2019 chamber directors. Dirk Palmer, the fourth outgoing director, was unable to attend.

Community Patriot Award – Shane Sanford of Hwy. 62 Fireworks for his continued support of the community with a free and extravagant show he puts together annually. Shane was unable to attend and Steve Sanford accepted the award on his behalf.

Top Hand Award – Arley Gray, City of Henryetta Street Superintendent, for all his hard work and dedication.

Community Health Investment Award – Dee Renshaw, Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta Chief Executive Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the hospital for investing over $3 million dollars in the recent Hillcrest Emergency Room expansion.

Rodeo Platinum Sponsor – Tammi Hiatt with the Jim Shoulders Living Legends PRCA Roundup Rodeo Committee was presented with a customized belt buckle for her ongoing sponsorship and commitment.

Committee of the Year – Jim Shoulders Living Legends PRCA Rodeo Committee. The award was accepted by committee members Ron Richmond, Mark Hiatt, Tammi Hiatt, Andy Bealko and Lyle Stogner.

Organization of the Year – Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA). HEDA trustees Bruce Jones, Jennifer Munholland and Jill Francis accepted the award. Other HEDA trustees honored but unable to attend were Ron McAfee, Keith Estes and Jim Beymer.

Business of the Year – Rustler’s BBQ. Owner Steve Sanford accepted the award.

Incoming chamber directors for 2020 through 2022 were recognized. They include Steve Sanford, Grant Jenson, Shawn Okerson and Angela Thomas.

Lora Meins, 2019 Chamber President, was also recognized as well as incoming President Stacey Blanchett.

Several state legislators were also noted and appreciated for attending.

Henryetta Free-Lance then presented the prestigous Henryettan of the Year award to James and Connie McCullough. The McCulloughs were met with a standing ovation as they received the award from Free-Lance staff member Rebekah Bailey and Cookson Hills Publishers staff member Carrie Carberry. This year marked the 76th award presented by the Free-Lance.

Jeremy Roberts returned to the podium with winners of the silent auction followed by closing remarks.