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  • Judith McGilvray, right, receives a plaque honoring her as the 2011 Athens Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. The award was presented by last year’s recipient, Dr. Gary Williamson. Rich Flowers/Athens Review

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  • Outgoing Athens Chamber of Commerce Officers are given plaques at the annual banquet, Friday. Pictured, left to right, are outgoing Chamber President Kathy Means, board members Chris Molina and Mo Morrison. Rich Flowers/Athens Review

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  • Outgoing Athens Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Kathy Means welcomes her successor, Tony Kalawe, at the annual banquet Friday at Athens Country Club. Rich Flowers/Athens Review

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January 20, 2012

McGilvray Citizen of the Year

Rich Flowers The Athens Review

ATHENS — The 2011 Athens Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year has been known for helping people on a large scale or an individual basis.

Few in the Friday Chamber Banquet crowd at the Athens Country Club were as surprised as the recipient herself.  Many knew of her work with organizations like the Henderson County United Way, the American Cancer Society and Trinity Valley Community College, where she works as purchasing manager.

“Athens is a wonderful place to live. All of you know I love Athens, and I’m sold on Athens,” Judith McGilvray said. “There are so any wonderful people in the community that come together and change lives.”

McGilvray said she is rarely speechless, but was almost at a loss for words on this occasion. She said at least the Heisman trophy winner has an idea. He might be honored before it’s time to step to the podium.

The 2010 Citizen of the Year Award winner, Dr. Gary Williamson, revealed the popular choice, mentioning her efforts with the Cattle Baron’s Ball cancer fundraiser, and as a board member for Labor of Love.

“It has been my great privilege and honor to have been your Citizen of the Year for the past year,” Williamson said. “This year’s honoree is a wonderful example of someone who gives of her efforts, energy and time, resources and talents to make our community a better place.”

Outgoing Chamber Board Chairman Kathy Means was Master of Ceremonies for the evening before handing the reigns to the incoming office holder Tony Kalawe. The Ambassador of the Year Award winner was Darlene Clark.

Business of the Year honors went to East Texas Medical Center.

The new slate of officers for 2012 was recognized, including Chairman Tony Kalawe of Edward Jones Investments, Outgoing Chairman Kathy Means, Incoming Chairman for 2013 Annette Faulk of Athens Independent School District, Secretary Darlene Clark of Value Partners Consulting, Ashley Adams McKee, Attorney, Mark Allen of Life-Fellowship Church, Colin Barrett of Edward Jones Investments, Jim Booker of Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Jeri Canatella of The Realty Crew, Joey Fitzgerald of Lone Star Western Wear, Dennis Gilmore of Henderson County Performing Arts Center, Pat Griggs of Atmos Energy, Kim Hodges of First State Bank, Mary Nicholson of Trinity Valley Community College, Chet Patel of Super 8 Athens, Amie Roberts of Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Jennifer Rummel of East Texas Medical Center and Greg Smith of Agriland Farm Credit.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Marilyn Wright on the piano and Oscar Franks on the saxophone.

Mo Morrison spoke to the audience about the annual Reindeer Games promotion that ended in December.

Reindeer games is done each Christmas season in an effort to get local citizens to shop at home.

Morrison said plans are underway to make Reindeer Games a year-round effort.

In 2011, 29 businesses took part in the competitive shopping game that allows the shopper’s dollars to be converted into points towards winning a prize.

The 2011 grand prize was a cruise voucher worth $900, compliments of the Chamber and Sea World Cruises.

Means said the name of the winner would not be revealed at the banquet, because she couldn’t be reached beforehand. Means said it just didn’t seem right to have a crowd of more than 200 people know she was the winner before she got the word.

Second place, a prize of $300, went to Amie Roberts, while third place, worth $200, was won by Alicia Baugh.

The Banquet Committee this year included Jeri Canatella of The Realty Crew, Meshell Scott of Texas Trust Credit Union, Kathy Means of Kathy’s Boutique, Darlene Clark of Value Partner’s Consulting, Alicia Baugh of Colonial Title and Tony Kalawe of Edward Jones Investments.

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