Nominations Sought For Chamber’s Headrick, Varnell Awards

  • Monday, November 21, 2016

“Free enterprise empowers entrepreneurs who have ideas and imagination, investors who take risks, and workers who hone their skills and offer their labor,” Paul Ryan, American politician, said.

Mr. Ryan’s statement aptly describes the free enterprise accomplishment of Cleveland’s M.C. Headrick, for whom the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce named their highest honor.

Mr.  Headrick was a successful local businessman who staunchly believed in the concept of free enterprise: “Put men on their own to make economic decisions, and let them reap the rewards or lack of rewards from those decisions.”

“Each year the Chamber recognizes individuals who best demonstrate the principles of the late M.C. Headrick,” Chairman of the Board Shannon Ritzhaupt said. “Headrick believed in the concept of free enterprise and was an exceptional role model for business men and women in our community. Each fall we invite Chamber members to nominate any person they feel best represents the ideals of the free enterprise system.”

Nomination forms and a complete list of award criteria are available at the Chamber office, by calling 472-6587 and online in the Downloadable Forms of the Membership section of the website, www.clevelandchamber.com. In addition to the form, nominations must include a resume of the candidate and a cover letter detailing reasons the nominee is eligible for the award. The selection committee may ask for additional information.

Stephen Wright, president and CEO of Wright Brothers Construction Company Inc. and Wright Brothers Contracting Inc., was recipient of the 2016 Headrick Award.

Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce recognizes those who understand that “leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions” (British businessman Harold S. Geneen).

Many Cleveland/Bradley County residents understand the attitude and actions of a leader but none higher than those the late Robert W. Varnell Jr. set for himself.

Varnell, for whom the Chamber named its prestigious Robert W. Varnell Leadership Award, is remembered best for outstanding community leadership and a passion for serving others. The late Robert W. Varnell faithfully served the Chamber in many important capacities before his death in 1993, including division vice president for economic development in 1990 and two terms as chairman-elect in 1991 and 1992. Ill health forced his resignation in 1993 before he could serve his term.

“Presentation of the Varnell Leadership Award is one of the highlights of the Chamber’s Annual Meeting,” Board Chairman Ritzhaupt said. “Robert Varnell set high standards, and our goal is to annually acknowledge another individual whose life represents the passion reflected in his life.”

Cheryl Dunson, executive vice president of marketing for Santek Waste Services Inc., received the 2016 Varnell Award.

Nomination forms and a complete list of award criteria for the Varnell Award also are available at the Chamber office, by calling 472-6587 and online in the Downloadable Forms of the Membership section of the website, www.clevelandchamber.com.

The Chamber will present both awards at the 91st Annual Meeting on Jan. 24, 2017, at Peerless Road Church. Deadline for nominations is Monday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m.

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