Recognition and awards were presented by the Grayson County Chamber of Commerce during the Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner on September 20.

A meal was served to all who attended the event at Calvin Rays Live Music.

The first person recognized was retiring director Barry Cannon. He served on the Chamber Board from 2003 - 2007 and was president during 2005 - 2006.

The 2007 Education Award was presented to Gerald Claypool for his many years of service to the educational community of Grayson County. Grayson County School Superintendent Barry Anderson presented Claypool with the award.

2007 Spark Plug Award was presented to the Banking Community of Grayson County: Bank of Caneyville, Bank of Clarkson, Fort Knox Federal Credit Union, Integra Bank, Leitchfield Deposit Bank, The Cecilian Bank, Wilson & Muir Bank & Trust Co.

“This presentation was a special award given each year to an individual or sometimes a group who had contributed to the Chamber in a meaningful way or ways,” said Caryn Lewis, Executive Director of the Grayson County Chamber of Commerce. “This year the award went to a group of people for contributions of time and resources during this past year, but most definitely -- over time.”

The 2007 Community Service Award to was awarded to Sister Audrey Recktenwald who has been a member of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity for 54 years, and a Nurse Practitioner.

“She has always been a strong and conscientious advocate for the less fortunate -- those who need a voice, especially children and the elderly,” said Lewis.

Sister Recktenwald was honored by the award, “It amazes me to get an award for doing what someone should do, “ said Recktenwald. “ So many families have given me so much more than I have ever given them. “

The Small Business Award for 2007 was given to Sherbert Van Meter and Renegade Marine & Outdoor Center.

“In these days of wordy contracts, lengthy negotiations and highly specialized deals, Van Meter's business is done simply with a handshake, where he always stands behind his word,” said Chamber President Mark Smith.

Lewis then presented a special award.

“From time to time there is an individual or group that we believe deserves special recognition and this year is one of those occasions,” said Lewis. “When members of our local National Guard were called up more than two years ago for overseas deployment these troops, bound by honor and duty willingly set out to fulfill their mission and serve our community and our country.

Honored were: from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Armor, 149th Brigade serving in Afghanistan: SSG Patrick Douthitt served in Afghanistan and SFC Timothy Elliot, SPC Michael Mudd, SGT Shane Thomason served in Iraq.

Those unable to attend the event were: SGT Travis Brooks, 1SG William (Wayne) Hayes and SPC Joshua White.

Also recognized for his contributions was one who did not return was SGT Thomas Clemons.

The Twin Lakes Award went to Linda Gentry.

“She strongly believes that education is truly touching the future. That it is the one profession that touches every profession,” said Lewis. “While she announced her retirement from the school board earlier this year, she can still be found lighting the fire as principal of Leitchfield Christian Academy where she will continue touching more lives. . . touching the future.”

Gentry was honored by the award and like Sister Recktenwald she was amazed to get an award for doing what should be done, “I can't believe you are awarding me for something that is my duty to do,” said Gentry.

The evening concluded with live entertainment by Calvin Ray and his band the Blue Moon Highway.