BENTON — Several awards were presented Jan. 10 at the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Luncheon, including a triple win for one resident.
Ambassador of the Year was presented for the third consecutive year to Valerie MacEntee with the Valerie MacEntee Farmers Insurance Agency.
“She is always willing to volunteer at events and serve wherever needed. She always has a smile on her face and a good attitude to share,” said Steve Brown, incoming chairman of the chamber board of directors. He is CEO of Alcoa Community Federal Credit Union.
Brown said approximately 25 people serve as Chamber Ambassadors, who attend chamber-sponsored events, such as ribbon cuttings. The Ambassador of the Year Award is based on a point system, with ambassadors receiving points for each chamber event they attend.
Other awards presented:
• Citizen of the Year — Bill McKee.
Brown said McKee has been a member of the Kiwanis Club since 1988 and has served on its board of directors “for most of those years.”
“He is instrumental in running the softball program, toy drive and pancake day,” Brown said, adding that McKee is involved with the Benton Middle School Elf Club and the Benton High School Key Club.
“Kiwanis could not survive without him,” Brown said.
McKee is also active in First United Methodist Church in Benton, where he has served as an usher for more than 30 years, and Counseling Clinic Inc., which he has served as a board member since 2002.
• Volunteer of the Year — Saline County Master Gardeners.
“This year’s award is a little different. We are honoring a group of people rather than a single person,” Brown said. “You may not know of this organization personally, but you see the results of its hard work and dedication on a daily basis all over Saline County. In addition to beautification projects, the Saline County Master Gardeners sponsor a wide range of educational programs, seminars, plant sales and other activities.”
He said examples include work at the Benton and Bryant chambers of commerce, the Gann Museum, Saline County Courthouse and more.
• The Unity Award — the Benton and Bryant school districts.
New Benton Mayor Tom Farmer presented the award.
“These two school districts have done amazing jobs. They have accomplished a lot of things for Saline County, such as the Salt Bowl. And look at the [planned] CTE (Career Technical Education) Center just down the road. … They are working together to see that happen,” he said.
• Lifetime Achievement Award — Lynda Hollenbeck, retired journalist and staff member of The Saline Courier since 1970.
Hollenbeck is a native of Cotton Plant and a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. In addition to her career as a journalist, she also supported the arts and was a charter member of the Royal Players Inc. She recently received a Golden 50 Service Award from the Arkansas Press Association for her five decades of service to journalism.
• Entrepreneurship Award — Travis Hester, owner, Eat My Catfish restaurants.
Hester started his business in 2008 with a food trailer in Benton. Eat My Catfish now has locations in Benton, Conway, Little Rock and North Little Rock.
Hester said he attributes “the success of my dreams to my friends and family.”
“My mom has cooked countless nights,” he said. “My dad has built every store, and my Mawmaw’s recipes turned customers into loyal guests. The stores still use her recipes today.”
The annual banquet is set for 6:30 p.m. March 12, with keynote speaker Erin Brockovich, consumer advocate, author, TV host, and president of Brockovich Research and Consulting. For tickets, call (501) 860-7002.