Chamber Of Commerce Of West Alabama Presents Annual Awards

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama on Thursday recognized top volunteers during its 123rd annual celebration at the Bryant Conference Center.

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The top honor of the night — the Charles H. Land Member of the Year — was presented to Dave Pass of the Sealy Companies. Pass serves on the chamber’s Board of Directors, has been an active volunteer within the organization for several years.

"Demonstrating quintessential membership qualities, Dave Pass brings a wealth of knowledge that has significantly enriched the Chamber,” Chamber Board of Directors Chair Michele Coley said. “Whether leading initiatives to bring air service to Tuscaloosa or spearheading our Washington Fly-In, his steadfast commitment is consistently dependable and valuable to us.”

Coley, of Allstate Coley Agency, officially passed the gavel to Jheovanny Gomez of Jalapenos Mexican Grill, who now serves as the 2024 Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

During the ceremony, the Chamber also recognized staff members who had reached milestones: Alicia Gregory, five years; Brittani Colburn, six years; LoWanda James, 20 years; and Carolyn Tubbs, 21 years.

The Honorable Richard C. Shelby Leadership Award was also presented to Dr. Catherine J. Randall, with the award recognizing extraordinary leadership and service to the west Alabama community.

Other winners:

The Robert C. Tanner Corporate Service Award — The Builders Group.

Ambassador of the Year Award — Daniel Barnett of RTR Pro Entertainment.

Diverse Business Council Trailblazer Award — Dr. Stacy Jones of The University of Alabama.

Nonprofit of the Year Award — Tuscaloosa’s One Place.

Distinguished Service Awards — Katrina Keefer of DCH Health System and JacQuan Winters of Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation.

Entrepreneurial Rising Star Award — Greg Crowe of Boostr.

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