The Forney Chamber of Commerce declared ties in both the Helping Hand and Citizen of the Year Award categories during their 23rd Annual Meeting and Banquet Saturday evening, February 20, 2010.

In addition to the almost unprecedented double tie, the Chamber presented Business of the Year awards this year in three categories: one for businesses employing 1 to 5 people; one for business with 6 to 15 employees; and one for businesses with more than 15 employees.

The banquet began at approximately 6:30 p. m. in the Forney High School cafeteria with a welcome and introductions by Ryan Kile, current Chamber chair, who also served throughout as Master of Ceremonies. The Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. flag followed, with the singing of the National Anthem by Amber DeLong. The opening ceremonies led up to a beef and chicken dinner prepared buffet-style by the FHS cafeteria staff.

Theme of this year’s banquet was “Using the Wisdom of the Past to Prepare for the Future”.

The awards program began immediately after dinner as Ryan KIle presented the various groups that are currently helping to run the Chamber: the 2010 Chairman of the Board; 2010 Chair-Elect Mark Ellis; 2010 Board members; and Chamber President Laurie Barkham, who runs the Chamber on a day-to-day basis. Next, Kile recognized the sponsors of the Chamber’s 2009 Civic Auction and  the 2009 chairs for Chamber projects. At this time, Kile presented Chamber Board member Skip Weatherford with his plaque as Immediate Past Chairman of the Board.

Recognized also were the individuals who were presented outstanding service awards by the City of Forney during the city’s annual awards program in December, 2009. They are Sabrina Dickerson, Dispatcher of the Year; David Holman, Policeman of the Year; Darren Yarborough and Jacob Barkham, Firemen of the Year; Marquis Ivey, Employee of the Year; Police Chief Rick Barnes (represented at the banquet by Tiffany Hopkins), Supervisor of the Year; and Karen Sanders of the Forney Public Works Department, who received the 2009 “You Make a Difference” award.

*See the February 25, 2010 issue of the Forney Messenger for entire story and additional photos.