By: WROYWRUL News
(Carmi)-One of the highlights of the Carmi Chamber of Commerce annual dinner is the Citizen of the Year and Large/Small Business of the Year awards. Debbie Hoskins presented the 2013 Citizen of the Year award to former mayor and chamber executive director David Port.
“His care and concern for the residents and the City of Carmi have always been high on his list of priorities and evident in his accomplishments. He is a man of faith, integrity, and a giving heart.”
“And while he adopted Carmi as his home, he has done more community oriented service than many who have lived here their whole life. He wasn’t born and raised here but he has rolled up his sleeves from the first day of residence. He has worked hard in numerous capacities to improve the city he and his wife have chosen to call home.”
Port is an active member of Carmi Kiwanis, Wabash Regional Planning Committee, Friends of the Library, White County Historical Society, and board member of the Guardian Center. He serves on the board of the SIC Foundation and a member of the Carmi Chamber of Commerce.
“I just want to say thank you all so very, very much. This is very touching for me. This is a wonderful city. It’s a great place to live, work, and be. It’s a great honor to work and serve the folks here. I am very blessed to have received this.”
Outgoing Chamber President Doug Devore presented the two business awards.
The chamber recognized Plum Street Pharmacy and Owner Andy Gee as the Small Business of the Year. Devore said the business is relatively new but has filled a void in the community.
“Most of you know the history of Plum Street Pharmacy and how they came to be. When the local pharmacy was bought out by a competitor, it left a hole.”
“Sure there are other pharmacies in town but none of them have a drive up window, none of them deliver medicines to customers, and none have the personal relationships with their customers that a truly locally owned and operated pharmacy could. That’s why Andy Gee, who was employed at that pharmacy, decided to open his own.”
Wabash Christian Retirement Center was named Large Business of the Year. Devore said the center provides economic benefits, healthcare services, volunteer opportunities, and meets spiritual needs in the community.
“Their mission statement states that they exist to honor God by providing continuing excellent care and support services, primarily for older adults. The 158 bed facility, nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood on five acres is well-kept, manicured property and provides a clean and safe residential environmental for senior citizens.”
The facility employs 200 people with a payroll of $4.2 million. Devore noted the center recently added a chapel and hired local contractors for the construction.
Their physical therapy department employs 16 full-time therapists with state of the art equipment for in-patient and out-patient treatment.
