FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County presented the 2022 People’s Choice Awards in conjunction with their Annual Meeting held on November 9, 2022.
The People’s Choice Awards recognize some of the outstanding individuals, organizations and business in Rockbridge County across five categories: Volunteer of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Educator of the Year, Employer of the Year and Citizen of the Year. Nominations are submitted by local civic organizations, the Chamber Board of Directors and the community at large.
Tamara Duvall was named Volunteer of the Year for her selfless service to at least 5 local non-profit groups including Rockbridge Area Relief Association, Habitat for Humanity, the Buy Nothing Project, and the NAACP.
This year’s Humanitarian of the Year award went to Rosanne Facciolo for not only being a selfless volunteer to countless non-profits in the community but also for being a dedicated advocate for the local business community, numerous events and festivals and her fundraising efforts in support of Blue Ridge CASA for Children.
Angie Rader was named Educator of the Year for providing countless learning opportunities for students at Harrington Waddell Elementary School, where she teaches music to students in grades k-5, directs the band and the schools’ award-winning chorus. Angie has also served as music director for several youth community musicals.
This year’s Employer of the Year, Dr. A. B. Hammond, has had a presence in the community for more than 20 years, providing the highest quality orthodontic treatment and outstanding service in a fun and caring atmosphere. He treats everyone, including his employees, with respect and empathy and leads by example every day.
The 2022 Citizen of the Year award was presented to Mark Cline for the many years he has selflessly used his unique talents to improve the quality of life in the Rockbridge community. Mark brings joy and entertainment to everyday lives through events such as local parades and fundraisers. He created the horse and cow statues that were decorated by local artists for Blue Ridge CASA’s fundraiser which recently raised more than $63,000 for charity. Mark has always been generous with his time and talents to create joy to all parts of Rockbridge and his business endeavors bring employment and tourists that help the local economy.
It is a privilege to work with and know these individuals and organizations. The Chamber was honored to recognize them for all they do in service to the greater community.
The Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County was formally established in 1923 to promote neighborliness among the residents of the community. Our mission today is to champion civic and economic progress for our community. Visit www.lexrockchamber.com for more information.
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