Garth Lovvorn Jr. is known for his energetic spirit and bright smile, but his willingness to always do something for those in need is what earned him the Citizen of the Year Award from the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce.

The nominee should be an individual who embodies the principles of community leadership, selflessness, and integrity, and promotes the good of the community through his/her profession and/or volunteer activities. Nominees must be a resident of the Athens-Limestone County area.

Lovvorn was nominated by Lynn Lane.

Lovvorn is known throughout the community as the driving force behind the local Habitat for Humanity operation. Many have said he does an outstanding job recruiting volunteers, directing programs and promoting the benefits of the Habitat organization.  He is also involved in numerous other activities, events and organizations and is an active ambassador of the community. He assists the Chamber of Commerce with membership and fundraising efforts and is a very committed, active member of the Chamber board.  He is chairman of the Chamber’s Magnet Committee with a focus on the local home building industry.

Lovvorn co-chaired the 2011 Home and Garden Show, which has been hailed as a huge success.

Local Century 21 Realtor Patsy Gooch presented Lovvorn the award at the annual banquet.

“He is an all-around great person,” Gooch said. “He is always out there doing anything he can do to make Athens-Limestone County a better place.”

Gooch said she was excited and honored to present Lovvorn the award. “It was very well deserved,” she said.

Public Service Award

City Attorney Shane Black was the recipient of the Public Service Award.

The Public Service Award recognizes excellence at all levels of public service in the following categories: Excellence in service delivery, excellence in policy and valuing and supporting people. Those eligible for nomination are employees of city, county or state and federal employees assigned duty stations in Limestone County (elected officials are excluded); and private citizens who are permanent residents and who have been active participants and made significant contributions to public agencies on a voluntary basis, and that seek improvement in the quality of government at all levels.

Diane Lehr nominated Black. Maxine Randolph presented the award.

Black has brought local history alive as he has researched stories associated with the “ghosts” of Athens. He facilitates and guides “Haunt Walks” each fall for the Athens Visitors Center. He has also written a book, “Spirits of Athens,” with proceeds donated to Spirit of Athens, the downtown revitalization non-profit organization.

Black currently serves on the board of directors of Spirit of Athens, has previously served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, works countless hours as Athens city attorney and is a frequent community volunteer with several organizations.

Business Person

Local business owner Derrick Young was named Business Person of the Year at the banquet.

The Business Person of the Year Award is based on that individual’s outstanding achievement, leadership; loyalty and dedication to his/her profession and to the business community of Athens-Limestone County. To be eligible, the nominee must be a member of the Chamber of Commerce and in business in Athens-Limestone County for a minimum of five years.

Young was nominated and presented the award by Mark Maclin.

Young, part owner of UG White Hardware since 2007, was recognized as Business Person of the Year for his efforts in the preservation, revitalization, and progress of downtown Athens through his and his staff’s operation of the landmark store, and through his active support of community events and work with Chamber of Commerce and the “Spirit of Athens” organization.

Tourism Award

Known for his dedication to Athens-Limestone County Buzz Estes was the Tourism Award recipient.

The tourism award is based on an individual’s personal accomplishments, achievements, and dedication associated with the promotion and benefits of tourism.  This year’s nominees’ were:  Buzz Estes, Richard Martin, Sandy Thompson, Teresa Todd, and Trisha Black.

Richard Martin nominated Estes. Jeannette Dunnavant presented the award.

The 2011 Jerry Davis Tourism Award was presented to R. B. “Buzz” Estes

Estes is knowledgeable of Athens-Limestone history and eagerly tells of his childhood memories as he strolls the streets of Athens with different tour groups.  He especially enjoys taking the children and teenagers on historic tours of downtown and readily donates his time, taking him away from his job to promote our city and county. Whenever a “fill in” is needed for any job that helps promote tourism in our city and county, he is the man.  He readily accepts the job and makes sure it is completed.

The 2011 Outstanding Leadership Award recipient was Maxine Randolph. The Chamber Board of Directors make the award possible. The award was presented by Melissa Walker, incoming Chairman of the Board.