News Staff Report
It was a first for the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce – an annual meeting (banquet) held outdoors under a tent. It was also a first for some awards celebrating people’s contributions during a most unusual year. People and businesses stepped up – and the Chamber recognized that.
Awards were as follows:
Lifetime Achievement – Melvin “Buck” Powell
Citizen of the Year – Karean Reynolds
Lifetime Business – Diamond Gasoline
Business of the Year – Atmore Community Hospital
Spirit of Atmore – Dawn Skipper
Spirit of Atmore – David Landis
Hometown Heroes – Muskogee Technology
Hometown Heroes – Alto Products Corporation
“The Chamber felt it very important to recognize and honor our members who went above and beyond to help not only our community but others as well,” Chamber President Emilee Waters said.
“The Spirit of Atmore Awards were presented to two individuals who took the time to use their talents during COVID-19 to create and encourage. Dawn Skipper made over 1,000 masks to provide to those who could not get them due to an overwhelming demand. David Landis rallied businesses and individuals to provide multiple lunches to our healthcare workers and first responders. They both have spirits that shine.
“The Hometown Hero awards went to two extremely deserving businesses. Both Muskogee Technology and Alto Products flipped their production lines to manufacture much needed medical supplies. Alto Products contributed toward the fight against COVID-19 by adding the production of N95 face shields to their 24-hours a day operation. These shields prolong the life of the N95 masks. Alto also had eight sewing machines running 24 hours a day to provide masks to their community. Muskogee Technology changed their business operations to create an array of life-saving products. These products included but are not limited to 200,000 isolation gowns, manufacturing acrylic partitions and sneeze guards, hand sanitizer stands, and iPad Kiosks Stands.
“In a time when it is extremely easy to focus on the negative, we felt it imperative to bring recognition to our phenomenal members and all they do to contribute to the betterment of our Atmore! “
Photos by Fire Indigenous Social Media Team