The 2024 George Watkins Citizen of the Year award honors Dr. Cindy Bennett, superintendent of Vance County Schools. The awards dinner will be held Thursday, May 16 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Henderson Country Club.
The goal of the awards dinner is to bring more than 100 top leaders in business and the community to celebrate the honoree, and to raise $75,000 to support Scouting programs in the Occoneechee Council, which includes Vance and Granville counties.
Tickets are $50 each, but sponsorships also are available, according to information from Event Chair Ronald Bennett, vice president of Supply Chain at Variety Wholesalers, Inc. and the number of tickets to the dinner depends on the sponsorship level.
Through Scouting, local youth develop character, citizenship, leadership, patriotism, self-reliance and personal fitness. Proceeds from the fundraiser help remove financial barriers for youth to participate in Scouting and provide additional outreach programs to serve at-risk youth in our most under-served communities throughout the Occoneechee Council.
The award is presented annually to extraordinary community leaders in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the quality of life in the Eno River District and who best exemplify the Scout Oath Law.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cindy-bennett_vancecountyschools_061421.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2024-04-25 13:54:432024-04-25 18:33:12Dr. Cindy Bennett Named 2024 George Watkins Citizen of the Year
When you see Edward Woodlief out and about in the community, or see his name pop up on your phone screen, you can bet that: 1) he will greet you warmly and ask how you’re doing; 2) he will make you chuckle with a quip or witty observation; and 3) he’s got tickets to an upcoming fundraiser to share.
Whether it’s chicken plates, pork butts – with sauce! – or Vidalia onions, Woodlief usually has his eye on raising funds for one group or another.
He’s “that” person behind the scenes, quietly and effectively making things happen. But at Thursday’s Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce 86th annual meeting and banquet, Woodlief took center stage for a few moments to accept the 2023 Citizen of the Year award.
EDWARD WOODLIEF AND MARGIER WHITE, 2024 BOARD CHAIRPERSON
And then, N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon put Woodlief in the spotlight a second time to present him with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest state honor that a civilian can receive.
Woodlief said he started putting things together as 2022 Citizen of the Year recipient Jack Richardson began listing some details about this year’s awardee, including his work with his beloved Union Chapel Church, where is currently is the choir director and president of the men’s fellowship.
“Our citizen of the year was raised on a farm, where he learned that hard work is the key to getting things accomplished,” Richardson began. Woodlief has devoted himself to a variety of organizations through the years, including the Optimist Club, Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post 60, his church and the local Crime Stoppers.
“He’s a pillar of our community and we are so lucky to have him,” Richardson said in his remarks, adding that he is “so giving to friends, neighbors and strangers” alike.
A genuine example of a servant leader, Woodlief is someone who is happiest when he’s rolled up his sleeves to do good for those in need.
“I thank God for giving me a heart filled with love and compassion” for others, Woodlief said after receiving the award from Sossamon.
At 80-something years “young,” Woodlief has outlived the Zeb Vance Ruritan Club, of which he was a member for four decades before it became inactive. But Woodlief continues one of the club’s service projects and single-handedly mows, weeds and tends the cemetery that the club had adopted.
And if you ever wondered how those flags “magically” appear on the graves of military veterans, well, it’s Woodlief.
“It’s been a pleasure,” Woodlief said as he accepted the award, which followed a warm, well-deserved round of applause.
He quickly mentioned all the others who work with him to make sure all these fundraisers and projects are successful – “We all work together to raise funds,” he said.
It comes as no surprise that Woodlief thanked his wife of 11 years, Velvet Satterwhite Woodlief, for being a faithful and supportive partner. WIZS listeners know that Velvet has been a weekend staple at the radio station for more than 20 years, from Country Grass on Saturday mornings, Choice Country Classics from 9 to noon and the Sunday afternoon Gospel Jamboree.
In his presentation, on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper, Sossamon called Woodlief “a man of faith who loves Vance County.” His efforts come from his desire “to improve the quality of life to one and all,” he said.
“I think he was called,” Sossamon said, “to sell tickets.”
True to form, as the newest Citizen of the Year stood on the stage, he greeted the crowd, shared a light-hearted comment and then lowered the boom: There’s a chicken plate sale on Friday, Mar. 15. “All you have to do is see me afterwards.”
HENDERSON-VANCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 86TH ANNUAL BANQUET ON THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/030724-edward-woodlief-velvet-citizen-chamber-long-leaf-pine-1.png294560Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2024-03-08 09:55:122024-03-08 10:26:23Edward Woodlief Named 2023 Citizen Of The Year At Chamber Banquet
The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet on Thursday, Mar. 7. Sponsorships are available and tickets may be purchased now for the event, the theme of which is Past, Present, Future, according to Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson.
“Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, get updates on the present and what we expect our future to look like in Henderson and Vance County,” Wilkerson said in information sent to WIZS News. The banquet will be held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.
The Chamber also will reveal the 2023 Vance County Citizen of the Year at the banquet. Nominations for this award will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, Wilkerson noted.
Completed nominations may be submitted electronically to sandra@hendersonvance.org, dropped by the office, 414 S. Garnett St., Henderson or mailed to Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 1302, Henderson, NC 27536
Visit the Chamber website at to download a nomination form.
The banquet is the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser; Wilkerson recognized Duke Energy for its continued role in the effort by being the presenting sponsor.
Other sponsorship levels are noted below:
Presenting Sponsor (only 1) Duke Energy $4000
Eight complimentary tickets, Company Banner provided by sponsor displayed, Company name on all promotional pieces, recognition during Banquet, recognition on Social Media, radio and newspaper
Gold Sponsor $2500
Six complimentary tickets, Company name on program agenda, recognition during Banquet, recognition on Social Media, radio and newspaper
Silver Sponsor $1500
Four complimentary tickets, Company name on program agenda, recognition during Banquet
Table Sponsor $1000
Two complimentary tickets, Centerpiece and individual attendee gift. Company name on program agenda and recognition at banquet.
Pre-Dinner Social Sponsor $1000
Two complimentary tickets, signage at food and beverage table. Company name on program agenda and recognition at banquet.
Tickets are $60 each and tables of eight may be purchased as well.
.
The evening kicks off with appetizers served from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The meal catered by Cook Shack Catering, will begin at 6 p.m.
Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce
The Citizen of the Year award is presented annually by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce to an individual whose outstanding service and dedication has made a significant contribution to the community. Qualities and criteria looked for are as follows:
A person who is a resident of Vance County.
A person who has shown a willingness to volunteer for community organizations, giving freely of their time and talents, is enthusiastic about the community and its citizens, and who serves in positions working for the betterment of the community.
Someone who is dedicated to the community, lends leadership and vision, and who assists in achieving organizational goals of the community. They may serve on service, school, church, or civic committees.
A person with the qualities of honesty and integrity.
The community work they are involved with should not be a part of their business career or paid positions they have held.
The recipient does not have to be a member of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce. A nominee need only be nominated once to be considered. The number of nominations received per nominee will bear no weight in their selection.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Henderson-Vance-Chamber-Logo-UD122821.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2024-01-12 16:42:452024-01-12 16:43:07H-V Chamber Of Commerce Banquet Mar. 7; Award Nominations Accepted Through Feb. 2
Michele Eaves Burgess has been named the George Watkins Citizen of the Year by the Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts of America.
Burgess officially received the honor at an awards ceremony Thursday in Henderson. This award is Scouting’s premier event and major fundraiser in Vance County, and honors extraordinary community leaders in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the quality of life in the Eno River District and who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, according to a press release issued by the Occoneechee Council.
“I am honored to be recognized by our community for my involvement and dedication to making Vance County a better place for our future leaders and today’s youth,” Burgess said in a prepared statement. “Being selected to receive this award, named for Mr. George R. Watkins, Sr., who I admire and have had the pleasure to work with for many years is very special to me. George and his family have set a positive example of how volunteerism and giving back makes such an impact.”
In presenting the award, Ronald Bennett, event chairman, praised Burgess for the energy and excitement she brought in her role as president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce. She recently retired but Bennett said Vance County and the surrounding communities are better places because of her efforts through the Chamber.
Burgess has led the Chamber three different times over the years. Tem Blackburn, who shared remarks Thursday evening, was on the interview committee that chose Burgess over others. Although she had less experience than those other candidates, there was something that clearly set her apart, he said.
“In the years that followed, whenever I needed help on a project for the Library, the YMCA, the public schools, anything of benefit to the community I called Michele and I always felt she was not only glad to help, but she was so glad I had called her and asked her to help,” he said.
Nancy Bobbitt also spoke about her friend and told those gathered that Burgess “has never faltered in her love and support of this community.” Through Burgess’s leadership over the years, the Chamber established Leadership Vance and Business After Hours, Bobbitt said. And Burgess was the first Chamber executive from Henderson to graduate and receive certification from the National Institute of Organizational Management.
“She always has a smile and good word for everyone she meets,” Bobbitt said. “She has a wealth of experience and ability to lead others to do their best to make Henderson and Vance County live up to its potential.”
Blackburn said Burgess has been working on behalf of Vance County and its residents to build community. It’s a lot of work, but Burgess has a way of approaching tasks that makes them a bit more enjoyable, Blackburn said.
“Speaking for myself, and for many others who have worked with Michele over the years, she has made it not only rewarding, but great fun!”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/michele-burgess_george-watkins_051823_citizen-of-year_IMG_6507.jpg294560WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2023-05-19 06:30:572023-05-19 15:28:26Michele Burgess Named George Watkins Citizen Of The Year
Mark Pace said he is scheduled for ten appearances in which he portrays the historical figure John Penn – a signer of the Declaration of Independence with ties to Granville County. No doubt Pace has done his fair share of research into Penn’s life, which was lived in relative obscurity after he signed that historic document. There were no awards given to those original signers – no acceptance speeches or thank you’s to be found.
Too bad, because Pace could have drawn upon Penn’s reactions when he himself was called to the dais to receive the John Penn Citizen of the Year award at Monday’s Granville County Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Annette Myers presented Pace with the award, and in comments leading up to announcing his name, she talked about the many hats that individuals wear in the community. Just before the announced his name, Myers put on the hat that Pace wears as part of the Penn costume.
Lauren Roberson, executive director of the Granville Chamber, told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s Town Talk that the John Penn winner is one of the highlights of the annual banquet.
Pace is well-known as a local historian and North Carolina Room specialist at the Richard Thornton library in Oxford. Roberson said he spreads his knowledge across the county – and beyond, and his genuine enthusiasm for history shines through
“He never turns down a request from the community” to provide assistance or research information, she said.
The annual banquet is usually held in January, but this year’s event was rescheduled because of COVID-19 safety protocols. Roberson said the evening went off without a hitch, which she said is a result of wonderful collaboration.
Outgoing president Cecilia Wheeler presided over the evening’s events. “She is such a trouper and an amazing woman,” Roberson said. Dan DeCarlo, general manager of Creedmoor Forest Products, is incoming president. “The board is excited for his leadership and vision,” she added.
UNC basketball legend Phil Ford was the evening’s keynote speaker.
“He gave an amazing keynote speech,” Roberson said. He talked about everything from his childhood to playing ball at Carolina and then in the NBA, with a focus on faith and where he is now, she said, which was both inspirational and motivational.
In a phone interview with WIZS News Tuesday afternoon, Ford said it was an honor to be at the banquet. There were “a lot of nice people, very welcoming. I was amazed at the camaraderie among the people there – everybody seemed like one big family, everybody seemed to know each other…everybody seemed to be pulling for each other,” he said.
“It was an amazing evening and I was happy to be a small part of it.”
There was a good amount of Carolina blue among the attendees, too, and Ford graciously spoke to fans before and after the event, signing programs and taking pictures.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Mark-Pace-Arrowheads.png265504Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2022-03-29 16:30:162022-03-29 16:59:02TownTalk: Mark Pace Named Granville Citizen Of The Year
Tom C. Church, dedicated supporter of local education, founder of the Henderson Community Foundation and local businessman, was named Citizen of the Year at the 81st annual Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce Banquet held in the Civic Center of Vance-Granville Community College on January 31.
Tommy Hester, the 2017 Citizen of the Year recipient, presented the prestigious award, which honors an individual who has made a positive impact for the betterment of the community through personal involvement and contribution of volunteer time and efforts.
“The Citizen of the Year Award is very special. The honor is earned by an individual who has made a significant contribution and demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of Henderson and Vance County,” said Hester.
Left to right: John Barnes, president of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, 2018 Citizen of the Year recipient Tom C. Church and wife Gillie Church.
Each year, an anonymous committee selects the honored citizen, with the name of the recipient being a closely guarded secret until announced at the annual chamber banquet.
Prior to announcing the name of the 2018 recipient, Hester gave a brief background of Church’s life and service to his community. “Portrayed as a guiding light to what community service is all about, our 2018 Citizen of the Year is constantly involved in promoting Henderson and Vance County. Graciously and humbly committed to Vance County with a passion for volunteerism and charitable giving, our recipient avoids attention and shuns the glare of publicity, which led one admirer to describe our Citizen of the Year as an unsung and unpretentious star of Vance County.”
Hester continued by listing several of Church’s numerous community achievements including:
Treasurer and original board member of Henderson Collegiate Charter School
Lifetime trustee of the Kerr-Vance Academy Board
Board of Trustee member for Maria Parham Health
2018 Chairman of the Maria Parham Health Joint Venture Board
Board of Trustee member for Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America
Personal contributor to McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
Past chairman of the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission
Member of the charter team that conceived and built the Henderson Family YMCA
Previous Senior Warden of Henderson’s Holy Innocents Episcopal Church
Member and past president of the Henderson Rotary Club
Born and raised in Gastonia, NC, Church is a graduate of Ashley High School and North Carolina State University where he received his degree in Civil Engineering.
Hester said that upon graduating from NCSU, Church was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force, serving for six years as a fighter pilot and logging over 400 combat hours during the Vietnam War.
In addition to being a two-time recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross during his time in the military, Church also received the Bronze Star and nine Air Medals for valiant service.
Upon leaving active duty Tom and his family settled in Henderson where he co-founded Ashland Construction Company, a multi-state commercial construction company, and co-founded Plantation Realty Company, a commercial real estate firm.
Church is married to Virgilia (Gillie) Leggett Church and they have a daughter, Gillie Nichols, of Manteo, NC, a son, John, of Raleigh, NC and two granddaughters, Lucy and Anna.
Hester concluded his speech by simply stating, “Tom Church, our 2018 Citizen of the Year, what an asset for Vance County.”
Church then took the stage with his family and said he was at a loss for words. “What do I say? I’m humbled, honored and shocked; you caught me off-guard.”
Thanking his wife, family and business partner for their encouragement and support, Church told the crowd that he and his family deeply love their community. “Henderson has been good to me and my family. We love Henderson and it has loved us.”
Proving his humble nature that was alluded to several times in Hester’s speech, Church concluded by saying, “If I’ve been able to do anything to give back to this community for what it has given me, I am very honored and proud.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/H-V-Chamber-Banquet-2019.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-02-01 16:58:362019-02-01 16:58:36Thomas “Tom” C. Church Named 2018 Citizen of the Year
Thursday night at the 78th annual Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce banquet, local volunteer Marion Perry was presented the Citizen of the Year Award.
Perry said volunteering with Vance County Schools is one of the highlights of her life. She said, “I pray that this County will continue to go forward. I will do my best to do all that I can to influence the children to be examples that we can be proud of.”
Each year nominations are made and an anonymous selection committee chooses the recipient. Last year’s 2014 Citizen of the Year, Danny Wright, introduced Perry.
Wright said Perry makes our community a better place to live, work, worship and play. “The Citizen of the Year Award is an honor earned by an individual who has made significant contributions and demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of Henderson and Vance County,” he said.
This year’s award winner has been a positive influence for more than 20 years, with a special focus on support of public schools and young people. “In a letter of praise, one of the many ardent supporters of our nominee writes that our recipient, who is adored by children and adults alike, inspires a delight in and love for learning, ” Wright said.
Perry said she was grateful. “My passion is and always will be children. I love them very much, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do to help as many as I can. I teach love, I show love, and I try my best to be a friend to mankind,” she said.
Perry also volunteers in local nursing homes and for such organizations as the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library, Area Christians Together in Service and The Arts Council. Wright said a letter of recommendation described Perry as “a friendly, dedicated, trustworthy, caring, compassionate and kind person with a great sense of humor (and that) the nominee loves and respects others and is highly respected in the same manner.”
Perry has previously been chosen twice as the Vance County Schools Volunteer of the Year and presently serves as the director on the Vance County Public Schools Foundation.
Perry said of the youngsters she helps, “They may not remember me, but they will remember what I did for them; there was a person who cared, who said, ‘I believe in you.'”
Perry founded and sponsors the Tokens of Love Program at Carver Elementary School, which covers a reading program for children, student and teacher incentives as well as the awarding of scholarships to several area high school students during class night.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/26749-MMS-1454640160049-attachment1-20160204_210218_opt.jpg280498John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2016-02-04 22:48:462016-02-04 22:48:46Citizen of the Year Marion Perry
