The Chamber of Commerce of Walker County held its annual breakfast on Tuesday with more than 400 people filling the Jasper Civic Center for the event.
In a surprise twist, Linda Lewis, the Chamber’s president, was called on stage by Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper) and Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) to be recognized for her years of hard work in the community.
“When Linda asked me if I’d like to make a few remarks, I told her ‘absolutely, I would be honored to do that.’ But what she didn’t know was that those remarks would be about her,” Reed said. “This lady does so much for our community, and we are grateful for her.”
Woods, who has previously served as chairman of the Chamber board of directors, said Lewis’ work and leadership has been a tremendous benefit to Walker County.
“I remember serving as the chairman of board, with some outstanding board members and volunteers, all being led by Linda Lewis,” he said. “If you’re involved with this chamber in anyway, you too have similar stories and experiences. And when you put them all together, it tells the story of someone who is dedicated much of her life to making Walker County a better place for all of us to live.”
Woods and Reed presented Lewis with resolutions from the Alabama House and Senate, commending her work in Walker County. Nathaniel Ledbetter, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, presented Lewis with an Alabama state flag that had been flown over the State Capitol in her honor.
Lewis expressed her gratitude and thanked everyone for their support throughout her 25 years of service to the Chamber.
“This was totally unexpected, but much appreciated,” Lewis said.
During the breakfast, the Chamber presented its volunteer of the year award, which was given to Maria Ross, owner of Athletic Arts Center.
In her acceptance speech, Ross expressed her love for the community and her gratitude for the opportunities to be a part of so many impactful initiatives.
Jacob Sanders, the current chairman of the board for the Chamber, was also recognized for his work in that role this year.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville served as guest speaker at the event, speaking for 30 minutes on a variety of topics including, Ukraine, Israel, transgendered athletes and the military abortion policy.
Tuberville did not accept any payment for speaking, so the Chamber donated to the local VFW post and to the Jasper Police Department in his honor.
Photos by Randy Fielding – The Community Journal
