The Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners for their second Annual Community Awards. These eight people will be honored at the Chamber Awards banquet Thursday, September 12, and will be the grand marshals for the 49th Annual Apple Butter Festival parade on Saturday, October 12.
“We were so glad to see how many of our community embraced this idea, receiving almost 100 entries across the categories,” said Executive Director, Krista Hoffman.
An anonymous committee of community members then met to choose the winners. The last award, the coveted “Morganite,” will be announced at the banquet.
Apple Butter Festival Volunteer of the Year – Terri Beard.
She is described as someone who shows up by helping make the festival the absolute best it can be for the entire community.
“Anyone who has had anything to do with the planning of the Apple Butter Festival over the last few years knows that Terri is a driving force. Donating countless (seriously, COUNTLESS) hours of her time and so much energy to keep it a fantastic event for her community and for the generations of people who have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the event. Without her, there probably wouldn’t be a Beer Garden, she plans and creates and makes sure that everything goes just the way it should, and is always there to help in any way necessary.”
Educator of the Year – Jamie Harris.
Described as someone within the educational system who has gone the extra mile to educate and prepare students within the community, one of the nominations explained: “Mr. Harris and his staff changed the whole culture and motivation at Warm Springs Middle School. His school started a 0 period to help students start each day, he wrote a grant and was able to bring mountain bikes to the school, and together with his admin team and staff, worked hard to motivate and encourage students to improve their IXL and GSA scores this past school year. Because of this, the school has had tremendous growth in scores, major improvement in attendance and a decrease in discipline issues at the school.”
Employee of the Year – Ben Fox.
Awarded to the person that works for someone else but whose commitment and dedication is as if the business is their own. This person arrives early, stays late and otherwise “throws the job description out of the window” to do what needs to be done.
Nominated by employer Beth Curtin, Ben is described this way: “Ben joined our Berkeley Springs Antique Mall workforce at a stressful time, during the days of serious Covid. He immediately became an invaluable team member. He is absolutely the perfect fit for our business. His cheerful, pleasant demeanor is welcoming to all our customers. He has incredible knowledge of the antique mall’s vast and ever-changing inventory and the patience to help with the wildest request. He offers a helping hand to dozens of events and organizations.”
Small Business – Hunter’s Hardware.
This business always has their employees and community at heart and does whatever it takes to provide for their clients and customers. (10 employees or less denotes “small” business.)
“This neighborhood hardware store has been a cornerstone of Berkeley Springs, consistently providing exceptional service, quality products and a warm friendly atmosphere. Hunter’s Hardware exemplifies the spirit of small businesses with its commitment to personalized customer service. Beyond its impressive selection and service, Hunter’s Hardware actively supports local events and initiatives, contributing to the well-being and cohesion of the community. Their dedication to maintaining the charm and tradition of Berkeley Springs while embracing modern needs makes them a true asset to our town.”
Large Business – Gat Creek.
This business always has their employees and community at heart and does whatever it takes to provide for their clients and customers. (11 or more employees denotes “large” business.)
“With growth that has been hand over fist, you would think the business would forget about the awesome people that work there, but not Gat Creek and not Gat Caperton. Gat will be the first to tell you his staff is about the best of the best product and the best of the best staff. With many transitions to new equipment, to new buildings, their eco-friendly heat recycling and all other things, the staff at Gat Creek stays the course and takes excellent care of their extremely valued customers.”
Community Hero – KC Bohrer.
Awarded to law enforcement, fire and rescue, or other service members who protect and show up for our community. We received multiple entries for Sheriff Bohrer.
“Sheriff Bohrer has served the citizens of Morgan County with dedication, integrity, character and professionalism for 8 years in one of the toughest positions and professions… He absolutely loves his community and what he does… KC has dedicated his life serving the citizens through his long Law Enforcement career.”
Community Service Award – Luke Christie.
This is awarded to the person that strives to make the county a better place through service to the community.
“Just saying Luke’s name brings a smile to so many faces. His involvement and support to so many events and programs in Morgan County shows his commitment to seeing Morgan County succeed in everything we do. He is part of the Berkeley Springs Rotary Club and loves seeing people be recognized for the amazing work they do. One of the greatest moments has been watching Luke deliver books from the Rotary Club to the 2nd grade students. He gets them all pumped up about reading, which we all know is not the easiest thing to do. So many little faces are so excited when they see Luke come through the door…just an example of him doing his part to build a better community for the future.”
The second Annual Berkeley Springs – Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet will be held on Thursday, September 12 at The Country Inn.
Tickets are available on the Chamber website: www.BerkeleySpringsChamber.com.
The winner of the coveted “Morganite” award will be announced at the award banquet.
For more information call the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce at 304-258-3738 or find them on Facebook.
