Area leaders honored by Chamber

Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce held its annual membership meeting and awards luncheon on Thursday, honoring four Bedford County leaders for their accomplishments and marking the transfer of power between 2009 chamber president Scott Cocanougher and 2010 president Scott Johnson.

Middle Tennessee State University president Sidney McPhee was the keynote speaker for the event.

The four awards are presented this year to recognize local citizens. City council member and former Times-Gazette editor Kay Rose announced the award recipients.

This year's honorees

* Carl Bailey received the Deery Eakin Volunteer of the Year award. Bailey organized the CROSS homeless shelter, is active in local emergency management, including organizing the storm shelter program and leading the local planning effort for H1N1 flu vaccination. He was presented his award by Missy Eakin, a daughter of the award's namesake.

Bailey, a retired Marine, is a relatively new member of the community

* Bell Buckle Fire Chief Ronnie Lokey received the Oustanding Leadership Award. He was recognized for his volunteerism with the fire department and in town affairs, including past service as an alderman. Lokey began the fire department's annual fund-raising chili supper.

* Entrepreneur Rodney Simmons was given the special service award. Simmons has been active in numerous clubs, organizations and activities, including the Chamber itself, for which he was a board member; he chaired the Bell Buckle Planning Commission and is an ambassador for Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. His company produces "Captain Rodney's" pepper jelly and other specialty food products.

* Banker Billy Hicks was given the Franklin Yates Lifetime Achievement Award. Hicks is a long-time member of Shelbyville Lions Club, a former member of the First Choice Pregnancy Center board, a member of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Association, a former member of the Chamber board, and an active supporter of Shelbyville Central High School athletics. He is a member of First United Methodist Church. Susannah Thompson, granddaughter of the award's namesake, made the presentation.

Looking ahead

Cocanougher, in his exit address, said that the community's prospects are good. He said six industrial prospects have visited the community so far in 2010. He said the community needs an industrial park to be better able to capitalize on potential industries, but warned that it will take time and effort to develop one.

Cocanougher said existing industries have added 100 jobs since January.

"Things seem to be looking up in that area," he said. The construction of the new northeastern bypass, he said, will be an additional boon to the community.

Cocanougher said a better effort is being made to solicit tourism, including an increased presence in the vacation guide published by the state.

Cocanougher said the new Middle Tennessee Education Center will host classes for small business owners.

After Cocanougher handed the gavel to Johnson, Johnson conducted a brief business meeting, with only one action item: appointment of new board members Doyle Meadows, Stevie Williams, Joe Finch and Ivan Jones.

McPhee was introduced by MTSU women's basketball coach Rick Insell, a familiar face locally from his years coaching the Central High School Golden Eaglettes. Insell and McPhee were effusive in their praise for each other.

"We have a fan club, the two of us," said McPhee.