Pike County Chamber of Commerce honors business excellence

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce honored its own and heard remarks from keynote speaker, Dr. Marquita Davis, director of finance for the State of Alabama, at its 2013 Chamber Banquet and Annual Meeting at noon Thursday at Troy Country Club.

Jack Worthington, Chamber board 2nd vice-chairman presented awards to businesses, industries and individuals that made significant and distinguished contributions to Pike County’s business community during the year 2012.

Troy Bank & Trust was honored as the Business of the Year and Lockheed Martin as the Industry of the Year.

The Outstanding Agricultural Business award went to Whaley Pecan Company.

Meeks Pest Control was recognized as the business with the Best Direct Service and Home Gallery for its Outstanding Customer Service.

Cotton Creek received the Most Promising New Business Award.

First National Bank was honored for its community involvement with the Most Committed to Community Award and the Pike County Exchange Club was honored as the Non-Profit Organization of the Year.

The Hospitality Industry Award went to Troy Parks and Recreation.

Individual awards were presented to Grant Lyons, Young Professional of the Year; Adam Drinkwater, Chamber Board Member of the Year; Betty Wagoner, Most Devoted Volunteer, and Heather Freeman, for contributions Behind the Scenes.

Adam Drinkwater, Chamber board immediate past chairman, introduced Davis, who has more than 20 years experience in higher education, in non-profit service and in state government.

Davis described herself as an Illinois transplant who is proud to call Alabama home.

Davis served the state as commissioner of the Department of Children’s Affairs during Gov. Bob Riley’s administration and was asked to serve on Gov. Bentley’s transition team.

“I was asked to find somebody to replace me but I didn’t present any names for my job,” Davis said, laughing.

However, Gov. Bentley had something else in mind for Davis.

“He asked me what I wanted to do and I said whatever he needed me to do,” she said.

Davis said that she prayed about the offer to serve the state as its director of finance and then accepted the challenge.

In addition to managing 500 employees, paying all the state’s bills, insuring all state buildings, providing indigent defense, “mowing lawns and emptying garbage,” Davis puts together the executive budget that includes the general fund and the Educational Trust Fund.

“It’s about two funding streams that are connected,” Davis said. “Every dollar is connected to a person and impacts lives.”

Davis said that Alabama does not have to seek outside funding for its services.

“Alabama owes money to itself and we are committed to paying the money back,” Davis said.

However, she cautioned that perhaps the Legislature is doing more talking the talk than walking the walk.

“We continue to have the same (budget) conversations,” she said. “When you are riding a horse and it dies, you get off and find a new way. You can kick it and kick it but you can’t revive a dead horse.”

Davis said that the state must eliminate the non-essential state agencies and only fund the essential functions. And, the state must find new sources of revenue.

To only keep talking about the needed changes means keeping going back, she said.

“In Montgomery, the way to success to have all engaged in the process,” Davis said.

John Little, Chamber board chairman, said 2012 was an extremely busy year for the Chamber.

The board hosted quarterly Business After Hours, 30 ribbon cuttings and received about 500 emails and calls a week.

“We added 85 new members and had a total of 424 members,” Little said. “The Chamber keeps the public informed through its website, Facebook, a quarterly newsletter and the Vision Magazine.”

The Chamber has a strong partnership with Troy University and its international student program.

The Chamber is a sponsor of TroyFest and is involved in activities and events on the square in downtown Troy.

The Chamber took the lead in securing grant funding for a historical survey necessary to have downtown Troy designated a commercial historic district. The Chamber also sponsors the annual Troy Appreciation Day Parade, Farm-City Week activities, Legislative breakfasts, the Junior Ambassador program and Leadership Pike.