The 2022 Excellence in Business Awards celebrated the previous year’s accomplishments. Sponsored by Simmons Bank for the second year, the event took place at the Hilton Memphis, attracting a notable array of Gold Sponsors (including The Bank of Collierville, Campbell Clinic, IMC Companies, MLGW, Orgill, OrthoSouth, and Southern Security Federal Credit Union), as well as premium sponsors (TN State Representatives Ron Gant and Kevin Vaughan). The event drew over 400 attendees and commenced with a lively pre-event reception by Alston Construction.
The evening commenced with an inspiring address by Pastor Sam Nichols of Collierville First Baptist Church, followed by Mayor Stan Joyner’s warm welcome. The Collierville Police Department’s Honor Guard presented the flags, and Ellen Mitchell, a University of Memphis Doctoral Student, performed the Star-Spangled Banner. Following dinner, Chad Lindsay, Vice President and General Manager of Alston Construction, resumed the festivities, highlighting his company’s role as the reception sponsor. Mollie Walker, Vice President and Manager of Business Development for Simmons Bank, took the stage to underscore the significance of the Chamber for local businesses.
Andrew Douglas of Action News 5, the host, introduced a highlight video showcasing the Chamber’s 2022 achievements. The video captured key milestones from the past year. After the video, Representative Kevin Vaughan introduced the keynote speaker, Ermal Faulkner, Director of Blue Oval City and EV Sites for Ford Motor Company, who addressed the audience despite a torn Achilles tendon. Faulkner’s presentation featured a video highlighting Ford’s commitment to Electric Vehicles and its impact on the area’s future.
Mark Heuberger, President of the Chamber, thanked Simmons Bank and the Gold Sponsors, acknowledging the support of Representatives Kevin Vaughan and Ron Gant. He recognized the Shelby County Chamber Alliance and the Shelby County Commission, leading to the traditional passing of the gavel from outgoing chair Kevin Baltier of Edward Jones to Jimmy Turner of Christian Brothers Automotive- Collierville.
Cal Overman of Simmons Bank and Jennifer Douglas of New Day Children’s Theatre awarded the Ambassador of the Year Award to Melissa Reed of Berkshire Hathaway for her dedicated volunteer work. Andrew Douglas explained the nomination and winner process for the business awards, highlighting rigorous selection through the Chamber’s committees. Winners for all categories were announced through highlight videos by NLA Projects.
The awards ceremony honored the Spirit of Collierville award, celebrating companies making a lasting impact on the community. Alston Construction received the award for its contributions, particularly during the Collierville Balloon Festival. The Kemmons Wilson Center for Good Grief won Nonprofit of the Year, recognized for its humble contributions. Health Care Provider of the Year was awarded to UTHSC, while Entrepreneur of the Year went to Hamby Auto Concierge. Don Kitchens of Landers Ford was named Person of the Year, and the Collierville Education Foundation received the Bridging the Gap award.
The event concluded with acknowledgments of winners’ advertisement prize packages, and Mark Heuberger thanked sponsors, ending the night on a high note. This event marked one of the Chamber’s most successful and set the stage for a promising 2023.