The Greene County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards luncheon last Tuesday at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, to celebrate the achievements of local businesses and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community.
Following the meal catered by the Ritz-Carlton and sponsored by Georgia Power, attendees heard from keynote speaker Ronnie Brown Jr. The former Auburn football and NFL player spoke about lessons he learned on and off the field. His address encouraged attendees to develop and find their own process and purpose in life.
Following the keynote presentation, Chamber president Mika Mills and former president/ current board member Terry Lawler presented the awards.
Jeff and Alanna Davis, owners of Window Wizardz, were named the winners of the Heartbeat Award. The award recognizes the business that goes above and beyond in giving to local causes. Other nominees included BankSouth, Frank’s Chiropractic Life Center, and Joe’s Roofing.
Jeff and Alanna have given to many local organizations, including Ferst Foundation, Pilot International, Habitat for Humanity, Pete Nance Boys
& Girls Club, Circle of Love Shelter, Reynolds Veterans, Knights of Columbus, and the Greene County Food Pantry.
According to Mills, Jeff also recently traveled with an employee and their church to an area hit by Hurricane Helene to help victims.
“[Jeff and Alanna] never say no,” Mills said. “They don’t just give a little; they give a lot!They are a top sponsor when they could easily just make a small contribution, or buy a golf team or tee sign. What makes it even more impressive, they are a small, family-owned business. They believe that they are blessed to be able to give.”
ServPro’s Melissa LeBrun received the Chamber Champion Award, which recognizes individuals and businesses who support the Chamber. Other nominees included Ken Colson with PMI Oconee Properties; Steve Peluso with the Greene County Food Pantry; and Susan Powers with AssetGrade.
Mills remembers seeing LeBrun at many ribbon cuttings, networking events, awards luncheons and fundraising events over the years.
“[She’s always] meeting new people, making connections and supporting the Chamber and its member businesses, churches and charities,” Mills said of LeBrun. “Her long-term commitment to the Chamber goes above and beyond.”
Festival Hall executive director Nicole Chillemi received the Unsung Hero Award. The award recognizes the person who does the behind-the-scenes work to make others shine. Other nominees included Kimberly Chronos, Lisa Tubbs with IV Wellness Solutions, and Rebecca Velasquez with UGA 4-H Extension.
Chillemi was born and raised in Greensboro and has been Festival’s Hall executive director since 2018. According to Lawler, Chillemi has turned Festival Hall into a revenue generator by bringing performances and class acts to the facility, such as the Jazz Legacy Series; concerts from the Oconee Performing Arts Society; singer Crystal Gayle; “Mr. College Football” Tony Barnhart; and plays and musicals. Chillemi is a “one-woman show,” who handles bookings, grants, seating and stage setup, performer liaison, cleanup, and even performing. She has also served on the Circle of Love board and the Family Connections board, and assists with every Downtown Main Street event. “[Chillemi] is well-loved and well-respected by all,” Lawler said.
The Rookie of the Year Award was given to Amy and Sean Maguire, owners of The Well. The award recognizes new Chamber members who are actively involved in the community. Other nominees included Stacey Williford with Cardinal Healthcare; Justin Cullifer and Luke Maslow with Preserved Pine; and Taylor Wiggins with Two Rivers Nutrition.
The Well offers Nordic saunas, cold plunge, yoga, and more. Lawler said Amy and Sean have also hosted pet adoptions with the Lake Oconee Humane Society; offered women’s self-defense classes; attended Chamber ribbon cuttings; and spoke at a Women in Business luncheon. They have also volunteered for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Augusta and Florida.
Probate/Magistrate Judge LaVerne Ogletree received the Mickey Channell Citizen of the Year Award, which recognizes citizens who have followed in Channell’s footsteps by serving the community selflessly and making significant contributions to Greene County. Other nominees were Riezl Baker, Crystal Sangam, and Jerry and Kelli Fowler.
Ogletree serves as Greene County’s probate judge and chief magistrate judge, and oversees the traffic court and vital records. She also founded the Circle of Love, a domestic abuse shelter, after a local tragedy showed her a restraining order was not enough to keep families safe. She also heads the Greene County Historical Society in its effort to reopen the Greene County History Museum.
“With over 40 years of service to Greene County, her selflessness has been to our benefit,” Mills said.