The Greater Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce held its annual Social, Awards and Installation of Officers Luncheon on Feb. 27 at the Raintree Country Club Four Lakes Banquet Hall, 5925 Plantation Drive.
Several members of the community were recognized at the event.
Keran Fears received the Chamber Member of the Year Award.
Mandy Alley, the marketing coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce, said Fears received the award because of her volunteer efforts at chamber events.
“She has gone above and beyond this year by offering advertising videos to our members,” Alley said.
Bank Star received the Chamber Business of the Year award because of its involvement and support for the chamber’s Halloween and Christmas events, where it provided cookies, hot chocolate and water, Alley said.
“They show up with many employees ready to work and volunteer and greet the community at these events,” she said.
Janis Buttner received the Chamber Volunteer of the Year award because of her continued involvement with the board, Alley said.
“She is at every event, including ribbon cuttings and coffee chats. She is a joy to be around, and her smile is infectious. She volunteers and puts her heart into everything she does. We are happy to have her as part of our chamber board,” Alley said.
Gary Loveless received the Frank Roland Community Service Award.
Loveless is not a chamber member, but he received the community service award for helping with chamber events for more than 25 years, said Alley, who is also his spouse.
Heather Hartley and Hillsboro Mayor Buddy Russell received special recognition awards.
Hartley, who is not a chamber member, was honored for volunteering at chamber events and around the community.
“Very few people have the time to devote to getting this done, and Heather always shows up whether she has the time or not,” Alley said.
Russell was recognized for going above and beyond his mayoral duties, Alley said.
“Many times, you’ll see Mayor Russell out in the community mowing grass, digging trenches, shoveling snow, blowing off sidewalks and helping anywhere he is needed. He loves this community, and he works tirelessly to make sure the Hillsboro community is taken care of.”
Alley said this year’s luncheon was moved to Friday to allow for a longer, more relaxed event. She said 50 people attended the luncheon.
Alley also said this year’s luncheon concluded with a White Elephant Raffle with gifts ranging from designer purses to gift cards to local businesses, board games, a diffuser and more.
“There were about 25 gifts we raffled off. Everyone had a good time opening the gifts to see what they got!” she said.