Carterville chamber dinner highlights the city's growth, business potential

CARTERVILLE - The Carterville Chamber of Commerce 22nd annual dinner on Thursday night ran the gamut of emotions - tearful recipients, humbled recipients and, of course, playful presenters.

More than 200 people gathered in the community center in the name of Carterville, each representing a business that helps cement Carterville's image as an ever-growing community.

None help the city grow more than the officials and residents of Carterville, who serve as living examples of the community that has seen so much growth in recent years. There was no better choice for the 2005 Business of the Year than the City of Carterville, said Carterville Chamber of Commerce President Elaine Melby.

"This business makes all the businesses of the future possible," Melby said.

Carterville Mayor Bill Mausey accepted the award on behalf of the city, saying that he believed a community and its businesses are integral parts of the same equation.

"I was surprised but that's just the type of community this is," Mausey said. "It's about the city working together with the businesses. It's a pleasure to make these things happen."

The 2005 Frank Samuel Award, named after a longtime mayor of the city, went to a man who had a large hand in helping the city and the chamber become what it is. Engineer John Crawford was the recipient of the prestigious award, which includes Glenn Poshard and the current mayor as past recipients.

"He worked tirelessly for improvements to Cannon Park," said 2004 recipient Randal Cavins, who cited Crawford's long list of accomplishments to the city of Carterville.

"I didn't expect all this excitement," Crawford said. "I'm keeping some awfully good company. You can't know how much I love this community."

An award for the 2005 Chamber Member of the Year Award was presented to a surrogate Santa Claus who has answered the call of the chamber on many occasions - even when it meant donning a red suit and white beard.

"This award goes to someone jolly with a voice Santa would love to have," said John A. Logan College President Robert Mees, who presented the award to Doug Williams.

Williams, who has managed Coldwell Banker in Carterville with wife Linda since 2001, played the part of Santa when the city was in need of a speedy substitute.

A visibly moved Williams accepted the award with tears in his eyes, and it seemed that the voice famous for its "Ho, ho, hos" may have been rendered speechless.

"I'm embarrassed, very honored, humbled and surprised," Williams said after receiving the award. "I didn't join the chamber to win awards. I joined to pitch in and help the community. We live in a great community."

Tracey Glenn, executive director for the chamber, said she was very pleased with the event and the large number of Carterville residents who were able to stand together in honor of their community.

"I think it shows how much support this community has," Glenn said.

A trio of businesses was also award for improvements made over the last year. Receiving Business Improvement awards were Erich J. Snyder of the Carterville Chiropractic Center, Christine Kruse of Christine's Bridal and Doug Kimmel of the Williamson County Regional Airport.