BBQ Festival Awards
Mike Karaman, chamber president, presented three awards to individuals for their service to the annual BBQ Festival. Benton Wharton has served as entertainment chair at the festival, bringing in music acts such as Devon Allman and Luke Nelson.  Bob Montgomery has been involved with coordinating competition judging, as well as managing the local celebrity judges for the “Anything Butt” competition.  Involved with the BBQ Festival for 22 years, most recently as chairman, Chuck Britton was recognized for his service in a very tough and demanding position.

Skip Seaman Volunteer of the Year Award
The volunteer of the year award was presented to Joey Cabaniss, longtime BBQ Festival volunteer, for his work as a meat inspector at the festival. A critical job for a sanctioned event, meat policing ensures the competition is fair.

Business Person of the Year Award
As Polk County’s largest employer with an annual payroll of $10 million and more than 300 employees, St. Luke’s Hospital CEO Ken Shull stays very active and visible, both on the hospital grounds and throughout the community. Under his direction and leadership the hospital has undergone major construction projects including the $6.5 million orthopedic patient wing with a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center. For these achievements, Shull was the recipient of the Business Person of the Year Award.

Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award
Traveling man, humanitarian, ordained minister, missionary for civil rights, army veteran, expert Bridge player and hitchhiker, Jim Jackson is known to many in Polk County and Landrum for his book, “My Life in the Briar Patch,” and his ever-present smile.

Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award
The Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award recognizes and rewards leadership in volunteerism and community service, encourages a culture of citizenship and service, and compliments the efforts of those individuals and organizations striving to improve the quality of life in our communities. Lennie Rizzo accepted the award from Craig DeBrew, district manager, Duke Energy.