[slideshow_deploy id=’132050′]
By Erin Smith
The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce conducted their 66th annual banquet on Tuesday evening at Lu Mil Vineyard. During the banquet, David Clark was honored with the award of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
The award was presented to Clark by long-time friend and Elizabethtown Mayor Sylvia Campbell. She read aloud from the letter which was submitted to the Governor’s Office requesting the honor be bestowed upon Clark.
“He is without a doubt one of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” said Campbell.
She said he is active in the Elizabethtown Baptist Church where he has served as a deacon and and a treasurer. He has also served on many boards and is a former Red Cross representative for Bladen County.
Some of his accomplishments include his involvement with Clark Brothers Incorporated, Sampson Bladen Oil Company, Handee Hugos Stores, United Energies Incorporated, and Camp Clearwater Incorporated.
Clark and his brothers entered into the automobile franchise business selling Plymouths, De Sotos, GMC Trucks, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep products.
“Mr. Clark is one of the wisest men I have had the pleasure of knowing,” said Campbell.
After making his way to the stage and receiving the award, Clark said, “I am so humbled. I thank all of you for recognizing me in this way.”
The keynote speaker for the evening was Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development of the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m excited to be here,” said Flowers.
He said the Rural Economic Development Office focuses on building strong communities through building partnerships between communities.
“It’s an important time in North Carolina,” said Flowers.
Flowers said issues like housing are impacting rural development as well as infrastructure needs. He said two objectives for Rural Economic Development are creating jobs and investing in communities.
He briefly spoke about the program such as North Carolina Main Street and the Community Development Block Grant programs which can assist communities in identifying and financing ways in which they can grow.
“We help our local governments better serve the citizens and enhance the overall competitiveness as it relates to their community and economic development,” said Flowers.
The gavel was passed from outgoing President Maurice Williams to incoming President Ashley Dowless.
The Chamber recognized the outgoing board members Maurice Williams and Jeremy White.
The Chamber also welcomed incoming board members Sondra Guyton and Anne Beyer.
During the event the Chamber recognized several award recipients for 2018. The winner for Outstanding Chamber Member was the Town of Elizabethtown. The award was presented by Robert Hester.
The winner of the Outstanding Small Business Award was Susan and Ronald Inman, owners of Regal Resort and The Venue at White Lake. The award was presented by Ashley Dowless.
The Honorary Lifetime Chamber Member Award was presented to Dr. William Findt by Tiina Mundy.
The Caring Person award was presented to Chris Clark. The award was presented by Mark Gillespie.
The Chamber Ambassadors were also recognized during the program.
About Author
