Robert Hester was the recipient of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Honorary Lifetime Chamber Member of the Year Award.
Executive Director Dawn Maynard said, “I think that he is a deserving candidate for the Honorary Lifetime Member Award for his involvement in the community.”
Hester said he was very humbled at receiving the award. He wrote the following response to the honor:
“Yesterday, I was told I needed to sign some papers for Bladen Agri-Industrial and as I normally do, I headed to the Elizabethtown Industrial Park. And as I do from time to time, I wonder around to see what is new in the park and then spend some time in the office.
“I was in for a surprise. Actually, was summoned to the park where I was met by Dawn Maynard, Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and presented a nice floral arrangement with a card that read, ‘Robert Hester – Honorary Lifetime Chamber Member of the Year.’ I was appreciative, humbled and embarrassed. So many others more worthy than me, but Thanks.
“It caused me to think about some of what I have observed over the years. As I attempted to sleep last night, I thought about the many changes that have taken place in my lifetime in Bladen County. So many changes, from a county that depended on tobacco for many years, to a county that today includes turf farms, blueberry farms, cotton and peanut farms, corn and soybean farms and swine and poultry farms, and still some tobacco farms, maybe others.”
“I believe I am one of Robert’s biggest fans. He has done more for our county over the years than many even dream about. He was a successful business owner of a radio station and BladenOnline.com, and helped bring Bladen Sports Network to life. He has left Bladen County a wonderful legacy,” Charlotte Smith, President of the Chamber of Commerce said.
Hester has been very involved in Bladen County and helping to make it a better place for families and businesses for many years. Hester is a former County Commissioner, serves on the Committee of 100, is a member of Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial, and many other committees.
The presentation was made at the Bladen County Economic Development Office located in the Elizabethtown Industrial Park.
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