By Emilee Shake, Staff Writer
The Moose Lodge had wall-to-wall seating Thursday night as 250 people attended the 2009 Annual Banquet sponsored by the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce and the Daviess County Development Corporation.
The evening started with the Chamber Executive Director Charles Selby and the current Board President Kevin Maerkl announcing the 2010 Board President Chasity Matthews from True RX Management Services, Inc.
After the dinner was completed, the board president-elect presented the 2009 Business of the Year Award to Williams Brothers Health Care Pharmacy. The business has grown from five employees in 1988 to more than 160 employees locally in 2009 and more than 300 employees at 10 locations.
“My family has been in this community since 1917,” co-owner Mark Williams said. “We are lucky enough to carry on the tradition.”
The Williams brothers thanked their mother Linda Myers. Without her support, they wouldn’t have gotten started, they said.
Following that acceptance, the Dillion Tourism Award was presented to Amish Kountry Korner. The award was accepted by Tim Carrico, Marilyn Graber and Linda Bateman. The business, a frequently requested stop on Amish tours, tries to make an impact on all its customers. The employees strive to make the customers feel valued “whether it’s a nice hello or a friendly smile,” Carrico said.
The Hagel Family Award was presented by Selby and Maerkl to an individual in the community who has made a difference in the city of Washington.
“When he came to me asking about how to help with downtown, he didn’t just come to throw around ideas,” Selby said before presenting the award. “He came with a paint brush in his hand.”
The award was given to Rev. George Qualley, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Washington. Qualley, born in Middleton, Wis., has lived in many places. He has several degrees and is currently working on his doctorate. When he first came to Washington for his interview, he arrived three hours early and drove around the city.
“I said to my wife, ‘This is a place we can serve and really make a difference,’” Qualley said.
Since, he has been involved with several organizations in the area, the Powerhouse, Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus to name a few.
“It’s a great place to live, with wonderful people,” Qualley said.
Post awards and dinner, the Lodge was flying down memory lane as the Diamonds performed oldies but goodies. The quartet’s mixture of energy, enthusiasm and talent had the audience tapping feet, nodding heads and, at times, snapping fingers.
