Rogers-Lowell Chamber hands out annual awards

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 98^th annual Celebration of Business and Community Awards Ceremony on Feb. 8, recognizing winners in several categories.

The awards ceremony was held at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers, featuring keynote speaker Tommy Spaulding, president of eponymous international leadership development, training and executive coaching organization Tommy Spaulding Cos.

This year’s award winners are:

Small Business of the Year (2019)
Ozark Beer Co. helped spur economic growth and revitalization in downtown Rogers, according to the chamber. The business expanded multiple times since it was founded and is “seriously committed” to the community, according to the chamber.

Volunteer of the Year (2019)
Hannah Cicioni, principal broker and owner of CRD Real Estate & Development, is this year’s recipient. She served three years on the Main Street Board and initiated the brunch program at the DTR Market (Downtown Farmers Market), where she has spent numerous hours volunteering. Cicioni raised $12,000 for Downtown Rogers through two of her annual crawfish boils. She was also the DTR Market season sponsor.

Ambassador of the Year (2019)
The Ambassador Committee serves as the liaison between the chamber and its members. Erica Vaughan, sales and marketing director at Aloft Hotel in Rogers, is this year’s recipient. She demonstrated outstanding dedication, service and enthusiasm to the community, according to chamber officials. She greeted over 20 new businesses to the chamber and attended over 50 ribbon cuttings last year.

Elbert S. Graham/Elza Tucker Award (Lowell)
First awarded in 1974, it is considered the highest award for outstanding service to the city of Lowell. It was named in honor of Elbert S. Graham and Elza Tucker. Scott Dillard, co-founder and CEO of Central Research Inc., is this year’s recipient. He incorporated his business in 2007 along with his father. The company has created hundreds of jobs in Lowell, and has been recognized as one of the most veteran-friendly businesses in America. CRI is planning a new headquarters and new commercial development near Interstate 49 in Lowell.

Spirit Award
This award began in 1983 and is given to a business, organization or group of individuals that have engaged in unusually significant, worthwhile activities benefiting the community and/or region. This year’s recipient is Dawn Stewart, career & technical education (CTE) coordinator for the Rogers Public Schools, and the entire CTE team. Their workforce development work has led to more than 8,300 middle and high school students being educated in career and technical education across 60 courses during the 2019-20 school year.

Dick Trammel Good Neighbor Award (Rogers)
This award was first awarded in 1974, and later renamed to honor longtime banker and community leader Dick Trammel. It is Rogers’ highest community honor and presented in recognition of an individual who has contributed to the betterment of Rogers and Northwest Arkansas. This year’s recipient is real estate executive Tom Allen, executive vice president and principal of Cushman & Wakefield/ Sage Partners in Rogers.