Courtney "Schola" Long, praised as a "leader, a creator, a mentor, a businessman and a servant," was named the 2022 Citizen of the Year at Thursday's St. Mary Chamber Banquet and Installation of Officers.
Damon Denson, center, plant manager at Cabot Corp., accepts the Business of the Year Award on behalf of the St. Mary carbon black facility. Cabot "has endured the changing economy and still consistently demonstrates a commitment to the community ...," said Ed "Tiger" Verdin, shown at left. Also pictured is Chamber President Beth Chiasson.
J Ina received the Nonprofit of the Year Award on behalf of 100 Black Men. The group has been "extremely active within the community, hosting a major, multiday event -- The Soul Food Festival in Franklin ... -- and has shown support and mentorship for young men across our parish," said Chamber board member Terry Foulcard.
Gail Peterson, center, a longtime Chamber employee who retired recently, was named Administrative Assistant of the Year. She's shown with board member Brady Borel and Chamber President Beth Chiasson.
Ann Poole was named winner of the Virginia Tyler Guillotte Award, which goes to an individual who "stands ready to accept any challenge to improve the quality of life in our parish." Poole worked as an LPN for 30 years and has been a certified counselor and case manager for 20 years. She founded the St. Mary Re-Entry Community Resource Center.
Sheila Hue, center, receives the first Mata Tellman Ambassador Award from Chamber President Beth Chiasson. The new award, named for the late Mata Tellman, goes to a Chamber ambassador "who demonstrates the same commitment and joy that Mrs. Tellman shared with all of us," said Chamber Treasurer Alyssa Cart, left.
Bart Folse, chief operating officer at Franklin Foundation Hospital, is the recipient of the Donna Meyer Leadership Award. The award, named for the longtime Chamber president who died in 2021, goes at an outstanding member of the community who is also a graduate of the Leadership St. Mary program.
Jessie Gaudet, a Hampton Inn & Suites employee, receives the Outstanding Hospitality Employee of the Year Award from Cajun Coast Director Carrie Stansbury.
Outgoing Chamber Chair Ed "Tiger" Verdin turned the gavel over to Laura Meadows, the incoming chair, at Thursday's awards event. Tammie Moore was also sworn in as the new vice chair.
Courtney Long is Chamber's Citizen of Year; Cabot honored as Business of Year
The St. Mary Chamber's first awards banquet since 2020 was Thursday at Nico Bella's in downtown Morgan City.
