Leeds Family Chiropractic was named Business of the Year. In business since 2011, the husband and wife team of Drs. Rick and Jill Palma have helped the citizens of the City of Valor stay in line.

The annual Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) banquet celebrates sense of community and invites a well-known speaker to enjoy an evening of commemorating a year of accomplishments.

State Rep. Dickie Drake introduced the evening’s keynote speaker—Congressman Spencer Bachus.

Drake described Bachus as a friend to the city of Leeds.

Exchanging compliments, Bachus said to the audience about Drake, “Dickie is a blessing. I hope you all know how lucky you are.”

Letting Leeds citizens understand the direction society as a whole needs to be led is a place where government is back at the local and county levels.

“When I was younger we aspired to homeownership because you assumed you’d get a good job. Today a job is not guaranteed, but we’re sold a false assumption that the federal government ought to do something about it.”

Calling for less regulations and decreased taxes, he said the current economic climate is calling for “jobs, jobs, jobs.”

Starting in our own back yards, Bachus said, “free enterprise, particularly small business generates new jobs.”

Joking with the audience that he was asked to do one thing while speaking at the LACC banquet — keep it short — he wanted to fulfill that request.

Bachus left the crowd saying, “We need to take great pride in our jobs. How can we create jobs?” he asked. “Scale back some of this regulation.”

The next portion of the night was the awards ceremony.

At this annual event Business of the Year (BOY), Teacher of the Year (TOY), Non-Profit of the Year (NOY), Ambassador of the Year (AOY) and the coveted Citizen of the Year (COY) are announced.

AOY went to Dona Bonnett. Dona has been instrumental in redesigning the LACC website and starting the Chamber Ambassador program.

NOY was awarded to the Leeds Arts Council. Continuing to give the gift of theatre to the Leeds (and its neighboring) communities the Leeds Arts Council move forward on their mission “to cultivate an interest in the arts and to provide an opportunity and place for participation in the arts for the community.”

BOY was presented to Leeds Family Chiropractic.

In business in Leeds since 2011 the husband and wife team of Drs. Rick and Jill Palma have helped the citizens of the City of Valor stay in line.

Promoting health and wellness, the family oriented staff at Leeds Family Chiropractic looks forward to helping those with ailments heal.

TOY went to Leeds High School English and National Board Certified Teacher Amanda Beason.

Nominated by an anonymous student Beason was touched. Going above and beyond, Beason implements innovative teaching techniques that inspire students to go on a quest for knowledge where they strive to learn more everyday.

For her accomplishment she was also awarded a check for $500.

Five names made the list for COY.

Peggy Baxter serves as the Cross Guard at Leeds Elementary School. The anonymous nominator wrote,

“Kids love her and parents respect her. Peggy is a treasure to our town and school system.”

Kathy Dutton is the president of the Leeds City Schools Board of Education. She’s been a part of the BOE since 2008. “Kathy has been instrumental in the progress of our school system. A lifelong Leeds resident, she taught at Leeds Elementary School for 27 years. She retired in 2005. Kathy Dutton is someone all citizens can be proud of.”

If something is going on in Leeds chances are Patricia Partridge is a part of it. A strong creative force Patricia has made big things happen for the City of Leeds through being involved with the Leeds Scenic Byway, Women’s Literacy Club, Friends of the Leeds Library and Leeds Historical Society (among others). If something important is going on in Greenwave country Patricia Partridge will be there to lend a helping hand.

T.V. Weaver serves as the president of the Lions Club where their motto is “we serve.” Serving is at the heart of what T.V. is all about and he has a strong love for this community.

James Whitfield is very involved with Leeds First United Methodist Church where he serves as an usher among other things. He’s a master mason, has contributed to Habitat for Humanity, volunteers at Red Barn and the Leeds Outreach.

The anonymous nominator wrote, “James Whitfield is an asset to his community.”

The Citizen of the Year was deservedly awarded to Patricia Partridge.

Shocked and honored Partridge humbled said, “I’m just floored.”

Congratulations to a prosperous year to the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and the winners in their respective titles of the year.

For more information regarding the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce log onto www.leedsareachamber.com.