Chamber honors Conner, Browning at annual event

By Reilly Robbins

The Clinch County Chamber of Commerce honored two outstanding citizens Thursday at their annual social event at Homerville’s Station #11 Depot.

The highlight of the event was the award presentations of the Outstanding Citizen Award and the Sunshine Award. This year’s “Outstanding Citizen” is Lisa Conner and the “Sunshine Award” was given to Brian Browning. 

Chamber Executive Director Debbie Barber announced Conner as this year’s Outstanding Citizen award winner, citing how much love Conner has for her hometown of Homerville. 

“She promotes it, protects it, and provides for it,” said Barber in introducing Conner, a retired teacher, local businesswoman, and active volunteer.

Outgoing Chamber President Lily Blitch announced Browning as the recipient of the Sunshine Award for his volunteerism.Blitch cited that Browning consistently helps local families with fundraising projects. So far, Browning has helped raise over $150,000 for families in the community.  

The chamber crowd also heard reports from two of the community’s institutitions – the school system and hospital.

Clinch County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lori James gave an update to the attendees about the happenings in Clinch County Schools. 

The CEO of Clinch Memorial Hospital, Angela Handley, give an update about the community hospital.

It was announced at the event that Crystal Godfrey is succeeding Blitch as Chamber president. Chamber board members rolling off the board include Blitch, Pam Bateson, and Catina Lacey. They are being replaced on the board by Reilly Robbins, Harrison Tucker, Tina Daniel, and Kim Ratliff. The remaining board members include Derek Herlocker,

Maddie Fortner, Michael Railey, Scott Griffin, Dolly Lee, Jonathan Roundtree, and Trey Murray.

At the event, Blitch also presented Kevin Hart of the Suwannee River Golf Club  with a check for $2,000 following the Chamber’s annual golf tournament last year.

Below are photos from the event.