North Fulton Chamber Announces 2016 Award Winners

ALPHARETTA, GA -- The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its annual awards, which honor local businesses and nonprofit organizations for their commitment to the community.

Award recipients exemplify entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, hard work and sound business practices. The 2016 Business Persons of Excellence, Small Business Person of the Year, and others were honored at the GNFCC Awards Breakfast held Aug. 23 at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek.

The 2016 Business Persons of Excellence are:

• Mary Becker – Best Deal Movers
• Kurt Hilbert – The Hilbert Law Firm, LLC
• Michael Lundmark – Jekyll Brewing
• Dr. James Morrow – Morrow Family Medicine

Walter Woliver of Alpha Office Products was named the 2016 Small Business Person of the Year. The winner of this award serves as a role model and inspiration to others who are following their dreams of being a business owner. Candidates are evaluated by growth and longevity, principal ownership and community involvement, innovation and response to adversity and chamber membership.

The Chamber is proud to celebrate and support nonprofit leaders in its community. The Nonprofit Leader of the Year and the Community Impact Awards honor leaders for their extraordinary contributions on behalf of their organizations.

The winners of the Community Impact Award are:

• Russell Hayes – Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia, Inc.
• John McLaughlin – North Metro Miracle League, Inc.
• Monica Oliveira – STAR House Foundation
• Donna Smythe – Child Development Association
• Kathy Swahn – The Drake House

Rachel Ewald of Foster Care Support Foundation is the 2016 Nonprofit Leader of the Year. This award celebrates nonprofit leaders in North Fulton for their dedication to the service and welfare of others.

Robert Farley of Georgia Ensemble Theatre was named the first recipient of the 2016 Nonprofit Vision Award, which honors the visionaries in the community who abound with creativity and passion, making a difference in the places where North Fulton residents live, work and play.

During the ceremony, Miss Tillie O’Neal-Kyles of Every Woman Works received the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service and accomplishments throughout their career.

She was also presented with a proclamation from Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis designating Aug. 23, 2016, as Miss Tillie O’Neal-Kyles Appreciation Day.

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Images via Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce