The Tucker County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the recipients for the 46th Annual Chamber Awards. The banquet will be on Thursday evening, May 16, 2024 at 5:30pm at Canaan Valley Resort Bear Paw Lodge (ski area side). Tickets are $40 and can be reserved at the Information Center in Davis or by going to the website tuckercountychamber.org. Tickets need to be reserved by May 10th. When reserving your ticket, please let us know of any dietary restrictions.
Chamber has solicited nominations for seven different categories and few Special Awards, the secret committee has met and the results are in for the 2024winners!
- Educator of the Year: Robyn Nestor
Tucker County High School, Special Education Teacher
Mountain Hospice is the proud sponsor of this award.
One nomination said, “Robyn Nestor, Special Education Teacher at Tucker County High School is such a valuable educator in our school and community. She is a phenomenal educator, that constantly goes above and beyond for all students and everyone she encounters.”
Another nomination said, “Her guidance and expertise in managing the TCHS special education department has been invaluable to me, and her professionalism is unmatched.”
“Finally, if you go to her classroom, you will notice a massive collection of students photographs that she is accumulated over the years. These photos come from the students she has served over the many years, who are sure to provide her a photo for her wall as a way to say thank you for the help she has provided them over the years. Every time I see this wall of students, I am reminded of just how many lives Robyn has improved, showing just how deserving of this award she is.”
- Student of the Year: Macy Helmick
Sirianni’s Café is the proud sponsor of this award.
One nomination describes, “Macy is a hardworking, disciplined student athlete that is highly respected by her peers and teachers. She is definitely everything you would want in a student, teammate and citizen of Tucker County.”
Another says, “Macy stands out among her peers. Although she is an outstanding athlete, her studies never waiver form excellence. She has the ability to prioritize her time in achieve perfection in both her academic and athletic career. “
This nomination mentioned, “Macy Helmick is a standout student from Tucker County High School. Macy exemplifies excellence both in academics and athletics, making significant contributions to our school community.” “…Macy’s commitment to service is exemplary; she has dedicated countless hours to the Varsity Club, National Honor Society, and numerous community initiatives, including volunteering for summer reading programs, concession stands, and service projects.”
One said, “She doesn’t avoid hard work, she seeks it out. While she is a quiet leader, she is most definitely a leader.”
- Employee of the Year: Shelia DeVilder
Inn at Canaan is the proud sponsor of this award
A nominee said, “Your criterion for the award is to select a person in our community who is ‘committed and dedicated to the place of her employment as if it were her own.’ Shelia embodies that definition. We know that she has served as County Administrator well for the last 5+ years.”
One nomination expressed, “Shelia helps all offices and makes the process of day-to-day issues and goals become smoother and obtainable.”
Another mentioned, “Sheila is both extraordinarily intelligent and very responsible-it is amazing combination of skills and it makes her truly wonderful employee. She has the ability to “see” what needs to be done and the strength of character to make sure that what needs to be done, gets done.”
One says, “Her work skills, knowledge and commitment make her a great asset to this county and an excellent employee. She is the backbone to the County Commission Office and very deserving of this award.”
This nomination describes, “Through her efforts, Tucker County has received hundreds of thousands of dollars because of her grant writing skills. Her work ethic is unmatched.”
- Business Person of the Year: Marsha Waybright
Best of Canaan is the proud sponsor of this award
A nomination describes, “As a female business owner, Marsha actually owns/manages four businesses from one location: The Laurel River Club Bed and Breakfast, Laurel Fork Farm, West Virginia School of Traditional Skills, and Mama Bear Protection. Her slogan, “Experience West Virginia With Us” says it all – this is what visitors can expect when staying at her BnB or participating in the many workshops she provides through her business.”
This nomination mentions, “Marsha and her businesses were featured in the Summer 2023 issue of Goldenseal. She has been asked to be a speaker at many events, including the Woman of Agriculture Conference, the WV Governor’s Conference on Tourism, META sent her to Washington, DC to speak on behalf of small businesses and how they use targeted marketing. And she has been asked to do speaking engagements with Easter WV Community and Technical College this year, as well as guest speaker at the Homestead-ish Conference organized by the Capitol Conference District in Charleston, WV later this year.”
- Community Service Award: Judy Cronauer
Canaan Valley Resort is the proud sponsor of this award
A nomination said, “Judy’s dedication to our community is unparalleled.”
“Her exceptional work in supporting the Town of Davis, participating in or leading various Town of Davis Committees and Commissions, and supporting the community has set her apart.”
“…a member of the committee that developed the Town of Davis’s Comprehensive Plan, a project that was six years in making. Judy was appointed by the Davis Town Council as a member of the Town’s Planning Commission. She also served on the Town’s Bad Buildings Committee and helped to develop the Town’s vacant property inventory.”
In 2023 she was appointed by the Tucker County Commission to the newly formed Blackwater Public Service District (PSD). “She is invaluable to the PSD because of her engineering training and experience.”
- Cultural Heritage and Arts: John Bright, owner of Purple Fiddle
ArtSpring is the proud sponsor of this award
John, owner and operator of the Purple Fiddle, was nominated and selected to receive this award. A nomination wrote, “I remember when he first opened it and myself being a music lover was so excited and hoped it would last! And so, it has!” John and his former partner purchased the vacant DePollo store in Thomas in 2001. Since the opening, there has been a performance every Friday and Saturday night at 8:30pm. These days the music schedule practically fills itself six months in advance with nationally-touring professional acts eager to play at a great-sounding, intimate space.
- Special Award: 2024 Tucker County Boys and Girls Basket Teams
St. George Medical Clinic is the proud sponsor of this award
AGAIN, the Tucker County Boys’ Basketball Team made it to States in Charleston. The Boys’ team were State Runners-Ups in Class A!
The Boys’ Team, playing in the finals for second year in a row, finished the season with a 21- 3 record.
- Special Award in Outdoor Recreation: Sue Haywood
Blackwater Bikes is the proud sponsor of this award
Sue Haywood is a retired professional mountain biker racer, that raced for team Trek Volkswagen. Her first experience with mountain biking started while attending West Virginia University. Now you can find her working at Blackwater Bikes or catch her cross-country skiing and working at White Grass in the winter.
In 2009 she founded the Canaan Mountain Bike Festival with a simple yet powerful mission: to bring people together on bikes and encourage local trail stewardship.
She continues to serve on Blackwater Biking Association board. Volunteering her time as a voice and advocate for the biking communities and trail stewardship. Her long-standing career and passion for outdoor recreation succeeds the qualifications for this award.
Tuckineer: TO BE ANNOUNCED AT THE BANQUET
Citizens Bank of West Virginia is the sponsor of this prestigious award.
For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact the Chamber office at 304-259-5315 prior to the end of business on May 10th! They can be purchased online at tuckercountychamber.org
