Fletcher, Hudson Win Top Award

DAYTON - Dayton's Betty Ann Fletcher and Elaine Hudson were nearly speechless last Thursday night when they were announced as the 2011 Citizens of the Year by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

The women could barely squeak out that they were honored after being hugged and cheered on by their family and friends in the community who had attended the chamber's 65th banquet at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

Roslyn Edwards, whose husband Steve won the award last year, presented on his behalf and said the two women spent many hours volunteering at local events. They patrolled the walkway under the grandstand at the fairgrounds, manned polling stations during elections, and helped with Dayton on Tour and fundraising auctions.

Edwards said you could attend any community event "and it's a good bet you would see them both there."

She added that the women were both good citizens, kind, selfless and willing to help for the greater good.

In addition to Fletcher and Hudson, five other awards were presented to community members that night.

Employee of the Year is George Haderlie. He was described by presenter Reid Helford as a helpful, friendly and knowledgeable person.

"He's the go-to person," Helford said.

Haderlie is always upbeat and happy to be at Dayton Mercantile, he said.

"I love you," was all Haderlie said to those in attendance when he received his award.

The Business of the Year is Dayton Tractor and Machine. Presenter Scott Peters from last year's winner Columbia REA said Dayton Tractor is a "true success story."

With great service and a talented staff, it "draws business to Dayton from a large surrounding area," Peters said.

Youth of the Year for 2011 is Dayton High School student Colleen Delp. Cougar Henderson, last year's winner, said Delp consistently works hard and is talented. She has a 3.79 GPA and is part of ASB leadership, the cheer squad and the softball team. She has been very active in Youth in Government6 and is the high school's school board representative. Cougar said she has used her great communication skills locally and statewide through the Youth in Government program.

Kathy George, the chairwoman of the Dayton Historical Preservation Commission, presented two awards to homeowners and business owners who over the last year have contributed to the historical integrity of the city.

The Residential Recognition

Award was presented to Willie and Molly Tate, the owners of the historical "Wood House" on West Richmond. The house is a Queen Anne style home with cross gables and decorative shingle work. The Tates have added a new color palette and a deck with a hot tub. George said the Tates did all of the prep work themselves. Also, the couple has maintained the original rooms and ceilings of the home.

"I had hair before this started," Willie Tate joked when he and his wife received the award.

The Commercial Recognition Award was presented to Dr. Norm and Ann Passmore for their work to keep their 1985 Main Street building in tip-top shape. The building had once been a grocery store, an office and a jewelry store, George said. While a jewelry store in the 1950s, a slipcover was added to make it feel more current. Now, the Passmore's are keeping its 1950s look with the aluminum frame windows, black ceramic tiles, accented jewelers clock and mural for their dental office.

"We can thank Ann and Norm for another jewel on Main Street," George said.

In addition to presenting awards, the banquet included the premiere of a new tourism video meant to lure businesses and families to Dayton, and a presentation on the progress and vision of Blue Mountain Station, located just off Highway 12 on the west entrance to the city.

The fair pavilion at the fairgrounds was packed with citizens who enjoyed a great meal, wine and beautifully decorated tables. Bette Lou Crothers, the president of the chamber, said this annual event is really all about building and enhancing the business community, as well as catching up with old friends.

"We get to join together as peers and fellow business people," Crothers said.