Effingham County Chamber celebrates community leadership

Especially for the Herald

Springfield – The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting June 13 at the Chateau 1800 Event Center in Rincon, presented by RepowerIT in Guyton. The event attracted more than 200 members from all business sectors to celebrate community leadership, recognize outstanding contributions and look to the future. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the John Adam Treutlen Award to Speaker of the House of Representatives Jon Burns.

John Adam Treutlen Prize

The John Adam Treutlen Award, supported by Thomas & Hutton, is an annual recognition given to a county resident who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and activism within the community and is of local significance.

Named after Georgia’s first post-British governor, Hans Adam Treutlen, who rose from indentured servant to a wealthy merchant and landowner, the award symbolizes the spirit of the greater Effingham community. The first Treutlen Award was presented in 1986 and winners include Ann Purcell, Secretary of the Georgia Transportation Board and former State Representative, Representative Bill Hitchens, and retired educator and military veteran Dr. Franklin Goldwire.

The John Adam Treutlen Award recipient will be kept confidential until presented at the annual awards ceremony, maintaining an element of surprise and excitement.

Speaker Jon Burns, a long-serving representative from Georgia’s 159th District and resident of Effingham County, was honored for his unwavering dedication to public service and tireless efforts to advance the interests of Effingham County. His leadership has been instrumental in numerous legislative achievements that have positively impacted the local community and the state of Georgia.

Special recognition was provided through sentiments expressed by Jon’s wife, Dayle, and Chancellor Sonny Perdue, as well as video messages recorded by former Governor Nathan Deal and Governor Brian Kemp.

Celebrating community and volunteer leadership

The annual meeting also celebrated the achievements of other community members and business leaders. Tamela Mydell, co-owner of Southern Kafé, was recognized at the age of 17 in Guyton for 10 years of service, during which time she and her husband and business partner Tracy have not only endured their share of business challenges, but also touched the hearts and have warmed the bellies of countless businesses, residents and visitors. Their dedication and role in fostering a welcoming atmosphere has made them beloved figures in Effingham County.

In addition, the Chamber honored Troy Allen of Southern Oak Advisory for his outstanding service as outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors. His leadership and dedication have led the Chamber through a year of change, growth and success. As his term ends, the Chamber is pleased to welcome Kim Iler of Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic as its new Chairman. Iler’s experience and passion for community service promise to lead the Chamber to new heights in the coming year.