Guthrie Chamber honors businesses, volunteers and community leaders at annual awards banquet

The Guthrie Chamber of Commerce celebrated a night of recognition and community pride during its annual awards banquet held last week, featuring a festive 1950s-themed evening inside the Meridian Technology Center.

Community members, business leaders, and volunteers gathered to honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to Guthrie over the past year. Several awards were presented, highlighting excellence in business, service, and community involvement.

Ladybug Lane Flower Farm was named Small Business of the Year, with the award presented by Sarah Phillips of Mosquito Pest & Authority.

Representatives of Ladybug Lane Flower Farm accept the Small Business of the Year award from presenter Sarah Phillips of Mosquito Pest & Authority at the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce annual banquet. Photo by Heath Shelton/Shelton Photography.

F&M Bank received Business of the Year honors, presented by Dr. Mike Simpson with Guthrie Public Schools.

Representatives of F&M Bank receive the Business of the Year award from presenter Dr. Mike Simpson of Guthrie Public Schools during the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce annual banquet. Photo by Heath Shelton/Shelton Photography.

Terry Moore was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, with the award presented by Jamie Newton of EMI.

Terry Moore accepts the Volunteer of the Year award from presenter Jamie Newton of EMI at the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce annual banquet. Photo by Heath Shelton/Shelton Photography.

Justin Fortney was named Citizen of the Year and received the honor from Cody Lawson of Twin Cedars.

Justin Fortney receives the Citizen of the Year award from presenter Cody Lawson of Twin Cedars during the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce annual banquet. Photo by Heath Shelton/Shelton Photography.

Jason Cook was selected as Ambassador of the Year, with Jill Price of Prism Bank presenting the award.

Jason Cook accepts the Ambassador of the Year award from presenter Jill Price of Prism Bank at the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce annual banquet. Photo by Heath Shelton/Shelton Photography.

Wings of Hope was recognized as Non-Profit of the Year, presented by Nikki Long of the Guthrie News Leader.

Representatives of Wings of Hope receive the Non-Profit of the Year award from presenter Nikki Long of the Guthrie News Leader during the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce annual banquet. Photo by Heath Shelton/Shelton Photography.

The evening’s highest honor, the Jon Gumerson Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Laverne Dowding by Phil Nichols with Exsin, recognizing a lifetime of dedication and impact within the Guthrie community.

Laverne Dowding accepts the Jon Gumerson Lifetime Achievement Award from presenter Phil Nichols of Exsin at the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce annual banquet. Photo by Heath Shelton/Shelton Photography.

The annual banquet celebrated the people and organizations that continue to help Guthrie grow and thrive, while also offering a fun, nostalgic evening centered on the 1950s theme.