Chamber honors local leaders with annual community awards
The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated exceptional leadership, service and community impact during its annual awards luncheon, held April 11 at Hartselle First Assembly of God. The event recognized individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to make Hartselle a better place to live, work and thrive.
Charley Cain was honored with the Dr. Thomas M. Guyton Humanitarian Award, presented to an individual whose selfless contributions and servant leadership uplift the Hartselle community. His wife, Shari Cain shared on Facebook what the recognition means to their family.
Rob Cain presents his brother Charley Cain with the Dr. Thomas M. Guyton Humanitarian Award at the annual luncheon April 11. Photo by Rachel Howard.
“This award for Charley represents many years of doing life and ministry with so many amazing people. Thank you to everyone who has ever been a part of The Fire Escape, World Harvest Outreach Charley Cain Ministries and our ever-growing circle of friends and family,” she wrote. “We realize that we stand on the shoulders of those that have gone before and have locked arms with all of you to bring the love and hope of Jesus to a hurting world for over 40 years with many still to go.”
Keith Jackson, owner of Jackson Plumbing, received the E.R. Roberts Business & Civic Award, named in honor of the legendary local businessman whose reputation for honesty and community pride set the standard for Hartselle’s business leaders. Jackson is the founder and owner of Jackson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Decatur. He was born and raised in Hartselle and graduated from Morgan County High School. He earned an associate degree from Calhoun Community College and opened Jackson Plumbing Inc. in 1987. He added HVAC in 2016 and purchased Drain Pro in 2018.
Jan Byrd was recognized with the John J. Sparkman Citizenship Award, for her lasting contributions to Hartselle City Schools. Byrd serves as the administrative assistant to the superintendent; she was presented the award by Hartselle superintendent Dr. Brian Clayton. As a guiding force behind many of the district’s key initiatives, Byrd has played a pivotal role in shaping educational opportunities and fostering student success.
Larry Franks, executive director of First Priority of Greater Decatur, received the Tommy Ed Roberts Civic Award which celebrates individuals whose extraordinary service and leadership leave a legacy in Hartselle and Morgan County. According to the HACC, this award recognizes an individual who exemplifies deep pride in their community and is dedicated to its growth and betterment. This recipient continuously demonstrates a strong commitment to the well-being of all community members through generous acts of service, time and resources. After serving on a local church staff for 25 years, Franks became the full-time executive director of First Priority of Greater Decatur in 2014. His heart’s passion is to see students come to know Christ and for them to have a personal and thriving relationship with Him.
The chamber also presented the English-Walker Ambassador of the Year Award to Christina Willis, a standout volunteer whose enthusiasm, professionalism and teamwork set her apart. Voted on by her fellow ambassadors, the award honors the legacies of Bettye English and Faye Walker—two longtime volunteers who served the chamber and community with grace and dedication.
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Christina Willis receives the English-Walker Ambassador of the Year Award at the annual luncheon April 11. Photo by Rachel Howard.
The annual luncheon is part of the Chamber’s ongoing mission to support business growth, recognize community leadership and promote the values that make Hartselle unique.
