WEST MONROE – The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s A.O. Evans and Entrepreneurial Success Awards.
Both awards were presented at the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet on Tuesday, December 7 at the West Monroe Convention Center.
Tashia Hines was named the recipient of the 2022 A.O. Evans Award.
The A.O. Evans Award recognizes one individual in the area each year for outstanding contributions to the West Monroe and West Ouachita area.
The A.O. Evans Award was first presented in 1976 to Mr. A.T. Mitchell. When considering a name for the new award, the Chamber Board decided to name it in honor of the founder of the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce – A.O. Evans.
The Johnny Huntsman Entrepreneurial Success Award was presented to Dawne Smith.
The Entrepreneurial Success Award honors a current WMWO Chamber business member or individual member that exemplifies the true entrepreneurial spirit in three areas – employees, management style and entrepreneurial spirit.
Other awards included at the Annual Banquet:
The Chamber recognized Jennifer Zimmerman, Medicare Healthcare WE CARE, as Diplomat of the Year.
Ouachita Parish firefighter Captain V. Carter was honored as the Ouachita Parish Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year.
Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Sr. Investigator James Humphrey was named the Sheriff’s Office’s Deputy of the Year.
West Monroe Firefighter Captain Jared Walker was named the City of West Monroe’s Fire Department Firefighter of the Year.
West Monroe Police Detective Daniel Freeland was named the West Monroe Police Department’s Officer of the Year.
“I’m proud to end my term as chairman tonight highlighting 3 outstanding community members” said Amanda Hatten Edge, Chairman WMWO Chamber. “It is the honor of the Chamber to present these awards yearly, highlighting community champions that help make Ouachita Parish extraordinary.”
For more information about the WMWO Chamber of Commerce, please call (318) 325-1961 or visit www.westmonroechamber.org.