Chamber awards presented staff writer 04/29/09 Amy Garmon Email this story to a friend Awards were presented at the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce annual banquet including those for community service, industry of the year, business of the year, and citizen of the year. Pictured are award winners: left to right, Hal Klein and Karl Ivey; Bill Tracy; Cindy and Paul St. Onge; and Chris Hill. (Photo by Amy Garmon) Poodle skirts, oxfords, and ponytails, were all part of the Twin Cites Chamber of Commerce annual banquet themed “Lost in the 50’s,” April 25 at the Pontotoc Community Center on Lake Street. After a live performance from an Elvis Presley impersonator, the guest speaker, Kentucky Senator Ken Winters, captured a reaction from the crowd after he spoke of what an honor it was to be on the same platform as Elvis. Winters’ speech focused on education in the 1950’s compared to education today, reverting to his high school and college days when he laid concrete for a living. “If you could roll the clock back and be 16 again, would you do it,” Winters asked. Winters complimented the city, judge executive, and the mayors of the Twin Cities for their efforts during the icestorm. “We are not there yet, we still have work to do,” Winters said. Winters ended his speech with a quote from former President Ronald Reagan, “If we forget we are a nation under God, then we are a nation gone under.” Mike Smith with the Fulton Tourism Commission spoke of the upcoming opening of the time capsule on Lake Street, set to take place July 22, followed by a short film from 1963, of the first Banana Festival parade. Peggy Lohaus, who was present at the banquet, was shown as a child in the film, during the parade which took place nearly 50 years prior. For the second year in a row Pic Pac Super Market owners Paul and Cindy St. Onge took home the award for business of the year, presented by Fulton Mayor Dan Voegeli. Bill Tracy, terminal manager, accepted the industry of the year award on behalf of Hartt Transportation System, presented by Fulton/Hickman County Economic Development Partnership Director Eddie Crittendon. Lea Ann Hobbs presented the Reelfoot Bank Community Service Award to the Fulton Lions Club, accepted by Karl Ivey and Hal Klein. Citizen of the year award was presented to South Fulton resident Chris Hill, by South Fulton city manager Jeff Vowell. Burgers with the trimmings, cocktails, and ice cream were served. A silent auction was held during the event, and a live auction of items donated by local patrons followed the award presentations.