Clovis chamber honors its own

Erinn Burch admitted receiving the Clovis-Curry County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award was a huge surprise minutes after being honored in front of the audience gathered Friday for the chamber's annual banquet.

"I just feel like I do my job and I'm glad for what I get to do everyday," said Burch, who has served as the executive director of United Way of Eastern New Mexico since 2002. "I love what I do. I love the chance I have to work together with the community. I think it makes a difference when we try to address the issues that face our communities and face our families."

CMI staff photo: Tony Bullocks

Erinn Burch, left, is given a guitar by new chamber President Sandra Taylor-Sawyer as a prize for being named "Citizen of the Year" during the Clovis/Curry County Chamber awards banquet Friday at the Clovis Civic Center.

About 300 citizens attended the banquet, according to chamber Executive Director Ernie Kos.

The program included 2012 Chamber President Lance Adkins passing the gavel to Sandra-Taylor Sawyer, the 2013 chamber president.

The crowd was about 25 more attendees than last year.

Citizens and local dignitaries dressed in suits and ties and sparkling dresses conversed while eating steak and potatoes before the awards were announced.

Two large screens displayed a sideshow of activities and events that took place in Clovis throughout the last year. The band "Max Impact," billed as the U.S. Air Force's premiere rock band, got the crowd moving with rock renditions of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "God Bless the USA."

Award recipients received electric guitars as part of their honors.

Award winners:

• Citizen of the Year: Erinn Burch

Burch has served as the executive director of United Way of Eastern New Mexico since 2002. Burch has worked hard at encouraging and increasing community involvement in United Way, according to Kos.

According to Kos, Burch led the positive transformation of the grant allocation process at United Way to include community members in making decisions for distributing funds. Kos said Burch endlessly strives to bring citizens together to improve the quality of life for everyone.

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Caleb Chandler

Chandler serves as the New Mexico Canadian River Compact Commissioner, secretary of the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority, chairman of the New Mexico DWI Grant Council and is a member of the Clovis-Curry Chamber of Commerce. Chandler also served as a New Mexico state senator from 1977 through 1989 and worked for the Clovis Police department for 24 years, nine as police chief.

• Ambassador Spirit Award: Jacque Ochs

Ochs has been part of the chamber ambassadors team since 1990, serving in all officer positions, including chairmen of the ambassadors, and was awarded of the ambassador of the year award 2006. According to Kos, Ochs demonstrated her spirit strongest when she volunteered to record the ambassadors points system. Ochs recently retired but volunteers at the chamber office.

• Ambassador of the Year: Pat McCullough

McCullough, who goes by the nickname "Grandma Jersey," is owner and operator of ABS New Mexico, an accounting, bookkeeping and tax preparation firm.

She is also involved with Altrusa, Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico and Clovis Chamber ambassadors. According to Kos, McCullough has attended all ambassador functions, including ribbon cuttings, chamber breakfasts and special events.

• Business of the Year: Cummins Natural Gas Engines

According to Kos, Cummins Natural Gas Engines offers an outstanding workforce to Clovis. The Cummins staff volunteers considerable time and talent to organizations and charities in the community.

• The Ken Huey Patriot Award: Sarah and Justin Stagner

The Stagners have chaired the Single Airmen's Christmas Party for the past three years, which raised more than $30,000 for Christmas presents for single airmen.

The Stagners have also chaired the Storm the Dorms event for several years, volunteer on Cannon Appreciation Day, and have raised money for phone cards for deployed airmen.

• Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Jay Parmenter

Parmenter worked with Vi Petty preparing the Seventh Street Studio for BBC's recording of "The Real Buddy Holly Story in 1985." Parmenter has given tours of the studio to fans from across the globe for nearly 30 years. He is instrumental in the planning and developing of the Norman and Vi Petty Rock and Roll Museum.

• The Heart Award: Tammy Garner

Garner operated Master's Parable Christian Store beginning in 1986 and expanded it five years later. Her store served thousands of customers, many church groups and numerous churches in the area, according to Kos. Garner has a special gift of teaching how to serve, Kos said.