Jackson's winners

Each year, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce honors individuals, businesses and industries for their contributions to the community and for representing the city in the best possible ways. This year's awards, presented at Monday's annual banquet, focused a spotlight on worthy recipients of the various awards.

Anyone who knows the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer outside the church he pastors in Jackson, Emanuel United Church of Christ, probably has been involved in a community project too. Roethemeyer received the chamber's R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award in recognition of the many ways he has gone far beyond his church duties to make Jackson a better place to live and work. So if you know Roethemeyer well, you also know how much time and effort he gives to organizations that exist to uplift people in need.

Others recognized at the chamber banquet have exhibited the same qualities of contributing to the overall betterment of the community.

New Lenco Corp., a company that has struggled through some rough patches to emerge as a solid Jackson employer, was honored as Industry of the Year.

Central States Coca-Cola received the Business of the Year award, and Dr. T. Wayne Lewis -- dentist, school board member and longtime community supporter -- was honored with the Small Business of the Year award.

A special agriculture award went to Darrell Aufdenberg.

Congratulations to all the award recipients. They, along with award winners from previous years and individuals and businesses to be honored in years to come, all help make Jackson a thriving and prosperous city.