SPRINGDALE -- Honors were presented Friday during the Chamber of Commerce's annual luncheon.
The Civic Service Award was presented to Philip Taldo, co-owner of Weichert Realtors, The Griffin Co. Taldo brought his family to accept the award with him.
"My contribution to this city pales in comparison into what I've received from it," Taldo said in his acceptance speech. "Springdale has given me opportunities. It has given my family a great place to live. It's given me a living and a great place to be prosperous."
Gov. Asa Hutchinson congratulated Taldo, whom he described as his "friend," in a recorded video.
The annual award is given to an individual who has embodied exemplary service to the chamber and Springdale community, said Bill Rogers, vice president for communication and special projects for the chamber.
Brad Cochran was named Ambassador of the Year.
"This goes to an individual who goes above and beyond what is expected of an ambassador," said Perry Webb, president of the chamber.
The Ambassador of the Year award is based on a point system of events attended and time volunteered, Rogers said.
Those in attendance heard from outgoing chamber chairman Mitchell Johnson, president and CEO of Ozarks Electric Cooperative, who reviewed achievements of the past year, and incoming chairman Brent Hanby, co-owner of Encore Flooring and Building Products, who discussed the chamber's plans and goals for the coming year.
Johnson said it's been a great pleasure working with the chamber "to make Springdale a better place to work and live," and spoke of the city's accomplishments and coming growth.
Hanby lauded the many ways Springdale has grown and will continue to grow, citing the creation of C.L. "Charlie" and Willie George Park and the city being a state leader in job creation.
Phil Gwoke of the company BridgeWorks delivered the keynote speech.
The Springdale Chamber Harps Food Stores Annual Meeting Luncheon was held at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center. About 750 to 800 people attended.
NW News on 03/04/2017