Henry Daily Herald

Special Photo: Several individuals were recognized, Saturday, during the Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s 45th Annual Banquet, led by Chamber President Kay Pippin (right). They included (from left) 2012 Chairman Danny Brown; Henry Sheriff Keith McBrayer; former Locust Grove Mayor Lorene Lindsey; Eddie Ausband; Kevin Smith; and 2011Chairman Taylor Rice.

The Ausband Agency, Inc., has been recognized by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce as its “Business of the Year.”

The citation came during the Chamber’s annual banquet Saturday night, in which a new chairman was installed and several other awards were announced.

In the key address to the group at the Eagle’s Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle told the assembled leaders to “think about where we are today .. It’s a totally different environment ... totally different economy.”

He urged an educational emphasis that “does not try to lump every young person’s learning into one category,” and lauded the Henry business community for a proactive approach to the economic and educational challenges facing the community by focusing on workforce development. He cautioned youngsters not to expect to realize success, without “some” college. “They are wrong,” he stressed.

During the awards ceremony, the selection of the Ausband Agency as the “Business of the Year,” caught owner, Eddie Ausband, by surprise. The Nationwide Insurance agent is the president of the Ausband Agency, Inc., which maintains offices in Stockbridge and McDonough.

“Thank you. I’m shocked,” Ausband said. “I’ve got a great group of people, and I’m truly blessed,” he said.

Chamber President Kay Pippin said the agency was selected because “it has demonstrated excellence is overall business operations, including customer service, employee development/relations, site aesthetics, marketing, integrity, innovation and community contribution.”

The business has been active in Henry for more than 20 years, providing commercial and residential property insurance, individual retirement accounts, and coverage for automobiles, motorcycles and other types of vehicles.

“I think that we do a good job of getting to know our clients,” said Maria Bannon, office manager at the agency. Bannon also praised Ausband for his commitment to Henry County and its people, adding that he has worked to raise funds for Piedmont Henry Hospital and Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.

In addition to the Ausband Agency, the Chamber honored business leaders and public servants, whose initiatives in 2011 were highlighted. They included awards for “The Citizen of the Year” to former Locust Grove Mayor Lorene Lindsey; “Volunteer of the Year,” to Kevin Smith; and “The Billy Carter Public Service Award” to Henry County Sheriff Keith McBrayer.

Both McBrayer and Lindsey are well-known throughout Henry County for their involvement in community activities. Both were singled out for rendering services to others, and the community as a whole, beyond showing excellence in their own positions.

“Thank you,” said McBrayer. “I was a little gun shy of coming up here. The last time I was here, I got roasted. I’m shocked. Thank you. I do what I can, because I love Henry County.”

Lindsey told the group she already is working again after retiring at the end of last year. “Thank you. I’m surprised, and honored,” she said. “I want you to know I’m working again ... at the food pantry, from 9 to 1 p.m. I sack toilet paper. If you don’t think that’s an exciting job, try it,” she said.

Kevin Smith, was picked for the volunteer award for giving significantly of his time and expertise to the organization. He was also cited for being a role model for other volunteers.

Presenter June Wood, of Georgia Power Co., credited Smith with getting more than 3,000 residents in Henry County work ready certificates. He played a lead role in helping the Chamber’s Work Ready Steering Committee secure the county’s distinction of Certified Work Ready Community, she noted. The recognition, announced in December, designates Henry County as having a skilled and educated workforce necessary to meet business demands and help drive economic growth statewide.

Smith, 53, is the human resources manager at Toppan Interamerica Inc., in McDonough. The father and husband serves as chairman of the existing industries committee of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

Smith’s employer, Toppan Interamerica, Inc., is one of the group’s 15 Work Ready businesses and employers. However, he said, the goal is to have at least 50 companies or businesses in Henry County taking part.

In other business during the 45th annual event, Danny Brown was installed as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber.

Brown, and his wife, Patti, own and operate SERVPROs of Henry, Spalding and Clayton Counties, as well as SERVPRO of Decatur. SERVPRO is considered the nation’s leader in fire-and water-damage cleanup and restoration.