By Roger Pugh
Contributing Writer
Long-time local civic activist Cleve Wheeler was inducted into the Piedmont Hall of Fame Saturday during the Piedmont Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.
Wheeler, has been active in Piedmont civic affairs for many years, holding leadership roles on the Piedmont Founders Day Committee, Piedmont’s July 4 celebration and has been an active participant and leader in the Piedmont Kiwanis Club, among many other civic efforts.
Over years, about any time there is a parade in Piedmont, Wheeler is playing a vital part in coordinating all or part of the event.
Since arriving here over 20 years ago, Wheeler has been an integral part of numerous efforts to make Piedmont a better place to live and work.
Inductees into the Piedmont Hall of Fame are selected by the previous Hall of Famers and those selected are announced, recognized and honored at the chamber’s annual banquet.
The Chamber also honored several others for their work in the community or for the chamber.
Honored by the Chamber for his selection as the City of Piedmont Employee of the Year was Piedmont Public Works Director Bud Stuber. He has been with the City since 1992.
Winning the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year Award was Mandy Reents who founded Beautiful Purpose, a ministry to help girls have the night of their dreams. She realized many girls at the high school can’t afford prom or formal dresses, so she founded the ministry where people can take gently used formal, prom, bridesmaid or party dresses needing a new home. Reets and other volunteers take the donated dresses to the school, set up a pop-up dress shop, and the junior/senior girls have the opportunity to come in and “check out” a dress to wear for their prom night. Afterwards they bring their dress back for the next years’ class to use. She hopes to go into more schools in the future.
The Chamber’s Community Service Award winner was Robin Murray, while Derrick Acres was selected the Most Dedicated Chamber Member. Both were announced and recognized Saturday.
Troy and Lisa Strickland’s Subway was honored as the Business of the Year, while the Pride of Piedmont Award of Excellence went to the “I Heart Piedmont” movement. The “I Heart Movement” is spearheaded by Madison and Heather Giggers.
The President’s Award, an award presented by the Chamber President to any person, organization or business the President selects, went to the Piedmont Public Schools Foundation, headed by Eric Anderson.
Those attending the banquet, which was catered by Spanish Cove were entertained by the the Piedmont Community Theatre Group, StageDoor.
Chamber officers for 2020 are Darren Owens, President, Robin Hawkins, Vice President, Louanne Trammel, Second Vice President, Josh Atkinson, Treasurer, and Megan Early, Secretary.
Rounding out the 2020 Chamber Board of Directors are Dr. James White, Stanley Nance, Joyce Leach, Megan Early, Andy Logan, Cindy Boevers, and ex officio members Eric Anderson, Amber Hite and Barbara Rubley
