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The Greater Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its Partners in Progress award winner and nominees for several other awards that will be presented at the 2nd Annual Awards Gala later this month.

The Partners in Progress winner is Roy and Beth Landers for their work in developing Landers Towing and Automotive and the Iron Saddle complex.

Chamber Executive Director Jessica Coleman-Nix made the announcement during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

“This recipient has spent multiple years of dedication in curating strategic planning to possibly impacting our local and regional economical development. They have created multiple jobs and services for the communities that they serve.  They are champions of the chamber and supporters of all things local.  They are innovative and their forward thinking has brought  new activities and events to our community which in turn has brought an influx of new traffic and tourism.  We are grateful to have them in our community.”

Roy and Beth Landers will be presented the award at the Awards Gala to be held at A.Fair Barn on Saturday night, April 20th.

Nominees were announced in a number of other award categories with the winners to be announced on April 20th.

The Legacy Award nominees are the Salem Little League, Security Alarm of Southern and Central Illinois, and Little Egypt Golf Cars LTD.

Nominees for Small Business of the Year are ATV’s and More, Inc; El Rancherito Mexican Restaurant, Clark Academy Day Care, JLane Boutique, Purcell Capital, LLC, Rail Coffee Room, Chuck’s Place, Bandy’s Pharmacy, and Box Drop of Salem.

Nominees for New Business of the Year are Taco Tuesday Everyday Food Truck, Be Still Wellness Spa, Quinn Realty and Property Management Group, and Grace to You 618.

The Educator of the Year Award brought out a large number of honorees.  They are SCHS Band and Art teachers John and Vanessa Randolph, Hawthorn Elementary Teacher Amy Daniels, Kaskaskia College Adult Education Instructor Terry Chappell, Raccoon Grade School Teacher Kendra Herman, Centralia High School FFA Teacher Mehgan English, Raccoon Grade School Kindergarten Teacher Angie Hart, Raccoon Grade School Junior High Math Teacher Kelly Compton, Raccoon Grade School Aid and Athletic Director Valerie Michael, Raccoon Grade School Math Teacher Kristen Parrett, Mt. Vernon High School Special Education Teacher Ashlee Adams, Hawthorn School Reading Specialist/Interventionist Rebecca Frisby, and Franklin Park teacher and softball coach Ashley Bolton.

Those nominated for Volunteer of the Year were Cathy Malone, Gretchen Douglas, Rob Schnicker, Matt Stanford, Kendra Herman, and Caleb Howe.

The Salem Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year nominees are Alyssa Pinkston, Siretha Howe, Terri Mearns, Kelley Predium, Heather Wilkins, and Kaitlynn Howard.

Coleman-Nix reports tickets to the Awards Gala will remain at $25 apiece this year.

“We will be starting the night off with a cocktail hour at 6pm, which will have live music and cash bar and also h’ordourves just for us.  We will have a selfie station, fabulous décor and of course all the best people will be there.  We will move into the awards ceremony at 7pm and then move into an after party as it was requested last year.  That we take time to have everyone celebrate together at the end of the evening.”

Tickets are available via the Salem Chamber’s Facebook page or through the chamber website.

Various chamber board members made the announcement of the nominees during the press conference held at the ABC.