The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce honored a number of businesses at its Celebrate Progress Annual Banquet.
The Legacy Award was presented to Re:purpose Development, Crooked Creek Winery, and Cooney Hospitality Group which includes the recently reopened Centralia House Restaurant. Shannon Cooney says he’s extremely grateful and glad to be a small part of what is going on in downtown Centralia. Cooney only moved to Centralia ten years ago and said he has never lived in a better place. He’s also appreciative to all in the community for taking him in and helping with his projects.
“The message of vision is an important one because if we don’t dream, then we can’t create a better life or a better way forward,” Cooney said. “I’ve always said in meetings that I don’t want Centralia to just catch up to other places, I want it to jump ahead and be a place that people look at, want to move to, and want to visit and bring their friends to see what Centralia has going on. I can happily report that that’s happening.”
Cooney says legacy is about building a better place for your children. He notes his children love the community and look forward to growing up to be part of it.
Three others received Partners in Progress awards. Heather Day of Colonial Golf Course and Mae Day Gaming, Travis Etheridge who owns The Insurance Alliance, Hank’s and Jack’s, and Bradford National Bank.
Seven businesses were honored on milestone anniversaries. Jeff’s Chem Dry on its 25th Anniversary, Centralia Coin and Stamps 35th Anniversary, Bandy’s Pharmacy 50th Anniversary, WJBD Radio 70th Anniversary, Kaskaskia College 85th Anniversary, Centralia BPW 100th Anniversary, and Byrd Watson Pharmacy 120th Anniversary.
The ‘Taste of Our Community’ dinner and desserts were prepared by ten different businesses.
The recipients of this year’s Centralia Chamber of Commerce milestone anniversary honors.
Heather Day receives this year’s Partner in Progress award from Chamber Executive Director Marcus Holland.
A partner in progress award is presented to Bradford National Bank President Michael Ennen by Chamber Executive Director Marcus Holland.
Travis Etheridge of The Insurance Alliance, Hank’s and Jack’s receives Partners in Progress Award. from Chamber Executive Director Marcus Holland.
