Latest news with #2024LifetimeAchievementAward
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Former Trussville Chamber President Eddie Seal dies
The following article is by Chris Basinger, managing editor of the Trussville Tribune: TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (Trussville Tribune) — Eddie Seal, who twice served as president of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce and was the former owner of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, has passed away. He was 74. Seal was a pillar of the community and through his life offered support to countless families in their times of grief. He was active on numerous boards and service organizations including the chamber, the Trussville Gas & Water Board, the Trussville Redevelopment Authority, the Alabama Board of Funeral Service, and Faith Community Fellowship Church. 'I've known Eddie for probably 30 years, our daughters cheered together in high school, and I just consider him a great friend and mentor. I'm just heartbroken over the loss,' Councilor Alan Taylor said. 'He did so much good in our community, he was just a true servant and we're gonna miss him. Trussville is gonna miss him because whenever something needed to be done he was always there and he was always a part of it and he's just gonna be missed, and I'm gonna miss him as a friend.' He was also a longtime member of the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club where he served as president from 2015-16 as well as in other roles. The club posted on Facebook, 'In Rotary, Eddie's leadership and passion were unmistakable. He helped raise significant funds through projects like Smokin' 'n Stokin', brought in new members, chaired key committees, and crafted a 5-year strategic plan that shaped the future of our club. He also proudly recognized outstanding students and teachers during his presidency and welcomed respected community leaders to our podium—from Coach Josh Floyd to Congressman Gary Palmer.' The tribute continue, 'But more than titles and accolades, Eddie was kind. He was thoughtful, sharp-witted, and always looking for ways to serve others. He loved Trussville. He loved Rotary. And we loved him. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Barbara, Brian, Adam, Lauren, and all of Eddie's family. We will deeply miss his presence, but we will carry his spirit of service with us always.' Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith arrested In January, Seal received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from Mayor Buddy Choat during the chamber's Toast of the Town for his years of service to the community. 'Eddie was not only a close friend, but when I think of Trussville, I think of Eddie because of everything he's been involved with in Trussville and how much he loved the city and doing things to help the city,' Mayor Choat said. 'I feel for his family. It's a shock to all of us and we can only keep the family in our prayers as they go through this very tragic time for them, but Eddie Seal has meant a lot, not only to me personally, but to a lot of people in Trussville and he will be missed.' He was also a member of Leadership Trussville's Class 2 with the organization posting, 'Eddie was the embodiment of servant leadership—humble, kind, and always ready to lend a hand. From serving on local boards and actively supporting the Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club, to quietly showing up with a grill and a smile for community events and first responders, Eddie gave of himself in countless ways. He was a friend to all and a light in every room. There are no words to fully express the loss we feel. Our hearts go out to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Eddie's legacy of service and compassion will forever be a part of Trussville.' Tribune Publisher Scott Buttram added, 'You may meet someone who loved Trussville as much as Eddie, but you'll never meet anyone who loved Trussville more. He continuously poured himself into his family and his community. I think he led almost every service organization in town at some point. Eddie thrived on serving others.' His visitation will be held at Faith Community Fellowship from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 13. The service will start at 1 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Paul Sween named grand marshal for 2025 Independence Day Parade
May 19—The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that Paul Sween, founding partner at Adams, Rizzi & Sween, P.A., will serve as grand marshal for the 2025 Independence Day Parade, taking place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 4 on Main Street in Austin. This honor follows Sween's recent recognition as the recipient of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting his decades-long dedication to the people and progress of the Austin area. "Paul's career has been a masterclass in community commitment," said Joe Bower, Chamber President. "From helping farm families stay rooted on the land, to enabling local housing developments, to supporting innovation with the University of Minnesota's upcoming FAARM project, Paul's work has helped shape the very foundation of our community." Sween, a lifelong advocate for southern Minnesota, is best known not only for his legal expertise, but also for his integrity, vision, and care for both people and place. His selection as Grand Marshal celebrates a legacy of service that continues to benefit Austin today—and paves the way for its future. The Independence Day Parade will begin at Eighth Avenue NW, continuing down Main Street toward Marcusen Park, with floats, music, candy, and community spirit on full display.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lifetime Achievement Recipient Announced
Wheaton World Wide Moving driver among best in moving industry Indianapolis, Indiana--(Newsfile Corp. - March 12, 2025) - Wheaton World Wide Moving held its sixth annual Van Line Summit & Awards Gala on Thursday, February 27, during which Wheaton Vice President of Operations Kevin Miller announced Gene Giles as the winner of the van line's annual Lifetime Achievement award. The distinguished recognition acknowledges the recipient's enduring dedication, accomplishments and substantial contributions with the moving and storage industry and highlights Gile's long-term commitment to excellence and the impactful role he has played in shaping and advancing the industry. Giles began his household goods moving career in the early 1980s, driving for an Interstate Agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving in Jackson, Miss., Wooten Moving & Storage. Since that start in the Wheaton network, Giles has driven directly for the van line's corporate team for almost three decades, winning several Driver of the Month awards recognizing his customer service and safety records. "Gene's customers frequently mention him by name in their reviews," said Kevin Miller, Vice President of Operations at Wheaton. "A recent testimonial from his customer said he should be training other moving company drivers in customer service." As a top rated driver, Giles was chosen to haul a special trailer featuring Wheaton's support of Legacy List with Matt Paxton, a public television show that celebrates family memories during the downsizing process for older adults. The cast of the show was thrilled to see Giles and his trailer pull up to the California production site back in 2022. Show host Matt Paxton even rode around with Giles in the trailer. "Gene's lifelong hard work and quality service over the past three decades have earned the van line numerous repeat and referral customers," said Mark Kirschner, CEO of Wheaton World Wide Moving. "He is a valuable member of the Wheaton team and is highly deserving of the Lifetime Achievement award." Gene Giles (far right) accepts the Wheaton World Wide Moving 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award with his wife and daughter by his side. Wheaton Director of Traffic Doug Robinson (far left) presented the view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Gene Giles accepts his award at the podium at Wheaton's Van Line Summit & Awards view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Gene Giles hauls a custom-wrapped "Legacy List with Matt Paxton" trailer and got the chance to drive the show host, Matt Paxton, at a production site for the view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: About Wheaton World Wide Moving Wheaton | Bekins is one of the world's most highly regarded providers of transportation services. The van line owns five household goods relocation brands, Wheaton World Wide Moving, Bekins Van Lines, Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, Arpin Van Lines and Clark & Reid. The van line is the fourth largest household goods carrier. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., through its brands Wheaton | Bekins offers private and corporate domestic and international household goods relocation services as well as special commodities and logistic services. The van line is partner to more than 350 Wheaton and Bekins agents nationwide. To learn more, visit ### Media Contact:Jaymie Shook | 317.558.0728 | jaymie_shook@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
01-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Equestrian Legend Lendon Gray Sweet Briar College Alumna '71 Honored with USEF Lifetime Achievement Award
Lendon Gray '71 Honored with USEF Lifetime Achievement Award for Her Impact on Equestrian Sport 'I love teaching…Just as I love taking any horse and making it better, I love taking any kid and helping him or her become a better rider and to enjoy it.' — Lendon Gray Sweet Briar College Alumna '71 AMHERST, VA, UNITED STATES, March 1, 2025 / / -- Following decades of riding and service to the equestrian community, Lendon Gray '71 was recognized with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) in December. Lendon has loved horses since she was a small child. During an interview by US Equestrian, Lendon remarked she was on a horse before she could walk. She officially began her riding career when her mother, Corrine Gray '36, started a Pony Club in Old Town, Maine 1956. Earning her A-rating at age 16, she was an eventer through high school and earned money-breaking ponies. When she arrived at Sweet Briar College in 1967, she transitioned to the American Forward Riding System under the tutelage of the late Paul D. Cronin, director of riding at the time. After graduating in 1971, she taught at the College for three years before getting a job in Alabama starting young horses for eventing. Much of Lendon's early career became defined by her transition to dressage, in which she began competing at 27. She made a name for herself riding Seldom Seen, the first horse she trained for the Grand Prix and who helped redefine the type of horse that could compete in dressage. Lendon's highly decorated career was accented by numerous awards and milestones, including multiple Olympic qualifications, winning five gold medals at U.S. Olympic Festivals, receiving a Congressional Gold Medal following the 1980 Olympic boycott, and competing in dressage at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. She also represented the country in the 1991 International Federation for Equestrian Sports World Cup Final in Paris and the 1978 World Championships. 'The thing that I think I got most out of [my time at the Olympics] in many ways was watching the training of other sports because we don't see other sports,' she said. 'For me, it was the Olympic experience…Just being part of the whole thing, that was amazing.' The accolades and honors Lendon has received are plentiful, including, but not limited to, the Governor's Award from the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, the Exceptional Equine Educator Award, the American Riding Instructors Association Master Instructor Award, as a U.S. Pony Club National Instruction Legend, and Most Influential Trainer Award from Young/Youngish Equine Professionals Group. Lendon was inducted into the Sweet Briar College Athletics & Riding Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Roemer Foundation/U.S. Dressage Foundation Hall of Fame in 2011. Lendon rode various breeds of horses in many styles throughout her successful show career before beginning her decades-long commitment to teaching youth riders. In 1999, she founded Dressage4Kids, which, according to its mission statement, 'provides educational and competitive opportunities to youth riders and the adults who support them.' That same year, Dressage4Kids held the inaugural Youth Dressage Festival. Through coaching, her impact on dressage and youth riders has immeasurable impact on the international riding community. 'I love teaching…Just as I love taking any horse and making it better, I love taking any kid and helping them become better riders and enjoy it,' Lendon said. In addition to teaching and holding countless clinics, Lendon has contributed her years of expertise to written publications such as the Chronicle of the Horse, Dressage Today, Horse People, and Equine Journal. She also authored Lessons with Lendon: 25 Progressive Dressage Lessons Take You from Basic 'Whoa and Go' to Your First Competition 2003. She has served on nearly 50 committees for various riding organizations, is the Dressage Foundation's board chair, and is a member of the Sweet Briar College Board of Directors. Lendon was presented with her USEF Lifetime Achievement Award during the Pegasus Awards Dinner at the 2025 US Equestrian Annual Meeting on Jan. 23, 2025. When receiving her award, Lendon recounted some of her experiences, including her time at Sweet Briar studying under Paul Cronin. She also thanked those who had helped her along the way. 'Thank you very much to everyone at USEF…and especially thank you to the wonderful horses that have given me an opportunity, and the amazing volunteers that are behind what I do make it possible for me to stand up here, but they all should be up here with me. Thank you.' To learn more about Sweet Briar College's prestigious equestrian program or contact Admissions at [email protected] or call 434-381-6142 and discover the opportunities awaiting you. Communications and Marketing + +1 434-381-6240 X Instagram YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer:
