Franklin County Chamber Hands Out Annual Awards

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its members with its annual awards banquet last week.

This year, about 100 members attended the event last Thursday at the Franklin-Hart Airport Hangar where several members were honored for their service to the citizens of Franklin County.

Winning the Charles E. Bradshaw Good Citizen of the Year award was Patsy Watklins, co-founder of Step of Faith Outreach in Lavonia.

Begun 14 years ago with her husband Ken, Step of Faith works to serve low-income families in the community with food, clothing, shelter, literacy, and job placement opportunities.

The also have an after-school program for children of working parents where kids can get help with homework, play games, and even get dinner if needed.

After receiving the award, Watkins said she never saw it coming.

“Very shocked. Very honored and humbled,” she said. “To God be the glory for all He did because He was the one that did this. I had no idea this was happening, and I just want to glorify Him.”

Other Chamber members receiving awards include: Rocky Ridge Trucks in Franklin Springs, which received the Bruce Knighton Business of the Year Award.

Beginning in 2010, the Chamber has awarded the Bruce Knighton Business of the Year Award to a local business that has not only been successful throughout the year, but that has also assisted with improving the quality of life for the citizens of Franklin County.