Demopolis Chamber of Commerce honors businesses, residents in annual Chamber Celebration Thursday night

The Demopolis Chamber of Commerce held its 107^th annual Chamber Celebration on Thursday night at the Civic Center where they honored businesses and residents for their contributions to the community.

About 100 attended the celebration that included a silent auction and awards ceremony to recognize top business owners, volunteers and community leaders in Demopolis.

Business of the Year 2022 went to Plaza Golf Cart. Owner David McGee accepted the award, saying people thought his family was crazy to start a golf cart business in 1983 but today they sell to dealers from across the country and take visiting sales reps to lunch often in Demopolis to show off the city they’re proud of.

“The community in Demopolis is No. 1 in the nation,” McGee said.

The Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 went to Annye Braxton, who is 90 years old and owner of Braxton Senior Daycare. Braxton moved to Demopolis as a “young bride” 70 years ago and became a nurse in her 40s. She recalled differences in Demopolis today from when she moved here and said it has “changed for the better.” She credited the “city structure” as being more inclusive and added she is “so happy to be able to witness that.”

The Citizen of the Year 2022 went to Rhae Darsey, Director of the new Main Street Demopolis program. A native of Demopolis, Darsey moved away for college and worked as a lawyer in Mississippi before returning with her husband and small children to make Demopolis her home again.

Demopolis Mayor Woody Collins said the city tried to form a Main Street program for 10 years, but the chemistry was finally right in 2022. In the program’s first year, eight buildings downtown have changed hands.

“The best is ahead,” Collins said. “Just hang on - we’ve got it coming folks.” 

Darcey agreed, saying Main Street is “just getting started,” adding she returned to her hometown “because of y’all” and how the community has become family.

The Community Spirit Award 2022 went to Batter Up Sports Bar and Grill for their donation drives that has raised money for people and organizations in need for many years. Owner Jason Windham accepted the award.

Chamber Volunteer of the Year 2022 went to Jennifer Helms, a fifth-grade teacher at U.S. Jones Elementary and volunteer for many organizations and best known for her hours spent helping make Christmas on the River a success. Helms credited the students answering her call for help and giving their time alongside her at the warehouse.

Youth Volunteer of the Year 2022 went to Peter “Trey” Bucurel, a senior at Demopolis High School. Bucurel is salutatorian of his graduating class and has given Volunteer time at Christmas on River, Future Business Leaders of America and led Bible school classes at his church.

Bucurel said volunteering helped him get out of his shell as a young teen and credited Demopolis being a “community-oriented town” that made many opportunities available for him to get involved.

Chamber President Amy Duke officially passed the gavel to the incoming President Derrick Hester during the ceremony.