18 Feb 2013 Conway chamber announces winners of annual awards

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Businessman Hal Crafton and Conway firefighter Billie Carter are among several who will be honored in March by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.

Hal Crafton of Rush-Hal Development was selected to receive the chamber’s highest recognition – the Distinguished Service Award. Billie Carter was selected to receive the prestigious Good Neighbor Award.

Both will be honored – along with others from the community – during the chamber’s annual meeting, scheduled 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the HPER Center at the University of Central Arkansas. (Tickets and sponsorships are available by contacting Bart Shaw at 501.932.5405 or [email protected]. Tickets are limited.)

“As Conway’s largest business event, Annual Meeting gives us a chance to take time to appreciate the individuals and businesses that make Conway an even better place to live,” said Brad Lacy, president and CEO at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our city continues to flourish in large part because of them.”

The Distinguished Service Award – established in 1957 – recognizes an individual or group who has provided special service for the benefit of the community.

Crafton – a 1974 graduate of Conway High School – is a real estate developer and co-founder of Rush-Hal Properties with his college friend Rush Harding.

“Hal’s love and belief in Conway would lead him to develop literally thousands of residential lots in over 30 separate subdivisions,” wrote one person who nominated Crafton. Rush-Hal has also provided Conway with more than 1,000 units of residential housing for rent.

“Many non-profits in Conway have been touched in one way or another by him or one of his companies.”

The Good Neighbor Award, established in 1973, is presented annually to an individual who has given of his or her time and talents and who is known for going above and beyond the call of duty to help others.

Carter – who is an engineer with the Conway Fire Department – serves as vice president of Conway Firefighters Local 4016 and has been one of the main organizers of the annual “Fill the Boot” project which has helped families in need at Christmas. Carter recently donated a kidney to a fellow firefighter.

Terry Kimbrow, president of Central Baptist College, was named Business Executive of the Year. This award recognizes executives in the community who have displayed outstanding performance as an individual or in a collaborative endeavor.

Travis Walls, controller at Arkansas Roofing Kompany, was selected as the Young Business Leader. The award, presented to a leader 40 or younger, recognizes a professional for helping to create a more vibrant business and social environment for all of Conway’s residents.

Business of the Year award recipients have demonstrated continued growth, innovation and community involvement:

• Outstanding non-profit – Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County.

• Outstanding hospitality – Stoby’s Restaurant and Patticakes Bakery.

• Outstanding retailer – Arkansas Golf Center.

• Larger employer (100 or more employees) – Hewlett-Packard.

• Small business – Conway Copies Inc.

Two individuals who received awards in 2012 will also be recognized at the banquet:

• MED Lifetime Achievement Award – Ronnie Williams, vice president of student services, University of Central Arkansas.

• Women in Business Diamond Achievement Award – Linda Linn, owner/operator of Linn’s Auto Group.

501 LIFE is proud to serve as the awards sponsor for the annual meeting.