Hoover chamber presents awards, recognizes new president

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce presented its annual awards and welcomed newly elected chamber President Chris Schmidt at the monthly luncheon Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham -- The Wynfrey Hotel.

Former chamber President Joe Thomas, with Capstone Financial, ended his 2015 reign, and Schmidt, last year's first vice president, took over.

Schmidt, with Daniel Corporation, is a longtime chamber and board member.

As Thomas was passing the gavel to Schmidt, he said he was happy to leave his position as president on a high note.

“I look back and realize that we are better than we were year ago, and that has nothing to do with me,” he said. “We’re more financially sound than ever, and we have new programs to get your name out all over the place. I thank all of you who stepped up to the plate and did what I asked you to do.”

Schmidt followed Thomas by saying that the chamber’s expansion of programs and initiatives will help businesses better connect with people in the community.

Executive Director Bill Powell announced the 2015 award winners, and Hoover City Council President Jack Wright installed the 2016 officers and directors.

The 2015 chamber award winners were:

Sylinda Daniell of Snelling as 2015 Chamber Member of the Year.

Meagan Randolph of Warren, Averett CPAs & Advisors as 2015 Board Member of the Year.

Lynn Ray of BTI as Ambassador of the Year for 2015.

Ray previously has been named Ambassador of the Year for the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce for three years in a row.

The next Hoover chamber meeting is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel.