In what has become an annual tradition, the Greater Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce recognized community and business leaders at the organization’s awards banquet.

While various awards are presented, the event is more about recognizing those individuals and entities that work tirelessly to make our communities and county better.

This year’s honorees included Bob and Sissy Clyse for their community service over many years, Dr. Bill Dingus for his dedication and work to ensure Ohio University Southern Campus became a permanent Ohio University site in Ironton.

Carlos Ortiz of Casa Grande in South Point as Entrepreneur of the Year, as Carlos and those at Casa Grande are known by all who visit for both the food and the customer service.

Bimbo Bakeries was awarded Business of the Year for the efforts since opening the 40,000-square foot distribution center in the Point industrial park earlier this year.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau award went to Melissa Butterworth of the Holiday Inn Express and Suites for her efforts in establishing the hotel in Ironton as one of the fastest growing and receiving 100 percent satisfaction rate.

Clorinda Hall of the family-owned and operated Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville was presented with the George Patterson Community Servant Award for her tireless work involved in a multitude of community efforts that has spanned decades.

While each of those individuals may not seek any attention for their work in the community, it is important to ensure we all strive as an entire community to follow the lead of people like those honored to continue to make Lawrence County a better place to live and work.