ACWORTH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION YEAR END AWARDS

Each year the Acworth Business Association recognizes a citizen and a business that have contributed to the well-being of the community.  At the December 2020 luncheon, The Acworth Business Association recognized the Acworth Police Department as their business of the year and Becky Cross, of the Northwest YMCA, as their citizen of the year.

ACWORTH POLICE IS ABA BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

At the December meeting, 2020 ABA President, Shannon Stahl, presented the Acworth Business Association Business of the year award to the Acworth Police Department – and this is what she said:

As President, it has been amazing to watch how our members have given back to the community. Watching members support other members.. all while navigating their own challenges presented by COVID-19. One thing is sure, Acworth is a strong and resilient community! While there were many deserving member organizations that stood out in 2020, this one remains as steady as ever.

The recipient is proactive, professional, and believes in community partnerships. They have the courage to overcome opposition, fear and prejudice. They believe in their obligation to serve the community with respect and dignity. They are dedicated to the highest levels of professionalism, leadership, and honor. They take their responsibility to exercise integrity in the use of power in authority, very seriously.

They navigated the un-chartered and sometimes choppy waters of this year with professionalism and steadiness. They continue to serve through a community-oriented philosophy,, and not just a policy. The recipient is one of our strongest partners. They are present at all of our large events, luncheons and do the million little thinks like arrive early to help our guests cross the street safely for an outdoor breakfast. They hold toy drives for families in need, raise money for the special needs community, help an adult with special needs purchase a new scooter to replace his stolen and damaged one, and they are not above changing a stranded motorist’s tire, and these are only the acts of service that we know about.

This community is extremely grateful for all the civilians, Jailers, Offers, Corporals, Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains and our wonderful Chief of Police that do such an amazing job serving this community.

Today is is my great pleasure to present to you, the 2020 Acworth Business Association Business of the Year Award to the Acworth Police Department. Pictured above: Chief Wayne Dennard on left with members of his police department.

BECKY CROSS NAMED ABA’S PERSON OF THE YEAR

Todd Lollis of Freedom Church presented the Acworth Business Association Person of the Year award at the December luncheon. And this is his story:

It is my honor to be able to introduce the 2020 ABA Person of the Year. This is our organization’s highest individual award. It is an effort to recognize the people that make up this great community. Without great people, we wouldn’t have great businesses, local government, schools, or churches.

The POTY for 2020 was a somewhat difficult choice but this person’s name seemed to always rise to the top.
She has contributed to this community for years  as a board member but this year has been unique. I’ll never forget my conversation with her on March 13th. She called me burdened about the kids in our community that would be hungry because schools were closing. Together we were able to develop a plan to get these kids a bag of food once a week.

Since March Becky has been a huge part of providing meals to 141,000. For a family of 4, that would be a meal a day for 96 years! Not only was she making sure they had food, she was also making sure they had bike helmets, Easter candy, hygiene items, etc. Almost everyday during the spring and summer, I received a call, email, or text with an idea of another group of people who are in need of help. I’m really not sure she took a day off. She is truly one of the most generous and giving people I know.

Without further delay, I want to introduce you to the 2020 ABA person of the year – Becky Cross.

Editor’s Note: Becky is a vital part of the Northwest YMCA While she made sure that our local families were being taken care of, she also was enrolled in college.